STOCK TITAN

Ispire Technology Inc. Reports Financial Results for the Fiscal Second Quarter 2024

Rhea-AI Impact
(Moderate)
Rhea-AI Sentiment
(Neutral)
Tags
Rhea-AI Summary
Ispire Technology Inc. (ISPR) reported a 30.7% increase in total revenue to $41.7 million for the fiscal second quarter of 2024, with a 24.1% increase in gross profit. The North American cannabis vaping hardware revenue surged by 149% to $19.5 million. Despite the positive revenue growth, the company experienced a net loss of $4.0 million compared to a net loss of $0.1 million in the same period of 2023.
Positive
  • Total revenue increased by 30.7% to $41.7 million in the fiscal second quarter of 2024.
  • Gross profit increased by 24.1% to $6.4 million compared to the same period in 2023.
  • North American cannabis vaping hardware revenue saw a significant increase of 149% to $19.5 million.
  • Strategic initiatives included ISO and GMP certification for the Malaysian facility and a path to receive Pre-market Tobacco Product Application approval in the U.S.
  • The company launched a partnership with Nigerian Afrobeats star, Burna Boy, to enhance brand presence.
  • Revenue for cannabis vaping products for fiscal year 2024 is projected to be in the range of $80 million to $90 million, representing growth of 100% to 125% from fiscal year 2023.
  • Revenue for tobacco vaping products for fiscal year 2024 is projected to be in the range of $95 million to $105 million, representing growth of 33% to 47% from fiscal year 2023.
Negative
  • Gross margin decreased to 15.3% from 16.1% in the same period of 2023.
  • Total operating expenses increased by 114% to $10.3 million compared to the same period in 2023.
  • Net loss was $4.0 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to a net loss of $0.1 million in the same period of 2023.
  • Gross margin decreased from 16.1% to 15.3% for the three-month period ended December 31, 2023.
  • Net loss was $5.4 million for the first six-months of fiscal 2024 compared to a net loss of $2.1 million for the first six-months of fiscal 2023.

Insights

The report by Ispire Technology Inc. reflects a significant growth in revenue, primarily driven by their North American cannabis vaping hardware sales, which saw a 149% increase. This trend is indicative of the expanding cannabis market and the increasing acceptance of vaping as a method of consumption. The company's strategic initiatives, such as celebrity partnerships and efforts to obtain certifications, suggest a focus on brand positioning and market penetration. However, the decline in gross margin and the increase in operating expenses raise questions about cost management and the scalability of their growth model.

Investors should consider the potential of the cannabis sector's growth against the backdrop of regulatory changes and consumer trends. The company's projection of continued revenue growth for cannabis vaping products suggests confidence in their market strategy and product offerings. Nonetheless, the increased operating expenses and net losses reported could be a concern if not counterbalanced by future profitability improvements.

Analyzing the financial results, Ispire's revenue growth is robust, but it is overshadowed by a substantial increase in operating expenses, which have more than doubled. This has resulted in a net loss that is significantly higher than the previous year. These figures suggest that while the company is growing top-line revenue, it is doing so at a considerable cost. The gross margin compression from 16.1% to 15.3% also indicates that the company is facing increased costs of goods sold or pricing pressure, which could impact profitability in the long term.

The current cash and cash equivalents position of $17.5 million, alongside a working capital of $24.8 million, provides the company with a buffer to sustain operations. However, the net loss trajectory will require careful financial planning to ensure long-term sustainability. The forward-looking revenue projections for fiscal year 2024 are ambitious and will require close scrutiny to ensure that these targets are met without further eroding the company's margins or financial health.

The mention of Ispire's path to receive Pre-market Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) approval in the U.S. is a critical regulatory milestone. PMTA is a requirement by the FDA for tobacco products to demonstrate that allowing the product to be marketed would be appropriate for the protection of public health. Achieving this certification could significantly impact Ispire's ability to compete in the tobacco vaping industry. The certification process is stringent and costly, but it is a necessary hurdle for maintaining market access and could provide a competitive advantage if achieved.

Moreover, the company's ISO and GMP certifications for its Malaysian facility are important for ensuring product quality and safety, which are key concerns in the vaping industry. These certifications could also enhance the company's reputation and facilitate entry into new markets that have strict regulatory requirements. Investors should be aware of the potential risks and benefits associated with these regulatory aspects, as they could have a significant impact on the company's operations and market potential.

Total Revenue Increased 30.7% to $41.7 Million

Gross Profit Increased 24.1% to $6.4 Million

North American Cannabis Vaping Hardware Revenue Increased 149% to
$19.5 Million  

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ispire Technology Inc. ("Ispire" or "the Company") (NASDAQ: ISPR), a leader in vapor technology, providing high-quality, innovative products with first-class performance, today reported results for the fiscal second quarter, which ended December 31, 2023, and filed its quarterly report on Form 10-Q on February 20, 2024.

Fiscal Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

  • Revenue increased 30.7% to $41.7 million as compared to $31.9 million in the same period of 2023. Tobacco vaping products contributed $22.1 million and cannabis vaping products contributed $19.5 million to revenue during the fiscal second quarter 2024;
  • Gross profit increased 24.1% to $6.4 million as compared to $5.1 million in the same period of 2023;
  • Gross margin decreased to 15.3% as compared to 16.1% in the same period of 2023;
  • Total operating expenses increased 114% to $10.3 million as compared to $4.8 million in the same period of 2023; and
  • Net loss of $4.0 million as compared to net loss of $0.1 million in the same period of 2023.

Michael Wang, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Ispire commented, "This quarter proved to be quite pivotal for not only our product expansions but also our business operations. We commenced several strategic initiatives, including ISO and GMP certification for our Malaysian facility and a path to receive Pre-market Tobacco Product Application approval in the U.S. After seeing such remarkable growth trends related to our cannabis vaping hardware sales, we aim to intensify our presence and further expand our footprint in this domestic market."

"As we further execute on our growth strategy, we continue to expand our footprint in existing and new markets, which helps to grow our diverse customer base. This quarter we launched a key celebrity partnership with Nigerian Afrobeats star, Burna Boy, highlighting our BRKFST-branded products and fortifying our global brand presence. We anticipate that our strategic initiatives this quarter will position Ispire to capitalize on emerging opportunities as well as drive sustainable and future growth across our key markets," concluded Wang.

Daniel Machock, Chief Financial Officer of Ispire, added, "In the fiscal second quarter of 2024, Ispire's key growth metrics highlighted rapid expansion for our cannabis vaping hardware business. Overall revenues increased 30% to $41.7 million for the fiscal second quarter while cannabis vaping products increased 149% to $19.5 million for the same period last year. This significant growth in cannabis vaping hardware revenues is a testament to our commitment to innovation and the immense potential of our industry. Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to driving sustainable growth, maximizing shareholder value, and solidifying our position as a leader in the industry."

Financial Results for the Three and Six-Month Periods Ended December 31, 2023

Revenue increased 30% to $41.7 million for the fiscal second quarter ended December 31, 2023, compared to $31.9 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2023. The increase in the second quarter of fiscal 2024, was primarily attributable to an increase in North American cannabis vaping hardware sales which increased 149% year over year from $7.8 million to $19.5 million

For the six-month period ended December 31, 2023, Ispire reported revenue of $84.5 million, compared to $58.8 million during the same period last year, an increase of 43.7%. The increase in revenue was primarily attributable an increase in North American cannabis vaping hardware sales which increased 133% from $15.8 million for the first six-months of fiscal 2023 to $36.9 million for the first six-months of fiscal 2024.

Gross Profit increased by 24.1% to $6.4 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2023, compared to $5.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2023. Gross Profit for the six-month period ended December 31, 2023, was $13.3 million, compared to $10.0 million for the same period in fiscal 2023.

Gross Margin for the three months ended December 31, 2023, was 15.3% compared to 16.1% for the same period in fiscal 2023. For the six-month period ended December 31, 2023, gross margin was 15.7%, compared to 16.9% during the same period in the prior fiscal year.

Total Operating Expenses increased by 114% to $10.3 million for the second quarter in fiscal 2024, compared to $4.8 million for the same period of fiscal 2023. This increase was primarily due to marketing expenses and working capital related to maintain our manufacturing plant in Malaysia and increased professional fees for expenses incurred as a public company. Total Operating Expenses for the six-months ended December 31, 2023, were $18.1 million as compared to $10.8 million in the same period in fiscal 2023.

Net loss was $4.0 million, or $(0.07) per share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2024, compared to a net loss of $130 thousand, or $(0.01) per share for the second quarter of fiscal 2023. For the first six-months of fiscal 2024, net loss was approximately $5.4 million, or $(0.10) per share, compared to a net loss of approximately $2.1 million, or $(0.04) per share for the first six-months of fiscal 2023.

As of December 31, 2023, Ispire had approximately $17.5 million of cash and cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2023, and June 30, 2023, we had working capital of $24.8 million and $28.8 million, respectively.

Fiscal Year 2024 Outlook

Ispire is providing the following outlook for the cannabis and tobacco vaping products for fiscal year 2024, which ends on June 30, 2024.  Revenue for cannabis vaping products for fiscal year 2024 is projected to be in the range of $80 million to $90 million, representing growth of 100% to 125% from fiscal year 2023. Revenue for tobacco vaping products for fiscal year 2024 is projected to be in the range of $95 million to $105 million, representing growth in the range of 33% to 47% from fiscal year 2023.

Conference Call

The Company will conduct a conference call at 8:00 a.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, to discuss the results.

Ispire management will host the conference call, followed by a question-and-answer period.

Please call the conference call dial-in 5-10 minutes prior to the start time and ask for the "Ispire Technology Call." An operator will register your name and organization.

Date:

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Time:

8:00 am ET

Dial-In Numbers:

 

United States: 1-877-451-6152

or 1-201-389-0879

This conference call will be broadcast live on the Internet and can be accessed by all interested parties at https://viavid.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1655325&tp_key=b746afb9b3

Please access the link at least fifteen minutes prior to the start of the call to register, download, and install any necessary audio software.

A playback will be available through 11:00 am ET on February 21, 2024, to March 6, 2024. To listen, please dial 1-844-512-2921 or 1-412-317-6671. Use the passcode 13744317 to access the replay.

About Ispire Technology Inc.

Ispire is engaged in the research and development, design, commercialization, sales, marketing, and distribution of branded e-cigarettes and cannabis vaping products. The Company's operating subsidiaries own or license from a related party more than 200 patents received or filed globally. Ispire's tobacco products are marketed under the Aspire brand name and are sold worldwide (except in the United States, People's Republic of China, and Russia) primarily through its distribution network. Ispire's cannabis vaping hardware products are marketed under the Ispire brand name primarily on an original design manufacturer (ODM) basis to other cannabis vapor companies. Ispire currently sells its cannabis vaping hardware only in the United States, and it recently commenced marketing activities in Canada and Europe, primarily in the European Union.

Please visit www.ispiretechnology.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, Pinterest, and YouTube. Any information contained on, or that can be accessed through, the Company's website, any other website or any social media, is not a part of this press release.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act") as well as Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe the Company's future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as "believe," "expect," "may," "will," "should," "would," "could," "seek," "intend," "plan," "goal," "project," "estimate," "anticipate," "strategy," "future," "likely" or other comparable terms, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release regarding the Company's strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause the Company's actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties including those regarding: the Company's business strategies, the ability of the Company to market to the Ispire ONE™, Ispire ONE™'s success if meeting its goals, the ability of its customers to derive the anticipated benefits of the Ispire ONE™ and the success of their products on the markets; the Ispire ONE™ proving to be safe, and the risk and uncertainties described in "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements" and the additional risk described in Ispire's Form 10-K annual report for the year ended June 30, 2023 and any subsequent filings which Ispire makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The forward-looking statements made in the press release relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in the press release. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events except as required by law. You should read this press release with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.

IR Contact:

For more information, kindly contact:
Investor Relations
Sherry Zheng
718.213.7386
ir@ispiretechnology.com

KCSA Strategic Communications
212.896.1233
ispire@kcsa.com

PR Contact:
Ellen Mellody
570.209.2947
EMellody@kcsa.com

 

 

ISPIRE TECHNOLOGY INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS




June 30,



December 31,




2023
(Note 2)



2023


Assets







Current assets:







Cash


$

40,300,573



$

17,502,989


Accounts receivable, net



24,526,262




45,454,998


Inventories



7,472,108




7,548,086


Prepaid expenses and other current assets



3,378,617




3,183,215


Investment - other



9,133,707




9,318,480


Total current assets



84,811,267




83,007,768


Other assets:









Property, plant and equipment, net



1,088,131




2,148,206


Intangible assets, net



-




726,978


Rental deposit



732,334




727,766


Right-of-use assets – operating leases



4,061,617




3,969,437


Total other assets



5,882,082




7,572,387


Total assets


$

90,693,349



$

90,580,155


Liabilities and stockholders' equity









Current liabilities









Accounts payable


$

1,274,391



$

5,972,530


Accounts payable – related party



51,698,588




48,999,001


Contract liabilities



988,556




1,705,171


Accrued liabilities and other payables



281,361




603,715


Due to a related party



710,910




-


Income tax payable - current



63,853




-


Operating lease liabilities – current portion



944,525




1,244,565


Total current liabilities



55,962,184




58,524,982











Other liabilities:









Operating lease liabilities – net of current portion                                                        



3,356,232




3,067,909


Total liabilities



59,318,416




61,592,891











Commitments and contingencies


















Stockholders' equity:









Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share; 140,000,000 shares
authorized; 54,222,420 and 54,279,396 shares issued and outstanding as
of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2023



5,422




5,428


Preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 10,000,000 shares
authorized, no shares issued at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2023



-




-


Additional paid-in capital



25,685,475




28,535,949


Retained earnings



5,847,804




450,865


Accumulated other comprehensive loss  



(163,768)




(4,978)


Total stockholders' equity



31,374,933




28,987,264


Total liabilities and stockholders' equity


$

90,693,349



$

90,580,155



See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

ISPIRE TECHNOLOGY INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)




Three Months Ended
December 31,



Six Months Ended
December 31,




2022



2023



2022



2023




(Restated)






(Restated)





Revenue


$

31,897,399



$

41,685,561



$

58,840,449



$

84,550,208



















Cost of revenue



26,758,821




35,309,355




48,909,768




71,285,710



















Gross profit



5,138,578




6,376,206




9,930,681




13,264,498



















Operating expenses:

















Sales and marketing expenses



906,372




1,517,715




2,407,528




2,586,378


General and administrative expenses



3,922,363




8,809,127




8,428,178




15,540029



















Total Operating expenses



4,828,735




10,326,842




10,835,706




18,126,407



















Income (loss) from operations



309,843




(3,950,636)




(905,025)




(4,861,909)



















Other income (expense):

















Interest income, net



76,301




198,619




76,811




270,865


Exchange gain (loss), net



23,212




30,856




(477,582)




34,517


Other income (expense), net



(21,286)




51,017




(40,487)




7,813



















Total Other income (expense), net



78,227




280,492




(441,258)




313,195



















Income (loss) before income taxes



388,070




(3,670,144)




(1,346,283)




(4,548,714)



















Income taxes - current



(518,312)




(352,180)




(785,713)




(848,225)



















Net loss


$

(130,242)



$

(4,022,324)



$

(2,131,996)



$

(5,396,939)



















Other comprehensive loss

















Foreign currency translation adjustments



149,306




114,327




142,430




158,790


Comprehensive income (loss)


$

19,064



$

(3,907,997)



$

(1,989,566)



$

(5,238,149)



















Net loss per share

















Basic and diluted


$

(0.01)



$

(0.07)



$

(0.04)



$

(0.10)



















Weighted average shares outstanding:

















Basic and diluted



50,000,000




54,270,236




50,000,000




54,258,224



See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

ISPIRE TECHNOLOGY INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS




Six Months ended
December 31,




2022



2023


Net loss


$

(2,131,996)



$

(5,396,939)


Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:









Depreciation and amortization



13,660




75,160


Credit loss expenses



1,029,655




2,126,284


Stock-based compensation expenses



-




2,850,480


Inventory impairment expenses



-




130,452


Changes in operating assets and liabilities:









Accounts receivable



(10,818,728)




(22,762,155)


Inventories



(5,724,630)




(206,430)


Prepaid expenses and other current assets



134,307




199,970


Accounts payable and accounts payable – related party



25,487,786




1,759,301


Contract liabilities



(665,242)




629,430


Accrued liabilities and other payables



159,577




322,354


Operating lease liabilities



102,375




103,897


Income tax payable



788,866




(63,853)


Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities


$

8,375,630



$

(20,232,049)











Cash flows from investing activities:









Purchase of property, plant and equipment



(478,473)




(1,130,620)


Acquisition of intangible assets



-




(731,593)


Net cash used in investing activities


$

(478,473)



$

(1,862,213)











Cash flows from financing activities:









Advances from related parties



1,934,855




-


Repayments of advances from a related party



(45,509)




(703,322)


Net cash used in financing activities


$

1,889,346



$

(703,322)











Net increase (decrease) in cash



9,786,503




(22,797,584)


Cash - beginning of period



74,480,651




40,300,573


Cash - end of period


$

84,267,154



$

17,502,989


Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities









Leased assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities



3,714,979




507,292



See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ispire-technology-inc-reports-financial-results-for-the-fiscal-second-quarter-2024-302066651.html

SOURCE Ispire Technology Inc.

FAQ

What was the total revenue for Ispire Technology Inc. (ISPR) in the fiscal second quarter of 2024?

The total revenue for Ispire Technology Inc. (ISPR) in the fiscal second quarter of 2024 was $41.7 million.

By how much did the gross profit increase in the fiscal second quarter of 2024 for Ispire Technology Inc. (ISPR)?

The gross profit for Ispire Technology Inc. (ISPR) increased by 24.1% to $6.4 million in the fiscal second quarter of 2024.

What was the percentage increase in North American cannabis vaping hardware revenue for Ispire Technology Inc. (ISPR) in the fiscal second quarter of 2024?

The North American cannabis vaping hardware revenue increased by 149% to $19.5 million for Ispire Technology Inc. (ISPR) in the fiscal second quarter of 2024.

What was the net loss for Ispire Technology Inc. (ISPR) in the second quarter of fiscal 2024?

The net loss for Ispire Technology Inc. (ISPR) in the second quarter of fiscal 2024 was $4.0 million.

What is the projected revenue range for cannabis vaping products for fiscal year 2024 for Ispire Technology Inc. (ISPR)?

The projected revenue range for cannabis vaping products for fiscal year 2024 for Ispire Technology Inc. (ISPR) is $80 million to $90 million.

Ispire Technology Inc.

NASDAQ:ISPR

ISPR Rankings

ISPR Latest News

ISPR Stock Data

322.32M
18.17M
67.99%
9.08%
1.19%
Tobacco
Cigarettes
Link
United States of America
LOS ANGELES