Ouster Reports Strong Revenue and Margins for Second Quarter 2024

Rhea-AI Summary

Ouster (NYSE: OUST) reported strong Q2 2024 results with revenue of $27 million, up 39% year-over-year and 4% sequentially. The company achieved a GAAP gross margin of 34% and a non-GAAP gross margin of 40%. Ouster shipped over 4,000 sensors and saw significant growth in software-attached sales. The net loss was $24 million, with an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $11 million.

Key highlights include:

• Cash balance of $186 million as of June 30, 2024
• Repayment of all outstanding balance on revolving credit line
• Secured deals for Ouster Gemini software solution
• Taped out automotive-grade custom silicon 'Chronos' chip

Ouster remains committed to its long-term financial framework of 30-50% annual revenue growth and expanding gross margins to 35-40%.

Positive

• Revenue increased 39% year-over-year to $27 million
• GAAP gross margin improved to 34% from 1% in Q2 2023
• Non-GAAP gross margin reached 40%, up from 26% in Q2 2023
• Shipped over 4,000 sensors for revenue
• Secured multiple deals for Ouster Gemini software solution
• Taped out automotive-grade custom silicon 'Chronos' chip
• Repaid all outstanding balance on revolving credit line

Negative

• Net loss of $24 million in Q2 2024
• Adjusted EBITDA loss of $11 million

Insights

Financial Analyst

Ouster's Q2 2024 results show significant progress in financial performance. Revenue increased 39% YoY to $27 million, demonstrating strong market traction. The GAAP gross margin improvement to 34% from 1% YoY is impressive, indicating enhanced operational efficiency. The non-GAAP gross margin of 40% surpasses the company's long-term target range, suggesting potential for sustained profitability.

While the net loss of $24 million remains a concern, it's a substantial improvement from the $123 million loss in Q2 2023. The Adjusted EBITDA loss narrowing to $11 million shows progress towards breakeven. With $186 million in cash and equivalents, Ouster has a solid financial cushion to fund growth initiatives and R&D.

Tech Expert

Ouster's technological advancements are promising. The tape-out of the automotive-grade "Chronos" chip and progress on the "L4" chip signify potential breakthroughs in lidar technology. These custom silicon developments could lead to significant improvements in sensor performance, reliability and manufacturability, potentially opening new market verticals.

The company's focus on software solutions, particularly Ouster Gemini and Blue City, is strategically sound. Securing deals with major consumer tech and telecom companies for smart infrastructure solutions demonstrates the expanding applications of lidar technology beyond traditional use cases. The enhancements in movement detection and deep-learning perception models for security applications showcase Ouster's ability to adapt to diverse market needs.

Market Research Analyst

Ouster's Q2 results reflect growing market acceptance of lidar technology across multiple sectors. The strong performance in smart infrastructure and robotics verticals, particularly in perimeter security, tolling and mapping applications, indicates diversification beyond automotive. This multi-industry approach could provide resilience against sector-specific downturns.

The company's ability to secure deals with major tech and telecom firms suggests increasing mainstream adoption of lidar solutions. However, investors should note that the lidar market remains highly competitive, with several players vying for dominance. Ouster's focus on software-attached sales and custom chip development could be key differentiators, but continued innovation and market expansion will be important for long-term success in this rapidly evolving industry.

Revenue of $27 million, GAAP gross margin of 34%, and non-GAAP gross margin of 40%

Repaid all outstanding balance under revolving credit line, strengthening balance sheet

On-track to deliver on long-term financial framework and reach profitability

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ouster, Inc. (NYSE: OUST) (“Ouster” or the “Company”), a leading global provider of high-performance lidar sensors and software solutions for the automotive, industrial, robotics, and smart infrastructure industries, announced today financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024.

Second Quarter 2024 Highlights

• $27 million in revenue, up 39% year over year and 4% sequentially.
• Shipped over 4,000 sensors for revenue.
• GAAP gross margin of 34%, compared to 1% in the second quarter of 2023 and 29% in the first quarter of 2024.
• Non-GAAP gross margin¹ of 40%, compared to 26% in the second quarter of 2023 and 36% in the first quarter of 2024.
• Net loss of $24 million, compared to $123 million in the second quarter of 2023 and $24 million in the first quarter of 2024.
• Adjusted EBITDA¹ loss of $11 million, compared to $24 million in the second quarter of 2023 and $12 million in the first quarter of 2024.
• Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and short-term investments balance of $186 million as of June 30, 2024.

"Our second quarter results showcase solid execution with GAAP gross margin increasing to 34%. Consistent with Ouster’s strategy of expanding into software solutions, we had one of our best quarters for software-attached sales powered by Ouster Gemini and Blue City. Alongside the continued improvement in our operating results, we have built one of the industry’s most resilient balance sheets and diversified business models,” said Ouster CEO Angus Pacala. “I am excited to see the use cases for lidar expand as the world turns to automation to solve an ever increasing number of modern challenges. With lidar adoption still in its infancy, we are just beginning to tap into our growth and I see a tremendous opportunity still in front of us. At the same time, we remain committed to our long-term financial framework and executing on our path to profitability.”

Revenue growth in the second quarter was primarily driven by large orders from customers in the smart infrastructure and robotics verticals, specifically for perimeter security, tolling, and mapping applications. GAAP gross margin improved by 500bps sequentially and benefited from higher revenues along with greater than expected tailwinds from favorable product mix and lower manufacturing costs. Non-GAAP gross margin increased to 40% compared to 26% in the second quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP gross margin excludes the impact of stock-based compensation expenses and certain other expenses outside of ordinary operations. Subsequent to the end of the second quarter, Ouster repaid all outstanding balance on its revolving credit line utilizing cash on hand.

________________________________________
(1)		Adjusted EBITDA loss and non-GAAP gross margin are non-GAAP financial measures. See Non-GAAP Financial Measures for additional information and reconciliations of these measures to their respective most directly comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

2024 Business Objective Updates

1. Expand software solutions and grow the installed base
2. Advance the development of digital lidar hardware
3. Progress on the long-term financial framework

Expand software solutions and grow the installed base: In the second quarter, Ouster secured multiple deals to supply Ouster Gemini’s smart infrastructure software solution, including to one of the world’s largest consumer technology companies as well as a global telecommunications company. During the quarter, Ouster also improved movement detection for security customers, optimized software processing requirements, and enhanced its deep-learning perception model to support new use cases such as identifying unauthorized individuals tailgating into restricted areas.

Advance the development of digital lidar hardware: During the second quarter, Ouster taped out its automotive-grade, custom silicon “Chronos” chip. The Company expects to integrate Chronos into its solid-state, digital flash “DF” sensors in the next year. Development on the Company’s next generation custom silicon “L4” chip is advancing with validation testing underway. Both Chronos and L4 are expected to open up new verticals and bring significant improvements in performance, reliability, and manufacturability to the Ouster product family.

Progress on the long-term financial framework: Ouster is executing on its path to profitability and remains committed to deliver on its long-term framework of 30-50% annual revenue growth, expanding gross margins to 35-40%, and maintaining operating expenses at or below third quarter 2023 levels.

Third Quarter 2024 Outlook

For the third quarter of 2024, Ouster expects to achieve $27 million to $29 million in revenue.

Conference Call Information

Ouster will host a conference call and live webcast for analysts and investors at 5:00 p.m. ET today, August 13, 2024 to discuss its financial results and business outlook. To access the call, please register at https://registrations.events/direct/Q4I9342824.

Upon registering, each participant will be provided with call details and a registrant ID. The webcast and related presentation materials will be accessible for at least 30 days on Ouster’s investor relations website at https://investors.ouster.com. A telephone replay of the call will be available 2 hours after the call ends, and can be accessed via phone through August 27, 2024 by dialing (800) 770-2030 from the U.S. or +1 (609) 800-9909 from outside the U.S. The conference I.D. number is 93428.

About Ouster

Ouster (NYSE: OUST) is a leading global provider of lidar sensors and software solutions for the automotive, industrial, robotics, and smart infrastructure industries. Ouster is on a mission to build a safer and more sustainable future by offering affordable, high-performance sensors that drive mass adoption across a wide variety of applications. Ouster is headquartered in San Francisco, CA with offices in the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific. For more information, visit www.ouster.com, or connect with us on X or LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements are based upon current plans, estimates and expectations of management that are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation that such plans, estimates and expectations will be achieved. Words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “believe,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “continue,” “target,” “contemplate,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “predict,” “possible,” “potential,” “pursue,” “likely,” and the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding Ouster’s revenue guidance for the third quarter of 2024; anticipated new product launches and developments; Ouster’s future results of operations, cash reserve and financial position; the anticipated timing and development of Ouster’s next generation hardware and software solutions; the execution against the Company’s product roadmap and demand for products; the Company’s path to profitability and long-term financial framework; industry and business trends; Ouster’s business objectives, plans, strategic partnerships, and market growth; and Ouster’s competitive market position, all constitute forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those that we expected, including, but not limited to, risks related to Ouster’s limited operating history and history of losses; fluctuations in its operating results; the substantial research and development costs needed to develop and commercialize new products; its ability to maintain competitive average selling prices, high sales volumes and reduce product costs; competition in Ouster's industry; the negotiating power and product standards of its customers; the adoption of its products and the growth of the lidar market generally; product quality and liability risks; Ouster’s future capital needs and ability to secure additional capital on favorable terms or at all; its ability to manage growth, including growing the sales and marketing organization; risks related to international operations, including international manufacturing; cancellation or postponement of contracts or unsuccessful implementations; the Company's ability to manage its inventory; credit risk of customers; Ouster's ability to use tax attributes; Ouster’s dependence on key third party suppliers, in particular Benchmark Electronics, Inc., Fabrinet, and other suppliers; supply chain constraints and challenges; conditions in the industries the Company targets or the global economy; the ability of its lidar technology roadmap and new software solutions to catalyze growth; Ouster’s ability to recruit and retain key personnel; its ability to successfully integrate its business with Velodyne and achieve the anticipated benefits of the Velodyne merger; Ouster’s ability to adequately protect and enforce its intellectual property rights, including as it relates to Hesai Group; legal and regulatory risks; risks related to operating as a public company; and other important factors discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as may be further updated from time to time in the Company’s other filings with the SEC. Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully and in the totality of the circumstances when evaluating these forward-looking statements, and not to place undue reliance on any of them. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s reasonable estimates and beliefs as of the date of this press release. While Ouster may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it disclaims any obligation to do so, other than as may be required by law, even if subsequent events cause its views to change.

In addition, see information below concerning non-GAAP financial measures.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to its results determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), Ouster believes the non‑GAAP measures of Non-GAAP Gross Margin and Adjusted EBITDA are useful in evaluating its operating performance. Ouster calculates Non-GAAP Gross Profit as gross profit (loss) excluding amortization of acquired intangibles, certain excess and obsolete expenses and losses on firm purchase commitments, and stock-based compensation expense. Non-GAAP Gross Margin is calculated as Non-GAAP Gross Profit divided by revenues. Ouster calculates Adjusted EBITDA as net loss excluding interest expense (income), net, other expense (income), net, stock-based compensation expense, provision for income tax expense, goodwill impairment charges, restructuring costs excluding stock-based compensation expense, certain excess and obsolete expenses and loss on firm purchase commitments, amortization of acquired intangibles, depreciation expense, certain litigation and litigation related expenses, merger and acquisition related expenses. Ouster believes that Non-GAAP Gross Profit, Non-GAAP Gross Margin, and Adjusted EBITDA may be helpful to investors because it provides consistency and comparability with past financial performance and may be helpful in comparison with other companies, some of which use similar non‑GAAP information to supplement their GAAP results. Adjusted EBITDA is also used by the Board and management as a performance metric for compensation purposes. The non-GAAP financial information is presented for supplemental informational purposes only, and should not be considered a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP, and may be different from similarly titled non‑GAAP measures used by other companies. Reconciliation tables of the most comparable GAAP financial measures to the non-GAAP financial measures are included at the end of this press release.

OUSTER, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
	June 30, 2024			December 31, 2023
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	52,687		$	50,991
Restricted cash, current		426			552
Short-term investments		131,557			139,158
Accounts receivable, net		14,343			14,577
Inventory		19,453			23,232
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		33,530			34,647
Total current assets		251,996			263,157
Property and equipment, net		9,445			10,228
Operating lease, right-of-use assets		16,822			18,561
Unbilled receivable, non-current portion		7,127			10,567
Intangible assets, net		20,930			24,436
Restricted cash, non-current		1,092			1,091
Other non-current assets		2,463			2,703
Total assets	$	309,875		$	330,743
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	4,490		$	3,545
Accrued and other current liabilities		48,506			58,166
Contract liabilities, current		13,812			12,885
Operating lease liability, current portion		7,263			7,096
Total current liabilities		74,071			81,692
Operating lease liability, non-current portion		16,239			18,827
Debt		43,973			43,975
Contract liabilities, non-current portion		3,487			4,967
Other non-current liabilities		1,495			1,610
Total liabilities		139,265			151,071
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock		44			42
Additional paid-in capital		1,035,087			995,464
Accumulated deficit		(863,744	)		(816,026	)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		(777	)		192
Total stockholders’ equity		170,610			179,672
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	309,875		$	330,743

OUSTER, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
	Three Months Ended June 30,						Three Months Ended March 31,			Six Months Ended June 30,
		2024			2023			2024			2024			2023
Revenue	$	26,990		$	19,396		$	25,944		$	52,934		$	36,626
Cost of revenue		17,892			19,210			18,519			36,411			36,816
Gross profit (loss)		9,098			186			7,425			16,523			(190	)
Operating expenses:
Research and development		14,432			26,447			13,806			28,238			58,906
Sales and marketing		6,750			11,666			6,860			13,610			25,199
General and administrative		13,166			17,842			12,580			25,746			49,167
Goodwill impairment charges		—			67,266			—			—			166,675
Total operating expenses		34,348			123,221			33,246			67,594			299,947
Loss from operations		(25,250	)		(123,035	)		(25,821	)		(51,071	)		(300,137	)
Other income (expense):
Interest income		2,251			2,245			2,651			4,902			3,964
Interest expense		(740	)		(1,728	)		(741	)		(1,481	)		(3,397	)
Other income (expense), net		(7	)		(165	)		193			186			(111	)
Total other income, net		1,504			352			2,103			3,607			456
Loss before income taxes		(23,746	)		(122,683	)		(23,718	)		(47,464	)		(299,681	)
Provision for income tax expense		123			50			131			254			332
Net loss	$	(23,869	)	$	(122,733	)	$	(23,849	)	$	(47,718	)	$	(300,013	)
Other comprehensive loss
Changes in unrealized (loss) gain on available for sale securities	$	(45	)	$	(74	)	$	(459	)	$	(504	)	$	(24	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(293	)		23			(172	)		(465	)		(57	)
Total comprehensive loss	$	(24,207	)	$	(122,784	)	$	(24,480	)	$	(48,687	)	$	(300,094	)
Net loss per common share, basic and diluted	$	(0.53	)	$	(3.19	)	$	(0.55	)	$	(1.08	)	$	(8.84	)
Weighted-average shares used to compute basic and diluted net loss per share		44,737,769			38,448,241			43,454,127			44,077,383			33,937,505

OUSTER, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
	Six Months Ended June 30,
		2024			2023
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss	$	(47,718	)	$	(300,013	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Goodwill impairment charges		—			166,675
Depreciation and amortization		5,397			10,605
Loss on write-off of construction in progress and right-of-use asset impairment		214			1,423
Stock-based compensation		20,099			38,246
Reduction of revenue related to stock warrant issued to customer		488			61
Amortization of right-of-use asset		2,391			2,012
Interest expense		—			889
Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount		—			125
Accretion or amortization on short-term investments		(2,933	)		(2,097	)
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities		27			(126	)
Inventory write down		742			5,065
Provision (recovery of) for doubtful accounts		(241	)		541
Gain from disposal of property and equipment		(114	)		(248	)
Realized gain on available for sale securities		(275	)		—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		3,915			3,420
Inventory		3,037			(3,644	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets		101			(1,126	)
Accounts payable		958			(1,741	)
Accrued and other liabilities		(9,830	)		(4,779	)
Contract liabilities		(553	)		759
Operating lease liability		(3,071	)		(2,525	)
Net cash used in operating activities		(27,366	)		(86,478	)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment		502			560
Purchases of property and equipment		(1,741	)		(1,973	)
Purchase of short-term investments		(49,720	)		(48,554	)
Proceeds from sales of short-term investments		60,028			72,481
Cash and cash equivalents acquired in the Velodyne Merger		—			32,137
Net cash provided by investing activities		9,069			54,651
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from ESPP purchase		781			310
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		151			150
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock under at-the-market offering, net of commissions and fees		19,498			—
At-the-market offering costs for the issuance of common stock		(95	)		—
Net cash provided by financing activities		20,335			460
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents		(467	)		(56	)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		1,571			(31,423	)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period		52,634			124,278
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	$	54,205		$	92,855

OUSTER, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
	Three Months Ended June 30,						Three Months Ended March 31,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2024			2023			2024			2023			2024			2023
GAAP net loss	$	(23,869	)	$	(122,733	)	$	(23,849	)	$	(177,280	)	$	(47,718	)	$	(300,013	)
Interest expense (income), net		(1,511	)		(517	)		(1,910	)		(50	)		(3,421	)		(567	)
Other expense (income), net		7			165			(193	)		(54	)		(186	)		111
Stock-based compensation(1)		10,695			16,466			9,404			21,780			20,099			38,246
Provision for income tax expense		123			50			131			282			254			332
Goodwill impairment charge		—			67,266			—			99,409			—			166,675
Restructuring costs, excluding stock-based compensation expense		—			3,342			—			12,635			—			15,977
Excess and obsolete expenses and loss on firm purchase commitments		—			3,750			572			3,630			572			7,380
Amortization of acquired intangibles(2)		1,661			1,702			1,754			1,511			3,415			3,213
Depreciation expense(2)		839			2,744			1,053			4,648			1,892			7,392
Litigation expenses(3)		1,636			3,364			1,296			537			2,932			3,901
Merger and acquisition related expenses(4)		—			—			—			6,058			—			6,058
Other items		(114	)		—			—			—			(114	)		—
Adjusted EBITDA	$	(10,533	)	$	(24,401	)	$	(11,743	)	$	(26,893	)	$	(22,276	)	$	(51,294	)
(1)Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows:
	Three Months Ended June 30,						Three Months Ended March 31,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2024			2023			2024			2023			2024			2023
Cost of revenue	$	1,210		$	654		$	913		$	774		$	2,123		$	1,428
Research and development		4,650			8,204			4,188			7,505			8,838			15,709
Sales and marketing		1,492			3,500			1,400			2,881			2,892			6,381
General and administrative		3,343			4,108			2,903			10,620			6,246			14,728
Total stock-based compensation	$	10,695		$	16,466		$	9,404		$	21,780		$	20,099		$	38,246
(2)Includes depreciation and amortization expense as follows:
	Three Months Ended June 30,						Three Months Ended March 31,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2024			2023			2024			2023			2024			2023
Cost of revenue	$	999		$	1,772		$	1,100		$	1,750		$	2,099		$	3,522
Research and development		670			892			712			2,964			1,382			3,856
Sales and marketing		249			258			248			181			497			440
General and administrative		582			1,524			747			1,264			1,329			2,787
Total depreciation and amortization expense	$	2,500		$	4,446		$	2,807		$	6,159		$	5,307		$	10,605
(3)Litigation expenses and litigation-related expenses outside of the Company’s ordinary business operations
(4)Merger and acquisition related expenses represent transaction costs for the Velodyne Merger which include legal and accounting professional service fees
	Three Months Ended June 30,						Three Months Ended March 31,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2024			2023			2024			2023			2024			2023
Gross profit (loss) on GAAP basis	$	9,098		$	186		$	7,425		$	(376	)	$	16,523		$	(190	)
Stock-based compensation		1,210			654			913			774			2,123			1,428
Amortization of acquired intangible assets		371			412			464			249			835			661
Excess and obsolete expenses and loss on firm purchase commitments		—			3,750			572			3,630			572			7,380
Gross profit on non-GAAP basis	$	10,679		$	5,002		$	9,374		$	4,277		$	20,053		$	9,279
Gross margin on GAAP basis		34	%		1	%		29	%		(2	)%		31	%		(1	)%
Gross margin on non-GAAP basis		40	%		26	%		36	%		25	%		38	%		25	%

 

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Source: Ouster, Inc.

FAQ

What was Ouster's revenue for Q2 2024?

Ouster reported revenue of $27 million for Q2 2024, representing a 39% year-over-year increase and a 4% sequential increase.

How many sensors did Ouster ship in Q2 2024?

Ouster shipped over 4,000 sensors for revenue in Q2 2024.

What was Ouster's GAAP gross margin in Q2 2024?

Ouster's GAAP gross margin for Q2 2024 was 34%, compared to 1% in Q2 2023 and 29% in Q1 2024.

What is Ouster's revenue outlook for Q3 2024?

Ouster expects to achieve revenue between $27 million to $29 million for Q3 2024.

What progress did Ouster make in software solutions in Q2 2024?

Ouster secured multiple deals to supply its Ouster Gemini smart infrastructure software solution, including to a major consumer technology company and a global telecommunications company.