ADTRAN Holdings, Inc. reports preliminary fourth quarter 2023 financial results

Core Insights - ADTRAN Holdings, Inc. reported preliminary unaudited financial results for Q4 2023, indicating a challenging revenue environment but improvements in gross margins and operating expenses [1][4]. Financial Performance - Preliminary GAAP gross margin for Q4 2023 was 34.8%, an increase of 483 basis points year-over-year and 754 basis points quarter-over-quarter, driven by lower purchasing and transportation costs, as well as reduced acquisition-related expenses [1][2]. - Preliminary non-GAAP gross margin was 41.9%, up from 40.3% in Q3 2023 and 39.1% in the same quarter last year, reflecting a favorable customer and product mix [2]. - Preliminary GAAP operating margin was negative 16.7%, impacted by lower revenue and acquisition-related expenses, while non-GAAP operating margin was negative 1.4%, at the upper end of the guidance range [2][3]. - The company reported a preliminary GAAP net loss of $109.9 million for Q4 2023, translating to a diluted loss per share of$1.40 [2][3]. Revenue and Cost Analysis - Total revenue for Q4 2023 was $225.5 million, down from$358.3 million in Q4 2022, with Network Solutions revenue at 180.4 million and Services & Support revenue at 45.1 million [15]. - Cost of revenue for Q4 2023 was $147.0 million, compared to$250.9 million in the same quarter last year, with a notable inventory write-down of $3.3 million [15][18]. - The company reduced GAAP operating expenses by 7.6% sequentially and 17.0% year-over-year, while non-GAAP operating expenses were reduced by 15.1% sequentially and 17.7% year-over-year [2][3]. Management Commentary - The CEO expressed that while revenue challenges persist due to macroeconomic conditions and elevated customer inventories, the fundamental demand for expanding fiber infrastructure remains strong [4]. - The company is implementing cost improvement measures to transform into a more streamlined and efficient organization, positioning itself for better performance when spending normalizes [4]. Upcoming Events - ADTRAN Holdings will hold a conference call on February 27, 2024, to discuss its preliminary fourth-quarter results [4].