AvePoint Inc

Previous wording

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) summarizes the significant factors affecting the consolidated operating results, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows of our Company as of and for the periods presented below. The MD&A should be read in conjunction** with the other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our audited, consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, and the discussion of risk factors that may affect future results in Part I, Item 1.A. Risk Factors. This section generally discusses the results of our operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. For a discussion of the year ended December 21, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, please refer to Part II, Item 7,“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations*”* in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.**

Current wording

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) summarizes the significant factors affecting the consolidated operating results, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows of our Company as of and for the periods presented below. The MD&A should be read in conjunction** with the other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our audited, consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, and the discussion of risk factors that may affect future results in Part I, Item 1.A. Risk Factors. This section generally discusses the results of our operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. For a discussion of the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, please refer to Part II, Item 7,“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations*”* in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023***, which discussion is incorporated herein by reference.*

Previous wording

We calculate ARR at the end of a particular period as the annualized sum of contractually obligated Annual Contract Value (“ACV”) from SaaS, term license and support, and maintenance revenues from all active customers.

Current wording

We believe ARR further enables measurement of our business performance, is an important metric for financial forecasting, and better enables us to make strategic business decisions. We calculate ARR as the annualized sum of contractually obligated Annual Contract Value (“ACV”) from SaaS, term license and support, and maintenance revenue sources from all active customers at the end of a reporting period.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, total ARR was $264.5 million and $214.7 million, respectively, representing growth of 23.2%. Adjusted for FX, total ARR increased 24.0% year-over-year.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, total ARR was $327.0 million and $264.5 million, respectively, representing growth of 24%. Adjusted for FX, total ARR increased 25% year-over-year.

Previous wording

Growth in ARR is driven by both new business and the expansion of existing business. ARR should be viewed independently of revenue and deferred revenue and is not intended to be combined with or replace these items. ARR is not a forecast of future revenue, and the active contracts at the end of a reporting period used in calculating ARR may or may not be extended or renewed by our customers.

Current wording

Growth in ARR is driven by both new customer acquisition and the expansion of existing customer relationships. ARR should be viewed independently of revenue and deferred revenue and is not intended to be combined with or replace these items. ARR is not a forecast of future revenue, and the active contracts used in calculating ARR may or may not be extended or renewed by our customers.

Previous wording

Total revenue increased 17.0% to $271.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily as a result of an increase in SaaS revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2023, SaaS revenue increased 37.4% to $161.0 million, as we continued to see strong customer demand for this offering. The increase in SaaS revenue was partially offset by an expected decrease in both term license and support and maintenance revenue. Term license and support revenue is expected to continue declining as some existing customers are moving from on-prem term license subscriptions to SaaS subscriptions. Maintenance revenue is expected to continue declining as revenues from the sales of legacy perpetual licenses are immaterial. As a result, there will be limited opportunities to sell maintenance contracts to new customers. At the same time, some existing maintenance customers have transitioned and will continue to transition to SaaS and term licenses, which will continue the decline in maintenance revenue. Lastly, s ervices revenue is expected to fluctuate as the offerings are not inherently recurring in nature.

Current wording

Services revenue is expected to fluctuate as the services generally are not recurring in nature. Additionally, maintenance revenue is expected to continue declining as we have shifted away from the sale of perpetual licenses and towards SaaS and term licenses. Without perpetual license sales, there will be limited opportunities to sell maintenance contracts to new customers. Existing customers have and will continue to transition to SaaS and term licenses, which will further support the continued decline in maintenance revenue.

Previous wording

For the year ended December 31, 2023, North America revenues increased 16.1% to $118.5 million, driven by a 29.2%, or $15.9 million, increase in SaaS revenue and a $2.2 million combined increase in services revenue and term license and support revenue, partially offset by a $1.6 million decrease in maintenance revenue. EMEA revenues increased by 14.1% to $81.8 million, driven by a 43.7%, or $18.1 million, increase in SaaS revenue, partially offset by a $8.0 million combined decrease in term license and support, services and maintenance revenue. APAC revenues increased 22.0% to $71.6 million, driven by a 45.9%, or $9.7 million increase in SaaS revenue and a 20.9%, or $4.9 million, increase in services revenue, partially offset by a $1.7 million combined decrease in term license and support and maintenance revenue.

Current wording

For the year ended December 31, 2024, North America revenues increased 14.7% to $135.9 million, driven by a 43.6%, or $30.7 million, increase in SaaS revenue, partially offset by a $13.3 million combined decrease in term license and support, services and maintenance revenue. EMEA revenues increased by 21.4% to $99.3 million, driven by a 39.8%, or $23.8 million, increase in SaaS revenue, partially offset by a $6.3 million combined decrease in term license and support, services and maintenance revenue. APAC revenues increased 33.2% to $95.4 million, primarily driven by a 49.2%, or $15.2 million, increase in SaaS revenue, a 24.1%, or $6.9 million, increase in services revenue, and a $1.7 million combined increase in term license and support and maintenance revenue.

Previous wording

We believe these non-GAAP measures aid investors by providing additional insight into our operational performance and into trends affecting our business. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to understand and compare operating results across accounting periods, for internal budgeting and forecasting purposes, and to evaluate financial performance.

Current wording

We believe these non-GAAP measures provide investors with additional insight into our operational performance and into trends affecting our business. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to understand and compare operating results across accounting periods, for internal budgeting and forecasting purposes, and to evaluate financial performance.

Previous wording

Cost of revenue increased 16.9% to$77.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, driven by a $6.6 million increase in aggregated hosting costs and a $4.1 million increase in personnel costs. Both hosting and personnel costs increased to support the larger number of AvePoint software licenses used by customers.

Current wording

Cost of revenue increased 6.5% to$82.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, driven by a $3.0 million increase in aggregated hosting costs and a $2.3 million increase in personnel costs resulting from increased SaaS revenue.

Previous wording

Research and development expenses increased 15.9% to$36.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily driven by a $4.3 million increase in personnel costs, as the Company continues to invest in the development of new offerings and enhancements to existing offerings.

Current wording

Research and development expenses increased 34.0% to$48.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily driven by a $10.7 million increase in personnel costs, which included additional headcount and ongoing investment in the development of new offerings and enhancements to existing offerings.

Previous wording

Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 was$2.9 million as compared to$5.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The effective tax rate, which equals the income tax provision divided by pretax loss from continuing operations, was (15.5)% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to (15.0)% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The change in effective tax rates for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, was primarily due to the mix of pre-tax income (loss) results by jurisdictions taxed at different rates than 21%, a permanent item recorded for stock-based compensation and changes in the valuation allowance in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions.

Current wording

Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 was$4.7 million as compared to$2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The effective tax rate, which equals the income tax provision divided by pretax loss from continuing operations, was (19.4)% for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to (15.5)% for the year ended December 31, 2023. The change in effective tax rates for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, was primarily due to the mix of pre-tax income (loss) results by jurisdictions taxed at different rates than 21%, a permanent item recorded for stock-based compensation, GILTI, fair value of earnout liability and changes in the valuation allowance in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions.

Previous wording

Non-GAAP operating income and non-GAAP operating margin are non-GAAP financial measures that our management uses to assess our overall performance. We define non-GAAP operating income as GAAP operating income plus stock-based compensation and the amortization of acquired intangible assets. We define non-GAAP operating margin as non-GAAP operating income divided by revenue. We believe non-GAAP operating income and non-GAAP operating margin provide our management and investors consistency and comparability with our past financial performance and facilitate period-to-period comparisons of operations, as these metrics eliminate the effects of stock-based compensation, which has had historical volatility from period to period due to marked-to-market securities, and of acquired intangible assets, which are unrelated to current operations and are neither comparable to the prior period nor predictive of future results. The elimination of the effect of variability caused by stock-based compensation expense and the amortization of acquired intangible assets, both of which are non-cash expenses, provides a better representation as to the overall operating performance of the company. We use non-GAAP financial measures (a) to evaluate our historical and prospective financial performance and trends as well as our performance relative to our peers, (b) to set and approve spending budgets, (c) to allocate resources, (d) to measure operational profitability and the accuracy of forecasting, and (e) to assess financial discipline over operational expenditures.

Current wording

Non-GAAP operating income and non-GAAP operating margin are non-GAAP financial measures that our management uses to assess our overall performance. We define non-GAAP operating income as GAAP operating income plus stock-based compensation and the amortization of acquired intangible assets. We define non-GAAP operating margin as non-GAAP operating income divided by revenue. We believe non-GAAP operating income and non-GAAP operating margin provide our management and investors consistency and comparability with our past financial performance and facilitate period-to-period comparisons of operations, as these metrics eliminate the effects of stock-based compensation, which has had historical volatility from period to period due to mark-to-market securities, and of acquired intangible assets, which are unrelated to current operations and are neither comparable to the prior period nor predictive of future results. The elimination of the effect of variability caused by stock-based compensation expense and the amortization of acquired intangible assets, both of which are non-cash expenses, provides a better representation as to the overall operating performance of the company. We use non-GAAP financial measures (a) to evaluate our historical and prospective financial performance and trends as well as our performance relative to our peers, (b) to set and approve spending budgets, (c) to allocate resources, (d) to measure operational profitability and the accuracy of forecasting, and (e) to assess financial discipline over operational expenditures.

Previous wording

GAAP operating margin for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was(5.6)% and(17.7)% respectively. Non-GAAP operating margin for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was 8.1% and(1.2)%, respectively. The increase in non-GAAP operating margin was primarily attributable to the Company’s enhanced focus on expense management and continued scaling of the Company’s channel partner strategy.

Current wording

GAAP operating margin for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was 2.2% and(5.6)%, respectively. Non-GAAP operating margin for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was 14.4% and 8.1%, respectively. The increase in non-GAAP operating margin was primarily attributable to the Company’s enhanced focus on expense management and continued scaling of the Company’s channel partner strategy.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we had$223.2 million in cash and cash equivalents,$3.7 million in short-term investments and no outstanding debt.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we had$290.7 million in cash and cash equivalents,$0.2 million in short-term investments and no outstanding debt.

Previous wording

Our short-term liquidity needs primarily include working capital for sales and marketing, research and development, and continued innovation. Our long-term capital requirements will depend on many factors, including our growth rate, levels of revenue, the expansion of sales and marketing activities, market acceptance of our platform, the results of business initiatives, and the timing of new product introductions. Refer to “Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies” for more information regarding the purchase commitments.

Current wording

Our short-term liquidity needs primarily include working capital for sales and marketing, research and development, and continued innovation. In addition, we extended a credit facility with a remaining commitment of $1.5 million, and committed $50.0 million to a growth equity fund. We also have letters of credit issued in the amount of $1.0 million as security for operating leases, and $4.4 million as security for customer contingency agreements. Our long-term capital requirements will depend on many factors, including our growth rate, levels of revenue, the expansion of sales and marketing activities, market acceptance of our platform, the results of business initiatives, and the timing of new product introductions. Refer to “Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies” for more information regarding the purchase commitments.

Previous wording

The Loan Agreement provides for a revolving line of credit of up to $30.0 million, with an additional $20.0 million accordion feature for additional capital which the Company may draw upon at its request. Borrowings under the line bear interest at a rate equal to term SOFR plus 3.00% to 3.25% depending on the Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Loan Agreement). The line carries an annual unused fee ranging from 0.50% to 0.55% depending on the Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio. The proceeds of borrowings under the Loan Agreement will be used for general corporate purposes. Currently, there is no outstanding balance under the revolving line of credit. The Company, on a consolidated basis with its subsidiaries, is required to maintain a minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Loan Agreement) as well as a maximum Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio, tested by HSBC each quarter. Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Company pledged, assigned and granted HSBC a security interest in all shares of its subsidiaries, future proceeds, and assets as security for its obligations under the Loan Agreement. The line will mature on November 3, 2026.

Current wording

We also maintain a loan and security agreement (the “Loan Agreement”), dated November 3, 2023, with HSBC Bank USA, National Association (“HSBC”), as lender, for a revolving line of credit of up to $30.0 million with an accordion feature that provides up to $20.0 million of additional borrowing capacity we may draw upon at our request. The line bears interest at a rate equal to term SOFR plus 3.0% to 3.3% depending on the Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Loan Agreement). The line carries an unused fee equal to 0.5%. The line will mature on November 3, 2026. We are required to maintain a minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Loan Agreement) as well as a maximum Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio, tested by HSBC each quarter. Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, we pledged, assigned and granted HSBC a security interest in all shares of our subsidiaries, future proceeds, and assets as security for our obligations under the Loan Agreement. As of December 31, 2024, we are compliant with all covenants and had no borrowings outstanding under the Loan Agreement.

Previous wording

Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $0.8 million, reflecting our net loss of $38.7 million, adjusted for non-cash items of $46.2 million and net cash outflows of $8.3 million from changes in our operating assets and liabilities. The main considerations for non-cash items were stock-based compensation, which reflects ongoing compensation charges for the entity’s equity- and pre-merger liability-classified awards, operating lease right-of-use asset expense and mark to market adjustments on earnout and warrant liabilities. The main considerations of changes in operating assets and liabilities that resulted in cash outflows related to an increase in deferred contract costs and operating lease liabilities. This was partially offset by cash inflows related to an increase in deferred revenue that is partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable as a result of business growth, and an increase in accrued expenses primarily due to personnel related expenses.

Current wording

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $88.9 million, reflecting our net loss of $29.1 million, adjusted for non-cash items of $89.3 million and net cash inflows of $28.8 million from changes in our operating assets and liabilities. The main considerations for non-cash items were stock-based compensation, which reflects ongoing compensation charges for the entity’s equity- and pre-merger liability-classified awards, operating lease right-of-use asset expense and mark to market adjustments on earnout and warrant liabilities. The main considerations of changes in operating assets and liabilities that resulted in cash inflows related to an increase in deferred revenue that is partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable as a result of business growth. This was partially offset by cash outflows related to an increase in deferred contract costs and operating lease liabilities.

Previous wording

Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $21.5 million, consisting of $18.6 million in acquisitions and $3.9 million of purchases of property and equipment, as well as $183.5 million in maturities of short-term investments and $180.9 million in the purchase of investments.

Current wording

Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $2.6 million, primarily consisting of $3.0 million of purchases of property and equipment, $1.8 million in the purchase of investments, $1.8 million investment in notes, and $1.2 million in software development, partially offset by $5.4 million in maturities of short-term investments.

Previous wording

Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023, was $5.6 million, consisting of $2.1 million of purchases of property and equipment, as well as $2.6 million in maturities of short-term investments and $3.5 million in the purchase of investments.

Current wording

Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023, was $5.6 million, primarily consisting of $3.5 million in the purchase of investments,$2.1 million of purchases of property and equipment, $1.4 million in software development, and $1.3 million investment in notes, partially offset by $2.6 million in maturities of short-term investments.

Previous wording

Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $17.1 million. The primary driver of cash flows from financing activities was due to $19.9 million in purchases of common stock, partially offset by $2.8 million of proceeds from the exercising of stock options.

Current wording

Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $15.5 million, primarily due to $33.1 million in purchases of common stock, $6.1 million in the redemption of the redeemable noncontrolling interest of MaivenPoint, and $4.0 million in the purchase of public warrants, partially offset by $17.2 million of proceeds from the exercising of warrants, and $11.0 million of proceeds from the exercising of stock options.

Previous wording

Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023, was $33.7 million. The primary driver of cash flows from financing activities was due to $39.0 million in purchases of common stock, partially offset by $5.6 million of proceeds from the exercising of stock options.

Current wording

Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023, was $33.7 million, primarily due to $39.0 million in purchases of common stock, partially offset by $5.6 million of proceeds from the exercising of stock options.

Previous wording

The Loan Agreement provides for a revolving line of credit of up to $30.0 million, with an additional $20.0 million accordion feature for additional capital we may draw upon at our request. Borrowings under the line bear interest at a rate equal to term SOFR plus 3.00% to 3.25% depending on the Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio. The line carries an unused fee ranging from 0.50% to 0.55% depending on the Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio. Any proceeds of borrowings under the Loan Agreement will be used for general corporate purposes.

Current wording

The Loan Agreement provides for a revolving line of credit of up to $30.0 million, with an additional $20.0 million accordion feature for additional capital we may draw upon at our request. Borrowings under the line bear interest at a rate equal to term SOFR plus 3.0% to 3.3% depending on the Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio. The line carries an unused fee at a rate equal to 0.5%. Any proceeds of borrowings under the Loan Agreement will be used for general corporate purposes.

Previous wording

We are obligated under various non-cancelable operating leases for office space. The initial terms of the leases expire on various dates through 2030. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, total rent expense for facilities amounted to $6.8 million and $6.8 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, letters of credit have been issued in the amount of $1.0 million as security for operating leases. The letters of credit are secured by certificates of deposit.

Current wording

We are obligated under various non-cancelable operating leases for office space. The initial terms of the leases expire on various dates through 2030. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, total rent expense for facilities amounted to $7.2 million and $6.8 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, letters of credit have been issued in the amount of $1.0 million as security for operating leases. The letters of credit are secured by certificates of deposit and a line of credit.

Previous wording

Our quarterly revenue fluctuates and does not necessarily grow sequentially when measuring any one fiscal quarter’s revenue with another (e.g. comparing the fourth fiscal quarter of fiscal year 2022 with the first fiscal quarter of fiscal year 2023). Historically, our third and fourth quarters have been our highest revenue quarters, however those results are not necessarily indicative of future quarterly revenue or full year results. Higher third and fourth quarter revenue is driven primarily by increased sales resulting from our customers’ fiscal year ends. Additionally, new product and service introductions (including the timing of those introductions) can significantly impact revenue. Revenue can also be affected when customers anticipate a product introduction. Our operating expenses have generally increased sequentially due to increases in personnel in connection with the expansion of our business.

Current wording

Our quarterly revenue can fluctuate and does not necessarily grow sequentially when measuring any one fiscal quarter’s revenue against another. Historically, our first quarter has been our lowest revenue quarter and our fourth quarter has been our highest revenue quarter, however those results are not necessarily indicative of future quarterly revenue or full year results. Additionally, the timing of new product and service introductions can significantly impact revenue. Lastly, the mix of revenues in any given quarter can cause fluctuations in our reported results, due to differing revenue recognition principles.