Ribbon Communications Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Net income increased 21% and Adjusted EBITDA up 65% in 1H 2024 YoY

Continued improvement in gross margin and lower operating expenses

Expect strong second half based on growth from U.S. Tier 1, Rural Broadband, Enterprise, and India

PLANO, Texas - Ribbon Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: RBBN), a global provider of real time communications technology and IP optical networking solutions to many of the world's largest service providers, enterprises, and critical infrastructure operators to modernize and protect their networks, today announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2024.

Revenue for the second quarter of 2024 was $193 million, compared to $211 for the second quarter of 2023 and $180 million for the first quarter of 2024. First half 2024 GAAP Loss from Operations improved $26 million year over year to ($15 million), and Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA improved $13 million, or 65%, to $33 million. GAAP and Non-GAAP Gross Margin for the second quarter improved 260 and 240 basis points year over year, respectively.

"Earnings increased significantly in the first half of 2024 with Adjusted EBITDA increasing 65% year over year despite lower sales. The improvement in profitability was driven by higher gross margins and lower operating expenses year over year. Revenue in the second quarter was impacted by a large U.S. Federal deal that was delayed to the third quarter. Sales were also lower as we suspended product shipments into Eastern Europe due to the extended war in Ukraine and increased complexities of operating in the region," stated Bruce McClelland, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ribbon Communications.

Mr. McClelland added, "We continue to project a strong second half of 2024 as we ramp the recently announced Verizon Voice Network modernization program and anticipate strong growth in several other areas such as Enterprise, U.S. Rural Broadband, Europe, and India. Recent changes in the competitive landscape also present an opportunity for further share expansion. However, we have adjusted our full year 2024 guidance slightly to reflect a more conservative outlook for the Eastern European region for the rest of the year."

"During the second quarter of 2024, we completed the refinancing of our capital structure with a $385 million five-year senior secured credit facility that provides us greater liquidity with less restrictions. Our new strategic banking group relationship with HPS Investment Partners, LLC and WhiteHorse Capital Management, LLC will also give us opportunities to support our future growth needs," said Mick Lopez, Chief Financial Officer of Ribbon Communications. "Additionally, we continue to improve our operations, driving a 240 basis point improvement year over year in gross margins and a $4 million reduction in expenses, resulting in the lowest level of operating expenses since the ECI acquisition in 2020."

Business Outlook
For the third quarter of 2024, the Company expects continued sequential growth in both of our businesses with revenue in a range of $205 million to $220 million. Non-GAAP gross margin is projected in a range of 53% to 53.5%. Adjusted EBITDA is projected in a range of $25 million to $30 million.

The Company has also adjusted full-year 2024 targets and now expects revenue in a range of $830 million to $850 million, non-GAAP gross margin in a range of 54% to 54.5%, and Adjusted EBITDA in a range of $105 million to $115 million.

The Company's outlook is based on current indications for its business, which are subject to change.