Where Food Comes From, Inc. Unveils Financial Insights for 2024

Insights into Where Food Comes From, Inc. Financial Performance

Third Quarter Highlights – 2024 vs. 2023

• Verification and certification revenue increased by 2% to $5.5 million, up from $5.4 million.
• Product sales rose by 9%, reaching $1.3 million compared to $1.2 million.
• Total revenue climbed by 1% to $7.1 million, slightly growing from $7.0 million.
• Net income showed a decline of 32%, amounting to $492,000 as opposed to $723,000 in the previous year.
• Diluted earnings per share (EPS) dropped to $0.09, down from $0.13.
• Adjusted EBITDA reached $0.8 million, a decrease from $1.2 million.
• The company executed a buyback of 66,620 shares during the third quarter.

Nine-Month Highlights – 2024 vs. 2023

• Verification and certification revenue grew by 9% to $15.2 million compared to $13.9 million last year.
• Product sales dipped by 8% to $2.9 million from $3.1 million.
• Total revenue increased by 4%, totaling $19.1 million, up from $18.4 million.
• Net income saw a decrease of 16%, finishing at $1.2 million compared to $1.4 million last year.
• Diluted EPS dropped to $0.21 from $0.24.
• Adjusted EBITDA was reported at $2.1 million, down from $2.5 million.
• Cash generated from operations increased by 6%, totaling $2.8 million.
• Cash and cash equivalents grew to $2.8 million from $2.6 million at the end of last year.
• Total stock buybacks for the year reached 216,039 shares.

Where Food Comes From, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFCF) recently reported its financial results for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2024, asserting itself as a leading resource for independent food production practice verification in North America. Despite encountering challenges in its core beef verification business, the company continues to see growth across various service lines.

John Saunders, chairman and CEO, expressed optimism regarding the company’s trajectory, citing strong demand for verification services across numerous food categories which continues to strengthen their revenue streams. Total revenue reflects a 4% increase year-to-date, reaching $19.1 million, alongside a respectable net income of $1.2 million for the period, demonstrating the company’s resilience in a fluctuating market.

As consumer familiarity with USDA regulations expands, especially regarding electronic tags for cattle, WFCF anticipates enhanced participation from ranchers in value-added verification programs. This compliance will allow for quicker verification processes, which is pivotal in a fast-paced market where producers aim to distinguish their beef products effectively and possibly achieve higher sales margins.

Analyzing Third Quarter Results

In the third quarter ending September 30, 2024, the company reported total revenue of $7.1 million, affirming a slight increase compared to the previous year. The detailed revenue mix shows a promising uplift in verification and certification services by 2%, now at $5.5 million. Product revenue also experienced a robust increase of 9%, accounting for $1.3 million.

However, professional service revenues faced a slight decline down to $0.3 million compared to $0.4 million last year. Gross profits also saw a minor dip, totaling $2.8 million. A notable uptick in selling, general, and administrative expenses—up 13%—to $2.2 million can be attributed to soaring costs in marketing, personnel, and travel.

The operating income decreased by 36%, now standing at $0.6 million, which naturally led to a decline in net income to $0.5 million, equating to $0.09 per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA for this quarter was reported as $0.8 million, down 29% from the previous year.

Nine-Month Performance Overview

The nine-month performance ending September 30, 2024, reflects total revenue of $19.1 million, marking a 4% year-over-year increase. Verification and certification services dominated this growth with a 9% increase to $15.2 million. Conversely, product sales fell by 8%, achieving $2.9 million, while professional services revenue fell to $1.0 million.

Despite the challenges, gross profit for the nine-month period demonstrated a 3% growth to $7.8 million. Yet increased selling, general, and administrative costs, rising 10% to $6.3 million, have affected the operating income, which decreased by 18% to $1.5 million. Overall net income and adjusted EBITDA experienced declines to $1.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

Furthermore, the company's balance sheet showcases an increase in cash and equivalents, reflecting a positive trajectory in cash flow generation, despite slight declines in overall income metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the main revenue sources for Where Food Comes From, Inc.?

The primary sources of revenue include verification and certification services, product sales, and professional service fees. Verification services currently form a significant portion of their revenue stream.

2. How has the company's stock performance been recently?

The company has actively engaged in stock buybacks, repurchasing 216,039 shares so far this year. This strategy indicates a commitment to enhancing shareholder value.

3. What impact does the USDA electronic tag mandate have on the company?

The USDA electronic tag mandate is expected to enroll more cattle in verification programs, thereby increasing the company’s service adoption and customer satisfaction.

4. What is Adjusted EBITDA, and why is it important?

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that reflects earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, adjusted for certain non-recurring items. It's key for understanding ongoing operational performance.

5. How does Where Food Comes From, Inc. support farmers and producers?

The company supports over 17,500 farmers and producers by providing them with a range of value-added services through its verification programs and analytics, helping them optimize production practices.

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