Tucows Q4 2023 report: “consistent performance of Tucows Domains”

Tucows Inc. reported its financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023. All figures are in U.S. dollars.

“We finished 2023 at the high end of our range for Adjusted EBITDA guidance, a result driven by robust growth from Wavelo and consistent performance of Tucows Domains,” said Elliot Noss, Tucows President and CEO.

“Consolidated revenue grew 10% year over year, which, along with a strong finish to the year, helped drive operating cash flow up to $9.0 million in the fourth quarter, up from $2.9 million in Q4 of last year. We continue to make growth investments and direct cash flow to build the Ting and Wavelo businesses, while also managing our debt. In Q4, we further deleveraged the business with payments on the syndicated debt using cash flow from Wavelo and Tucows Domains.”

Financial Results

Consolidated net revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased 10.2% to $87.0 million from $78.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. The growth in Wavelo, Ting and Domains revenues was offset by a small decrease in revenue from Tucows Corporate.

Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased 4.8% to $17.8 million from $17.0 million from the fourth quarter of 2022. The increase in gross profit was driven primarily by robust gross profit gains from Wavelo, as well as gross profit increases in line with expectations for Ting and Domains. The increase was partially offset by increased network depreciation and network expenses as the Ting network footprint expands.

Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $23.4 million, or a loss of $2.14 per share, compared with net loss of $13.4 million, or $1.25 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2022. The increased loss is primarily the result of costs from the continued investment in the Ting Fiber network and operations, network depreciation, and higher interest expenses resulting from higher interest rates and increased debt.

Adjusted EBITDA¹ for the fourth quarter of 2023 decreased 62% to $2.6 million from $6.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. The decrease in adjusted EBITDA¹ was primarily related to planned investments in Ting’s operating capacity and growing customer base. Cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023 were $92.7 million compared with $110.7 million at the end of the third quarter of 2023 and $23.5 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2022.