Hub Cybersecurity’s Strategic Shift and Future Outlook

HUB CYBER SECURITY (ISRAEL) LTD ((HUBC)) has held its Q4 earnings call. Read on for the main highlights of the call.

Despite a decline in revenue and increased liabilities, Hub Cybersecurity has demonstrated strong strategic realignment, cost reductions, and significant contract wins. The company’s focus on high-margin business segments and operational efficiency has led to improved margins and a promising outlook for future growth.

Strategic Realignment and Margin Improvement

Hub Cybersecurity’s gross margin improved significantly to 25.6% in H2 2024, up by 15.4% compared with H2 2023. This improvement is attributed to the company’s strategic realignment towards higher-margin business segments, showcasing its commitment to enhancing profitability despite a leaner revenue base.

Significant Engagement with Bank of San Marino

In March, Hub was awarded a EUR 20 million engagement by the Bank of San Marino to modernize its entire digital banking infrastructure. This project is expected to be delivered in full this year, marking a significant milestone in Hub’s service offerings and client engagements.

Operational Cost Reductions

Operating expenses for H2 2024 aggregated to $14.7 million, reflecting a significant 29% reduction compared to $20.9 million in H2 2023. This reduction underscores Hub’s focus on operational efficiency and cost management, contributing to improved financial performance.

Strategic US Expansion

Hub is scaling its US presence with a new office in New York City and aggressively hiring world-class talent to support demand across North America. This expansion is part of Hub’s strategy to tap into the lucrative US market and enhance its global footprint.

Long-term Recurring Revenue Growth

Over 60% of 2024 revenue came from long-term recurring contracts across financial services and critical infrastructure. This highlights Hub’s focus on building a stable and predictable revenue stream through strategic partnerships and long-term engagements.

Revenue Decline

Revenue for the second half of 2024 was $13.8 million compared to $17.6 million in H2 2023, reflecting a deliberate strategic pivot. Despite this decline, the company remains focused on its high-margin business segments to drive future growth.

Increased Liabilities

Liabilities rose to $108 million from $83 million, driven largely by a warrant liability tied to a fundraising round. This increase in liabilities is a critical area for the company to manage as it continues to pursue its strategic initiatives.

Forward-Looking Guidance

During the Hub Cybersecurity 2024 financial results call, several key metrics and strategic initiatives were highlighted. The company reported a revenue of $13.8 million for the second half of 2024, down from $17.6 million in the same period in 2023, while full-year revenue was $39.6 million compared to $42.7 million in 2023. Despite a leaner revenue base, the gross margin improved significantly to 25.6% in H2 2024, up by 15.4% compared to H2 2023, driven by strategic realignment towards higher-margin business segments. Operating expenses were reduced by 29% in H2 2024 compared to the prior year, aggregating to $14.7 million. The operating loss also improved by 38% in H2 2024, dropping from $77 million in 2022 to $26 million in 2024. Hub’s secured data fabric platform, with margins of 80% to 90%, is set to be the primary growth driver, with the company expecting a marked transformation in its business mix starting in 2025. The focus remains on expanding their US presence and targeting high-priority sectors like transportation, with an anticipated first signed contract in 2025. Hub’s commitment to compliance and transparency has been reinforced with a new leadership team and strengthened governance frameworks.

In conclusion, Hub Cybersecurity’s earnings call reflects a company in transition, focusing on strategic realignment and operational efficiency to drive future growth. Despite challenges such as revenue decline and increased liabilities, the company’s focus on high-margin segments and long-term contracts paints a promising picture for its future trajectory. Investors and stakeholders will be keenly watching how these strategies unfold in the coming years.