Release Date: November 12, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

• Acacia Research Corp (NASDAQ:ACTG) reported a significant increase in consolidated revenue, up 131% compared to the third quarter of last year, driven by recent acquisitions.
• The acquisition of deflective is expected to generate substantial revenue and EBITDA, with a strong market position in its segments.
• The company has successfully grown its cash position to approximately $280 million, demonstrating robust financial capacity.
• Acacia's energy operations delivered strong performance with $15.8 million in revenue and $8.4 million in adjusted EBITDA for the quarter.
• The company is actively managing its costs, with general and administrative expenses decreasing compared to the same quarter last year.

Negative Points

• Acacia Research Corp (NASDAQ:ACTG) reported a GAAP net loss of $14 million for the third quarter, compared to a net income in the same quarter last year.
• The intellectual property operations saw a significant decline in revenue, with only $0.5 million generated compared to $1.8 million in the same quarter last year.
• The company's book value per share decreased slightly from $5.95 to $5.85, impacted by non-recurring legacy legal matters.
• There was a decrease in cash and cash equivalents, primarily due to acquisitions and stock repurchases.
• The industrial operations experienced a decline in revenue compared to the same quarter last year, attributed to a decrease in printer sales.

Q & A Highlights

• Warning! GuruFocus has detected 5 Warning Signs with ACTG.

Q: Can you provide more details on the recent acquisition of Deflect and its margin profile? A: The acquisition of Deflect is a strategic move for us, with the company having strong market share in its core segments. Currently, Deflect operates with margins in the mid-10s, and we see opportunities for further cost rationalization and margin enhancement. There are also potential product expansions and acquisitions that could enhance scale and utilization. (Respondent: Unidentified_1)

Q: How are the Benchmark assets performing, and what are your expectations for adjusted EBITDA? A: The Benchmark assets are performing as expected, with revenue projections aligning with our initial assessments. We have seen some delays in well completions, but these are expected to contribute to future revenue. The operational enhancements are ongoing, and we remain optimistic about the potential of these assets. (Respondent: Unidentified_1)

Q: What changes have been made to Deflect's business model, and do you plan to focus on specific segments? A: Deflect has undergone significant transformation, focusing on higher-margin products and rationalizing non-core assets. We are considering all three segments as potential platforms for growth through acquisition, with transportation and HVAC segments showing promise as independent large businesses. (Respondent: Unidentified_1)

Q: Can you comment on the expected cash flow from the Deflect acquisition and its impact on returns? A: The Deflect acquisition is expected to yield attractive returns, with moderate leverage and interest costs offsetting taxes. We aim for a strong yield on both a levered and unlevered basis, ensuring we are compensated well for owning the business. (Respondent: Unidentified_1)

Q: Why was the revenue from the IP business lower this quarter, and what are your expectations moving forward? A: The IP business revenue can be unpredictable on a quarterly basis, but we view it as an attractive asset class. Despite the variability, we believe the portfolio holds significant potential for monetization and cash flow generation. (Respondent: Unidentified_1)

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.