FiscalNote (NOTE) Q3 Earnings call transcript Nov 12, 2024

In a recent earnings call, FiscalNote, a leading AI-powered regulatory and legislative intelligence platform, announced its third quarter 2024 financial results and outlined significant strategic changes, including a leadership transition and a focus on product innovation and operational efficiencies. The call, led by Interim Investor Relations Officer Bob Burrows and featuring key executives Tim Hwang, Joshua Resnik, and Jon Slabaugh, provided insights into the company's financial performance, growth opportunities, and strategic initiatives.

Financial Highlights and Strategic Shifts

FiscalNote reported a strong third quarter performance, with revenue of $29.4 million, in line with expectations and down slightly from the previous year due to the divestiture of Board.org. The company also announced an upward revision of its full-year 2024 adjusted EBITDA forecast to approximately $9 million, a significant achievement in profitability. This achievement is attributed to the company's ongoing efforts to optimize its commercial organization, product portfolio, and cost structure.

Key Strategic Initiatives and Leadership Transition

Tim Hwang, FiscalNote's Founder and CEO, announced his decision to transition into the role of Executive Chair, citing the company's market-leading position and the need for new leadership to drive the next phase of growth. He will focus on strategic initiatives and the continuity of FiscalNote's mission and vision. Josh Resnik, currently the President and COO, will assume the role of CEO starting January 1, 2025. Resnik, who has been with the company for several years, brings a wealth of experience from both large corporations and tech startups, making him well-equipped to lead FiscalNote into its next phase.

Product Innovation and Customer Focus

FiscalNote has been at the forefront of innovation in the regulatory and legislative intelligence sector, and the call highlighted the company's focus on product improvements and customer engagement. The launch of Copilots for Policy and Global Intelligence, powered by AI technologies, has been met with positive customer reception, underscoring the company's commitment to delivering intuitive solutions that empower customers to achieve better outcomes. The company also announced the hiring of Can Babaoglu as Chief Product Officer, who brings a proven track record of product innovation and growth in the legal tech sector.

Operational Efficiencies and Financial Stability

Joshua Resnik discussed the company's efforts to optimize its commercial organization and product portfolio, aiming for increased profitability and sustainable growth. The divestiture of noncore businesses and the focus on core markets and segments are key elements of this strategy. The company's strong financial performance, including positive adjusted EBITDA for the quarter, underscores its ability to navigate operational challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities.

Conclusion

FiscalNote's third quarter 2024 financial results and strategic leadership transition mark a significant milestone in the company's journey. With a focus on product innovation, customer engagement, and operational efficiencies, FiscalNote is well-positioned to drive growth and profitability in the competitive regulatory and legislative intelligence market. The leadership transition, underpinned by a strong financial foundation and strategic initiatives, is a testament to the company's commitment to its mission and vision. As FiscalNote enters the next phase of its growth trajectory, investors and stakeholders can look forward to continued innovation and value creation.