Carlos Moreira
Analyst · Maxim Group. Please proceed with your question
Good afternoon to all of you joining us today from Europe, and good morning to all of you joining us from the United States. I am joined today by our Chief Financial Officer, John O’Hara. I’ll start this call by providing highlights of the Company’s performance and subsidiary level initiatives for the full year 2024 and outlook for ‘25. Then John will provide a full report on our financial condition in greater details. Before I start, for all of you new to the WISeKey story, I would like to provide a short overview of the corporate structure. WISeKey is specialized in cybersecurity, digital identity, blockchain, Internet of Things, IoT solution and post-quantum semiconductor. As a computer infrastructure provider, WISeKey delivers secure platforms for data and device management across various industries, including finance, healthcare, defense and government. Leveraging its robust cybersecurity and public infrastructure, PKI, WISeKey insurers traditional encrypted communication and a strong authentication while also focusing on next-generation security throughout post-quantum cryptography. WISeKey holding company encompassing several specialized operational subsidiaries. Each subsidiary plays a crucial role in the WISeKey ecosystem, contributing throughout independent research development and expertise while integrating their technology into overall WISeKey platform. These are specifically SEALSQ, which was listed on the NASDAQ in May 2023 under the symbol LAES, which focuses on advanced semiconductor technology and post-quantum cryptography. WISeID offers Root of Trust and PKI services central to the WISeKey digital identity and encryption services. WISeSat offers a space technology division utilizing picosatellite for secure communication from the space. WISe.ART is the trusted blockchain and NFT segment of the group, offering secure digital asset solution and then SEALCOIN AG, which incorporates -- incorporated in 2024 in Switzerland develops the SEALCOIN platform and focuses on the decentralized physical Internet, DP. That say, ‘24 has been a pivotal year for WISeKey. We ended the year with a very strong balance sheet, a strategic technology milestone and a clear roadmap to take advantage of the new opportunities ahead. For launching 17 secure satellite in partnership with SpaceX and further advancing negotiation or semiconductor personalization center strategy to scaling our blockchain platforms and developing post-quantum chips, we have created a solid foundation across every layer of digital trust infrastructure. We started 2025 on a very strong note and have now entered what I define as the Year of WISeKey Convergence. This is more than strategy. It is a paradigm shift. We are bringing together four foundational pillars: semiconductors, satellites, blockchain and digital identity into unified and interoperable ecosystem. This convergence allows us to offer end-to-end solutions where each component reinforces the other, enabling exponential innovation and resilience. For instance, our post-quantum secure chips developed by our semiconductor subsidiary, SEALSQ, are now being embedded into WISeSat satellites to create a secure foundation for a decentralized IoT infrastructure, connecting earth to a space in an encrypted way. Blockchain and identity platforms like SEALCOIN and WISeID are being deployed to power autonomous tamper-proof transaction between machine, satellite and users combining this with our partnership with Hedera distributor ledger brings transparency and immutability to those transactions. Additionally, our work with the Swiss Army is proceeding with the testing of a secure smartphone and secure communication with our WISeSat satellite. This convergence approach solutions and positions WISeKey at the intersection of some of the most critical transformation of our time, such as quantum resilient security, space-based connectivity and the decentralized economy. We are not just adapting to a future digital era. We are building it. For WISeKey 2025 it is expected to be a year of execution and scale whether or integrated business unit aim to deliver tangible impact. Along these lines, I’d like to briefly highlight the strategic initiatives we are undertaking at each of our subsidiaries and which we have made progress in 2024 and have set the stage for continued growth in 2025 and beyond. So, starting now with SEALSQ subsidiary. Throughout its QUASAR platform, SEALSQ developed quantum-resistant technology to protect data against future quantum threats, aligning with global standard like those for needs. Those quantum computers are to arrive into the market in the next three to five years as disclosed by many leading organizations. So, we need to be ready now. SEALSQ future strategy is building around four key priorities. First one is the commercial launch of the post-quantum chips. We are targeting the launch of the -- of the new post-quantum, two of them for IoT, PC, tablets and mobile phones and various industrial applications, including medical, military and automobile sectors and expansion of chip fabrication partnerships to increase output for the enterprise and government security solution. In that regard, SEALSQ has set an ambitious five-year target to capture 20% of the trusted platform model market, what we call TPM, a goal supported by strong market engagement. By the end of 2024, SEALSQ will have secured over 60 qualified leads and one design in for its CPM product, which are slated for commercial launch in 2025. We are also developing quantum resistant ASIC, which are basically quantum design secure chips for specific large client needs, in particular, in the automobile industry. Second, we are executing targeted acquisition, investments and joint ventures. This include the completion of the negotiations to acquire 100% of IC’ALPS, which is a French company located in Grenoble before 2025 year-end. Investment and in start-up, engaged in quantum computing and AI initiative as part of the project we call the SEALQUANTUM initiative and the establishment of an observed semiconductor personalized and test center OSPTC in Spain, for which we are in the final stage negotiation with Spanish authority plus the development of similar OSPTCs in India, the United States and the Middle East and Africa. Third, we are making R&D and investment -- strategic investment in post-quantum security following the investment we made, we are in the final stage of developing qualification, certification and also industrialization process for quantum-resistant TPM 2.0 chip. The commercial launch, as I mentioned before, is set by Q4 2025. We are in discussions with over 60 interesting potential customers, including major electronic manufacturers requiring to install this level of security in their products. We are also scaling the first TPM PQC chip in broader ASIC offer for addressing the medical, defense and IoT market settlements. Fourth, we are expanding trust services by scaling managed PKI solution for Matter certification for IoT devices or home devices and enterprise security, expanding SSL/TLS and GSMA certificates offering pushing adoption for our INeS platform, which is a PKI post-quantum cryptography platform, which include the latest features. So now moving to the WISeSat subsidiary or WISeSat.Space is deploying low orbit ecosystems to provide secure IoT connectivity for remote applications aiming to enhance global coverage for IoT ecosystem, address growing market demand for secure satellite-based communication solution, supporting critical infrastructures and underserved regions of the world. Recent developments that we had included the strategic partnership with the Swiss Army throughout the initiation of new projects, an agreement with RUAG, the strategic integrator for the Swiss Army forces for a national army project focusing on device-to-device communication, which includes the space component. Launch of 17 mini-satellites in the last three years with the SpaceX into our way through a strategic investment and partnership with start-up in the Spain with the name FOSAA Systems, which is manufacturing those satellites after integrating our technology and post-quantum semiconductors. Over the next 36 months, WISeSat.Space plans to deploy up to 88 new generation satellite following the successful January 2020 launch, we did with the SpaceX from California. In conjunction with Hedera network, we will pioneer the change of SEALCOIN in front space, allowing for first line to put blockchain on the space. This was successfully tested in Q1 2025, marking the first ever demonstration of secure digital cryptographic and cryptocurrency transactions from the space conducted from orbit and establish a proof-of-concept redefining boundaries on blockchain integration, a new area of space digital economies has started with this project. So, let’s discuss cooperation between SEALCOIN and WISe.ART. In 2024, SEALCOIN, WISeKey transactional IoT platform, made significant progress toward developing and deploying decentralized digital identity solutions, leveraging blockchain to enable secure Web 3.0 transaction using our WISeID platform to incorporate distributed identity capabilities and development time line set for key milestone in 2025. WISe.ART platform has been developed to serve galleries, artists, museum, creators and collectors that they want to create digital assets and digital tools into the platform, which is now in version 2.0 with an [imminent] release in the month of May of a new generation of the platform which is backed by the WISeKey Root of Trust and blockchain compatible certificates of authenticity. So lastly, our WISeID subsidiary -- in 2024, WISeID flagship digital identity platform introduced biometric authentication, self-sovereign identity and post-quantum cryptography protocols, making it is one of the most world’s secure identity system in operation. Complementing this during 2024, WISeKey announced the ongoing development and planned launch of the SEALPhone, our ultra-secure smartphone designed with a privacy by design architecture. Currently in testing mode with several strategic clients, SEALPhone integrate WISeID and SEALCOIN enabled security and a post-quantum chip to secure communication, identity protection and digital asset storage on a single hardware device and platform. So, in regard to outlook, due to the several projects and technology investment, I previously discussed across subsidiary, we expect WISeKey performance for the full year 2024 and -- sorry, ‘25 to substantially improve as compared to the 2024. So, our expectations are supported by our year-end solid cash position in excess of $90 million, which was predominantly secured via the over $80 million capital raise during December ‘24 by SEALSQ. The availability of any additional financials should it be required and a much cleaner balance sheet put us in a very strong position. All this have put us in a position on where high-growth areas, such as both quantum security, cybersecurity, next-generation semiconductors, satellite infrastructure and blockchain-based ecosystem can be further financed to reach a revenue generation level. Additionally, we have a robust pipeline of secure and pending business opportunity exceeding $150 million for the period ‘26 to ‘28 supported by a growing public sector and defense partnership that they will use in this convergence I mentioned before, and in particular, getting ready for what we call quantum security. Currently -- our current revenue sources, including SEALSQ semiconductor revenue, which has been the main revenue contributor in 2024 and also in prior years as we speeded up the semiconductor business. We anticipated that our new quantum resistant chip will be available on the market in Q4 ‘25. And WISeKey foresees generating substantial returns for the full-scale commercial deployment of this quantum resistant chip starting ‘26. The growth is expected to be driven by the integration of chip revenue from new sources and expansion in chip personalization services additional revenue by WISeSat and the consolidated revenue from our planned investment. WISeKey has, therefore, taken several initiatives to develop new revenue stream and strengthen net result. This initiative includes the development of semiconductor personalization center in Spain, in that regard WISeKey and SEALSQ gently with a company with name Odin Anti Protest to Spanish companies with extensive experience in IoT, plan to establish in the region of Murcia in Spain, a center of excellence in cybersecurity and microchip with a personalization capability. The project called Quantix Edges is in the final stage of approval process by SETT, which is the Spanish government entity responsible for funding under the PERTE CHIP budget. Second, the consolidated revenue for the acquisition opportunity, including the potential ICL acquisition, if completed, only now pending on government authorization will booster a SEALSQ application, a specific integrated secret ASIC development and further strengthening WISeKey portfolio of products in plus ICL entrance into the automobile and pharmaceutical and medical industry will allow SEALSQ to identify new clients in this industry that will require post-quantum capability. Third, WISeSat new generation satellite as we are planning six more launches during ‘25 and ‘26 with the next one currently scheduled for June 2025 with the SpaceX in California. And fourth, the commercial launch of SEALCOIN TIoT, which means Transaction on Internet of Things, following on the successful proof-of-concept carried out in Q1 ‘25, SEALCOIN is working to identify partners to perform other approval concept and further demonstrate its readiness for industrialization of its TIoT solution. Fifth, the offering on Quantum-as-a-Service in 2025, WISeKey advanced its commitment to quantum computer by investing in ColibriTD, a pioneering quantum technology, French company, aiming to integrate Colibri, Quantum-as-a-Service platform into the SEALSQ quantum roadmap and quantum platform. These initiatives and a step we took to scale up our global footprint the key partnership with renown distributors and sales representative. It is crucial to create market presence, have a strengthened WISeKey market position and are expected to fuel our growth by leveraging each partner expertise and established networks. So, this concludes our prepared remarks. I would like now to give the floor to John for his presentation. Thank you very much for your attention.
John O’Hara: Thank you, Carlos. As Carlos mentioned earlier, 2024 results demonstrated WISeKey’s resilience during a transitional year. For the full year 2024, we reported revenue of $11.9 million, which was down from $30.1 million in financial year ‘23. And this, as expected, reflected 2024 being a transitional year with semiconductor customers gradually shifting to our next-generation quantum resistant solutions and therefore, delaying building their inventory until the release alongside the impact of the excess inventory accumulation by customers in 2023. We ended the year with a cash balance in excess of $90 million and also had a much cleaner balance sheet with significantly reduced convertible debt and warrants overhanging as well as traditional -- significantly less traditional debt. This strong cash position will help us continue investing in growth opportunities, both organic and through mergers and acquisitions. During the year, we invested $7 million in research and development for the development of new projects and technologies, including SEALSQ’s post-quantum chip, SEALCOIN and our WISeSat next-generation satellites. On that note, the first engineering samples of our new quantum resistant secure microcontroller delivered in Q4 in 2024 in line with our semiconductors research and development plan initiated in 2022. We are on target to make our QVault-TPM, the next generation of secure microcontrollers built by SEALSQ on our new secure WISeKey available on the market in Q4 2025 with the first revenues expected to be generated in 2026. Our $115 million pipeline of secured and pending business opportunities over the period from 2026 to 2028 as of April 15, 2025, demonstrates, we believe the market interest in our new products. Reinforcing Carlos’ message, our strong cash position, investments in high-growth areas, such as post-quantum cybersecurity, next-generation semiconductors, satellite infrastructure and blockchain-based ecosystems our robust pipeline of secured and pending business opportunities, which exceed $115 million period from 2026 to 2028, potential merger and acquisitions and the growing public sector and defense partnerships have put us in a very strong position to grow our revenues and improve our bottom line in 2025 and beyond. We look forward to report our progress in the coming months. This concludes our prepared remarks. I would now like to open the line to Q&A.