Research Solutions Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025 Results
Reports 36% YoY Platform Revenue Increase, ARR of
Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2025 Summary (compared to prior-year quarter)
- Platform revenue up 21% to $5.2 million. Annual Recurring Revenue ("ARR") up 20% to $20.9 million, which includes approximately
$14.2 million of B2B recurring revenue and$6.7 million of B2C recurring revenue. - Total revenue of
$12.4 million , a 3% increase. - Gross profit up 12%. Total gross margin improved 450 basis points to 51%, crossing 50% on a blended basis for the first time in the Company's history.
- Net income of
$2.4 million , or$0.07 per diluted share, compared to net loss of$2.8 million or ($0.09 ) per share. This quarter's result includes a$1.1 million favorable adjustment related to the final earnout adjustment for Scite. Last year's result included a negative adjustment charge in other expense of approximately$4.3 million related to the projected earnout for Scite. - Adjusted EBITDA increased 15% to a Company record of
$1.6 million . - Cash flow from operations of
$2.3 million , compared to$2.0 million .
Fiscal Year 2025 Summary (compared to Fiscal 2024)
- Platform revenue up 36% to $19.0 million.
- Total revenue of
$49.1 million , a 10% increase. - Gross profit up 23%. Total gross margin improved 530 basis points to 49.3%.
- Net income of
$1.3 million , or$0.04 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of$3.8 million , or ($0.13 ) per share. This year's result includes$1.7 million of net other expense related to the Scite earn-out compared to$5.1 million of net other expense related to the Scite earnout in fiscal 2024. - Adjusted EBITDA of
$5.3 million , a Company record, compared to$2.2 million . - Cash flow from operations of
$7.0 million , a Company record, compared to$3.6 million . The Company ended the fiscal year with$12.2 million in cash and cash equivalents.
"Fiscal 2025 reflects a year of significant progress in our ongoing SaaS software and AI solution set transition, with our platform revenue now representing nearly 40% of total revenue for the year compared to 31% in fiscal 2024. As expected, this strategic shift and continued focus on recurring revenue has also translated into meaningful increases in gross margin, Adjusted EBITDA and operating cash flow," said
Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2025 Results
Total revenue was
Platform subscription revenue for the quarter was
Transaction revenue was
Total gross margin improved 450 basis points from the prior-year quarter to 51.0%. The increase was primarily driven by the continued revenue mix shift to the higher-margin Platforms business, including the expansion of the gross margin for that business.
Total operating expenses were
Other income for the quarter was approximately
Net income in the fourth quarter was
Full-Year Fiscal 2025 Results
Total revenue was
Platform subscription revenue for fiscal 2025 was
Transaction revenue was
Total gross margin improved 530 basis points from the prior-year to 49.3%. The increase was primarily driven by the continued revenue mix shift to the higher-margin Platforms business.
Total operating expenses for the year were
Net income for fiscal 2025 was
Conference Call
Research Solutions President and CEO
Date:
Time:
Dial-in number: 1-203-518-9783
Conference ID: RESEARCH
The conference call will be broadcast live and available for replay until
Fiscal Fourth Quarter Financial and Operational Summary Tables vs.
Quarter Ended | Twelve Months Ended | |||||||||
2025 | 2024 | Change | % Change | 2025 | 2024 | Change | % Change | |||
Revenue: | ||||||||||
Platforms | $ 5,184,864 | $ 4,277,338 | $ 907,526 | 21.2 % | $ 18,955,695 | $ 13,956,517 | $ 4,999,178 | 35.8 % | ||
Transactions | $ 7,253,053 | $ 7,856,176 | (603,123) | -7.7 % | $ 30,102,286 | $ 30,667,382 | (565,096) | -1.8 % | ||
Total Revenue | 12,437,917 | 12,133,514 | 304,403 | 2.5 % | 49,057,981 | 44,623,899 | 4,434,082 | 9.9 % | ||
Gross Profit: | ||||||||||
Platforms | 4,590,639 | 3,650,286 | 940,353 | 25.8 % | 16,584,155 | 11,889,314 | 4,694,841 | 39.5 % | ||
Transactions | 1,751,263 | 1,992,580 | (241,317) | -12.1 % | 7,611,796 | 7,750,852 | (139,056) | -1.8 % | ||
Total Gross Profit | 6,341,902 | 5,642,866 | 699,036 | 12.4 % | 24,195,951 | 19,640,166 | 4,555,785 | 23.2 % | ||
Gross profit as a % of revenue: | ||||||||||
Platforms | 88.5 % | 85.3 % | 3.2 % | 87.5 % | 85.2 % | 2.3 % | ||||
Transactions | 24.1 % | 25.4 % | -1.2 % | 25.3 % | 25.3 % | 0.0 % | ||||
Total Gross Profit | 51.0 % | 46.5 % | 4.5 % | 49.3 % | 44.0 % | 5.3 % | ||||
Operating Expenses: | ||||||||||
Sales and marketing | 1,219,184 | 830,195 | 388,989 | 46.9 % | 5,360,356 | 3,442,503 | 1,917,853 | 55.7 % | ||
Technology and product development | 1,356,801 | 1,489,491 | (132,690) | -8.9 % | 5,631,344 | 5,442,382 | 188,962 | 3.5 % | ||
General and administrative | 2,152,855 | 1,917,907 | 234,948 | 12.3 % | 7,936,644 | 8,511,697 | (575,053) | -6.8 % | ||
Depreciation and amortization | 315,021 | 311,004 | 4,017 | 1.3 % | 1,245,362 | 836,271 | 409,091 | 48.9 % | ||
Stock-based compensation | 176,611 | 426,190 | (249,579) | -58.6 % | 1,723,561 | 2,155,461 | (431,900) | -20.0 % | ||
Foreign currency translation loss (gain) | (83,322) | 6,336 | (89,658) | NM | (202,527) | 21,395 | (223,922) | NM | ||
Total Operating Expenses | 5,137,150 | 4,981,123 | 156,027 | 3.1 % | 21,694,740 | 20,409,709 | 1,285,031 | 6.3 % | ||
Income (loss) from operations | 1,204,752 | 661,743 | 543,009 | 82.1 % | 2,501,211 | (769,543) | 3,270,754 | NM | ||
Other Income (Expenses): | ||||||||||
Other income (expenses) | 1,163,557 | (3,451,948) | 4,615,505 | NM | (1,152,847) | (2,903,983) | 1,751,136 | NM | ||
Provision for income taxes | (7,995) | (31,022) | 23,027 | -74.2 % | (82,811) | (113,071) | 30,260 | -26.8 % | ||
Total Other Income (Expenses): | 1,155,562 | (3,482,970) | 4,638,532 | NM | (1,235,658) | (3,017,054) | 1,781,396 | NM | ||
Net income (loss) | $ 2,360,314 | $ (2,821,227) | 5,181,541 | NM | $ 1,265,553 | $ (3,786,597) | 5,052,150 | NM | ||
NM | ||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ 1,613,062 | $ 1,405,273 | $ 207,789 | 14.8 % | $ 5,267,607 | $ 2,243,584 | $ 3,024,023 | 134.8 % | ||
Quarter Ended | Twelve Months Ended | |||||||||
2025 | 2024 | Change | % Change | 2025 | 2024 | Change | % Change | |||
| Platforms: | ||||||||||
B2B ARR (Annual recurring revenue*): | ||||||||||
Beginning of Period | $ 13,474,074 | $ 11,653,062 | $ 1,821,012 | 15.6 % | $ 12,060,201 | $ 9,444,129 | $ 2,616,072 | 27.7 % | ||
Incremental ARR | 723,524 | 407,139 | 316,385 | 77.7 % | 2,137,397 | 2,616,072 | (478,675) | -18.3 % | ||
End of Period | $ 14,197,598 | $ 12,060,201 | $ 2,137,397 | 17.7 % | $ 14,197,598 | $ 12,060,201 | $ 2,137,397 | 17.7 % | ||
Deployments: | ||||||||||
Beginning of Period | 1,133 | 983 | 150 | 15.3 % | 1,021 | 835 | 186 | 22.3 % | ||
Incremental Deployments | 38 | 38 | - | 0.0 % | 150 | 186 | (36) | -19.4 % | ||
End of Period | 1,171 | 1,021 | 150 | 14.7 % | 1,171 | 1,021 | 150 | 14.7 % | ||
ASP (Average sales price): | ||||||||||
Beginning of Period | $ 11,892 | $ 11,855 | $ 38 | 0.3 % | $ 11,812 | $ 11,310 | $ 502 | 4.4 % | ||
End of Period | $ 12,124 | $ 11,812 | $ 312 | 2.6 % | $ 12,124 | $ 11,812 | $ 312 | 2.6 % | ||
B2C ARR (Annual recurring revenue*): | ||||||||||
Beginning of Period | $ 6,877,926 | $ 4,902,975 | $ 1,974,951 | NM | $ 5,363,129 | $ - | $ 5,363,129 | NM | ||
Incremental ARR | (156,570) | 460,154 | (616,724) | NM | 1,358,227 | 5,363,129 | (4,004,902) | NM | ||
End of Period | $ 6,721,356 | $ 5,363,129 | $ 1,358,227 | 25.3 % | $ 6,721,356 | $ 5,363,129 | $ 1,358,227 | 25.3 % | ||
Total ARR (Annualized recurring revenue): | $ 20,918,954 | $ 17,423,330 | $ 3,495,624 | 20.1 % | $ 20,918,954 | $ 17,423,330 | $ 3,495,624 | 20.1 % | ||
| Transaction Customers: | ||||||||||
Corporate customers | 1,028 | 1,093 | (65) | -5.9 % | 1,053 | 1,088 | (35) | -3.2 % | ||
Academic customers | 310 | 305 | 5 | 1.6 % | 320 | 316 | 4 | 1.3 % | ||
Total customers | 1,338 | 1,398 | (60) | -4.3 % | 1,373 | 1,404 | (31) | -2.2 % | ||
Active Customer Accounts, Transactions and Annual Recurring Revenue
The Company defines active customer accounts as the sum of the total quantity of customers per month for each month in the period divided by the respective number of months in the period. The quantity of customers per month is defined as customers with at least one transaction during the month.
A transaction is an order for a unit of copyrighted content fulfilled or managed in the Platform.
The Company defines annual recurring revenue ("ARR") as the value of contracted Platform subscription recurring revenue normalized to a one-year period. For B2C ARR, this includes the annualized value of monthly subscriptions, meaning their monthly value multiplied by twelve.
Use of Non-GAAP Measure – Adjusted EBITDA
Research Solutions' management evaluates and makes operating decisions using various financial metrics. In addition to the Company's GAAP results, management also considers the non-GAAP measure of Adjusted EBITDA. Management believes that this non-GAAP measure provides useful information about the Company's operating results.
The tables below provide a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss), plus interest expense, other (income) expense, foreign currency transaction (gain) loss, provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, and other potential adjustments that may arise. Set forth below is a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss):
Quarter Ended | Twelve Months Ended | |||||||||
2025 | 2024 | Change | % Change | 2025 | 2024 | Change | % Change | |||
Net Income (loss) | $ 2,360,314 | $ (2,821,227) | $ 5,181,541 | NM | $ 1,265,553 | $ (3,786,597) | $ 5,052,150 | NM | ||
Add (deduct): | ||||||||||
Other (income) expense | (1,163,557) | 3,451,948 | (4,615,505) | NM | 1,152,847 | 2,903,983 | (1,751,136) | NM | ||
Foreign currency translation loss (gain) | (83,322) | 6,336 | (89,658) | NM | (202,527) | 21,395 | (223,922) | NM | ||
Provision for income taxes | 7,995 | 31,022 | (23,027) | -74.2 % | 82,811 | 113,071 | (30,260) | -26.8 % | ||
Depreciation and amortization | 315,021 | 311,004 | 4,017 | 1.3 % | 1,245,362 | 836,271 | 409,091 | 48.9 % | ||
Stock-based compensation | 176,611 | 426,190 | (249,579) | -58.6 % | 1,723,561 | 2,155,461 | (431,900) | -20.0 % | ||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ 1,613,062 | $ 1,405,273 | $ 207,789 | 14.8 % | $ 5,267,607 | $ 2,243,584 | $ 3,024,023 | 134.8 % | ||
About Research Solutions
Research Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: RSSS) is a vertical SaaS and AI Company that simplifies research workflow for academic institutions, life science companies, and research organizations worldwide. As one of the only publisher-independent marketplaces for scientific, technical, and medical (STM) content, the Company uniquely combines AI-powered tools—including an intelligent research assistant and full-text search capabilities—with seamless access to both open access and paywalled research. The platform enables organizations to discover, access, manage and analyze scientific literature more efficiently, accelerating the pace of scientific discovery. For more information and details, please visit www.researchsolutions.com.
Important Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may contain "forward-looking statements" regarding future events and our future results. All statements other than statements of historical facts are statements that could be deemed to be forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the markets in which we operate and the beliefs and assumptions of our management. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "targets," "goals," "projects", "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "endeavors," "strives," "may," or variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, estimate or verify. Therefore, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include those factors described in the Company's most recent annual report on Form 10-K, as such may be amended or supplemented by subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, or other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Examples of forward-looking statements in this release include statements regarding enhanced product offerings, additional customers, creating long-term value for shareholders and the Company's prospects for growth. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements. For more information, please refer to the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Research Solutions, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) | ||||||
2025 | 2024 | |||||
Assets | ||||||
Current assets: | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 12,227,312 | $ | 6,100,031 | ||
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of | 7,191,234 | 6,879,800 | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 580,257 | 643,553 | ||||
Prepaid royalties | 925 | 1,067,237 | ||||
Total current assets | 19,999,728 | 14,690,621 | ||||
Non-current assets: | ||||||
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of | 60,769 | 88,011 | ||||
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of | 9,686,241 | 10,764,261 | ||||
Goodwill | 16,372,979 | 16,315,888 | ||||
Deposits and other assets | 957 | 981 | ||||
Total assets | $ | 46,120,674 | $ | 41,859,762 | ||
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | ||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 7,443,757 | $ | 8,843,612 | ||
Deferred revenue | 10,702,120 | 9,023,848 | ||||
Contingent earnout liability, current portion | 7,363,152 | — | ||||
Total current liabilities | 25,509,029 | 17,867,460 | ||||
Non-current liabilities: | ||||||
Contingent earnout liability, long-term portion | 6,683,488 | 12,298,114 | ||||
Total liabilities | 32,192,517 | 30,165,574 | ||||
Commitments and contingencies | ||||||
Stockholders' equity: | ||||||
Preferred stock; | — | — | ||||
Common stock; | 32,480 | 32,295 | ||||
Additional paid-in capital | 39,059,557 | 38,089,958 | ||||
Accumulated deficit | (25,043,693) | (26,309,246) | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (120,187) | (118,819) | ||||
Total stockholders' equity | 13,928,157 | 11,694,188 | ||||
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 46,120,674 | $ | 41,859,762 | ||
Research Solutions, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)
| ||||||
Years Ended | ||||||
2025 | 2024 | |||||
Revenue: | ||||||
Platforms | $ | 18,955,695 | $ | 13,956,517 | ||
Transactions | 30,102,286 | 30,667,382 | ||||
Total revenue | 49,057,981 | 44,623,899 | ||||
Cost of revenue: | ||||||
Platforms | 2,371,540 | 2,067,203 | ||||
Transactions | 22,490,490 | 22,916,530 | ||||
Total cost of revenue | 24,862,030 | 24,983,733 | ||||
Gross profit | 24,195,951 | 19,640,166 | ||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 20,449,378 | 19,573,438 | ||||
Depreciation and amortization | 1,245,362 | 836,271 | ||||
Total operating expenses | 21,694,740 | 20,409,709 | ||||
Income (loss) from operations | 2,501,211 | (769,543) | ||||
Other income | 595,679 | 333,088 | ||||
Change in fair value of contingent earnout liability | (1,748,526) | (3,237,071) | ||||
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes | 1,348,364 | (3,673,526) | ||||
Provision for income taxes | (82,811) | (113,071) | ||||
Net income (loss) | 1,265,553 | (3,786,597) | ||||
Other comprehensive income (loss): | ||||||
Foreign currency translation | (1,368) | (595) | ||||
Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 1,264,185 | $ | (3,787,192) | ||
Basic income (loss) per common share: | ||||||
Net income (loss) per share | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.13) | ||
Weighted average common shares outstanding | 30,681,187 | 28,863,949 | ||||
Diluted income (loss) per common share: | ||||||
Net income (loss) per share | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.13) | ||
Weighted average common shares outstanding | 31,503,972 | 28,863,949 | ||||
Research Solutions, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) | ||||||
Years Ended | ||||||
2025 | 2024 | |||||
Cash flow from operating activities: | ||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 1,265,553 | $ | (3,786,597) | ||
Adjustment to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 1,245,362 | 836,271 | ||||
Stock options expense | 205,457 | 140,150 | ||||
Restricted common stock expense | 1,518,104 | 1,994,362 | ||||
Modification cost of accelerated vesting of restricted common stock | — | 20,949 | ||||
Adjustment to contingent earnout liability | 1,748,526 | 3,237,071 | ||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||
Accounts receivable | (341,434) | (344,020) | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 63,296 | (164,579) | ||||
Prepaid royalties | 1,066,312 | 135,441 | ||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | (1,426,282) | 560,027 | ||||
Deferred revenue | 1,678,272 | 921,879 | ||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 7,023,166 | 3,550,954 | ||||
Cash flow from investing activities: | ||||||
Purchase of property and equipment | (19,261) | (71,510) | ||||
Payment for acquisition of Resolute, net of cash acquired | — | (2,718,253) | ||||
Payment for acquisition of Scite, net of cash acquired | — | (7,305,493) | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (19,261) | (10,095,256) | ||||
Cash flow from financing activities: | ||||||
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options | 180,800 | — | ||||
Common stock repurchase | (934,577) | (554,202) | ||||
Payment of contingent acquisition consideration | (124,107) | (351,649) | ||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (877,884) | (905,851) | ||||
Effect of exchange rate changes | 1,260 | 4,851 | ||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 6,127,281 | (7,445,302) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 6,100,031 | 13,545,333 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 12,227,312 | $ | 6,100,031 | ||
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: | ||||||
Cash paid for income taxes | $ | 82,811 | $ | 113,071 | ||
Non-cash investing and financing activities: | ||||||
Contingent consideration accrual on asset acquisition | $ | 31,359 | $ | 32,022 | ||
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SOURCE Research Solutions, Inc.