Lightspeed Announces the Return of Dax Dasilva as CEO

Rhea-AI Summary

Lightspeed Commerce Inc. reappoints Founder Dax Dasilva as interim CEO, replacing JP Chauvet. Dasilva aims to prioritize profitability and operational efficiencies to drive shareholder value. The company reported strong third-quarter 2024 financial results, with revenue growth of 27% year-over-year.

Positive

• Founder Dax Dasilva appointed as interim CEO, replacing JP Chauvet.
• Dasilva plans to focus on profitability and operational efficiencies.
• Lightspeed reported total revenue of $239.7 million in the third quarter, a 27% increase year-over-year.
• Improved Net loss and Adjusted EBITDA figures of ($40.2) million and $3.6 million respectively.
• Dasilva's vision includes fostering growth and delivering ongoing value to shareholders.

Negative

• None.

Market Research Analyst

The reappointment of a company's founder to the CEO position can be a significant event for investors and market observers. In the case of Lightspeed Commerce Inc., the return of Dax Dasilva as interim CEO is a strategic move that could signal a shift in company direction. From a market research perspective, this change could be interpreted as a move towards strengthening the core vision and operational efficiency of the company. It is not uncommon for founders to re-take the helm to recalibrate the business strategy, especially when aiming to enhance profitability and shareholder value.

Investors often view the return of a founder positively, as it may imply a recommitment to the company's original values and business model. However, it's important to assess how this leadership change aligns with the company's recent performance, including the reported 27% year-over-year revenue growth and improvements in net loss and Adjusted EBITDA. These financial metrics suggest that Lightspeed is on an upward trajectory and the founder's return could further this momentum.

Financial Analyst

Analyzing the financial implications of such leadership changes involves looking at both short-term and long-term effects. In the short term, the market may react to Dasilva's reappointment with optimism, reflecting confidence in his ability to steer the company towards its growth and profitability goals. The recent financial results, surpassing established outlooks, support a narrative of a strong and improving financial position, which could be further bolstered by the founder's operational expertise and intimate knowledge of the company.

In the long term, Dasilva's vision for cultivating a business model focused on growth and profitability will be crucial. It will be important to monitor how operational efficiencies are unlocked and how these translate into financial results. The emphasis on profitability is particularly noteworthy, as it indicates a potential shift from top-line growth to bottom-line results, which could affect the company's valuation and investment appeal.

Corporate Strategy Expert

Leadership transitions can be pivotal moments for companies, especially when they involve the reappointment of a founder. Dax Dasilva's return as interim CEO of Lightspeed may reflect a strategic decision by the board to leverage his deep understanding of the company's culture, market and technology. This move could be aimed at accelerating strategic initiatives that are critical to Lightspeed's long-term success.

Given Dasilva's historical role and his recent statement regarding a clear vision for the company, stakeholders can expect to see efforts to foster growth while prioritizing profitability. This dual focus is essential in the current business environment where investors are increasingly looking for sustainable business models. The challenge will be in executing this vision without disrupting the momentum gained from the positive financial results of the last quarter.

Lightspeed Founder Reappointed to CEO Role, Replacing JP Chauvet

MONTREAL, Feb. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Lightspeed Commerce Inc. (NYSE: LSPD) (TSX: LSPD) announced today the reappointment of Founder Dax Dasilva as interim CEO. Dasilva most recently served as Lightspeed's Executive Chair, and previous to this, served as the Company's CEO from its inception in 2005 until February 2022. This appointment by Lightspeed's Board, effective immediately, comes as JP Chauvet is stepping down. "I thank JP for his contributions, service and leadership at Lightspeed over the past eleven years," said Dasilva.

"I founded this company, and am delighted to be named interim CEO to lead this next stage of profitable growth," Dasilva continued. "The achievements of our last quarter serve as a testament to our potential, and we must continue to build upon this momentum. My vision is clear: cultivate a business model that fosters growth, prioritizes profitability and unlocks operational efficiencies to deliver ongoing value to our shareholders."

Dasilva rejoins Lightspeed in the interim CEO role after the Company announced its third-quarter 2024 financial results last Thursday, February 8, 2024. Results for the quarter included total revenue of $239.7 million, which grew 27% year-over-year, and improved Net loss and Adjusted EBITDA¹ ($40.2) million and $3.6 million respectively,  surpassing previously established outlooks.

"On behalf of the Board, we welcome back Dax Dasilva as Lightspeed's interim CEO," said Patrick Pichette, Lead Independent Director of the Board. "His exceptional track record as the founder of this company speaks volumes about his visionary leadership and dedication to success over the years. Under his guidance, we have witnessed remarkable growth and innovation, propelling Lightspeed to the category leader it is today. I am confident that he will continue to steer Lightspeed towards new heights of success."

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1 Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized measure under IFRS and does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and is therefore not necessarily comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The IFRS measure most directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA presented in Lightspeed's financial statements is net loss. The information contained under the heading "Non-IFRS Measures and Ratios and Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures and Ratios" in the MD&A for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, which is available on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, is incorporated by reference herein.

Leadership Changes

Along with Dasilva's appointment as interim CEO, Lightspeed announced several changes to the leadership team and the Board. John Shapiro, SVP of Retail Technology has been promoted to Chief Product and Technology Officer, replacing Ryan Tabone who will be departing the Company in April 2024. In addition, Patrick Pichette, currently the company's Lead Independent Director, will move into the role of interim Chair of the Board. These leadership changes are a reflection  of the Company's ongoing succession planning.

About Lightspeed

Powering the businesses that are the backbone of the global economy, Lightspeed's one-stop commerce platform helps merchants innovate to simplify, scale and provide exceptional customer experiences. Our cloud commerce solution transforms and unifies online and physical operations, multichannel sales, expansion to new locations, global payments, financial solutions and connection to supplier networks.

Founded in Montréal, Canada in 2005, Lightspeed is dual-listed on the New York Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange (NYSE: LSPD) (TSX: LSPD). With teams across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific, the company serves retail, hospitality and golf businesses in over 100 countries.

For more information, see www.lightspeedhq.com.

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Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may include forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements"), including information regarding Lightspeed's leadership team, product offerings and profitability. Forward-looking statements are statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions and are identified by words such as "will", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates" or similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Such statements are based on current expectations of Lightspeed's management and inherently involve numerous risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, including economic factors. A number of risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, including, among other factors, those risk factors identified in our most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, under "Risk Factors" in our most recent Annual Information Form, and in our other filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, all of which are available under our profiles on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned to consider these and other factors carefully when making decisions with respect to Lightspeed's subordinate voting shares and not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are not guarantees of future performance and, while forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions that Lightspeed considers reasonable, actual events and results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements made by Lightspeed. Except as may be expressly required by applicable law, Lightspeed does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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SOURCE Lightspeed Commerce Inc.

Who has been reappointed as interim CEO of Lightspeed Commerce Inc.?

Dax Dasilva has been reappointed as the interim CEO of Lightspeed Commerce Inc.

What were Lightspeed's total revenue and revenue growth in the third quarter of 2024?

Lightspeed reported total revenue of $239.7 million in the third quarter of 2024, with a revenue growth of 27% year-over-year.

What are some key focus areas of Dax Dasilva as the interim CEO of Lightspeed Commerce Inc.?

Dax Dasilva aims to prioritize profitability, operational efficiencies, and delivering ongoing value to shareholders as the interim CEO of Lightspeed Commerce Inc.

When did Lightspeed announce the reappointment of Dax Dasilva as interim CEO?

Lightspeed announced the reappointment of Dax Dasilva as interim CEO after reporting its third-quarter 2024 financial results on February 8, 2024.

What were the Net loss and Adjusted EBITDA figures reported by Lightspeed in the third quarter of 2024?

Lightspeed reported an improved Net loss of ($40.2) million and Adjusted EBITDA of $3.6 million in the third quarter of 2024.