Rekor Systems (REKR) slashes Adjusted EBITDA loss as margins climb in Q2 2026
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Rekor Systems, Inc. reported second-quarter 2026 results showing modest revenue growth but a sharp improvement in profitability metrics. Revenue for the quarter was $12.7 million, up about 23% sequentially and 2% year over year, with no large, non-recurring software deals, and driven by expanding recurring revenue. Recurring revenue grew 14% in the quarter and 21% for the first half, reaching $6.7 million and $13.3 million, respectively.
Adjusted gross margin increased to 56.2% from 49.5% a year earlier as higher-margin software and recurring revenue became a larger share of the mix. Operating performance improved significantly: income from operations was $0.2 million versus a loss of $7.7 million in the prior-year quarter, helped by a $2.8 million one-time gain on lease remeasurement and lower operating expenses. Adjusted EBITDA loss narrowed to $1.2 million from $5.8 million, a 79% improvement, and first-half Adjusted EBITDA loss improved to $7.7 million from $13.1 million. The company reduced headcount by 20% in the first half and cut operating costs, which, together with tighter working capital management, reduced operating cash burn to $2.4 million in the quarter. Management reiterates its goal of achieving Adjusted EBITDA profitability in the second half of 2026 and is evaluating refinancing options for its Prime Revenue Sharing Notes.
Positive
- Second-quarter revenue rose to $12.7 million, up 23% sequentially and 6% for the first half year over year, indicating continued top-line growth.
- Recurring revenue grew 14% in Q2 and 21% in the first half, reaching $6.7 million and $13.3 million, increasing revenue visibility and quality.
- Adjusted gross margin expanded to 56.2% from 49.5% in the prior-year quarter, reflecting a higher mix of software and recurring revenue.
- Adjusting for non-GAAP items, Adjusted EBITDA loss improved 79% year over year in Q2 to a loss of $1.2 million, showing substantial progress toward breakeven.
- Income (loss) from operations swung from a $7.7 million loss to $0.2 million income in Q2, supported by cost reductions and efficiency measures.
- For the six months ended June 30, 2026, cash used in operating activities improved by $9.6 million, or 61%, indicating better cash efficiency.
- Management reaffirms its plan to reach Adjusted EBITDA profitability in the second half of 2026, supported by lower operating expenses and margin expansion.
Negative
- The company remains unprofitable, with a net loss of $9.9 million for the first half of 2026 despite operational improvements.
- Cash and cash equivalents declined to $9.8 million at June 30, 2026 from $16.6 million at December 31, 2025, reflecting ongoing cash burn.
- Total stockholders’ equity decreased to $34.1 million from $42.9 million over six months, indicating continued accumulated losses.
- The balance sheet carries $14.9 million of Series A Prime Revenue Sharing Notes (including related party), and the company is evaluating refinancing options, highlighting ongoing leverage.
- Q2 results benefited from a $2.8 million one-time gain on lease remeasurement, so some of the improvement in reported operating income is non-recurring.
Filing Explained
June 30 cash of $9,766 thousand was below $29,684 thousand of current liabilities, including $9,934 thousand and $4,967 thousand of Prime notes.
This Form 8-K furnishes Rekor’s completed second-quarter 2026 results; the attached balance sheet reports
The press release rounds ending cash to
Current liabilities include Series A Prime Revenue Sharing Notes of
The filing also reports
Compared with
8-K Event Classification
Key Figures
Key Terms
Adjusted Gross Margin financial
Adjusted EBITDA financial
Prime Revenue Sharing Notes financial
right-of-use operating lease assets financial
Contract liabilities financial
Earnings Snapshot
Management reaffirms its path to Adjusted EBITDA profitability in the second half of 2026.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
FAQ
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Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
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Exhibit
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99.1 | Press Release of Rekor Systems, Inc. dated August 13, 2026. |
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104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded with the Inline XBRL document). |
REKOR SYSTEMS, INC. |
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Date: August 13, 2026 | /s/ Joseph Nalepa |
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Name: Joseph Nalepa Title: Chief Financial Officer |
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Exhibit 99.1
REKOR SYSTEMS REPORTS SECOND QUARTER 2026 FINANCIAL RESULTS
Revenue Grew 23% Sequentially to $12.7 Million, Adjusted Gross Margin Reached 56%, and Adjusted EBITDA Loss Narrowed 79% Year Over Year as the Company Reaffirms Its Path to Adjusted EBITDA Profitability in the Second Half of 2026
COLUMBIA, MD – August 13, 2026 – Rekor Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: REKR) ("Rekor" or the "Company"), which builds trusted data, privacy, and security solutions for real-world video and sensor networks, reported financial and operational results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026.
Second Quarter 2026 Highlights
| • | Revenue of $12.7 million, up 23% sequentially and 2% year over year. |
| • | Recurring revenue increased 14% year over year to $6.7 million in Q2 and 21% to $13.3 million for the first six months of 2026. |
| • | Adjusted gross margin of 56%, up from 50% in Q2 2025. |
| • | Adjusted EBITDA loss of $1.2 million, a 79% improvement from Q2 2025. |
| • | Cash used in operating activities improved 61% year over year for the first six months of 2026. |
| • | Headcount decreased by 20% in the first half of 2026. |
| • | Outlook: Adjusted EBITDA profitability expected during the second half of 2026. |
| • | Product: Launched Go-Secure.Video and the Rekor Scout Axis Agent integration during the quarter. |
What Drove the Quarter
Rekor reduced headcount by 20% during the first half of 2026 and realigned its engineering operations. Management has identified further efficiencies, unrelated to workforce which are expected to produce several million dollars of additional annualized savings.
Second quarter revenue rose to $12.7 million, up 23% from the first quarter and 2% in the prior-year period. The increase did not include any large, non-recurring software transactions. It reflects the ongoing economics of the business as it is structured today and meaningful growth in the Company’s recurring revenue base.
Adjusted gross margin improved to 56% from 50% in the second quarter of 2025. Higher-margin software and recurring revenue made up a larger share of total revenue, and greater deployment volume allowed the Company to operate more efficiently.
Adjusted EBITDA loss narrowed to $1.2 million, a 79% improvement over the second quarter of 2025. Lower payroll and payroll-related costs, together with revenue growth and improved gross margin, drove the Adjusted EBITDA improvement. Tighter working capital management also contributed to the improvement in operating cash consumption.
"The second quarter highlights the financial impact of the operating changes we implemented during the first half of the year." said Joseph Nalepa, Chief Financial Officer, Rekor. "During the second quarter of 2026, Adjusted EBITDA loss improved by $4.6 million to a loss of $1.2 million. At the same time, recurring revenue continued to grow and we materially reduced our operating expense base. Taken together, these results demonstrate the operating leverage we believe exists in the business as we continue our progress toward Adjusted EBITDA profitability."
Cash Position and Outlook:
The Company ended the second quarter of 2026 with $10.0 million in cash. Operating cash burn for the quarter was $2.4 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2026, cash used in operating activities improved by $9.6 million, or 61%, compared with the prior-year period. The improvement reflects the Company’s lower operating expense base, improved gross profit and continued focus on working capital management. Management believes the reduction in cash consumption provides further evidence that the operational changes implemented during the first half of the year are translating into improved financial performance as the Company progresses toward Adjusted EBITDA profitability.
The Company is also evaluating options to refinance its existing Prime Revenue Sharing Notes. The refinancing has been supported by increases in the size of Rekor's contract portfolio and improvements in operations.
Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2026 Financial Results
This section highlights the changes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026, compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2025.
Revenues and Cost of Revenue, excluding Depreciation and Amortization
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
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| | 2026 | | | 2025 | | | 2026 | | | 2025 | |
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| | (Dollars in thousands, except percentages) | | | (Dollars in thousands, except percentages) | |
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Revenue | | $ | 12,662 | | | $ | 12,359 | | | $ | 22,925 | | | $ | 21,557 | |
Cost of revenue, excluding depreciation and amortization | | | 5,551 | | | | 6,245 | | | | 10,430 | | | | 11,006 | |
Adjusted Gross Profit | | $ | 7,111 | | | $ | 6,114 | | | $ | 12,495 | | | $ | 10,551 | |
Adjusted Gross Margin | | | 56.2 | % | | | 49.5 | % | | | 54.5 | % | | | 48.9 | % |
Second-quarter revenue increased to $12.7 million, up about 2% from $12.4 million. First-half revenue rose to $22.9 million, up about 6% year over year. Importantly, recurring revenue increased 14% in the quarter and 21% for the first six months, reaching $6.7 million and $13.3 million, respectively.
Adjusted gross profit increased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026, while adjusted gross margin expanded from 50% to 56% for the three months ended June 30, 2026. For the first half, adjusted gross margin rose from 49% to 55%.
This improvement reflects the benefits of revenue growth and product mix, as Adjusted Gross Margin is generally influenced by the proportion of higher-margin software sales relative to service-related work.
Adjusted Gross Margin is a non-GAAP financial measure calculated as Adjusted Gross Profit divided by revenue and should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, GAAP financial measures.
Gain (Loss) from Operations
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | | Change | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | | | Change | |
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(Dollars in thousands) | | 2026 | | | 2025 | | | $ | | | % | | | 2026 | | | 2025 | | | $ | | | % | |
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Income (loss) from operations | | $ | 222 | | | $ | (7,735 | ) | | $ | 7,957 | | | | 103 | % | | $ | (8,595 | ) | | $ | (17,874 | ) | | $ | 9,279 | | | | 52 | % |
The Company’s operating performance improved meaningfully during the second quarter, reflecting revenue growth, higher Adjusted Gross Profit and the impact of organizational efficiency measures implemented earlier in the year. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2026, combined general and administrative, selling and marketing, and research and development expenses decreased by $4.0 million and $4.3 million, respectively, compared with the prior-year periods.
The second quarter also included a one-time gain of $2.8 million related to the remeasurement of a lease liability. While this gain contributed to reported operating income for the quarter, the improvement in the Company’s underlying operating results also reflected the cost reductions and efficiency initiatives implemented during the first half of the year as it continues to progress toward breakeven.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
The Company calculates EBITDA as net loss before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. The Company calculates Adjusted EBITDA as net loss before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, adjusted for (i) impairment of intangible assets, (ii) loss on extinguishment of debt, (iii) stock-based compensation, (iv) losses or gains on sales of subsidiaries, and (v) other unusual or non-recurring items. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not measurements of financial performance or liquidity under accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP") and should not be considered as an alternative to net earnings or cash flow from operating activities as indicators of our operating performance or as a measure of liquidity or any other measures of performance derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are presented because we believe they are frequently used by securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties to evaluate a company’s ability to service and/or incur debt. However, other companies in our industry may calculate EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, GAAP measures.
The following table sets forth the components of the EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the periods included (dollars in thousands):
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
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| | 2026 | | | 2025 | | | 2026 | | | 2025 | |
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Net loss | | $ | (551 | ) | | $ | (8,658 | ) | | $ | (9,912 | ) | | $ | (19,532 | ) |
Interest, net | | | 517 | | | | 586 | | | | 1,010 | | | | 1,176 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 1,372 | | | | 1,561 | | | | 2,833 | | | | 3,117 | |
EBITDA | | | 1,338 | | | | (6,511 | ) | | | (6,069 | ) | | | (15,239 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Share-based compensation | | | 212 | | | | 723 | | | | 1,134 | | | | 2,093 | |
Gain on lease remeasurement, net | | | (2,753 | ) | | | - | | | | (2,753 | ) | | | - | |
Adjusted EBITDA | | $ | (1,203 | ) | | $ | (5,788 | ) | | $ | (7,688 | ) | | $ | (13,146 | ) |
The Company will host its earnings conference call today at 4:30 p.m. ET.
Conference Call Information
Rekor will host its earnings conference call today at 4:30 p.m. ET.
North America Dial-In: 877-407-8037 / +1 201-689-8037
Webcast: Click here to access the live webcast
Replay Information
Replay Dial-In: 877-660-6853 / 201-612-7415
Access ID: 13762046
Replay Duration: Two weeks
About Rekor Systems, Inc.
Rekor Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: REKR) builds trusted data, privacy, and security solutions for real-world video and sensor networks. Rekor's AI-powered roadway intelligence platforms are deployed across the United States, delivering real-time data and actionable insights to transportation agencies, law enforcement, and commercial operators.
For more information, visit Rekor.ai; for Go-Secure.Video, visit go-secure.video.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release and its links and attachments contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning Rekor Systems, Inc. that involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including particularly statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy, prospective products and services, timing and likelihood of success, plans and objectives of management for future operations and future results of current and anticipated products and services. These statements involve uncertainties, such as known and unknown risks, and are dependent on other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the future results, performance or achievements we express or imply. For this purpose, any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may,"
"will," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "could," "intend," "target," "project," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," or "continue," or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions described under the sections in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 entitled "Risk Factors" and in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made in this Press Release and in other documents we file from time to time with the SEC that disclose risks and uncertainties that may affect our business. The forward-looking statements in this Press Release do not reflect the potential impact of any divestiture, merger, acquisition, or other business combination that had not been completed as of the date of this filing. Because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified and some of which are beyond our control, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the risks discussed in our SEC filings. This cautionary statement also applies to any forward-looking statements made during the conference call referenced herein. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events, or otherwise.
Company Contact
Joseph Nalepa, Chief Financial Officer
Phone: +1 (410) 762-0800
jnalepa@rekor.ai
Charles Degliomini, Media & Investor Relations
ir@rekor.ai
REKOR SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
| | June 30, 2026 | | | December 31, 2025 | |
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| | (Unaudited) | | | | | |
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ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Current assets | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 9,766 | | | $ | 16,566 | |
Restricted cash | | | 275 | | | | 297 | |
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $580 and $519, respectively | | | 8,157 | | | | 8,770 | |
Inventory | | | 2,770 | | | | 3,072 | |
Note receivable, current portion |
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| - |
|
|
| 198 |
|
Other current assets |
|
| 2,118 |
|
|
| 1,185 |
|
Total current assets | | | 23,086 | | | | 30,728 | |
Long-term assets | | | | | | | | |
Property and equipment, net | | | 7,397 | | | | 8,632 | |
Right-of-use operating lease assets, net | | | 4,476 | | | | 4,716 | |
Right-of-use financing lease assets, net | | | 1,029 | | | | 1,634 | |
Goodwill | | | 24,313 | | | | 24,313 | |
Intangible assets, net | | | 12,650 | | | | 13,250 | |
Deposits | | | 1,379 | | | | 2,114 | |
Total long-term assets | | | 51,244 | | | | 54,659 | |
Total assets | | $ | 74,330 | | | $ | 85,387 | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | | $ | 4,980 | | | $ | 4,362 | |
Series A Prime Revenue Sharing Notes, net of debt discount of $66 and $131, respectively | | | 9,934 | | | | 9,869 | |
Series A Prime Revenue Sharing Notes - related party, net of debt discount of $33 and $66, respectively | | | 4,967 | | | | 4,934 | |
Loan payable, current portion | | | 80 | | | | 83 | |
Lease liability operating, short-term | | | 2,320 | | | | 2,720 | |
Lease liability financing, short-term | | | 528 | | | | 787 | |
Contract liabilities | | | 5,021 | | | | 4,604 | |
Other current liabilities | | | 1,854 | | | | 1,729 | |
Total current liabilities | | | 29,684 | | | | 29,088 | |
Long-term Liabilities | | | | | | | | |
Loan payable, long-term | | | 68 | | | | 112 | |
Lease liability operating, long-term | | | 8,225 | | | | 10,570 | |
Lease liability financing, long-term | | | 423 | | | | 665 | |
Contract liabilities, long-term | | | 1,121 | | | | 1,402 | |
Deferred tax liability | | | 93 | | | | 93 | |
Other non-current liabilities |
|
| 587 |
|
|
| 587 |
|
Total long-term liabilities | | | 10,517 | | | | 13,429 | |
Total liabilities | | | 40,201 | | | | 42,517 | |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7) | | | | | | | | |
Stockholders' equity | | | | | | | | |
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 2,000,000 authorized, 505,000 shares designated as Series A and 240,861 shares designated as Series B as of June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025. No preferred stock was issued or outstanding as of June 30, 2026 or December 31, 2025. | | | - | | | | - | |
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 137,952,934 and 136,791,826 shares issued as of June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively; 137,636,495 and 136,477,697 shares outstanding as of June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively | | | 13 | | | | 13 | |
Treasury stock, 316,439 and 314,129 shares as of June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively | | | (902 | ) | | | (900 | ) |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 336,483 | | | | 335,310 | |
Accumulated deficit | | | (301,465 | ) | | | (291,553 | ) |
Total stockholders’ equity | | | 34,129 | | | | 42,870 | |
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | | $ | 74,330 | | | $ | 85,387 | |
REKOR SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
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| | 2026 | | | 2025 | | | 2026 | | | 2025 | |
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Revenue | | $ | 12,662 | | | $ | 12,359 | | | $ | 22,925 | | | $ | 21,557 | |
Cost of revenue, excluding depreciation and amortization | | | 5,551 | | | | 6,245 | | | | 10,430 | | | | 11,006 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General and administrative expenses | | | 5,149 | | | | 6,936 | | | | 13,488 | | | | 14,222 | |
Selling and marketing expenses | | | 686 | | | | 1,700 | | | | 1,601 | | | | 3,457 | |
Research and development expenses | | | 2,435 | | | | 3,652 | | | | 5,921 | | | | 7,629 | |
Gain on lease remeasurement, net | | | (2,753 | ) | | | - | | | | (2,753 | ) | | | - | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 1,372 | | | | 1,561 | | | | 2,833 | | | | 3,117 | |
Total operating expenses | | | 6,889 | | | | 13,849 | | | | 21,090 | | | | 28,425 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) from operations | | | 222 | | | | (7,735 | ) | | | (8,595 | ) | | | (17,874 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other income (expense): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense, net | | | (517 | ) | | | (586 | ) | | | (1,010 | ) | | | (1,176 | ) |
Loss on remeasurement of ATD Holdback Shares | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (120 | ) |
Other expense | | | (256 | ) | | | (337 | ) | | | (307 | ) | | | (362 | ) |
Total other (expense) income, net | | | (773 | ) | | | (923 | ) | | | (1,317 | ) | | | (1,658 | ) |
Net loss | | $ | (551 | ) | | $ | (8,658 | ) | | $ | (9,912 | ) | | $ | (19,532 | ) |
Loss per common share | | $ | (0.00 | ) | | $ | (0.07 | ) | | $ | (0.07 | ) | | $ | (0.17 | ) |
Weighted average shares outstanding | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted | | | 137,612,028 | | | | 117,435,953 | | | | 137,140,972 | | | | 112,459,949 | |