Coda Octopus Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:CODA) Q4 2022 Earnings Call Transcript

Nathan Parker: Yes, we’re we are in the process of doing that right now. We’re going to be investing in short term securities for right now on just getting up to speed so that we can make additional interest with the rate movements that we’ve seen in interest rates. So that is our plan for the short term.

David Wright: Okay. Last question in the press release you talked about wanting to put some focus on investor relations this year? How do you see that actually manifesting itself?

Annmarie Gayle: Well, I think we’ve started that process by — we’ve got our first earnings call, which clearly, we’ll be doing a lot more conferences this year. And Jeff, maybe you can talk a little bit about our IR program. But we’re talking to investors more, we’re going on the road more. We’re trying to raise our profile. So, in the past, I mean, we’ve been focused inward. But now really, we are focused on GC, IR and brand building. So Jeff, can you talk a little bit more about our IR program, please?

Jeff Grampp: Sure. Hi, David. So as Annmarie said, I think there’s going to be a much more focus prospectively on investor engagement, conference attendance, engaging with various Wall Street investment banks that are interested in Coda from a potential research standpoint. And again, just making sure we’re having a much more concentrated effort on those on those points going forward.

David Wright: Okay, well, listen, good luck, and thanks very much for taking my questions.

Jeff Grampp: Thank you.

Annmarie Gayle: Thank you David. Thank you for asking.

Operator: Our final question, who is Walter with Wallace Partners. Please proceed with your question.

Unidentified Analyst: Thank you. Congratulations on a good quarter. I got a couple of questions for Nathan. In fiscal 2023, what do you estimate the income tax rate will be?

Nathan Parker: For fiscal 2023, we have used up all of our U.S. net operating, loss carry forward so we anticipate a similar tax rate to what we’re seeing this year.

Unidentified Analyst: So that includes the deferred adjustment, or I mean, what number are you using 16? Or 19, 16.2?

Annmarie Gayle: 16.2.

Nathan Parker: Yes, 16.2 is the number that we’re using right now.

Unidentified Analyst: So that’ll even though the R&D, well, I don’t know, maybe the R&D effect will be the same? Is that what you’re expecting to?

Nathan Parker: Yes, that’s our initial or investments right now, is really what we have for 2020 fiscal year 2022.

Unidentified Analyst: Sounds good. And in the 10-K, there was some discussion there about the supply chain and how the semiconductors were really hard to come by. And the prices were way up there. And all of that. Has that kind of eased off or those? I mean, is there a chance that things will improve on the supply chain front?

Annmarie Gayle: Well, we don’t know what the outlook is but we continue to be challenged in that area. But let me emphasize this, this is not a Coda issue. This is a global issue that we see. So we don’t see any easing at the moment. I mean, we’ve been able to bear the cushion, both in price and, and availability, because historically, we have carried a lot of inventory. But that inventory is running out. So we continue to be concerned about supply chain.

Unidentified Analyst: Okay. And you mentioned also in the 10-K, that it was really hard to find certain employees. In any case all on your website, there’s only four jobs listed. So are you trying to hire or you just kind of gave up on that?