SoundHound to Post Q2 Earnings: Buy, Sell or Hold the Stock?

Core Viewpoint - SoundHound AI (SOUN) is set to report its second-quarter 2025 results on August 7, with expectations of significant revenue growth driven by strong enterprise momentum and AI adoption across various sectors [1][9]. Financial Performance - In the last reported quarter, SoundHound achieved revenues of $29.13 million, reflecting a 151% year-over-year increase, although it missed expectations by 3.6% due to a customer undergoing a change of control [2]. - The company reported a non-GAAP net loss per share of 6 cents, an improvement from a loss of 7 cents in the previous year, with a non-GAAP gross margin of 51%, down from prior levels due to recent acquisitions [2]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the upcoming quarter remains unchanged at a loss of 6 cents per share, with expected revenues of $33.03 million, indicating a 145.4% year-over-year increase [5]. Growth Projections - For 2025, SoundHound is projected to see a 91.1% increase in revenues, with an expected loss of 16 cents per share compared to a loss of $1.04 the previous year [6]. - Management anticipates that the first half of 2025 will account for approximately 40% of the full-year revenue, reaffirming full-year guidance of $157 to $177 million [11]. Market Position and Competition - SoundHound faces significant competition from major players like Alphabet Inc. and Baidu, which have established strong positions in the voice AI market [19][20]. - Despite having a technical edge in real-time responsiveness and speech recognition, the competitive landscape is challenging as these giants continue to innovate [21]. Valuation and Stock Performance - SoundHound's shares are currently considered overvalued, trading at a forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 22.32, higher than the industry average of 17.53 [22]. - SOUN shares have gained 21.1% over the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Computers - IT Services industry [16]. Strategic Focus - The company is focusing on diversifying revenue contributions, with significant growth expected from restaurant deployments and high-margin AI solutions [13]. - Management expects gradual improvement in gross margins throughout 2025, aiming to return to pre-acquisition levels of over 70% [14]. - Adjusted EBITDA is projected to improve sequentially, with a goal of achieving adjusted EBITDA profitability by year-end 2025 [15].