Financial Performance - Total revenues reached $60.4 million, a 0.5% increase compared to $60.1 million in 1Q'24[10] - Service revenues increased to $32.6 million, a 3.4% rise from $31.5 million in 1Q'24[10] - Non-GAAP gross margin remained stable at 65.2% compared to 1Q'24[10] - Non-GAAP operating margin decreased to 8.9% from 10.5% in 1Q'24[10] - Non-GAAP EBITDA margin declined to 10.2% from 11.2% in 1Q'24[10] - Non-GAAP EPS decreased to $0.15 from $0.17 in 1Q'24[10] - Non-GAAP EBITDA was $6.2 million in 1Q'25 compared to $6.7 million in 1Q'24[22, 25] Business Segments - Microsoft Teams business experienced a 7% year-over-year increase[13] - Customer Experience (CX) business grew by 2% year-over-year[14] - Conversational AI business saw an increase of over 10% year-over-year[14] - Live ARR increased by approximately 25% year-over-year[14]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues for Q1 2025 were $60.4 million, a 0.5% increase from $60.1 million in Q1 2024 [8] - GAAP gross margin for the quarter was 64.8%, up from 64.4% in Q1 2024 [10] - Net income for the quarter was $4 million or $0.13 per diluted share, compared to $2.1 million or $0.07 per diluted share in Q1 2024 [10] - Non-GAAP operating income for Q1 was $5.4 million or 8.9% of revenues, down from $6.3 million or 10.5% in Q1 2024 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Services revenues for the quarter were $32.6 million, up 3.4% year-over-year, accounting for 54% of total revenues [9] - The Enterprise UC and CX business accounted for 90% of revenues, with a 7% year-over-year growth in the Microsoft business [17] - The Conversational AI business grew over 10% year-over-year, with a strong pipeline of new wins and bookings [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues by geographical region were: North America 8%, EMEA 30%, Asia Pacific 14%, and Central and Latin America 4% [9] - The top 15 customers represented 52% of total revenues, with 36% attributed to the nine largest distributors [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on two key strategic initiatives: growing the connectivity business and investing in conversational AI initiatives [16] - The goal for the conversational AI sector is to achieve 50% growth for the full year as opportunities mature [17] - The company is transitioning towards AI-powered voice services, with a strong emphasis on integrating advanced GenAI technologies [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while tariffs have introduced uncertainty, they have not observed significant changes in customer buying patterns [21] - The company plans to withdraw previously provided annual guidance until tariff rates are finalized [23] - Management expressed confidence in navigating potential market challenges due to a strong balance sheet and a dominant connectivity franchise [42] Other Important Information - The company acquired 500,000 ordinary shares for approximately $5.2 million and declared a cash dividend of $0.18 per share [12] - The estimated tariff-related cost impact for 2025 is between $3 million to $4 million, with proactive steps taken to move manufacturing out of China [13][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Tariff impact and proactive steps for manufacturing - Management confirmed plans to move manufacturing out of China to mitigate tariff impacts, expecting a reduced burden of $3 million to $4 million [47][48] Question: Trends in Microsoft ecosystem regarding Operator Connect vs Direct Routing - Management indicated a transition towards Operator Connect as the preferred method for connecting SBCs, with mild growth expected [50] Question: Strategy for Cisco opportunity and managing go-to-market dynamics - Management highlighted their long-standing relationships in the service provider space and ongoing projects, positioning them favorably against smaller competitors [52][53]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues for Q1 2025 were $60.4 million, an increase of 0.5% compared to $60.1 million in Q1 2024 [7] - GAAP gross margin for the quarter was 64.8%, up from 64.4% in Q1 2024 [9] - Net income for the quarter was $4 million or $0.13 per diluted share, compared to $2.1 million or $0.07 per diluted share in Q1 2024 [9] - Non-GAAP net income for Q1 2025 was $4.7 million or $0.15 per diluted share, down from $5.2 million or $0.17 per diluted share in Q1 2024 [10] - Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaled $95.7 million as of March 2025 [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Services revenues for the quarter were $32.6 million, up 3.4% year over year, accounting for 54% of total revenues [8] - The Enterprise UC and CX business accounted for 90% of revenues, with a 7% year-over-year growth in the Microsoft business [16] - The CX connectivity business increased by 2% year over year [17] - The Conversational AI business grew above 10% year over year, with a strong pipeline of new opportunities [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues by geographical region were split as follows: North America 8%, EMEA 30%, Asia Pacific 14%, and Central and Latin America 4% [8] - The top 15 customers represented 52% of total revenues, with 36% attributed to the nine largest distributors [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on two key strategic initiatives: growing the connectivity business and investing in conversational AI initiatives [15] - The goal for the conversational AI sector is to achieve 50% growth for the full year as opportunities mature [16] - The company is transitioning towards AI-powered voice services, with a strong emphasis on integrating advanced GenAI technologies [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while gross margin and profitability were lower than planned due to tariffs and increased R&D investments, the company is operating from a position of strength [41] - The company has withdrawn its previously provided annual guidance due to the fluidity of the tariff situation and plans to resume providing an outlook once rates are determined [12][21] - Management expressed confidence in achieving growth and profitability in the coming years, supported by a strong balance sheet and a dominant connectivity franchise [42] Other Important Information - The company acquired 500,000 ordinary shares for approximately $5.2 million and declared a cash dividend of $0.18 per share [11] - The estimated tariff-related cost impact for 2025 is approximately $3 million to $4 million, down from an initial potential impact of $10 million to $12 million [47] Q&A Session Summary Question: Plans regarding tariff impact and manufacturing relocation - The company plans to proactively move manufacturing out of China to mitigate tariff impacts, with steps already taken to shift production to other countries [46] Question: Trends in Microsoft ecosystem regarding Operator Connect vs Direct Routing - The market is transitioning towards Operator Connect, which is expected to become the preferred method for connecting SBCs [48] Question: Strategy for Cisco opportunity and managing go-to-market dynamics - The company has a long-standing presence in the service provider space and is confident in gaining market share due to its established relationships and competitive advantages [50][52]

Core Insights - AudioCodes reported a slight increase in revenues for Q1 2025, reaching $60.4 million, up from $60.1 million in Q1 2024, indicating a year-over-year growth of 0.5% [2][7] - The company achieved a net income of $4.0 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, compared to $2.1 million, or $0.07 per diluted share in the same quarter last year [3][7] - Annual Recurring Revenues (ARR) grew by approximately 25% year-over-year, reaching $67 million, driven by strong performance in UCaaS and conversational AI markets [8] Financial Performance - EBITDA for Q1 2025 was reported at $4.6 million, an increase from $3.8 million in Q1 2024 [2][7] - On a Non-GAAP basis, EBITDA was $6.2 million, down from $6.7 million in Q1 2024 [3][7] - Net cash provided by operating activities was $13.5 million for the quarter, with total cash and cash equivalents amounting to $95.7 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $93.9 million at the end of 2024 [5][7] Strategic Developments - The company is focusing on growth in Live managed services within the UCaaS and CX markets, with a 7% increase in Microsoft business during the quarter [6][8] - New product introductions in the Conversational AI space are generating significant customer interest, contributing to a robust sales pipeline [9] - The upcoming launch of a next-generation Live platform is expected to enhance growth in AI-powered value-added services in the second half of 2025 [10] Operational Challenges - AudioCodes faced lower gross profit from product sales due to new US tariffs on imports from China, prompting the company to implement measures to mitigate this impact [11][12] - The company continues to navigate macroeconomic uncertainties while progressing in its transformation into a cloud and software services provider [12] Shareholder Returns - During Q1 2025, AudioCodes repurchased 500,000 ordinary shares at a total cost of $5.2 million and declared a cash dividend of $0.18 per share, totaling approximately $5.5 million [14][13]

BURLINGTON, Mass., May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cerence Inc. (NASDAQ: CRNC) (“Cerence AI”), a global leader pioneering conversational AI-powered user experiences, today announced an expanded collaboration with its long-time partner and distributor, Code Factory, to introduce VoiceTopping, a new solution that will bring conversational AI to self-service kiosks in a variety of industries. The announcement marks an important step as Cerence AI begins its strategic expansion into new markets, bringing the p ...

Core Insights - Cerence Inc. will showcase its Cerence xUI™ platform, an AI assistant that operates across edge and cloud, for the first time at Auto Shanghai 2025 in collaboration with Great Wall Motor and TCL [1][2] Company Overview - Cerence Inc. is a global leader in creating AI-powered user experiences in the automotive sector, with over 500 million cars equipped with its technology [3][5] - The company focuses on integrating voice, generative AI, and large language models to enhance user experiences in vehicles [3] Product Features - Cerence xUI includes multi-modal capabilities with CaLLM Edge™, enhancing in-car interactions beyond traditional infotainment [4] - The platform utilizes the CaLLM™ family of language models and integrates real-time and contextual data to create engaging conversational interfaces [4] - Features include dual- and multi-seat interaction, allowing synchronized voice-controlled operations between front and rear seats [4] - Smart home integration enables users to control home systems directly from the vehicle [4] Partnerships - The collaboration with Great Wall Motor aims to bring AI innovation to their vehicles as they expand globally [2] - The partnership with TCL focuses on combining intelligent cockpit technologies with Cerence's automotive expertise to revolutionize mobility [2]

Core Viewpoint - AudioCodes is set to release its financial results for the First Quarter of 2025 on May 6, 2025, before the market opens, reflecting the period ended March 31, 2025 [1] Financial Results Announcement - The financial results will be disseminated via news wires and posted on the corporate website [1] - A conference call to discuss the results will take place on May 6, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time, hosted by the President and CEO, Shabtai Adlersberg, and CFO, Niran Baruch [2] Conference Call Details - Investors can participate in the call by dialing 888-506-0062 in the USA or +1 973-528-0011 internationally, or via webcast on the AudioCodes investor website [3] - A replay of the call will be available approximately two hours after the conference call concludes [3] Company Overview - AudioCodes is a global leader in unified communications, voice, contact center, and conversational AI services, enhancing customer and employee experiences through improved communication and collaboration [5] - The company offers a wide range of products and SaaS services that ensure interoperability with major UCaaS and CCaaS platforms, including Microsoft Teams, Webex, and Zoom [5] - AudioCodes serves enterprises worldwide, including 65 Fortune 100 companies, focusing on productivity, collaboration, business process automation, compliance, and customer interaction [5]

Core Insights - LivePerson has been recognized as a Leader in multiple categories by G2, including AI Agents, Chatbots, Conversational Marketing, Bot Platforms, Live Chat, and Customer Self-Service, based on real customer reviews [1][2][3] Company Overview - LivePerson (NASDAQ: LPSN) is a prominent provider of enterprise conversational AI and digital transformation solutions, serving major brands like HSBC, Chipotle, and Virgin Media [5] - The company facilitates nearly a billion conversational interactions monthly, leveraging rich data analytics and safety tools to enhance business outcomes [5] Recognition and Achievements - The Leader designation from G2 is awarded to vendors that consistently receive high ratings from users and demonstrate significant market presence [2] - LivePerson's CEO, John Sabino, expressed pride in the recognition, highlighting the company's commitment to delivering connected and personalized experiences [3] Product Offerings - LivePerson's solutions include AI Agents, Chatbots, Conversational Marketing, Bot Platforms, Live Chat, and Customer Self-Service, which enable businesses to engage with customers in a human-like manner [7]

Core Viewpoint - Nvidia has significantly increased its valuation due to strong sales of its data center chips for AI, but it recently sold its stake in SoundHound AI, raising questions about the latter's future potential [1][2][16]. Company Overview - SoundHound AI specializes in conversational AI technologies, with over 30% of the top 20 quick-service restaurants and major car manufacturers utilizing its technology [4]. - The company has developed tools like Employee Assist for restaurants and Chat AI for automotive applications, enhancing customer service and user experience [5][6]. Financial Performance - SoundHound reported a record revenue of $84.7 million in 2024, an 85% increase from the previous year, which was a significant acceleration from a 47% growth in 2023 [9]. - The company diversified its revenue base through the acquisition of Amelia, reducing reliance on a single customer, which accounted for only 14% of total revenue in 2024 [10]. Future Growth Potential - SoundHound ended 2024 with a $1.2 billion order backlog, a 75% increase from the previous year, with expectations to convert this backlog into revenue over six years [11]. - The company projects revenue could reach up to $177 million in 2025, indicating a potential growth rate of 109% [11]. Profitability Concerns - Despite revenue growth, SoundHound reported a GAAP net loss of $350.6 million in 2024, a 294% increase from 2023, raising concerns about its financial sustainability [12]. - The non-GAAP net loss was $69.1 million, and with only $198 million in cash at year-end, the company faces challenges in maintaining its current spending rate [13]. Valuation Analysis - SoundHound's stock trades at a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 34.2, which is significantly higher than Nvidia's P/S ratio of 12.7, indicating a premium valuation compared to established AI leaders [14][15]. - The forward P/S ratio based on projected 2025 revenue is 17.9, still above Nvidia's, suggesting that SoundHound's valuation may limit its upside potential [15].

Core Insights - Julius, an influencer marketing platform, has partnered with Amplify.ai, a conversational AI pioneer, to create an integrated technology solution for managing influencer campaigns, enhancing campaign impact and efficiency for brands and agencies [1][2] - The collaboration combines Julius's influencer discovery and analytics with Amplify.ai's AI-driven engagement tools, allowing brands to implement scalable engagement strategies and achieve higher ROI [2][8] - The new solution is available immediately, providing brands with a comprehensive approach to elevate their influencer marketing strategies [2] Company Overview - Julius is recognized as a leading influencer marketing platform that offers tools for discovering, vetting, and managing influencers, including powerful search and analytics capabilities [3] - Amplify.ai specializes in conversational AI, enabling brands to create personalized and scalable audience interactions across various digital channels [4] - Triller Group Inc. operates a portfolio of high-growth businesses focused on the Creator Economy, including the Triller App, which supports creators in content creation, monetization, and brand partnerships [5]