Sunrise Communications (SNRE) Q2 2025 Earnings Call August 21, 2025 04:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsAlex Herrmann - VP - IR ,Corporate Finance and TreasuryAndré Krause - CEOJany Fruytier - CFOPolo Tang - MD & Head - European Telecoms ResearchRobert Grindle - MD & Head - European TMT ResearchConference Call ParticipantsMollie Witcombe - AnalystMax Findlay - TMT Equity Research AnalystOperatorLadies and gentlemen, welcome to the SunRalph Second Quarter twenty twenty five Financial Results Conference Call and ...

Core Insights - Ericsson has strengthened its partnership with SoftBank through a new commercial agreement focused on enhancing 4G and 5G networks in various regions of Japan [1][2] - The agreement includes the provision of Ericsson's Radio System products, covering low, mid, and high frequency bands, aimed at expanding 5G Standalone coverage and improving operational efficiency with AI [2][3] Group 1: Partnership Details - Ericsson will enhance SoftBank's networks in regions including Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Hokuriku, Tokai, and parts of Kansai [1] - The partnership aims to deliver an outstanding user experience for both enterprise and consumer customers in Japan, focusing on 5G Standalone deployment and AI utilization [3] Group 2: Technology and Products - Ericsson will supply its latest radio access network (RAN) products, including the Massive MIMO AIR 3255, which reduces energy consumption by up to 35% compared to previous models [4] - The RAN Compute provided by Ericsson is optimized for real-time AI execution, enhancing user experience, coverage, mobility, and spectrum efficiency while reducing energy consumption [5][6]

Core Insights - O2 Czech Republic has deployed Nokia 5G Standalone (SA) Core software, becoming the first operator in the country to do so, which will enhance its ability to offer advanced 5G services like slicing for improved customer experience [1][8] - The deployment aligns with O2 Czech Republic's cloud-first strategy, enabling faster delivery of new 5G services with lower latency and enhanced security, while avoiding vendor lock-in for data and analytics [2][4] - Nokia's cloud-native 5G Core portfolio allows O2 Czech Republic to provide new network services in multi-cloud environments, ensuring quick, secure, and scalable operations [3][5] Market Position - Nokia leads the global market in 5G SA Core deployments, with 52 operators currently live on 5G Standalone service and a total of 125 Core Service Provider customers as of the end of Q1 2025 [5] - The deployment of Nokia's Core Network portfolio, which is fully cloud-native, facilitates easier operation of full 4G/5G Core in cloud-native network functions for operators [5] Strategic Implications - The deployment is expected to drive greater service reliability for O2 Czech Republic subscribers and create new revenue streams for the operator [8] - Nokia's commitment to innovation and digital transformation is reflected in this deployment, enhancing the security and reliability of O2 Czech Republic's network infrastructure [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a record revenue of $16.6 million for the first quarter of 2025, reflecting a 17.5% year-over-year growth [21] - Operating margins improved by over 6.5% year-over-year, with a positive cash flow of $4.4 million [6] - Non-GAAP operating income reached $3.1 million, representing 19% of revenues for the quarter [21] - Non-GAAP net income was $4.1 million or $0.25 per diluted share, compared to $2.8 million or $0.18 per diluted share in the same quarter last year [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to invest strategically in R&D, with non-GAAP gross R&D expenses of $4.3 million, up 5.8% year-over-year [22] - Sales and marketing expenses increased to $4.2 million, reflecting a focus on promoting offerings to existing and prospective customers [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global telecom market is growing, driven by the demand for 5G standalone networks and AI-driven applications [14] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on the data-centric demands of emerging AI technologies [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The strategic objective is to become a key provider of real-time user and service experience insights for AI-powered telecom operators [10] - The company is investing in accelerated computing technologies and Agenetic AI to enhance customer care and service management [10][11] - Partnerships with ServiceNow and NVIDIA are aimed at fast-tracking the development of automated customer experience solutions [12][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strategic direction and execution, projecting revenue growth for the sixth consecutive year [7] - The full-year 2025 revenue growth outlook has been raised from 12%-15% to 15%-18%, with a midpoint of $71.1 million [18] Other Important Information - The company ended the first quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $99.1 million and no debt [6] - The company received a grant of $25,000 from the Israel Innovation Authority during the quarter [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expansion on Authentic AI functionality and monetization - The company plans to invest in R&D for Generative AI and Agenetic AI use cases, with flexible monetization models being discussed [28] Question: Free cash flow generation and capital use - The company is exploring M&A opportunities and prioritizing actions around its ecosystem [29][30] Question: Growth expectations for customer count and standalone networks - The company projects similar growth rates as seen previously, with increased demand for customer management and real-time user analytics [34] Question: Gross margins and revenue mix - Gross margins typically range from 72% to 76%, influenced by the revenue mix, with less third-party components improving margins this quarter [35][36] Question: ServiceNow relationship and customer base overlap - The partnership with ServiceNow is expected to expand pipeline opportunities, particularly in North America, Europe, and Japan [39] Question: Deployment model with NVIDIA - The integration involves using GPUs that can be installed in standard servers, enhancing performance in user analytics [40][41]