Core Insights - Cerence Inc. is a global leader in conversational AI-powered user experiences, focusing on the automotive and transportation sectors [3] - The company will participate in two investor conferences in May and June 2025, showcasing its commitment to engaging with investors [1][2] Company Overview - Cerence Inc. (NASDAQ: CRNC) specializes in creating intuitive, AI-powered experiences, leveraging voice technology, generative AI, and large language models [3] - The company has shipped over 500 million cars equipped with its technology, partnering with leading automakers and technology firms [3] - Cerence is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, and operates globally with a dedicated team focused on AI innovation [3]

Core Insights - REE Automotive Ltd. reported a significant year in 2024, transitioning its software-defined vehicle (SDV) technology from concept to commercial reality, with increasing interest from OEMs and technology companies [2][3] - The company is facing challenges due to macroeconomic changes, including U.S. tariffs and trade policy, prompting a temporary pause in production plans while monitoring supply chain conditions [3][4] - REE is shifting towards less capital-intensive approaches, such as licensing and partnerships, to deploy its technology and maintain growth despite industry headwinds [4] Financial Performance - As of December 31, 2024, REE had $72.3 million in cash and cash equivalents, down from $85.6 million in 2023 [5] - The net loss for 2024 was $111.8 million, a slight improvement from $114.2 million in 2023, primarily due to reduced engineering and R&D expenses [5][6] - The fourth quarter of 2024 saw a GAAP net loss of $37.3 million, compared to $38.5 million in Q3 2024 and $35.2 million in Q4 2023 [5][13] Operational Adjustments - The company has decided to implement a temporary pause in production to preserve cash and adapt to evolving market conditions, while also significantly reducing operating expenses [3][7] - REE raised approximately $60 million in 2024, including $15 million in March and $45 million in September, to strengthen its financial position amid challenging market conditions [13] - The company is focusing on optimizing its corporate structure and adjusting headcount to enhance flexibility in response to industry uncertainties [7] Market Position and Strategy - REE's technology aims to meet unmet customer needs, and the company is pursuing low-capital intensity routes to market, including licensing and partnerships [4] - The company emphasizes that production remains part of its long-term strategy, but the current pause is viewed as a temporary measure to ensure long-term viability [4] - REE's proprietary technology is designed to be adaptable and future-proof, enabling OEMs to build vehicles tailored to their specific requirements [16]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated revenues of $22.4 million in Q1 2025, down from $24.7 million in the prior year period, reflecting growth in automotive and safety tech but offset by declines in aero and architecture [12][13] - Gross margin increased to 25.6% from 25.1% in the prior year, indicating improved operational efficiencies [13] - Total operating expenses decreased by 9% to $14.4 million compared to $15.8 million in the prior year [13] - Adjusted EBITDA was negative $5.5 million, compared to negative $4.8 million in the prior year [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - SafetyTech revenue was $10.8 million, up 1.5% from $10.7 million, with gross margin improving to 19.7% from 12.8% [14][15] - Aero revenue was $7.6 million, down 24.6% from $10.1 million, with gross margin declining to 33.9% from 44.1% due to shipment timing shifts [15][16] - Architecture revenue was $2.4 million, down 8.2% from $2.6 million, with gross margin expanding to 32.1% from 48.9% [16] - Automotive revenue increased to $1.5 million from $1.3 million, with significant gross margin improvements [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The backlog of purchase orders increased from below $31 million at year-end 2024 to almost $36 million by March 2025, indicating strong demand [11] - The airline shading market opportunity with Air France KLM is valued at $600 million annually, with a projected growth rate of 6.4% through 2028 [8] - The automotive smart glass market is projected to reach $25 billion by 2028, driven by collaborations with major OEMs [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue investing in innovation and expand its leadership in light and vision control technologies [22] - The focus is on scaling efficiently while balancing growth with margin expansion and progress toward profitability [22] - The company has signed a $10 million debt facility to enhance liquidity and support full-year goals [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in meeting the 2025 guidance despite market uncertainties, emphasizing that direct impacts from tariffs have been minimal [21][42] - The company reiterated its full-year revenue guidance of $130 million to $140 million, representing over 30% growth at the midpoint compared to 2024 [19] - Management highlighted a strong backlog and increasing customer orders, indicating a positive outlook for the remainder of the year [21][42] Other Important Information - The company achieved a significant milestone by signing the first $10 million of a planned $20 million debt financing under favorable terms [6][18] - The company is focused on improving cash flow management and working capital efficiency to support growth [33][64] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for the second quarter and converting backlog into revenue? - Management expects a strong second quarter, with confidence in delivering on guidance due to a solid backlog and no cancellations [28][31] Question: Can you explain the free cash flow performance? - The improvement in free cash flow was attributed to better working capital management and payment terms with suppliers [32][33] Question: What is the status of the additional $10 million financing? - The financing is signed and expected to close soon, with no risks identified [35][36] Question: How does macro uncertainty affect business operations? - Management stated that macro uncertainties had minimal impact on actual business operations, with strong demand continuing [39][42] Question: Which segments are driving the spike in purchase orders? - The majority of the backlog is from aero and safety tech segments, with significant growth expected [44][45] Question: What are the expectations for operating expenses for the rest of the year? - Operating expenses are expected to remain stable, with a slight increase in sales and marketing to support growth [58][60] Question: How will working capital be managed as revenue grows? - The company is focused on improving payment terms with suppliers to manage working capital effectively [62][64]

Group 1 - Mobileye's business has shown stability in recent months, which is considered a positive outcome amid tariff uncertainties [1] - The company's Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) segment appears to be solid, although there is limited new information regarding the commercial traction of its products [1] Group 2 - Narweena, an asset management firm, focuses on identifying market dislocations due to misunderstandings of long-term business prospects, aiming for excess risk-adjusted returns [1] - The firm emphasizes company and industry fundamentals to uncover unique insights, with a high risk appetite and a long-term investment horizon [1] - Narweena's investment strategy is influenced by demographic trends, such as an aging population and low growth, which may create new investment opportunities [1] - The firm notes that many industries may face stagnation or decline, potentially improving business performance due to reduced competition [1] - There is a growing trend of asset-light businesses dominating economies, leading to a decline in infrastructure investment needs [1] - A large pool of capital is pursuing a limited set of investment opportunities, resulting in rising asset prices and compressed risk premiums over time [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q2 revenue of $78 million, exceeding the high end of guidance, with an adjusted EBITDA of $29.5 million, marking a significant improvement from a net loss of $278 million in the same quarter last year [4][20][21] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $13.1 million, representing the fourth consecutive quarter of positive free cash flow [4][20] - The gross margin for the quarter was 77%, surpassing the guidance range of 74% to 76% [18][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Variable license revenue increased by $4.8 million or 19% year-over-year to $29.9 million, while fixed license revenue rose to $21.5 million from $10.4 million in the same quarter last year [21][22] - Connected services revenue decreased by $1 million or 7% year-over-year, but the decline was attributed to a revenue true-up in the previous year [21][22] - Professional services revenue was down approximately $4.8 million year-over-year, reflecting a trend towards more standardized solutions requiring less integration [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The penetration of global auto production for the trailing twelve months was 51%, with approximately 11.6 million cars equipped with Cerence technology shipped in Q2, flat year-over-year [25] - Worldwide car production increased by 1.3% year-over-year but decreased by 10.9% quarter-over-quarter, with a notable decline in production outside of China [26] - The average price per unit (PPU) increased to $4.87 from $4.51 year-over-year, driven by a higher attachment rate of connected services [27][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its partnerships and diversifying its offerings beyond automotive, including a new solution for self-service kiosks in collaboration with CodeFactory [9][10] - Strategic investments are being made in IP protection, with ongoing lawsuits against Samsung, Microsoft, and Nuance to defend its intellectual property [10][64] - The company aims to enhance its hybrid agentic AI platform, Cerence XUI, with new features and capabilities, including multimodal functionalities [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's positioning despite macro challenges in the automotive industry, noting strong customer interest and ongoing partnerships [5][6] - The impact of tariffs on business remains limited, with expectations of minimal effects in the upcoming quarters [6][7] - The company anticipates continued growth in connected vehicle demand and is optimistic about revenue and profitability in fiscal year 2026 and beyond [9][12] Other Important Information - The company has a five-year backlog of approximately $960 million, consistent with previous quarters [28] - Guidance for Q3 revenue is projected to be between $52 million and $56 million, with no material fixed license revenue expected [29][30] - Full-year revenue guidance remains unchanged at $236 million to $247 million, with expectations for improved profitability and free cash flow [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on billing metrics and connected cars - Management noted that overall volumes were in line with expectations, with an increase in connected car shipments indicating future revenue growth [36][37] Question: Drivers behind new connected revenue - The increase in new connected revenue is attributed to previous billings amortizing into revenue, with expectations for continued growth in Q3 and Q4 [38][39] Question: Impact of AI on connected services - AI is integrated into both connected and non-connected vehicles, driving consumer demand and increasing PPU [42][43] Question: Macro impacts on pricing and volume - Management acknowledged requests from OEMs for price reductions due to cost pressures, but emphasized a collaborative approach to find win-win solutions [47][49] Question: Clarification on fiscal year guidance - The company remains confident in achieving its fiscal year guidance, with higher technology revenue offsetting headwinds in professional services [55][56] Question: Details on the lawsuit against Microsoft - The lawsuit is focused on protecting the company's intellectual property, with ongoing collaboration with Microsoft on technical projects [64][94]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q2 revenue of $78 million, exceeding the high end of guidance which was $74 million to $77 million [4][17] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $29.5 million, surpassing the guidance range of $18 million to $22 million [4][20] - Free cash flow was $13.1 million, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of positive free cash flow [4][20] - Net income for Q2 was $21.7 million, a significant improvement from a net loss of $278 million in the same quarter last year [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Variable license revenue increased to $29.9 million, up 19% year-over-year [21] - Fixed license revenue was $21.5 million, compared to $10.4 million for Q2 last fiscal year [21] - Connected services revenue decreased to $12.6 million, down 7% from $13.6 million in the same quarter last year [21][22] - Professional services revenue declined by approximately $4.8 million year-over-year, attributed to increased standardization of solutions [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The penetration of global auto production for the trailing twelve months was 51%, with approximately 11.6 million cars using Cerence technology shipped in Q2 [25] - Worldwide IHS production increased by 1.3% year-over-year but decreased by 10.9% quarter-over-quarter [25] - The number of cars produced using connected services increased by 10% on a trailing twelve-month basis compared to the previous year [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on technology innovation, expanding partnerships, and diversifying its business beyond automotive [5][9] - Cerence is strategically investing in IP protection, with ongoing lawsuits against Samsung, Microsoft, and Nuance for patent and copyright infringement [10][60] - The company is enhancing its hybrid agentic AI platform, Cerence XUI, with new multimodal capabilities and partnerships with major automakers [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted ongoing macro challenges in the automotive industry but expressed confidence in the company's positioning and customer support [5][6] - The impact of tariffs on business remains limited, with expectations of minimal effects for the fiscal year [6][7] - Management is optimistic about the future, citing strong customer interest in new technologies and solutions [13][33] Other Important Information - The company plans to repay $60.1 million of convertible notes due in June and maintain a cash balance above $70 million for the rest of the fiscal year [30] - The five-year backlog metric is approximately $960 million, consistent with previous quarters [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk through the metrics and what is driving the changes? - Management indicated that overall volumes were in line with expectations, with an increase in connected car shipments expected to drive future revenue [35][36] Question: What is driving the sequential uptick in new connected revenue? - Management confirmed that the increase is due to previous billings amortizing into revenue, with expectations for continued growth in connected revenue [37][38] Question: How is AI impacting connected services and pricing? - AI is integrated into both connected and non-connected vehicles, driving consumer demand and increasing pricing per unit [41][42] Question: Where are macro impacts being felt? - Management noted some pricing pressure from OEMs and potential impacts on volume due to market conditions [46][48] Question: Can you elaborate on the unchanged fiscal year guidance? - The guidance remains unchanged due to higher technology revenue offsetting headwinds in professional services [52][53] Question: What is the goal of the lawsuit against Microsoft? - The lawsuit aims to protect the company's intellectual property related to foundational technologies [60][88] Question: How is the partnership with MediaTek enhancing offerings? - The partnership focuses on optimizing automotive SoCs for better performance and cost efficiency [56][57] Question: What are the non-automotive opportunities being explored? - The company is leveraging its technology for applications in kiosks and other verticals, aiming for cost-effective market entry through partnerships [102][103]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q2 revenue of $78 million, exceeding the high end of guidance which was $74 million to $77 million [17] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $29.5 million, surpassing the guidance range of $18 million to $22 million [21] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $13.1 million, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of positive free cash flow [4] - Net income for Q2 was $21.7 million, a significant improvement from a net loss of $278 million in the same quarter last year [21][22] - Gross margin for the quarter was 77%, exceeding the guidance range of 74% to 76% [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Variable license revenue was $29.9 million, up 19% year-over-year [22] - Fixed license revenue for Q2 was $21.5 million, compared to $10.4 million in the same quarter last year [22] - Connected services revenue decreased to $12.6 million, down 7% from $13.6 million year-over-year [22] - Professional services revenue was down approximately $4.8 million year-over-year, reflecting a trend towards more standardized solutions [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The penetration of global auto production for the trailing twelve months was 51%, with approximately 11.6 million cars using Cerence technology shipped in Q2 [25] - Worldwide car production increased by 1.3% year-over-year but decreased by 10.9% quarter-over-quarter [26] - The number of cars produced using connected services increased by 10% on a trailing twelve-month basis compared to the previous year [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding partnerships and diversifying its offerings beyond automotive, including a new solution for self-service kiosks [9][10] - Strategic investments are being made in IP protection, with ongoing lawsuits against Samsung, Microsoft, and Nuance [10][62] - The company aims to enhance its hybrid agentic AI platform, Cerence XUI, with new features and capabilities [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's positioning despite macro challenges in the automotive industry [5] - The impact of tariffs on business remains limited, with ongoing cooperation with customers to optimize partnerships [6] - Future revenue growth is anticipated from new verticals and increased demand for connected vehicles [9][27] Other Important Information - The company plans to use cash on hand to repay $60.1 million of convertible notes due in June, maintaining a cash balance above $70 million for the rest of the fiscal year [31] - The five-year backlog metric is approximately $960 million, consistent with previous quarters [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk through the metrics and what is driving the changes? - Management noted that overall volumes were in line with expectations, with an increase in connected car rates indicating future revenue potential [37][38] Question: What is driving the sequential increase in new connected revenue? - The increase is attributed to previous billings amortizing into revenue, with expectations for continued growth in Q3 and Q4 [39][40] Question: How is AI impacting connected services and pricing? - AI is integrated into both connected and non-connected vehicles, driving consumer demand and increasing pricing per unit [42][44] Question: Where are macro impacts being felt? - Management indicated that pricing pressures from OEMs are emerging, but they are working to provide value through cost-saving measures [47][49] Question: Can you elaborate on the lawsuit against Microsoft? - The lawsuit is focused on protecting intellectual property, with ongoing collaboration with Microsoft on technical projects despite the legal issues [92][94] Question: What are the non-automotive opportunities being explored? - The company is leveraging its technology for applications in kiosks and other verticals, aiming for cost-effective growth through partnerships [106][107]

Cerence Q2 FY25 Earnings Presentation May 7, 2025 Brian Krzanich, Chief Executive Officer Tony Rodriquez, Chief Financial Officer © 2025 Cerence Inc. Q2 FY25 Financial Details © 2025 Cerence Inc. 3 Cerence Q2FY25 Results Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this presentation regarding: Cerence's future performance, results and financial condition; expected growth and profitability; outlook and momentum; transformation plans and cost efficiency initiatives; strategy; opportunities; business, industry and ...

Core Viewpoint - Cerence Inc. reported strong financial results for Q2 FY2025, exceeding revenue and adjusted EBITDA guidance, and achieving its fourth consecutive quarter of positive free cash flow, indicating robust performance amid industry challenges [4][6]. Financial Performance - GAAP revenue for Q2 FY2025 was $78.0 million, up from $67.8 million in Q2 FY2024, representing a year-over-year increase of approximately 1.8% [2][27]. - GAAP gross margin improved to 77.1% in Q2 FY2025 from 69.2% in Q2 FY2024 [2][32]. - GAAP net income for Q2 FY2025 was $21.7 million, a significant recovery from a net loss of $278.0 million in Q2 FY2024 [2][27]. - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 FY2025 was $29.5 million, compared to a loss of $0.3 million in Q2 FY2024 [2][32]. Key Performance Indicators - Cerence's technology was present in 51% of worldwide auto production over the trailing twelve months [5]. - The number of Cerence connected cars shipped increased by 10% year-over-year [5]. - Adjusted Total Billings remained unchanged year-over-year [5][7]. Future Outlook - For Q3 FY2025, revenue is projected to be between $52 million and $56 million, with gross margins expected to be between 66% and 68% [8][9]. - The full-year revenue guidance remains unchanged, but the net loss is now projected to be between $35 million and $29 million, with adjusted EBITDA expected to range from $28 million to $34 million [9]. Company Overview - Cerence Inc. is a leader in AI-powered user experiences in the automotive sector, with over 500 million cars shipped with its technology [25]. - The company focuses on enhancing user experiences through innovations like Cerence xUI, which supports automakers in developing next-generation infotainment platforms [4].

Core Insights - Lear Corporation reported a solid start to 2025 with improved operational margins in both Seating and E-Systems segments despite lower industry production in key markets [3][4] - The company is facing challenges due to changes in global tariffs, which have created uncertainty in the automotive industry and impacted the cost structure of the supply chain [3][4] - Lear is focused on maintaining long-term competitiveness by managing near-term challenges, winning new business, and investing in automation and restructuring [3][4] Financial Performance - Total sales for Q1 2025 were $5,560.3 million, a decrease of 7% from $5,994.6 million in Q1 2024 [4][5] - Net income for Q1 2025 was $80.7 million, down from $109.6 million in the same period last year [4][5] - Adjusted net income was $169.3 million compared to $183.2 million in Q1 2024, with adjusted earnings per share at $3.12, down from $3.18 [4][5][8] Segment Performance - In the Seating segment, net sales were $4,151.1 million with segment margins of 5.2% and adjusted margins of 6.7% [34][35] - The E-Systems segment reported net sales of $1,409.2 million, with segment margins of 3.9% and adjusted margins of 5.2% [34][35] - Both segments experienced year-over-year margin improvements driven by efficiency gains and restructuring efforts [5][8] Cash Flow and Share Repurchase - Net cash used in operating activities was $(128) million, and free cash flow was $(232) million, compared to $(35) million and $(148) million in Q1 2024, respectively [5][9] - The company repurchased $25 million of shares during the quarter and had a remaining share repurchase authorization of approximately $1.1 billion [11][12] Market Outlook - Due to the uncertainty in industry production caused by evolving tariff environments, Lear is not reaffirming its 2025 financial outlook at this time [13] - The company remains confident in delivering its operating performance commitments as highlighted in previous earnings calls [13]