Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $62.2 million for Q3 FY 2025, exceeding the high end of guidance which was $52 million to $56 million [22] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $9 million, significantly above the guidance range of $1 million to $4 million [25] - The company generated positive free cash flow of $16.1 million, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of positive free cash flow [5][28] - The full fiscal year revenue guidance was raised to a range of $244 million to $249 million, with the low end above the previous midpoint [5][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Variable license revenue was $34.2 million, up 48% year over year, reflecting solid utilization across the customer base [22] - Connected services revenue increased to $12.8 million, up 17% year over year, driven by growth in the connected installed base [24] - Professional services revenue was $15.2 million, down 8% from the prior year, reflecting a lower mix of custom work [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company shipped 12.4 million units in Q3, an increase from 12.1 million in the prior year [26] - The number of connected cars shipped grew by 12%, indicating continued momentum in vehicle connectivity [26] - The company captured 52% of worldwide auto production, consistent with historical penetration [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing its AI roadmap, growing its business with new and existing customers, and continuing transformation and cost management [6][18] - Cerence XUI, the next-generation hybrid agentic AI assistant platform, is being developed with a strategic multi-year roadmap [6][7] - The company is expanding partnerships with chip providers like ARM to enhance performance and speed [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while there are projections of a 2.5% decline in vehicle volumes for Q4, they believe the impacts will remain limited [19] - The company is optimistic about its strong customer interest and ongoing opportunities, particularly with new design wins and program extensions [12][13] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining favorable conditions for the company while supporting customers [19] Other Important Information - The company has filed actions against Sony and TCL for infringement of its voice technology patents [20] - The partnership with LG is expected to leverage Cerence's technology across LG's global television lineup, enhancing user experience [15][17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you expand on what drove the increases this quarter? - Management indicated that the increases were across all three lines, with higher volume from embedded licenses and additional true-ups impacting professional services [35][36] Question: What are your customers saying in terms of auto production in the next six months? - Management noted that there was a build ahead in Q3, and while Q4 is expected to be more standard, they remain confident in the overall year-end performance [42][44] Question: Why the big move down in guidance for Q4? - Management explained that some of the Q3 revenue was pulled in from Q4 due to OEMs trying to get ahead of tariffs, leading to a more standard Q4 [51][52] Question: How should we think about your cash balance now? - Management stated that the company ended the quarter with over $79 million in cash and marketable securities and is comfortable operating at this level without adding debt [56][57] Question: Can you talk about new bookings in terms of market share? - Management indicated that the company is holding its market share and is competitive in ongoing RFQs, with several programs expected to close soon [72][84]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen a significant shift in its operational efficiency and profitability, with a focus on reducing costs and increasing cash flow [44][46][61] - The penetration rate of the company's technology is reported to be in over 50% of cars produced, with a goal to increase the price per unit (PPU) as more advanced technologies are adopted [20][21][58] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is transitioning to a multimodal AI interaction platform, Cerence XUI, expected to be completed by the end of the calendar year, with implementation in vehicles anticipated in early 2026 [61][62] - The company is also focusing on enhancing its technology stack within existing vehicles to increase revenue opportunities [21][61] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The adoption rates for AI and voice interaction technologies are similar across European and US manufacturers, with a notable demand for these features from consumers [29][30] - In China, the company faces challenges selling within the domestic market but performs well with Chinese manufacturers exporting to Europe and other regions [28][29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its trusted relationships with OEMs and tier-one suppliers to enhance its competitive position against big tech companies [13][26] - There is a strategic focus on expanding into non-automotive sectors while maintaining profitability and cash flow [34][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the complexity of software integration within vehicles as a challenge for automakers, which may delay the adoption of new technologies [16][17] - The company is optimistic about the future, emphasizing the importance of AI advancements and the growing demand for connected vehicle technologies [19][22] Other Important Information - The company has established partnerships with key SOC providers like NVIDIA and ARM to enhance software performance and execution [26] - The company is exploring opportunities in non-automotive sectors, including transportation and consumer electronics, while ensuring high margins and profitability [33][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the most important metrics to track for the company and the industry? - Key metrics include overall IHS volumes, penetration rates, connectivity rates, and adjusted cash flow, which provide visibility into future connected revenue [57][58][59] Question: How is the company addressing operational efficiencies? - The company has undertaken a successful restructuring to rationalize expenses, focusing on improving efficiency across all departments [44][45][46] Question: What is the company's approach to pricing discussions with automakers? - The company is engaged in discussions to help manufacturers reduce costs while also aiming to increase revenue through a broader adoption of its technology stack [50][52]

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]