Former DocuSign and Salesforce executive joins to drive growth and customer expansion across North and South AmericaSAN MATEO, Calif., Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freshworks (NASDAQ: FRSH), today announced Enrique Ortegon as its new Senior Vice President and General Manager of Americas Field Sales, bringing over two decades of leadership experience in enterprise SaaS and go-to-market strategy. Enrique will lead Freshworks' growth strategy and operations across North and South America, supporting the c ...

Core Viewpoint - Freshworks Inc. is considered one of the best low-priced technology stocks to buy, with a focus on long-term financial targets and an updated outlook from UBS analyst Taylor McGinnis, who reiterated a Buy rating and a $19 price target [1][3]. Financial Targets - The company aims to exceed $1.2 billion in revenue by FY 2028, indicating an annual growth rate of 15%-16%, and targets free cash flow of over $340 million, with a margin of 28%-30% [2]. Analyst Insights - McGinnis noted that while there are execution risks due to challenges from seat-based SaaS models and rising AI adoption, the valuation of Freshworks remains attractive, particularly for CY 2026, with an EV/Sales ratio of approximately 3x and an EV/FCF ratio of 13x [3][5]. - Despite not adjusting the FY 2025 forecast, UBS has lowered the free cash flow margin forecast to 30% from 32% and set revenue growth at the lower end of management's range [4]. Company Overview - Freshworks Inc. operates as a SaaS provider, offering customer engagement and IT service management solutions through products like Freshdesk, Freshservice, and Freshsales [6].

Freshworks Investor Day 2025 Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Freshworks (NasdaqGS:FRSH) - **Event**: Investor Day 2025 - **Date**: September 11, 2025 - **Focus**: Uncomplicated AI-native service platform for customer and employee experiences Core Industry Insights - **Industry**: Software as a Service (SaaS) focusing on IT and customer service - **Market Size**: Total addressable market for EX (Employee Experience) and CX (Customer Experience) software is estimated at **$80 billion** [22] - **Target Market**: Mid-market and lower-end enterprise customers, which account for over **$10 trillion** in economic activity in the U.S. alone [22] Key Company Highlights - **Growth Metrics**: - Recurring revenue increased from approximately **$560 million** to **$840 million** in two years [10] - Achieved Rule of 45 milestone ahead of schedule [10] - AI monetization grew to **$20 million**, doubling in the last year [10] - 25% revenue growth from customers spending over **$100,000** [12] - Majority of revenue now from mid-market and enterprise customers [11] - **Product Portfolio**: - **Freshservice**: AI-powered platform for IT and employee services - **Freshdesk**: AI-powered customer service solution - **Freddy AI**: Includes Freddy AI Copilot, Freddy Insights, and Freddy AI Agents for enhanced customer and employee support [9] Strategic Focus Areas - **AI Integration**: Continuous infusion of AI across core products to enhance value and solve more problems [57] - **Vertical Expansion**: Focus on sectors like education, healthcare, and government [57] - **Add-on Products**: Scaling IT asset management and enterprise service management (ESM) products [58] - **Adjacency Expansion**: Exploring areas like AI Ops and SecOps for future growth [59] Customer Base and Testimonials - **Diverse Customer Base**: Over **74,000** companies including Fortune 500 firms like Panasonic and various government entities [6][7] - **Customer Success Stories**: - **Big Bus Tours**: Transformed customer service center into a profit center using Freddy AI [63] - **Modamax**: Unified IT operations and improved onboarding processes through Freshservice [51][52] Financial Outlook - **Future Projections**: On track to achieve over **$1.3 billion** in recurring revenue by 2028 with strong cash flow and operating margins [21] - **Sustained Growth**: EX business expected to sustain **20% growth** for years [21] Conclusion - Freshworks is positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for uncomplicated, AI-driven solutions in the SaaS market, with a clear strategy for growth and a strong commitment to customer success. The company aims to continue its upward trajectory by leveraging its innovative product offerings and expanding into new market segments.

Financial Performance & Growth - Freshworks' ARR exceeded $840 million[24], with a 2-year CAGR of 20%[24] - The company achieved 18% YoY revenue growth and a 27% adjusted FCF margin in Q2 2025[24] - Freshworks is on track for $1.3 billion+ ARR by 2028[34] - The company projects revenue between $822.9 million and $828.9 million for 2025, representing 14%-15% YoY growth[232] - Non-GAAP income from operations is projected between $153 million and $157 million for 2025[232] Customer Base & AI - Freshworks has 74,000+ paying customers across 120+ countries[21] - Mid-market and Enterprise customers account for >60% of total ARR[24] - Freddy AI is now a >$20 million ARR business[24, 96] Employee Experience (EX) - EX remains a durable 20%+ growth engine[34] - EX customers with >$100K ARR increased by 32% YoY[58] - Databricks achieved 23% ticket deflection via self-service using Freshworks[61]

Freshworks (FRSH) FY Conference Summary Company Overview - Freshworks is a software company founded in 2010, primarily known for its Freshdesk product line, which has evolved to include AI-powered software for employee-facing (EX) and customer-facing (CX) products [3][4] - The company serves over 74,000 customers, focusing on IT and customer support teams to enhance efficiency and effectiveness [4] Financial Performance - The EX business has surpassed $450 million in revenue, growing over 22% year-over-year in constant currency, with approximately 19,000 customers [5] - The CX business has an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of over $380 million, growing 8% in the last quarter, up from 7% previously, with around 60,000 customers [6] Strategic Focus - The company is prioritizing the EX segment for growth, leveraging its competitive advantages against established players like ServiceNow [12][29] - AI integration across all products is a key strategy, with $20 million in ARR attributed to AI capabilities [13][36] - Freshworks aims to enhance its CX business by improving execution and focusing on the SMB and mid-market segments [14] Competitive Positioning - Freshworks differentiates itself by providing user-friendly, easy-to-implement software at competitive prices, targeting both SMBs and larger enterprises [15][16] - The company sees a significant opportunity in the underserved upmarket, primarily dominated by ServiceNow, which offers complex and expensive solutions [50][51] Sales and Marketing Strategy - Freshworks has two distinct sales motions: one for CX, primarily managed from India, and another for EX, focusing on enterprise sales [28][29] - The company is investing in building its enterprise sales capabilities and optimizing its marketing strategies to drive demand across both segments [30][31] AI Integration and Impact - AI is viewed as an accelerant for Freshworks, enhancing product utility and customer experience while potentially reducing the need for additional hiring among customers [36][46] - The company is focused on integrating AI features that improve agent productivity and customer engagement [41][43] Customer Base and Market Opportunities - Freshworks is expanding its customer base, targeting organizations of various sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises [58] - The company is also exploring adjacent markets, such as employee service management (ESM), to capture additional growth opportunities [60] M&A Strategy - Freshworks is open to pursuing mergers and acquisitions to enhance its product offerings, particularly in areas like security operations and IT operations [62][66] - The acquisition of Device 42 is highlighted as a successful example of entering a new market segment [64] Upcoming Events - Freshworks will hold an Investor Day on September 11, 2025, to provide updates on product strategy, financial goals, and market positioning [70][74] Conclusion - Freshworks is strategically positioned for growth in the EX market, leveraging AI and a strong customer base while addressing the competitive landscape effectively. The focus on execution, product innovation, and market expansion will be critical for its continued success.

Core Viewpoint - Freshworks reported strong Q2 2025 financial results, exceeding revenue and earnings expectations, driven by operational improvements and AI product adoption [1][5][14] Financial Performance - GAAP revenue reached $204.7 million, surpassing estimates of $198.8 million, marking a 17.6% year-over-year increase from $174.1 million [2][5] - Non-GAAP earnings per share were $0.18, significantly above the expected $0.11 and up 125% from $0.08 in Q2 2024 [2][5] - Non-GAAP income from operations was $44.8 million, a 241.2% increase from $13.1 million in the same quarter last year [2][6] - Adjusted free cash flow increased by 65.5% year-over-year to $54.3 million, with operating cash flow climbing to $58.6 million, up 61.4% [2][6] Profitability Metrics - Gross margin improved to 84.8%, up from 83.8% a year ago, while non-GAAP operating margin reached 21.9%, up from 7.5% [7][6] - Free cash flow margin improved to 26.5%, reflecting effective cost control relative to revenue [6] Customer Growth - The number of customers generating over $5,000 in annual recurring revenue increased by 10% year-over-year to 23,975, indicating strong long-term revenue retention potential [8] - Net dollar retention remained steady at 106%, reflecting stable customer spending [8] AI Developments - The Freddy AI suite surpassed $20 million in annual recurring revenue, showcasing the success of AI-driven solutions [9] - Freshworks launched the Freddy AI Agent Studio, a no-code tool for businesses to create AI-powered automation agents [9] Market Positioning - Freshworks secured a multi-year partnership with McLaren Racing, enhancing its visibility in enterprise sales and competing against larger SaaS vendors [10][11] - The company continues to focus on integrating AI features across its software offerings, utilizing a product-led growth strategy [4] Future Guidance - Management raised revenue guidance for Q3 2025 to between $207.0 million and $210.0 million, projecting 11-12% year-over-year growth [14] - Full-year revenue is expected to be in the range of $822.9 million to $828.9 million, indicating 14-15% growth [14] - Non-GAAP operating income is anticipated to rise to $153.0–$157.0 million, with earnings per share forecasted at $0.56–$0.58 [14] Competitive Landscape - The company faces competitive dynamics as larger software firms introduce their own AI features, which may impact customer adoption rates of Freshworks' AI modules [16]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Freshworks reported Q2 revenue of $204.7 million, an 18% year-over-year increase, with a non-GAAP operating margin of 22%, up over 14 percentage points from the previous year [6][28][30] - Adjusted free cash flow grew 65% year-over-year to $54.3 million, resulting in a free cash flow margin of 27% [27][34] - Total customers increased to over 74,600, with a net addition of over 1,300 customers in the quarter [32][33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Employee Experience (EX) business achieved over $450 million in ARR, representing 24% year-over-year growth [8][28] - Customer Experience (CX) business grew to over $380 million in ARR, reflecting an 11% year-over-year increase [18][29] - Professional services revenue contributed $2.7 million in Q2, driven by strong bookings and project completions [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced healthy demand across its diversified customer base, with no specific industry overrepresented [67] - The global partner program contributed to over one-third of ARR in Q2, with 130 new partners onboarded [24][55] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Freshworks focuses on three key growth drivers: investing in employee experience, delivering AI capabilities, and enhancing customer experience [7][13] - The company aims to expand its enterprise service management solutions, which could represent a $100 million opportunity [11][12] - Freshworks is actively integrating AI into its products, with over 5,000 customers now paying for AI-related offerings, resulting in an ARR of over $20 million [14][72] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the business's momentum and the strong demand for their products, despite macroeconomic uncertainties [68] - The company anticipates continued growth in the second half of the year, supported by investments in sales and marketing [40] Other Important Information - Freshworks repurchased 8.2 million shares at an average price of $13.89 per share, totaling nearly 15.9 million shares repurchased to date [35][36] - The company expects to generate approximately $215 million in adjusted free cash flow for the full year 2025 [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: AI agent consumption relative to expectations - Management indicated that AI is pacing at or slightly ahead of internal expectations, with good traction seen in AI products introduced recently [42][43] Question: Q3 guidance and EX growth expectations - Management clarified that while EX growth is strong, the comparison to previous quarters is affected by the anniversary of the Device 42 acquisition [46][50] Question: Long-term contribution of the global partner program - Management noted that the partner channel is expected to contribute a greater percentage of business over the next few years, with a balanced impact across EX and CX [55][57] Question: Macro environment impact on customer conversations - Management reported strong demand across the board, with a diversified revenue base mitigating risks from tariffs and economic uncertainties [66][68] Question: AI Copilot and agents revenue evolution - Management highlighted that AI adoption is still early, with significant growth potential as more customers begin to utilize AI capabilities [71][72] Question: Device 42's impact on net dollar retention - Management acknowledged that Device 42 had a negative impact on net dollar retention due to expected churn, but overall expansion trends remain positive [87][89]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Freshworks reported Q2 revenue of $204.7 million, an 18% year-over-year increase, with a non-GAAP operating margin of 22%, up over 14 percentage points from the previous year [4][25][27] - Adjusted free cash flow grew 65% year-over-year to $54.3 million, resulting in a free cash flow margin of 27% [26][34] - Total calculated billings reached $213.1 million, representing a 15% year-over-year growth [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Employee Experience (EX) business achieved over $450 million in ARR, reflecting a 24% year-over-year growth [7][27] - Customer Experience (CX) business increased to over $380 million in ARR, showing an 11% year-over-year growth [17][28] - Professional services revenue contributed $2.7 million in Q2, driven by strong bookings and project completions [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Freshworks ended Q2 with over 74,600 customers, adding more than 1,300 net new customers in the quarter [5][33] - The number of customers contributing more than $5,000 in ARR grew 10% year-over-year to 23,975 [32] - The cohort of customers contributing more than $50,000 in ARR grew 22% year-over-year to 3,460 [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Freshworks focuses on three key growth drivers: investing in employee experience, delivering AI capabilities, and enhancing customer experience [6][12] - The company aims to expand its enterprise service management solutions, which could represent a $100 million opportunity [10] - Freshworks is also enhancing its AI offerings, with over 5,000 customers now paying for AI products, resulting in an ARR of over $20 million [12][72] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed strong demand across the board, with a diversified revenue base and no significant exposure to industries affected by tariffs [70] - The company remains optimistic about maintaining momentum in the second half of the year, supported by a solid pipeline [70] - Freshworks anticipates continued growth in both EX and CX segments, with AI expected to be a significant growth catalyst moving forward [80][96] Other Important Information - Freshworks has onboarded over 130 new partners in 2025, with partners contributing to over one-third of ARR in Q2 [23][56] - The company is preparing for an Investor Day on September 11, where it will share more about its long-term vision and strategic priorities [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: AI agent consumption relative to expectations - Management indicated that AI is pacing at or slightly ahead of internal expectations, with good traction seen in AI products introduced in June [42][44] Question: Q3 guidance and EX growth expectations - Management clarified that while EX growth is strong, the growth rate is expected to moderate due to anniversary effects from previous acquisitions [46][51] Question: Contribution of the global partner program - Management noted that the partner program is contributing equally across EX and CX, with larger partners generating larger deals [54][56] Question: Changes in sales leadership and team performance - Management expressed satisfaction with the new sales leadership and noted that all regions exceeded internal targets in Q2 [62][65] Question: Macro environment and customer conversations - Management reported strong demand and a diversified revenue base, indicating resilience against macroeconomic challenges [68][70] Question: AI Copilot and agents revenue growth - Management highlighted the significant growth potential in AI, with a long way to go in customer adoption and monetization [72][96] Question: Device 42 integration timeline - Management confirmed plans to release a cloud version of Device 42 in 2026, with ongoing integration efforts [102]

Financial Performance - Revenue for Q2 2025 reached $204.7 million, representing an 18% year-over-year growth[26] - Non-GAAP income from operations for Q2 2025 was $44.8 million[42] - Free cash flow for Q2 2025 amounted to $54.3 million[46] Customer Metrics - The company has over 74,000 customers across more than 120 countries[12] - Customers contributing more than $5,000 in ARR reached 23,975 in Q2 2025[35] - The number of customers with >$50K ARR was 3,460 in Q2 2025[36] Regional Revenue Distribution - North America accounts for 47% of the company's revenue[30] - Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) contribute 12% to the revenue[30] - Asia-Pacific represents 39% of the revenue[30] - Rest of World accounts for 3% of the revenue[30] Future Outlook - The company projects revenue between $207 million and $210 million for Q3 2025, indicating an 11%-12% year-over-year growth[50] - The company anticipates non-GAAP income from operations to be between $31.2 million and $33.2 million for Q3 2025[50]

Freshworks (FRSH) 2025 Conference Summary Company Overview - Freshworks is focused on scaling its operations, particularly in the SMB (Small and Medium-sized Business) sector, with a strong emphasis on AI integration and customer satisfaction [5][6]. Key Industry Insights - The adoption of AI, particularly through the Freddie Copilot, has accelerated among customers, with a current attach rate exceeding 20% [9]. - Customers are increasingly seeking efficiencies and improved customer satisfaction rather than merely cost-cutting measures [13]. - The company has seen a 7% growth in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) in its CX (Customer Experience) business, which is consistent with previous quarters [29]. Core Business Strategies - Freshworks is focusing on enhancing customer satisfaction and retention while driving efficiency through AI solutions [13]. - The company is shifting its pricing strategy towards more intuitive models, such as usage-based pricing, although current pricing remains per agent [18][19]. - Freshworks is actively revamping its partner relationships to foster more collaborative and performance-based partnerships [39][40]. Customer Engagement and Market Position - Customers are increasingly asking for integrated solutions that streamline interactions across multiple channels, including voice, social media, and email [45]. - The company has a strong competitive position against larger firms like Zendesk and ServiceNow, primarily due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness [66][71]. - Freshworks has implemented a strategy to convert free users to paid plans by limiting the number of free agents and the duration of free usage, resulting in significant conversion rates [82][84]. Financial Performance and Growth Opportunities - The company is experiencing healthy expansion in its business, particularly in AI investments and add-ons, which are contributing to increased Average Contract Value (ACV) [14][15]. - Freshworks is seeing a trend where customers are willing to invest in solutions that promise faster ROI, even amidst macroeconomic uncertainties [60][62]. Future Outlook - The company is preparing for upcoming product announcements and innovations aimed at enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency [26][34]. - Freshworks is committed to maintaining its focus on the SMB market, which is less complex and more aligned with its product offerings compared to larger enterprises [72][75]. Additional Insights - The macroeconomic environment has not deterred customers from investing; instead, it has prompted them to seek solutions that offer greater efficiencies [63]. - Freshworks is leveraging its existing customer base to demonstrate the effectiveness of its AI solutions, which is a significant selling point in competitive scenarios [46][50].