Cerence(CRNC) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q1 revenue of $50.9 million, exceeding the high end of guidance of$ 47 million to $50 million [20] - Adjusted EBITDA was$ 1.4 million, significantly better than the anticipated loss of $6.6 million to$ 9 million [23] - Gross margin for the quarter was 65%, surpassing the guidance of 60% [21] - The net loss for Q1 was $22.4 million, compared to a net income of$ 23.9 million in the same quarter of the previous year [24] - Cash and marketable securities at the end of the quarter were $110.5 million, down$ 19.9 million from the previous fiscal year [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - License revenue increased to $22.7 million, up 9.1% year-over-year [27] - Connected services revenue rose to$ 13.7 million, a 34% increase from $10.2 million in the same quarter last year [27] - Professional services revenue decreased year-over-year but performed at a higher gross margin than anticipated [21][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The penetration of global auto production declined by 2% to 51% [31] - Approximately 11 million cars were shipped with Cerence technology in Q1, a 2.6% increase quarter-over-quarter but a 10.5% decrease year-over-year [32] - Worldwide car production declined by 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to return to profitability in fiscal year 2025, focusing on cost management and operational efficiency [6][17] - Key deliverables for 2025 include launching the next-gen product Cerence XUI, growing business with new and existing customers, and continuing transformation efforts [11][15][16] - Partnerships with leading AI companies like Nvidia and Microsoft are expected to enhance product performance and cost efficiency [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving full-year cash flow expectations and projected revenue guidance for Q2 between$ 74 million and $77 million [17][35] - The company is optimistic about its ability to navigate challenges in the automotive industry, including cost pressures and geopolitical factors [11] - Management noted that the recent tariff announcements are not expected to have a meaningful impact on Q2 results [43] Other Important Information - The company repurchased$ 27 million of convertible notes due in June 2025 as part of its debt management strategy [7] - The restructuring efforts have resulted in a significant reduction in operating expenses, down 23% year-over-year [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the size of the first major customer program with Cerence XUI? - The first major customer program is with a European auto manufacturer, expected to involve several million units over the contract's life, with approximately one million units in the first year [47] Question: Can you provide insights on the competitive landscape for digital assistance? - The competitive landscape remains similar, with major players like Google and Amazon, as well as DIY solutions from OEMs. Cerence's agnostic approach allows for customization and flexibility [67][68] Question: What are the one-time items that contributed to better-than-expected results? - The $2 million royalty true-up and a$ 2.5 million international tax credit were significant contributors to improved profitability [86][88] Question: How quickly can the adoption of XUI ramp up? - Adoption rates depend on the contracts, which typically range from one to ten years, with most being two to three years [101] Question: What is the company's strategy regarding the remaining convertible notes? - The company plans to extinguish the remaining $60 million of convertible notes due in June through a combination of payoff and financing [39][127]