PROS(PRO) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a trailing twelve month recurring calculated billings growth of 14% year over year, marking the strongest performance in ten quarters [6] - Subscription revenue reached $70.8 million, up 10% year over year, while total revenue was$ 86.3 million, up 7% year over year, both exceeding guidance [20] - Free cash flow improved by $6 million year over year to$ 1.1 million, despite Q1 typically being a seasonally high cash used quarter [19][22] - Non-GAAP earnings per share was $0.13, also exceeding guidance [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Recurring revenue constituted 85% of total revenue, an increase from 84% in Q1 of the previous year [20] - Non-GAAP subscription gross margin improved to 81%, an increase of over 160 basis points year over year [21] - Non-GAAP services gross margin was 13%, improving by over 460 basis points year over year [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company saw strong demand in the travel sector, winning contracts with two of the top seven US carriers [12] - The ongoing market volatility has led to increased adoption of AI-powered pricing and selling solutions, with companies recognizing the need for real-time data-driven decisions [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing its AI-powered pricing and selling solutions, which are deemed mission-critical in volatile markets [6][14] - The upcoming Outperform conference will showcase the latest AI innovations, emphasizing the integration of AI with customer experience [14] - The company plans to increase investments in selling and marketing in the second quarter [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the complex selling environment due to macroeconomic uncertainties but noted strong execution and demand across B2B and travel sectors [5][34] - There is confidence in the company's ability to navigate market volatility, with an increase in inbound demand and SDR-based meetings booked [35] - The company maintains its full-year guidance despite positive momentum, citing macro risks as a consideration [62] Other Important Information - The company announced the planned retirement of its CEO, with Jeff Cotton set to take over as president and CEO [15][16] - The company exited Q1 with$ 170 million in cash and investments [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the travel segment's momentum - Management noted improvements in travel bookings and highlighted innovations in offer optimization that resonate with airlines [30][31] Question: Impact of current macro conditions on business - Management indicated that the complex selling environment has not negatively impacted demand, with companies accelerating initiatives [34][35] Question: Clarification on gross margin improvements - Management explained that efficiencies in cloud solutions and automation in services have driven better gross margins [40][41] Question: Customer behavior regarding implementations - Management reported no significant changes in demand patterns, with strong demand for CPQ solutions [44] Question: Revenue guidance breakdown - Management provided a split of approximately 40% new customers and 60% existing customers, expecting this mix to remain consistent [51] Question: Go-to-market changes contributing to improved bookings - Management highlighted improvements in sales execution, marketing function, and demand generation as key contributors to better bookings [55]