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Clarivate(CLVT) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q2 revenue of $621 million, bringing the first half total to $1.2 billion, with a net loss of $72 million, an improvement attributed to the absence of a non-cash impairment charge from the previous year [22][23] - Adjusted diluted EPS was $0.18, with operating cash flow of $116 million in the quarter [23][27] - Free cash flow for Q2 was $50 million, totaling $161 million for the first half of the year [27][28] - The mix of organic recurring revenue to total revenue for the first half improved to 88%, an increase of 800 basis points compared to the previous year [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The A and G business achieved 2% organic ACV and subscription revenue growth, with a 96% renewal rate [8][11] - The IP segment returned to organic growth in patent annuities, with recurring revenue rising by about 1.5% in the first half of 2025 [13][14] - Life Science and Healthcare segment saw a return to organic ACV growth, supported by a long-term multimillion-dollar agreement with a top pharmaceutical company [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a market-wide surge in AI innovation, which is expected to drive growth in the patent renewal business [14][15] - The U.S. dollar weakened against foreign currencies, providing a favorable foreign exchange translation impact on revenue [26][34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a value creation plan (VCP) launched in 2024, emphasizing AI-led product innovation, improved sales execution, and operational efficiency [6][8] - A shift away from transactional sales towards subscription models is expected to enhance recurring revenue growth [10][11] - The company is undertaking a strategic review to assess alternatives across the business, with results expected to be communicated in February 2026 [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the renewal rates and the resilience of their products amid funding pressures in the U.S. market [54] - The company anticipates continued organic growth in the second half of the year, driven by improvements in the A and G and Life Sciences segments [36][37] - Management highlighted the importance of their products being mission-critical for universities, which supports renewal confidence [54] Other Important Information - The company has launched 10 AI-powered products since the launch of the VCP plan [9] - A new sales incentive plan has been initiated to refocus on subscription and recurring revenue, contributing to improved sales momentum [58][60] Q&A Session Summary Question: IP business rebound and AI opportunities - Management noted that the rebound in the IP annuity market is expected to benefit from increased patent filings related to AI, particularly in Asia and China [40][41][42] Question: Potential changes in U.S. patent filing fee structure - Management indicated that they are well-positioned to adapt to any changes in the IP ecosystem due to their long-standing presence and collaboration with patent offices and law firms [46][47][48] Question: University funding cuts and renewal outlook - Management reported strong renewal rates and emphasized the critical nature of their products for universities, which supports confidence in future renewals [53][54] Question: Sales momentum and subscription focus - Management expressed optimism about the sales momentum driven by the new sales incentive plan, focusing on subscription and recurring revenue [58][60] Question: Life Sciences and Healthcare market dynamics - Management highlighted stable R&D spending and improvements in the subscription business within Life Sciences and Healthcare, attributing this to investments in the Cortellis suite of products [64][66] Question: Delays in disposals - Management explained that one disposal is taking longer due to customer requests for more time to transition to alternative offerings [69][71]