Cerence(US:CRNC)2025-11-19 23:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, the company reported revenue of $60.6 million and adjusted EBITDA of $8.3 million, exceeding guidance [5][16] - Full fiscal year revenue reached $251.8 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $48.1 million, and free cash flow grew almost threefold year-over-year to $46.8 million [5][20] - The price per unit (PPU) increased to $5.05 for the trailing 12-month period, up 12% from the previous year [5][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Variable license revenue for Q4 was $31.6 million, up 25% year-over-year, while connected service revenue was $14.2 million, up 17% year-over-year [17][18] - Professional services revenue for Q4 was $14.2 million, down 18% year-over-year, reflecting a focus on higher gross margins [18][19] - Total license revenue for the full year grew 13%, despite lower fixed license contracts [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company shipped approximately 11.7 million units in Q4, an increase from 10.6 million in the prior year [21] - The number of connected cars shipped grew by 14% on a trailing 12-month basis, with 52% of worldwide auto production including Cerence technology [22] - Adjusted total billings were $236 million, an increase of 8.4% year-over-year [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to monetize its intellectual property and protect it against infringers, with ongoing actions against major companies [6][7] - A multi-year roadmap for IP monetization is in place, expected to support non-automotive business growth [8][12] - The company is focused on advancing its AI roadmap, growing its business with new and existing customers, and continuing transformation and cost management initiatives [8][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the foundation for long-term sustainable growth in fiscal 2026 and beyond, with expected revenue in the range of $300 million to $320 million [15][24] - The anticipated growth reflects an 8% increase in the core technology business and a focus on increasing adoption of Cerence XUI [15][24] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining cost diligence while driving top-line growth [26] Other Important Information - The company resolved a lawsuit with Samsung, resulting in a one-time payment of $49.5 million, which is expected to contribute to revenue in Q1 [6][27] - A restructuring plan was initiated to reduce operating expenses and position the company for profitable growth [12][13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on IP monetization and legal expenses - Management confirmed that the $49.5 million payment from Samsung will flow through as revenue, with anticipated legal costs of approximately $24 million [27][28] Question: Interest in XUI and proof of concepts - Management noted ongoing POCs with about half a dozen OEMs, indicating increased interest in the XUI platform [28][29] Question: Connected revenue and accounting practices - Management clarified that connected revenue is recognized over the life of the contract, with no unusual accounting practices affecting the current quarter [29][30] Question: Non-automotive opportunities - Management identified kiosk implementations and a phone answering chat service as key non-automotive opportunities [32][33] Question: Core business growth breakdown - Management explained that the expected 8% growth in core technology is driven by increased billings and amortization of deferred revenue [34][35] Question: Competitive landscape update - Management indicated that the competitive landscape remains stable, with a focus on large language models and agentic AI driving competition [36]