0001768267false00017682672024-11-212024-11-21

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): November 21, 2024

 

CERENCE INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Delaware

 

001-39030

 

83-4177087

(State or Other Jurisdiction

of Incorporation)

 

(Commission File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

 

 

 

 

25 Mall Road,

Suite 416

Burlington, Massachusetts

 

 

01803

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

 

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (857) 362-7300

Not Applicable

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common stock, $0.01 par value

 

CRNC

 

The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

 


 

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On November 21, 2024, Cerence Inc. (the "Company") announced its financial results for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The press release, including the financial information contained therein, is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Also on November 21, 2024, the Company will use a presentation on its call with investors, discussing its financial results for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, and such earnings release presentation is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.2. The press release and earnings release presentation include certain non-GAAP financial measures. A description of the non-GAAP measures, the reasons for their use, and GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations are included in the press release and earnings release presentation.

The information in this Item 2.02 and the exhibits attached hereto are being furnished and shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall they be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit

Number

Description

99.1

Press Release announcing financial results dated November 21, 2024.

99.2

 

Earnings Release Presentation dated November 21, 2024.

104

 

Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

 


 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

Cerence Inc.

Date: November 21, 2024

By:

  /s/ Tony Rodriquez

  Name: Tony Rodriquez

  Title: Interim Chief Financial Officer

 

 


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Exhibit 99.1

Cerence Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Results

Headlines

Q4 Revenue exceeds high end of guidance; positive cash flow from operations of $6.1 million
Transformation plan on track to deliver net annualized cost savings of $35-$40 million
Initial FY25 revenue guidance of $236 to $247 million
Record high of 22 platform launches in FY24, including 6 for generative AI solutions and 4 in Q4

BURLINGTON, Mass., November 21, 2024 Cerence Inc. (NASDAQ: CRNC), AI for a world in motion, today reported its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 results for the year ended September 30, 2024.

 

Results Summary (1,2)

(in millions, except per share data)

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Twelve Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

GAAP revenue

 

$

54.8

 

$

80.8

 

 

$

331.5

 

 

$

294.5

 

GAAP gross margin

 

 

63.7

%

 

 

71.5

%

 

 

73.7

%

 

 

67.7

%

Non-GAAP gross margin

 

 

64.9

%

 

 

72.9

%

 

 

74.5

%

 

 

69.1

%

GAAP operating margin(3)

 

 

-35.1

%

 

 

4.8

%

 

 

-174.9

%

 

 

-9.2

%

Non-GAAP operating margin

 

 

-7.2

%

 

 

17.8

%

 

 

21.8

%

 

 

10.8

%

GAAP net loss(3)

 

$

(20.4

)

 

$

(11.6

)

 

$

(588.1

)

 

$

(56.3

)

GAAP net loss margin(3)

 

 

-37.3

%

 

 

-14.3

%

 

 

-177.4

%

 

 

-19.1

%

Non-GAAP net (loss) income

 

$

(3.0

)

 

$

3.8

 

 

$

56.1

 

 

$

14.6

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

(1.9

)

 

$

16.6

 

 

$

80.6

 

 

$

41.5

 

Adjusted EBITDA margin

 

 

-3.5

%

 

 

20.5

%

 

 

24.3

%

 

 

14.1

%

GAAP net loss per share - diluted(3)

 

$

(0.49

)

 

$

(0.29

)

 

$

(14.12

)

 

$

(1.40

)

Non-GAAP net (loss) income per share - diluted

 

$

(0.07

)

 

$

0.09

 

 

$

1.23

 

 

$

0.36

 

 

(1)
As previously disclosed, Q1FY24 revenue includes the non-cash revenue associated with the Toyota “Legacy” contract and related impacts totaling $86.6M.
(2)
Please refer to the “Discussion of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “Reconciliations of GAAP Financial Measures to Non-GAAP Financial Measures” included elsewhere in this release for more information regarding our use of non-GAAP financial measures.
(3)
Includes a Goodwill impairment charge of $252M in Q2FY24 and $357M in Q3FY24.

 


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Brian Krzanich, Chief Executive Officer of Cerence, commented, “The automotive industry is experiencing rapid transformation, and I am excited to have joined Cerence at this pivotal moment. We finished the fiscal year strong, with revenue exceeding the high end of our guidance.

Krzanich continued, “Throughout the course of the year, we gained critical momentum for our generative AI and large language model-based solutions, with six generative AI program launches with leading automakers in fiscal 2024. As we work to advance and roll-out our next-gen roadmap, I look forward to leading the team toward our goals of increased efficiency and a high level of customer satisfaction, setting us up for anticipated sustainable, profitable growth in the years ahead.”

Cerence Key Performance Indicators

To help investors gain further insight into the Cerence business and its performance, management provides a set of key performance indicators that includes:

Key Performance Indicator1

 

Q4FY24

 

Percent of worldwide auto production with Cerence Technology (TTM)

 

 

52

%

Change in number of Cerence connected cars shipped2 (TTM over prior year TTM)

 

 

16

%

Change in Adjusted Total Billings (TTM over prior year TTM)3

 

 

1

%

 

(1)
Please refer to the “Key Performance Indicators” section included elsewhere in this release for more information regarding the definitions and our use of key performance indicators.
(2)
Based on IHS Markit data, global auto production increased 1% over the same time period ended on September 30, 2024.
(3)
Change in Adjusted total billings YoY (TTM): The year over year change in total billings adjusted to exclude Professional Services, prepay billings and adjusted for prepay consumption.

First Quarter and Full Year Fiscal 2025 Outlook

For the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2024, revenue is expected to be in the range of $47 million to $50 million. GAAP net loss is expected to be in the range of ($26) million to ($23) million. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of ($9) million to ($6) million.

For the full fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, the company expects revenue to be in the range of $236 million to $247 million which includes an estimated $20 million of fixed contracts at the mid-point of

 


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guidance. GAAP net loss is expected to be in the range of ($40) million to ($29) million. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $15 million to $26 million.

The adjusted EBITDA guidance excludes amortization of acquired intangible assets, stock-based compensation, restructuring and other costs.

Additional details regarding guidance will be provided during the earnings call.

Cerence Conference Call and Webcast

The company will host a live conference call and webcast with slides to discuss the results today at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time/5:30 a.m. Pacific Time. Interested investors and analysts are invited to dial into the conference call by registering here.

Webcast access will also be available on the Investor Information section of the company’s website at https://www.cerence.com/investors/events-and-resources.

A replay of the webcast can be accessed by visiting the company’s website 90 minutes following the conference call at https://www.cerence.com/investors/events-and-resources.

 

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this press release regarding: Cerence’s future performance, results and financial condition; expected growth and profitability; outlook; transformation plans and cost efficiency initiatives, including the estimated net annualized cost savings; strategy; opportunities; business, industry and market trends; strategy regarding fixed contracts and its impact on financial results; backlog; revenue visibility; revenue timing and mix; demand for Cerence products; innovation and new product offerings, including AI technology; expected benefits of technology partnerships; and management’s future expectations, estimates, assumptions, beliefs, goals, objectives, targets, plans or prospects constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words “believes,” “plans,” “goal,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “expects,” “intends,” “continues,” “will,” “may,” or “estimates” or similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Although we believe forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, such statements involve known and unknown risk, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results or performance of the company to be materially different from any future results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements including but not limited to: the highly competitive and rapidly changing market in which we operate; adverse conditions in the automotive industry, the related supply chain and semiconductor shortage, or the global economy more generally; automotive production delays; changes in customer forecasts; the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our and our customers’ businesses; the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East; our inability to control and successfully manage our expenses and cash position; our inability to deliver improved financial results from process optimization efforts and cost reduction actions; escalating pricing pressures from our customers; the impact on our business of the transition to a lower level of fixed contracts, including the failure to achieve such a transition; our failure to win, renew or implement service contracts; the cancellation or postponement of existing contracts; the loss

 


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of business from any of our largest customers; effects of customer defaults; our inability to successfully introduce new products, applications and services; our strategies to increase cloud offerings and deploy generative AI and large language models (LLMs); the inability to expand into adjacent markets; the inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel; disruptions arising from transitions in management personnel, including the transition to our new Chief Executive Officer; cybersecurity and data privacy incidents; fluctuating currency rates and interest rates; inflation; restrictions on our current and future operations under the terms of our debt, the use of cash to service our debt; and our inability to generate sufficient cash from our operations; and the other factors discussed in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this document.

Discussion of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We believe that providing the non-GAAP information in addition to the GAAP presentation, allows investors to view the financial results in the way management views the operating results. We further believe that providing this information allows investors to not only better understand our financial performance, but more importantly, to evaluate the efficacy of the methodology and information used by management to evaluate and measure such performance. The non-GAAP information should not be considered superior to, or a substitute for, financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.

We utilize a number of different financial measures, both GAAP and non-GAAP, in analyzing and assessing the overall performance of the business, for making operating decisions and for forecasting and planning for future periods. While our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures as a tool to enhance their understanding of certain aspects of our financial performance, our management does not consider these measures to be a substitute for, or superior to, the information provided by GAAP financial statements.

Consistent with this approach, we believe that disclosing non-GAAP financial measures to the readers of our financial statements provides such readers with useful supplemental data that, while not a substitute for GAAP financial statements, allows for greater transparency in the review of our financial and operational performance. In assessing the overall health of the business during the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, our management has either included or excluded the following items in general categories, each of which is described below.

Adjusted EBITDA.

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income attributable to Cerence Inc. before net income (loss) attributable to income tax (benefit) expense, other income (expense) items, net, depreciation and amortization expense, and excluding amortization of acquired intangible assets, stock-based compensation, and restructuring and other costs, net or impairment charges related to fixed and intangible assets and gains or losses on the sale of long-lived assets, if any. From time to time we may exclude from Adjusted EBITDA the impact of events, gains, losses or other charges (such as significant legal settlements) that affect the period-to-period comparability of our operating performance. Other income (expense) items, net include interest expense, interest income, and other income (expense), net (as stated in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of

 


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Operations). Our management and Board of Directors use this financial measure to evaluate our operating performance. It is also a significant performance measure in our annual incentive compensation programs.

Restructuring and other costs, net.

Restructuring and other costs, net include restructuring expenses as well as other charges that are unusual in nature, are the result of unplanned events, and arise outside the ordinary course of our business such as employee severance costs, consulting costs relating to our transformation initiatives, costs for consolidating duplicate facilities, third-party fees relating to the modification of our convertible debt, and the release of a pre-acquisition contingency.

Amortization of acquired intangible assets.

We exclude the amortization of acquired intangible assets from non-GAAP expense and income measures. These amounts are inconsistent in amount and frequency and are significantly impacted by the timing and size of acquisitions. Providing a supplemental measure which excludes these charges allows management and investors to evaluate results “as-if” the acquired intangible assets had been developed internally rather than acquired and, therefore, provides a supplemental measure of performance in which our acquired intellectual property is treated in a comparable manner to our internally developed intellectual property. Although we exclude amortization of acquired intangible assets from our non-GAAP expenses, we believe that it is important for investors to understand that such intangible assets contribute to revenue generation. Amortization of intangible assets that relate to past acquisitions will recur in future periods until such intangible assets have been fully amortized. Future acquisitions may result in the amortization of additional intangible assets.

Non-cash expenses.

We provide non-GAAP information relative to the following non-cash expenses: (i) stock-based compensation; and (ii) non-cash interest. These items are further discussed as follows:

(i)
Stock-based compensation. Because of varying valuation methodologies, subjective assumptions and the variety of award types, we exclude stock-based compensation from our operating results. We evaluate performance both with and without these measures because compensation expense related to stock-based compensation is typically non-cash and awards granted are influenced by the Company’s stock price and other factors such as volatility that are beyond our control. The expense related to stock-based awards is generally not controllable in the short-term and can vary significantly based on the timing, size and nature of awards granted. As such, we do not include such charges in operating plans. Stock-based compensation will continue in future periods.
(ii)
Non-cash interest. We exclude non-cash interest because we believe that excluding this expense provides management, as well as other users of the financial statements, with a valuable perspective on the cash-based performance and health of the business, including the current near-term projected liquidity. Non-cash interest expense will continue in future periods.

 


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Other expenses.

We exclude certain other expenses that result from unplanned events outside the ordinary course of continuing operations, in order to measure operating performance and current and future liquidity both with and without these expenses. By providing this information, we believe management and the users of the financial statements are better able to understand the financial results of what we consider to be our organic, continuing operations. Included in these expenses are items such as other charges (credits), net, losses from extinguishment of debt, and changes in indemnification assets corresponding with the release of pre-spin liabilities for uncertain tax positions.

Adjustments to income tax provision.

Adjustments to our GAAP income tax provision to arrive at non-GAAP net income is determined based on our non-GAAP pre-tax income. Additionally, as our non-GAAP profitability is higher based on the non-GAAP adjustments, we adjust the GAAP tax provision to remove valuation allowances and related effects based on the higher level of reported non-GAAP profitability. We also exclude from our non-GAAP tax provision certain discrete tax items as they occur.

Key Performance Indicators

We believe that providing key performance indicators (“KPIs”) allows investors to gain insight into the way management views the performance of the business. We further believe that providing KPIs allows investors to better understand information used by management to evaluate and measure such performance. KPIs should not be considered superior to, or a substitute for, operating results prepared in accordance with GAAP. In assessing the performance of the business during the three months ended September 30, 2024, our management has reviewed the following KPIs, each of which is described below:

Percent of worldwide auto production with Cerence Technology: The number of Cerence enabled cars shipped as compared to IHS Markit car production data.
Change in number of Cerence connected cars shipped: The year-over-year change in the number of cars shipped with Cerence connected solutions. Amounts calculated on a TTM basis.
Change in Adjusted total billings YoY (TTM): The year over year change in total billings excluding Professional Services, prepay billings and adjusted for prepay consumption.

____________

See the tables at the end of this press release for non-GAAP reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

To learn more about Cerence, visit www.cerence.com, and follow the company on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Cerence Inc.

Cerence (NASDAQ: CRNC) is the global industry leader in creating unique, moving experiences for the mobility world. As an innovation partner to the world’s leading automakers and mobility OEMs, it is helping advance the

 


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future of connected mobility through intuitive, AI-powered interaction between humans and their vehicles, connecting consumers’ digital lives to their daily journeys no matter where they are. Cerence’s track record is built on more than 20 years of knowledge and 500 million cars shipped with Cerence technology. Whether it’s connected cars, autonomous driving, e-vehicles, or two-wheelers, Cerence is mapping the road ahead. For more information, visit www.cerence.com.

Contact Information


Cerence Inc.

Investor Relations

Email: investorrelations@cerence.com

 


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CERENCE INC.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Twelve Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

License

 

$

25,341

 

 

$

43,105

 

 

$

124,746

 

 

$

145,159

 

Connected service

 

 

12,088

 

 

 

19,168

 

 

 

133,444

 

 

 

75,071

 

Professional service

 

 

17,376

 

 

 

18,491

 

 

 

73,314

 

 

 

74,245

 

Total revenues

 

 

54,805

 

 

 

80,764

 

 

 

331,504

 

 

 

294,475

 

Cost of revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

License

 

 

1,257

 

 

 

2,356

 

 

 

6,060

 

 

 

8,522

 

Connected service

 

 

6,407

 

 

 

4,777

 

 

 

24,787

 

 

 

22,995

 

Professional service

 

 

12,246

 

 

 

15,791

 

 

 

56,282

 

 

 

63,232

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

 

-

 

 

 

104

 

 

 

103

 

 

 

414

 

Total cost of revenues

 

 

19,910

 

 

 

23,028

 

 

 

87,232

 

 

 

95,163

 

Gross profit

 

 

34,895

 

 

 

57,736

 

 

 

244,272

 

 

 

199,312

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research and development

 

 

25,227

 

 

 

35,143

 

 

 

121,563

 

 

 

123,333

 

Sales and marketing

 

 

4,827

 

 

 

5,848

 

 

 

21,725

 

 

 

27,504

 

General and administrative

 

 

13,185

 

 

 

11,450

 

 

 

52,468

 

 

 

57,903

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

 

553

 

 

 

557

 

 

 

2,203

 

 

 

5,854

 

Restructuring and other costs, net

 

 

10,331

 

 

 

842

 

 

 

17,077

 

 

 

11,917

 

Goodwill impairment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

609,172

 

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

54,123

 

 

 

53,840

 

 

 

824,208

 

 

 

226,511

 

(Loss) income from operations

 

 

(19,228

)

 

 

3,896

 

 

 

(579,936

)

 

 

(27,199

)

Interest income

 

 

1,444

 

 

 

1,231

 

 

 

5,353

 

 

 

4,471

 

Interest expense

 

 

(3,102

)

 

 

(3,132

)

 

 

(12,553

)

 

 

(14,769

)

Other income (expense), net

 

 

503

 

 

 

(1,649

)

 

 

2,526

 

 

 

1,108

 

(Loss) income before income taxes

 

 

(20,383

)

 

 

346

 

 

 

(584,610

)

 

 

(36,389

)

Provision for income taxes

 

 

33

 

 

 

11,898

 

 

 

3,468

 

 

 

19,865

 

Net loss

 

$

(20,416

)

 

$

(11,552

)

 

$

(588,078

)

 

$

(56,254

)

Net loss per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

(0.49

)

 

 

(0.29

)

 

 

(14.12

)

 

 

(1.40

)

Diluted

 

 

(0.49

)

 

 

(0.29

)

 

 

(14.12

)

 

 

(1.40

)

Weighted-average common share outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

41,866

 

 

 

40,357

 

 

 

41,642

 

 

 

40,215

 

Diluted

 

 

41,866

 

 

 

40,357

 

 

 

41,642

 

 

 

40,215

 

 

 

 

 


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CERENCE INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

September 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

121,485

 

 

$

101,154

 

Marketable securities

 

 

5,502

 

 

 

9,211

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $1,613 and $4,044 at September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively

 

 

62,755

 

 

 

61,270

 

Deferred costs

 

 

5,286

 

 

 

6,935

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

70,481

 

 

 

47,157

 

Total current assets

 

 

265,509

 

 

 

225,727

 

Long-term marketable securities

 

 

3,453

 

 

 

10,607

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

30,139

 

 

 

34,013

 

Deferred costs

 

 

18,051

 

 

 

20,299

 

Operating lease right of use assets

 

 

12,879

 

 

 

11,961

 

Goodwill

 

 

296,858

 

 

 

900,342

 

Intangible assets, net

 

 

1,706

 

 

 

3,875

 

Deferred tax assets

 

 

51,398

 

 

 

46,601

 

Other assets

 

 

22,365

 

 

 

44,165

 

Total assets

 

$

702,358

 

 

$

1,297,590

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

3,959

 

 

$

16,873

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

52,822

 

 

 

77,068

 

Short-term operating lease liabilities

 

 

4,528

 

 

 

5,434

 

Short-term debt

 

 

87,094

 

 

 

-

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

 

68,405

 

 

 

48,718

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

216,808

 

 

 

148,093

 

Long-term debt, net of discounts and issuance costs

 

 

194,812

 

 

 

275,951

 

Deferred revenue, net of current portion

 

 

114,354

 

 

 

145,531

 

Long-term operating lease liabilities

 

 

8,803

 

 

 

7,947

 

Other liabilities

 

 

26,484

 

 

 

25,193

 

Total liabilities

 

 

561,261

 

 

 

602,715

 

Stockholders' Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 560,000 shares authorized as of September 30, 2024; 41,924 and 40,423 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively

 

 

419

 

 

 

404

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(25,912

)

 

 

(27,966

)

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

1,088,330

 

 

 

1,056,099

 

Accumulated deficit

 

 

(921,740

)

 

 

(333,662

)

Total stockholders' equity

 

 

141,097

 

 

 

694,875

 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 

$

702,358

 

 

$

1,297,590

 

 

 


img86656129_0.jpg

 

CERENCE INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

 

 

Twelve Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(588,078

)

 

$

(56,254

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

10,630

 

 

 

16,038

 

Provision for credit loss reserve

 

 

3,545

 

 

 

3,626

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

23,673

 

 

 

40,766

 

Non-cash interest expense

 

 

6,060

 

 

 

2,914

 

Loss on debt extinguishment

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,333

 

Deferred tax (benefit) provision

 

 

(4,658

)

 

 

7,597

 

Goodwill impairment

 

 

609,172

 

 

 

-

 

Unrealized foreign currency transaction gains

 

 

(1,454

)

 

 

(3,393

)

Other

 

 

(68

)

 

 

(3,388

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

11,760

 

 

 

(16,964

)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

 

(12,466

)

 

 

28,192

 

Deferred costs

 

 

4,801

 

 

 

3,194

 

Accounts payable

 

 

(12,555

)

 

 

5,774

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

 

27,874

 

 

 

(408

)

Deferred revenue

 

 

(61,040

)

 

 

(21,529

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

17,196

 

 

 

7,498

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(4,996

)

 

 

(5,124

)

Purchases of marketable securities

 

 

-

 

 

 

(18,025

)

Sale and maturities of marketable securities

 

 

11,112

 

 

 

30,324

 

Other investing activities

 

 

(1,737

)

 

 

(1,355

)

Net cash provided by investing activities

 

 

4,379

 

 

 

5,820

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from revolving credit facility

 

 

-

 

 

 

24,700

 

Payments of revolver credit facility

 

 

-

 

 

 

(24,700

)

Proceeds from long-term debt, net of discount

 

 

-

 

 

 

210,000

 

Payments for long-term debt issuance costs

 

 

(419

)

 

 

(17,176

)

Principal payments of long-term debt

 

 

-

 

 

 

(198,438

)

Common stock repurchases for tax withholdings for net settlement of equity awards

 

 

(9,865

)

 

 

(4,894

)

Principal payment of lease liabilities arising from a finance lease

 

 

(392

)

 

 

(451

)

Proceeds from the issuance of common stock

 

 

10,901

 

 

 

5,625

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

 

225

 

 

 

(5,334

)

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(1,469

)

 

 

(1,677

)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

20,331

 

 

 

6,307

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

101,154

 

 

 

94,847

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

121,485

 

 

$

101,154

 

 

 


img86656129_0.jpg

 

CERENCE INC.

Reconciliations of GAAP Financial Measures to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

(unaudited - in thousands)

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Twelve Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

GAAP revenue

 

$

54,805

 

 

$

80,764

 

 

$

331,504

 

 

$

294,475

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP gross profit

 

$

34,895

 

 

$

57,736

 

 

$

244,272

 

 

$

199,312

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

685

 

 

 

1,004

 

 

 

2,633

 

 

 

3,703

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

 

-

 

 

 

104

 

 

 

103

 

 

 

414

 

Non-GAAP gross profit

 

$

35,580

 

 

$

58,844

 

 

$

247,008

 

 

$

203,429

 

GAAP gross margin

 

 

63.7

%

 

 

71.5

%

 

 

73.7

%

 

 

67.7

%

Non-GAAP gross margin

 

 

64.9

%

 

 

72.9

%

 

 

74.5

%

 

 

69.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP operating (loss) income

 

$

(19,228

)

 

$

3,896

 

 

$

(579,936

)

 

$

(27,199

)

Stock-based compensation

 

 

4,382

 

 

 

8,965

 

 

 

23,673

 

 

 

40,766

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

 

553

 

 

 

661

 

 

 

2,306

 

 

 

6,268

 

Restructuring and other costs, net

 

 

10,331

 

 

 

842

 

 

 

17,077

 

 

 

11,917

 

Goodwill impairment

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

609,172

 

 

 

-

 

Non-GAAP operating (loss) income

 

$

(3,962

)

 

$

14,364

 

 

$

72,292

 

 

$

31,752

 

GAAP operating margin

 

 

-35.1

%

 

 

4.8

%

 

 

-174.9

%

 

 

-9.2

%

Non-GAAP operating margin

 

 

-7.2

%

 

 

17.8

%

 

 

21.8

%

 

 

10.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP net loss

 

$

(20,416

)

 

$

(11,552

)

 

$

(588,078

)

 

$

(56,254

)

Stock-based compensation

 

 

4,382

 

 

 

8,965

 

 

 

23,673

 

 

 

40,766

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

 

553

 

 

 

661

 

 

 

2,306

 

 

 

6,268

 

Restructuring and other costs, net

 

 

10,331

 

 

 

842

 

 

 

17,077

 

 

 

11,917

 

Goodwill impairment

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

609,172

 

 

 

-

 

Depreciation

 

 

2,028

 

 

 

2,226

 

 

 

8,324

 

 

 

9,770

 

Total other expense, net

 

 

(1,155

)

 

 

(3,550

)

 

 

(4,674

)

 

 

(9,190

)

Provision for income taxes

 

 

33

 

 

 

11,898

 

 

 

3,468

 

 

 

19,865

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

(1,934

)

 

$

16,590

 

 

$

80,616

 

 

$

41,522

 

GAAP net loss margin

 

 

-37.3

%

 

 

-14.3

%

 

 

-177.4

%

 

 

-19.1

%

Adjusted EBITDA margin

 

 

-3.5

%

 

 

20.5

%

 

 

24.3

%

 

 

14.1

%

 

 


img86656129_0.jpg

 

CERENCE INC.

Reconciliations of GAAP Financial Measures to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (cont.)

(unaudited - in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Twelve Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

GAAP net loss

 

$

(20,416

)

 

$

(11,552

)

 

$

(588,078

)

 

$

(56,254

)

Stock-based compensation

 

 

4,382

 

 

 

8,965

 

 

 

23,673

 

 

 

40,766

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

 

553

 

 

 

661

 

 

 

2,306

 

 

 

6,268

 

Restructuring and other costs, net

 

 

10,331

 

 

 

842

 

 

 

17,077

 

 

 

11,917

 

Loss on debt extinguishment

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,333

 

Goodwill impairment

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

609,172

 

 

 

-

 

Non-cash interest expense

 

 

1,579

 

 

 

1,464

 

 

 

6,060

 

 

 

2,914

 

Other

 

 

(31

)

 

 

500

 

 

 

(117

)

 

 

(344

)

Adjustments to income tax expense

 

 

574

 

 

 

2,870

 

 

 

(14,030

)

 

 

7,976

 

Non-GAAP net (loss) income

 

$

(3,028

)

 

$

3,750

 

 

$

56,063

 

 

$

14,576

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EPS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss attributed to common shareholders - basic and diluted

 

$

(20,416

)

 

$

(11,552

)

 

$

(588,078

)

 

$

(56,254

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income attributed to common shareholders - basic

 

$

(3,028

)

 

$

3,750

 

 

$

56,063

 

 

$

14,576

 

Interest on the Notes, net of tax

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

4,473

 

 

 

-

 

Net (loss) income attributed to common shareholders - diluted

 

$

(3,028

)

 

$

3,750

 

 

$

60,536

 

 

$

14,576

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted

 

 

41,866

 

 

 

40,357

 

 

 

41,642

 

 

 

40,215

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding- basic

 

 

41,866

 

 

 

40,357

 

 

 

41,642

 

 

 

40,215

 

Adjustment for diluted shares

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,101

 

 

 

7,727

 

 

 

423

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted

 

 

41,866

 

 

 

41,458

 

 

 

49,369

 

 

 

40,638

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP net loss per share - diluted

 

$

(0.49

)

 

$

(0.29

)

 

$

(14.12

)

 

$

(1.40

)

Non-GAAP net (loss) income per share - diluted

 

$

(0.07

)

 

$

0.09

 

 

$

1.23

 

 

$

0.36

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

6,115

 

 

$

11,258

 

 

$

17,196

 

 

$

7,498

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(1,446

)

 

 

(1,527

)

 

 

(4,996

)

 

 

(5,124

)

Free Cash Flow

 

$

4,669

 

 

$

9,731

 

 

$

12,200

 

 

$

2,374

 

 

 


img86656129_0.jpg

 

CERENCE INC.

Reconciliations of GAAP Financial Measures to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (cont.)

(unaudited - in thousands)

 

Q1 2025

 

 

FY2025

 

 

Low

 

 

High

 

 

Low

 

 

High

 

GAAP revenue

 

$

47,000

 

 

$

50,000

 

 

$

236,000

 

 

$

247,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP gross profit

 

$

27,200

 

 

$

30,200

 

 

$

158,400

 

 

$

169,400

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

700

 

 

 

700

 

 

 

2,500

 

 

 

2,500

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Non-GAAP gross profit

 

$

27,900

 

 

$

30,900

 

 

$

160,900

 

 

$

171,900

 

GAAP gross margin

 

 

58

%

 

 

60

%

 

 

67

%

 

 

69

%

Non-GAAP gross margin

 

 

59

%

 

 

62

%

 

 

68

%

 

 

70

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP operating loss

 

$

(22,900

)

 

$

(19,900

)

 

$

(27,100

)

 

$

(16,100

)

Stock-based compensation

 

 

6,100

 

 

 

6,100

 

 

 

22,500

 

 

 

22,500

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

 

500

 

 

 

500

 

 

 

1,600

 

 

 

1,600

 

Restructuring and other costs, net

 

 

5,600

 

 

 

5,600

 

 

 

8,100

 

 

 

8,100

 

Non-GAAP operating (loss) income

 

$

(10,700

)

 

$

(7,700

)

 

$

5,100

 

 

$

16,100

 

GAAP operating margin

 

 

-49

%

 

 

-40

%

 

 

-11

%

 

 

-7

%

Non-GAAP operating margin

 

 

-23

%

 

 

-15

%

 

 

2

%

 

 

7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP net loss

 

$

(26,400

)

 

$

(23,400

)

 

$

(39,600

)

 

$

(28,600

)

Stock-based compensation

 

 

6,100

 

 

 

6,100

 

 

 

22,500

 

 

 

22,500

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

 

500

 

 

 

500

 

 

 

1,600

 

 

 

1,600

 

Restructuring and other costs, net

 

 

5,600

 

 

 

5,600

 

 

 

8,100

 

 

 

8,100

 

Depreciation

 

 

2,200

 

 

 

2,200

 

 

 

10,200

 

 

 

10,200

 

Total other expense, net

 

 

(1,700

)

 

 

(1,700

)

 

 

(5,100

)

 

 

(5,100

)

Provision for income taxes

 

 

1,800

 

 

 

1,800

 

 

 

7,400

 

 

 

7,400

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

(8,500

)

 

$

(5,500

)

 

$

15,300

 

 

$

26,300

 

GAAP net loss margin

 

 

-56

%

 

 

-47

%

 

 

-17

%

 

 

-12

%

Adjusted EBITDA margin

 

 

-18

%

 

 

-11

%

 

 

6

%

 

 

11

%

 

 

 


img86656129_0.jpg

 

CERENCE INC.

Reconciliations of GAAP Financial Measures to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (cont.)

(unaudited - in thousands, except per share data)

 

Q1 2025

 

 

FY2025

 

 

Low

 

 

High

 

 

Low

 

 

High

 

GAAP net loss

 

$

(26,400

)

 

$

(23,400

)

 

$

(39,600

)

 

$

(28,600

)

Stock-based compensation

 

 

6,100

 

 

 

6,100

 

 

 

22,500

 

 

 

22,500

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

 

500

 

 

 

500

 

 

 

1,600

 

 

 

1,600

 

Restructuring and other costs, net

 

 

5,600

 

 

 

5,600

 

 

 

8,100

 

 

 

8,100

 

Non-cash interest expense

 

 

1,600

 

 

 

1,600

 

 

 

5,500

 

 

 

5,500

 

Other

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(100

)

 

 

(100

)

Income tax impact of Non-GAAP adjustments

 

 

(1,100

)

 

 

(1,100

)

 

 

(4,600

)

 

 

(4,600

)

Non-GAAP net (loss) income

 

$

(13,700

)

 

$

(10,700

)

 

$

(6,600

)

 

$

4,400

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EPS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss attributed to common shareholders - basic and diluted

 

$

(26,400

)

 

$

(23,400

)

 

$

(39,600

)

 

$

(28,600

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income attributed to common shareholders - basic and diluted

 

$

(13,700

)

 

$

(10,700

)

 

$

(6,600

)

 

$

4,400

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted

 

 

42,900

 

 

 

42,900

 

 

 

43,000

 

 

 

43,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding- basic

 

 

42,900

 

 

 

42,900

 

 

 

43,000

 

 

 

43,000

 

Adjustment for diluted shares

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

100

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted

 

 

42,900

 

 

 

42,900

 

 

 

43,000

 

 

 

43,100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP net loss per share - diluted

 

$

(0.62

)

 

$

(0.55

)

 

$

(0.92

)

 

$

(0.67

)

Non-GAAP net (loss) income per share - diluted

 

$

(0.32

)

 

$

(0.25

)

 

$

(0.15

)

 

$

0.10

 

 

 

 


Slide 1

Cerence Q4 FY24 Earnings Presentation Brian Krzanich, Chief Executive Officer Tony Rodriquez, Interim Chief Financial Officer November 21, 2024 Exhibit 99.2


Slide 2

Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this presentation regarding: Cerence’s future performance, results and financial condition; expected growth and profitability; outlook; fiscal year 2025 framework; transformation plans and cost efficiency initiatives, including estimated net cost savings; strategy; opportunities; business, industry and market trends; strategy regarding fixed contracts and its impact on financial results; backlog; revenue visibility, revenue timing and mix, demand for Cerence products; innovation and new product offerings, including AI technology; expected benefits of technology partnerships; cost efficiency initiatives; and management’s future expectations, estimates, assumptions, beliefs, goals, objectives, targets, plans or prospects constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” "projects," "forecasts," “expects,” “intends,” "continues," "will," "may," or “estimates” or similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Although we believe forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, such statements involve known and unknown risk, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results or performance of the company to be materially different from any future results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: the highly competitive and rapidly changing market in which we operate; adverse conditions in the automotive industry, the related supply chain and semiconductor shortage, or the global economy more generally; automotive production delays; changes in customer forecasts; the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our and our customers’ businesses; the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East; our inability to control and successfully manage our expenses and cash position; our ability to deliver improved financial results from process optimization efforts and cost reduction actions; escalating pricing pressures from our customers; the impact on our business of the transition to a lower level of fixed contracts, including the failure to achieve such a transition; our failure to win, renew or implement service contracts; the cancellation or postponement of existing contracts; the loss of business from any of our largest customers; effects of customer defaults; our inability to successfully introduce new products, applications and services; our strategies to increase cloud offerings and deploy generative AI and large language models (LLMs); the inability to expand into adjacent markets; the inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel; disruptions arising from transitions in management personnel, including the transition to our new Chief Executive Officer; cybersecurity and data privacy incidents; failure to protect our intellectual property; defects or interruptions in service with respect to our products; fluctuating currency rates and interest rates; inflation; financial and credit market volatility; restrictions on our current and future operations under the terms of our debt, the use of cash to service our debt; and our inability to generate sufficient cash from our operations; and the other factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made.  We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. 


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High-Level Q4 and FY24 Results


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Q4 FY2024 Results and FY2025 Outlook Q4 revenue and GAAP profitability metrics exceeded the high end of guidance Initial FY2025 revenue guidance of $236 to $247 million, with net cash provided by operating activities in the range of $34 to $40 million Transformation plan delivers $35-40 million in net annualized cost savings Record high of 22 platform launches in FY24, including 6 for generative AI solutions and 4 in Q4


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Q4 & FY24 Financial Details


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Cerence Q4FY24 Results Q4FY23 Q4FY24 Q4FY24 Guidance Total Revenue $80.8M(a) $54.8M $44M - $50M Gross Margin 71.5% 63.7% 55% - 60% Net Loss ($11.6M) ($20.4M) ($32M) – ($28M) EPS – diluted ($0.29) ($0.49) ($0.77) – ($0.67) Adjusted EBITDA(b,c) $16.6M ($1.9M) ($19M) – ($13M) Cash Flow From Operations $11.3M $6.1M Cash Balance & Marketable Securities $121M $130M Includes a $12.8 million fixed license and $8.4 million of Legacy contract related to a connected services contract with Toyota acquired by Nuance through a 2013 acquisition. Toyota decommissioned the solution in Q1FY24 resulting in the acceleration of deferred revenue in Q1FY24 for Toyota and a directly related contract. Adjusted EBITDA excludes goodwill impairment, amortization of acquired intangible assets, stock-based compensation, restructuring and other costs. Refer to the Appendix for more information on GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations and related definitions.


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Cerence FY24 Results FY23 FY24 FY24 Guidance Total Revenue $294.5M $331.5M $321M - $327M Gross Margin 67.7% 73.7% 73% Net Loss ($56.3M) ($588.1M) (a) ($600M) – ($596M) EPS – diluted ($1.40) ($14.12) ($14.42) – ($14.32) Adjusted EBITDA(b,c) $41.5M $80.6M $64M – $70M Cash Flow From Operations $7.5M $17.2M Cash Balance & Marketable Securities $121M $130M Includes a $609 million Goodwill impairment charge in FY24. Adjusted EBITDA excludes goodwill impairment, amortization of acquired intangible assets, stock-based compensation, restructuring and other costs. Refer to the Appendix for more information on GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations and related definitions.


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In millions Q1FY23 Q2FY23 Q3FY23 Q4FY23 FY23 Q1FY24 Q2FY24 Q3FY24 Q4FY24 FY24 Total License: $45.4 $30.8 $25.9 $43.1 $145.2 $20.8 $35.5 $43.1 $25.3 $124.8      Variable(a) $26.3 $26.2 $25.8 $30.3 $108.6 $20.8 $25.1 $23.1 $25.3 $94.4      Total Fixed(b) $19.1 $4.6 $ ̶ $12.8 $36.5 $ ̶ $10.4 $20.0 $ ̶ $30.4 Connected Services: $18.4 $18.9 $18.6 $19.2 $75.1 $96.8 $13.6 $10.9 $12.1 $133.4      Connected Services $9.9 $10.5 $10.2 $10.8 $41.4 $10.2 $13.6(c) $10.9 $12.1 $46.8      Legacy(d) $8.5 $8.4 $8.4 $8.4 $33.7 $86.6 $ ̶ $ ̶ $ ̶ $86.6 Professional Services $19.9 $18.7 $17.2 $18.5 $74.3 $20.7 $18.7 $16.5 $17.4 $73.3 Total Revenue $83.7 $68.4 $61.7 $80.8 $294.6 $138.3 $67.8 $70.5 $54.8 $331.5 Based on volume shipments of licenses net of the consumption of fixed contracts. Fixed license revenue includes prepaid and minimum commitment deals. Connected services in Q2FY24 includes a $2.6 million true up adjustment due to underreporting from an OEM. Legacy contract is a connected services contract with Toyota acquired by Nuance through a 2013 acquisition. Toyota decommissioned the solution in Q1FY24 resulting in the acceleration of deferred revenue in Q1FY24 for Toyota and a directly related contract. Detailed Revenue Breakdown


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In millions FY23 FY24 Operational Metrics: Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 FY23 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 FY24 Pro Forma Royalties(a) $41.7 $43.1 $44.5 $42.6 $171.9 $35.3 $39.6 $39.6 $41.9 $156.4 Consumption of      Fixed Contracts(b)  $15.4 $16.9 $18.7 $15.5 $66.5 $14.5 $14.5 $16.5 $16.6 $62.1 Variable License Revenue $26.3 $26.2 $25.8 $30.3 $108.6 $20.8 $25.1 $23.1 $25.3 $94.3 IHS Production (units) 21.9 21.4 22.3 22.6 88.2 24.2 21.4 22.1 21.6 89.4 Pro forma Royalties is an operating measure representing total value of licenses shipped in a quarter. It includes the consumption of fixed contracts.  Licenses shipped in the quarter associated with fixed contracts. Operational Metrics and Variable License Revenue


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Percent of worldwide auto production with Cerence Technology declined slightly to 52% (TTM)(a)  Approximately 10.6 million units shipped with Cerence technology in Q4 Down 14% YoY (IHS down 5% YoY) Down 11% QoQ (IHS down 3% QoQ) Change in number of Cerence connected cars shipped up 16% (TTM)(a)  Adjusted Total Billings TTM(b)  of $220.7M, Increased 1% 5 Year Backlog(c) Update:  $969 Million Q4FY24 KPI(d) Performance 10 Based on IHS Markit data, global auto production increased 1% over the same time period ended on September 30, 2024. Calculated on a trailing twelve months basis (TTM). Comparisons are TTM over prior year TTM Change in Adjusted Total billings excludes professional services, prepay contracts, and adjusted for prepay consumption. TTM over prior year TTM. 5-Year backlog represents the total revenue expected from signed contracts with customers to be reported over the following 5-year period. 5-year. backlog, however, may not be indicative of Cerence’s actual future revenue. Please refer to the appendix for KPI definitions.


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Fiscal Q1 and FY25 Guidance No fixed contracts expected during the first quarter and $20 million projected for FY2025 at the mid-point of Guidance. Q1 and Full Year 2025 GAAP operating results guidance includes approximately $6 million and $8 million, respectively, of expenses related with our transformation initiatives as well as stock-based compensation of approximately $6 million and $23 million, respectively. Q1FY25  Guidance FY25  Guidance In millions except per share amounts Low High Low High Revenue $47 $50 $236 $247 Gross Margin 58% 60% 67% 69% Net Loss ($26) ($23) ($40) ($29) EPS – diluted ($0.62) ($0.55) ($0.92) ($0.67) Adjusted EBITDA (a,b) ($9) ($6) $15 $26 Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $34 $40 Free Cash Flow (c) $20 $30 Non-GAAP excludes goodwill impairment, amortization of acquired intangible assets, restructuring expense, and stock-based compensation.   Refer to the Appendix for more information on GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations and related definitions. Free Cash Flow is net cash provided by operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP less capital expenditures. Free cash flow is not a measure of cash available for discretionary expenditures.


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Appendix


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License Business Revenue Recognition Type of Contract Description GAAP Revenue Recognition Cash Receipt Variable License applied at production Quarter car is produced. Based on volume Quarter following GAAP revenue recognition Fixed (Pre-Pay) Bulk inventory purchase ($ based) Full value of contract at signing. Volume independent Standard payment terms for full value (upfront payment) Fixed (Minimum Commitment) Commitment to purchase ($ based) in a specified time period. (1 – 5 years) Full value of contract at signing. Volume independent Based on shipment volumes over multiple years The fixed contracts only apply to the license business. If a car is also using our connected services, it will follow the normal billing and revenue recognition process regardless of whether a variable or fixed license was applied. The fixed contracts typically provide the customer with a price discount and can include the conversion of a variable contract that is already in our variable backlog.


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Connected and Professional Services Revenue Recognition Connected Services Typical Period GAAP Revenue Recognition Cash Receipt Subscription Term 1 – 5 years Amortized evenly over subscription period Billed/collected full amount at start of subscription period (value added to deferred revenue) Usage Contract(a) 1 – 5 years Recognized at same time of billing based on actual usage Billed every quarter based on actual usage Customer Hosted(b) License Quarter in which license is delivered to customer Upon delivery (a) Usage can be defined by number of active users or number of monthly transactions (b) Customer Hosted is a software license that allows the customer to take possession of the software and enable hosting by the customer or a third-party Professional Services Period GAAP Revenue Recognition Cash Receipt Custom Design Services Ongoing Revenue is recognized over time based upon the progress towards completion of the project Billed/collected on milestone completion


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KPI Measures – Definitions We believe that providing key performance indicators (“KPIs”), allows investors to gain insight into the way management views the performance of the business. We further believe that providing KPIs allows investors to better understand information used by management to evaluate and measure such performance. KPIs should not be considered superior to, or a substitute for, operating results prepared in accordance with GAAP. In assessing the performance of the business during the three months ended September 30, 2024, our management has reviewed the following KPIs, each of which is described below:  Percent of worldwide auto production with Cerence technology: The number of Cerence enabled cars shipped as compared to IHS Markit car production data. Change in number of Cerence connected cars shipped: The year over year change in the number of cars shipped with Cerence connected solutions. Amounts are calculated on a TTM compared to prior TTM basis.  Change in Adjusted total billings YoY (TTM): The year over year change in total billings excluding Professional Services, prepay billings and adjusted for prepay consumption.


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Non-GAAP Financial Measures – Definitions Discussion of Non-GAAP Financial Measures We believe that providing the non-GAAP information in addition to the GAAP presentation, allows investors to view the financial results in the way management views the operating results. We further believe that providing this information allows investors to not only better understand our financial performance, but more importantly, to evaluate the efficacy of the methodology and information used by management to evaluate and measure such performance. The non-GAAP information should not be considered superior to, or a substitute for, financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. We utilize a number of different financial measures, both GAAP and non-GAAP, in analyzing and assessing the overall performance of the business, for making operating decisions and for forecasting and planning for future periods. While our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures as a tool to enhance their understanding of certain aspects of our financial performance, our management does not consider these measures to be a substitute for, or superior to, the information provided by GAAP financial statements. Consistent with this approach, we believe that disclosing non-GAAP financial measures to the readers of our financial statements provides such readers with useful supplemental data that, while not a substitute for GAAP financial statements, allows for greater transparency in the review of our financial and operational performance. In assessing the overall health of the business during the three ending September 30, 2024 and 2023, our management has either included or excluded the following items in general categories, each of which is described below. Cerence is not providing a reconciliation of certain forward-looking, non-GAAP financial targets to the GAAP equivalent because Cerence is unable to provide this reconciliation without unreasonable effort due to information regarding the relevant adjustments not being ascertainable or accessible. Such information could be material to future results.


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Non-GAAP Financial Measures – Definitions Adjusted EBITDA  Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income attributable to Cerence Inc. before net income (loss) attributable to income tax (benefit) expense, other income (expense) items, net, depreciation and amortization expense, and excluding amortization of acquired intangible assets, stock-based compensation, and restructuring and other costs, net or impairment charges related to fixed and intangible assets and gains or losses on the sale of long-lived assets, if any. From time to time we may exclude from Adjusted EBITDA the impact of events, gains, losses or other charges (such as significant legal settlements) that affect the period-to-period comparability of our operating performance. Other income (expense) items, net include interest expense, interest income, and other income (expense), net (as stated in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations). Our management and Board of Directors use this financial measure to evaluate our operating performance. It is also a significant performance measure in our annual incentive compensation programs.   Restructuring and other costs, net. Restructuring and other charges, net include restructuring expenses as well as other charges that are unusual in nature, are the result of unplanned events, and arise outside the ordinary course of our business such as employee severance costs, consulting costs relating to our transformation initiatives, costs for consolidating duplicate facilities, third-party fees relating to the modification of our convertible debt, and the release of a pre-acquisition contingency. Amortization of acquired intangible assets. We exclude the amortization of acquired intangible assets from non-GAAP expense and income measures. These amounts are inconsistent in amount and frequency and are significantly impacted by the timing and size of acquisitions. Providing a supplemental measure which excludes these charges allows management and investors to evaluate results “as-if” the acquired intangible assets had been developed internally rather than acquired and, therefore, provides a supplemental measure of performance in which our acquired intellectual property is treated in a comparable manner to our internally developed intellectual property. Although we exclude amortization of acquired intangible assets from our non-GAAP expenses, we believe that it is important for investors to understand that such intangible assets contribute to revenue generation. Amortization of intangible assets that relate to past acquisitions will recur in future periods until such intangible assets have been fully amortized. Future acquisitions may result in the amortization of additional intangible assets.


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Non-GAAP Financial Measures – Definitions Non-cash expenses. We provide non-GAAP information relative to the following non-cash expenses: (i) stock-based compensation; and (ii) non-cash interest. These items are further discussed as follow: (i)Stock-based compensation. Because of varying valuation methodologies, subjective assumptions and the variety of award types, we exclude stock-based compensation from our operating results. We evaluate performance both with and without these measures because compensation expense related to stock-based compensation is typically non-cash and awards granted are influenced by the Company’s stock price and other factors such as volatility that are beyond our control. The expense related to stock-based awards is generally not controllable in the short-term and can vary significantly based on the timing, size and nature of awards granted. As such, we do not include such charges in operating plans. Stock-based compensation will continue in future periods. ii)Non-cash interest. We exclude non-cash interest because we believe that excluding this expense provides management, as well as other users of the financial statements, with a valuable perspective on the cash-based performance and health of the business, including the current near-term projected liquidity. Non-cash interest expense will continue in future periods. Other expenses. We exclude certain other expenses that result from unplanned events outside the ordinary course of continuing operations, in order to measure operating performance and current and future liquidity both with and without these expenses. By providing this information, we believe management and the users of the financial statements are better able to understand the financial results of what we consider to be our organic, continuing operations. Included in these expenses are items such as other charges (credits), net, losses from extinguishment of debt, and changes in indemnification assets corresponding with the release of pre-spin liabilities for uncertain tax positions.  Adjustments to income tax provision. Adjustments to our GAAP income tax provision to arrive at non-GAAP net income is determined based on our non-GAAP pre-tax income. Additionally, as our non-GAAP profitability is higher based on the non-GAAP adjustments, we adjust the GAAP tax provision to remove valuation allowances and related effects based on the higher level of reported non-GAAP profitability. We also exclude from our non-GAAP tax provision certain discrete tax items as they occur.


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Q4 FY24 Reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP Results Free cash flow is net cash provided by operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP less capital expenditures. Free cash flow is not a measure of cash available for discretionary expenditures. (unaudited - in thousands) (unaudited - in thousands) Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 GAAP revenue $54,805 $80,764 $331,504 $294,475 GAAP gross profit $34,895 $57,736 $244,272 $199,312 Stock-based compensation 685 1,004 2,633 3,703 Amortization of intangible assets - 104 103 414 Non-GAAP gross profit $35,580 $58,844 $247,008 $203,429 GAAP gross margin 63.7% 71.5% 73.7% 67.7% Non-GAAP gross margin 64.9% 72.9% 74.5% 69.1% GAAP operating (loss) income $(19,228) $3,896 $(579,936) $(27,199) Stock-based compensation 4,382 8,965 23,673 40,766 Amortization of intangible assets 553 661 2,306 6,268 Restructuring and other costs, net 10,331 842 17,077 11,917 Goodwill impairment - - 609,172 - Non-GAAP operating (loss) income $(3,962) $14,364 $72,292 $31,752 GAAP operating margin -35.1% 4.8% -174.9% -9.2% Non-GAAP operating margin -7.2% 17.8% 21.8% 10.8% GAAP net loss $(20,416) $(11,552) $(588,078) $(56,254) Stock-based compensation 4,382 8,965 23,673 40,766 Amortization of intangible assets 553 661 2,306 6,268 Restructuring and other costs, net 10,331 842 17,077 11,917 Goodwill impairment - - 609,172 - Depreciation 2,028 2,226 8,324 9,770 Total other expense, net (1,155) (3,550) (4,674) (9,190) Provision for income taxes 33 11,898 3,468 19,865 Adjusted EBITDA $(1,934) $16,590 $80,616 $41,522 GAAP net loss margin -37.3% -14.3% -177.4% -19.1% Adjusted EBITDA margin -3.5% 20.5% 24.3% 14.1% Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 GAAP net loss $(20,416) $(11,552) $(588,078) $(56,254) Stock-based compensation 4,382 8,965 23,673 40,766 Amortization of intangible assets 553 661 2,306 6,268 Restructuring and other costs, net 10,331 842 17,077 11,917 Loss on debt extinguishment - - - 1,333 Goodwill impairment - - 609,172 - Non-cash interest expense 1,579 1,464 6,060 2,914 Other (31) 500 (117) (344) Adjustments to income tax expense 574 2,870 (14,030) 7,976 Non-GAAP net (loss) income $(3,028) $3,750 $56,063 $14,576 Adjusted EPS: GAAP Numerator: Net loss attributed to common shareholders - basic and diluted $(20,416) $(11,552) $(588,078) $(56,254) Non-GAAP Numerator: Net (loss) income attributed to common shareholders - basic $(3,028) $3,750 $56,063 $14,576 Interest on the Notes, net of tax - - 4,473 - Net (loss) income attributed to common shareholders - diluted $(3,028) $3,750 $60,536 $14,576 GAAP Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted 41,866 40,357 41,642 40,215 Non-GAAP Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding- basic 41,866 40,357 41,642 40,215 Adjustment for diluted shares - 1,101 7,727 423 Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted 41,866 41,458 49,369 40,638 GAAP net loss per share - diluted $(0.49) $(0.29) $(14.12) $(1.40) Non-GAAP net (loss) income per share - diluted $(0.07) $0.09 $1.23 $0.36 GAAP net cash provided by operating activities $6,115 $11,258 $17,196 $7,498 Capital expenditures (1,446) (1,527) (4,996) (5,124) Free Cash Flow $4,669 $9,731 $12,200 $2,374


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Q1 FY25 and Full Year FY25 Reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP Guidance (unaudited - in thousands) Q1 2025 FY2025 Low High Low High GAAP revenue $47,000 $50,000 $236,000 $247,000 GAAP gross profit $27,200 $30,200 $158,400 $169,400 Stock-based compensation 700 700 2,500 2,500 Amortization of intangible assets - - - - Non-GAAP gross profit $27,900 $30,900 $160,900 $171,900 GAAP gross margin 58% 60% 67% 69% Non-GAAP gross margin 59% 62% 68% 70% GAAP operating loss $(22,900) $(19,900) $(27,100) $(16,100) Stock-based compensation 6,100 6,100 22,500 22,500 Amortization of intangible assets 500 500 1,600 1,600 Restructuring and other costs, net 5,600 5,600 8,100 8,100 Non-GAAP operating (loss) income $(10,700) $(7,700) $5,100 $16,100 GAAP operating margin -49% -40% -11% -7% Non-GAAP operating margin -23% -15% 2% 7% GAAP net loss $(26,400) $(23,400) $(39,600) $(28,600) Stock-based compensation 6,100 6,100 22,500 22,500 Amortization of intangible assets 500 500 1,600 1,600 Restructuring and other costs, net 5,600 5,600 8,100 8,100 Depreciation 2,200 2,200 10,200 10,200 Total other expense, net (1,700) (1,700) (5,100) (5,100) Provision for income taxes 1,800 1,800 7,400 7,400 Adjusted EBITDA $(8,500) $(5,500) $15,300 $26,300 GAAP net loss margin -56% -47% -17% -12% Adjusted EBITDA margin -18% -11% 6% 11%


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Q1 FY25 and FY25 Reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP Guidance (unaudited - in thousands) Q1 2025 FY2025 Low High Low High GAAP net loss $(26,400) $(23,400) $(39,600) $(28,600) Stock-based compensation 6,100 6,100 22,500 22,500 Amortization of intangible assets 500 500 1,600 1,600 Restructuring and other costs, net 5,600 5,600 8,100 8,100 Non-cash interest expense 1,600 1,600 5,500 5,500 Other - - (100) (100) Income tax impact of Non-GAAP adjustments (1,100) (1,100) (4,600) (4,600) Non-GAAP net (loss) income $(13,700) $(10,700) $(6,600) $4,400 Adjusted EPS: GAAP Numerator: Net loss attributed to common shareholders - basic and diluted $(26,400) $(23,400) $(39,600) $(28,600) Non-GAAP Numerator: Net (loss) income attributed to common shareholders - basic and diluted $(13,700) $(10,700) $(6,600) $4,400 GAAP Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted 42,900 42,900 43,000 43,000 Non-GAAP Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding- basic 42,900 42,900 43,000 43,000 Adjustment for diluted shares - - - 100 Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted 42,900 42,900 43,000 43,100 GAAP net loss per share - diluted $(0.62) $(0.55) $(0.92) $(0.67) Non-GAAP net (loss) income per share - diluted $(0.32) $(0.25) $(0.15) $0.10 GAAP net cash provided by operating activities $34,000 $40,000 Capital expenditures (14,000) (10,000) Free Cash Flow $20,000 $30,000

v3.24.3
Document and Entity Information
Nov. 21, 2024
Cover [Abstract]  
Amendment Flag false
Entity Central Index Key 0001768267
Document Type 8-K
Document Period End Date Nov. 21, 2024
Entity Registrant Name CERENCE INC.
Entity Incorporation State Country Code DE
Entity File Number 001-39030
Entity Tax Identification Number 83-4177087
Entity Address, Address Line One 25 Mall Road
Entity Address, Address Line Two Suite 416
Entity Address, City or Town Burlington
Entity Address, State or Province MA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 01803
City Area Code (857)
Local Phone Number 362-7300
Written Communications false
Soliciting Material false
Pre Commencement Tender Offer false
Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer false
Security 12b Title Common stock, $0.01 par value
Trading Symbol CRNC
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ
Entity Emerging Growth Company false

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