Q3FY21 Earnings Conference Call Sanjay Dhawan, CEO Mark Gallenberger, CFO Rich Yerganian, VP of IR August 9, 2021 Exhibit 99.2
Forward Looking Statements Statements in this presentation regarding Cerence’s future performance, results and financial condition, expected growth, business and market trends, and innovation and our management’s future expectations, beliefs, goals, 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,” “expects,” “intends” 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: impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our and our customer’s businesses; the highly competitive and rapidly changing market in which we operate; adverse conditions in the automotive industry, the related supply chain, or the global economy more generally; our ability to control and successfully manage our expenses and cash position; our strategy to increase cloud offerings; escalating pricing pressures from our customers; our failure to win, renew or implement service 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; the inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel; cybersecurity and data privacy incidents; fluctuating currency rates; 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. 2
Cerence Delivers Strong Q3FY21 Exceeded company quarterly guidance on all profitability metrics 3 NOTE: Refer to the Appendix for more information on GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations $0.15 GAAP EPS -diluted $0.62 Non-GAAP EPS -diluted 75.4% GAAP Gross Margin 79.1% Non-GAAP Gross Margin $5.8M GAAP Net Income $38.7M 40.0% Adjusted EBITDA $96.8M Revenue 29% Year Over Year Growth
Notable Events Support Business Momentum Record Number of SOPs (Start of Production) in the quarter supported by a record number of OEMs Strategic Events Support Business Momentum Sirius XM to adopt Cerence conversational AI Cerence and Harman collaboration for Harman’s Ignite platform Cerence and Visteon awarded two-wheeler business for major motorcycle manufacturer Cerence added to S&P’s Mid Cap 400 Index Cerence CIO, Bridget Collins awarded 2021 BostonCIO of the Year 4
KPIs Indicate Sustainable Growth Potential 81% Repeatable software revenue contribution (TTM) 12% Change in number of Cerence cloud-connected cars shipped (TTM over prior year TTM change in auto production for the same period according to IHS data is 11%) 13% Growth in billings per car (TTM over prior year TTM, and excludes legacy contract) Of worldwide Auto production with Cerence Technology (TTM) Average Contract Duration in years (TTM) 53% 6.8 NOTE: Refer to the Appendix for more information on KPI definitions 5
Adoption KPIs on a Strong Positive Trend 6 Covid-19 Impact Transactions are defined as the number of initiated user interactions with the Company's cloud computing platforms.
Multifaceted Strategy Has Delivered Sustainable Growth 7 Cerence Pay Cerence Mobility Platforms
Long-Term Goal | Key Provider of AI for Mobility 8 Road Cabin Driver
Financial Summary 9
10 Footnote: Non-GAAP excludes acquisition-related costs, amortization of acquired intangible assets, restructuring expense, and stock-based compensation. Refer to the Appendix for more information on GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations Q3 Exceeded Street Guidance on Key Profitability Metrics
Strong License and New Connected Revenue Drive Growth 11
Q4 Guidance Indicates Good Growth from Last Year 12 Footnote: Non-GAAP excludes acquisition-related costs, amortization of acquired intangible assets, restructuring expense, and stock-based compensation. Refer to the Appendix for more information on GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations
Update to FY21 Guidance Based on Q4 Guidance 13 Footnote: Non-GAAP excludes acquisition-related costs, amortization of acquired intangible assets, restructuring expense, and stock-based compensation. Refer to the Appendix for more information on GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations
Key Assumption Changes from Original 2024 Target Model GROWTH Increased penetration rates, offset by lower post-COVID IHS volume production forecast New revenue streams included in Target model Connected renewals New applications and services (Entertainment, Extend, Connect, Browse, etc.) New mobility markets – i.e. adjacent markets (Two-wheelers, Elevators, etc.) PROFITABILTY Gross margin improvements Connected improvement from 65% to 77% driven by OneCloud project and lower operating costs Professional Services improvement from 10% to 35% due to new service delivery model and utilization Operating expense improvements driven by SG&A economies of scale 14 *NOTE: Cerence believes that due to the forward-looking nature of the foregoing projections, a quantitative reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to GAAP measures cannot be made available without unreasonable effort due to the nature and complexity of the reconciling items. Forward looking projections are not prepared in accordance with accounting standards. Consequently, no disclosure of estimated comparable GAAP measures is included and no reconciliation of the forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures is included. Specifically, the following GAAP adjustments, among others, have not been included in the projections: changes in the fair value of financial instruments, stock-based compensation, intangible asset amortization, revenue accounting and lease accounting. It is probable that these factors would have a significant impact on Cerence’s projected financial position and results of operations as reported under GAAP.
Updated FY24 Target Model: Revenue Increase by $100M 15 * Please refer to the note on page 14
Updated FY24 Target Model: Adjusted EBITDA Increase by $50M Footnote: Non-GAAP excludes acquisition-related costs, amortization of acquired intangible assets, restructuring expense, and stock-based compensation. 16 * Please refer to the note on page 14
Thank You! 17
Appendix 18
19 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 months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, 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 acquisition-related costs, 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.
20 Non-GAAP Financial Measures – Definitions 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, costs for consolidating duplication facilities, and separation costs directly attributable to the Cerence business becoming a standalone public company. Acquisition-related costs, net. In recent years, we have completed a number of acquisitions, which result in operating expenses, which would not otherwise have been incurred. We provide supplementary non-GAAP financial measures, which exclude certain transition, integration and other acquisition-related expense items resulting from acquisitions, to allow more accurate comparisons of the financial results to historical operations, forward looking guidance and the financial results of less acquisitive peer companies. We consider these types of costs and adjustments, to a great extent, to be unpredictable and dependent on a significant number of factors that are outside of our control. Furthermore, we do not consider these acquisition-related costs and adjustments to be related to the organic continuing operations of the acquired businesses and are generally not relevant to assessing or estimating the long-term performance of the acquired assets. In addition, the size, complexity and/or volume of past acquisitions, which often drives the magnitude of acquisition related costs, may not be indicative of the size, complexity and/or volume of future acquisitions. By excluding acquisition-related costs and adjustments from our non-GAAP measures, management is better able to evaluate our ability to utilize our existing assets and estimate the long-term value that acquired assets will generate for us. We believe that providing a supplemental non-GAAP measure, which excludes these items allows management and investors to consider the ongoing operations of the business both with, and without, such expenses. These acquisition-related costs fall into the following categories: (i) transition and integration costs; (ii) professional service fees and expenses; and (iii) acquisition-related adjustments. Although these expenses are not recurring with respect to past acquisitions, we generally will incur these expenses in connection with any future acquisitions. These categories are further discussed as follows: Transition and integration costs. Transition and integration costs include retention payments, transitional employee costs, and earn-out payments treated as compensation expense, as well as the costs of integration-related activities, including services provided by third-parties. Professional service fees and expenses. Professional service fees and expenses include financial advisory, legal, accounting and other outside services incurred in connection with acquisition activities, and disputes and regulatory matters related to acquired entities. Acquisition-related adjustments. Acquisition-related adjustments include adjustments to acquisition-related items that are required to be marked to fair value each reporting period, such as contingent consideration, and other items related to acquisitions for which the measurement period has ended, such as gains or losses on settlements of pre-acquisition contingencies.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures – Definitions 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. 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. 21
KPI Measures – Definitions 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 June 30, 2021, 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. • Average contract duration: The weighted average annual period over which we expect to recognize the estimated revenues from new license and connected contracts signed during the quarter, calculated on a trailing twelve months (“TTM”) basis and presented in years. • Repeatable software contribution: The percentage of repeatable revenues as compared to total GAAP revenue in the quarter on a TTM basis. Repeatable revenues are defined as the sum of License and Connected Services revenues. • 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. • Growth in billings per car: The rate of growth calculated from the average billings per car based on a trailing twelve month comparison while excluding legacy contract and adjusted for prepay usage. 22
Q3FY21 Reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP Results 23 (unaudited - in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited - in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 GAAP revenue $96,801 $75,197 $289,106 $239,725 GAAP gross profit $72,966 $47,594 $212,159 $157,458 Stock-based compensation 1,708 2,141 4,945 3,985 Amortization of intangible assets 1,879 2,063 5,637 6,408 Non-GAAP gross profit $76,553 $51,798 $222,741 $167,851 GAAP gross margin 75.4% 63.3% 73.4% 65.7% Non-GAAP gross margin 79.1% 68.9% 77.0% 70.0% GAAP operating income (loss) $14,949 $(4,309) $49,836 $6,174 Stock-based compensation 14,710 17,425 42,179 32,954 Amortization of intangible assets 5,059 5,183 15,158 15,784 Restructuring and other costs, net 1,760 3,301 2,777 13,725 Non-GAAP operating income $36,478 $21,600 $109,950 $68,637 GAAP operating margin 15.4% -5.7% 17.2% 2.6% Non-GAAP operating margin 37.7% 28.7% 38.0% 28.6% GAAP net income (loss) $5,798 $(28,052) $37,902 $(26,523) Stock-based compensation 14,710 17,425 42,179 32,954 Amortization of intangible assets 5,059 5,183 15,158 15,784 Restructuring and other costs, net 1,760 3,301 2,777 13,725 Depreciation 2,270 2,550 7,118 6,920 Total other income (expense), net (3,087) (25,954) (9,069) (38,846) Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 6,064 (2,211) 2,865 (6,149) Adjusted EBITDA $38,748 $24,150 $117,068 $75,557 GAAP net income margin 6.0% -37.3% 13.1% -11.1% Adjusted EBITDA margin 40.0% 32.1% 40.5% 31.5% Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 GAAP net income (loss) $5,798 $(28,052) $37,902 $(26,523) Stock-based compensation 14,710 17,425 42,179 32,954 Amortization of intangible assets 5,059 5,183 15,158 15,784 Restructuring and other costs, net 1,760 3,301 2,777 13,725 Loss on debt extinguishment - 19,279 - 19,279 Non-cash interest expense 1,276 1,379 3,730 4,025 Adjustments to income tax expense (2,517) (6,088) (22,984) (19,901) Non-GAAP net income $26,086 $12,427 $78,762 $39,343 Adjusted EPS: GAAP Numerator: Net income (loss) attributed to common shareholders $5,798 $(28,052) $37,902 $(26,523) Non-GAAP Numerator: Net income attributed to common shareholders $26,086 $12,427 $78,762 $39,343 Interest on Convertible Senior Notes, net of tax 988 325 2,965 325 Net income attributed to common shareholders - diluted $27,074 $12,752 $81,727 $39,668 GAAP Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic 37,825 36,509 37,664 36,315 Adjustment for diluted shares 1,471 - 1,471 - Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted 39,296 36,509 39,135 36,315 Non-GAAP Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding- basic 37,825 36,509 37,664 36,315 Adjustment for diluted shares 6,148 3,047 6,148 1,334 Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted 43,973 39,556 43,812 37,649 GAAP net income (loss) per share - diluted $0.15 $(0.77) $0.97 $(0.73) Non-GAAP net income per share - diluted $0.62 $0.32 $1.87 $1.05 GAAP net cash provided by operating activities $24,059 $19,312 $51,068 $18,577 Capital expenditures (2,874) (5,930) (8,055) (16,075) Free Cash Flow $21,185 $13,382 $43,013 $2,502
Calculation of Repeatable Revenue Software Contribution 24 (unaudited - in thousands) Q3FY21 Q2FY21 Q1FY21 Q4FY20 GAAP revenues $96,801 $98,662 $93,643 $91,242 Less: Professional services revenue 16,538 16,555 21,299 19,457 Non-GAAP Repeatable revenues $80,263 $82,107 $72,344 $71,785 GAAP revenues TTM $380,348 Less: Professional services revenue TTM 73,849 Non-GAAP Repeatable revenues TTM $306,499 Repeatable software contribution 81%
Q4FY21 and FY21 Reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP Guidance 25 (unaudited - in thousands) Q4 2021 FY2021 Low High Low High GAAP revenue $97,000 $101,000 $386,100 $390,100 GAAP gross profit $71,400 $75,400 $283,500 $287,500 Stock-based compensation 1,500 1,500 6,500 6,500 Amortization of intangible assets 1,900 1,900 7,500 7,500 Non-GAAP gross profit $74,800 $78,800 $297,500 $301,500 GAAP gross margin 74% 75% 73% 74% Non-GAAP gross margin 77% 78% 77% 77% GAAP operating income $14,000 $17,400 $64,000 $67,300 Stock-based compensation 13,200 13,200 55,300 55,300 Amortization of intangible assets 5,100 5,100 20,200 20,200 Restructuring and other costs, net 1,200 1,200 4,000 4,000 Non-GAAP operating income $33,500 $36,900 $143,500 $146,800 GAAP operating margin 14% 17% 17% 17% Non-GAAP operating margin 35% 37% 37% 38% GAAP net income $3,300 $6,600 $41,400 $44,800 Stock-based compensation 13,200 13,200 55,300 55,300 Amortization of intangible assets 5,100 5,100 20,200 20,200 Restructuring and other costs, net 1,200 1,200 4,000 4,000 Depreciation 2,600 2,600 9,600 9,600 Total other income (expense), net (3,600) (3,600) (12,700) (12,700) Provision for income taxes 7,100 7,100 9,900 9,900 Adjusted EBITDA $36,100 $39,400 $153,100 $156,500 GAAP net income margin 3% 7% 11% 11% Adjusted EBITDA margin 37% 39% 40% 40%
Q4FY21 and FY21 Reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP Guidance 26 (unaudited - in thousands, except per share data) Q4 2021 FY2021 Low High Low High GAAP net income $3,300 $6,600 $41,400 $44,800 Stock-based compensation 13,200 13,200 55,300 55,300 Amortization of intangibles 5,100 5,100 20,200 20,200 Restructuring and other costs, net 1,200 1,200 4,000 4,000 Non-cash interest expense 1,300 1,300 5,000 5,000 Adjustments to income tax expense (700) (1,500) (24,100) (25,000) Non-GAAP net income $23,400 $25,900 $101,800 $104,300 Adjusted EPS: GAAP Numerator: Net income attributed to common shareholders $3,300 $6,600 $41,400 $44,800 Interest on Convertible Senior Notes, net of tax - - - - Net income attributed to common shareholders - diluted $3,300 $6,600 $41,400 $44,800 Non-GAAP Numerator: Net income attributed to common shareholders $23,400 $25,900 $101,800 $104,300 Interest on Convertible Senior Notes, net of tax 1,000 1,000 4,000 4,000 Net income attributed to common shareholders - diluted $24,400 $26,900 $105,800 $108,300 GAAP Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic 38,000 38,000 37,800 37,800 Adjustment for diluted shares 1,700 1,700 1,500 1,500 Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted 39,700 39,700 39,300 39,300 Non-GAAP Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding- basic 38,000 38,000 37,800 37,800 Adjustment for diluted shares 6,400 6,400 6,200 6,200 Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted 44,400 44,400 44,000 44,000 GAAP net income per share - diluted $0.08 $0.17 $1.05 $1.14 Non-GAAP net income per share - diluted $0.55 $0.61 $2.40 $2.46
FY19, FY20 and FY21 Reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP 27 (unaudited - in thousands) FY2019 FY2020 Actual Mid-Point GAAP revenue $303,315 $330,967 $388,100 GAAP gross profit $203,972 $223,116 $285,500 Stock-based compensation 1,896 5,573 6,500 Amortization of intangible assets 8,498 8,337 7,500 Non-GAAP gross profit $214,366 $237,026 $299,500 GAAP gross margin 67% 67% 74% Non-GAAP gross margin 71% 72% 77% GAAP operating income $10,852 $22,431 $65,650 Stock-based compensation 29,682 47,285 55,300 Amortization of intangible assets 21,022 20,881 20,200 Restructuring and other costs, net 24,404 16,458 4,000 Acquisition-related costs 944 - - Non-GAAP operating income $86,904 $107,055 $145,150 GAAP operating margin 4% 7% 17% Non-GAAP operating margin 29% 32% 37% GAAP net income (loss) $100,268 $(18,316) $43,100 Stock-based compensation 29,682 47,285 55,300 Amortization of intangible assets 21,022 20,881 20,200 Restructuring and other costs, net 24,404 16,458 4,000 Acquisition-related costs 944 - - Depreciation 7,822 9,160 9,600 Total other income (expense), net 332 (45,471) (12,700) Provision for income taxes (89,084) (4,724) 9,900 Adjusted EBITDA $94,726 $116,215 $154,800 GAAP net income margin 33% -6% 11% Adjusted EBITDA margin 31% 35% 40%
