C3.ai (AI 2.37%), an enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) software provider, released its earnings for the fiscal first quarter of 2025 on 2024-09-04.
The company reported total revenue of $87.2 million, which was in line with management's guidance range of $84.0 - $89.0 million and represented a 21% increase from $72.4 million in the same quarter last year. This growth was driven by a 20% year-over-year increase in subscription revenue, which reached $73.5 million.
Overall, the quarter demonstrated solid performance in key financial and operational areas.
| Metric | Q1 FY2025 | Management's Guidance | Q1 FY2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $87.2 million | $84.0 - $89.0 million | $72.4 million | +21% |
| Gross Margin (GAAP) | 60% | N/A | 56% | +4% |
| Net Loss per Share (GAAP) | $(0.50) | N/A | $(0.56) | +10.7% |
| Cash Reserves | $762.5 million | N/A | $750.4 million | 1.6% |
| Free Cash Flow | $7.1 million | N/A | $(8.9) million | N/A |
Source: SEC filings. Expectations based on management's guidance, as provided in 2024-05-29 earnings report.
Business Overview
C3.ai focuses on providing artificial intelligence software applications for enterprises through its comprehensive C3 AI Platform. The platform streamlines the development and deployment of AI applications, aiming to drive significant business value for its clients. C3.ai's business strategies hinge on several key success factors including its model-driven architecture, industry-specific SaaS (Software as a Service) applications, generative AI capabilities, strategic partnerships, and its recent transition to a consumption-based pricing model.
Recently, C3.ai has focused on expanding its footprint through partnerships with major cloud service providers like Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Microsoft Azure. The company has also increased investment in generative AI capabilities to meet growing market demand for natural language processing and data analytics technologies.
Quarterly Achievements and Developments
During Q1 FY2025, C3.ai closed 71 agreements, marking a 122% increase year-over-year, including 52 pilot projects, up 117%. Notable new agreements were secured with companies like GSK, Eletrobras, Valero, and several U.S. federal agencies such as the Department of Defense. Federal bookings accounted for over 30% of total Q1 bookings, highlighting significant traction in this sector.
There were successful deployments of C3.ai's applications across various industries. For instance, Eletrobras used C3 AI applications to enhance grid resilience, while Nucor utilized the C3 AI Supply Chain Suite to improve manufacturing outcomes. Additionally, Riverside County, California, experienced marked improvements in property appraisal with over 90% accuracy in their models.
From a financial perspective, C3.ai reported a GAAP gross profit of $52.2 million, up from $40.5 million in the previous year, with a GAAP gross margin of 60%, an improvement from 56% last year. On a non-GAAP basis, gross profit was $60.9 million with a 70% gross margin. The company achieved positive free cash flow of $7.1 million, compared to a negative $(8.9) million in the prior year.
C3.ai has continued to advance its generative AI initiatives. The company saw strong demand for its C3 Generative AI product, closing 17 new pilots in Q1 and converting several of these pilots into production deployments, such as those with Carpenter Technology and the U.S. Marine Corps. These pilots span industries from manufacturing to federal agencies, showcasing the versatility and application breadth of C3.ai's generative AI technology.
The company also reported a GAAP net loss per share of $(0.50), an improvement from $(0.56) in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, the net loss per share was $(0.05), a significant reduction from $(0.09) in the prior year. With cash reserves standing at $762.5 million, C3.ai maintains a strong liquidity position.
Looking Ahead
For Q2 FY2025, C3.ai has provided revenue guidance in the range of $88.6 million to $93.6 million. The company also reaffirmed its full fiscal year 2025 revenue guidance of $370 million to $395 million, indicating robust growth expectations. Management anticipates a non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) operational loss between $(26.7) million to $(34.7) million for Q2, and $(95) million to $(125) million for the full fiscal year.
One area to watch is the company's transition to a consumption-based pricing model, which may continue to impact short-term gross margins due to the higher mix of pilot projects. However, this model is expected to drive long-term customer adoption and recurring revenue growth. Additionally, the competitive landscape and economic conditions remain challenging factors that could impact enterprise AI budget allocations.
Investors should closely monitor C3.ai’s progress in expanding its generative AI capabilities and its traction in the federal sector. With continuing strong demand and strategic advancements, C3.ai aims to further establish itself as a leader in the enterprise AI market.
