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    Zoom Communications Inc (ZM)

    ZM Q1 2026: AI Companion MAUs Surge 40% QoQ

    Reported on May 22, 2025 (After Market Close)
    Pre-Earnings Price$82.27Last close (May 21, 2025)
    Post-Earnings Price$80.65Open (May 22, 2025)
    Price Change
    $-1.62(-1.97%)
    • Accelerated AI adoption: Zoom's AI Companion is experiencing nearly 40% quarterly MAU growth and is already being leveraged by key customers (e.g., Raymond James) for enhanced productivity, indicating a strong growth driver in its AI-enabled services.
    • Robust contact center momentum: The Zoom Contact Center is building impressive traction as a triple-digit million ARR business, with record upsell opportunities—especially through its AI-powered Virtual Agent—helping to capture additional market share in the CCaaS space.
    • Strong pricing power and retention in the online segment: A recent price increase for Zoom's monthly pro SKUs, combined with record low churn and increasing customer longevity, underscores solid customer satisfaction and the ability to drive incremental revenue.
    • Enterprise deal elongation due to macro challenges: Guidance reveals that larger enterprise deals are experiencing elongated sales cycles and increased scrutiny on deal terms, suggesting that revenue growth in this segment could be restrained if macro uncertainty persists .
    • Uncertainty in AI monetization and adoption: While AI capabilities like AI Companion and Zoom Virtual Agent are gaining traction, monetization remains in early stages. Slow conversion from free to paid features or weaker-than-expected customer uptake could negatively impact future revenue growth .
    • Reliance on channel partnerships and integration strategies: Significant emphasis on channel transformation and strategic partnerships (e.g., Teams integration, Bell Canada) is noted as a future growth driver. However, difficulties or delays in executing these initiatives may undermine overall growth prospects .
    MetricYoY ChangeReason

    Total Revenue

    –0.8% sequential decline

    Q1 2026 total revenue was reported at $1,174.7 million, a decrease of roughly 0.8% from Q4 2025’s $1,184.2 million. This slight contraction appears to be driven by a modest reduction in combined revenue performance, with the online segment’s weaker growth offsetting strong enterprise demand.

    Enterprise Revenue

    Stable / Dominant

    Enterprise revenue generated $704.7 million in Q1 2026, representing approximately 60% of total revenue. This continued dominance mirrors previous trends where strong enterprise adoption and a healthy mix of new and existing customers drove sustained performance.

    Online Revenue

    Stable / Underperforming relative to enterprise

    Online revenue contributed $470.0 million (about 40% of total revenue) in Q1 2026, indicating that while it remains a key segment, its relatively stagnant or weaker growth compared to enterprise revenue likely contributed to the overall slight decline in total revenue.

    Operating & Net Income

    Stable profitability margins

    Operating income stood at $241.6 million and net income at $254.6 million, resulting in net margins of roughly 21.7%. Despite the slight revenue dip, these stable margins suggest that operational efficiency was maintained relative to previous periods.

    Earnings per Share (EPS)

    –30% sequential drop

    Basic EPS fell sharply from $1.20 in Q4 2025 to $0.84 in Q1 2026—a decline of about 30%. This significant drop, despite nearly flat total revenue, hints at increased per share cost pressures or unfavorable share count dynamics impacting profitability on a per share basis.

    Cash & Cash Equivalents

    Stable

    Cash and cash equivalents remained robust at $1,228.8 million, reflecting consistent liquidity management and a solid balance sheet, which supports operational resilience even in a period marked by some fluctuations in revenue and EPS.

    MetricPeriodPrevious GuidanceCurrent GuidanceChange

    Revenue

    Q2 2026

    $1.162 - $1.167 billion

    $1.195 - $1.2 billion

    raised

    Non-GAAP Operating Income

    Q2 2026

    $440 - $445 million

    $460 - $465 million

    raised

    Non-GAAP Operating Margin

    Q2 2026

    38%

    38.6%

    raised

    Non-GAAP EPS

    Q2 2026

    $1.29 - $1.31

    $1.36 - $1.37

    raised

    MetricPeriodGuidanceActualPerformance
    Revenue
    Q1 2026
    $1.162B to $1.167B
    $1,174.7M
    Beat
    Deferred Revenue Growth
    Q1 2026
    4% to 5% year-over-year
    5.5% year-over-year ((1,409,217- 1,335,787) / 1,335,787)
    Beat
    TopicPrevious MentionsCurrent PeriodTrend

    Accelerated AI Adoption

    In Q4 2025, AI Companion monthly active usage grew 68% QoQ with an AI-first platform rollout. Q3 2025 reported 59% growth and broad customer enthusiasm. Q2 2025 highlighted 1.2 million enabled accounts and strong adoption of multiple AI features.

    Q1 2026 noted a nearly 40% QoQ increase in monthly active users for AI Companion, with strong customer interest in new custom features despite AI-driven revenue remaining modest.

    Consistent customer enthusiasm for AI remains, though growth rates show a slight deceleration. Emphasis is shifting toward integrating monetizable custom features even as adoption stays robust.

    Monetization Challenges

    Q4 2025 emphasized free AI features for lower-tier customers and plans to launch paid add-ons starting April 2025. Q3 2025 discussed future monetization via customized solutions while balancing free offerings. Q2 2025 explained the free use of core AI Companion as a trust builder with monetization later via business services.

    Q1 2026 is monetizing through the Custom AI Companion add-on with trial enthusiasm from Global 2000 customers; however, revenue impact in FY26 is expected to be modest while growth potential is highlighted.

    Monetization remains a challenge as Zoom continues to offer core AI for free to build trust, but is increasingly focusing on customized, fee-based features to drive long-term revenue.

    Evolving AI Product Portfolio

    Q4 2025 detailed the upcoming launch of Custom AI Companion at $12 per seat and introduced AI Companion Studio for building custom agents. Q3 2025 discussed customization and integration with enterprise systems including early feedback from Zoomtopia. Q2 2025 did not specifically mention these products but focused on AI Companion’s broader role.

    Q1 2026 expanded on Custom AI Companion and introduced AI Companion Studio as part of its “agentic” framework, highlighting customizable integrations (e.g. Bring Your Own Dictionary, Jira integration) with strong trial customer interest, yet with near-term revenue modesty.

    Focus on innovative, customizable AI products is increasing. Zoom is evolving its offering from broad AI adoption into targeted, integrated solutions for enterprises, signaling long-term strategic impact.

    Robust Contact Center Growth & International Expansion

    Q4 2025 showcased record Contact Center deals (e.g. a Fortune 100 deal with 15,000+ agents) and consistent regional revenue gains. Q3 2025 reported the largest-ever Contact Center customer (20,000 seats) with strong channel contributions and emphasized expanding in EMEA. Q2 2025 highlighted over 1,100 Contact Center customers with premium ASPs and noted mixed growth regionally.

    Q1 2026 reported 65% YoY growth in Contact Center customers, the largest ARR contribution quarter for Zoom Virtual Agent, and a noticeable mix shift towards the Elite SKU. International expansion remains a focus with positive momentum in multiple regions.

    Sustained strong growth in the Contact Center business coupled with steady international expansion, with continued emphasis on leveraging integrated platform advantages and channel partnerships to drive enterprise adoption.

    Enterprise Sales Elongation & Macroeconomic Uncertainty

    Q4 2025 noted a “mixed but stable” macro environment with enterprise sales momentum and sequential improvement in downsells. Q3 2025 reported elongation in sales cycles via lengthening billing terms while acknowledging cautious customer spending amid uncertain conditions. Q2 2025 cited stable enterprise growth alongside macro concerns in the SMB segment and EMEA challenges.

    Q1 2026 observed deal elongation and increased scrutiny on deal terms among U.S. enterprises attributed to a cautious macroeconomic environment, though overall buying behavior remained largely unchanged.

    Continued caution in enterprise sales due to macro uncertainties with elongated deal cycles; however, core enterprise demand remains stable as customers weigh total cost and value.

    Channel Partnerships & Integration Strategies

    Q4 2025 emphasized the role of channel partnerships (e.g. Amazon) in driving Contact Center and Phone growth, and detailed integration strategies for enterprise solutions. Q3 2025 highlighted channel-led Contact Center deals and integration with partners like ServiceNow to bolster AI offerings. Q2 2025 mentioned working with partners to support digital transformation.

    Q1 2026 announced a major channel transformation with improved partner processes, a new strategic partnership with Bell Canada, and reinforced integrated approaches across Zoom Phone, Contact Center, and Workplace to streamline sales.

    Intensified channel focus and better integration tactics are emerging, with significant process improvements and new strategic partnerships aimed at boosting sales and enhancing the unified platform experience.

    Online Segment Dynamics

    Q4 2025 guidance suggested the Online segment would be flat to slightly declining, emphasizing record-low churn and stabilization. Q3 2025 noted flat growth following earlier price increases and improved churn (2.7%). Q2 2025 observed low churn and modest growth amidst economic headwinds in the SMB segment.

    Q1 2026 reported a modest $1 price increase for monthly Pro SKUs paired with doubled storage, record low churn, and strong customer acquisition, while noting no immediate plans for further price changes.

    A shift from leveraging pricing power to focusing on stabilization is evident, with continued strong customer retention and incremental pricing adjustments aimed at maintaining overall platform stability amid flat growth.

    Rising AI Investment Costs & Margin Compression

    Q4 2025 highlighted rising AI investments offset by efficiency measures; modest margin compression was discussed with FY26 operating margin expected near 39%. Q3 2025 noted non-GAAP operating margins dipped from 39.3% to 38.9% due to significant AI investments. Q2 2025 discussed a drop in non-GAAP gross margin from 80.3% to 78.6% tied to AI investments but noted long-term margin targets remained.

    Q1 2026 reported a non‐GAAP gross margin of 79.2% and operating margin of 39.8%, with margin compression attributed to ongoing investments in AI; meanwhile, Zoom remains focused on cost optimization to reach its long-term margin targets.

    Persistent cost pressures from AI investments are resulting in slight margin compression. The company remains vigilant through efficiency initiatives, balancing short‐term cost increases with long‐term margin goals.

    Reduced Emphasis on Legacy Initiatives

    In Q2 2025 and earlier periods, Workvivo was promoted as a growth engine alongside traditional offerings, while explicit price adjustments were less stressed amid a broader focus on AI and digital transformation. Q3 2025 and Q4 2025 highlighted Workvivo’s strong growth driven by Meta migrations; there was no heavy emphasis on legacy pricing adjustments.

    Q1 2026 noted robust Workvivo customer growth (up 106% YoY) and maintained a modest $1 price increase for Pro SKUs. The emphasis remains on driving innovation and capitalizing on new digital engagement platforms over legacy models.

    A gradual shift away from legacy initiatives is apparent as Zoom focuses on next‐generation digital engagement products (e.g. Workvivo) and maintains moderate, value‐based pricing adjustments rather than aggressive price increases.

    Shifting Sentiment on AI Adoption vs. Profitability

    Q3 2025 discussed growing customer budget reallocation toward AI, with sentiment driven by free AI Companion offerings that bolster trust despite margin pressure. Q4 2025 reaffirmed that free core AI features would build long‐term value while AI investments were embedded in overall guidance. Q2 2025 mentioned strong AI adoption in product enhancements without explicitly contrasting profitability.

    Q1 2026 presented a balanced view: strong AI adoption with 40% QoQ user increases and enthusiasm for new features, paired with ongoing concerns about margin compression due to rising investment costs; the sentiment reflects careful management of cost versus long‐term AI monetization.

    There is a growing focus on balancing customer enthusiasm for AI with the need to sustain profitability. While customers favor free, value‐added AI features, Zoom remains cautious about short‐term margin impacts as it invests in long‐term AI monetization.

    1. Enterprise Outlook
      Q: Revised outlook and NRR timeline?
      A: Management indicated a cautious view with a consistent macro environment, noting stable net dollar expansion and a foundation for future growth while monitoring when net retention could normalize near 100%.

    2. Zoom Phone Growth
      Q: What’s the future for Zoom Phone?
      A: They see significant opportunity given the large number of on‑premise seats still transitioning and strong partnerships, positioning Zoom to capture share through integrated, modern cloud solutions with mid‑teens growth.

    3. Pricing Strategy
      Q: Impact of modest online pricing increase?
      A: Despite a slight price uptick, management highlighted customer value gains—like doubled storage—and record low churn, indicating healthy pricing sensitivity and minimal disruption.

    4. Buyback Acceleration
      Q: Buyback pace signal or opportunistic?
      A: Management accelerated repurchases to reinforce confidence and reduce dilution, noting it’s a deliberate phase in their broader $2.7 billion buyback plan with $1.2 billion remaining.

    5. AI Adoption
      Q: How’s AI Companion uptake among SMBs?
      A: They reported a robust 40% quarter-over-quarter increase in monthly active users and growing interest in both free features and monetized custom offerings, suggesting strong traction.

    6. Contact Center Upsell
      Q: What’s driving high-priced contact center SKU wins?
      A: Management detailed that upgrades to advanced contact center bundles, including the Zoom Virtual Agent with 97% self‑service resolution, are fueling upsell opportunities in a vibrant market.

    7. Competitive Video
      Q: How are core video meetings faring against rivals?
      A: Management maintains that the seamless user experience, continuous innovation including AI companion features, and the overall lower total cost of ownership keep Zoom strongly competitive.

    8. Customer Acquisition Sensitivity
      Q: How’s new online customer growth impacted by macro?
      A: Despite broader economic challenges, online acquisition remains robust with stable churn and strong new customer growth, showing no significant macro impact to date.

    9. Channel Transformation
      Q: What changes are under way in the channel?
      A: They are refining partner incentives and accelerating cash conversion for channel deals, which has significantly boosted sales in both Zoom Phone and contact center segments.

    10. Enterprise Downsells & CCaaS
      Q: Any downsell trends affecting CCaaS revenue?
      A: Management observed minimal downselling with continued year-over-year demand and growing upsell in elite SKUs, highlighting that contact center revenue is on a solid, upward trajectory.

    11. Frontline & Custom AI
      Q: How are frontline and custom AI products performing?
      A: The new frontline worker platform is gaining traction in healthcare, retail, and manufacturing, while custom AI Companion initiatives are progressing with promising deal momentum, though full revenue impact remains in the pipeline.

    12. AI Cost Efficiency
      Q: How is AI cost optimization affecting margins?
      A: Leveraging a federated approach with in-house models and strategic partnerships (including NVIDIA), management is balancing cost and value, enabling free AI features while improving overall cost efficiency.

    13. AI Avatar Trends
      Q: What’s the role of AI Avatars in meetings?
      A: Management showcased their unique AI Avatar usage to enhance communication, underscoring plans to further integrate this innovative tool for better workflow automation.

    14. International Strategy
      Q: Which products are prioritized internationally?
      A: The global approach remains unified, with a focus on combined communication, customer, and employee experience solutions that resonate strongly in EMEA markets.