RNG Q1 Earnings Call: AI-Driven Portfolio Delivers Steady Growth and Margin Expansion

Office and call centre communications software provider RingCentral (NYSE:RNG) met Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025, with sales up 4.8% year on year to $612.1 million. The company expects next quarter’s revenue to be around $617 million, close to analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $1 per share was 4.2% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

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StockStory’s Take

RingCentral's first quarter results were shaped by continued adoption of its AI-led multi-product strategy and growing customer demand in core voice communications. CEO Vlad Shmunis emphasized the company's progress in shifting traditional communications to cloud-based solutions, noting, "The early results of these new products are promising." Management highlighted strong momentum in products like RingCX and RingSense, as well as successful expansion within small business and global service provider (GSP) customer segments. President and COO Kira Makagon cited improved operational efficiency and customer outcomes, with AI tools helping to reduce manual work and drive business value for clients across healthcare, financial services, and retail. The company attributed margin improvements to disciplined sales and marketing spending and reported progress in free cash flow generation and debt reduction.

Looking forward, RingCentral’s outlook is anchored by ongoing investment in AI-powered solutions, expansion of its product suite, and a focus on profitable growth. CFO Abhey Lamba confirmed that the company intends to maintain operating profitability and free cash flow improvement, stating, "We are committed to further driving operational efficiencies resulting in margin expansion while enabling us to invest in growth opportunities." Management signaled cautious optimism given macroeconomic uncertainties, such as tariffs and shifting customer spending patterns, but expects continued demand for cost-saving AI products. CEO Vlad Shmunis added, "The next phase in our growth will be driven by leveraging AI throughout our growing portfolio with increased addressable market and wallet share."

Key Insights from Management’s Remarks

Management attributed the quarter’s performance to adoption of new AI-enabled products, rising engagement among small businesses and GSP partners, and operational efficiencies that supported margin gains.

• AI product traction: The company’s new AI-powered products, including RingCX (cloud contact center), RingSense (AI insights and coaching), and AIR (AI phone agent), saw rapid early adoption, especially among small businesses and GSPs. Management reported over 1,000 AIR customers and strong sequential growth in RingSense usage, with AI tools cited as drivers of measurable cost savings and productivity gains for clients.
• Small business momentum: ARR from customers with fewer than 100 employees grew by double digits, reaching a two-year high. These clients, often in healthcare, retail, and financial services, are adopting voice-centric AI products for customer engagement and operational efficiency, delivering higher average revenue per user and faster payback for RingCentral.
• GSP partnerships expanding: Global service providers accounted for over 10% of ARR, with double-digit growth and efficient customer acquisition. Major partners like AT&T, Vodafone, and Cox Communications are now reselling RingCentral’s AI-powered solutions, extending reach in North America and international markets.
• Enterprise and channel strengths: Larger enterprises continue to adopt RingCentral, drawn to its integrations with platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Salesforce. Over half of $1 million-plus TCV deals in Q1 included multiple RingCentral products, signaling success in cross-selling and up-selling to existing accounts.
• Operational discipline: Operating margin improvement stemmed from efficiencies in sales, marketing, and internal use of AI, which has increased productivity in customer support, sales outreach, and product development. Record free cash flow enabled debt reduction and share repurchases, supporting a stronger balance sheet.

Drivers of Future Performance

RingCentral’s forward guidance rests on expanding its AI-first portfolio, disciplined cost management, and continued growth in core markets despite macroeconomic uncertainties.

• AI-led product expansion: Management expects ongoing adoption of new AI-powered offerings—such as AIR and RingCX—to drive higher average revenue per user and open new customer segments. These products are positioned as cost-saving and productivity-boosting solutions for both existing and new clients.
• Go-to-market leverage: The company plans to deepen relationships with GSPs and channel partners, using these alliances to efficiently access international markets and supplement direct sales, particularly as cloud adoption accelerates among businesses replacing legacy systems.
• Macro environment monitoring: While not seeing immediate headwinds, management remains cautious regarding tariffs, interest rates, and broader economic conditions. The company aims to maintain flexibility in its approach, emphasizing prudent financial management and readiness to adjust strategy if customer demand or deal cycles shift.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

In the coming quarters, StockStory analysts will be watching (1) sustained adoption and revenue contribution from AI-powered products like AIR and RingCX, (2) the pace of expansion among small business and GSP customer segments, and (3) progress toward free cash flow and margin targets through operational efficiency. The ability to maintain growth despite macroeconomic fluctuations will also be an important marker of execution.

RingCentral currently trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 1×. Is the company at an inflection point that warrants a buy or sell? See for yourself in our full research report (it’s free).

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