Ceva, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Ceva (NASDAQ: CEVA) reported Q1 2025 financial results with total revenue of $24.2 million, up 10% year-over-year. The company secured 11 license agreements during the quarter, including significant deals in Wi-Fi 7, edge AI NPU for automotive ADAS, and spatial audio software. Licensing revenue increased to $15.0 million from $11.4 million year-over-year, while royalty revenue decreased to $9.2 million from $10.7 million. The company reported a GAAP net loss of $3.3 million ($0.14 per share), but achieved non-GAAP net income of $1.4 million ($0.06 per share). A notable milestone was a leading U.S. OEM's successful implementation of Ceva IP in their in-house 5G modem. The company powered 420 million devices in Q1, representing a 13% increase year-over-year.

Positive

• Total revenue increased 10% YoY to $24.2 million
• Licensing revenue grew 31.6% YoY to $15.0 million
• Secured 11 new licensing agreements, including strategic Wi-Fi 7 and automotive ADAS deals
• 13% YoY growth in powered devices to 420 million units
• Non-GAAP net income improved to $1.4 million from -$1.3 million loss year-over-year

Negative

• Royalty revenue declined 14% YoY to $9.2 million
• GAAP gross margin decreased to 86% from 89% YoY
• Reported GAAP net loss of $3.3 million
• Soft performance in low-cost smartphone shipments
• Slower product ramp-up from an industrial customer

Insights

Financial Analyst

Ceva delivered mixed Q1 results with 10% revenue growth but royalty weakness, turning non-GAAP profitable while GAAP losses persisted.

Ceva's Q1 2025 performance presents a mixed financial picture with both encouraging and challenging signals. Total revenue reached $24.2 million, growing 10% year-over-year, driven by strong licensing activity but partially offset by royalty weakness.

The licensing business showed significant strength, with licensing and related revenue increasing to $15.0 million from $11.4 million in Q1 2024. This 31% growth in licensing revenue demonstrates healthy demand for Ceva's IP portfolio across multiple technology domains. The company closed 11 licensing agreements during the quarter, spanning cutting-edge technologies including Wi-Fi 7, edge AI for automotive ADAS, Bluetooth 6, and spatial audio. Particularly noteworthy is that two agreements were with first-time customers, expanding Ceva's potential revenue base.

However, royalty revenue declined to $9.2 million from $10.7 million in the prior year period. Management attributed this 14% decrease to soft low-cost smartphone shipments and slower-than-expected product ramp-up from an industrial customer. This royalty weakness occurred despite the company powering 420 million devices in the quarter, a 13% year-over-year increase, suggesting potential pressure on average royalty rates.

Profitability metrics reveal incremental improvement. While Ceva continues to operate at a GAAP loss, the loss narrowed to $4.4 million from $5.0 million in Q1 2024. More significantly, on a non-GAAP basis, the company achieved operating income of $0.3 million, compared to a non-GAAP operating loss of $0.8 million in the prior year period. Non-GAAP net income was $1.4 million ($0.06 per share), versus a non-GAAP net loss of $1.3 million ($0.05 per share) in Q1 2024.

A key milestone announced was a leading U.S. OEM successfully ramping production of an in-house 5G modem integrating Ceva's IP. This implementation could represent a significant future royalty opportunity as production volumes scale.

Gross margins showed some compression, with GAAP gross margin at 86% (down from 89%) and non-GAAP gross margin at 87% (down from 90%), potentially reflecting competitive pricing pressures in certain market segments.

• Total revenue of $24.2 million, up 10% year-over-year
• 11 license agreements concluded in the quarter, including Wi-Fi 7 deal with long-term strategic connectivity customer, edge AI NPU for automotive ADAS and spatial audio software for wireless headsets for a leading PC OEM
• Powered 420 million devices in the quarter, up 13% year-over-year
• Customer milestone: leading U.S. OEM successfully ramped in-house 5G modem integrating Ceva IP

ROCKVILLE, Md., May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ceva, Inc. (NASDAQ: CEVA), the leading licensor of silicon and software IP that enables Smart Edge devices to connect, sense and infer data more reliably and efficiently, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

Total revenue for the first quarter of 2025 was $24.2 million, compared to $22.1 million reported for the first quarter of 2024. Licensing and related revenue for the first quarter of 2025 was $15.0 million, compared to $11.4 million reported for the same quarter a year ago. Royalty revenue for the first quarter of 2025 was $9.2 million, compared to $10.7 million reported for the first quarter of 2024.

Amir Panush, Chief Executive Officer of Ceva, commented: "I am pleased with the continued progress we made in our licensing business this quarter, further solidifying our edge AI strategy and reinforcing key customer engagements across our IP portfolio. While royalty revenue was below expectations, we are encouraged by the adoption and successful implementation of our IP in a leading U.S. OEM's in-house 5G modem launched in the quarter. Additionally, the Wi-Fi 7 design win with a long-term wireless connectivity customer and new licensees for our edge AI and spatial audio IPs are incremental drivers for future royalty growth."

During the quarter, eleven IP licensing agreements were concluded, targeting a wide range of end markets and applications, including edge AI NPU for automotive ADAS, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity for AIoT, Bluetooth 6 and Wi-Fi 6 for combo connectivity products, 5G cellular IoT for industrial devices, audio for consumer devices and spatial audio for PC headsets. Two of the deals signed were with first-time customers.

GAAP gross margin for the first quarter of 2025 was 86%, as compared to 89% in the first quarter of 2024. GAAP operating loss for the first quarter of 2025 was $4.4 million, as compared to a GAAP operating loss of $5.0 million for the same period in 2024. GAAP net loss for the first quarter of 2025 was $3.3 million, as compared to a GAAP net loss of $5.4 million reported for the same period in 2024. GAAP diluted loss per share for the first quarter of 2025 was $0.14, as compared to GAAP diluted loss per share of $0.23 for the same period in 2024.

Non-GAAP gross margin for the first quarter of 2025 was 87%, as compared to 90% for the same period in 2024. Non-GAAP operating income for the first quarter of 2025 was $0.3 million, as compared to non-GAAP operating loss of $0.8 million reported for the first quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP net income and diluted income per share for the first quarter of 2025 were $1.4 million and $0.06, respectively, compared with non-GAAP net loss and diluted loss per share of $1.3 million and $0.05, respectively, reported for the first quarter of 2024. 

Yaniv Arieli, Chief Financial Officer of Ceva, stated: "We experienced a shortfall in royalty revenue in the quarter due to a combination of soft low-cost smartphone shipments and an industrial customer who had a slower product ramp-up than in the prior year. We remain focused on operating efficiency and having the agility to navigate challenges arising from market uncertainty."

Ceva Conference Call
On May 7, 2025, Ceva management will conduct a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the operating performance for the quarter.

The conference call will be available via the following dial in numbers:

• U.S. Participants : Dial 1-844-435-0316 (Access Code : Ceva)
• International Participants: Dial +1-412-317-6365 (Access Code: Ceva)

The conference call will also be available live via webcast at the following link: https://app.webinar.net/GvAklQElMmj. Please go to the web site at least fifteen minutes prior to the call to register.

For those who cannot access the live broadcast, a replay will be available by dialing +1-877-344-7529 or +1-412-317-0088 (access code: 9176597) from one hour after the end of the call until 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) on May 14, 2025. The replay will also be available at Ceva's web site at www.ceva-ip.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that if they materialize or prove incorrect, could cause the results of Ceva to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding drivers for revenue growth, Ceva's ability to navigate challenges from market uncertainty. The risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause differing Ceva results include: the effect of intense industry competition; the ability of Ceva's technologies and products incorporating Ceva's technologies to achieve market acceptance; Ceva's ability to meet changing needs of end-users and evolving market demands; the cyclical nature of and general economic conditions in the semiconductor industry; Ceva's ability to diversify its royalty streams and license revenues; Ceva's ability to continue to generate significant revenues from the handset baseband market and to penetrate new markets; instability and disruptions related to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict; and general market conditions and other risks relating to Ceva's business, including, but not limited to, those that are described from time to time in our SEC filings. Ceva assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information, which speak as of their respective dates.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Non-GAAP gross margin for the first quarters of 2025 and 2024 excluded: (a) equity-based compensation expenses of $0.2 million and (b) amortization of acquired intangibles of $0.1 million.

Non-GAAP operating income for the first quarter of 2025 excluded: (a) equity-based compensation expenses of $4.3 million, (b) the impact of the amortization of acquired intangibles of $0.2 million and (c) $0.1 million of costs associated with a business acquisition. Non-GAAP operating loss for the first quarter of 2024 excluded: (a) equity-based compensation expenses of $3.6 million, (b) the impact of the amortization of acquired intangibles of $0.3 million and (c) $0.3 million of costs associated with a business acquisition.

Non-GAAP net income and diluted income per share for the first quarter of 2025 excluded: (a) equity-based compensation expenses of $4.3 million, (b) the impact of the amortization of acquired intangibles of $0.2 million, (c) $0.1 million of costs associated with a business acquisition and (d) $0.1 million loss associated with the remeasurement of marketable equity securities. Non-GAAP net loss and diluted loss per share for the first quarter of 2024 excluded: (a) equity-based compensation expenses of $3.6 million, (b) the impact of the amortization of acquired intangibles of $0.3 million, (c) $0.3 million of costs associated with a business acquisition and (d) $0.1 million loss associated with the remeasurement of marketable equity securities.

About Ceva, Inc.
At Ceva, we are passionate about bringing new levels of innovation to the smart edge. Our wireless communications, sensing and Edge AI technologies are at the heart of some of today's most advanced smart edge products. From wireless connectivity IPs (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, UWB and 5G platform IP), to scalable Edge AI NPU IPs and sensor fusion solutions, we have the broadest portfolio of IP to connect, sense and infer data more reliably and efficiently. We deliver differentiated solutions that combine outstanding performance at ultra-low power within a very small silicon footprint. Our goal is simple – to deliver the silicon and software IP to enable a smarter, safer, and more interconnected world. This philosophy is in practice today, with Ceva powering more than 19 billion of the world's most innovative smart edge products from AI-infused smartwatches, IoT devices and wearables to autonomous vehicles and 5G mobile networks.

Our headquarters are in Rockville, Maryland with a global customer base supported by operations worldwide. Our employees are among the leading experts in their areas of specialty, consistently solving the most complex design challenges, enabling our customers to bring innovative smart edge products to market.

Ceva is committed to being a responsible and respected global corporate citizen and a more sustainable company in the countries where we have operations and employees.  We adhere to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and emphasize and focus on environmental controls, resource conservation and recycling and the welfare of our employees.

Ceva: Powering the Smart Edge™

Visit us at www.ceva-ip.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

Ceva, Inc. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS – U.S. GAAP
U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share data
	Three months ended
	March 31,
	2025	2024
	Unaudited	Unaudited
Revenues:
Licensing and related revenues	$  15,042	$  11,414
Royalties	9,203	10,658
Total revenues	24,245	22,072
Cost of revenues	3,487	2,503
Gross profit	20,758	19,569
Operating expenses:
Research and development, net	17,609	17,991
Sales and marketing	3,449	2,816
General and administrative	3,933	3,572
Amortization of intangible assets	149	150
Total operating expenses	25,140	24,529
Operating Loss	(4,382)	(4,960)
Financial income, net	2,100	1,257
Remeasurement of marketable equity securities	(54)	(60)
Loss before taxes on income	(2,336)	(3,763)
Taxes on Income	991	1,685
Net Loss	$  (3,327)	$  (5,448)
Basic and diluted net loss per share	$  (0.14)	$  (0.23)
Weighted-average shares used to compute net loss per share (in thousands):
Basic	23,764	23,508
Diluted	23,764	23,508

 

Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
U.S. Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts
	Three months ended
	March 31,
	2025	2024
	Unaudited	Unaudited
GAAP net loss	$  (3,327)	$  (5,448)
Equity-based compensation expense included in cost of revenues	159	203
Equity-based compensation expense included in research and development expenses	2,466	2,007
Equity-based compensation expense included in sales and marketing expenses	566	365
Equity-based compensation expense included in general and administrative expenses	1,132	996
Amortization of intangible assets	208	278
Costs associated with business acquisition	144	280
loss associated with the remeasurement of marketable equity securities.	54	60
Non-GAAP net income (loss)	$  1,402	$  (1,259)
GAAP weighted-average number of Common Stock used in computation of diluted net income (loss) and income (loss) per share (in thousands)	23,764	23,508
Weighted-average number of shares related to outstanding stock-based awards (in thousands)	1,618	-
Weighted-average number of Common Stock used in computation of diluted net income (loss) per share, excluding the above (in thousands)	25,382	23,508
GAAP diluted loss per share	$  (0.14)	$  (0.23)
Equity-based compensation expense	$  0.18	$  0.15
Amortization of intangible assets	$  0.01	$  0.01
Costs associated with business acquisition	$  0.01	$  0.01
Loss associated with the remeasurement of marketable equity securities	$  0.00	$  0.01
Non-GAAP diluted income (loss) per share	$  0.06	$  (0.05)

 

	Three months ended
	March 31,
	2025	2024
	Unaudited	Unaudited
GAAP Operating loss	$  (4,382)	$  (4,960)
Equity-based compensation expense included in cost of revenues	159	203
Equity-based compensation expense included in research and development expenses	2,466	2,007
Equity-based compensation expense included in sales and marketing expenses	566	365
Equity-based compensation expense included in general and administrative expenses	1,132	996
Amortization of intangible assets	208	278
Costs associated with business acquisition	144	280
Total non-GAAP Operating Income (loss)	$  293	$  (831)
	Three months ended
	March 31,
	2025	2024
	Unaudited	Unaudited
GAAP Gross Profit	$  20,758	$  19,569
GAAP Gross Margin	86 %	89 %
Equity-based compensation expense included in cost of revenues	159	203
Amortization of intangible assets	59	128
Total Non-GAAP Gross profit	20,976	19,900
Non-GAAP Gross Margin	87 %	90 %

 

Ceva, Inc. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(U.S. Dollars in thousands)
		March 31,	December 31,
		2025	2024 (*)
		Unaudited	Unaudited
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$  18,814	$  18,498
Marketable securities and short-term bank deposits		139,534	145,146
Trade receivables, net		15,088	15,969
Unbilled receivables		25,731	21,240
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		17,818	15,488
Total current assets		216,985	216,341
Long-term assets:
Severance pay fund		7,132	7,161
Deferred tax assets, net		1,171	1,456
Property and equipment, net		6,578	6,877
Operating lease right-of-use assets		5,281	5,811
Investment in marketable equity securities		258	312
Goodwill		58,308	58,308
Intangible assets, net		1,669	1,877
Other long-term assets		12,609	10,805
Total assets		$ 309,991	$  308,948
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Trade payables		$  2,527	$  1,125
Deferred revenues		2,954	3,599
Accrued expenses and other payables		21,645	23,207
Operating lease liabilities		2,003	2,598
Total current liabilities		29,129	30,529
Long-term liabilities:
Accrued severance pay		7,395	7,365
Operating lease liabilities		2,829	2,963
Other accrued liabilities		1,506	1,535
Total liabilities		40,859	42,392
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock		24	24
Additional paid in-capital		262,857	259,891
Treasury stock		-	(3,222)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(1,108)	(1,330)
Retained earnings		7,359	11,193
Total stockholders' equity		269,132	266,556
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$ 309,991	$  308,948

(*) Derived from audited financial statements.

 

 

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SOURCE Ceva, Inc.

FAQ

What were CEVA's Q1 2025 earnings results?

CEVA reported Q1 2025 revenue of $24.2 million (+10% YoY), with a GAAP net loss of $3.3 million ($0.14 per share) and non-GAAP net income of $1.4 million ($0.06 per share).

How many licensing agreements did CEVA sign in Q1 2025?

CEVA signed 11 IP licensing agreements in Q1 2025, including deals for Wi-Fi 7, edge AI NPU for automotive ADAS, and spatial audio software.

What caused CEVA's royalty revenue decline in Q1 2025?

CEVA's royalty revenue declined due to soft low-cost smartphone shipments and slower product ramp-up from an industrial customer.

How many devices were powered by CEVA's technology in Q1 2025?

CEVA powered 420 million devices in Q1 2025, representing a 13% increase year-over-year.

What was CEVA's licensing revenue for Q1 2025?

CEVA's licensing and related revenue for Q1 2025 was $15.0 million, up from $11.4 million in Q1 2024.