Story Stocks®
Updated: 11-Mar-26 12:00 ET
Sprinklr edges past Q4 estimates as AI tailwinds, transformation margin gains battle churn (CXM)
Sprinklr (CXM) is sharply higher today after reporting Q4 results, staging a strong rebound following a brutal start to the year that saw the stock tumble about 28% year-to-date heading into the print. Expectations were at rock-bottom levels, so even a modest upside surprise on Q4 results and a balanced, if subdued, FY27 outlook is enough to spark a relief rally. CXM edged past Q4 EPS and revenue estimates, with total revenue rising nearly 9% yr/yr to $220.6 mln, while non-GAAP operating margin expanded to 17% from 13% a year earlier, underscoring the benefits of its ongoing transformation and cost discipline.
- Q4 results topped expectations, with total revenue up 9% yr/yr to $220.6 mln (subscription +6% to $193.4 mln), driven by the best renewal rate in over a year, multi-year deals, and enterprise traction.
- RPO was flat yr/yr at $986.5 mln (up 15% qtr/qtr) and cRPO +1% yr/yr (up 10% qtr/qtr). Tailwinds from improving renewals and "Project Bear Hug" on large customers are battling headwinds from FY26 churn, macro caution, and Middle East geo risks.
- Non-GAAP operating margin hit 17% ($37.7 mln income) vs. 13% last year, fueled by cost structure optimization, go-to-market revamp, streamlined processes, and disciplined execution that boosted profitability and free cash flow to $142 mln for FY26.
- CXM's guidance is mixed. Q1 revenue of $215.5-$216.5 mln is up 5% and ahead of expectations, but EPS of approximately $0.09 was light due to AI/R&D/go-to-market investments. FY27 revenue of $869-$871 mln represents 1% growth, below expectations, and EPS $0.47-$0.48 is in-line at 17% margin.
- Soft FY27 revenue reflects services normalization after a large FY26 project, lingering churn normalization, and conservative macro/geo outlook, even as management eyes renewal gains and AI-native growth (GenAI ARR +50%) for FY28 acceleration.
- CXM announced a $200 mln buyback ($125 mln ASR imminent), signaling confidence in its AI platform, balance sheet ($502.5 mln cash, no debt), and valuation amid the transition year.
Briefing.com Analyst Insight
CXM's Q4 beat low expectations amid a 28% YTD stock drop, with 9% revenue growth, 17% margins (up from 13%), and best-in-year renewals signaling transformation progress. RPO/cRPO remain soft from FY26 churn and geo risks, but top-tier expansions and GenAI (+50% ARR) offer tailwinds. FY27 guide implies 1% revenue growth due to services normalization and caution, yet holds 17% margins while investing in AI. The $200 mln buyback adds support, while risk/reward improves as execution builds toward FY28 acceleration.