Automotive giants like Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis (home to Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler) are two top customers of SoundHound’s software. Its Chat AI product allows those brands to install an AI voice assistant in their vehicles, so drivers can instantly request information on the weather, the stock market, and even the status of their flight on the way to the airport.

Drivers can also say goodbye to physical instruction manuals because SoundHound’s Vehicle Intelligence software knows everything about the features and functions in their car, and they can request it at any moment.

In the restaurant industry, popular chains like Chipotle, Krispy Kreme, and Papa John’s use SoundHound’s software. The company offers an AI ordering system that can be used to accept phone orders, in-store orders, and even drive-thru orders without human intervention. It also developed a product called Employee Assist, which workers can call upon at any time if they need information about store policies or menu items.

SoundHound generated a record $25.1 million in revenue during the third quarter of 2024, which was a whopping 89% increase from the year-ago period. SoundHound included some of Amelia’s revenue for the first time, which helped drive that growth.

The acquisition added other benefits like customer diversification; 90% of SoundHound’s revenue came from the automotive industry in the third quarter of last year, whereas it now has six different industries accounting for between 5% and 25% of its total revenue. That’s one of the main reasons SoundHound just significantly increased its guidance for 2024 and 2025.

It now expects to deliver between $82 million and $85 million this year (compared to its previous forecast of $80 million), which would be an 82% increase compared to 2023 at the midpoint of the range.

The company then expects to generate between $155 million and $175 million in revenue in 2025 (compared to its previous forecast of $150 million), which points to accelerated growth of 97% at the midpoint of the range.

But it gets better. SoundHound told investors it has an order backlog of more than $1 billion, which it expects to convert into revenue over the next six years.

SoundHound is losing quite a bit of money. It burned through $21.7 million on a generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) basis during the third quarter (remember, that was on just $25.1 million in revenue). The company only has $136 million in cash on hand, so it can’t afford to lose money at this pace for very long.

In fact, SoundHound recently announced a new at-the-market equity facility that will allow it to raise an additional $120 million by issuing more stock. It will help secure the company’s future, but it will also dilute existing shareholders, which could translate into losses for investors who buy the stock today.

Based on SoundHound’s trailing-12-month revenue and its current market capitalization of $3.2 billion, its stock trades at a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 37.5. That makes it even more expensive than Nvidia! That doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, considering that Nvidia has a decades-long track record of success, plus a fortress balance sheet, surging financial results, and the best AI chips in the world:

SoundHound’s revenue forecast for 2025 makes the stock appear much cheaper on a forward basis. However, it’s still a very speculative way to invest in the AI industry, so it’s important to only put in money you can afford to lose.

After all, Nvidia is a $3.3 trillion company, so it probably isn’t concerned about losing the $13.6 million it currently has invested in SoundHound stock if things don’t work out.

Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you’ll want to hear this.

On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a “Double Down” stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you’re worried you’ve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it’s too late. And the numbers speak for themselves:

• Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, you’d have $358,460!*

• Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you’d have $44,946!*

• Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you’d have $478,249!*

Right now, we’re issuing “Double Down” alerts for three incredible companies, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon.

See 3 “Double Down” stocks »

*Stock Advisor returns as of December 2, 2024

Anthony Di Pizio has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Chipotle Mexican Grill, Nvidia, and Serve Robotics. The Motley Fool recommends Stellantis and recommends the following options: short December 2024 $54 puts on Chipotle Mexican Grill. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Nvidia Bought 6 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Stocks, but This 1 Has Soared the Most was originally published by The Motley Fool