SoundHound AI (NASDAQ:SOUN) surges following Q2 results that clear revenue target for 2026

NEW YORK, August 6, 2026, 09:06 EDT

  • SoundHound shares jumped 28.8% to $8.28 ahead of the Nasdaq opening.
  • The lower end of guidance now implies about $62 million in quarterly revenue for the second half.

As of 09:06 EDT, the U.S. cash market remained closed. Shares of SoundHound AI, Inc. changed hands at $8.28 in premarket activity, rising from a previous close of $6.43 on Wednesday.

Stock chart for NASDAQ:SOUN

The surge came after second-quarter revenue hit a record $61.9 million, marking a 45% increase. Sales surpassed the consensus target of $52.39 million by 18.1%.

The main focus for investors is the updated guidance obstacle. Revenue for the first half amounted to $106.1 million, following $44.2 million posted in the opening quarter.

This reduces execution risk. Achieving $230 million now only needs revenues to remain nearly unchanged quarter-on-quarter from the second quarter.

The period additionally reflected improved loss absorption. Company data are still provisional pending SoundHound’s Form 10-Q filing.

Q2 measure2026Q2 2025Change or comparison
Revenue$61.9 million$42.7 millionUp 45%; 18.1% above consensus
GAAP gross margin45.1%39.0%Increase of 6.1 percentage points
Adjusted EBITDA$(9.6) million$(14.3) millionLoss narrowed by 33%
Non-GAAP EPS$(0.02)$(0.03)Loss decreased by $0.01

The company disclosed its results; analysts had expected revenue of $52.39 million.

Adjusted EBITDA margin rose to minus 15.5%, compared to minus 33.5%. Non-GAAP gross margin stayed the same at 58.4%.

CEO Keyvan Mohajer attributed the expansion to accelerating OASYS sales. SoundHound secured an eight-figure deal “in less than 90 days from the initial demo to contract signature.” Investing.com

2026 outcomeFull-year revenueRevenue needed in H2Average per H2 quarterAverage versus Q2
Guidance low$230.0 million$123.9 million$62.0 million+0.1%
Guidance midpoint$245.0 million$138.9 million$69.5 million+12.2%
Guidance high$260.0 million$153.9 million$77.0 million+24.3%

Arithmetic midpoint shown; this is not an independent company projection. Reporter estimate based on disclosed Q1 and provisional Q2 revenue figures.

The lower limit increased by $5 million, while the upper range stayed steady at $260 million.

The midpoint of the guidance increased by just 1.0%. Executives noted that while sizeable deals happen repeatedly, accurately forecasting their magnitude is challenging.

The premarket surge significantly increased the valuation benchmark. It suggested an equity value close to $3.56 billion, based on Wednesday’s stated market capitalization.

Preliminary valuation checkWednesday closeThursday premarket
Share price$6.43$8.28
Implied equity value$2.76 billion$3.56 billion
Market value/2026 revenue midpoint11.3 times14.5 times

Initial reporter estimate. Wednesday’s market capitalization is adjusted by the premarket share-price change.

Between July 31 and Wednesday, the stock rose 4.9%. The premarket move lifted the total gain for that stretch to roughly 35%.

The rise also contrasted with the broader tech market. Nasdaq futures slipped 0.76% early Thursday.

Initial responses from analysts were varied. Cantor Fitzgerald maintained its Buy rating, whereas Piper Sandler Companies continued with Hold.

Analyst-recommendation sourceAnalystsConsensusAverage targetTarget rangeUpside from $8.28
MarketScreener7Buy$12.86$8-$1755%
MarketBeat10Moderate Buy$14.93$9-$2080%
TipRanks4Strong Buy$12.75$12-$1554%

Coverage sets and rating windows are not the same. The implied upside is calculated with the $8.28 premarket quote.

The table reflects direction, rather than a coordinated post-earnings perspective. Analysts may update target figures as they revise models for the second half.

SoundHound has not planned any investor events for the coming week. Market participants are expected to focus on the upcoming 10-Q filing, possible changes to analyst ratings, and the market’s response to Thursday’s cash session.

The upcoming transaction milestone for LivePerson, Inc. is the shareholder vote scheduled for August 20. SoundHound’s present outlook does not factor in the acquisition that is still awaiting completion.

Risks: SoundHound’s operating cash outflow reached $60.0 million in the first half. Basic weighted-average shares increased by 7.6%, with the company continuing to report losses. The LivePerson deal carries risks related to completion and integration.

The lower end of the revenue target now appears easier to achieve. Still, with the market valuing shares at 14.5 times midpoint sales, expectations remain above the minimum outcome.

TS2 TECH • EXTENDED COVERAGE

Further analysis

What is driving shares of SoundHound AI higher ahead of Thursday’s market open?
SOUN shares were up 28.8% at $8.28 as of 8:48 a.m. ET. The company reported Q2 revenue of $61.9 million, a 45% increase from a year earlier. Adjusted losses decreased, and management lifted its minimum annual revenue guidance. Shares surged after the company's earnings report was released after the close on Wednesday.
How significant was the raised 2026 guidance?
The company updated its revenue outlook to a range of $230–$260 million, up from $225–$260 million. The revision raises the lower end by $5 million. The midpoint is now $245 million, an increase of about 1.0% from $242.5 million. After reporting $106.1 million through June, the second half must deliver between $123.9 million and $153.9 million.
Does revenue growth lead to improved operating leverage?
The adjusted EBITDA loss narrowed to $9.6 million, compared with $14.3 million previously. Adjusted EBITDA margin improved to negative 15.5% from negative 33.5%. GAAP gross margin climbed 6.1 points to reach 45.1%. GAAP net loss, however, stayed at $42.8 million.
Is SoundHound able to support its operations without resorting to significant dilution?
Cash stood at $203 million with zero debt as of June 30. Operating cash usage in the first half increased to $60.0 million, compared to $43.7 million previously. Basic weighted shares climbed 7.6% year over year, totaling 430.5 million. Stock-based compensation represented 34.7% of revenue for the quarter.
What level of risk is involved with the LivePerson acquisition?
The transaction is valued at $43 million in equity and $250 million in enterprise worth. SoundHound anticipates receiving $74 million of LivePerson’s cash prior to settling debt. The company may opt to use cash, equity, or a mix of both to pay down discounted debt. The deal’s closure is still subject to conditions, with guidance to be issued once completed.
Marcin Frąckiewicz

Marcin Frąckiewicz is the founder and CEO of TS2 Space, a satellite communications company working with customers worldwide. His experience spans satellite communications, telecommunications and technology ventures. He graduated from the Warsaw School of Economics (SGH) and writes about space technology, artificial intelligence, stocks and the technology companies and industries he follows. Follow Marcin Frąckiewicz on Google News, Facebook or LinkedIn.

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