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SoundHound AI vs Fair Isaac: why the prices moved differently

Weekly · monthly · quarterly news summaries, side by side in time

SoundHound AI Inc (SOUN)

Q3 2026
▲3▼1

SoundHound AI Q3 2026: Revenue Beat, Acquisition, and Analyst Optimism

  • Q2 Revenue Beat and Raised Guidance SoundHound AI reported Q2 revenue of $61.9 million, up 45% year-over-year, beating expectations. Management raised full-year 2026 guidance, sending shares up 12% on the news.

    This was the primary positive catalyst for the stock during the quarter.

  • LivePerson Acquisition Closes The acquisition of LivePerson closed, eliminating debt and adding enterprise customers. This strategic move expands SoundHound's customer base and strengthens its balance sheet.

    The acquisition closure was a significant event that improved the company's financial position and growth prospects.

  • Commercial Traction and Analyst Optimism OASYS adoption and a Kia India win demonstrated commercial traction. Analysts see 87–100% upside, with takeover speculation adding support. Management targets 70%+ gross margins.

    These developments reinforced the growth narrative and attracted investor interest.

  • Financial Losses and Cash Burn Despite revenue growth, SoundHound posted a $25 million GAAP net loss and $26.7 million adjusted EBITDA loss, with widening cash burn and gross margin at just 31.1%. The stock had fallen 35–40% year-to-date before the Q2 report.

    These financial challenges represent a real counterweight to the positive developments.

September 2026
▲4

SoundHound closes LivePerson, OASYS gains traction, Kia India win

  • LivePerson acquisition completed, debt retired SoundHound finished buying LivePerson, swapped its debt for 37 million new shares, and now has no debt. Management sees over $500 million in future revenue from the combined customers. This grows the business and removes a financial risk, helping the stock.

    This is the period's biggest new event, directly changing SoundHound's finances and growth outlook.

  • OASYS platform speeds enterprise AI deals SoundHound's OASYS platform is turning demos into signed contracts faster, with one eight-figure deal closed in under 90 days. Enterprise AI is now its biggest revenue source. Faster adoption means more recurring revenue, which supports a higher stock price.

    Shows real demand acceleration from the new product, a key driver of future revenue.

  • Kia Sorento launches with SoundHound voice AI in India SoundHound's voice AI powers the new Kia Sorento's assistant in India, a first for that market. This is a concrete product win that expands its automotive reach and shows customers are adopting its technology, which can lift future sales and the stock.

    A new customer deployment that validates SoundHound's technology and opens a new market.

  • SoundHound stands out in software peer group Among 16 productivity software companies, SoundHound posted the fastest revenue growth (45%) and biggest earnings beat. This positive comparison can attract investors looking for the best performer in the sector, supporting the stock price.

    Highlights SoundHound's relative strength versus peers, which can draw investor interest.

Latest
▲4

SoundHound closes LivePerson, OASYS gains traction, Kia India win

  • LivePerson acquisition completed, debt retired SoundHound finished buying LivePerson, swapped its debt for 37 million new shares, and now has no debt. Management sees over $500 million in future revenue from the combined customers. This grows the business and removes a financial risk, helping the stock.

    This is the period's biggest new event, directly changing SoundHound's finances and growth outlook.

  • OASYS platform speeds enterprise AI deals SoundHound's OASYS platform is turning demos into signed contracts faster, with one eight-figure deal closed in under 90 days. Enterprise AI is now its biggest revenue source. Faster adoption means more recurring revenue, which supports a higher stock price.

    Shows real demand acceleration from the new product, a key driver of future revenue.

  • Kia Sorento launches with SoundHound voice AI in India SoundHound's voice AI powers the new Kia Sorento's assistant in India, a first for that market. This is a concrete product win that expands its automotive reach and shows customers are adopting its technology, which can lift future sales and the stock.

    A new customer deployment that validates SoundHound's technology and opens a new market.

  • SoundHound stands out in software peer group Among 16 productivity software companies, SoundHound posted the fastest revenue growth (45%) and biggest earnings beat. This positive comparison can attract investors looking for the best performer in the sector, supporting the stock price.

    Highlights SoundHound's relative strength versus peers, which can draw investor interest.

August 2026
▲4

SoundHound's Q2 Beat, LivePerson Vote, and Margin Push Drive the Story

  • Shareholder vote on LivePerson merger SoundHound shareholders voted on August 20 on the amended merger with LivePerson, which would add a large base of enterprise conversational AI customers. If completed, it expands SoundHound's business and could reshape ownership, supporting the stock. The vote itself is a key step toward closing by end-2026.

    This is a new, concrete event that directly affects SoundHound's future size and ownership.

  • Proprietary AI stack targets 70%+ gross margins SoundHound is shifting to its own OASYS agentic AI platform and Polaris speech model, aiming for gross margins above 70% eventually. That would help fix its biggest weakness — heavy spending and losses — and move it toward profitability, a positive for the stock if delivered.

    It explains a new strategic push that could change SoundHound's profitability profile, a core investor concern.

  • Oasys adoption and $20-by-2030 scenario SoundHound signed an eight-figure Oasys commitment within 90 days of launch, and one analysis says if revenue grows 45% annually through 2030 and the stock trades at 8 times sales, shares could reach $20. That is a bullish long-term scenario, not a guarantee, but it highlights strong early demand.

    It gives a new, specific demand signal and a long-term valuation path that supports the bull case.

  • SoundHound stands out in automation software Q2 Among automation software peers, SoundHound delivered the biggest revenue beat at 18.1%, with $61.9 million up 45% year over year. The group's shares have risen 14.8% on average since earnings, showing SoundHound is a standout in a sector that is winning investor favor.

    It shows SoundHound outperforming its peer group, a new comparative data point that supports the stock.

▲4

SoundHound's Q2 Beat, LivePerson Vote, and Margin Push Drive the Story

  • Shareholder vote on LivePerson merger SoundHound shareholders voted on August 20 on the amended merger with LivePerson, which would add a large base of enterprise conversational AI customers. If completed, it expands SoundHound's business and could reshape ownership, supporting the stock. The vote itself is a key step toward closing by end-2026.

    This is a new, concrete event that directly affects SoundHound's future size and ownership.

  • Proprietary AI stack targets 70%+ gross margins SoundHound is shifting to its own OASYS agentic AI platform and Polaris speech model, aiming for gross margins above 70% eventually. That would help fix its biggest weakness — heavy spending and losses — and move it toward profitability, a positive for the stock if delivered.

    It explains a new strategic push that could change SoundHound's profitability profile, a core investor concern.

  • Oasys adoption and $20-by-2030 scenario SoundHound signed an eight-figure Oasys commitment within 90 days of launch, and one analysis says if revenue grows 45% annually through 2030 and the stock trades at 8 times sales, shares could reach $20. That is a bullish long-term scenario, not a guarantee, but it highlights strong early demand.

    It gives a new, specific demand signal and a long-term valuation path that supports the bull case.

  • SoundHound stands out in automation software Q2 Among automation software peers, SoundHound delivered the biggest revenue beat at 18.1%, with $61.9 million up 45% year over year. The group's shares have risen 14.8% on average since earnings, showing SoundHound is a standout in a sector that is winning investor favor.

    It shows SoundHound outperforming its peer group, a new comparative data point that supports the stock.

July 2026
▲2▼1

SoundHound's Q2 Beat and Raised Guidance Spark 12% Rally

  • Q2 revenue beat and raised 2026 guidance SoundHound reported Q2 revenue of $61.9 million, up 45% and well above the $52.4 million consensus, and raised full-year 2026 revenue guidance to $230–260 million. The stock jumped 12–13% as traders rewarded the beat and higher outlook.

    This is the main new event that directly drove the stock's sharp rally this period.

  • Analysts see big upside and acquisition appeal Analysts have a median price target of $12–$12.75, implying 87–100% upside, with all four covering analysts rating it a buy. SoundHound is also seen as a takeover candidate, with General Motors cited as a clean strategic fit, adding speculative support.

    This explains the bullish sentiment and potential bid interest that helped lift the stock.

  • Losses and cash burn persist despite growth Even with strong revenue, SoundHound posted a $25 million GAAP net loss and $26.7 million adjusted EBITDA loss in Q1, with operating cash burn widening to $26.3 million. Gross margin fell to 31.1%, showing the company still spends heavily to grow.

    This is the main counterweight: profitability remains elusive, which can cap gains and worry investors.

  • Stock down sharply in 2026 but valuation reset SOUN fell 35–40% year-to-date before the Q2 report, trading 68% below its 2024 peak. The price-to-sales ratio dropped from about 100 to roughly 15, which some see as a buying opportunity, while others worry the decline reflects real risks.

    This sets the context for why the stock was beaten down and why the Q2 beat mattered so much.

▲2▼1

SoundHound's Q2 Beat and Raised Guidance Spark 12% Rally

  • Q2 revenue beat and raised 2026 guidance SoundHound reported Q2 revenue of $61.9 million, up 45% and well above the $52.4 million consensus, and raised full-year 2026 revenue guidance to $230–260 million. The stock jumped 12–13% as traders rewarded the beat and higher outlook.

    This is the main new event that directly drove the stock's sharp rally this period.

  • Analysts see big upside and acquisition appeal Analysts have a median price target of $12–$12.75, implying 87–100% upside, with all four covering analysts rating it a buy. SoundHound is also seen as a takeover candidate, with General Motors cited as a clean strategic fit, adding speculative support.

    This explains the bullish sentiment and potential bid interest that helped lift the stock.

  • Losses and cash burn persist despite growth Even with strong revenue, SoundHound posted a $25 million GAAP net loss and $26.7 million adjusted EBITDA loss in Q1, with operating cash burn widening to $26.3 million. Gross margin fell to 31.1%, showing the company still spends heavily to grow.

    This is the main counterweight: profitability remains elusive, which can cap gains and worry investors.

  • Stock down sharply in 2026 but valuation reset SOUN fell 35–40% year-to-date before the Q2 report, trading 68% below its 2024 peak. The price-to-sales ratio dropped from about 100 to roughly 15, which some see as a buying opportunity, while others worry the decline reflects real risks.

    This sets the context for why the stock was beaten down and why the Q2 beat mattered so much.

Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO)

Q3 2026
▼2

FICO's mortgage monopoly ends as VantageScore wins approval

  • FHFA ends FICO's mortgage-scoring monopoly The FHFA approved VantageScore 4.0, breaking FICO's long-held monopoly on mortgage credit scores. Rocket Mortgage will default to VantageScore in Q4, a concrete loss of market share.

    This is the most significant new competitive threat, directly ending FICO's monopoly and causing tangible share loss.

  • Potential bi-merge requirement could cut FICO demand A proposed bi-merge requirement would let lenders use just two credit reports instead of three, potentially reducing demand for FICO scores. This regulatory change adds further pressure on FICO's core business.

    This new regulatory risk could structurally reduce FICO's revenue per mortgage.

  • Record revenue but miss and delayed licensing program Q3 revenue hit a record $674M, up 26%, with profit up 41% and raised guidance. However, revenue missed estimates and the Direct Licensing Program was delayed, pressuring shares.

    This captures the mixed financial performance: strong growth but missed expectations and a delayed key initiative.

  • FICO responds with free 10T and AI restructuring FICO launched its Direct License Program and offered free FICO Score 10T to FHA lenders to defend its turf. It also cut 15% of staff in an AI restructuring, signaling ongoing pressure.

    These are new strategic responses to competitive threats, showing both defense and cost-cutting.

September 2026
▼3

FICO's mortgage dominance erodes as rivals gain ground

  • FHFA ends FICO monopoly, approves VantageScore 4.0 The FHFA approved VantageScore 4.0 for Fannie and Freddie loans, ending FICO's monopoly. A unified pricing grid lets lenders bypass FICO entirely, threatening its pricing power and market share.

    This is a major regulatory change that directly undermines FICO's core mortgage business.

  • Rocket Mortgage to default to VantageScore in Q4 Rocket Mortgage, the largest U.S. lender, will default to VantageScore in Q4. This concrete share loss shows FICO's biggest customer is moving away, reducing future revenue.

    It provides tangible evidence of market share loss to a competitor.

  • Potential bi-merge requirement could cut FICO demand A potential bi-merge requirement—using only two credit bureaus—could further reduce demand for FICO-based tri-merge reports. This regulatory shift would lower FICO's revenue per mortgage.

    It highlights another regulatory threat that could reduce FICO's pricing and volume.

  • FICO launches Direct License Program and offers free 10T to FHA lenders FICO launched a Mortgage Direct License Program and offered its 10T score free to FHA lenders starting 2027 to boost adoption. However, it also cut 15% of its workforce in an AI-focused restructuring, signaling ongoing pressure.

    These are new strategic moves by FICO to counter threats, but the workforce cut shows challenges remain.

Latest
▼2

FICO's mortgage monopoly erodes as VantageScore gains and FICO cuts jobs

  • Rocket Mortgage becomes first major lender to default to VantageScore Rocket Mortgage, the largest U.S. mortgage lender, will default to VantageScore 4.0 for eligible loans starting in Q4. This is a concrete loss of FICO's dominant position, as a top lender shifts volume away, pressuring FICO's revenue and pricing.

    It shows real competitive adoption, not just regulatory threat, making the risk tangible for FICO's business.

  • FHFA may require only two credit bureaus, reducing FICO score demand Bloomberg reported the FHFA plans to require lenders to use only two of the three major credit bureaus for mortgages sold to Fannie and Freddie. This could cut demand for traditional tri-merge reports and further weaken FICO's position, as it may favor VantageScore.

    This is a new regulatory threat that could structurally reduce the number of FICO scores pulled per mortgage.

  • FICO offers free 10T score to FHA lenders and cuts 15% of workforce FICO will offer its newest 10T score free to FHA lenders from 2027, aiming to boost adoption and show its model is more predictive. Separately, FICO announced a 15% workforce cut in an AI-focused restructuring. The free offer may help retain share, but the job cuts signal pressure.

    These are FICO's own strategic responses to the competitive threat, showing both defense and cost-cutting.

▼3▲1

FHFA Opens Mortgage Scoring to VantageScore, Threatening FICO's Monopoly

  • FHFA ends FICO's mortgage scoring exclusivity The Federal Housing Finance Agency approved VantageScore 4.0 for all Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans, ending FICO's long-held monopoly in mortgage credit scoring. This introduces direct competition, threatening FICO's market share and pricing power. The stock fell sharply on the news.

    This is the core new event that directly threatens FICO's mortgage scoring business and triggered the stock decline.

  • Unified pricing grid lets VantageScore bypass FICO FHFA will consolidate Fannie and Freddie pricing into one grid that includes VantageScore, allowing lenders to use VantageScore for loan-level pricing and approval without FICO. This removes FICO's fee leverage and could accelerate share loss.

    This structural change intensifies competition and directly undermines FICO's ability to charge premium fees.

  • Potential bi-merge requirement adds pressure FHFA may require lenders to use only two credit bureaus instead of three for mortgages sold to Fannie and Freddie. This could reduce demand for traditional tri-merge reports and further weaken FICO's position, as it may favor VantageScore.

    This is a new regulatory threat that compounds the competitive pressure on FICO's mortgage scoring business.

  • FICO launches direct license program; regulator not targeting FICO FICO launched a Mortgage Direct License Program and FHFA Director Pulte signaled he is not purposefully targeting the company. This provided a slight reprieve, but the overall competitive and regulatory threats remain dominant.

    This is a new positive development that offers some counterbalance to the negative news, though it does not reverse the competitive threat.

July 2026
▲2▼2

FICO's mortgage moat deepens, but a delayed licensing plan and a rival score spook investors

  • FICO Score 10T embedded in Optimal Blue FICO's new mortgage score is now built into Optimal Blue, the platform used by most big U.S. mortgage lenders. That makes FICO harder to replace and should keep demand strong, supporting the stock price over time.

    This is a new event that strengthens FICO's competitive position and future revenue.

  • Record Q3 profit and raised guidance FICO reported record quarterly revenue of $674 million, up 26%, and profit jumped 41% per share. It raised its full-year outlook, citing a better mortgage market. Strong results and higher guidance push the stock up.

    This is the core new financial result that directly moves the stock.

  • Revenue miss and delayed Direct Licensing Program Despite record profit, revenue fell short of analyst estimates, and FICO delayed its Direct Licensing Program. That delay and the miss disappointed investors, sending shares down sharply. The market worries about future growth timing.

    This is the main new negative event that caused the stock to drop.

  • FHFA rule opens mortgage scoring to a lower-cost rival A new FHFA rule allows a cheaper competitor into mortgage scoring, threatening FICO's pricing power in its biggest market. This regulatory pressure is a real counterweight, keeping a lid on the stock even as profits grow.

    This is a new regulatory threat that could erode FICO's long-term cash flow.

▲2▼2

FICO's mortgage moat deepens, but a delayed licensing plan and a rival score spook investors

  • FICO Score 10T embedded in Optimal Blue FICO's new mortgage score is now built into Optimal Blue, the platform used by most big U.S. mortgage lenders. That makes FICO harder to replace and should keep demand strong, supporting the stock price over time.

    This is a new event that strengthens FICO's competitive position and future revenue.

  • Record Q3 profit and raised guidance FICO reported record quarterly revenue of $674 million, up 26%, and profit jumped 41% per share. It raised its full-year outlook, citing a better mortgage market. Strong results and higher guidance push the stock up.

    This is the core new financial result that directly moves the stock.

  • Revenue miss and delayed Direct Licensing Program Despite record profit, revenue fell short of analyst estimates, and FICO delayed its Direct Licensing Program. That delay and the miss disappointed investors, sending shares down sharply. The market worries about future growth timing.

    This is the main new negative event that caused the stock to drop.

  • FHFA rule opens mortgage scoring to a lower-cost rival A new FHFA rule allows a cheaper competitor into mortgage scoring, threatening FICO's pricing power in its biggest market. This regulatory pressure is a real counterweight, keeping a lid on the stock even as profits grow.

    This is a new regulatory threat that could erode FICO's long-term cash flow.