Palo Alto Networks Reports Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW) reported strong financial results for Q4 and fiscal year 2024. Q4 revenue grew 12% year-over-year to $2.2 billion, while fiscal year 2024 revenue increased 16% to $8.0 billion. The company's Next-Generation Security ARR saw impressive growth of 43% year-over-year, reaching $4.2 billion. GAAP net income for Q4 2024 was $357.7 million, or $1.01 per diluted share, up from $227.7 million in Q4 2023. Non-GAAP net income for Q4 2024 reached $522.2 million, or $1.51 per diluted share. The company provided a positive outlook for fiscal year 2025, expecting total revenue between $9.10 billion and $9.15 billion, representing 13-14% year-over-year growth.

Positive

• Q4 revenue grew 12% year-over-year to $2.2 billion
• Fiscal year 2024 revenue increased 16% to $8.0 billion
• Next-Generation Security ARR grew 43% year-over-year to $4.2 billion
• GAAP net income for Q4 2024 increased to $357.7 million from $227.7 million in Q4 2023
• Non-GAAP operating margins increased by more than 300 basis points for the year
• Board authorized an additional $500 million for share repurchases
• Positive outlook for fiscal year 2025 with expected revenue growth of 13-14%

Negative

• None.

Financial Analyst

Palo Alto Networks' Q4 and FY2024 results demonstrate solid growth and profitability. The 12% YoY revenue growth to $2.2 billion for Q4 and 16% YoY growth to $8.0 billion for FY2024 show consistent expansion. The standout metric is the 43% YoY growth in Next-Generation Security ARR to $4.2 billion, indicating strong traction in their advanced security offerings. The 20% YoY increase in remaining performance obligation to $12.7 billion suggests a healthy pipeline for future revenue.

Profitability has improved, with GAAP net income rising 57% YoY to $357.7 million in Q4. The non-GAAP operating margin expansion of over 300 basis points for the year is particularly impressive, showcasing efficient operations. The company's strong cash generation and increased share repurchase authorization of $500 million reflect confidence in its financial position.

Looking ahead, the FY2025 guidance of 13-14% revenue growth and improved non-GAAP operating margins of 27.5-28.0% indicates continued momentum. However, investors should monitor the integration of IBM's QRadar SaaS assets and its impact on future performance.

Cybersecurity Expert

Palo Alto Networks' strong performance underscores the growing demand for advanced cybersecurity solutions. The impressive 43% YoY growth in Next-Generation Security ARR to $4.2 billion highlights the market's shift towards more sophisticated, AI-driven security platforms. This growth outpaces the overall revenue increase, indicating that newer, cutting-edge solutions are driving the company's expansion.

The company's focus on "platformization" is a strategic move in the evolving cybersecurity landscape. By integrating various security functions into a unified platform, Palo Alto Networks is addressing the complexity challenges faced by organizations in managing multiple point solutions. This approach not only enhances security effectiveness but also improves operational efficiency for clients.

The pending acquisition of IBM's QRadar SaaS assets is a significant move. It will likely strengthen Palo Alto Networks' position in the Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) market, complementing their existing offerings and potentially accelerating their AI and machine learning capabilities in threat detection and response.

• Fiscal fourth quarter revenue grew 12% year over year to $2.2 billion. Fiscal year 2024 revenue grew 16% year over year to $8.0 billion.
• Next-Generation Security ARR grew 43% year over year to $4.2 billion.
• Remaining performance obligation grew 20% year over year to $12.7 billion.

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), the global cybersecurity leader, announced today financial results for its fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal year ended July 31, 2024.

Total revenue for the fiscal fourth quarter 2024 grew 12% year over year to $2.2 billion, compared with total revenue of $2.0 billion for the fiscal fourth quarter 2023. GAAP net income for the fiscal fourth quarter 2024 was $357.7 million, or $1.01 per diluted share, compared with GAAP net income of $227.7 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, for the fiscal fourth quarter 2023.

Non-GAAP net income for the fiscal fourth quarter 2024 was $522.2 million, or $1.51 per diluted share, compared with non-GAAP net income of $482.5 million, or $1.44 per diluted share, for the fiscal fourth quarter 2023. A reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP information is contained in the tables below.

"We finished off the year with strong execution on our platformization strategy in Q4," said Nikesh Arora, chairman and CEO of Palo Alto Networks. "As we look forward to fiscal year 2025 and beyond, we are focused on scaling our Next-Generation Security business through continued innovation and execution."

"Our top-line strength showed through in our remaining performance obligation and Next-Generation Security ARR," said Dipak Golechha, chief financial officer of Palo Alto Networks. "At the same time we successfully balanced profitable growth, as our non-GAAP operating margins increased by more than 300 basis points for the year with strong cash generation, marking one of the best years for Palo Alto Networks."

Financial Outlook
Palo Alto Networks provides guidance based on current market conditions and expectations.

For the fiscal first quarter 2025, we expect:

• Total revenue in the range of $2.10 billion to $2.13 billion, representing year-over-year growth of between 12% and 13%.
• Diluted non-GAAP net income per share in the range of $1.47 to $1.49, representing year-over-year growth of between 7% and 8%.

For the fiscal year 2025, we expect:

• Total revenue in the range of $9.10 billion to $9.15 billion, representing year-over-year growth of between 13% and 14%.
• Non-GAAP operating margin in the range of 27.5% to 28.0%.
• Diluted non-GAAP net income per share in the range of $6.18 to $6.31, representing year-over-year growth of between 9% and 11%.
• Adjusted free cash flow margin in the range of 37% to 38%.

The board of directors authorized an additional $500 million for share repurchases, increasing the remaining authorization for future share repurchases to $1 billion, expiring December 31, 2025.

Guidance takes into account the expected financial impact of the pending acquisition of IBM's QRadar SaaS assets. Guidance for non-GAAP financial measures excludes share-based compensation-related charges, including share-based payroll tax expense, acquisition-related costs, amortization expense of acquired intangible assets, litigation-related charges, including legal settlements, restructuring and other costs, non-cash charges related to convertible notes, foreign currency gains (losses), and income tax and other tax adjustments related to our long-term non-GAAP effective tax rate, along with certain non-recurring expenses and certain non-recurring cash flows. We have not reconciled non-GAAP operating margin guidance to GAAP operating margin, diluted non-GAAP net income per share guidance to GAAP net income per diluted share or adjusted free cash flow margin guidance to GAAP net cash from operating activities because we do not provide guidance on GAAP operating margin, GAAP net income or net cash from operating activities and would not be able to present the various reconciling cash and non-cash items between GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures because certain items that impact these measures are uncertain or out of our control, or cannot be reasonably predicted, including share-based compensation expense, without unreasonable effort. The actual amounts of such reconciling items will have a significant impact on the company's GAAP net income per diluted share and GAAP net cash from operating activities.

Earnings Call Information
Palo Alto Networks will host a video webcast for analysts and investors to discuss the company's fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 results as well as the outlook for its fiscal first quarter and fiscal year 2025 today at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time/1:30 p.m. Pacific time. Open to the public, investors may access the webcast, supplemental financial information and earnings slides from the "Investors" section of the company's website at investors.paloaltonetworks.com. A replay will be available three hours after the conclusion of the webcast and archived for one year.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions including statements regarding our platformization strategy and financial outlook for the fiscal first quarter 2025 and fiscal year 2025. In addition, the financial outlook for the fiscal first quarter 2025 and fiscal year 2025 assumes consummation of the pending acquisition of IBM's QRadar SaaS assets during the fiscal first quarter of 2025, and reflects revenue contribution and ongoing expenses from such acquisition. There are a significant number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements made in this press release, including: developments and changes in general market, political, economic, and business conditions; failure of our platformization product offerings; failure to achieve the expected benefits of our strategic partnerships and acquisitions; risks associated with managing our growth; risks associated with new product, subscription and support offerings, including our efforts to leverage AI; shifts in priorities or delays in the development or release of new offerings, or the failure to timely develop and achieve market acceptance of new products and subscriptions as well as existing product, subscription and support offerings; failure of our business strategies; rapidly evolving technological developments in the market for security products, subscriptions and support offerings; defects, errors, or vulnerabilities in our products, subscriptions or support offerings; our customers' purchasing decisions and the length of sales cycles; our competition; our ability to attract and retain new customers; our ability to acquire and integrate other companies, products, or technologies in a successful manner; our debt repayment obligations; and our share repurchase program, which may not be fully consummated or enhance shareholder value, and any share repurchases which could affect the price of our common stock.

Additional risks and uncertainties that could affect our financial results are included under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 21, 2024, which is available on our website at investors.paloaltonetworks.com and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Additional information will also be set forth in other filings that we make with the SEC from time to time. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we do not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements provided to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Key Metrics
Palo Alto Networks has provided in this press release financial information that has not been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP). The company uses these non-GAAP financial measures and other key metrics internally in analyzing its financial results and believes that the use of these non-GAAP financial measures and key metrics are helpful to investors as an additional tool to evaluate ongoing operating results and trends, and in comparing the company's financial results with other companies in its industry, many of which present similar non-GAAP financial measures or key metrics.

The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures and key metrics are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP financial measures and should be read only in conjunction with the company's consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of the company's historical non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measures has been provided in the financial statement tables included in this press release, and investors are encouraged to review these reconciliations.

Non-GAAP operating margin. Palo Alto Networks defines non-GAAP operating margin as non-GAAP operating income divided by total revenue. The company defines non-GAAP operating income as operating income plus share-based compensation-related charges, including share-based payroll tax expense, acquisition-related costs, amortization expense of acquired intangible assets, litigation-related charges, including legal settlements, and restructuring and other costs. The company believes that non-GAAP operating margin provides management and investors with greater visibility into the underlying performance of the company's core business operating results.

Non-GAAP net income and net income per share, diluted. Palo Alto Networks defines non-GAAP net income as net income plus share-based compensation-related charges, including share-based payroll tax expense, acquisition-related costs, amortization expense of acquired intangible assets, litigation-related charges, including legal settlements, restructuring and other costs, and non-cash charges related to convertible notes. The company also excludes from non-GAAP net income foreign currency gains (losses) and tax adjustments related to our long-term non-GAAP effective tax rate in order to provide a complete picture of the company's recurring core business operating results. The company defines non-GAAP net income per share, diluted, as non-GAAP net income divided by the weighted-average diluted shares outstanding, which includes the potentially dilutive effect of the company's employee equity incentive plan awards and the company's convertible senior notes outstanding and related warrants, after giving effect to the anti-dilutive impact of the company's note hedge agreements, which reduces the potential economic dilution that otherwise would occur upon conversion of the company's convertible senior notes. Under GAAP, the anti-dilutive impact of the note hedge is not reflected in diluted shares outstanding. The company considers these non-GAAP financial measures to be useful metrics for management and investors for the same reasons that it uses non-GAAP operating margin.

Next-Generation Security ARR. Palo Alto Networks defines Next-Generation Security ARR as the annualized allocated revenue of all active contracts as of the final day of the reporting period for Prisma and Cortex offerings inclusive of the VM-Series and related services, and certain cloud-delivered security services. The company considers Next-Generation Security ARR to be a useful metric for management and investors to evaluate the performance of the company because Next-Generation Security is where the company has focused its innovation and the company expects its overall revenue to be disproportionately driven by this Next-Generation Security portfolio. Because Next-Generation Security ARR does not have the effect of providing a numerical measure that is different from any comparable GAAP measure, the company does not consider it a non-GAAP measure.

Investors are cautioned that there are a number of limitations associated with the use of non-GAAP financial measures and key metrics as analytical tools. Many of the adjustments to the company's GAAP financial measures reflect the exclusion of items that are recurring and will be reflected in the company's financial results for the foreseeable future, such as share-based compensation, which is an important part of Palo Alto Networks employees' compensation and impacts their performance. Furthermore, these non-GAAP financial measures are not based on any standardized methodology prescribed by GAAP, and the components that Palo Alto Networks excludes in its calculation of non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the components that its peer companies exclude when they report their non-GAAP results of operations. Palo Alto Networks compensates for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the GAAP amounts excluded from these non-GAAP financial measures. In the future, the company may also exclude non-recurring expenses and other expenses that do not reflect the company's core business operating results.

About Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks is the global cybersecurity leader, committed to making each day safer than the one before with industry-leading, AI-powered solutions in network security, cloud security and security operations. Powered by Precision AI, our technologies deliver precise threat detection and swift response, minimizing false positives and enhancing security effectiveness. Our platformization approach integrates diverse security solutions into a unified, scalable platform, streamlining management and providing operational efficiencies with comprehensive protection. From defending network perimeters to safeguarding cloud environments and ensuring rapid incident response, Palo Alto Networks empowers businesses to achieve Zero Trust security and confidently embrace digital transformation in an ever-evolving threat landscape. This unwavering commitment to security and innovation makes us the cybersecurity partner of choice.

At Palo Alto Networks, we're committed to bringing together the very best people in service of our mission, so we're also proud to be the cybersecurity workplace of choice, recognized among Newsweek's Most Loved Workplaces (2021-2024), with a score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index (2024, 2023, 2022), and HRC Best Places for LGBTQ+ Equality (2022). For more information, visit www.paloaltonetworks.com.

Palo Alto Networks, the Palo Alto Networks logo, and Precision AI are trademarks of Palo Alto Networks, Inc. in the United States and in jurisdictions throughout the world. All other trademarks, trade names, or service marks used or mentioned herein belong to their respective owners. Any unreleased services or features (and any services or features not generally available to customers) referenced in this or other press releases or public statements are not currently available (or are not yet generally available to customers) and may not be delivered when expected or at all. Customers who purchase Palo Alto Networks applications should make their purchase decisions based on services and features currently generally available.

 

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.
Preliminary Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In millions, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended				Year Ended
	July 31,				July 31,
	2024		2023		2024		2023
Revenue:
Product	$             480.5		$             507.4		$          1,603.3		$          1,578.4
Subscription and support	1,709.0		1,445.9		6,424.2		5,314.3
Total revenue	2,189.5		1,953.3		8,027.5		6,892.7
Cost of revenue:
Product	104.7		104.3		348.2		418.3
Subscription and support	469.0		402.5		1,711.0		1,491.4
Total cost of revenue	573.7		506.8		2,059.2		1,909.7
Total gross profit	1,615.8		1,446.5		5,968.3		4,983.0
Operating expenses:
Research and development	494.8		414.4		1,809.4		1,604.0
Sales and marketing	742.3		664.0		2,794.5		2,544.0
General and administrative	140.3		114.6		680.5		447.7
Total operating expenses	1,377.4		1,193.0		5,284.4		4,595.7
Operating income	238.4		253.5		683.9		387.3
Interest expense	(0.3)		(5.7)		(8.3)		(27.2)
Other income, net	80.9		68.7		312.7		206.2
Income before income taxes	319.0		316.5		988.3		566.3
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	(38.7)		88.8		(1,589.3)		126.6
Net income	$             357.7		$             227.7		$          2,577.6		$             439.7
Net income per share, basic	$               1.10		$               0.74		$               8.07		$               1.45
Net income per share, diluted	$               1.01		$               0.64		$               7.28		$               1.28
Weighted-average shares used to compute net income per share, basic	324.4		306.9		319.2		303.2
Weighted-average shares used to compute net income per share, diluted	353.9		354.5		354.0		342.3

 

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(In millions, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended				Year Ended
	July 31,				July 31,
	2024		2023		2024		2023
GAAP operating income	$          238.4		$          253.5		$          683.9		$          387.3
Share-based compensation-related charges	287.1		274.1		1,161.7		1,145.1
Acquisition-related costs(1)	3.5		—		13.6		19.5
Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets	33.7		24.7		119.0		103.1
Litigation-related charges(2)	25.6		1.7		211.5		7.1
Restructuring and other costs(3)	—		—		—		(2.2)
Non-GAAP operating income	$          588.3		$          554.0		$      2,189.7		$      1,659.9
Non-GAAP operating margin	26.9 %		28.4 %		27.3 %		24.1 %
GAAP net income	$          357.7		$          227.7		$      2,577.6		$          439.7
Share-based compensation-related charges	287.1		274.1		1,161.7		1,145.1
Acquisition-related costs(1)	3.5		—		13.6		19.5
Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets	33.7		24.7		119.0		103.1
Litigation-related charges(2)	25.6		1.7		211.5		7.1
Restructuring and other costs(3)	—		—		—		(2.2)
Non-cash charges related to convertible notes(4)	0.6		1.5		3.5		6.8
Foreign currency loss associated with non-GAAP adjustments	—		—		—		0.5
Income tax and other tax adjustments(5)	(186.0)		(47.2)		(2,138.8)		(279.6)
Non-GAAP net income	$          522.2		$          482.5		$      1,948.1		$      1,440.0
GAAP net income per share, diluted	$            1.01		$            0.64		$            7.28		$            1.28
Share-based compensation-related charges	0.85		0.86		3.44		3.59
Acquisition-related costs(1)	0.01		0.00		0.04		0.06
Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets	0.10		0.07		0.34		0.30
Litigation-related charges(2)	0.07		0.00		0.60		0.02
Restructuring and other costs(3)	0.00		0.00		0.00		(0.01)
Non-cash charges related to convertible notes(4)	0.00		0.00		0.01		0.02
Foreign currency loss associated with non-GAAP adjustments	0.00		0.00		0.00		0.00
Income tax and other tax adjustments(5)	(0.53)		(0.13)		(6.04)		(0.82)
Non-GAAP net income per share, diluted	$            1.51		$            1.44		$            5.67		$            4.44
GAAP weighted-average shares used to compute net income per share, diluted	353.9		354.5		354.0		342.3
Weighted-average anti-dilutive impact of note hedge agreements	(7.4)		(19.3)		(10.4)		(17.9)
Non-GAAP weighted-average shares used to compute net income per share, diluted	346.5		335.2		343.6		324.4

(1)	Consists of acquisition transaction costs, share-based compensation related to the cash settlement of certain equity awards, and costs to terminate certain employment, operating lease, and other contracts of the acquired companies.
(2)	Consists of the amortization of intellectual property licenses and covenant not to sue. During the three months and fiscal year ended July 31, 2024, it also includes a legal contingency charge and a litigation settlement charge.
(3)	Consists of adjustments to restructuring and other costs.
(4)	Consists of non-cash interest expense for amortization of debt issuance costs related to the company's convertible senior notes.
(5)	Consists of income tax adjustments related to our long-term non-GAAP effective tax rate. During fiscal year 2024, it included a tax benefit from a release of our valuation allowance on U.S. federal, U.S. states other than California, and United Kingdom deferred tax assets. During fiscal year 2023, it included tax benefits from releases of tax reserves related to uncertain tax positions resulting from tax settlements.

 

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.
Preliminary Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In millions)
	July 31, 2024		July 31, 2023
	(unaudited)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$          1,535.2		$          1,135.3
Short-term investments	1,043.6		1,254.7
Accounts receivable, net	2,618.6		2,463.2
Short-term financing receivables, net	725.9		388.8
Short-term deferred contract costs	369.0		339.2
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	557.4		466.8
Total current assets	6,849.7		6,048.0
Property and equipment, net	361.1		354.5
Operating lease right-of-use assets	385.9		263.3
Long-term investments	4,173.2		3,047.9
Long-term financing receivables, net	1,182.1		653.3
Long-term deferred contract costs	562.0		547.1
Goodwill	3,350.1		2,926.8
Intangible assets, net	374.9		315.4
Deferred tax assets	2,399.0		23.1
Other assets	352.9		321.7
Total assets	$        19,990.9		$        14,501.1
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$             116.3		$             132.3
Accrued compensation	554.7		548.3
Accrued and other liabilities	506.7		390.8
Deferred revenue	5,541.1		4,674.6
Convertible senior notes, net	963.9		1,991.5
Total current liabilities	7,682.7		7,737.5
Long-term deferred revenue	5,939.4		4,621.8
Deferred tax liabilities	387.7		28.1
Long-term operating lease liabilities	380.5		279.2
Other long-term liabilities	430.9		86.1
Total liabilities	14,821.2		12,752.7
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock	—		—
Common stock and additional paid-in capital	3,821.1		3,019.0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1.6)		(43.2)
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	1,350.2		(1,227.4)
Total stockholders' equity	5,169.7		1,748.4
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$        19,990.9		$        14,501.1

 

 

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SOURCE Palo Alto Networks, Inc.

FAQ

What was Palo Alto Networks' (PANW) revenue growth in Q4 2024?

Palo Alto Networks' revenue grew 12% year-over-year to $2.2 billion in Q4 2024.

How much did Palo Alto Networks' (PANW) Next-Generation Security ARR grow in fiscal year 2024?

Palo Alto Networks' Next-Generation Security ARR grew 43% year-over-year to $4.2 billion in fiscal year 2024.

What is Palo Alto Networks' (PANW) revenue guidance for fiscal year 2025?

Palo Alto Networks expects total revenue for fiscal year 2025 to be in the range of $9.10 billion to $9.15 billion, representing year-over-year growth of 13-14%.

How much did Palo Alto Networks' (PANW) GAAP net income increase in Q4 2024 compared to Q4 2023?

Palo Alto Networks' GAAP net income increased from $227.7 million in Q4 2023 to $357.7 million in Q4 2024.