Palo Alto Networks Reports Fiscal Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW) reported a significant growth in its fiscal third quarter 2024 financial results, with a 15% year-over-year revenue increase to $2.0 billion. GAAP net income soared to $278.8 million, or $0.79 per diluted share, up from $107.8 million, or $0.31 per diluted share in the same period last year. Non-GAAP net income rose to $454.9 million, or $1.32 per diluted share, compared to $359.4 million, or $1.10 per diluted share, in the prior year.
The company's remaining performance obligation grew by 23% to $11.3 billion, and non-GAAP operating margin improved by 200 basis points to 26%. The guidance for the fiscal fourth quarter 2024 anticipates total billings of $3.43-$3.48 billion and revenue of $2.15-$2.17 billion. For the full fiscal year 2024, total billings are expected to reach $10.13-$10.18 billion with revenue of $7.99-$8.01 billion.
CEO Nikesh Arora emphasized the positive response to the company's platformization strategy, while CFO Dipak Golechha highlighted disciplined execution and consistent, profitable growth.
- Revenue increased by 15% year-over-year to $2.0 billion.
- GAAP net income rose to $278.8 million, up from $107.8 million year-over-year.
- Non-GAAP net income increased to $454.9 million.
- Non-GAAP operating margin improved by 200 bps to 26%.
- Remaining performance obligation grew by 23% to $11.3 billion.
- Guidance for fiscal fourth quarter 2024 includes a 9-10% growth in total billings.
- Full-year 2024 revenue is expected to grow by 16%.
- No specific negative aspects were highlighted in the press release; however, it's worth noting the potential for market volatility affecting future performance.
Insights
Palo Alto Networks has experienced a notable
The non-GAAP operating margin improvement to
Looking ahead, the company's guidance for Q4 2024 suggests continued positive momentum, with expected revenue growth between
Investors should note the adjusted free cash flow margin projection of
The enthusiasm for platformization as highlighted by CEO Nikesh Arora is a critical strategic lever for Palo Alto Networks. This approach, which integrates various cybersecurity functionalities into a unified platform, meets the needs of enterprises facing complex security challenges. The emphasis on AI-infused security outcomes indicates a forward-looking strategy that aligns with industry trends towards automation and intelligent threat detection.
The projected Q4 billings growth of
Nevertheless, it is essential to watch how the company balances its investment in innovation against maintaining profitability. The guidance provides a balanced view, but potential risks include market saturation and increased competition. The firm's ability to constantly innovate and deliver value will be paramount to sustaining its growth trajectory.
- Fiscal third quarter revenue grew
15% year over year to$2.0 billion - Remaining performance obligation grew
23% year over year to$11.3 billion - Non-GAAP operating margin grew 200 bps year over year to
26%
Total revenue for the fiscal third quarter 2024 grew
Non-GAAP net income for the fiscal third quarter 2024 was
"We are pleased with the enthusiastic response to platformization from our customers in Q3. Platformization is a long-term strategy that addresses the increasing sophistication and volume of threats, and the need for AI-infused security outcomes," said Nikesh Arora, chairman and CEO of Palo Alto Networks.
"We have remained disciplined in our execution while investing in go-to-market and innovation," said Dipak Golechha, chief financial officer of Palo Alto Networks. "We delivered consistent, profitable growth yet again in Q3 and look forward to executing against our strategic goals and financial targets as we close out the year."
Financial Outlook
Palo Alto Networks provides guidance based on current market conditions and expectations.
For the fiscal fourth quarter 2024, we expect:
- Total billings in the range of
$3.43 billion $3.48 billion 9% and10% . - Total revenue in the range of
$2.15 billion $2.17 billion 10% and11% . - Diluted non-GAAP net income per share in the range of
$1.40 $1.42
For the fiscal year 2024, we are updating guidance and expect:
- Total billings in the range of
$10.13 billion $10.18 billion 10% and11% . - Total revenue in the range of
$7.99 billion $8.01 billion 16% . - Non-GAAP operating margin in the range of
26.8% to27.0% . - Diluted non-GAAP net income per share in the range of
$5.56 $5.58 - Adjusted free cash flow margin in the range of
38.5% to39.0% .
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 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 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 third quarter 2024 results as well as the outlook for its fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 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 financial outlook for the fiscal fourth quarter 2024 and fiscal year 2024. There are a significant number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from 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 products and subscription and support offerings; 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 products and subscription and support offerings; failure of our business strategies; rapidly evolving technological developments in the market for security products and subscription 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 February 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 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.
Billings. Palo Alto Networks defines billings as total revenue plus the change in total deferred revenue, net of acquired deferred revenue, during the period. The company considers billings to be a key metric used by management to manage the company's business and believes billings provides investors with an important indicator of the health and visibility of the company's business because it includes subscription and support revenue, which is recognized ratably over the contractual service period, and product revenue, which is recognized at the time of hardware shipment or delivery of software license, provided that all other conditions for revenue recognition have been met. The company considers billings to be a useful metric for management and investors, particularly if sales of subscriptions continue to increase and the company experiences strong renewal rates for subscriptions and support.
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. In particular, the billings metric reported by the company includes amounts that have not yet been recognized as revenue. Additionally, 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 world's cybersecurity leader. We innovate to outpace cyberthreats, so organizations can embrace technology with confidence. We provide next-gen cybersecurity to thousands of customers globally, across all sectors. Our best-in-class cybersecurity platforms and services are backed by industry-leading threat intelligence and strengthened by state-of-the-art automation. Whether deploying our products to enable the Zero Trust Enterprise, responding to a security incident, or partnering to deliver better security outcomes through a world-class partner ecosystem, we're committed to helping ensure each day is safer than the one before. It's what 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 (2023, 2022, 2021), with a score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index (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
Palo Alto Networks, Inc. | |||||||
Preliminary Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations | |||||||
(In millions, except per share data) | |||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||
April 30, | April 30, | ||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
Revenue: | |||||||
Product | $ 391.0 | $ 388.1 | $ 1,122.8 | $ 1,071.0 | |||
Subscription and support | 1,593.8 | 1,332.8 | 4,715.2 | 3,868.4 | |||
Total revenue | 1,984.8 | 1,720.9 | 5,838.0 | 4,939.4 | |||
Cost of revenue: | |||||||
Product | 77.9 | 93.4 | 243.5 | 314.0 | |||
Subscription and support | 435.7 | 381.4 | 1,242.0 | 1,088.9 | |||
Total cost of revenue | 513.6 | 474.8 | 1,485.5 | 1,402.9 | |||
Total gross profit | 1,471.2 | 1,246.1 | 4,352.5 | 3,536.5 | |||
Operating expenses: | |||||||
Research and development | 457.2 | 413.7 | 1,314.6 | 1,189.6 | |||
Sales and marketing | 718.7 | 639.5 | 2,052.2 | 1,880.0 | |||
General and administrative | 118.6 | 114.2 | 540.2 | 333.1 | |||
Total operating expenses | 1,294.5 | 1,167.4 | 3,907.0 | 3,402.7 | |||
Operating income | 176.7 | 78.7 | 445.5 | 133.8 | |||
Interest expense | (2.3) | (7.8) | (8.0) | (21.5) | |||
Other income, net | 76.8 | 60.1 | 231.8 | 137.5 | |||
Income before income taxes | 251.2 | 131.0 | 669.3 | 249.8 | |||
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes | (27.6) | 23.2 | (1,550.6) | 37.8 | |||
Net income | $ 278.8 | $ 107.8 | $ 2,219.9 | $ 212.0 | |||
Net income per share, basic | $ 0.86 | $ 0.35 | $ 6.99 | $ 0.70 | |||
Net income per share, diluted | $ 0.79 | $ 0.31 | $ 6.27 | $ 0.63 | |||
Weighted-average shares used to compute net income per share, basic | 322.9 | 303.9 | 317.5 | 302.0 | |||
Weighted-average shares used to compute net income per share, diluted | 354.6 | 344.7 | 354.0 | 338.1 | |||
Palo Alto Networks, Inc. | |||||||
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures | |||||||
(In millions, except per share amounts) | |||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||
April 30, | April 30, | ||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
GAAP operating income | $ 176.7 | $ 78.7 | $ 445.5 | $ 133.8 | |||
Share-based compensation-related charges | 290.0 | 293.5 | 874.6 | 871.0 | |||
Acquisition-related costs(1) | 2.8 | 7.4 | 10.1 | 19.5 | |||
Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets | 32.9 | 25.3 | 85.3 | 78.4 | |||
Litigation-related charges(2) | 5.5 | 1.8 | 185.9 | 5.4 | |||
Restructuring and other costs(3) | — | — | — | (2.2) | |||
Non-GAAP operating income | $ 507.9 | $ 406.7 | $ 1,601.4 | $ 1,105.9 | |||
Non-GAAP operating margin | 25.6 % | 23.6 % | 27.4 % | 22.4 % | |||
GAAP net income | $ 278.8 | $ 107.8 | $ 2,219.9 | $ 212.0 | |||
Share-based compensation-related charges | 290.0 | 293.5 | 874.6 | 871.0 | |||
Acquisition-related costs(1) | 2.8 | 7.4 | 10.1 | 19.5 | |||
Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets | 32.9 | 25.3 | 85.3 | 78.4 | |||
Litigation-related charges(2) | 5.5 | 1.8 | 185.9 | 5.4 | |||
Restructuring and other costs(3) | — | — | — | (2.2) | |||
Non-cash charges related to convertible notes(4) | 0.8 | 1.8 | 2.9 | 5.3 | |||
Foreign currency loss associated with non-GAAP adjustments | — | — | — | 0.5 | |||
Income tax and other tax adjustments(5) | (155.9) | (78.2) | (1,952.8) | (232.4) | |||
Non-GAAP net income | $ 454.9 | $ 359.4 | $ 1,425.9 | $ 957.5 | |||
GAAP net income per share, diluted | $ 0.79 | $ 0.31 | $ 6.27 | $ 0.63 | |||
Share-based compensation-related charges | 0.85 | 0.91 | 2.60 | 2.72 | |||
Acquisition-related costs(1) | 0.01 | 0.02 | 0.03 | 0.06 | |||
Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets | 0.09 | 0.07 | 0.24 | 0.23 | |||
Litigation-related charges(2) | 0.02 | 0.01 | 0.53 | 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 | 0.01 | 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) | (0.44) | (0.23) | (5.52) | (0.69) | |||
Non-GAAP net income per share, diluted | $ 1.32 | $ 1.10 | $ 4.16 | $ 2.98 | |||
GAAP weighted-average shares used to compute net income per share, diluted | 354.6 | 344.7 | 354.0 | 338.1 | |||
Weighted-average anti-dilutive impact of note hedge agreements | (9.5) | (19.3) | (11.4) | (17.3) | |||
Non-GAAP weighted-average shares used to compute net income per share, diluted | 345.1 | 325.4 | 342.6 | 320.8 | |||
(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, and a legal contingency 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 the three and nine months ended April 30, 2024, it included a tax benefit from a release of our valuation allowance on |
Palo Alto Networks, Inc. | |||
Preliminary Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | |||
(In millions) | |||
April 30, 2024 | July 31, 2023 | ||
(unaudited) | |||
Assets | |||
Current assets: | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 1,373.7 | $ 1,135.3 | |
Short-term investments | 1,516.7 | 1,254.7 | |
Accounts receivable, net | 1,715.4 | 2,463.2 | |
Short-term financing receivables, net | 572.3 | 388.8 | |
Short-term deferred contract costs | 337.0 | 339.2 | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 403.7 | 466.8 | |
Total current assets | 5,918.8 | 6,048.0 | |
Property and equipment, net | 350.3 | 354.5 | |
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 369.7 | 263.3 | |
Long-term investments | 3,504.4 | 3,047.9 | |
Long-term financing receivables, net | 882.5 | 653.3 | |
Long-term deferred contract costs | 511.2 | 547.1 | |
Goodwill | 3,372.7 | 2,926.8 | |
Intangible assets, net | 407.9 | 315.4 | |
Deferred tax assets | 2,291.9 | 23.1 | |
Other assets | 321.4 | 321.7 | |
Total assets | $ 17,930.8 | $ 14,501.1 | |
Liabilities and stockholders' equity | |||
Current liabilities: | |||
Accounts payable | $ 108.9 | $ 132.3 | |
Accrued compensation | 385.9 | 548.3 | |
Accrued and other liabilities | 412.6 | 390.8 | |
Deferred revenue | 5,014.9 | 4,674.6 | |
Convertible senior notes, net | 1,162.5 | 1,991.5 | |
Total current liabilities | 7,084.8 | 7,737.5 | |
Long-term deferred revenue | 5,152.7 | 4,621.8 | |
Deferred tax liabilities | 503.0 | 28.1 | |
Long-term operating lease liabilities | 369.8 | 279.2 | |
Other long-term liabilities | 352.7 | 86.1 | |
Total liabilities | 13,463.0 | 12,752.7 | |
Stockholders' equity: | |||
Preferred stock | — | — | |
Common stock and additional paid-in capital | 3,530.7 | 3,019.0 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (55.4) | (43.2) | |
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) | 992.5 | (1,227.4) | |
Total stockholders' equity | 4,467.8 | 1,748.4 | |
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ 17,930.8 | $ 14,501.1 | |
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SOURCE Palo Alto Networks, Inc.
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