Pega Delivers Outstanding Cash Flow and Margin Expansion in Q1 2024

Rhea-AI Summary

Pegasystems Inc. (NASDAQ: PEGA) reported exceptional financial results for Q1 2024, with cash flow from operations and free cash flow hitting $180 million, a 9% growth in Annual Contract Value (ACV) year over year, and a Pega Cloud gross margin expansion to 77%. The company introduced Pega GenAI BlueprintTM, a groundbreaking technology driving digital transformation for clients. With strong cash generation and unique GenAI capabilities, Pega is poised for profitable growth.

Positive

• Cash flow from operations and free cash flow both reach $180 million
• Annual contract value (ACV) grows 9% year over year
• Pega Cloud gross margin expands to 77%
• Introduction of Pega GenAI BlueprintTM for client engagement and digital transformation
• Financial strength and differentiated GenAI capabilities position Pega for accelerated profitable growth

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The reported increase in annual contract value (ACV) by 9% year over year is a strong indicator of Pegasystems Inc.'s revenue durability and expansion potential. An ACV increase is significant as it signals growing customer commitment and often correlates with future revenue streams. The expansion of Pega Cloud's gross margin to 77% is a testament to the company's ability to upscale its operations efficiently while maintaining cost control, which is positive for profitability. The improvement in net income on a non-GAAP basis by 119% alongside a 42% reduction in net GAAP loss suggests effective management and operational leverage. Investors should consider the implications of foreign exchange rate impacts and scrutinize the reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP measures for a comprehensive understanding of the financials.

Tech Industry Analyst

Pegasystems' introduction of the Pega GenAI BlueprintTM underlines the company's investment in innovation and its potential to capture additional market share in the enterprise AI space. The technology's ability to drive digital transformation can be a competitive edge that lures new clients and retains existing ones, contributing to the recurring revenue model typical of SaaS businesses. It's worth noting that the company's cloud services grew by 21%, suggesting an ongoing shift to cloud-based solutions among its customers. This shift is critical as cloud services often come with higher margins and recurring revenue. As the industry trends toward AI and cloud adoption, Pega's positioning could result in sustained growth and investor confidence.

Market Research Analyst

The reported figures mirror broader industry trends where enterprises increasingly prefer SaaS models, valuing the agility and scalability they offer. Pegasystems' focus on Pega Cloud and subscription services, which now constitute a significant portion of the revenue, aligns with market demands. However, the decrease in subscription license sales by 25% may raise questions about product uptake and market competition. It's imperative to contextualize this within the overall growth strategy and consider the potential offset by increases in other subscription services. Investors should also keep a close eye on the competitive landscape and customer acquisition costs that could affect long-term profitability.

• Cash flow from operations and free cash flow both reach $180 million
• Annual contract value (ACV) grows 9% year over year
• Pega Cloud gross margin expands to 77%

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pegasystems Inc. (NASDAQ: PEGA), the leading enterprise AI decisioning and workflow automation platform provider, released its financial results for the first quarter of 2024.

Backlog Growth (Graphic: Business Wire)

“In Q1, we released Pega GenAI Blueprint^TM, a revolutionary technology that massively changes the way we engage with our clients to help them re-imagine and evolve their business,” said Alan Trefler, founder and CEO. “Hundreds of clients and partners have generated thousands of Blueprints, and those numbers are increasing every day. Blueprint highlights how Pega is uniquely leveraging GenAI to drive digital transformation for our clients.”

“The strong cash generation in Q1 demonstrates the power of a SaaS business,” said Ken Stillwell, Pega COO and CFO. “Given our financial strength and differentiated GenAI capabilities, we are in a great position to accelerate profitable growth.”

Financial and performance metrics ⁽¹⁾

Reconciliation of ACV and ACV (constant currency)

(in millions, except percentages)		March 31, 2023			March 31, 2024			1-Year Change
ACV		$	1,174		$	1,273		9	%
Impact of changes in foreign exchange rates			—			4
Constant currency ACV		$	1,174		$	1,277		9	%
Note: ACV (constant currency) is calculated by applying the March 31, 2023 foreign exchange rates to all periods shown.

¹ Refer to the schedules at the end of this release for additional information, including a reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP measures.

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)		Three Months Ended March 31,
			2024				2023			Change
Total revenue		$	330,147			$	325,472			1	%
Net (loss) - GAAP		$	(12,124	)		$	(20,774	)		42	%
Net income - non-GAAP		$	42,154			$	19,220			119	%
Diluted (loss) per share - GAAP		$	(0.14	)		$	(0.25	)		44	%
Diluted earnings per share - non-GAAP		$	0.48			$	0.23			109	%

(Dollars in thousands)		Three Months Ended March 31,												Change
		2024						2023
Pega Cloud		$	130,902		40	%		$	107,879		33	%		$	23,023			21	%
Maintenance			81,001		24	%			79,630		25	%			1,371			2	%
Subscription services			211,903		64	%			187,509		58	%			24,394			13	%
Subscription license			63,338		19	%			84,527		26	%			(21,189	)		(25	)%
Subscription			275,241		83	%			272,036		84	%			3,205			1	%
Consulting			54,047		17	%			53,033		16	%			1,014			2	%
Perpetual license			859		—	%			403		—	%			456			113	%
		$	330,147		100	%		$	325,472		100	%		$	4,675			1	%

Quarterly conference call

A conference call and audio-only webcast will be conducted at 8:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday, April 25, 2024. Members of the public and investors are invited to join the call and participate in the question and answer session by dialing 1 (888) 596-4144 (domestic) or 1 (646) 968-2525 (international) and using conference ID 1559653, or via https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/436307495 by logging onto www.pega.com at least five minutes prior to the event's broadcast and clicking on the webcast icon in the Investors section.

Discussion of non-GAAP financial measures

Our non-GAAP financial measures should only be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. We believe that these measures help investors understand our core operating results and prospects, which is consistent with how management measures and forecasts our performance without the effect of often one-time charges and other items outside our normal operations. They are not a substitute for financial measures prepared under U.S. GAAP. Refer to the schedules at the end of this release for additional information, including a reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP measures.

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements in this press release may be "forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Words such as expects, anticipates, intends, plans, believes, will, could, should, estimates, may, targets, strategies, intends to, projects, forecasts, guidance, likely, and usually or variations of such words and other similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These statements represent our views only as of the date the statement was made and are based on current expectations and assumptions.

Forward-looking statements deal with future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, including, but not limited to:

• our future financial performance and business plans;
• the adequacy of our liquidity and capital resources;
• the continued payment of our quarterly dividends;
• the timing of revenue recognition;
• variation in demand for our products and services, including among clients in the public sector;
• reliance on key personnel;
• reliance on third-party service providers, including hosting providers;
• compliance with our debt obligations and covenants;
• the potential impact of our convertible senior notes and Capped Call Transactions;
• foreign currency exchange rates;
• the potential legal and financial liabilities and damage to our reputation due to cyber-attacks;
• security breaches and security flaws;
• our ability to protect our intellectual property rights, costs associated with defending such rights, intellectual property rights claims, and other related claims by third parties against us, including related costs, damages, and other relief that may be granted against us;
• our ongoing litigation with Appian Corp.;
• our client retention rate; and
• management of our growth.

These risks and others that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements are described further in Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and other filings we make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, and there are no assurances that the results included in such statements will be achieved. Although subsequent events may cause our view to change, except as required by applicable law, we do not undertake and expressly disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as the result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Any forward-looking statements in this press release represent our views as of April 24, 2024.

About Pegasystems

Pega provides a powerful platform that empowers the world's leading organizations to unlock business-transforming outcomes with real-time optimization. Clients use our enterprise AI decisioning and workflow automation to solve their most pressing business challenges - from personalizing engagement to automating service to streamlining operations. Since 1983, we've built our scalable and flexible architecture to help enterprises meet today's customer demands while continuously transforming for tomorrow. For more information on how Pega (NASDAQ: PEGA) empowers its clients to Build for Change®, visit www.pega.com.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

PEGASYSTEMS INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in thousands, except per share amounts)
		Three Months Ended March 31,
			2024				2023
Revenue
Subscription services		$	211,903			$	187,509
Subscription license			63,338				84,527
Consulting			54,047				53,033
Perpetual license			859				403
Total revenue			330,147				325,472
Cost of revenue
Subscription services			35,824				36,864
Subscription license			643				719
Consulting			58,182				60,348
Perpetual license			9				3
Total cost of revenue			94,658				97,934
Gross profit			235,489				227,538
Operating expenses
Selling and marketing			127,695				149,797
Research and development			72,113				75,376
General and administrative			23,527				23,110
Litigation settlement, net of recoveries			32,403				—
Restructuring			163				1,461
Total operating expenses			255,901				249,744
(Loss) from operations			(20,412	)			(22,206	)
Foreign currency transaction (loss)			(3,262	)			(2,675	)
Interest income			5,281				1,485
Interest expense			(1,752	)			(1,918	)
Gain on capped call transactions			3,299				3,206
Other income, net			1,684				6,583
(Loss) before (benefit from) provision for income taxes			(15,162	)			(15,525	)
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes			(3,038	)			5,249
Net (loss)		$	(12,124	)		$	(20,774	)
(Loss) per share
Basic		$	(0.14	)		$	(0.25	)
Diluted		$	(0.14	)		$	(0.25	)
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
Basic			84,266				82,604
Diluted			84,266				82,604

PEGASYSTEMS INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands)
		March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	291,905		$	229,902
Marketable securities			327,044			193,436
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities			618,949			423,338
Accounts receivable, net			191,987			300,173
Unbilled receivables, net			170,458			237,379
Other current assets			78,193			68,137
Total current assets			1,059,587			1,029,027
Long-term unbilled receivables, net			72,814			85,402
Goodwill			81,467			81,611
Other long-term assets			297,860			314,696
Total assets		$	1,511,728		$	1,510,736
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	6,353		$	11,290
Accrued expenses			80,642			39,941
Accrued compensation and related expenses			55,438			126,640
Deferred revenue			382,765			377,845
Convertible senior notes, net			499,985			—
Other current liabilities			19,096			21,343
Total current liabilities			1,044,279			577,059
Long-term convertible senior notes, net			—			499,368
Long-term operating lease liabilities			63,645			66,901
Other long-term liabilities			13,618			13,570
Total liabilities			1,121,542			1,156,898
Total stockholders’ equity			390,186			353,838
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	1,511,728		$	1,510,736

PEGASYSTEMS INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands)
		Three Months Ended March 31,
			2024				2023
Net (loss)		$	(12,124	)		$	(20,774	)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) to cash provided by operating activities
Non-cash items			55,592				59,766
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net			136,678				29,115
Cash provided by operating activities			180,146				68,107
Cash (used in) investing activities			(132,399	)			(14,413	)
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities			17,899				(29,372	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash			(2,803	)			782
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash			62,843				25,104
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period			232,827				145,054
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period		$	295,670			$	170,158

PEGASYSTEMS INC. RECONCILIATION OF SELECTED GAAP AND NON-GAAP MEASURES (in thousands, except percentages and per share amounts)
		Three Months Ended March 31,
			2024				2023			Change
Net (loss) - GAAP		$	(12,124	)		$	(20,774	)		42	%
Stock-based compensation (1)			34,781				42,557
Restructuring			163				1,461
Legal fees			1,942				1,476
Litigation settlement, net of recoveries			32,403				—
Amortization of intangible assets			964				1,049
Interest on convertible senior notes			617				728
Capped call transactions			(3,299	)			(3,206	)
Repurchases of convertible senior notes			—				(2,781	)
Foreign currency transaction loss			3,262				2,675
Other			(1,628	)			(3,793	)
Income taxes (2)			(14,927	)			(172	)
Net income - non-GAAP		$	42,154			$	19,220			119	%
Diluted (loss) per share - GAAP		$	(0.14	)		$	(0.25	)		44	%
non-GAAP adjustments			0.62				0.48
Diluted earnings per share - non-GAAP		$	0.48			$	0.23			109	%
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding - GAAP			84,266				82,604			2	%
Stock-based compensation			3,094				762
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding - non-GAAP			87,360				83,366			5	%

Our non-GAAP financial measures reflect the following adjustments:

• Stock-based compensation: We have excluded stock-based compensation from our non-GAAP operating expenses and profitability measures. Although stock-based compensation is a key incentive offered to our employees, and we believe such compensation contributed to our revenues recognized during the periods presented and is expected to contribute to our future revenues, we continue to evaluate our business performance, excluding stock-based compensation.
• Restructuring: We have excluded restructuring from our non-GAAP financial measures. Restructuring fluctuates in amount and frequency and is significantly affected by the timing and size of our restructuring activities. We believe excluding these amounts from our non-GAAP financial measures is useful to investors as these amounts are not representative of our core business operations and ongoing operational performance.
• Legal fees: Legal and related fees arising from proceedings outside the ordinary course of business. We believe excluding these amounts from our non-GAAP financial measures is useful to investors as the types of events giving rise to them are not representative of our core business operations and ongoing operational performance.
• Litigation settlement, net of recoveries: Accrued loss for the estimated cost to settle ongoing litigation arising from proceedings outside the ordinary course of business. See Note 15. Commitments and Contingencies in our Quarterly Report for the three months ended March 31, 2024 for additional information. We believe excluding these amounts from our non-GAAP financial measures is useful to investors as the types of events giving rise to them are not representative of our core business operations and ongoing operational performance.
• Amortization of intangible assets: We have excluded the amortization of intangible assets from our non-GAAP operating expenses and profitability measures. Amortization of intangible assets fluctuates in amount and frequency and is significantly affected by the timing and size of acquisitions. Investors should note that intangible assets contributed to our revenues recognized during the periods presented and are expected to contribute to future revenues. Amortization of intangible assets is likely to recur in future periods. We believe excluding these amounts provides a useful comparison of our operational performance in different periods.
• Interest on convertible senior notes: In February 2020, we issued convertible senior notes, due March 1, 2025, in a private placement. We believe that excluding the amortization of issuance costs provides a useful comparison of our operational performance in different periods.
• Capped call transactions: We have excluded gains and losses related to our capped call transactions held at fair value under U.S. GAAP. The capped call transactions are expected to reduce common stock dilution and/or offset any potential cash payments we must make, other than for principal and interest, upon conversion of the convertible senior notes. We believe excluding these amounts from our non-GAAP financial measures is useful to investors as the types of events giving rise to them are not representative of our core business operations and ongoing operational performance.
• Repurchases of convertible senior notes: We have excluded gains from the repurchases of Convertible Senior Notes. We believe excluding these amounts from our non-GAAP financial measures is useful to investors as the types of events giving rise to them are not representative of our core business operations and ongoing operational performance.
• Foreign currency transaction loss: We have excluded foreign currency transaction gains and losses from our non-GAAP profitability measures. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses fluctuate in amount and frequency and are significantly affected by foreign exchange market rates. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are likely to recur in future periods. We believe excluding these amounts provides a useful comparison of our operational performance in different periods.
• Other: We have excluded gains and losses from our venture investments, and incremental expenses incurred integrating acquisitions. We believe excluding these amounts from our non-GAAP financial measures is useful to investors as the types of events giving rise to them are not representative of our core business operations and ongoing operational performance.
• Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
  • Stock-based compensation: In periods of non-GAAP income, we have included the dilutive impact of stock-based compensation in our non-GAAP weighted-average shares. In periods of GAAP loss, these shares would have been excluded from our GAAP results as they would be anti-dilutive for GAAP. We believe including the dilutive effect of stock-based compensation in our non-GAAP financial measures in periods of income is helpful to investors as this provides a useful comparison of our operational performance in different periods.

(1) Stock-based compensation:

		Three Months Ended March 31,
			2024				2023
Cost of revenue		$	6,572			$	8,912
Selling and marketing			13,888				17,661
Research and development			7,646				9,060
General and administrative			6,675				6,924
		$	34,781			$	42,557
Income tax benefit		$	(311	)		$	(672	)

(2) Effective income tax rates:

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024		2023
GAAP		20%		(34)%
non-GAAP		22%		22%

Our GAAP effective income tax rate is subject to significant fluctuations due to several factors, including our stock-based compensation plans, research and development tax credits, gains and losses on our capped call transactions, and the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets in the U.S. and U.K. We determine our non-GAAP income tax rate using applicable rates in taxing jurisdictions and assessing certain factors, including historical and forecasted earnings by jurisdiction, discrete items, and ability to realize tax assets. We believe it is beneficial for our management to review our non-GAAP results consistent with our annual plan's effective income tax rate as established at the beginning of each year, given tax rate volatility.

PEGASYSTEMS INC. RECONCILIATION OF FREE CASH FLOW (1) AND OTHER METRICS (in thousands, except percentages)
		Three Months Ended March 31,
			2024				2023
Cash provided by operating activities		$	180,146			$	68,107
Investment in property and equipment			(604	)			(11,487	)
Free cash flow		$	179,542			$	56,620
Supplemental information (2)
Restructuring		$	3,347			$	14,458
Legal fees			2,739				1,515
Interest on convertible senior notes			1,884				2,250
Income taxes			8,163				2,825
		$	16,133			$	21,048

(1) Our non-GAAP free cash flow is defined as cash provided by operating activities less investment in property and equipment. Investment in property and equipment fluctuates in amount and frequency and is significantly affected by the timing and size of investments in our facilities. We provide information on free cash flow to enable investors to assess our ability to generate cash without incurring additional external financings. This information is not a substitute for financial measures prepared under U.S. GAAP.

(2) The supplemental information discloses items that affect our cash flows and are considered by management not to be representative of our core business operations and ongoing operational performance.

• Restructuring: Restructuring fluctuates in amount and frequency and is significantly affected by the timing and size of our restructuring activities.
• Legal fees: Legal and related fees arising from proceedings outside the ordinary course of business.
• Interest on convertible senior notes: In February 2020, we issued convertible senior notes, due March 1, 2025, in a private placement. The convertible senior notes accrue interest at an annual rate of 0.75%, payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1.
• Income taxes: Direct income taxes paid net of refunds received. 

PEGASYSTEMS INC.
ANNUAL CONTRACT VALUE
(in thousands, except percentages)

Annual contract value (“ACV”) - ACV represents the annualized value of our active contracts as of the measurement date. The contract's total value is divided by its duration in years to calculate ACV. ACV is a performance measure that we believe provides useful information to our management and investors.

		March 31, 2024			March 31, 2023			Change
Pega Cloud		$	570,356		$	490,568		$	79,788			16	%
Maintenance			313,550			323,760			(10,210	)		(3	)%
Subscription services			883,906			814,328			69,578			9	%
Subscription license			389,431			359,323			30,108			8	%
		$	1,273,337		$	1,173,651		$	99,686			9	%

PEGASYSTEMS INC.
BACKLOG
(in thousands, except percentages)

Remaining performance obligations (“Backlog”) - Expected future revenue from existing non-cancellable contracts:

As of March 31, 2024:

		Subscription services								Subscription license				Perpetual license				Consulting				Total
		Pega Cloud				Maintenance
1 year or less		$	461,928			$	225,598			$	33,985			$	2,727			$	34,716			$	758,954			53	%
1-2 years			292,787				65,605				10,008				—				1,604				370,004			26	%
2-3 years			149,797				32,307				2,903				—				2,428				187,435			13	%
Greater than 3 years			86,601				21,650				98				—				—				108,349			8	%
		$	991,113			$	345,160			$	46,994			$	2,727			$	38,748			$	1,424,742			100	%
% of Total			70	%			24	%			3	%			—	%			3	%			100	%
Change since March 31, 2023
		$	124,390			$	6,799			$	1,656			$	(4,787	)		$	(11,400	)		$	116,658
			14	%			2	%			4	%			(64	)%			(23	)%			9	%

As of March 31, 2023:

		Subscription services								Subscription license				Perpetual license				Consulting				Total
		Pega Cloud				Maintenance
1 year or less		$	389,632			$	235,315			$	35,346			$	5,262			$	41,203			$	706,758			54	%
1-2 years			239,228				66,272				3,215				2,252				6,653				317,620			24	%
2-3 years			131,085				29,295				6,777				—				2,292				169,449			13	%
Greater than 3 years			106,778				7,479				—				—				—				114,257			9	%
		$	866,723			$	338,361			$	45,338			$	7,514			$	50,148			$	1,308,084			100	%
% of Total			66	%			26	%			3	%			1	%			4	%			100	%

PEGASYSTEMS INC. RECONCILIATION OF GAAP BACKLOG AND CONSTANT CURRENCY BACKLOG (in millions, except percentages)
		March 31, 2023			March 31, 2024			1 Year Growth Rate
Backlog - GAAP		$	1,308		$	1,425		9	%
Impact of changes in foreign exchange rates			—			4
Constant currency backlog		$	1,308		$	1,429		9	%
Note: Constant currency Backlog is calculated by applying the Q1 2023 foreign exchange rates to all periods shown.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240424708388/en/

Press contact:

Lisa Pintchman

VP, Corporate Communications

lisapintchman.rogers@pega.com

617-866-6022

Twitter: @pega

Investor contact:

Peter Welburn

VP, Corporate Development & Investor Relations

PegaInvestorRelations@pega.com

617-498-8968

Source: Pegasystems Inc.

FAQ

What were Pegasystems Inc.'s cash flow from operations and free cash flow in Q1 2024?

Pegasystems Inc. reported cash flow from operations and free cash flow of $180 million each in Q1 2024.

How much did the Annual Contract Value (ACV) grow year over year?

The Annual Contract Value (ACV) grew by 9% year over year for Pegasystems Inc. in Q1 2024.

What was the Pega Cloud gross margin expansion to in Q1 2024?

The Pega Cloud gross margin expanded to 77% in Q1 2024 for Pegasystems Inc.

What technology did Pegasystems Inc. introduce in Q1 2024?

Pegasystems Inc. introduced Pega GenAI BlueprintTM, a revolutionary technology driving digital transformation for clients.

How is Pegasystems Inc. positioned for growth based on Q1 2024 results?

With strong cash generation and unique GenAI capabilities, Pegasystems Inc. is in a great position to accelerate profitable growth.