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Zscaler Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2024 Financial Results

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Zscaler (Nasdaq: ZS) reported its fiscal Q3 2024 financials, showing a solid performance with a 32% YoY revenue increase to $553.2 million and a 30% YoY rise in calculated billings to $628 million. Deferred revenue grew 34% to $1,577 million. GAAP net income was $19.1 million, a notable turnaround from a $46 million loss last year, while non-GAAP net income rose to $139.8 million from $74.6 million. The company posted GAAP net income per share of $0.12 and non-GAAP net income per share of $0.88. Cash flow from operations increased to $173.4 million, and free cash flow reached $123.1 million. Zscaler also acquired Avalor Technologies and Airgap Networks to bolster its AI capabilities and Zero Trust SASE leadership. Looking ahead, Q4 revenue is expected to be $565-$567 million, with a full-year revenue forecast of $2.140-$2.142 billion.

Positive
  • Revenue increased by 32% YoY to $553.2 million.
  • Calculated billings grew 30% YoY to $628 million.
  • Deferred revenue rose 34% YoY to $1,577 million.
  • GAAP net income turned positive at $19.1 million compared to a $46 million loss last year.
  • Non-GAAP net income increased to $139.8 million from $74.6 million.
  • Cash flow from operations rose to $173.4 million, representing 31% of revenue.
  • Free cash flow increased to $123.1 million from $73.9 million.
  • Zscaler was named a leader in both the Forrester Wave and Gartner Magic Quadrant reports.
  • Acquired Avalor Technologies and Airgap Networks to enhance AI capabilities and Zero Trust SASE leadership.
Negative
  • GAAP loss from operations was $3.0 million, or 1% of revenue.
  • Non-GAAP guidance for Q4 implies a potential slight decrease in operational margin compared to Q3.

Insights

Zscaler's financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 demonstrate a robust performance, with notable improvements across key metrics. The revenue growth of 32% year-over-year to $553.2 million reflects strong demand for their Zero Trust Exchange platform. Similarly, the 30% increase in calculated billings to $628.0 million and the 34% rise in deferred revenue to $1,577.0 million indicate a healthy forward-looking revenue stream.

The shift from a GAAP net loss of $46.0 million to a GAAP net income of $19.1 million is a significant turnaround, suggesting better cost management and operational efficiency. Non-GAAP metrics also impress, with net income almost doubling from $74.6 million to $139.8 million. It’s worth noting the improvement in cash flows, with free cash flow jumping to $123.1 million from $73.9 million.

For retail investors, these figures imply Zscaler is not only growing rapidly but also transitioning to profitability. The increase in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments to $2,240.0 million suggests a strong liquidity position, which can support future investments and acquisitions.

However, investors should remain cautious about the GAAP loss from operations, albeit reduced significantly to $3.0 million from $55.7 million. This indicates some underlying operational challenges that might need to be addressed for sustained profitability.

Zscaler’s recent acquisitions of Avalor Technologies and Airgap Networks are strategic moves to bolster their AI capabilities and expand their Zero Trust SASE leadership. By integrating Avalor's Data Fabric for Security, Zscaler can enhance their ability to identify critical vulnerabilities and improve operational efficiencies, harnessing AI to process their vast data sets from over 400 billion daily transactions. This positions Zscaler to remain at the forefront of cloud security innovation.

The acquisition of Airgap Networks extends Zscaler's Zero Trust architecture to IoT/OT devices and critical infrastructure, addressing a growing market need as more enterprises integrate these technologies into their operations. This move could significantly enhance Zscaler's value proposition to clients seeking comprehensive security solutions across various environments, from campuses to factories.

With the introduction of ZDX Copilot and other AI-driven tools, Zscaler is also leveraging AI to improve user experiences and operational efficiency for their clients. These advancements could drive higher customer retention and attract new clients, further fueling the company’s growth.

For investors, these developments indicate Zscaler's commitment to innovation and staying ahead in the competitive security market, which can translate into long-term growth and market leadership.

Third Quarter Highlights

  • Revenue grows 32% year-over-year to $553.2 million
  • Calculated billings grows 30% year-over-year to $628.0 million
  • Deferred revenue grows 34% year-over-year to $1,577.0 million
  • GAAP net income of $19.1 million compared to GAAP net loss of $46.0 million on a year-over-year basis
  • Non-GAAP net income of $139.8 million compared to non-GAAP net income of $74.6 million on a year-over-year basis

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zscaler, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZS), the leader in cloud security, today announced financial results for its third quarter of fiscal year 2024, ended April 30, 2024.

"We delivered an outstanding quarter driven by growing customer interest in our Zero Trust Exchange platform," said Jay Chaudhry, Chairman and CEO of Zscaler. "As threat actors evolve and continue to exploit firewall-based security, Zero Trust security remains a top IT priority, and an increasing number of enterprises are adopting our platform. To meet this demand, we are accelerating innovation, expanding our platform and building a strong go-to-market team to scale our business to $5 billion and beyond in ARR."

Third Quarter Fiscal 2024 Financial Highlights

  • Revenue: $553.2 million, an increase of 32% year-over-year.
  • Income (loss) from operations: GAAP loss from operations was $3.0 million, or 1% of revenue, compared to $55.7 million, or 13% of revenue, in the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Non-GAAP income from operations was $121.8 million, or 22% of revenue, compared to $63.9 million, or 15% of revenue, in the third quarter of fiscal 2023.
  • Net income (loss): GAAP net income was $19.1 million, compared to GAAP net loss of $46.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Non-GAAP net income was $139.8 million, compared to $74.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2023.
  • Net income (loss) per share: GAAP net income per share, diluted, was $0.12, compared to GAAP net loss per share, diluted, of $0.32 in the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Non-GAAP net income per share was $0.88, compared to $0.48 in the third quarter of fiscal 2023.
  • Cash flows: Cash provided by operations was $173.4 million, or 31% of revenue, compared to $108.5 million, or 26% of revenue, in the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Free cash flow was $123.1 million, or 22% of revenue, compared to $73.9 million, or 18% of revenue, in the third quarter of fiscal 2023.
  • Deferred revenue: $1,577.0 million as of April 30, 2024, an increase of 34% year-over-year.
  • Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments: $2,240.0 million as of April 30, 2024, an increase of $139.8 million from July 31, 2023.

Recent Business Highlights

  • In March 2024, acquired Avalor Technologies to advance artificial intelligence (AI) innovations. By combining Zscaler’s massive data foundation from its more than 400 billion daily transactions with Avalor’s Data Fabric for Security, including its over 150 pre-built integrations, this acquisition allows us to better enable customers to proactively identify critical vulnerabilities as well as improve operational efficiencies.

  • In April 2024, acquired Airgap Networks to extend Zscaler's Zero Trust SASE leadership. By combining Zscaler’s Zero Trust SD-WAN and Airgap’s agentless segmentation technology, Zscaler can transform how enterprises implement Zero Trust Segmentation to IoT/OT devices and critical infrastructure across branches, campuses, factories, and data centers, including east-west connectivity.

  • Announced adding ZDX Copilot, Hosted Monitoring, and Data Explorer to the Zscaler Digital Experience™ (ZDX™) service. Our new AI assistant, ZDX Copilot, instantly analyzes and harnesses knowledge from over 500 trillion data points to provide IT operations, service desk, and security teams the insights they need.

  • Named a Leader in the first-ever Forrester Wave™ Security Service Edge Solutions report for Q1 2024.

  • Recognized as a Leader in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Security Service Edge (SSE) for the third year in a row.

Financial Outlook

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, we expect:

  • Revenue of $565 million to $567 million
  • Non-GAAP income from operations of $107 million to $109 million
  • Non-GAAP net income per share of approximately $0.69 to $0.70, assuming approximately 165 million fully diluted shares outstanding

For the full year fiscal 2024, we expect:

  • Revenue of approximately $2.140 billion to $2.142 billion
  • Calculated billings of $2.603 billion to $2.606 billion
  • Non-GAAP income from operations of $422 million to $424 million
  • Non-GAAP net income per share of $2.99 to $3.01, assuming approximately 161 million fully diluted shares outstanding

These statements are forward-looking and actual results may differ materially. Refer to the Forward-Looking Statements safe harbor below for information on the factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements.

In August 2023, we completed an assessment of the useful lives of our servers and networking equipment, which resulted in an extension of their useful lives from four to five years. This change was effective beginning in fiscal year 2024. Based on the carrying amount of these assets as of July 31, 2023, the impact for each of the three and nine months ended April 30, 2024 was approximate a 60 basis point, benefit to our gross margin.

Guidance for non-GAAP income from operations excludes stock-based compensation expense and related employer payroll taxes, amortization of debt issuance costs, and amortization expense of acquired intangible assets. We have not reconciled our expectations of non-GAAP income from operations and non-GAAP net income per share to their most directly comparable GAAP measures because certain items are out of our control or cannot be reasonably predicted. For those reasons, we are also unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information, the variability of which may have a significant impact on future results. Accordingly, a reconciliation for the guidance for non-GAAP income from operations and non-GAAP net income per share is not available without unreasonable effort.

For further information regarding why we believe that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to investors, the specific manner in which management uses these measures, and some of the limitations associated with the use of these measures, please refer to the "Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section of this press release.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

Zscaler will host a conference call for analysts and investors to discuss its third quarter of fiscal 2024 and outlook for its fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 and full year fiscal 2024 today at 1:30 p.m. Pacific time (4:30 p.m. Eastern time).

Date:Thursday, May 30, 2024
Time:1:30 p.m. PT
Webcast:https://ir.zscaler.com 
Dial-in:To join by phone, register at the following link: (https://register.vevent.com/register/BIe2c2c82d1e694dd3a00b3debc6f30548). After registering, you will be provided with a dial-in number and a personal PIN that you will need to join the call.
  

Upcoming Conferences

Fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 investor conference participation schedule:

  • Bank of America Global Technology Conference in San Francisco
    Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Sessions which offer a webcast will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Zscaler website at https://ir.zscaler.com/ 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, statements regarding our future financial and operating performance, including our financial outlook for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 and full year fiscal 2024. There are a significant number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from statements made in this press release, including but not limited to: macroeconomic influences and instability, including the ongoing effects of inflation, geopolitical events, operations and financial results and the economy in general; risks related to the use of AI in our platform; the impact of a government default or shut-down; our limited operating history; our ability to identify and effectively implement the necessary changes to address execution challenges; risks associated with managing our rapid growth, including fluctuations from period to period; our limited experience with new products and subscriptions and support introductions and the risks associated with new products and subscription and support offerings, including the discovery of software bugs; our ability to attract and retain new customers; the failure to timely develop and achieve market acceptance of new products and subscriptions as well as existing products and subscription and support; rapidly evolving technological developments in the market for network security products and subscription and support offerings and our ability to remain competitive; length of sales cycles; useful lives of our assets and other estimates; and general market, political, economic and business conditions.

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” set forth from time to time in our filings and reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2024, filed on March 6, 2024, and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2023, filed on September 14, 2023, as well as future filings and reports by us, copies of which are available on our website at ir.zscaler.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You should not rely on these forward-looking statements, as actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements as a result of such risks and uncertainties. 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.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information

We believe that the presentation of non-GAAP financial information provides important supplemental information to management and investors regarding financial and business trends relating to our financial condition and results of operations. For further information regarding why we believe that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to investors, the specific manner in which management uses these measures, and some of the limitations associated with the use of these measures, please refer to the “Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this press release.

About Zscaler

Zscaler (Nasdaq: ZS) accelerates digital transformation so customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange™ platform protects thousands of customers from cyberattacks and data loss by securely connecting users, devices, and applications in any location. Distributed across more than 150 data centers globally, the SSE-based Zero Trust Exchange is the world’s largest in-line cloud security platform.

Zscaler™ and the other trademarks listed at https://www.zscaler.com/legal/trademarks are either (i) registered trademarks or service marks or (ii) trademarks or service marks of Zscaler, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Any other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

Investor Relations Contacts

Ashwin Kesireddy
VP, Investor Relations and Strategic Finance
(415) 483-6825
ir@zscaler.com 

Natalia Wodecki
Media Relations Contact
press@zscaler.com 

ZSCALER, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
        
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 April 30, April 30,
  2024   2023   2024   2023 
Revenue$553,201  $418,800  $1,574,903  $1,161,946 
Cost of revenue(1) (2) 118,331   95,849   346,924   260,150 
Gross profit 434,870   322,951   1,227,979   901,796 
Operating expenses:       
Sales and marketing(1) (2) 262,447   236,273   806,039   701,054 
Research and development(1) (2) 124,958   92,637   360,678   253,348 
General and administrative(1) 50,478   43,486   155,789   131,164 
Restructuring and other charges(1)    6,301      6,301 
Total operating expenses 437,883   378,697   1,322,506   1,091,867 
Loss from operations (3,013)  (55,746)  (94,527)  (190,071)
Interest income 27,570   18,577   81,897   39,111 
Interest expense(3) (2,764)  (1,383)  (9,528)  (4,047)
Other expense, net (927)  (809)  (1,967)  (1,531)
Income (loss) before income taxes 20,866   (39,361)  (24,125)  (156,538)
Provision for income taxes(4) 1,742   6,685   18,703   15,123 
Net income (loss)$19,124  $(46,046) $(42,828) $(171,661)
Net income (loss) per share       
Basic$0.13  $(0.32) $(0.29) $(1.19)
Diluted$0.12  $(0.32) $(0.29) $(1.19)
Weighted-average shares used in computing net income (loss) per share       
Basic 150,290   145,354   148,945   144,442 
Diluted 154,081   145,354   148,945   144,442 

(1) Includes stock-based compensation expense and related payroll taxes as follows:

Cost of revenue$12,487  $10,025  $38,876  $28,281 
Sales and marketing 45,490   51,417   170,013   162,099 
Research and development 46,346   31,796   131,509   86,409 
General and administrative 17,142   17,112   59,332   53,715 
Restructuring and other charges    1,036      1,036 
Total$121,465  $111,386  $399,730  $331,540 

(2) Includes amortization expense of acquired intangible assets as follows:

Cost of revenue$2,962  $2,695  $8,396  $6,809 
Sales and marketing 279   200   731   556 
Research and development 140   80   373   713 
Total$3,381  $2,975  $9,500  $8,078 


(3) Includes amortization of debt issuance costs:$979  $974  $2,934  $2,919 


(4) Includes tax benefit associated with business acquisitions:$(5,123) $  $(1,864) $ 


 
ZSCALER, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 April 30, July 31,
  2024   2023 
Assets   
Current assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$1,259,197  $1,262,206 
Short-term investments 980,802   838,026 
Accounts receivable, net 506,284   582,636 
Deferred contract acquisition costs 135,095   115,827 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 88,636   91,619 
Total current assets 2,970,014   2,890,314 
Property and equipment, net 330,646   242,355 
Operating lease right-of-use assets 92,473   70,671 
Deferred contract acquisition costs, noncurrent 268,079   259,407 
Acquired intangible assets, net 68,959   25,859 
Goodwill 417,029   89,192 
Other noncurrent assets 51,551   30,519 
Total assets$4,198,751  $3,608,317 
    
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity   
Current liabilities:   
Accounts payable$28,030  $18,481 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 82,639   64,975 
Accrued compensation 163,119   136,800 
Deferred revenue 1,376,676   1,281,143 
Operating lease liabilities 50,857   34,469 
Total current liabilities 1,701,321   1,535,868 
Convertible senior notes, net 1,137,687   1,134,159 
Deferred revenue, noncurrent 200,338   158,533 
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent 46,897   41,917 
Other noncurrent liabilities 19,369   12,728 
Total liabilities 3,105,612   2,883,205 
Stockholders’ Equity   
Common stock 151   147 
Additional paid-in capital 2,241,865   1,816,915 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (15,675)  (1,576)
Accumulated deficit (1,133,202)  (1,090,374)
Total stockholders’ equity 1,093,139   725,112 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$4,198,751  $3,608,317 
        


ZSCALER, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 Nine Months Ended
 April 30,
  2024   2023 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities   
Net loss$        (42,828) $        (171,661)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash provided by operating activities:   
Depreciation and amortization expense 47,033   39,769 
Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets 9,500   8,078 
Amortization of deferred contract acquisition costs 94,711   71,368 
Amortization of debt issuance costs 2,934   2,919 
Non-cash operating lease costs 34,913   23,320 
Stock-based compensation expense 382,806   322,730 
Accretion of investments purchased at a discount (14,584)  (3,389)
Unrealized (gains) losses on hedging transactions 1,574   (1,140)
Deferred income taxes (5,769)  158 
Other 1,717   (947)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of business acquisitions   
Accounts receivable 78,406   23,005 
Deferred contract acquisition costs (122,651)  (110,566)
Prepaid expenses, other current and noncurrent assets (23,452)  (29,605)
Accounts payable 7,520   (4,079)
Accrued expenses, other current and noncurrent liabilities 14,647   14,861 
Accrued compensation 12,816   10,933 
Deferred revenue 132,354   154,256 
Operating lease liabilities (35,358)  (23,603)
  Net cash provided by operating activities 576,289   326,407 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities   
Purchases of property, equipment and other assets (95,204)  (70,127)
Capitalized internal-use software (32,453)  (23,962)
Payments for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired (361,781)  (15,643)
Purchase of strategic investments (2,000)  (2,200)
Purchases of short-term investments (1,003,972)  (740,239)
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments 839,253   748,166 
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments 47,165   25,083 
  Net cash used in investing activities (608,992)  (78,922)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities   
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options 11,287   3,194 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under the employee stock purchase plan 18,407   11,410 
Other    (2)
  Net cash provided by financing activities 29,694   14,602 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (3,009)  262,087 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,262,206   1,013,210 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$1,259,197  $1,275,297 
        


ZSCALER, INC.
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(in thousands, except percentages)
(unaudited)
        
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 April 30, April 30,
  2024   2023   2024   2023 
        
Revenue$553,201  $418,800  $1,574,903  $1,161,946 
        
Non-GAAP Gross Profit and Non-GAAP Gross Margin       
GAAP gross profit$434,870  $322,951  $1,227,979  $901,796 
Add: Stock-based compensation expense and related payroll taxes 12,487   10,025   38,876   28,281 
Add: Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets 2,962   2,695   8,396   6,809 
Non-GAAP gross profit$450,319  $335,671  $1,275,251  $936,886 
GAAP gross margin 79%  77%  78%  78%
Non-GAAP gross margin 81%  80%  81%  81%
        
Non-GAAP Income from Operations and Non-GAAP Operating Margin       
GAAP loss from operations$(3,013) $(55,746) $(94,527) $(190,071)
Add: Stock-based compensation expense and related payroll taxes 121,465   111,386   399,730   331,540 
Add: Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets 3,381   2,975   9,500   8,078 
Add: Restructuring and other charges, excluding stock-based compensation expense(1)    5,265      5,265 
Non-GAAP income from operations$121,833  $63,880  $314,703  $154,812 
GAAP operating margin(1)% (13)% (6)% (16)%
Non-GAAP operating margin 22%  15%  20%  13%

(1) In connection with a restructuring plan announced in March 2023, we incurred stock-based compensation expense of approximately $1.0 million, which is included in stock-based compensation expense and related payroll taxes.

ZSCALER, INC.
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
        
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 April 30, April 30,
  2024   2023   2024   2023 
Non-GAAP Net Income per Share, Diluted       
GAAP net income (loss)$19,124  $(46,046) $(42,828) $(171,661)
Stock-based compensation expense and related payroll taxes 121,465   111,386   399,730   331,540 
Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets 3,381   2,975   9,500   8,078 
Restructuring and other charges, excluding stock-based compensation expense(1)    5,265      5,265 
Amortization of debt issuance costs 979   974   2,934   2,919 
Benefit for income taxes(2) (5,123)     (1,864)   
Non-GAAP net income$139,826  $74,554  $367,472  $176,141 
        
Add: Non-GAAP interest expense related to the convertible senior notes 359   359   1,077   1,078 
Numerator used in computing non-GAAP net income per share, diluted$140,185  $74,913  $368,549  $177,219 
        
GAAP net income (loss) per share, diluted$0.12  $(0.32) $(0.29) $(1.19)
Stock-based compensation expense and related payroll taxes 0.76   0.72   2.51   2.13 
Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets 0.02   0.02   0.06   0.05 
Restructuring and other charges, excluding stock-based compensation expense(1)    0.03      0.03 
Amortization of debt issuance costs 0.01   0.01   0.02   0.02 
Benefit for income taxes(2) (0.03)     (0.01)   
Non-GAAP interest expense related to the convertible senior notes       0.01   0.01 
Adjustment to total fully diluted earnings per share(3)    0.02   0.01   0.09 
Non-GAAP net income per share, diluted$0.88  $0.48  $2.31  $1.14 
        
Weighted-average shares used in computing GAAP net income (loss) per share, diluted 154,081   145,354   148,945   144,442 
Add: Outstanding potentially dilutive equity incentive awards(4)    2,492   4,306   3,249 
Add: Convertible senior notes(4) 7,626   7,626   7,626   7,626 
Less: Antidilutive impact of capped call transactions(5) (2,050)     (1,539)   
Weighted-average shares used in computing non-GAAP net income per share, diluted 159,657   155,472   159,338   155,317 

___________

(1) In connection with a restructuring plan announced in March 2023, we incurred stock-based compensation expense of approximately $1.0 million, which is included in stock-based compensation expense and related payroll taxes.

(2) We use our GAAP provision for income taxes for purposes of determining our non-GAAP income tax expense. The difference between our GAAP and non-GAAP provision for income taxes represents primarily the effects of stock-based compensation expense and income tax effects associated with business acquisitions. The income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense included in the GAAP provision for income taxes was not material for all periods presented. In the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2023, we recognized a tax expense of $3.3 million associated with the integration of a business acquisition. In the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2024, we recorded a tax benefit of $5.1 million, associated with the reduction of the valuation allowance due to the establishment of deferred tax liabilities from a business acquisition.

(3) The sum of the fully diluted earnings per share impact of individual reconciling items may not total to fully diluted non-GAAP net income per share due to the weighted-average shares used in computing the GAAP net loss per share differs from the weighted-average shares used in computing the non-GAAP net income per share, and due to rounding of the individual reconciling items. The GAAP net loss per share calculation uses a lower share count as it excludes potentially dilutive shares, which are included in calculating the non-GAAP net income per share.

(4) For the three months ended April 30, 2024, potentially dilutive equity incentive awards are included in the computation of the GAAP net income per share, diluted and the convertible senior notes are excluded from this computation as their effect is antidilutive.

(5) We exclude the in-the-money portion of the convertible senior notes for non-GAAP weighted-average diluted shares as they are covered by our capped call transactions. Our outstanding capped call transactions are antidilutive under GAAP but are expected to mitigate the dilutive effect of the convertible senior notes, and therefore are included in the calculation of non-GAAP diluted shares outstanding. The capped calls have an antidilutive impact when the average stock price of our common stock in a given period is higher than their exercise price.

ZSCALER, INC.
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(in thousands, except percentages)
(unaudited)
        
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 April 30, April 30,
  2024   2023   2024   2023 
Calculated billings       
Revenue$553,201  $418,800  $1,574,903  $1,161,946 
Add: Total deferred revenue, end of period 1,577,014   1,175,373   1,577,014   1,175,373 
Less: Total deferred revenue, beginning of period (1,502,175)  (1,111,880)  (1,439,676)  (1,021,123)
Calculated billings$628,040  $482,293  $1,712,241  $1,316,196 
        
Free cash flow       
Net cash provided by operating activities$173,414  $108,469  $576,289  $326,407 
Less: Purchases of property, equipment and other assets (35,651)  (26,244)  (95,204)  (70,127)
Less: Capitalized internal-use software (14,637)  (8,339)  (32,453)  (23,962)
Free cash flow$123,126  $73,886  $448,632  $232,318 
        
Free cash flow margin       
Net cash provided by operating activities, as a percentage of revenue 31%  26%  37%  28%
Less: Purchases of property, equipment and other assets, as a percentage of revenue(6)% (6)% (6)% (6)%
Less: Capitalized internal-use software, as a percentage of revenue(3)% (2)% (3)% (2)%
Free cash flow margin 22%  18%  28%  20%
                

ZSCALER, INC.
Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to our results determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP), we believe the following non-GAAP measures are useful in evaluating our operating performance. We use the following non-GAAP financial information to evaluate our ongoing operations and for internal planning and forecasting purposes. We believe that non-GAAP financial information, when taken collectively, may be helpful to investors because it provides consistency and comparability with past financial performance. However, non-GAAP financial information is presented for supplemental informational purposes only, has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. In particular, free cash flow is not a substitute for cash provided by operating activities. Additionally, the utility of free cash flow as a measure of our liquidity is further limited as it does not represent the total increase or decrease in our cash balance for a given period. In addition, other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate similarly-titled non-GAAP measures differently or may use other measures to evaluate their performance, all of which could reduce the usefulness of our non-GAAP financial measures as tools for comparison. A reconciliation of our historical non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable financial measures stated in accordance with GAAP has been included in this press release. 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. Investors are encouraged to review these reconciliations, and not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.

Expenses Excluded from Non-GAAP Measures

Stock-based compensation expense is excluded primarily because it is a non-cash expense that management believes is not reflective of our ongoing operational performance. Employer payroll taxes related to stock-based compensation, which is a cash expense, are excluded because these are tied to the timing and size of the exercise or vesting of the underlying equity awards and the price of our common stock at the time of vesting or exercise, which may vary from period to period independent of the operating performance of our business. Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets and non-recurring income tax expense or benefit associated with business acquisitions are excluded because these are considered by management to be outside of our core business operating performance. Restructuring and other charges includes severance and termination benefits in connection with a restructuring plan to streamline operations and to align people, roles and projects to our strategic priorities. These expenses are excluded because they fluctuate in amount and frequency and are not reflective of our core business operating performance. Amortization of debt issuance costs from the convertible senior notes are excluded because these are non-cash expenses and are not reflective of our ongoing operational performance. We estimate the tax effect of these items on our non-GAAP results and may adjust our GAAP provision for income taxes, if such effects have a material impact to our non-GAAP results.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Non-GAAP Gross Profit and Non-GAAP Gross Margin. We define non-GAAP gross profit as GAAP gross profit excluding stock-based compensation expense and related employer payroll taxes and amortization expense of acquired intangible assets. We define non-GAAP gross margin as non-GAAP gross profit as a percentage of revenue.

Non-GAAP Income from Operations and Non-GAAP Operating Margin. We define non-GAAP income from operations as GAAP loss from operations excluding stock-based compensation expense and related employer payroll taxes, amortization expense of acquired intangible assets and restructuring and other charges. We define non-GAAP operating margin as non-GAAP income from operations as a percentage of revenue.

Non-GAAP Net Income per Share, Diluted. We define non-GAAP net income as GAAP net income (loss) excluding stock-based compensation expense and related employer payroll taxes, amortization expense of acquired intangible assets, restructuring and other charges, amortization of debt issuance costs, and the tax effects of these items on our non-GAAP net income, if such effects have a material impact to our non-GAAP results. We define non-GAAP net income per share, diluted, as non-GAAP net income plus the non-GAAP interest expense divided by the weighted-average diluted shares outstanding, which includes the effect of potentially diluted common stock equivalents outstanding during the period and the anti-dilutive impact of the capped call transactions entered into in connection with the convertible senior notes.

Calculated Billings. We define calculated billings as revenue plus the change in deferred revenue in a period. Calculated billings in any particular period aims to reflect amounts invoiced for subscriptions to access our cloud platform, together with related support services for our new and existing customers. We typically invoice our customers annually in advance, and to a lesser extent quarterly in advance, monthly in advance or multi-year in advance.

Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow Margin. We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities less purchases of property, equipment and other assets and capitalized internal-use software. We define free cash flow margin as free cash flow divided by revenue. We believe that free cash flow and free cash flow margin are useful indicators of liquidity that provide information to management and investors about the amount of cash generated from our operations that, after the investments in property, equipment and other assets and capitalized internal-use software, can be used for strategic initiatives.


FAQ

What was Zscaler's revenue for Q3 2024?

Zscaler's revenue for Q3 2024 was $553.2 million, showing a 32% year-over-year increase.

How did Zscaler's calculated billings perform in Q3 2024?

Zscaler's calculated billings grew by 30% year-over-year, reaching $628 million in Q3 2024.

What is the deferred revenue reported by Zscaler in Q3 2024?

Zscaler reported a deferred revenue of $1,577 million in Q3 2024, reflecting a 34% year-over-year increase.

What was Zscaler's GAAP net income for Q3 2024?

Zscaler achieved a GAAP net income of $19.1 million for Q3 2024, compared to a GAAP net loss of $46 million in the same quarter last year.

What is Zscaler's non-GAAP net income for Q3 2024?

Zscaler's non-GAAP net income for Q3 2024 was $139.8 million, up from $74.6 million in Q3 2023.

What are Zscaler's financial expectations for Q4 2024?

For Q4 2024, Zscaler expects revenue between $565 million and $567 million and a non-GAAP net income per share of $0.69 to $0.70.

What acquisitions did Zscaler announce recently?

Zscaler recently acquired Avalor Technologies and Airgap Networks to enhance its AI capabilities and Zero Trust SASE leadership.

Zscaler, Inc.

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