Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - F5 reported a total revenue growth of 12% year-over-year, reaching $780 million, with product revenue growing by 26%, marking the strongest growth in 14 years [8][27] - The company achieved a GAAP net income of $190 million, translating to $3.25 per share, while non-GAAP net income was $243 million or $4.16 per share, reflecting a 24% EPS growth year-over-year [32][38] - Cash flow from operations reached a record $282 million, with cash and investments totaling approximately $1.44 billion at the end of the quarter [32][33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global services revenue grew by 1% to $392 million, while product revenue increased by 26% to $389 million [27] - Software revenue grew by 16% year-over-year to $208 million, with subscription-based software revenue increasing by 19% to $185 million, representing 89% of total software revenue [28] - Systems revenue totaled $181 million, up 39% year-over-year, driven by tech refresh and data center modernization [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from the Americas grew by 13%, accounting for 55% of total revenue, while EMEA delivered 6% growth (26% of revenue) and APAC grew by 21% (19% of revenue) [29] - Enterprise customers represented 70% of product bookings, with government customers at 15% and service providers also at 15% [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - F5 is focusing on modernizing data centers and adopting hybrid multi-cloud architectures, which are seen as significant growth drivers [7][11] - The company is leveraging its application delivery and security platform to simplify operations and enhance security for customers, particularly in the context of AI workloads [11][12] - F5 aims to continue innovating and expanding its offerings in AI-driven applications and infrastructure [19][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing demand for data center modernization and hybrid multi-cloud solutions, expecting continued strong demand in Q4 [10][36] - The company anticipates Q4 revenue in the range of $780 million to $800 million, implying approximately 9% revenue growth for FY '25 [10][36] - Management noted that the long-term structural shift towards data center modernization will persist, creating ongoing investment opportunities [11][37] Other Important Information - F5 repurchased $125 million worth of shares during the quarter, with $1 billion remaining on the authorized stock repurchase program [34] - The company ended the quarter with approximately 6,540 employees [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the strength in hardware and its sustainability? - Management noted strong tech refresh dynamics and secular trends in hybrid cloud and AI driving hardware growth, with expectations for continued growth next year but at a more modest rate [45][50] Question: What is the outlook for software renewals and new deal activity? - Management highlighted a healthy renewal base and strong expansion trends, with new use cases contributing to software growth [52][55] Question: What factors affected gross margins this quarter? - Gross margins were slightly lower due to high-performance use cases with compliance demands and the strength in the systems business, which has a lower margin than software [58][60] Question: How significant is the AI-related business for F5? - Management indicated that direct AI use cases are currently small but growing, with indirect AI-related spending also increasing as customers invest in data capacity for AI [98][99] Question: What is the expected growth for hardware and software in FY '26? - Management expects hardware to grow modestly next year, while software growth is anticipated in the mid-single digits, with potential for reacceleration in FY '27 [67][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - F5 reported a total revenue growth of 12% year-over-year, reaching $780 million in Q3 2025, with product revenue growing by 26%, marking the strongest growth in 14 years [6][25] - The company achieved a GAAP net income of $190 million, or $3.25 per share, and a non-GAAP net income of $243 million, or $4.16 per share, reflecting a 24% growth in EPS year-over-year [30][34] - Cash flow from operations reached a record $282 million in Q3, with total cash and investments at approximately $1.44 billion [30][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global services revenue grew by 1% to $392 million, while product revenue increased by 26% to $389 million [25] - Software revenue grew by 16% year-over-year to $208 million, with subscription-based software revenue increasing by 19% to $185 million, representing 89% of total software revenue [26] - Systems revenue totaled $181 million, up 39% year-over-year, driven by tech refresh and data center modernization [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from the Americas grew by 13%, accounting for 55% of total revenue, while EMEA and APAC regions grew by 6% and 21%, representing 26% and 19% of revenue, respectively [27] - Enterprise customers represented 70% of Q3 product bookings, while government and service providers each accounted for 15% [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - F5 is focusing on modernizing data centers and adopting hybrid multi-cloud architectures, which are driving demand for both hardware and software solutions [6][9] - The company is leveraging its unique application delivery and security platform to simplify operations and enhance security for customers, particularly in AI workloads [9][10] - F5 anticipates continued strong demand in Q4, with revenue guidance between $780 million and $800 million, implying approximately 9% growth for FY 2025 [8][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the ongoing structural shift in data center modernization and the increasing complexity of managing applications and APIs as key challenges for IT teams [9][10] - The company expects to see durable growth in hardware driven by tech refresh, hybrid cloud investments, and AI readiness [46][48] - Management expressed confidence in the long-term potential of their application delivery and security platform, particularly in supporting AI-driven applications [19][20] Other Important Information - F5's GAAP gross margin was 81%, with non-GAAP gross margin at 83.1%, reflecting strong operating discipline [28] - The company repurchased $125 million worth of shares in Q3, with $1 billion remaining on its authorized stock repurchase program [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the strength in hardware and its sustainability? - Management noted a 39% year-over-year growth in hardware, driven by tech refresh and secular trends in hybrid cloud and AI readiness, with expectations for continued growth but at a more modest rate next year [42][48] Question: What is the outlook for software renewals and new deal activity? - Management indicated a healthy renewal base and strong expansion in software, with increased consumption driving higher contract values at renewal [50][52] Question: Why did gross margins come in at the lower end despite revenue upside? - The lower gross margins were attributed to high-performance use cases with compliance demands and the strength in the systems business, which has a lower margin than software [56][57] Question: What is the status of the NVIDIA DPU product and AI gateway platform? - The NVIDIA DPU solution is generally available, with positive early feedback from customers, while the AI gateway platform is in the early stages with several proof of concepts underway [81][87] Question: How is the federal business performing? - The federal business is on plan, with a healthy pipeline despite some softness in Q3 due to project delays related to government efficiency initiatives [90][91]

Q3FY25 Results Published July 30, 2025 PERIOD ENDING June 30, 2025 We deliver and secure every app. F5 specializes in application delivery and security. Our solutions are backed by three decades of expertise to ensure that every app is fast, available, secure, and ready for the AI-era. Forward-looking statements This presentation contains forward-looking statements including, among other things, that F5's strong topline performance along with continued operating leverage, is testament to the team's executio ...

[F5 Reports Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Results](index=1&type=section&id=F5%20Reports%20Third%20Quarter%20Fiscal%20Year%202025%20Results) F5 reported strong Q3 FY2025 results with significant revenue growth driven by product demand, alongside an optimistic business outlook and updated full-year guidance [Executive Summary and Key Highlights](index=1&type=section&id=Executive%20Summary%20and%20Key%20Highlights) F5 reported robust third quarter fiscal year 2025 results with 12% year-over-year revenue growth, primarily driven by strong product demand, particularly in systems and software - Total revenue grew **12% year-over-year to $780 million**[3](index=3&type=chunk) - Product revenue increased by **26%**, with systems revenue growing **39%** and software revenue growing **16%**[3](index=3&type=chunk) - Growth was fueled by customer modernization of data centers, adoption of hybrid multicloud architectures, and scaling to meet application performance and security needs, including those driven by AI adoption[3](index=3&type=chunk) [Third Quarter Financial Performance (GAAP & Non-GAAP)](index=1&type=section&id=Third%20Quarter%20Financial%20Performance%20%28GAAP%20%26%20Non-GAAP%29) F5 demonstrated strong financial performance in Q3 FY2025, with significant year-over-year increases across key GAAP and Non-GAAP metrics, reflecting improved margins and operational efficiency Q3 FY2025 Revenue Breakdown (YoY Growth) | Revenue Type | Q3 FY2025 (Millions) | YoY Growth | | :---------------- | :------------------- | :--------- | | Total Revenue | $780 | 12% | | Systems Revenue | $181 | 39% | | Software Revenue | $208 | 16% | | Global Services | $392 | 1% | Q3 FY2025 vs Q3 FY2024 Key Financial Metrics (GAAP & Non-GAAP) | Metric | Q3 FY2025 (GAAP) | Q3 FY2024 (GAAP) | Q3 FY2025 (Non-GAAP) | Q3 FY2024 (Non-GAAP) | | :----------------------- | :--------------- | :--------------- | :------------------- | :------------------- | | Revenue | $780M | $695M | - | - | | Gross Profit | $632M | $559M | $649M | $578M |\ | Gross Margin | 81.0% | 80.4% | 83.1% | 83.1% | | Income from Operations | $196M | $163M | $267M | $233M | | Operating Margin | 25.2% | 23.4% | 34.3% | 33.4% | | Net Income | $190M | $144M | $243M | $199M | | EPS (Diluted) | $3.25 | $2.44 | $4.16 | $3.36 | [Business Outlook and Guidance](index=2&type=section&id=Business%20Outlook%20and%20Guidance) F5 provided an optimistic outlook for Q4 FY2025, projecting revenue between $780 million and $800 million and non-GAAP EPS of $3.87 to $3.99, while raising its full fiscal year 2025 guidance Q4 FY2025 Business Outlook | Metric | Guidance Range | | :------------ | :------------------- | | Revenue | $780M to $800M | | Non-GAAP EPS | $3.87 to $3.99 | FY2025 Guidance Update (YoY Growth) | Metric | New Guidance | Prior Guidance | | :----------------- | :----------- | :------------- | | Revenue Growth | ~9% | 6.5% to 7.5% | | Non-GAAP EPS Growth| 14% to 15% | 8% to 10% | - Guidance is driven by continued tech refresh demand, data center modernization, and adoption across the Company's Application Delivery and Security Platform[11](index=11&type=chunk) [Conference Call and Forward-Looking Statements](index=2&type=section&id=Conference%20Call%20and%20Forward-Looking%20Statements) This section details the scheduled conference call for financial results and outlook, alongside a standard disclaimer regarding forward-looking statements and associated risks [Live Webcast and Conference Call Details](index=2&type=section&id=Live%20Webcast%20and%20Conference%20Call%20Details) F5 announced a live webcast and conference call on July 30, 2025, at 4:30 pm ET to discuss financial results and outlook, with access details provided for investors and the public - A live webcast and conference call to review financial results and outlook was scheduled for **July 30, 2025, at 4:30 pm ET**[14](index=14&type=chunk) - Access to the webcast, supplemental financial information, and earnings slides is available on the investor relations page of F5.com[14](index=14&type=chunk) [Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer](index=2&type=section&id=Forward-Looking%20Statements%20Disclaimer) This section outlines the forward-looking nature of certain statements in the press release, emphasizing that actual results may differ materially due to various risks and uncertainties - The press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future financial performance, customer demand, and product benefits, which are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995[15](index=15&type=chunk)[16](index=16&type=chunk) - Actual results could differ materially due to risk factors such as customer acceptance of offerings, global supply chain disruptions, economic conditions, competitive factors, and potential security flaws or cybersecurity attacks[16](index=16&type=chunk) - F5 assumes no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements[16](index=16&type=chunk) [About F5](index=5&type=section&id=About%20F5) F5, Inc. is a global leader in delivering and securing applications and APIs, leveraging decades of expertise to provide its Application Delivery and Security Platform across diverse environments [Company Overview](index=5&type=section&id=Company%20Overview) F5, Inc. is a global leader in delivering and securing applications and APIs, leveraging three decades of expertise to provide its Application Delivery and Security Platform (ADSP) across various environments, aiming to enable fast, available, and secure digital experiences - F5, Inc. (NASDAQ:FFIV) is the global leader in delivering and securing every app and API[25](index=25&type=chunk) - The company offers the F5 Application Delivery and Security Platform (ADSP) to deliver and secure apps and APIs across on-premises, cloud, edge, and hybrid/multicloud environments[25](index=25&type=chunk) - F5 is committed to innovating and partnering with organizations to deliver fast, available, and secure digital experiences[25](index=25&type=chunk) [GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation Principles](index=3&type=section&id=GAAP%20to%20Non-GAAP%20Reconciliation%20Principles) This section explains F5's management's rationale for using non-GAAP financial measures and details the specific adjustments made to reconcile them with GAAP results [Management's Use of Non-GAAP Measures](index=3&type=section&id=Management%27s%20Use%20of%20Non-GAAP%20Measures) F5's management uses non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate and make operating decisions, believing they provide useful supplemental information for understanding core business performance and facilitating comparisons - Management evaluates and makes operating decisions using non-GAAP measures, which are based on revenues and costs of operations, excluding certain items[17](index=17&type=chunk) - Non-GAAP net income excludes stock-based compensation, amortization/impairment of purchased intangible assets, facility-exit costs, acquisition-related charges, restructuring charges, and certain non-recurring tax adjustments[17](index=17&type=chunk)[18](index=18&type=chunk) - Management believes non-GAAP measures provide useful supplemental information for understanding core business performance and facilitating comparisons, but acknowledges that excluded items could materially affect GAAP results, thus using both GAAP and non-GAAP measures[23](index=23&type=chunk) [Specific Non-GAAP Adjustments Explained](index=4&type=section&id=Specific%20Non-GAAP%20Adjustments%20Explained) This section details the specific adjustments made to reconcile GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures, explaining why management excludes these items for a clearer view of ongoing operations - Stock-based compensation is excluded to better understand the long-term performance of the core business and facilitate comparison with peer companies[18](index=18&type=chunk) - Amortization and impairment of purchased intangible assets are excluded because they generally cannot be changed or influenced by management after acquisition and do not accurately reflect ongoing operations[19](index=19&type=chunk) - Facility-exit costs, acquisition-related charges, and restructuring charges are excluded as they are non-recurring, vary significantly, and do not reflect ongoing business activities or expected future operating expenses[20](index=20&type=chunk)[21](index=21&type=chunk)[22](index=22&type=chunk) [Consolidated Financial Statements](index=6&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements) This section presents F5's key consolidated financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, for the reported periods [Consolidated Balance Sheets](index=6&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Balance%20Sheets) The consolidated balance sheet shows F5's financial position as of June 30, 2025, compared to September 30, 2024, indicating an increase in total assets and shareholders' equity Consolidated Balance Sheet Highlights (in thousands) | Metric | June 30, 2025 | September 30, 2024 | | :--------------------------- | :------------ | :----------------- | | Total Assets | $6,113,499 | $5,613,004 | | Cash and cash equivalents | $1,426,957 | $1,074,602 | | Total Current Assets | $2,485,038 | $2,109,471 | | Total Liabilities | $2,641,815 | $2,483,626 | | Total Shareholders' Equity | $3,471,684 | $3,129,378 | [Consolidated Income Statements](index=7&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Income%20Statements) The consolidated income statements for Q3 and YTD FY2025 show significant growth in net revenues, gross profit, and net income compared to the prior year, driven by strong product and services performance Consolidated Income Statement (Three Months Ended June 30, in thousands) | Metric | 2025 | 2024 | | :---------------------- | :---------- | :---------- | | Net Revenues | $780,370 | $695,495 | | Products Revenue | $388,838 | $308,489 | | Services Revenue | $391,532 | $387,006 | | Gross Profit | $631,742 | $559,070 | | Income from Operations | $196,317 | $163,090 | | Net Income | $189,912 | $144,079 | | Diluted EPS | $3.25 | $2.44 | Consolidated Income Statement (Nine Months Ended June 30, in thousands) | Metric | 2025 | 2024 | | :---------------------- | :------------ | :------------ | | Net Revenues | $2,277,982 | $2,069,446 | | Products Revenue | $1,094,531 | $914,510 | | Services Revenue | $1,183,451 | $1,154,936 | | Gross Profit | $1,847,885 | $1,655,519 | | Income from Operations | $560,296 | $467,566 | | Net Income | $501,887 | $401,482 | | Diluted EPS | $8.54 | $6.75 | [Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows](index=8&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Cash%20Flows) For the nine months ended June 30, 2025, F5 generated significantly more cash from operating activities compared to the prior year, leading to a substantial increase in cash and cash equivalents Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Nine Months Ended June 30, in thousands) | Activity | 2025 | 2024 | | :------------------------------------- | :---------- | :---------- | | Net cash provided by operating activities | $741,598 | $545,914 | | Net cash used in investing activities | $(55,689) | $(53,471) | | Net cash used in financing activities | $(337,660) | $(355,131) | | Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $348,249 | $137,312 | | Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period | $1,429,031 | $938,523 | [Detailed GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation Tables](index=9&type=section&id=Detailed%20GAAP%20to%20Non-GAAP%20Reconciliation%20Tables) This section provides comprehensive tables detailing the reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures for key performance indicators, including per-share amounts [GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation Summary](index=9&type=section&id=GAAP%20to%20Non-GAAP%20Reconciliation%20Summary) This section provides comprehensive tables reconciling GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures for gross profit, income from operations, and net income, detailing the impact of adjustments like stock-based compensation and amortization GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation (Three Months Ended June 30, in thousands, except percentages and per share amounts) | Metric (Non-GAAP) | 2025 (Amount) | 2025 (%) | 2024 (Amount) | 2024 (%) | | :----------------------- | :------------ | :------- | :------------ | :------- | | Gross Profit | $648,706 | 83.1% | $578,083 | 83.1% | | Income from Operations | $267,293 | 34.3% | $232,559 | 33.4% | | Net Income | $243,241 | - | $198,839 | - | | Diluted EPS | $4.16 | - | $3.36 | - | **Key Adjustments (2025):** * Stock-based compensation: $57,451 (Income from Operations), $0.98 (Diluted EPS) * Amortization and impairment of purchased intangible assets: $10,250 (Income from Operations), $0.18 (Diluted EPS) * Tax effects related to above items: $(17,647) (Net Income), $(0.30) (Diluted EPS) GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation (Nine Months Ended June 30, in thousands, except percentages and per share amounts) | Metric (Non-GAAP) | 2025 (Amount) | 2025 (%) | 2024 (Amount) | 2024 (%) | | :----------------------- | :------------ | :------- | :------------ | :------- | | Gross Profit | $1,898,770 | 83.4% | $1,712,655 | 82.8% | | Income from Operations | $787,012 | 34.5% | $688,674 | 33.3% | | Net Income | $671,307 | - | $576,729 | - | | Diluted EPS | $11.42 | - | $9.70 | - | **Key Adjustments (2025):** * Stock-based compensation: $174,243 (Income from Operations), $2.96 (Diluted EPS) * Amortization and impairment of purchased intangible assets: $30,488 (Income from Operations), $0.52 (Diluted EPS) * Tax effects related to above items: $(57,296) (Net Income), $(0.97) (Diluted EPS)

Core Insights - F5 Inc. (FFIV) is set to report its third-quarter fiscal 2025 results on July 30, with projected non-GAAP EPS between $3.41 and $3.53, and a consensus estimate of $3.49, reflecting an 8.28% year-over-year increase [1] - The company anticipates non-GAAP revenues in the range of $740 million to $760 million, with a consensus estimate of $753.1 million, indicating an 8.3% year-over-year growth [1] Group 1: Revenue and Earnings Projections - F5's Product segment is expected to benefit from recovering demand for software solutions, particularly in hybrid and multi-cloud architectures, with software revenues estimated at $202 million [2] - The Systems segment is likely to see increased sales due to technology refresh activities for VIPRION and iSeries offerings, with estimated revenues of $144.7 million [3] - Overall Product revenues are projected at $346.6 million, driven by strong sales in both Software and Systems divisions [3] Group 2: Growth Drivers and Challenges - The growth in BIG-IP and NGINX subscription software deals is anticipated to be a significant growth driver, aided by performance data, automation capabilities, and lower ownership costs [4] - However, slower growth in perpetual software licenses due to IT budget cuts amid macroeconomic uncertainties may offset overall software revenues, although new avenues like AI adoption are expected to contribute positively [5] Group 3: Earnings Prediction Model - Current analysis indicates that F5 does not conclusively predict an earnings beat this season, with an Earnings ESP of -0.33% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [6]

Core Viewpoint - Morgan Stanley's strategy team highlights 15 stocks with short-term catalytic potential, indicating that S&P 500 index earnings growth in Q2 may exceed expectations [1] Earnings Expectations - The market anticipates a 5% year-over-year increase in S&P 500 Q2 earnings per share and over 4% revenue growth, but actual growth may be stronger [1] - The seven major tech companies are expected to see a 14% increase in net profit, while the remaining 493 constituents may experience a 3% decline [1] - Despite analysts lowering earnings expectations from April to May, the earnings revision has rebounded from -25% to approximately 1%, suggesting Q2 earnings will likely exceed expectations, aligning with the historical average of 4%-5% [1] Recommended Stocks - **argenx SE (ARGX.US)**: undervalued R&D pipeline, target price $700 [2] - **Atlassian (TEAM.US)**: continuous revenue growth potential over 20% and expected margin expansion, target price $320 [3] - **Chewy (CHWY.US)**: benefits from marketing and product optimization, expected revenue to maintain or exceed Q1 levels, target price $50 [4] - **CVS Health (CVS.US)**: advantages from competitor store closures and growth in pharmacy benefit management, target price $80 [4] - **DraftKings (DKNG.US)**: potential earnings inflection point in Q2, with actual licensing rates offsetting tax and regulatory pressures, target price $52 [4] - **Eaton Corporation (ETN.US)**: benefits from improved profit margins in U.S. electrical business, target price $375 [5] - **Eli Lilly (LLY.US)**: core products Mounjaro and Zepbound expected to contribute $8.2 billion in revenue, exceeding expectations may lead to 2025 guidance upgrades, target price $1,135 [5] - **F5 (FFIV.US)**: positive outlook due to demand growth in cloud and load balancing products, target price $305 [6] - **NVIDIA (NVDA.US)**: strong end-user demand and accelerated shipments of rack-level products supporting supply-side growth, target price $170 [7] - **Omada Health (OMDA.US)**: operational leverage through technology empowerment and multi-disease sales, target price $25 [8] - **Southwest Airlines (LUV.US)**: potential stock rebound if internal guidance is met and baggage fee impacts are confirmed as limited, target price $38 [9] - **Valley National Bank (VLY.US)**: expected net interest income growth of 3% quarter-over-quarter, target price $11 [10] - **Western Digital (WDC.US)**: undervalued gross margin expansion prospects, target price $85 [11] Cautious Outlook - **National Storage Affiliates Trust (NSA.US)**: cautious due to expected funds from operations (FFO) per share being below market and company guidance, target price $30 [12] - **Teradyne (TER.US)**: revenue and earnings per share forecasts for FY2026 are 7% and 14% below Wall Street expectations, target price $74 [13] Summary - Overall, Morgan Stanley's recommendations combine company fundamentals, industry trends, and market sentiment, providing diversified options for investors [14]

Core Insights - Bumble Inc. (BMBL) is currently viewed as a more attractive investment compared to F5 Networks (FFIV) for value investors due to its stronger Zacks Rank and favorable valuation metrics [1][3][6] Valuation Metrics - BMBL has a forward P/E ratio of 6.83, significantly lower than FFIV's forward P/E of 20.73, indicating that BMBL may be undervalued [5] - The PEG ratio for BMBL is 0.24, while FFIV's PEG ratio is 3.01, suggesting that BMBL has a better growth-to-price ratio [5] - BMBL's P/B ratio stands at 0.54, compared to FFIV's P/B of 5.24, further highlighting BMBL's relative undervaluation [6] Zacks Rank and Style Scores - BMBL holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), while FFIV has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a more favorable earnings estimate revision trend for BMBL [3] - In terms of Value grades, BMBL receives an A, whereas FFIV is rated D, reinforcing the notion that BMBL is the better option for value investors [6]

Core Insights - The article does not provide specific insights or analysis regarding any companies or industries, focusing instead on disclosures and disclaimers related to investment positions and advice [1][2]. Group 1 - There is no stock, option, or similar derivative position held by the analyst in any mentioned companies, nor plans to initiate such positions in the next 72 hours [1]. - The article expresses personal opinions of the author and does not reflect the views of Seeking Alpha as a whole [2]. - Seeking Alpha clarifies that past performance is not indicative of future results and does not provide specific investment recommendations [2].

Core Viewpoint - F5, Inc. has launched new post-quantum cryptography readiness solutions integrated into its Application Delivery and Security Platform, aiming to enhance application and API security while maintaining performance and scalability. The company's stock has risen nearly 70% over the past year, raising questions about its investment viability despite this increase, which is viewed positively due to its moderate valuation [2][10][11]. Financial Performance - F5's revenues have shown slight growth, with a 5.6% increase from $2.8 billion to $2.9 billion over the last twelve months, compared to a 5.5% growth rate for the S&P 500. Quarterly revenues rose by 7.3% to $731 million from $681 million year-over-year, outperforming the S&P 500's 4.8% improvement [7][11]. - The company has a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 5.7, a price-to-free cash flow (P/FCF) ratio of 20.1, and a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 26.9, all compared to the S&P 500's respective ratios of 3.1, 20.9, and 26.9 [7][4]. Profitability - F5's profit margins are higher than most companies in the Trefis coverage area, with an operating income of $730 million and an operating margin of 24.8%. The net income for the last four quarters was $621 million, resulting in a net income margin of 21.1%, significantly above the S&P 500's 11.6% [13][6]. Financial Stability - The company's balance sheet is solid, with total assets of $5.9 billion, including $1.3 billion in cash and cash equivalents. F5's debt stands at $267 million, leading to a strong debt-to-equity ratio of 1.6%, compared to 19.4% for the S&P 500. The cash-to-assets ratio is 21.3%, indicating strong liquidity [13][8]. Downturn Resilience - F5's stock has shown resilience during downturns, performing slightly better than the S&P 500 in recent market declines. The stock has fully recovered from previous crises, including a significant drop of 47.4% from its peak in December 2021 to April 2023, and has since risen to approximately $290 [9][14].

Core Viewpoint - Investors in the Internet - Software sector may find StoneCo Ltd. (STNE) more attractive than F5 Networks (FFIV) for value investing opportunities [1] Valuation Metrics - StoneCo Ltd. has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a more favorable earnings estimate revision trend compared to F5 Networks, which has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3] - STNE's forward P/E ratio is 10.60, significantly lower than FFIV's forward P/E of 19.83, suggesting STNE may be undervalued [5] - The PEG ratio for STNE is 0.40, while FFIV's PEG ratio is 2.88, indicating STNE's expected earnings growth is more favorable relative to its price [5] - STNE has a P/B ratio of 2.19 compared to FFIV's P/B of 5, further supporting STNE's valuation attractiveness [6] Value Grades - STNE has earned a Value grade of B, while FFIV has a Value grade of D, highlighting STNE's superior valuation metrics [6]