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‘Fastest-Growing Market in Software’: Morgan Stanley Suggests 2 Cybersecurity Stocks to Buy
Yahoo Finance· 2025-09-13 10:10
Company Overview - Okta is a $16 billion company focused on identity security, providing solutions for both human and non-human identity verifications, including secure processes for agentic AI [2] - The company has developed Okta AI, which integrates into its workforce and customer identity clouds, enhancing security and productivity while improving user experience [6] Financial Performance - Okta's fiscal 2Q26 report showed a revenue of $728 million, exceeding estimates by $16 million and growing 13% from fiscal 2Q25 [7] - The company predicts revenue for fiscal 3Q26 to be between $728 million and $730 million, above the Wall Street expectation of $723.1 million [7] Market Potential - The cybersecurity market is valued at approximately $270 billion and is expected to grow at a 12% CAGR from 2025 to 2028, with cybersecurity spending projected to grow 50% faster than overall software spending [4] - Okta's expansion into Identity Governance (OIG) and Privileged Access Management (PAM) presents significant upsell opportunities, with OIG already being a >$100 million ACV business [8] Analyst Insights - Morgan Stanley analyst Keith Weiss rates Okta shares as Overweight (Buy) with a price target of $123, indicating a 34% upside potential over the next 12 months [9] - The consensus rating for Okta shares is a Moderate Buy, with 19 Buy, 11 Hold, and 2 Sell recommendations [9] Competitive Landscape - Zscaler, another key player in cybersecurity, has grown into a ~$44 billion company, handling over 500 billion daily transactions and preventing over 9 billion daily incidents [12] - Zscaler's recent acquisition of Red Canary enhances its capabilities in exposure management and agentic AI threat management [13] Zscaler Financials - Zscaler's fiscal 4Q25 revenue reached $719.2 million, growing 21% year-over-year and exceeding forecasts by over $12 million [14] - The company's annual recurring revenue (ARR) increased by 22% year-over-year to $3.02 billion [14] Analyst Ratings for Zscaler - Weiss rates Zscaler as Overweight (Buy) with a price target of $320, suggesting a 12% upside potential [15] - The consensus rating for Zscaler is Strong Buy, with 30 Buy and 5 Hold recommendations [16]
Zscaler (ZS) 2025 Conference Transcript
2025-09-04 12:32
Summary of Zscaler (ZS) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Zscaler (ZS) - **Event**: Citi's Global TMT Conference - **Date**: September 04, 2025 Key Points Financial Performance - Zscaler achieved a significant milestone by crossing **$3 billion** in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR), becoming one of only two pure-play SaaS security companies to do so [5][6] - The company reported **22% ARR growth**, **32% billings growth**, and **27% cash flow growth** for the fourth fiscal quarter [5][6] - The guidance for fiscal 2026 is set at **22% to 23% growth**, which includes the recent acquisition of Red Canary contributing approximately **$95 million** or **2.5%** to growth [18][19] Shift in Metrics - Zscaler has shifted its growth metric focus from billings to ARR, aligning management compensation with ARR growth rather than billings [12][13] - The new definition of ARR reflects the next twelve months of revenue, which is more aligned with revenue recognition practices [14][16] - The company reported a **114% net retention rate** for Q4 but does not intend to use this metric going forward, emphasizing ARR growth as a more representative metric [27] Market Dynamics - The market for Zscaler's services is still considered to be in early stages, with significant opportunities for growth in the zero trust security space [34][42] - Zscaler has expanded its offerings from secure web gateways to a comprehensive zero trust architecture, which includes zero trust for users, branches, and cloud workloads [35][40] - The company has captured **45%** of the Fortune 500 companies, indicating substantial upsell opportunities [42] Data Security and AI Integration - Zscaler's data security business is projected to reach **$400 million** in ARR, with a focus on inline cloud data loss prevention (DLP) [48] - The acquisition of Red Canary aims to enhance Zscaler's capabilities in AI-driven security operations, providing managed services and technology solutions [66][68] - Zscaler's approach to data security is evolving to include data security posture management (DSPM) and endpoint DLP, creating a comprehensive solution for customers [54][56] ZFlex Initiative - ZFlex, introduced recently, generated over **$100 million** in bookings in Q4 and is designed to facilitate customer flexibility in consuming Zscaler's modules [75][76] - The initiative aims to reduce friction in the buying process and support ARR growth, although it is not a consumption-oriented model [80] Capital Allocation and M&A Strategy - Zscaler maintains a focus on innovation and efficient financial models, continuing to invest in engineering and product development [84][85] - The company is selective in its M&A strategy, seeking disruptive technologies that can enhance its platform rather than acquiring for revenue [85][87] Additional Insights - The competitive landscape is evolving, with Zscaler positioned to lead in the AI SecOps movement due to its extensive data capabilities and innovative architecture [71][72] - The company emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and providing comprehensive solutions rather than relying on traditional metrics like customer count [24][25] This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the Zscaler conference call, highlighting the company's financial performance, strategic shifts, market opportunities, and future growth prospects.
Zscaler Beats Q4 Estimates, Analysts Mixed On Price Targets Despite Growth
Benzinga· 2025-09-03 16:01
Core Insights - Zscaler Inc reported strong fiscal fourth-quarter results, with annual recurring revenues (ARR) increasing by 22% and initial guidance for fiscal 2026 indicating 19% growth [1][7][8] Financial Performance - Billings reached $1,202 million, a 32% year-on-year increase, surpassing the consensus estimate of $1,145 million [3][8] - Revenue for the quarter was $719 million, exceeding expectations of $708 million [3] - ARR for the fourth quarter was $3.015 billion, remaining flat sequentially, but net new ARR growth accelerated to 16% year-on-year from 6% in the previous quarter [3][11] Guidance and Future Outlook - Management guided for an operating margin expansion of approximately 65 basis points for fiscal 2026, indicating potential for upside [2] - The ARR guidance for fiscal 2026 is set at $3.676-$3.698 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 22%-23% [8] - The guidance does not include contributions from Red Canary contracts, which are up for renewal in fiscal 2026 [9] Market Position and Growth Areas - Zscaler is experiencing strong momentum in the Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) market, with a robust portfolio of emerging products [4][6] - The company's emerging growth categories, including AI Security, Zero Trust Everywhere, and Data Security Everywhere, now represent over $1 billion in combined ARR and are growing faster than the overall business [11] - Customers contributing $1 million in ARR grew by 18% year-on-year, while those spending over $100,000 increased by 13% [11] Analyst Sentiment - Analysts have noted that Zscaler's results substantially exceeded expectations across growth and profitability metrics [4][10] - The company is well-positioned to maintain a 22% year-on-year revenue growth trajectory [5]
These Analysts Revise Their Forecasts On Zscaler Following Q4 Results
Benzinga· 2025-09-03 13:37
Core Insights - Zscaler Inc reported better-than-expected financial results for Q4 fiscal 2025, with revenue of $719.23 million, surpassing the consensus estimate of $706.91 million and adjusted earnings of 89 cents per share, exceeding analyst estimates of 80 cents per share [1][2] Financial Performance - Fourth-quarter revenue: $719.23 million, beating estimates of $706.91 million [1] - Fourth-quarter adjusted earnings: 89 cents per share, surpassing estimates of 80 cents per share [1] - First-quarter revenue guidance: $772 million to $774 million, compared to estimates of $750.51 million [3] - First-quarter adjusted earnings guidance: 85 to 86 cents per share, against estimates of 84 cents per share [3] - Fiscal 2026 revenue forecast: $3.27 billion to $3.28 billion, exceeding estimates of $2.66 billion [3] - Full-year adjusted earnings forecast: $3.64 to $3.68 per share, compared to estimates of $3.18 per share [3] Market Reaction - Zscaler shares fell 4.5% to $262.19 following the earnings announcement [4] Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Rosenblatt analyst maintained a Buy rating, raising the price target from $315 to $330 [6] - Baird analyst maintained an Outperform rating, increasing the price target from $330 to $345 [6] - Keybanc analyst maintained an Overweight rating, boosting the price target from $345 to $350 [6] - Stifel analyst maintained a Buy rating, raising the price target from $295 to $330 [6] - Piper Sandler analyst maintained a Neutral rating, increasing the price target from $260 to $280 [6] - Susquehanna analyst maintained a Positive rating, raising the price target from $320 to $340 [6] - Scotiabank analyst maintained a Sector Outperform rating, lowering the price target from $360 to $334 [6]
Check Point Expands Harmony SASE with Enterprise Browser, Delivering Zero Trust to Any Device
Globenewswire· 2025-09-03 13:00
Core Viewpoint - Check Point Software Technologies has introduced the Enterprise Browser, a feature designed to enhance security for unmanaged devices while maintaining compliance and productivity for organizations [1][4]. Group 1: Product Overview - The Enterprise Browser extends Zero Trust security to unmanaged devices, including contractors and BYOD users, providing visibility and compliance-ready data protection without the need for persistent agents [1][3]. - Built on Chromium, the Enterprise Browser creates an isolated workspace that enforces enterprise-grade controls during each session and erases sensitive data upon closure [3][9]. Group 2: Market Context - As hybrid workforces and third-party ecosystems expand, unmanaged devices have emerged as significant security vulnerabilities, leading to risks such as data leakage and compliance gaps [2]. - Traditional security measures, like VPN access and hardware provisioning, are often costly and inefficient, complicating compliance with regulations like HIPAA, GDPR, and NIS2 [2]. Group 3: Key Features and Benefits - The Enterprise Browser allows organizations to secure devices they do not own, enabling flexible work arrangements without compromising critical systems or sensitive data [7]. - Key capabilities include data isolation, integrated data loss prevention, agentless posture checks, complete session visibility, and seamless integration with Harmony SASE [9]. - The solution supports compliance with major regulations and reduces risks associated with insider threats and compliance failures, while also minimizing IT overhead [9].
Zscaler(ZS) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-09-02 21:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue grew 21% year over year in Q4, reaching $719 million, and total revenue for fiscal year 2025 was $2.7 billion, representing 23% year over year growth [8][24] - Annual recurring revenue (ARR) surpassed $3 billion, marking a 22% year over year increase [9][23] - Operating margin exceeded 22%, a quarterly record, and free cash flow margin was 24% for Q4 [8][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - AI security solutions, including AI Guard and JNI security offerings, saw significant customer interest, contributing to the overall growth [8][10] - SecOps ARR grew over 85% year over year, while IT operations innovations drove 58% year over year growth in bookings of ZDX Advanced plus SKU [14][19] - Data Security Everywhere ARR reached approximately $425 million, with strong demand for comprehensive data security capabilities [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas accounted for 55% of revenue, EMEA for 29%, and APJ for 16% in Q4 [24] - The company now serves nearly 40% of the Global 2000 and over 45% of Fortune 500 companies, indicating a strong market presence [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on three growth factors: AI security, Zero Trust Everywhere, and Data Security Everywhere, which together surpassed $1 billion in ARR in Q4 [10][20] - The Z Flex program generated over $100 million in TCV bookings in Q4, representing over 50% sequential growth, and is becoming a preferred method for strategic multi-year deals [21][70] - The company aims to accelerate platform innovations and capitalize on the $100 billion security market opportunity [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong demand for their solutions and the operational scale, expecting continued growth in fiscal year 2026 [23][31] - The macro environment is anticipated to remain relatively unchanged, with a focus on ARR as the primary growth metric moving forward [28][95] Other Important Information - The company successfully closed the acquisition of Red Canary, contributing approximately $83 million to ARR at close [27] - The gross margin for Q4 was 79.3%, lower than the historical target of 80% due to a one-time deployment [25][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is SASE replacing firewall appliances? - Management indicated that firewall appliances, particularly in branches, are being replaced by Zero Trust architecture, with significant demand for Zero Trust branch solutions [34][36] Question: How will Z Flex help exceed sales goals? - Z Flex provides flexibility in module adoption and pricing, allowing for larger and better deals, and is being expanded to a broader customer base [40][44] Question: What does a Zero Trust Everywhere customer look like? - A Zero Trust Everywhere customer typically sees significant increases in ARR, with many deals resulting in 2x or 3x growth [46][50] Question: What is the focus of AI security product adoption? - Customers are primarily focused on securing public AI applications and private models, with growing interest in agent-to-agent communication [54][56] Question: What is the expected growth for data security solutions? - Data security solutions are being adopted alongside Zero Trust solutions, with a significant opportunity for upselling additional modules [61][65] Question: What is the methodology behind fiscal year guidance? - The company maintains a prudent approach to guidance, shifting focus from billings to ARR as a better alignment with the business model [92][94]
Zscaler(ZS) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-09-02 21:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q4 2025 was $719 million, representing a 21% year-over-year growth and exceeding guidance [19] - Annual recurring revenue (ARR) surpassed $3 billion, marking a 22% year-over-year increase [19][6] - Operating margin reached 22.1%, a record high, with a free cash flow margin of 24% [21][19] - Gross margin was 79.3%, slightly lower than the historical target of 80% due to a one-time deployment [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - AI Security, Zero Trust Everywhere, and Data Security Everywhere collectively surpassed $1 billion in ARR in Q4 [6] - SecOps ARR grew over 85% year-over-year, while ZDX Advanced Plus Queue bookings increased by 58% year-over-year [10] - Data Security Everywhere ARR grew to approximately $425 million, with significant deal wins [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas accounted for 55% of revenue, EMEA for 29%, and APJ for 16% [20] - The company serves nearly 40% of the Global 2000 and over 45% of Fortune 500 companies [19][5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on three growth vectors: AI Security, Zero Trust Everywhere, and Data Security Everywhere [6] - The ZFlex program is being utilized to facilitate strategic multi-year deals and increase module adoption [17] - The company aims to replace legacy solutions in various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and retail [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the demand for their solutions, particularly in AI and Zero Trust security [5] - The company anticipates a stable macro environment for fiscal 2026, with a focus on ARR as the primary growth metric [24][72] - Management expects to continue strong growth in AI Security and Zero Trust solutions, with significant upsell opportunities [67] Other Important Information - The acquisition of Red Canary is expected to contribute approximately $95 million to ARR in fiscal 2026 [23] - The company ended Q4 with $3.6 billion in cash and short-term investments [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is SASE replacing firewall appliances? - Management indicated that Zero Trust architecture is essential, and firewall appliances are being phased out, starting with branch firewalls [29] Question: How will ZFlex be utilized by the sales force? - ZFlex is designed to provide flexibility in module adoption, allowing for larger and better deals, and is being expanded to a broader customer base [33] Question: What does a Zero Trust Everywhere customer look like? - A Zero Trust Everywhere customer typically adopts multiple modules, leading to significant increases in ARR [36] Question: What is the focus of AI security product adoption? - Customers are primarily interested in securing both public and private AI applications, with a growing focus on agent-to-agent communication [41] Question: What is the expected growth trajectory for net new ARR? - Management is guiding for high single-digit net new ARR growth in fiscal 2026 on an organic basis [46] Question: How is the data security portfolio performing? - Data security solutions are often purchased alongside Zero Trust solutions, with significant growth potential as customers consolidate their security products [49] Question: What is the impact of ZFlex on financial metrics? - ZFlex is applicable to both new and existing customers, increasing potential deal sizes without fundamentally changing the financial model [53]
Zscaler(ZS) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-09-02 21:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q4 2025 grew 21% year over year, reaching $719 million, and total revenue for fiscal year 2025 was $2.7 billion, representing a 23% year over year growth [6][23] - Annual recurring revenue (ARR) surpassed $3 billion, marking a 22% year over year increase [7][22] - Operating margin for Q4 was 22.1%, exceeding long-term targets and growing approximately 60 basis points year over year [26] - Free cash flow margin for Q4 was 24%, with data center CapEx at 8% of revenue [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - AI security solutions, including AI Guard and JNI security offerings, saw significant customer interest, contributing to the overall growth [6][10] - SecOps ARR grew over 85% year over year, while ZDX Advanced plus SKU bookings increased by 58% year over year [12][19] - Data Security Everywhere ARR reached approximately $425 million, with strong demand driving growth [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas accounted for 55% of revenue, EMEA for 29%, and APJ for 16% [23] - The company now serves nearly 40% of the Global 2000 and over 45% of Fortune 500 companies, indicating a strong market presence [22][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on three growth factors: AI security, Zero Trust Everywhere, and Data Security Everywhere, which together surpassed $1 billion in ARR in Q4 [8][19] - The Z Flex program generated over $100 million in TCV bookings in Q4, representing over 50% sequential growth, and is expected to drive future growth [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing demand for their solutions and the potential for growth in the Zero Trust and AI security markets, which are expected to disrupt a $100 billion security market [20][21] - The macro environment is anticipated to remain relatively unchanged, with a focus on ARR as the primary growth metric moving forward [28][92] Other Important Information - The acquisition of Red Canary is expected to contribute approximately $95 million to ARR and $90 million to revenue in fiscal year 2026 [27] - The company plans to optimize new products for margins over time as they scale [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is SASE replacing firewall appliances? - Management indicated that firewall appliances, particularly in branches, are being replaced by Zero Trust architecture, with significant demand for Zero Trust branch solutions [33][36] Question: How will Z Flex help exceed sales goals? - Z Flex provides flexibility in module adoption for customers, allowing for larger and better deals, and is being expanded to a broader customer base [39][42] Question: What does a Zero Trust Everywhere customer look like? - A Zero Trust Everywhere customer typically adopts multiple modules, with significant increases in ARR observed as they transition to this model [45][50] Question: What is the focus of AI security product adoption? - Customers are primarily focused on securing public AI applications first, followed by private models, with significant interest in agent-to-agent communication solutions [54][56] Question: What is the expected growth for data security solutions? - Data security solutions are being adopted alongside Zero Trust solutions, with a significant opportunity for upselling additional modules to existing customers [60][63] Question: What is the methodology behind fiscal year guidance? - The company maintains a prudent approach to guidance, shifting focus from billings to ARR as a more aligned growth metric [90][92]
Zscaler(ZS) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Presentation
2025-09-02 20:30
Financial Performance - Zscaler's Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) reached $3.015 billion, exceeding guidance[6,8] - Fiscal Year 2025 revenue totaled $2.673 billion, a 23% year-over-year increase[8] - Calculated billings for Fiscal Year 2025 were $3.246 billion, representing a 24% year-over-year growth[8] - The company achieved an operating margin of approximately 22% for Fiscal Year 2025[8] - Free cash flow margin for Fiscal Year 2025 was 27.2%, resulting in $727 million[8] - Q4'25 revenue was $719 million, a 21% year-over-year increase[6] Growth Vectors and Customer Adoption - Three Growth Vectors (Zero Trust Everywhere, Data Security Everywhere, and Agentic Operations) combined for over $1 billion in ARR, growing faster than the total ARR[11] - Data Security Everywhere ARR reached approximately $425 million[11] - The number of "Zero Trust Everywhere" enterprises exceeded 350, a 60%+ quarter-over-quarter increase[11] Future Outlook - Zscaler projects revenue between $3.265 billion and $3.284 billion for Fiscal Year 2026, including a $90 million contribution from the Red Canary acquisition[64] - The company anticipates ARR between $3.676 billion and $3.698 billion for Fiscal Year 2026, with a $95 million contribution from the Red Canary acquisition[64]
Zscaler Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2025 Financial Results
Globenewswire· 2025-09-02 20:05
Core Insights - Zscaler achieved a significant milestone with over $3 billion in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) and the highest operating margin in a quarter, driven by demand for its Zero Trust and AI security solutions [3][6][11] - The company reported a 21% year-over-year revenue growth to $719.2 million for Q4 fiscal 2025, with a 22% increase in ARR to $3.015 billion [6][7] - Zscaler's calculated billings grew by 32% year-over-year to $1.202 billion, and deferred revenue increased by 30% to $2.468 billion [6][7] Financial Highlights for Q4 Fiscal 2025 - Revenue reached $719.2 million, a 21% increase from the previous year [6][7] - GAAP net loss was $17.6 million, compared to a loss of $14.9 million in Q4 fiscal 2024, while non-GAAP net income was $146.7 million, up from $115.8 million [6][7] - Cash provided by operations was $250.6 million, representing 35% of revenue, with free cash flow of $171.9 million, or 24% of revenue [7][8] Full Year Fiscal 2025 Financial Highlights - Total revenue for the fiscal year was $2.673 billion, a 23% increase year-over-year [6][8] - GAAP net loss for the year was $41.5 million, an improvement from a loss of $57.7 million in fiscal 2024, while non-GAAP net income rose to $534.8 million from $414.6 million [6][8] - Cash provided by operations for the year was $972.5 million, or 36% of revenue, with free cash flow of $726.7 million, also 27% of revenue [8] Recent Business Developments - Zscaler acquired Red Canary to enhance its AI-driven threat intelligence and automation capabilities, aiming to improve cyber risk management [11] - The company launched AI-powered security innovations, including Zscaler AI Guard, to protect sensitive data and ensure regulatory compliance [11] - Zscaler published a report indicating a 146% increase in ransomware attacks, highlighting the need for a comprehensive Zero Trust strategy [11] Financial Outlook - For Q1 fiscal 2026, Zscaler expects revenue between $772 million and $774 million, with non-GAAP income from operations projected at $166 million to $168 million [10] - For the full year fiscal 2026, revenue is anticipated to be approximately $3.265 billion to $3.284 billion, with non-GAAP income from operations expected to be between $728 million and $736 million [10]