It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Pure Storage (PSTG) . Shares have added about 3.6% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Pure Storage due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.Pure Storage Q2 Earnings Beat EstimatesPure St ...

Core Insights - Pure Storage, Inc's (PSTG) shares have gained 37.1% in the past month and 29.4% since strong quarterly results were announced on August 27 [1][8] - The stock has outperformed the Computer-Storage Devices industry, the Zacks Computer and Technology sector, and the S&P 500 composite, which grew by 12.7%, 2.9%, and 3.1% respectively [4] Price Performance - Closing at $78.73, PSTG is near its 52-week high of $80.68 reached on August 28, 2025 [4] Business Growth Drivers - Strong demand from large enterprises and ongoing momentum in FlashBlade, particularly FlashBlade//E, are key growth drivers [5] - Subscription services revenues rose 14.8% to $414.7 million, with annual recurring revenues (ARR) reaching nearly $1.8 billion, up 18% year-over-year [6][8] - The introduction of new storage systems in the Flash portfolio aims to address high-performance and scalable workloads [7] - The launch of the Enterprise Data Cloud (EDC) enhances data and storage management capabilities [8] Financial Health - Pure Storage exited the fiscal second quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $1.5 billion, and cash flow from operations was $212.2 million [9] - The company returned $42 million to shareholders through share repurchases [10] Future Outlook - For fiscal 2026, PSTG expects revenues between $3.6 billion and $3.63 billion, indicating a 14% year-over-year growth at the midpoint [11] - Analysts have revised earnings estimates upward, reflecting bullish sentiment [12] Competitive Landscape - Despite strong performance, Pure Storage faces competition in the flash-based storage market and potential delays in enterprise cloud migrations due to macroeconomic uncertainties [13][14] Valuation Concerns - PSTG is trading at a forward Price/Earnings ratio of 36.41X, significantly higher than the industry average of 19.47X, raising concerns about its valuation [15] Investment Recommendations - Current sentiment suggests that new investors should wait for a better entry point, while existing investors are advised to retain their holdings [16][17]

Core Insights - Pure Storage (PSTG) reported second-quarter fiscal 2026 non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of 43 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 10.3% and slightly down from 44 cents in the prior-year quarter [1][8] - Quarterly revenues increased by 13% year-over-year to $861 million, surpassing both the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.8% and management's guidance of $845 million, driven by strong demand from large enterprises and growth in FlashBlade and core software offerings [2][8] Financial Performance - PSTG's product revenues, which accounted for 51.8% of total revenues, reached $446.3 million, reflecting a 10.6% year-over-year increase, while subscription services revenues (48.2%) rose by 14.8% to $414.7 million [5] - Subscription annual recurring revenues (ARR) were nearly $1.8 billion, marking an 18% increase year-over-year [6] - Non-GAAP operating income is forecasted between $605 million and $625 million, indicating about 10% year-over-year growth at the midpoint, which is an improvement from prior guidance [3][4] Guidance and Market Response - For fiscal 2026, PSTG expects revenues in the range of $3.6 billion to $3.63 billion, suggesting a 14% year-over-year growth at the midpoint, which is an increase from the previously guided 11% growth [3][4] - Following the strong quarterly performance and positive guidance, PSTG shares jumped 15% in pre-market trading, with a 21% increase over the past year compared to the industry growth of 7.1% [4] Margin and Cash Flow - The non-GAAP gross margin was reported at 72.1%, slightly down from 72.8% in the prior-year quarter, while the non-GAAP operating margin decreased to 15.1% from 18.1% year-over-year [10][11] - Cash flow from operations for the quarter was $212.2 million, down from $226.6 million in the prior-year quarter, with free cash flow at $150.1 million compared to $166.6 million [12] Shareholder Returns and Obligations - In the fiscal second quarter, the company returned $42 million to shareholders through share repurchases, with $109 million remaining under its current authorization plan [13] - Remaining performance obligations totaled $2.8 billion, reflecting a 22% year-over-year increase [13] Future Outlook - For fiscal Q3, PSTG anticipates revenues in the range of $950 million to $960 million, indicating a 15% increase at the midpoint from the previous year, with non-GAAP operating income expected to be between $185 million and $195 million [14]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 FY 2026 was $861 million, representing a 13% year-over-year growth, while operating profit was $130 million with an operating margin of 15.1% [22][28] - Subscription services revenue reached $415 million, up 15% year-over-year, accounting for 48% of total revenue [26] - Total remaining performance obligations (RPO) grew 22% to $2.8 billion, reflecting robust renewals and new commitments [26] - Total gross margin remained strong at 72.1%, with subscription services gross margin at 76.5% [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong performance was noted across the entire portfolio, particularly in FlashBlade and core software and services offerings like Evergreen One, Cloud Block Store, and Portworx [22][24] - Total contract value (TCV) sales for Storage as a Service offerings grew 24% year-over-year to $125 million [24] - The FlashBlade E family showed strength, contributing to overall product gross margin improvement [88] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. revenue was $577 million, growing 7%, while international revenue was $284 million, growing 26% year-over-year [27] - More than 300 new customers were added, maintaining a 62% penetration rate in the Fortune 500 [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on the enterprise data cloud architecture, which is transforming how organizations manage data, emphasizing the shift from traditional siloed storage to a software-defined model [9][11] - Continued investment in partnerships with hyperscalers, including Meta, to enhance direct flash technology and expand market presence [25][17] - The introduction of a guidance range for financial metrics aims to align with industry practices and provide flexibility for growth opportunities [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to extend industry leadership despite a variable macro environment, citing strong execution and planning [20] - Positive momentum is expected in the second half of the fiscal year, driven by strong demand signals and an increasing pipeline of large deals [110] - The company anticipates revenue for FY 2026 to be in the range of $3.6 billion to $3.63 billion, representing a 14% year-over-year growth at the midpoint [31] Other Important Information - The company reported a strong free cash flow performance of $150 million, with a free cash flow margin of 17.4% [29] - A new partnership with Nutanix is expected to enhance customer interest and scalability in virtualization environments [58] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the acceleration of growth in the back half of the fiscal year? - Management noted broad-based strength in product lines and improved visibility into the pipeline, contributing to confidence in growth forecasts [36] Question: How has the relationship with Meta evolved? - The relationship is progressing as expected, with deployments on track and revenue recognition beginning [42] Question: What factors contributed to the sequential gross margin improvement? - Management attributed the improvement to revenue mix, product mix, and pricing discipline, with Meta's contribution being less material than anticipated [48] Question: How is the engagement with other hyperscalers progressing? - Early-stage engagements are ongoing, with technology assessments and proofs of concept underway, but still in the initial phases [64] Question: What are the long-term expectations for Meta's contribution? - Management expects to achieve one to two exabytes of deployment this fiscal year, with potential for double-digit contributions in the next fiscal year [70] Question: How should the split between product versus subscriptions be viewed? - Management indicated that both product and subscription revenues are expected to grow, with subscription gross margins being higher than product gross margins [98]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 FY 2026 was $861 million, representing a 13% year-over-year growth [20] - Operating profit was $130 million, resulting in an operating margin of 15.1% [20] - Subscription services revenue reached $415 million, up 15% year-over-year, accounting for 48% of total revenue [25] - Total remaining performance obligations (RPO) grew 22% to $2.8 billion [25] - Free cash flow was $150 million, with a free cash flow margin of 17.4% [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong performance in FlashBlade and core software and services offerings, including Evergreen One, Cloud Block Store, and Portworx [20][6] - TCV sales for Storage as a Service offerings grew 24% year-over-year to $125 million [23] - Product gross margin rose to 68%, aligning with long-term expectations [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. revenue was $577 million, growing 7%, while international revenue was $284 million, growing 26% year-over-year [26] - The company added over 300 new customers, maintaining a 62% penetration of the Fortune 500 [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on the enterprise data cloud architecture, which transforms data management for organizations [9][13] - Continued emphasis on modernizing IT environments, including partnerships with hyperscalers and financial institutions [11][15] - The introduction of a guidance range for financial metrics to align with industry practices and allow flexibility for growth opportunities [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's momentum and the macroeconomic environment, indicating a positive outlook for the second half of the fiscal year [36][110] - The company anticipates revenue growth of 14% year-over-year for FY 2026, with Q3 revenue expected to be between $950 million and $960 million [29][30] Other Important Information - The company recognized its first revenue from a strategic co-engineering effort with Meta during Q2 [24] - The balance sheet remains strong with $1.5 billion in cash and investments [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the acceleration of growth in the back half of the fiscal year? - Management noted broad-based strength in product lines and improved visibility into the pipeline, contributing to confidence in forecasts [35] Question: How has the relationship with Meta evolved? - The relationship is progressing as expected, with revenue recognition beginning and confidence in achieving the forecasted deployment of one to two exabytes [40][42] Question: How much of the gross margin improvement was due to Meta shipments? - Management indicated that while Meta contributed to gross margin improvement, the majority came from product and revenue mix, as well as pricing discipline [48] Question: What are the expectations for the partnership with Nutanix? - The partnership is generating strong customer interest, with plans for general availability by the end of the year [57] Question: How are early engagements with other hyperscalers progressing? - Engagements are progressing well, with technology assessments and proofs of concept underway, but still in early stages [62] Question: What are the demand drivers observed in the quarter? - Demand was steady with above-average linearity, indicating strong macro and competitive environments, along with an increasing willingness from customers to expand their needs [110]

Q2 Fiscal Year 2026 Performance - Total revenue reached $861 million, representing a 13% year-over-year growth[9] - Subscription Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) hit $1.8 billion, an 18% year-over-year increase[9] - Storage as a Service offerings generated $125 million in revenue, a 24% year-over-year growth[9] - Non-GAAP operating margin was 15.1%[9] - Free cash flow was $150.1 million, resulting in a free cash flow margin of 17.4%[12, 33] Customer Satisfaction and Adoption - The company has over 13,500 global customers[9] - Net Promoter Score (NPS) reached 81, the highest in the industry[9] - 62% of Fortune 500 companies are customers[9, 31] Financial Position - Total cash and marketable securities amounted to $1.54 billion[9] - Remaining Performance Obligations (RPO) reached $2.84 billion, a 22% year-over-year growth[9] Future Outlook (Guidance) - Q3 Fiscal Year 2026 revenue is projected to be between $950 million and $960 million, indicating a year-over-year growth of 14.3% to 15.5%[57] - Q3 Fiscal Year 2026 non-GAAP operating income is expected to range from $185 million to $195 million, a year-over-year growth of 10.6% to 16.6%[57] - Fiscal Year 2026 revenue guidance was raised to $3.60 billion - $3.63 billion, reflecting a 13.5% to 14.5% year-over-year growth[59] - Fiscal Year 2026 non-GAAP operating income guidance was increased to $605 million - $625 million, an 8.2% to 11.7% year-over-year growth[59]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 revenue grew 12% year-over-year, reaching $830 million, with an operating profit of $83 million and an operating margin of 10.6% [22][24] - Subscription services revenue increased 17% to $406 million, representing over half of total revenue, while annual recurring revenue (ARR) grew 18% to $1.7 billion [23][24] - Total remaining performance obligations (RPO) grew 17% to $2.7 billion, indicating strong renewals and new commitments [23][24] - Total gross margin improved to 70.9%, with subscription services margin at 77.2% [24][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Storage as a Service (SaaS) solutions saw a 70% increase in total contract value (TCV) sales, reaching $95 million, driven by large Evergreen One deals [22][23] - Product margin rose 1.1 points sequentially to 64%, with expectations for mid-60s product gross margin for the year [25][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. revenue grew 9% to $531 million, while international revenue increased 21% to $248 million year-over-year [24] - The company added 235 new customers, achieving a penetration rate of 62% within the Fortune 500 [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on modernizing IT infrastructure and breaking down data silos, with a strong emphasis on AI and high-performance computing solutions [7][9] - Strategic partnerships with companies like Nutanix and SK Hynix are aimed at enhancing virtualization and flash storage capabilities [10][15] - The company is committed to maintaining pricing predictability for customers amid tariff-related changes, leveraging its Evergreen model [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate macroeconomic uncertainties while maintaining strong performance [16][28] - The company anticipates continued growth in the second quarter, projecting revenue of $845 million, a 10.6% year-over-year increase [28] Other Important Information - Kevin Chrysler, the CFO, will be leaving the company, with a transition plan in place to ensure continuity [19][20] - The company reported a strong balance sheet with $1.6 billion in cash and investments, and operating cash flow of $284 million [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on hyperscale opportunity with Meta - Management indicated that the evaluation process with Meta is on track, with expectations to deliver one to two exabytes in the second half of the year [36][38] Question: Size of the newly announced AXA offering - The company views the AXA offering as targeting niche markets, with expectations for margins to be at or above standard company margins [42][43] Question: Changes in buyer behavior during macro uncertainty - Management noted no significant changes in customer sentiment or purchasing behavior in Q1, with broad-based strength across sales [50][52] Question: Revenue contribution from Meta's project - Some de minimis revenue contribution from the Meta project has been included in the annual guidance, primarily through a licensing fee model [69][70] Question: Clarification on subscription margins amid tariff costs - Management expressed confidence that subscription gross margins would not be significantly impacted by potential tariff costs due to operational efficiencies [90][91] Question: Investment expectations for future hyperscaler wins - The company expects to see leverage in design and investment requirements as more hyperscalers are added, reducing costs for future projects [93][94] Question: Revenue linearity throughout the quarter - Management reported typical revenue linearity throughout the quarter, with strong performance sustained [97][98]