Core Insights - Nutanix ended fiscal 2025 with a stronger-than-expected fourth quarter, achieving double-digit revenue growth and indicating progress from large strategic deals and industry partnerships [1][2] - Despite the positive performance, near-term contract timing issues affected investor sentiment, leading to a decline in share price [1][8] Financial Performance - The company reported fourth-quarter revenue of $653.3 million, a 19% increase from the previous year, surpassing guidance due to steady new customer additions and expanding enterprise adoption [2] - Annual recurring revenue (ARR) and net revenue retention (NRR) faced temporary challenges due to contracts with deferred start dates [2] Analyst Ratings and Forecasts - Needham analyst Mike Cikos maintained a Buy rating on Nutanix but reduced the price target from $92 to $80, citing near-term valuation pressures while remaining confident in the company's long-term prospects [3][8] - For fiscal 2026, management projected revenue between $2.90 billion and $2.94 billion, operating margins of 21%–22%, and free cash flow of $790–$830 million [6] Growth Catalysts - Key growth drivers include strong execution, expanding partnerships with Cisco, Dell, and Pure Storage, and early adoption of the Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI) Compute platform [4][6] - The NCI Compute platform has gained traction since its launch in April 2025, with Dell PowerFlex integration and expected support from Pure Storage by year-end [6] Future Expectations - In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, Nutanix anticipates revenue of $670–$680 million, operating margins of 19.5%–20.5%, and earnings per share of 37 cents [7] - The company expects to add several hundred new customers per quarter while continuing to grow renewal annual contract value (ACV) and partner-led revenue contributions [7]