Core Insights - Workday Inc. reported better-than-expected fiscal third-quarter results with non-GAAP earnings of $2.32 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 19 cents. Revenues increased by 12.6% year over year to $2.43 billion, surpassing estimates by $17 million [1] Segment Performance - Subscription revenues for the fiscal third quarter reached $2.244 billion, reflecting a 15% year-over-year growth. The company consistently outperformed estimates, with net sales exceeding the expected $2.23 billion [2] AI Integration and Growth Drivers - The adoption of AI solutions is significantly boosting Workday's offerings, with over 75% of customers utilizing Workday Illuminate AI, leading to over 1 billion AI actions on the platform. More than 75% of new deals and 35% of expansion deals included AI products, highlighting the importance of digital transformation across sectors [3] Industry Traction - Workday experienced strong growth in sectors such as technology, media, healthcare, and financial services. Healthcare has become the sixth industry to generate $1 billion in annual recurring revenue for Workday, with notable customer acquisitions including Ardent Health and Bayer [4] Financial Metrics - The 12-month subscription revenue backlog stood at $8.21 billion, up 17.6% year over year, while total subscription backlog reached $25.96 billion, increasing by 17%. Gross revenue retention remained high at 97% [5] Cost Structure - Sales and marketing expenses rose to $677 million from $620 million year-over-year, while general and administrative expenses increased to $234 million from $198 million. Subscription service costs also grew to $395 million from $329 million [6] Cash Flow and Debt - Workday generated $588 million in cash from operations in the fiscal third quarter, compared to $406 million in the previous year. The company had $2.6 billion in cash and cash equivalents and $2.98 billion in long-term debt as of October 31, 2024 [7] Share Buyback Program - In fiscal 2025, Workday repurchased 3.4 million shares for $803 million, with $4.4 billion remaining under its buyback program [8] Future Guidance - For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, Workday anticipates subscription service revenues of $2.35 billion, indicating a 15% growth. The company expects a non-GAAP operating margin of 28.5% [11] - For fiscal 2026, subscription revenues are projected to reach $8.82 billion, reflecting a 14% year-over-year growth, with a non-GAAP operating margin of 29% [12] - The company expects AI-driven investments and the first phase of delivery to the Department of Intelligence to contribute significantly to growth [13]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Workday reported Q3 subscription revenue of $2.244 billion, reflecting a 15% increase year-over-year. Total revenue reached $2.432 billion, up 13% [19][20] - The 12-month subscription revenue backlog (CRPO) was $8.21 billion, increasing by 17.6% [20] - Non-GAAP operating income for Q3 was $692 million, with a non-GAAP operating margin of 28.5% [20] - Operating cash flow for Q3 was $588 million, representing a growth of 45% [20] - The company ended the quarter with $6.8 billion in cash and marketable securities [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Human Capital Management (HCM), Workday added new customers including Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center and Magnum Ice Cream Company, with strong full-suite adoption [8] - The company saw that half of all net new global deals in Q3 included both HR and finance solutions [8] - Workday Go contributed to strong new customer growth, particularly in the medium enterprise segment [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. revenue in Q3 totaled $1.825 billion, up 12%, while international revenue was $607 million, up 13% [19] - Healthcare became the sixth industry to exceed $1 billion in ARR, with significant wins in the sector [10] - The company reported strong performance across EMEA, APAC, and Japan, with notable wins in these regions [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Workday is focused on integrating AI into its platform, with over 75% of core customers using Workday Illuminate AI [9] - The company aims to make Workday the "new front door to work" by combining enterprise knowledge, AI agents, and HR and finance processes [14] - Workday is expanding its market presence, including new initiatives in the Middle East and India [92] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's momentum and the strength of its business model, particularly in the face of potential economic challenges [30] - The company anticipates a subscription revenue growth of approximately 14% for FY26, with a target of 12%-15% CAGR through FY28 [24][25] - Management highlighted the importance of data quality, integrity, and security as key factors for enterprise adoption of AI solutions [32] Other Important Information - Workday announced the acquisition of Sana, an AI-native platform, and Pipedream, a low-code integration platform, to enhance its AI capabilities [15] - The company is accelerating its share repurchase program, with plans to repurchase an additional $3.6 billion through the end of FY27 [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Feedback on venture-backed vibe-coding startups - Management noted that while some startups are experiencing a slowdown, Workday's established infrastructure and data quality continue to attract customers [30][32] Question: Mechanisms to maintain ACV growth amid layoffs - Management explained that they focus on selling additional solutions to existing customers and have protections in place for headcount reductions [36][39] Question: Early success with AI solutions - Management reported that AI solutions contributed 1.5 points of growth to ARR, with strong demand for AI products among new and existing customers [43][44] Question: Feedback on Paradox and Sana acquisitions - Management indicated strong early interest in both acquisitions, with Paradox already generating sales shortly after the acquisition [50][52] Question: Go-to-market strategy for Paradox - Management confirmed that Paradox can be sold independently of Workday's platform, allowing for broader market penetration [58] Question: Confidence in DIA go-live milestones - Management expressed high confidence in meeting DIA contract requirements, which are expected to contribute $15 million in Q4 [68][69] Question: International growth rates - Management acknowledged that international growth rates are comparable to U.S. growth, with a strong pipeline building in international markets [99]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Workday reported Q3 subscription revenue of $2.244 billion, reflecting a 15% increase year-over-year. Total revenue reached $2.432 billion, up 13% [19] - Non-GAAP operating margin for Q3 was 28.5%, with non-GAAP operating income of $692 million [20] - The 12-month subscription revenue backlog (CRPO) was $8.21 billion, increasing by 17.6% [19] - Total subscription revenue backlog at the end of the quarter was $25.96 billion, up 17% [20] - Operating cash flow for Q3 was $588 million, representing a growth of 45% [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Human Capital Management (HCM), Workday added new customers including Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center and Fuji Electric, with strong full-suite adoption [8] - AI products contributed over 1.5 points of Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) growth this quarter, with more than 75% of core customers using Workday Illuminate AI [9] - Workday Go is driving strong new customer growth, particularly in the medium enterprise segment, with a major expansion announced [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. revenue in Q3 totaled $1.825 billion, up 12%, while international revenue was $607 million, up 13% [19] - Healthcare became the sixth industry to exceed $1 billion in ARR, with significant wins in the sector [10] - The company saw strong performance across EMEA, APAC, and Japan, with notable wins in these regions [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Workday aims to unify HR and Finance on one intelligent platform, leveraging AI to help organizations adapt quickly and make better decisions [7] - The company is focused on increasing AI talent and entering new markets, including the Middle East and India [20] - Workday is committed to driving efficiencies while scaling the business globally, with a focus on targeted investments for long-term growth [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the momentum of the business heading into Q4 and FY27, citing strong customer engagement and ROI from Workday solutions [30] - The company is optimistic about AI-driven growth investments and expects to achieve a subscription revenue CAGR of 12%-15% through FY28 [24] - Management acknowledged some impacts from fiscal funding in certain sectors but emphasized strong execution across the portfolio [23] Other Important Information - Workday closed the acquisition of Paradox, which contributed to CRPO growth and was not included in backlog guidance [20] - The company plans to repurchase an additional $3.6 billion in shares through the end of FY27, leading to a total of $5 billion in repurchases [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Feedback on venture-backed vibe-coding startups - Management noted that while there is interest in point solutions, customers are returning to trusted vendors like Workday due to data quality and security concerns [31] Question: Mechanisms to maintain ACV growth amid layoffs - Management highlighted that they are focused on selling back into their customer base with new solutions, which helps offset any potential impacts from headcount reductions [36] Question: Early success with AI solutions - Management reported that AI solutions are adding significant growth to ARR, with 75% of new sales including an AI solution [43] Question: Feedback on Paradox and Sana acquisitions - Early feedback from customers has been very positive, with strong demand for both acquisitions and their integration into Workday's offerings [51] Question: Go-to-market strategy for Paradox - Workday plans to sell Paradox not only to existing customers but also to competitors' environments, expanding its market reach [59] Question: Confidence in DIA go-live milestones - Management expressed high confidence in meeting DIA contract requirements, which are expected to contribute significantly to Q4 revenue [68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Workday reported a 15% growth in subscription revenue, totaling $2.244 billion for Q3 2026, with total revenue reaching $2.432 billion, reflecting a 13% increase [17] - Non-GAAP operating margin stood at 28.5%, with non-GAAP operating income of $692 million [18] - The 12-month subscription revenue backlog (CRPO) increased by 17.6% to $8.21 billion, while total subscription revenue backlog rose 17% to $25.96 billion [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Human Capital Management (HCM) segment saw new customer additions, including Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center and Fuji Electric, contributing to strong full-suite adoption [6] - More than 75% of core customers are utilizing Workday Illuminate AI, with over 1 billion AI actions executed on the platform this year [7] - AI products contributed over 1.5 points to Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) growth in Q3 [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Healthcare became the sixth industry to exceed $1 billion in ARR, with significant wins including Arden Health and Northeast Georgia Medical Center [9] - International revenue totaled $607 million, up 13%, with strong performances across EMEA, APAC, and Japan [17][15] - The U.S. revenue for Q3 was $1.825 billion, reflecting a 12% increase [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Workday aims to enhance its AI capabilities through strategic acquisitions, including the recent acquisition of Sana, which will improve user experience and AI integration [12] - The company is focused on expanding into new markets, including the Middle East and India, while also investing in medium enterprises [18] - Workday's vision is to unify HR and finance processes on a single platform, leveraging AI to drive better decision-making and operational efficiency [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the business momentum and the ability to achieve financial targets, with a subscription revenue growth forecast of approximately 14% for FY26 [20] - The company anticipates continued growth in AI-driven solutions, with expectations for a subscription revenue CAGR of 12%-15% through FY28 [22] - Management acknowledged some impacts from fiscal funding in the public sector but emphasized strong execution across the portfolio [20] Other Important Information - Workday's operating cash flow for Q3 was $588 million, a 45% increase, and the company ended the quarter with $6.8 billion in cash and marketable securities [18] - The company plans to repurchase an additional $3.6 billion in shares, totaling $5 billion in buybacks [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Feedback on venture-backed vibe-coding startups - Management noted that while there are challenges with operationalizing these solutions, customers are returning to trusted vendors like Workday for reliable data and security [27][28] Question: Mechanisms to maintain ACV with customers facing layoffs - Management highlighted that customer headcount is still growing year-over-year, and they are focused on selling additional solutions to existing customers to offset any potential impacts from layoffs [30] Question: Early success with AI solutions - Management reported that AI solutions are contributing significantly to ARR growth, with 75% of new sales including AI products [32][33] Question: Feedback on Paradox and Sana acquisitions - Early feedback from customers has been very positive, indicating strong demand for both AI solutions and the integration of these acquisitions into the Workday ecosystem [36][38] Question: International growth performance - Management expressed satisfaction with international performance across EMEA, APAC, and Japan, attributing success to product localization and strong partner networks [60][61]