Box(BOX) - 2023 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
BoxBox(US:BOX)2022-11-30 23:45

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q3 revenue of $250 million, representing a 12% year-over-year growth, and 17% growth on a constant currency basis [10][25] - Non-GAAP operating margins reached a record 24%, up 330 basis points from 20.7% a year ago [10][28] - Gross margins were strong at 76.5%, an increase of 180 basis points from 74.7% in the prior year [28] - Net retention rate improved to 110%, up 100 basis points year-over-year, with an annualized churn rate of 3% compared to 5% previously [27][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Enterprise Plus, the multi-product suite offering, comprised over 90% of suite sales in large deals, with suites representing 73% of large deals, up from 63% a year ago [20][26] - The company closed 77 deals worth more than $100,000 annually in Q3, down from 97 in the prior year, but total customers paying over $100,000 annually increased by 19% year-over-year [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a 5 percentage point FX headwind in Q3, which was 1 point higher than expected [25][30] - Remaining Performance Obligations (RPO) reached $1.1 billion, an 11% year-over-year increase, or 20% growth on a constant currency basis [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing its product offerings in security, compliance, and workflow automation to support digital transformation and hybrid work environments [14][19] - The strategy includes deepening integrations across the SaaS landscape and enhancing partnerships with major technology companies [17][18] - The company aims to achieve its three key financial objectives for FY 2023: accelerating revenue growth, expanding operating margins, and optimizing shareholder returns [24][37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while IT budgets may tighten, there is a strong demand for strategic IT initiatives that enhance customer service and operational agility [11][12] - The company remains confident in its ability to navigate macroeconomic challenges and is well-positioned to capitalize on the shift towards digital content management [23][37] Other Important Information - The company generated free cash flow of $55 million in Q3, up from $31 million in the prior year [29] - A new $150 million common stock repurchase plan was authorized by the Board of Directors [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on deal cycles and scrutiny - Management observed healthy net new demand but noted increased budget pressure in larger deals, leading to smaller deal sizes or longer cycles in some segments [40][41] Question: Renewal commentary driving billings upside - Stronger than typical volume of early renewals was noted, with customers moving into Suites contributing to the strength in billings [48][49] Question: Impact of macro environment on growth - Management highlighted that the current environment is different from 2020, with a stronger product portfolio and continued IT spending focused on efficiency [53][58] Question: Demand environment in Japan and Europe - Demand remains healthy in Japan and Europe, although budget scrutiny is impacting deal sizes [60][62] Question: Competitive landscape and pricing pressure - Pricing has strengthened, and the company is seeing strong demand for its platform, which is helping mitigate competitive pressures [63][64] Question: Enterprise Plus penetration and pricing opportunities - Suites penetration is now 42% of total revenue, with expectations for significant majority to move into Enterprise Plus over time [78][79]