Zscaler(US:ZS)2025-11-25 22:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1, annual recurring revenue (ARR) growth accelerated to 26% year over year, with ARR reaching over $3.2 billion [5][18] - Remaining performance obligation (RPO) grew approximately 35% year over year to $5.9 billion [19] - Q1 revenue was $788 million, growing 26% year over year and exceeding guidance [18] - Gross margin was 79.9%, slightly down from 80.6% in the previous year [19] - Operating margin was 21.8%, with a free cash flow margin of 52% [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - AI Security pillar grew over 80% year over year, exceeding the FY26 target of $400 million ARR three quarters early [6][12] - Data Security Everywhere ARR accelerated to approximately $450 million [16] - Zero Trust Everywhere achieved over 450 enterprise customers, surpassing the goal set three quarters ahead of schedule [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas accounted for 58% of revenue, EMEA for 27%, and APJ for 15% [18] - The company is one of only five enterprise SaaS companies with over $3 billion in ARR growing at over 25% [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on three growth pillars: AI Security, Zero Trust Everywhere, and Data Security Everywhere, which are driving strong top-line performance [5][12] - The introduction of the Zflex program is aimed at providing customers with flexibility and driving upsells [16][53] - The company is positioned to exceed $10 billion in ARR by leveraging its leadership in Zero Trust security and comprehensive AI security offerings [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while IT budgets remain tight, there is less pressure on cybersecurity spending, with strong interest in Zero Trust and AI Security solutions [32][34] - The company expects to continue investing aggressively to position itself for long-term growth and profitability [21] Other Important Information - The company announced a leadership transition in Investor Relations, with Kim Watkins joining to lead the team [3] - The acquisition of Red Canary is expected to enhance the company's threat intelligence capabilities [39] Q&A Session Summary Question: About Zero Trust Branch and its adoption - Management indicated that Zero Trust Branch technology is in great shape, with significant demand and a growing customer base [23][24] Question: Growth of the $2 billion ARR segment - Management confirmed that a significant portion of the $2 billion ARR comes from ZIA and ZPA, with a focus on transitioning customers to Zero Trust Everywhere [25][26] Question: Performance of Red Canary - Integration of Red Canary is progressing well, with contributions trending slightly better than previous guidance, though not material to overall business [27][28] Question: Drivers of revenue strength - Management highlighted that all three growth pillars are accelerating, contributing to strong overall performance [29][30] Question: Competitive landscape - The competitive landscape remains stable, with the company's brand recognition growing among large enterprises [31] Question: Customer spending priorities for 2026 - Customers are prioritizing Zero Trust Security and AI Security, with a focus on cost savings and improved cybersecurity [32][34] Question: Demand for Zero Trust Gateway - Management noted that Zero Trust Cloud simplifies deployments and reduces the need for traditional firewalls, enhancing customer buy-in [44][45] Question: SAP RISE migration opportunity - The migration to SAP RISE is expected to provide significant opportunities for the company, similar to past migrations like Microsoft Exchange to Office 365 [50][51] Question: Zflex program impact - Zflex is gaining traction, providing customers with flexibility and longer-term visibility on future ARR [52][53]