Zscaler(US:ZS)2025-11-25 22:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong start to fiscal year 2026, with annual recurring revenue (ARR) growth accelerating to 26% year-over-year and remaining performance obligation (RPO) growth accelerating to 35% [7][23] - Q1 revenue was $788 million, growing 26% year-over-year and 10% sequentially, exceeding the high end of guidance [23] - The gross margin was reported at 79.9%, down from 80.6% in the same quarter last year, influenced by new product introductions [24] - Free cash flow margin for Q1 was 52%, with cash and short-term investments totaling $3.3 billion [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - ARR from the three growth pillars—AI Security, Zero Trust Everywhere, and Data Security Everywhere—accelerated in the quarter [7][23] - AI Security pillar grew over 80% year-over-year, exceeding the FY 2026 target of $400 million ARR three quarters early [8] - Data Security Everywhere ARR accelerated to approximately $450 million [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Geographically, the Americas accounted for 58% of revenue, EMEA for 27%, and APJ for 15% [23] - The company closed Q1 with 698 customers generating over $1 million in ARR and 3,754 customers exceeding $100,000 in ARR [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to exceed $10 billion in ARR, leveraging its leadership in Zero Trust security and comprehensive AI Security offerings [22] - The introduction of the Z-Flex program is driving meaningful upsells and reducing sales cycles, generating over $175 million in total contract value (TCV) [20][21] - The company is focusing on expanding its Zero Trust Everywhere initiative, having secured over 450 enterprises, surpassing its goal three quarters ahead of schedule [16] 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 Security and AI Security [65] - The company is optimistic about the future, citing strong demand for its solutions and a robust pipeline [66] Other Important Information - The company announced the transition of its Investor Relations leader, with Kim Watkins joining in early December [4] - The integration of Red Canary is progressing well, with the majority of the pipeline coming from existing Zscaler customers [48] Q&A Session Summary Question: About Zero Trust Branch and its future acceleration - Management indicated that the technology for Zero Trust Branch is in great shape, with significant demand from customers, and sees a big opportunity for growth [31] Question: Regarding the growth of the $2 billion ARR segment - Management confirmed that a significant part of the remaining $2 billion is from ZIA and ZPA, which are growing well, but the core business will grow at a slower rate than the overall business [40][42] Question: Performance of Red Canary and its integration - Management stated that the integration of Red Canary is going well, with its contribution trending slightly better than previous guidance, although it is not material to overall business [48][49] Question: Breakdown of revenue strength - Management highlighted that all three growth pillars—Zero Trust Everywhere, AI Security, and Data Security—are growing well and accelerating [53] Question: Competitive landscape and core business performance - Management noted that the competitive landscape has not changed significantly, with Zscaler's brand becoming stronger among large enterprises [58] Question: Customer spending priorities for 2026 - Management observed that while IT budgets are tight, there is strong interest in Zero Trust and AI Security, which are driving pipeline creation [65] Question: Trends in the SASE market - Management expressed confidence in their position within the Zero Trust market, stating that their expansion is driven by new functionalities [71] Question: Organic net new ARR in the quarter - Management indicated that organic growth in Q1 was consistent with Q4 and exceeded internal expectations [78][79] Question: Synergies between Red Canary and data security portfolio - Management discussed the integration strategy, emphasizing the potential for enhanced threat detection and governance capabilities [119]