Gitlab (GTLB) - 2026 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 FY26 reached $244 million, representing a 25% year-over-year growth, exceeding guidance by two points [5][25] - Non-GAAP operating margin improved to 18%, five points above Q3 guidance [5] - Non-GAAP gross margin was reported at 89% for the quarter [26] - Dollar-based net retention rate (DBNRR) stood at 119% [25] - Total remaining performance obligations (RPO) grew 27% year-over-year to $1 billion [25] - Cash and investments at the end of the quarter totaled $1.2 billion [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - GitLab Ultimate now accounts for 54% of total annual recurring revenue (ARR) and was involved in seven of the top ten net ARR deals this quarter [14] - SaaS revenue represented approximately 31% of total revenue, growing 36% year-over-year [26] - The larger customer cohort (ARR of $100,000+) increased by 23% year-over-year, reaching 1,405 [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong international results were noted, although there was softness in the U.S. public sector due to slower decision-making related to the government shutdown [15] - GitLab was recognized as a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for DevOps Platforms and AI Code Assistants [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand its customer base, particularly in mid-market and enterprise segments, leveraging AI mandates to attract new clients [15][18] - GitLab is focusing on enhancing its platform capabilities, particularly through the Duo Agent platform, which is expected to drive new revenue streams [12][14] - The strategy includes transitioning from a pure seat-based model to a hybrid model that incorporates usage-based pricing [49][81] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's position to capitalize on the growing demand for AI in software development [6][18] - The lingering effects of the U.S. government shutdown are anticipated to impact deal dynamics in the federal business into Q4 [29] - The company remains optimistic about long-term growth despite current market challenges, particularly in the SMB segment [28][95] Other Important Information - The company is preparing for the general availability of the Duo Agent platform, which is expected to enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency [14][72] - A new Chief Financial Officer, Jessica Ross, will join the company in January [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on fourth quarter guidance and subscription revenue growth - Management acknowledged a deceleration in subscription revenue growth and highlighted ongoing challenges in the public sector impacting guidance [33][35] Question: Progress on first-order business and expected timeline for results - Management indicated that hiring a global leader for new business acquisition is underway, with expected results in the latter half of FY 2027 [39][40] Question: Impact of federal sector challenges on revenue retention - Management confirmed that public sector challenges are ongoing but emphasized the long-term potential of their public sector strategy [44][45] Question: Customer activity and AI tool usage - Management noted that AI tool usage is widespread among customers, enhancing their overall engagement with GitLab [98] Question: SMB segment performance and strategies - Management highlighted that SMB weakness is a small part of their overall revenue and attributed it to price sensitivity and scrutiny during renewals [95]