Zscaler Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2019 Financial Results

September 10, 2019

Fourth Quarter Highlights

  • Revenue grows 53% year-over-year to $86.1 million
  • Calculated billings grow 32% year-over-year to $125.8 million
  • Deferred revenue grows 53%year-over-year to $251.2 million
  • GAAP net loss of $5.3 million compared to GAAP net loss of $7.0 million on a year-over-year basis
  • Non-GAAP net income of $9.1 million compared to non-GAAP net loss of $1.4 million on a year-over-year basis

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zscaler, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZS), the leader in cloud security, today announced financial results for its fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal year ended July 31, 2019.

"Our strong fiscal 2019 results demonstrate our ability to drive growth and profitability while investing in our business, as we continue to see enterprises transforming their network and security to realize the benefits of the cloud," said Jay Chaudhry, Chairman and CEO of Zscaler. "I am also excited to welcome Dali Rajic as our new President Go-to-Market and Chief Revenue Officer and look forward to working together to scale our business to capture our significant market opportunity."

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2019 Financial Highlights

  • Revenue: $86.1 million, an increase of 53% year-over-year.
  • Income (loss) from operations: GAAP loss from operations was $7.9 million, or 9% of total revenue, compared to $7.9 million, or 14% of total revenue, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018. Non-GAAP income from operations was $7.9 million, or 9% of total revenue, compared to loss from operations of $2.4 million, or 4% of total revenue, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018.
  • Net income (loss): GAAP net loss was $5.3 million, compared to $7.0 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018. Non-GAAP net income was $9.1 million, compared to net loss of $1.4 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018.
  • Net income (loss) per share: GAAP net loss per share was $0.04, compared to $0.06 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018. Non-GAAP net income per share was $0.07, compared to net loss per share of $0.01 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018.
  • Cash flow: Cash provided by operations was $17.8 million, or 21% of revenue, compared to $14.7 million, or 26% of revenue, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018. Positive free cash flow was $7.6 million, or 9% of revenue, compared to $11.9 million, or 21% of revenue, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018.
  • Deferred revenue:$251.2 million as of July 31, 2019, an increase of 53% year-over-year.
  • Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments:$364.6 million as of July 31, 2019, an increase of $66.1 million from July 31, 2018.

Full Year Fiscal 2019 Financial Highlights

  • Revenue: $302.8 million, an increase of 59% year-over-year.
  • Income (loss) from operations: GAAP loss from operations was $35.3 million, or 12% of total revenue, compared to $34.6 million, or 18% of total revenue, in fiscal 2018. Non-GAAP income from operations was $25.1 million, or 8% of total revenue, compared to loss from operations of $15.4 million in fiscal 2018, or 8% of total revenue.
  • Net income (loss): GAAP net loss was $28.7 million, compared to $33.6 million in fiscal 2018. Non-GAAP net income was $30.3 million, compared to net loss of $14.4 million in fiscal 2018.
  • Net income (loss) per share: GAAP net loss per share was $0.23, compared to $0.63 in fiscal 2018. Pro forma non-GAAP net income per share was $0.22, compared to net loss per share of $0.13 in fiscal 2018.
  • Cash flow: Cash provided by operations was $58.0 million, or 19% of revenue, compared to $17.3 million, or 9% of revenue, in fiscal 2018. Positive free cash flow was $29.3 million, or 10% of revenue, compared to $2.1 million, or 1% of revenue, in fiscal 2018.

Financial Outlook

For the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we expect:

  • Total revenue of $89 million to $90 million
  • Non-GAAP loss from operations of $1 million to breakeven 
  • Non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.00 to $0.01, assuming approximately 139 million common shares outstanding

For the full year fiscal 2020, we expect:

  • Total revenue of $395 million to $405 million
  • Calculated billings of $490 million to $500 million
  • Non-GAAP income from operations of $13 million to $18 million
  • Non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.12 to $0.15, assuming approximately 140 million common shares outstanding

These statements are forward-looking and actual results may differ materially. Refer to the Forward-Looking Statements safe harbor below for information on the factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements.

Guidance for non-GAAP financial measures excludes stock-based compensation expense, amortization expense of acquired intangible assets, certain litigation-related expenses and income tax effects generated by intangible assets acquired in business acquisitions. We have not reconciled our expectations to non-GAAP income (loss) from operations and non-GAAP net income (loss) per share to their most directly comparable GAAP measures because certain items are out of our control or cannot be reasonably predicted. Accordingly, a reconciliation for non-GAAP income (loss) from operations and non-GAAP net income (loss) per share is not available without unreasonable effort.

Conference Call Information

Zscaler will host a conference call for analysts and investors to discuss its fourth quarter fiscal 2019 earnings results and outlook for its first quarter of fiscal 2020 and full year fiscal 2020 today at 1:30 p.m. Pacific time (4:30 p.m. Eastern time).

Date:   Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Time:   1:30 p.m. PT (4:30 p.m. ET)
Webcast:   https://ir.zscaler.com/ 
Dial-in number:   323-794-2093 or 800-458-4121

A live webcast of the conference call will be accessible from the Zscaler website at ir.zscaler.com. Listeners may log on to the call under the "Events & Presentations" section and select "Q4 2019 Zscaler Earnings Conference Call" to participate. A telephone replay of the conference call will be available at approximately 4:30 p.m. PT, September 10 through September 14, 2019 by dialing (888) 203-1112 or (719) 457-0820 and entering the passcode 2789187.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding our future financial and operating performance, including our financial outlook for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and full year fiscal 2020. There are a significant number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from statements made in this press release, including but not limited to: our limited operating history; our ability to identify and effectively implement the necessary changes to address execution challenges; risks associated with managing our rapid growth; our limited experience with new product and subscription and support introductions and the risks associated with new products and subscription and support offerings, including the discovery of software bugs; our ability to attract and retain new customers; the failure to timely develop and achieve market acceptance of new products and subscriptions as well as existing products and subscription and support; rapidly evolving technological developments in the market for network security products and subscription and support offerings; length of sales cycles; and general market, political, economic and business conditions.

Additional risks and uncertainties that could affect our financial results are included under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” set forth from time to time in our filings and reports with the Security Exchange Commission (SEC), including our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended April 30, 2019 filed on June 5, 2019, as well as future filings and reports by us, copies of which are available on our website at ir.zscaler.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You should not rely on these forward-looking statements, as actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements as a result of such risks and uncertainties. Additional information will also be set forth in other filings that we make with the SEC from time to time. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we do not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements provided to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information

We believe that the presentation of non-GAAP financial information provides important supplemental information to management and investors regarding financial and business trends relating to our financial condition and results of operations. For further information regarding why we believe that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to investors, the specific manner in which management uses these measures, and some of the limitations associated with the use of these measures, please refer to the “Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section of this press release.

About Zscaler

Zscaler enables the world’s leading organizations to securely transform their networks and applications for a mobile and cloud-first world. Its flagship services, Zscaler Internet Access™ and Zscaler Private Access™, create fast, secure connections between users and applications, regardless of device, location, or network. Zscaler services are 100 percent cloud-delivered and offer the simplicity, enhanced security and improved user experience that traditional appliances are unable to match. Used in more than 185 countries, Zscaler operates a multi-tenant distributed cloud security platform, protecting thousands of customers from cyberattacks and data loss. Learn more at zscaler.com or follow us on Twitter @zscaler.

Zscaler™, Zscaler Internet Access™, and Zscaler Private Access™, ZIA™ and ZPA™ are either (i) registered trademarks or service marks or (ii) trademarks or service marks of Zscaler, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Any other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

Investor Relations Contact:
Bill Choi, CFA
Vice President, Investor Relations
(669) 255-0767
ir@zscaler.com


ZSCALER, INC.  
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations  
(in thousands, except per share amounts)  
(unaudited)  
                 
  Three Months Ended   Year Ended  
  July 31,   July 31,  
  2019     2018     2019     2018    
Revenue $ 86,108     $ 56,174     $ 302,836     $ 190,174    
Cost of revenue (1) (2) 17,339     11,501     59,669     37,875    
Gross profit 68,769     44,673     243,167     152,299    
Operating expenses:                
Sales and marketing (1) (2) 49,317     32,479     169,913     116,409    
Research and development (1) (2) 17,213     11,480     61,969     39,379    
General and administrative (1) (3) 10,170     8,638     46,598     31,135    
Total operating expenses 76,700     52,597     278,480     186,923    
Loss from operations (7,931 )   (7,924 )   (35,313 )   (34,624 )  
Interest income, net 2,135     1,232     7,730     2,236    
Other income (expense), net (247 )   64     (329 )   79    
Loss before income taxes (6,043 )   (6,628 )   (27,912 )   (32,309 )  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (767 )   334     743     1,337    
Net loss $ (5,276 )   $ (6,962 )   $ (28,655 )   $ (33,646 )  
Accretion of Series C and D redeemable convertible preferred stock              (6,332 )  
Net loss attributable to common stockholders $ (5,276 )   $ (6,962 )   $ (28,655 )   $ (39,978 )  
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted  $ (0.04 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.23 )   $ (0.63 )  
Weighted-average shares used in computing net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted  126,302     119,204     123,566     63,881    

 (1)  Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows:

Cost of revenue $ 1,118     $ 323   $ 2,926   $ 757
Sales and marketing 8,341     1,781   23,118   5,044
Research and development 3,703     1,193   15,090   3,045
General and administrative (827 )   821   5,289   2,378
Total $ 12,335     $ 4,118   $ 46,423   $ 11,224

(2)  Includes amortization expense of acquired intangible assets as follows:

Cost of revenue $ 205   $   $ 512   $
Sales and marketing 7     10  
Research and development 291     386  
Total $ 503   $   $ 908   $

  (3) Includes certain litigation-related expenses as follows:

Litigation-related expenses $ 2,973   $ 1,427   $ 13,079   $ 8,039



ZSCALER, INC.  
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets  
(in thousands)  
(unaudited)  
  July 31,  
  2019     2018    
Assets        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 78,484     $ 135,579    
Short-term investments 286,162     162,960    
Accounts receivable, net 93,341     61,611    
Deferred contract acquisition costs 21,219     16,136    
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 16,880     10,878    
Total current assets 496,086     387,164    
Property and equipment, net 41,046     19,765    
Deferred contract acquisition costs, noncurrent 48,566     39,774    
Acquired intangible assets, net 8,708        
Goodwill 7,479        
Other noncurrent assets 2,277     1,078    
Total assets $ 604,162     $ 447,781    
         
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity        
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable $ 6,208     $ 4,895    
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 12,810     13,874    
Accrued compensation 21,544     23,393    
Deferred revenue 221,387     140,670    
Total current liabilities 261,949     182,832    
Deferred revenue, noncurrent 29,815     23,353    
Other noncurrent liabilities 3,840     1,360    
Total liabilities 295,604     207,545    
Stockholders’ Equity        
Common stock 127     119    
Additional paid-in capital 532,618     438,392    
Notes receivable from stockholders     (2,051 )  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 268     (124 )  
Accumulated deficit (224,455 )   (196,100 )  
Total stockholders’ equity 308,558     240,236    
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 604,162     $ 447,781    


ZSCALER, INC.  
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  
(in thousands)  
(unaudited)  
  Year Ended July 31,  
  2019     2018    
Cash Flows From Operating Activities        
Net loss $ (28,655 )   $ (33,646 )  
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash provided by operating activities:        
Depreciation and amortization expense 10,398     7,988    
Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets 908        
Amortization of deferred contract acquisition costs 18,651     13,181    
Stock-based compensation expense 46,423     11,224    
Deferred income taxes (1,392 )      
Accretion of purchased discounts, net of amortization of investment premiums (2,181 )      
Other 284     130    
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of business acquisitions:        
Accounts receivable (31,730 )   (22,559 )  
Deferred contract acquisition costs (32,526 )   (34,429 )  
Prepaid expenses, other current and noncurrent assets (7,642 )   (5,068 )  
Accounts payable 495     (779 )  
Accrued expenses, other current and noncurrent liabilities (336 )   2,076    
Accrued compensation (1,849 )   11,785    
Deferred revenue 87,179     67,404    
Net cash provided by operating activities 58,027     17,307    
Cash Flows From Investing Activities        
Purchases of property, equipment and other (25,520 )   (13,397 )  
Capitalized internal-use software (3,162 )   (1,773 )  
Acquired intangible assets (1,480 )      
Payments for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired (11,432 )      
Purchases of short-term investments (335,186 )   (163,366 )  
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments 199,716     433    
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments 14,990        
Net cash used in investing activities (162,074 )   (178,103 )  
Cash Flows From Financing Activities        
Proceeds from initial public offering, net of underwriting discounts and commissions     205,344    
Payments of offering costs related to initial public offering (1,797 )   (4,336 )  
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options 29,862     4,985    
Proceeds from issuance of common stock related to early exercised stock options     869    
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under the employee stock purchase plan 16,436        
Repurchases of unvested common stock (22 )   (3,811 )  
Repayments of notes receivable from stockholders 1,905     5,346    
Net cash provided by financing activities 46,384     208,397    
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (57,663 )   47,601    
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 136,147     88,546    
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 78,484     $ 136,147    
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash within the condensed consolidated balance sheets to the amounts shown in the statements of cash flows above:        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 78,484     $ 135,579    
Restricted cash, current     236    
Restricted cash, non-current     332    
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 78,484     $ 136,147    


ZSCALER, INC.  
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures  
(in thousands)  
(unaudited)  
                 
  Three Months Ended   Year Ended  
  July 31,   July 31,  
  2019     2018     2019     2018    
                 
Revenue $ 86,108     $ 56,174     $ 302,836     $ 190,174    
                 
Non-GAAP Gross Profit and Non-GAAP Gross Margin                
GAAP gross profit $ 68,769     $ 44,673     $ 243,167     $ 152,299    
Add:                
Stock-based compensation expense 1,118     323     2,926     757    
Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets 205         512        
Non-GAAP gross profit $ 70,092     $ 44,996     $ 246,605     $ 153,056    
GAAP gross margin 80   %   80   %   80   %   80   %  
Non-GAAP gross margin 81   %   80   %   81   %   80   %  
                 
Non-GAAP Income (Loss) from Operations and Non-GAAP Operating Margin                
GAAP loss from operations $ (7,931 )   $ (7,924 )   $ (35,313 )   $ (34,624 )  
Add:                
Stock-based compensation expense 12,335     4,118     46,423     11,224    
Litigation-related expenses 2,973     1,427     13,079     8,039    
Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets 503         908        
Non-GAAP income (loss) from operations $ 7,880     $ (2,379 )   $ 25,097     $ (15,361 )  
GAAP operating margin (9 ) %   (14 ) %   (12 ) %   (18 ) %  
Non-GAAP operating margin 9   %   (4 ) %   8   %   (8 ) %  



ZSCALER, INC.  
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures  
(in thousands, except per share amounts)  
(unaudited)  
                 
  Three Months Ended   Year Ended  
  July 31,   July 31,  
  2019     2018     2019     2018    
Non-GAAP Net Income (Loss) per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders, Diluted                
GAAP net loss attributable to common stockholders $ (5,276 )   $ (6,962 )   $ (28,655 )   $ (39,978 )  
Stock-based compensation expense 12,335     4,118     46,423     11,224    
Litigation-related expenses 2,973     1,427     13,079     8,039    
Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets 503         908        
Accretion of Series C and D redeemable convertible preferred stock             6,332    
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (1) (1,422 )       (1,422 )      
Non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 9,113     $ (1,417 )   $ 30,333     $ (14,383 )  
                 
GAAP net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted $ (0.04 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.23 )   $ (0.63 )  
Stock-based compensation expense 0.09     0.03     0.34     0.18    
Litigation-related expenses 0.02     0.01     0.10     0.13    
Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets         0.01        
Accretion of Series C and D redeemable convertible preferred stock             0.10    
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (1) (0.01 )       (0.01 )      
Non-GAAP net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted (2) $ 0.07     $ (0.01 )   $ 0.22     $ (0.23 )  
Weighted-average shares used in computing non-GAAP net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted 137,545     119,204     135,880     63,881    

___________

(1) We use our GAAP provision for income taxes for purposes of determining our non-GAAP income tax expense. Currently, the difference between our GAAP and non-GAAP income tax expense represents the excess tax deduction of stock-based compensation recognized in foreign jurisdictions and any income tax benefits associated with business combinations. The income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation and included in the GAAP provision for income taxes was not material for all periods presented. In the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2019, we recorded a non-recurring tax benefit of $1.4 million associated with an intangible asset recognized as a result of our acquisition of Appsulate, Inc.

(2) The sum of the non-GAAP per share attributable to common stockholders of individual line items excluded from our non-GAAP net income (loss) may not total to the non-GAAP net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders due to rounding.



ZSCALER, INC.  
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures  
(in thousands, except per share amounts)  
(unaudited)  
                 
  Three Months Ended   Year Ended  
  July 31,   July 31,  
  2019     2018     2019     2018    
Pro Forma Non-GAAP Net Income (Loss) per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders                
Numerator:                
GAAP net loss attributable to common stockholders $ (5,276 )   $ (6,962 )   $ (28,655 )   $ (39,978 )  
Stock-based compensation expense 12,335     4,118     46,423     11,224    
Litigation-related expenses 2,973     1,427     13,079     8,039    
Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets 503         908        
Accretion of Series C and D redeemable convertible preferred stock             6,332    
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (1) (1,422 )       (1,422 )      
Non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 9,113     $ (1,417 )   $ 30,333     $ (14,383 )  
                 
Denominator:                
Weighted-average shares used in computing GAAP net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted 126,302     119,204     123,566     63,881    
Potentially diluted shares 11,243         12,314        
Pro forma adjustment to reflect assumed conversion of our convertible preferred stock as of the beginning of the period (2)             45,884    
Weighted-average shares used in computing pro forma non-GAAP net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted (2) 137,545     119,204     135,880     109,765    
Pro forma non-GAAP net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted (2) $ 0.07     $ (0.01 )   $ 0.22     $ (0.13 )  

___________

(1) We use our GAAP provision for income taxes for purposes of determining our non-GAAP income tax expense. Currently, the difference between our GAAP and non-GAAP income tax expense represents the excess tax deduction of stock-based compensation recognized in foreign jurisdictions and any income tax benefits associated with business combinations. The income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation and included in the GAAP provision for income taxes was not material for all periods presented. In the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2019, we recorded a non-recurring tax benefit of $1.4 million associated with an intangible asset recognized as a result of our acquisition of Appsulate, Inc.

(2) We define pro forma non-GAAP net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders as the weighted-average shares used in computing the GAAP net loss per share attributable to common stockholders plus a pro forma adjustment to give effect to the automatic conversion of our redeemable convertible preferred stock into 72,500,750 shares of common stock as though the conversion had occurred as of the beginning of the periods presented. Upon the closing of our initial public offering on March 20, 2018, all our outstanding shares of redeemable convertible preferred stock automatically converted into 72,500,750 shares of common stock on a one-to-one basis.





ZSCALER, INC.  
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures  
(in thousands)  
(unaudited)  
                 
  Three Months Ended   Year Ended  
  July 31,   July 31,  
  2019     2018     2019     2018    
Calculated Billings                
Revenue $ 86,108     $ 56,174     $ 302,836     $ 190,174    
Add: Total deferred revenue, end of period 251,202     164,023     251,202     164,023    
Less: Total deferred revenue, beginning of period (211,542 )   (124,806 )   (164,023 )   (96,619 )  
Calculated billings $ 125,768     $ 95,391     $ 390,015     $ 257,578    
                 
Free Cash Flow                
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 17,823     $ 14,658     $ 58,027     $ 17,307    
Less:                
Purchases of property, equipment and other (8,822 )   (2,389 )   (25,520 )   (13,397 )  
Capitalized internal-use software (1,449 )   (349 )   (3,162 )   (1,773 )  
Free cash flow $ 7,552     $ 11,920     $ 29,345     $ 2,137    
As a percentage of revenue:                
Net cash provided by operating activities    21 %      26 %      19 %      9 %  
Less:                
Purchases of property, equipment and other   (10 )%     (4 )%     (8 )%     (7 )%  
Capitalized internal-use software   (2 )%     (1 )%     (1 )%     (1 )%  
Free cash flow margin    9 %      21 %      10 %      1 %  



ZSCALER, INC.
Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to our results determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP), we believe the following non-GAAP measures are useful in evaluating our operating performance. We use the following non-GAAP financial information to evaluate our ongoing operations and for internal planning and forecasting purposes. We believe that non-GAAP financial information, when taken collectively, may be helpful to investors because it provides consistency and comparability with past financial performance. However, non-GAAP financial information is presented for supplemental informational purposes only, has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. In particular, free cash flow is not a substitute for cash used in operating activities. Additionally, the utility of free cash flow as a measure of our liquidity is further limited as it does not represent the total increase or decrease in our cash balance for a given period. In addition, other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate similarly-titled non-GAAP measures differently or may use other measures to evaluate their performance, all of which could reduce the usefulness of our non-GAAP financial measures as tools for comparison. A reconciliation of the Company's historical non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable financial measure stated in accordance with GAAP has been included in this press release. Investors are cautioned that there are a number of limitations associated with the use of non-GAAP financial measures and key metrics as analytical tools. Investors are encouraged to review these reconciliations, and not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.

Expenses Excluded from Non-GAAP Measures

Stock-based compensation expense is excluded primarily because they are non-cash expenses that management believes are not reflective of our ongoing operational performance. Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets is excluded because these are considered by management to be outside of the Company's core business operating performance. We also exclude certain litigation-related expenses consisting of professional fees and related costs incurred by us in defending against significant claims that we deem not to be in the ordinary course of our business and, if applicable, actual losses and accruals related to estimated losses in connection with these claims. There are many uncertainties and potential outcomes associated with any litigation, including the expense of litigation, timing of such expenses, court rulings, unforeseen developments, complications and delays, each of which may affect our results of operations from period to period, as well as the unknown magnitude of the potential loss relating to any lawsuit, all of which are inherently subject to change, difficult to predict and could adversely affect our results of operations. We estimate the tax effect of these items on our non-GAAP results and may adjust our GAAP provision for income taxes, if such effects have a material impact to our non-GAAP results.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Non-GAAP Gross Profit and Non-GAAP Gross Margin. We define non-GAAP gross profit as GAAP gross profit excluding stock-based compensation expense and amortization expense of acquired intangible assets. We define non-GAAP gross margin as non-GAAP gross profit as a percentage of revenue.

Non-GAAP  Income (Loss) from Operations and Non-GAAP Operating Margin. We define non-GAAP income (loss) from operations and non-GAAP operating margin as GAAP loss from operations and GAAP operating margin, respectively, excluding stock-based compensation expense, amortization expense of acquired intangible assets and certain litigation-related expenses.

Non-GAAP Net Income (Loss) and Non-GAAP Net Income (Loss) per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders, Diluted. We define non-GAAP net income (loss) as GAAP net loss plus stock-based compensation expense, amortization expense of acquired intangible assets, certain litigation-related expenses, accretion of Series C and Series D redeemable convertible preferred stock and income tax effects generated by intangible assets acquired in business acquisitions. We define non-GAAP net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted, as non-GAAP net income (loss) divided by the weighted-average diluted shares outstanding, which includes the dilutive effect of potentially diluted common stock equivalents outstanding during the period.

Pro Forma Non-GAAP Net Income (Loss) per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders, Diluted. We define pro forma non-GAAP net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted, as the weighted-average shares used in computing the GAAP net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted, plus a pro forma adjustment to give effect to the automatic conversion, upon the closing of our initial public offering on March 20, 2018, of our redeemable convertible preferred stock into 72,500,750 shares of common stock as though the conversion had occurred as of the beginning of the periods presented. We believe that this adjustment is necessary in order to provide meaningful comparison between periods.

Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow Margin. We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities less purchases of property, equipment and other, and capitalized internal-use software. We define free cash flow margin as free cash flow divided by revenue. We believe that free cash flow and free cash flow margin are meaningful indicators of liquidity information to management and investors about the amount of cash generated from our operations that, after the investments in property, equipment and other, and capitalized internal-use software, can be used for strategic initiatives.

Calculated Billings. We define calculated billings as total revenue plus the change in deferred revenue in a period. Calculated billings in any particular period aims to reflect amounts invoiced for subscriptions to access our cloud platform, together with related support services related to our new and existing customers. We typically invoice our customers annually in advance, and to a lesser extent quarterly in advance, monthly in advance or multi-year in advance.

 

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Source: Zscaler, Inc.