01—Abstract
Summary
Summary of the 10-K filed November 3, 2017. Cited figures are marked; the original filing is the authoritative source.
F5, Inc. (FFIV) in its November 3, 2017 10-K filing highlights its position as a leading provider of software-defined application services, crucial for ensuring applications delivered over IP networks are faster, smarter, and safer across various devices and locations.
The company's core technology, TMOS, is a programmable and scalable platform that supports a wide range of application services, including traffic management, security, and access management. These services are delivered through hardware appliances, software-only Virtual Editions, and cloud-based Silverline SaaS offerings, providing flexibility for customers operating in hybrid and multi-cloud environments. The company's strategy focuses on offering a comprehensive suite of integrated application services, investing in technology to meet evolving customer needs, expanding its addressable market through strategic acquisitions and development, building strong technology partnerships, and leveraging its online community, DevCentral.
F5 serves mid-to-large enterprises, public sector entities, and top service providers globally, with a significant portion of its revenue derived from hardware and associated services, while also expanding its software-only and cloud-based offerings. Financially, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, F5 reported total net revenues of $2.09 billiona, an increase of 4.8% year-over-year, driven by growth in both product and service revenues.
The company maintained strong gross margins of 83.1%b and demonstrated robust operating income. F5 also continued its share repurchase program, indicating a commitment to returning capital to shareholders.
02—Key points
Key Highlights
- F5's core offering is the TMOS platform, enabling a wide array of application services including traffic management, security, and access control, delivered via hardware appliances, Virtual Editions, and cloud-based SaaS.
- The company strategically focuses on providing a complete, integrated suite of application services and invests heavily in R&D to meet evolving customer demands in dynamic IT environments.
- F5's addressable market has expanded beyond traditional Application Delivery Networking (ADN) to include security, WAN optimization, and policy management, driven by acquisitions and technology development.
- Strategic partnerships with major technology vendors like Microsoft, Oracle, VMware, and Cisco are key to F5's go-to-market strategy and product interoperability.
- The company reported total net revenues of $2.09 billion for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, a 4.8% increase from the previous year.
- F5 maintained strong financial performance with a gross profit of $1.74 billion and an operating income of $564 million, demonstrating healthy margins.
- The company actively engaged in its share repurchase program, repurchasing 4.56 million shares in FY2017, reflecting a commitment to shareholder returns.
03—One dollar
Follow one dollar
Of each $1.00 of revenue in FY2017, F5, Inc. kept $0.20.
- Revenue$2.09B100.0%
- Cost of revenue−$353.5M16.9%
- Gross profit$1.74B83.1%
- Operating costs−$1.17B56.1%
- Operating income$564.0M27.0%
- Interest, other & tax−$143.2M6.9%
- Net income$420.8M20.1%
Where FY2017 revenue went
$2.09B- Other operating costs: $822.2M, 39% of revenue
- Net income: $420.8M, 20% of revenue
- Cost of revenue: $353.5M, 17% of revenue
- R&D: $350.4M, 17% of revenue
- Interest, other & tax: $143.2M, 6.9% of revenue
Kept 20% as net income
Full revenue history →04—Financials
Financial Highlights
Figures from 10-KFY2017filed November 3, 2017Financial Statements
FY2017 against FY2016
| Line item | FY2017FY2016 | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $2.09B$2.00B | +4.8% |
| Cost of Revenue | $353.49M$337.20M | +4.8% |
| Gross Profit | $1.74B$1.66B | +4.7% |
| R&D Expenses | $350.37M$334.23M | +4.8% |
| Operating Expenses | $1.17B$1.11B | +5.6% |
| Operating Income | $563.96M$547.38M | +3.0% |
| Net Income | $420.76M$365.86M | +15.0% |
| EPS (Basic) | $6.56$5.43 | +20.8% |
| EPS (Diluted) | $6.50$5.38 | +20.8% |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 64.17M67.43M | −4.8% |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 64.78M67.98M | −4.7% |
05—Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is F5's primary business and technology?
F5's primary business is the development and provision of software-defined application services designed to enhance the speed, security, and availability of applications. Its core technology is the TMOS (Traffic Management Operating System) platform, which supports a broad range of application services delivered through hardware appliances, software-only Virtual Editions, and cloud-based subscription services.
How does F5 generate revenue, and what was its financial performance in FY2017?
F5 generates revenue from the sale of its application delivery networking (ADN) products (hardware and software) and related services, including maintenance, training, and consulting. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, F5 reported total net revenues of $2.09 billion, an increase of 4.8% compared to the prior year. The company maintained a strong gross profit margin of 83.1% and reported an operating income of $564 million.
What is F5's strategy for growth and market positioning?
F5's strategy involves offering a complete, integrated suite of application services, investing in technology innovation to meet evolving customer needs, expanding its addressable market through development and acquisitions, building strategic partnerships with technology leaders, and leveraging its online developer community (DevCentral). The company aims to be a leader in ensuring secure, fast, and reliable application delivery across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
How does F5 address the shift towards cloud computing?
F5 addresses the shift to cloud computing by offering software-only Virtual Editions (VEs) that can run on major hypervisors in public and private clouds, and through its cloud-based Silverline SaaS platform, which provides subscription services like DDoS protection and application security. This allows customers to deploy F5's services flexibly across traditional data centers and various cloud platforms.
06—Continue