10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2020

F5, INC. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Dec 31, 2019

Filed February 5, 2020For Securities:FFIV

Summary

F5, Inc. (FFIV) reported its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2019. Total net revenues saw a healthy increase of 4.7% year-over-year, driven primarily by growth in software and services. The company's strategic focus on multi-cloud application services appears to be resonating with customers, as evidenced by the revenue growth, particularly in services which now represent a larger portion of the revenue mix at 58.8% compared to 57.0% in the prior year's quarter. Operating expenses increased significantly, largely due to investments in sales and marketing, research and development, and general and administrative functions, including costs associated with the NGINX acquisition and relocation of its corporate headquarters. Despite the rise in operating expenses, the company maintained a strong gross profit margin of 84.4% and demonstrated solid cash flow generation from operations.

Financial Statements
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Key Highlights

  • 1Total net revenues increased by 4.7% to $569.3 million compared to the prior year's quarter, driven by software and services growth.
  • 2Services revenue grew by 8.0% to $334.8 million, now representing 58.8% of total revenue, indicating a shift towards recurring revenue streams.
  • 3Gross profit margin remained strong at 84.4%, indicating effective cost management in revenue-generating activities.
  • 4Operating expenses increased by 19.7% to $358.3 million, reflecting strategic investments in sales & marketing and R&D, alongside costs related to the NGINX acquisition and headquarters relocation.
  • 5Net income decreased by 24.7% to $98.5 million ($1.62 per diluted share) compared to the prior year's quarter ($130.9 million, $2.16 per diluted share), impacted by higher operating expenses and a higher effective tax rate.
  • 6Cash, cash equivalents, and investments totaled $1.47 billion as of December 31, 2019, showing a robust liquidity position.
  • 7The company adopted new lease accounting standards (ASC 842), resulting in the recognition of significant operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities on the balance sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Total net revenues increased by 4.7% to $569.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to increased software revenue from subscription-based products and higher service revenues, attributed to an expanded installed base of products.

Operating expenses rose by 19.7% to $358.3 million, driven by a substantial increase in sales and marketing expenses (19.0%), research and development (4.3%), and general and administrative expenses (38.7%). This increase is attributed to higher personnel costs, marketing programs, R&D investments, facilities costs related to the new headquarters, and costs associated with the NGINX acquisition.

The NGINX acquisition, completed in May 2019, contributed to increased operating expenses, particularly in general and administrative costs due to headcount growth and integration efforts. The financial statements reflect the results of NGINX from the acquisition date onwards. Goodwill related to this acquisition was substantial at $509.4 million.

F5 adopted the new lease accounting standard (ASC 842) in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. This resulted in the recognition of operating lease right-of-use assets ($303.4 million) and corresponding operating lease liabilities ($384.8 million) on the balance sheet, reflecting leases for office and lab spaces. This adoption did not materially impact the income statement or cash flow statement for the period.