10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2022

Cloudflare, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2022

Filed November 3, 2022For Securities:NET

Summary

Cloudflare, Inc. (NET) reported solid revenue growth in the third quarter of 2022, with a 47% year-over-year increase. The company's expanding customer base, both new and existing, drove this growth, evidenced by a dollar-based net retention rate of 124%. Despite strong revenue performance, Cloudflare continued to operate at a net loss, a common characteristic for high-growth technology companies investing heavily in R&D and sales & marketing. The company also highlighted the impact of macroeconomic conditions, such as a lengthening sales cycle for large customers and a higher churn rate among pay-as-you-go customers converting to free plans, which it is closely monitoring. Financially, Cloudflare ended the quarter with a healthy cash and cash equivalents balance and substantial available-for-sale securities, indicating sufficient liquidity for the near term. Investments in property and equipment, including network infrastructure and capitalized software, were significant, reflecting the company's commitment to scaling its operations. While operating expenses, particularly in sales & marketing and R&D, grew substantially to support growth, the company's gross margin remained stable. Investors should note the ongoing investments in growth initiatives and the company's continued focus on expanding its global network and product offerings as key drivers for future performance.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$253.86M
Cost of Revenue$61.97M
Gross Profit$191.89M
R&D Expenses$76.43M
Operating Expenses$237.84M
Operating Income-$45.95M
Interest Expense$1.51M
Net Income-$42.55M
EPS (Basic)$-0.13
EPS (Diluted)$-0.13
Shares Outstanding (Basic)326.59M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)326.59M

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue increased by 47% year-over-year to $253.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022.
  • 2Dollar-based net retention rate remained strong at 124% for the three months ended September 30, 2022.
  • 3The number of paying customers grew by 18% year-over-year as of September 30, 2022.
  • 4Large customer penetration increased, with 1,908 customers exceeding $100,000 in annualized revenue, up 52% year-over-year.
  • 5Cost of revenue increased by 65% due to expanded infrastructure and headcount, but gross margin remained stable at 76%.
  • 6Operating expenses increased significantly, driven by investments in sales & marketing (up 35%) and R&D (up 63%), reflecting growth investments.
  • 7The company maintained a strong liquidity position with $137.8 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1.5 billion in available-for-sale securities as of September 30, 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cloudflare demonstrated strong performance with a 47% year-over-year increase in revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2022, reaching $253.9 million. This growth was driven by an 18% increase in paying customers and robust expansion within existing customer relationships, as indicated by a dollar-based net retention rate of 124%.

Cloudflare continued to report a net loss, with a loss of $42.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. This loss is primarily due to significant investments in sales and marketing (up 35%) and research and development (up 63%) to support business growth and innovation. The company is prioritizing long-term growth and market expansion over short-term profitability.

Cloudflare noted that macroeconomic conditions, including inflation and rising interest rates, have led to a lengthening sales cycle for large customers and increased churn among pay-as-you-go customers converting to free plans. While these factors are being monitored, the company stated that the timing of customer payments rebounded in Q3 2022, and the new customer pipeline improved. The company's outlook remains focused on navigating these conditions while continuing to invest in growth.

Cloudflare maintains a strong liquidity position, with $137.8 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1.5 billion in available-for-sale securities as of September 30, 2022. This provides ample resources to fund operations and ongoing investments for at least the next 12 months.