On Monday, Barclays adjusted its outlook on Zscaler (NASDAQ:ZS) shares, reducing the price target to $205 from the previous $240, while retaining an Overweight rating on the cybersecurity company. The adjustment comes ahead of Zscaler's third-quarter earnings report, which is scheduled for Thursday, May 30, 2024.
The firm's analyst anticipates that Zscaler will disclose billings of $584 million for the quarter, although he notes that a figure of $600 million is within reach. Such a result would likely alleviate investor worries regarding the company's fourth-quarter performance expectations and its impact on the fiscal year 2024.
Despite the positive stance, the analyst expressed caution regarding the fiscal year 2025, suggesting that the current market expectations for billings growth might need to be moderated. The Street currently anticipates a 23% increase in billings growth for the fiscal year 2025, which may need to be adjusted to create a more favorable investment profile for Zscaler.
Zscaler, listed on NASDAQ:ZS, is set to report its earnings next week, and the market will be closely monitoring the results to see if they align with Barclays' projections. The company's performance, particularly in terms of billings, will be a key indicator of its operational momentum and could influence investor sentiment.
InvestingPro Insights
As Zscaler prepares to release its third-quarter earnings, the market's anticipation is palpable. To provide a more nuanced perspective, InvestingPro data highlights key financial metrics that investors should consider. With a market capitalization of $26.8 billion, Zscaler's valuation reflects its significant presence in the cybersecurity sector. Despite a negative P/E ratio, which stands at -189.35, the company boasts an impressive gross profit margin of 77.55% over the last twelve months as of Q2 2024. This high margin is indicative of Zscaler's ability to manage costs effectively relative to its revenue.
While the company has not been profitable over the last twelve months, analysts are optimistic about Zscaler's prospects, with 33 of them revising their earnings estimates upwards for the upcoming period. Additionally, the InvestingPro Tips suggest that Zscaler holds more cash than debt on its balance sheet and that liquid assets exceed short-term obligations, positioning the company for potential growth and financial stability.
Investors considering Zscaler's stock can find further insights with additional InvestingPro Tips, which include expectations of net income growth this year and the company's historical high return over the last decade. For a deeper dive into Zscaler's financial health and future prospects, readers can unlock more tips by using the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription at InvestingPro.
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