Categories Analysis, Technology

Okta (OKTA) Q4 earnings preview: High costs, investments to hurt profitability

After achieving double-digit revenue growth consistently, Okta Inc. (NASDAQ: OKTA) has not been able to come out of the red in terms of profitability. The company, however, created value for shareholders all along as it continued expanding the business and winning new customers.  

Related: Okta Q3 2020 Earnings Conference Call Transcript

The cloud software company, specialized in identity and access management, is expected to release fourth-quarter earnings Thursday at 4:05 pm ET. Market watchers predict that the losing streak would extend into the December-quarter. They expect net loss to be $0.05 per share, which is wider by one cent compared to the year-ago quarter.

Okta (NASDAQ: OKTA) posts narrower-than-expected Q3 loss

Like in the past, margins might come under pressure from elevated research & development expenses as the company continues to invest in Integration Network and Identity Platform. Also, customer acquisition costs, as part of expanding the business to overseas markets, could be a drag on the bottom-line.  

Revenue Growth

The estimate for revenue is $155.85 million, which represents 35% year-over-year increase. The forecast matches the management’s prediction and is in line with the recent trend. Okta’s identity solutions have witnessed steady demand-growth over the years, reflecting the constant innovation and portfolio revamp.

Okta (NASDAQ: OKTA) posts narrower-than-expected Q3 loss

It is estimated that Okta might not return to profitability in the near term due to heavy investment in growth initiatives, which typically takes several months to yield results. Moreover, there are plans to expand the workforce to complement the growth drive.

Q3 Results

In the third quarter, loss widened to $0.07 per share from $0.04 per share a year earlier, hurt by higher expenses. The top-lined rose by 45% to $153 billion, aided by strong subscription growth that surpassed the industry. While the bottom-line beat the Street view, revenues missed.

Also read: Acuity Brands Stock: Tariff, demand woes call for caution

Okta shares are yet to fully recover from the selloff that followed the company’s lackluster third-quarter results. However, the stock has gained about 72% in the past twelve months, and is trading close to last year’s peak when it crossed the $140-mark for the first time. 

Get access to timely and accurate verbatim transcripts that are published within hours of the event.

Most Popular

United Parcel Service (UPS) seems on track to regain lost strength

Cargo giant United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE: UPS) ended fiscal 2023 on a weak note, reporting lower revenues and profit for the fourth quarter. The company experienced a slowdown post-pandemic

IPO Alert: What to look for when Boundless Bio goes public

Boundless Bio is preparing to debut on the Nasdaq stock market this week, and become the latest addition to the list of biotech firms that have launched IPOs this year.

Nike (NKE) bets on innovation and partnerships to return to high growth

Sneaker giant Nike, Inc. (NYSE: NKE) has been going through a rough patch for some time, with sales coming under pressure from weak demand and rising competition. Post-pandemic, the company

Add Comment
Loading...
Cancel
Viewing Highlight
Loading...
Highlight
Close
Top