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Opportunity Alert: Why CrowdStrike (CRWD) is the Must-Watch Stock After Stunning Earnings!

Hannah Perry | November 29, 2024

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Opportunity ‘Strikes’ With CrowdStrike Holdings (CRWD) After Strong Earnings Report

As the tech world continues to experience volatility, the recent earnings reports have sent some tech stocks into a tailspin. Names like Dell Technologies (DELL), HP Inc (HPQ), and Workday (WDAY) faced sell-offs, but the standout performer, CrowdStrike Holdings (CRWD), presents a compelling opportunity for savvy traders. Let’s dive into the numbers and the story behind this resilient cybersecurity player.

Quarterly Performance Overview

CrowdStrike reported strong financial performance after Tuesday’s close, with an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.93, while the unadjusted loss per share came in at $0.07. The revenue for the quarter was $1.011 billion, which exceeded Wall Street’s expectations and showcased a remarkable year-over-year growth of 28.5%. What’s more, CrowdStrike’s annual recurring revenue climbed to $4.02 billion, reflecting a growth of 27%.

Just as impressive was the remaining performance obligation, which surged 46% to approximately $5.4 billion. CEO George Kurtz emphasized, “With over 97% gross retention, customers remain committed to the technological superiority of the Falcon platform.” This retention rate highlights not just stability but high customer satisfaction in the aftermath of the company’s July software incident.

Key Financial Metrics

CrowdStrike generated an unadjusted gross profit of $755.091 million, translating to a gross margin of 74.8%, which is a minor dip from last year’s 80.6%. What’s more, adjusted operating income also saw growth, rising 11% to $194.916 million, with an adjusted operating margin of 19.3%.

Even with an operating loss reported, the overall trajectory of the company remains resilient. The adjusted net income attributable to shareholders surged from $0.82 a year ago to $0.93 in this quarter.

Guidance & Future Expectations

CrowdStrike’s guidance for the upcoming quarter expects total sales between $1.0287 billion and $1.0354 billion, beating Wall Street’s estimates. For the full year, the company is looking at total sales of about $3.9238 billion to $3.9305 billion and adjusted EPS anticipated in the range of $3.74 to $3.76. This guidance is not just bullish but also indicates strong execution will continue into another quarter.

Strong Balance Sheet

CrowdStrike’s balance sheet is nothing short of impressive. The company ended the period with $4.26 billion in cash and current assets totaling $5.572 billion. Notably, the current ratio stands at a healthy 1.86.

With deferred revenues factored in, the current ratio skyrockets to a staggering 8.75, indicating robust liquidity. The total liabilities are manageable, including only $743.61 million in long-term debt, making the company extraordinarily well-positioned to navigate market conditions.

Wall Street Analyst Sentiment

The analyst community is excited about CrowdStrike’s outlook. Out of 20 highly rated analysts, 17 have given it “buy” or equivalent ratings, with an average target price of $380.78. The highest target stands at $420, with one analyst praising the company for turning past challenges into opportunities.

Traders on Trend: Final Thoughts

In summary, CrowdStrike’s recent earnings report reflected strong performance across the board, featuring resilient customer retention and significant future growth prospects. With the current market sentiment causing short-term volatility, savvy traders should consider this ‘dip’ an attractive entry point for long positions. Given the stock recently traded around $340, a strategic move could be to capitalize on this temporary decline.

The planned expansion and solid financial foundation suggest that CrowdStrike may continue being a key player in the booming cybersecurity landscape. Keep a close eye as bullish signals dominate, and watch for potential breakouts that could signal a new move upward. Happy trading, and keep your eyes on the charts!