AppFolio, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

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AppFolio, Inc. reported impressive financial results for the first quarter of 2024, with a 38% revenue growth, reaching $187.4 million. The company showed strong profitability, with GAAP operating income of $34.1 million and non-GAAP operating income of $48.2 million. Total units under management grew by 11% year-over-year to 8.3 million. AppFolio's outlook for fiscal year 2024 includes revenue expectations of $766 million to $774 million and non-GAAP operating margin of 23% to 24%.

Positive

• Q1 revenue grew 38% year-over-year to $187.4 million.
• Total units under management increased by 11% year-over-year to 8.3 million.
• GAAP operating income was $34.1 million, while non-GAAP operating income reached $48.2 million.
• AppFolio's financial outlook for fiscal year 2024 includes revenue expectations of $766 million to $774 million and non-GAAP operating margin of 23% to 24%.

Negative

• None.

Financial Analyst

AppFolio, Inc.'s report of a 38% growth in Q1 revenue to $187.4 million reflects a robust expansion for the tech company, especially considering the previous operating income turnaround from a loss of ($26.5 million) to a gain of $34.1 million. The increase in units under management by 11% to 8.3 million signifies a growing customer base, which in turn can suggest a strengthening market position within the real estate technology sector. The reported non-GAAP operating income and free cash flow margins above 20% are particularly impressive since they exhibit not only profitability but also efficiency in capital usage. For stakeholders, these figures highlight a financially sound organization potentially capable of sustaining investments in innovation and customer experience. The forecasted revenue for FY2024, along with projected operating and free cash flow margins, indicates that the company expects this growth trajectory to continue, which investors might interpret positively. However, one should also consider the general market conditions and competitive landscape, as these could impact the company's future performance.

Technology Industry Analyst

AppFolio's emphasis on industry-leading innovation as a differentiator is a noteworthy strategy, particularly in the competitive real estate technology field. The company's ability to drive customer growth and increase units under management may be indicative of the successful adoption of their digital solutions. This points to a potential for scalable growth in a market where digitalization is becoming increasingly critical. By focusing on user experience and leveraging a deep customer connection, AppFolio appears to be building a platform that is both sticky and integral to its users' operations. The forward-looking statements about continuing this momentum imply ongoing investments in R&D, which could further solidify their position as a tech leader. For investors, the company's technological edge and customer-centric approach could be a signal of its potential for sustained long-term value creation.

Market Research Analyst

The reported growth in units under management for AppFolio indicates a tangible increase in market penetration. The real estate industry, increasingly reliant on technology for operational efficiency, is a large and growing market. AppFolio's positive financial results suggest that its products are well-received. The company's strategy of driving customer satisfaction through innovation is a critical factor in customer retention and acquisition in this sector. Anticipating future performance, one must assess the broader economic indicators that influence the real estate market, such as interest rates and property values, since these can affect the adoption and usage of technology solutions in this space. From an investment standpoint, current and potential investors could look favorably upon AppFolio's positive trajectory, but they should remain aware of macroeconomic shifts that may influence the company's performance.

Q1 revenue grew 38%; profitability continued to expand

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., April 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AppFolio, Inc. (NASDAQ: APPF) ("AppFolio" or the "Company"), a technology leader powering the future of the real estate industry, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.

"AppFolio’s first quarter results highlight our ongoing commitment to delivering industry-leading innovation and exceptional service for our customers," said Shane Trigg, President and CEO, AppFolio. "Innovation is the source of AppFolio’s differentiation, inspiring customers to choose and grow with us. We elevate our customers through the adoption of our products and services, helping them unlock extraordinary experiences on our platform. Our deep connection to customers is paving the way for AppFolio’s continued success.”

Financial Highlights for First Quarter of 2024

• Revenue grew 38% year-over-year to $187.4 million.
• Total units under management grew 11% year-over-year to 8.3 million.
• GAAP operating income was $34.1 million, or 18.2% of revenue, compared to an operating loss of ($26.5 million), or (19.5%) of revenue, in Q1 2023.
• Non-GAAP operating income was $48.2 million, or 25.7% of revenue, compared to an operating loss of ($2.1 million), or (1.6%) of revenue, in Q1 2023.
• Net cash provided by operating activities was $43.0 million, or 22.9% of revenue, compared to $1.6 million, or 1.2% of revenue, in Q1 2023.
• Non-GAAP free cash flow was $41.0 million, or 21.9% of revenue, compared to ($0.4 million), or (0.3%) of revenue, in Q1 2023.

Financial Outlook
Based on information available as of April 25, 2024, AppFolio's outlook for fiscal year 2024 follows:

• Full year revenue is expected to be $766 million to $774 million.
• Full year non-GAAP operating margin as a percentage of revenue is expected to be 23% to 24%.
• Full year non-GAAP free cash flow margin as a percentage of revenue is expected to be 21% to 23%.
• Diluted weighted average shares outstanding are expected to be approximately 37 million for the full year.

Conference Call Information
As previously announced, the Company will host a conference call today, April 25, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (PT), 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), to discuss the company’s first quarter 2024 financial results. A live webcast of the call will be available at: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/if9b4wjx. To access the call by phone, please go to the following link: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI8ca84cdcf8fb432ca3d7cff238b20d2a, and you will be provided with dial in details. A replay of the webcast will also be available for a limited time on AppFolio’s Investor Relations website at https://ir.appfolioinc.com/news-events/events.

The Company also provides announcements regarding its financial results and other matters, including SEC filings, investor events, and press releases, on its Investor Relations website at https://ir.appfolioinc.com/, as a means of disclosing material nonpublic information and for complying with AppFolio's disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.

About AppFolio, Inc.
AppFolio is a technology leader powering the future of the real estate industry. Our innovative platform and trusted partnership enable our customers to connect communities, increase operational efficiency, and grow their business. For more information about AppFolio, visit ir.appfolioinc.com.

Investor Relations Contact:
Lori Barker
ir@appfolio.com

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Reconciliations of current and historical non-GAAP financial measures to AppFolio’s financial results as determined in accordance with GAAP are included at the end of this press release following the accompanying financial data. For a description of these non-GAAP financial measures, including the reasons management uses each measure, please see the section of the tables entitled “Statement Regarding the Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

AppFolio is unable, at this time, to provide GAAP equivalent guidance measures on a forward-looking basis for non-GAAP operating margin and non-GAAP free cash flow margin because certain items that impact these measures are uncertain, out of our control, or cannot be reasonably predicted, such as charges related to stock-based compensation expense. The effect of these excluded items may be significant.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which statements are subject to considerable risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not statements of historical fact contained in this press release, and can be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “future’” “predicts, “projects,” “target,” “seeks,” “contemplates,” “should,” “will,” “would” or similar expressions and the negatives of those expressions. In particular, forward-looking statements contained in this press release relate to future operating results and financial position, including the Company's fiscal year 2024 financial outlook, anticipated future expenses and investments, the Company's business opportunities, and the impact of the Company's strategic actions and initiatives.

Forward-looking statements represent AppFolio's current beliefs and expectations based on information currently available and speak only as of the date the statement is made. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. The risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to materially differ from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements include those risks, uncertainties and other factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in AppFolio's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the SEC on February 1, 2024, and the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in AppFolio’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as in the Company's other filings with the SEC. You should read this press release with the understanding that the Company's actual future results may be materially different from the results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (in thousands)
		March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	59,214		$	49,509
Investment securities—current			184,298			162,196
Accounts receivable, net			26,179			20,709
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			36,975			39,943
Total current assets			306,666			272,357
Property and equipment, net			27,709			28,362
Operating lease right-of-use assets			18,762			19,285
Capitalized software development costs, net			18,974			21,562
Goodwill			56,060			56,060
Other long-term assets			10,599			11,263
Total assets		$	438,770		$	408,889
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable		$	1,531		$	1,141
Accrued employee expenses			29,202			35,567
Accrued expenses			13,531			21,723
Other current liabilities			11,793			11,335
Total current liabilities			56,057			69,766
Operating lease liabilities			40,469			41,114
Other liabilities			3,049			697
Total liabilities			99,575			111,577
Stockholders’ equity			339,195			297,312
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	438,770		$	408,889

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024				2023
Revenue(1)	$	187,430			$	136,100
Costs and operating expenses:
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)(2)		64,646				56,208
Sales and marketing(2)		24,455				29,398
Research and product development(2)		37,895				37,662
General and administrative(2)		21,132				31,691
Depreciation and amortization		5,212				7,671
Total costs and operating expenses		153,340				162,630
Income (loss) from operations		34,090				(26,530	)
Other income (loss), net		—				20
Interest income, net		2,992				1,361
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes		37,082				(25,149	)
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes		(1,581	)			9,961
Net income (loss)	$	38,663			$	(35,110	)
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic	$	1.07			$	(0.99	)
Diluted	$	1.05			$	(0.99	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic		36,087				35,443
Diluted		36,674				35,443

⁽¹⁾ The following table presents our revenue categories:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024			2023
Core solutions	$	42,920		$	37,169
Value Added Services		142,331			96,835
Other		2,179			2,096
Total revenue	$	187,430		$	136,100

⁽²⁾ Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024			2023
Costs and operating expenses:
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	$	960		$	768
Sales and marketing		1,510			2,417
Research and product development		5,682			5,439
General and administrative		5,322			5,279
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	13,474		$	13,903

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (in thousands)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024				2023
Cash from operating activities
Net income (loss)	$	38,663			$	(35,110	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		4,693				6,937
Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets		523				568
Gain on lease modification		—				(2,366	)
Stock-based compensation, including as amortized		13,992				14,637
Other		(1,824	)			(155	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		(5,470	)			(914	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets		8,849				(2,399	)
Accounts payable		733				(1,777	)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		(16,730	)			22,923
Operating lease liabilities		(475	)			(771	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		42,954				1,573
Cash from investing activities
Purchases of available-for-sale investments		(57,162	)			(1,285	)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investments		—				1,013
Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale investments		36,670				37,890
Purchases of property and equipment		(1,420	)			(794	)
Capitalization of software development costs		(1,125	)			(1,165	)
Proceeds from sale of equity-method investment		—				629
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		(23,037	)			36,288
Cash from financing activities
Proceeds from stock option exercises		3,874				834
Tax withholding for net share settlement		(14,086	)			(5,539	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(10,212	)			(4,705	)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		9,705				33,156
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Beginning of period		49,759				71,019
End of period	$	59,464			$	104,175

RECONCILIATION FROM GAAP TO NON-GAAP RESULTS (UNAUDITED) (in thousands, except per share data)
			Three Months Ended March 31,
				2024				2023
Costs and operating expenses:
	GAAP cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)		$	64,646			$	56,208
		Stock-based compensation expense		(960	)			(768	)
	Non-GAAP cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)		$	63,686			$	55,440
	GAAP cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) as a percentage of revenue			34	%			41	%
	Non-GAAP cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) as a percentage of revenue			34	%			41	%
	GAAP sales and marketing		$	24,455			$	29,398
		Stock-based compensation expense		(1,510	)			(2,417	)
	Non-GAAP sales and marketing		$	22,945			$	26,981
	GAAP sales and marketing as a percentage of revenue			13	%			22	%
	Non-GAAP sales and marketing as a percentage of revenue			12	%			20	%
	GAAP research and product development		$	37,895			$	37,662
		Stock-based compensation expense		(5,682	)			(5,439	)
	Non-GAAP research and product development		$	32,213			$	32,223
	GAAP research and product development as a percentage of revenue			20	%			28	%
	Non-GAAP research and product development as a percentage of revenue			17	%			24	%
	GAAP general and administrative		$	21,132			$	31,691
		Stock-based compensation expense		(5,322	)			(5,279	)
		Gain on lease modification		—				2,366
		CEO separation costs, net		—				(11,520	)
	Non-GAAP general and administrative		$	15,810			$	17,258
	GAAP general and administrative as a percentage of revenue			11	%			23	%
	Non-GAAP general and administrative as a percentage of revenue			8	%			13	%
	GAAP depreciation and amortization		$	5,212			$	7,671
		Amortization of stock-based compensation capitalized in software development costs		(518	)			(734	)
		Amortization of purchased intangibles		(119	)			(619	)
	Non-GAAP depreciation and amortization		$	4,575			$	6,318
	GAAP depreciation and amortization as a percentage of revenue			3	%			6	%
	Non-GAAP depreciation and amortization as a percentage of revenue			2	%			5	%

			Three Months Ended March 31,
				2024				2023
Income (loss) from operations:
	GAAP income (loss) from operations		$	34,090			$	(26,530	)
		Stock-based compensation expense		13,474				13,903
		Amortization of stock-based compensation capitalized in software development costs		518				734
		Amortization of purchased intangibles		119				619
		Gain on lease modification		—				(2,366	)
		CEO separation costs, net		—				11,520
	Non-GAAP income (loss) from operations		$	48,201			$	(2,120	)
Operating margin:
	GAAP operating margin			18.2	%			(19.5	)%
		Stock-based compensation expense as a percentage of revenue		7.1				10.2
		Amortization of stock-based compensation capitalized in software development costs as a percentage of revenue		0.3				0.5
		Amortization of purchased intangibles as a percentage of revenue		0.1				0.5
		Gain on lease modification as a percentage of revenue		—				(1.7	)
		CEO separation costs, net as a percentage of revenue		—				8.4
	Non-GAAP operating margin			25.7	%			(1.6	)%
Net income (loss):
	GAAP net income (loss)		$	38,663			$	(35,110	)
		Stock-based compensation expense		13,474				13,903
		Amortization of stock-based compensation capitalized in software development costs		518				734
		Amortization of purchased intangibles		119				619
		Gain on lease modification		—				(2,366	)
		CEO separation costs, net		—				11,520
		Income tax effect of adjustments		(14,379	)			10,491
	Non-GAAP net income (loss)		$	38,395			$	(209	)
Net income (loss) per share, basic:
	GAAP net income (loss) per share, basic		$	1.07			$	(0.99	)
		Non-GAAP adjustments to net income (loss)		(0.01	)			0.98
	Non-GAAP net income (loss) per share, basic		$	1.06			$	(0.01	)
Net income (loss) income per share, diluted:
	GAAP net income (loss) per share, diluted		$	1.05			$	(0.99	)
		Non-GAAP adjustments to net income (loss)		—				0.98
	Non-GAAP net income (loss) per share, diluted		$	1.05			$	(0.01	)
	Weighted-average shares used in GAAP and non-GAAP per share calculation
		Basic		36,087				35,443
		Diluted		36,674				35,443

			Three Months Ended March 31,
				2024				2023
Free cash flow:
	GAAP net cash provided by operating activities		$	42,954			$	1,573
		Purchases of property and equipment		(1,420	)			(794	)
		Capitalized software development costs		(1,125	)			(1,165	)
		Severance payments for workforce reduction		566				—
	Non-GAAP free cash flow		$	40,975			$	(386	)
Free cash flow margin:
	GAAP net cash provided by operating activities as a percentage of revenue			22.9	%			1.2	%
		Purchases of property and equipment as a percentage of revenue		(0.8	)			(0.6	)
		Capitalized software development costs as a percentage of revenue		(0.6	)			(0.9	)
		Severance payments for workforce reduction		0.3				—
	Non-GAAP free cash flow margin			21.9	%			(0.3	)%

Statement Regarding the Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We use the following non-GAAP financial measures in addition to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.

• Non-GAAP presentation of income (loss) from operations, costs and operating expenses, operating margin, net income (loss), and net income (loss) per share. These measures exclude certain non-cash or non-recurring items, including stock-based compensation expense, amortization of stock-based compensation capitalized in software development costs, amortization of purchased intangibles, CEO separation costs, net, gain on lease modification, and the related income tax effect of these adjustments, as applicable and described below. Non-GAAP operating margin is calculated as non-GAAP operating income (loss) from operations as a percentage of revenue.
  
  
• Non-GAAP free cash flow. Non-GAAP free cash flow is defined as net cash from operating activities, less purchases of property and equipment, capitalization of software development costs and severance payments for workforce reduction. We use free cash flow to evaluate our generation of cash from operations that is available for purposes other than capital expenditures and capitalized software development costs. Additionally, we believe that information regarding free cash flow provides investors with a perspective on the cash available to fund ongoing operations. We review cash flows generated from operations after taking into consideration capital expenditures and the capitalization of software development costs due to the fact that these expenditures are considered to be a necessary component of ongoing operations. Free cash flow margin is calculated as free cash flow as a percentage of revenue.
  

We use each of these non-GAAP financial measures internally to assess and compare operating results across reporting periods, for internal budgeting and forecasting purposes, and to evaluate our financial performance. We believe these adjustments also provide useful supplemental information to investors and facilitate the analysis of our operating results and comparison of operating results across reporting periods.

In particular, we believe these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors and others in assessing our operating performance due to the following factors:

• Stock-based compensation expense and amortization of stock-based compensation capitalized in software development costs. We utilize stock-based compensation to attract and retain employees. It is principally aimed at aligning their interests with those of our stockholders while ensuring long-term retention, rather than to address operational performance for any particular period. As a result, stock-based compensation expenses, which include costs related to our workforce reduction, vary for reasons that are generally unrelated to financial and operational performance in any particular period.
  
  
• Amortization of purchased intangibles. We view amortization of purchased intangible assets as items arising from pre-acquisition activities determined at the time of an acquisition. While these intangible assets are evaluated for impairment regularly, amortization of the cost of purchased intangibles is an expense that is not typically affected by operations during any particular period.
  
  
• CEO separation costs, net. We incurred one-time separation costs associated with our former Chief Executive Officer's Transition and Separation Agreement, dated March 1, 2023. We have excluded these costs, as we do not consider such amounts to be part of the ongoing operation of our business.
  
  
• Gain on lease modification. In January 2023 and June 2023, we amended our San Diego lease. We have excluded any gain related to the remeasurement of the lease liability, as we do not consider such amounts to be part of the ongoing operation of our business.
  
  
• Workforce reduction costs. We incurred one-time severance and related personnel costs associated with our workforce reduction in the third quarter of 2023. We have excluded these costs, along with the subsequent cash payments, as we do not consider such amounts to be part of the ongoing operation of our business.
  
  
• Income tax effects of adjustments. We utilize a fixed long-term projected tax rate in our computation of non-GAAP income tax effects to provide better consistency across interim reporting periods. In projecting this long-term non-GAAP tax rate, we utilize a financial projection that excludes the direct impact of other non-GAAP adjustments. The projected rate, which we have determined to be 25%, considers other factors such as our current operating structure, existing tax positions in various jurisdictions, and key legislation in major jurisdictions where we operate. We periodically re-evaluate this tax rate, as necessary, for significant events, based on relevant tax law changes, and material changes in the forecasted geographic earnings mix.
  

Our non-GAAP financial measures may not provide information that is directly comparable to that provided by other companies in our industry, as other companies may calculate non-GAAP financial results differently. In addition, there are limitations in using non-GAAP financial measures because non-GAAP financial measures are not prepared in accordance with GAAP and can exclude expenses that may have a material impact on our reported financial results. As such, non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of the historical non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measures has been provided in the tables above. We encourage investors to review the reconciliation of these historical non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

FAQ

What was AppFolio's Q1 revenue growth percentage in 2024?

AppFolio's Q1 revenue grew by 38% year-over-year to $187.4 million in 2024.

How many total units were under management in Q1 2024 for AppFolio?

Total units under management grew by 11% year-over-year to 8.3 million in Q1 2024 for AppFolio.

What was the GAAP operating income for AppFolio in Q1 2024?

AppFolio reported a GAAP operating income of $34.1 million in Q1 2024.

What is AppFolio's revenue expectation range for fiscal year 2024?

AppFolio expects full-year revenue to be between $766 million to $774 million for fiscal year 2024.