STOCK TITAN

Zscaler Announces Strong Third-Quarter Fiscal 2026 Results

(Neutral)
Tags

Zscaler (Nasdaq: ZS) reported strong third-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with revenue up 25% year-over-year to $850.5 million and ARR up 25% to $3.525 billion. Non-GAAP operating income reached $195.8 million with a record 23% margin, and non-GAAP EPS was $1.08.

Operating cash flow was $198 million and free cash flow $136 million. Zscaler raised full-year 2026 guidance for ARR, revenue, non-GAAP operating income and EPS, while lowering free cash flow margin expectations to 22.8–23.3% to reflect higher capex.

Loading...
Loading translation...

Positive

  • Q3 revenue grew 25% year-over-year to $850.5 million
  • ARR increased 25% year-over-year to $3.525 billion; deferred revenue up 25%
  • Non-GAAP operating income rose to $195.8 million with 23% margin
  • Non-GAAP EPS increased to $1.08 from $0.84 year-over-year
  • Company raised full-year 2026 ARR and revenue guidance
  • Full-year 2026 non-GAAP EPS guidance increased to $4.10–$4.11

Negative

  • GAAP net loss widened to $13.9 million from $4.1 million
  • GAAP operating loss increased to $29.6 million, 3% of revenue
  • Operating cash flow declined to $198 million from $211.1 million
  • Q3 free cash flow margin fell to 16% from 18% year-over-year
  • Full-year 2026 free cash flow margin guidance cut to 22.8–23.3% from 26.5–27%

News Market Reaction – ZS

-31.52% 5.3x vol
177 alerts
-31.52% Session close to close
-27.4% Trough in 19 hr 14 min
$29.68B Market Cap
5.3x Rel. Volume

In the May 27 session, ZS declined 31.52%, reflecting a significant negative market reaction. Argus tracked a trough of -27.4% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 177 alerts that day, indicating very high trading interest and price volatility. Trading volume was exceptionally heavy at 5.3x the daily average, suggesting significant selling pressure.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

The stock dropped -31.5% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite strong Q3 m...
Analysis

The stock dropped -31.5% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite strong Q3 metrics would have contrasted with the company’s headline numbers: revenue rose 25% to $850.5 million, ARR reached $3,525 million, and non-GAAP operating margin expanded to 23%. Even with raised full-year ARR and revenue guidance, investors might have focused on the ongoing GAAP operating loss of $29.6 million or reduced free cash flow margin at 16%. Past trading showed at least one divergence, where an AI-focused acquisition update coincided with a price decline despite strategic framing.

Key Figures

Q3 FY26 Revenue: $850.5 million Q3 ARR: $3,525 million Non-GAAP op margin: 23% +5 more
8 metrics
Q3 FY26 Revenue $850.5 million Grew 25% year-over-year
Q3 ARR $3,525 million Annual Recurring Revenue, up 25% year-over-year
Non-GAAP op margin 23% All-time high Q3 FY26 vs 22% a year ago
Non-GAAP EPS, diluted $1.08 Q3 FY26 vs $0.84 in Q3 FY25
GAAP loss from operations $29.6 million 3% of revenue in Q3 FY26
Free cash flow $136.0 million 16% of revenue vs $119.5 million in Q3 FY25
Deferred revenue $2,477.2 million As of April 30, 2026, up 25% year-over-year
FY26 ARR guidance $3.740–$3.749 billion Full-year ARR outlook, raised from $3.730–$3.745 billion

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: May 21 (Positive)
Pattern 5 events
Date Event Sentiment 24h Move Catalyst
May 21 Investor conferences Positive +6.6% Announced management participation in three June 2026 investor conferences.
May 21 AI acquisition Positive -2.0% Planned acquisition of Symmetry Systems to secure AI agent communication.
May 19 AI partnership launch Positive +1.8% Launched Project AI-Guardian with GSIs to secure enterprise AI adoption.
May 07 Earnings call notice Neutral +10.1% Scheduled Q3 FY26 earnings release and investor conference call details.
Apr 21 Industry award Positive +1.0% Won 2026 Google Cloud Partner of the Year Award for Security – Application.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Recent Zscaler news, especially earnings- and AI-related updates, has more often coincided with positive price moves than selloffs, with only the AI acquisition headline showing a negative reaction.

Recent Company History

Over the last few months, Zscaler has built a consistent narrative around AI security, partnerships, and investor engagement. The company announced June 2026 conference appearances on May 21 and an AI-focused Symmetry Systems acquisition the same day, plus the Project AI-Guardian launch on May 19. An earnings call scheduling 8-K on May 7 and a Google Cloud security award on April 21 rounded out a strong positioning story. Today’s Q3 FY26 beat and guidance raise extend this trajectory of AI-centric growth and recognition.

Key Terms

annual recurring revenue, free cash flow, non-gaap, zero trust, +4 more
8 terms
annual recurring revenue financial
"Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) grew 25% year-over-year to $3,525 million."
Annual recurring revenue is the predictable amount of money a company expects to earn each year from ongoing customer subscriptions or contracts. It helps businesses understand how much steady income they can count on, much like a subscription service that charges customers every month or year. This figure is important because it shows the company's stability and growth potential.
free cash flow financial
"Free cash flow of $136.0 million, compared to $119.5 million a year ago, grew 14% year-over-year"
Free cash flow is the amount of money a company has left over after paying all its expenses and investing in its business, like buying equipment or updating facilities. It shows how much cash is available to reward shareholders, pay down debt, or save for future growth. This helps investors understand if a company is financially healthy and able to grow.
View in glossary
non-gaap financial
"non-GAAP operating margin reached an all-time high of 23%"
Non-GAAP refers to financial measures that companies use to show their earnings or performance without including certain expenses or income that are often added back to give a different picture. It matters because it can make a company's results look better or more favorable, but it may also hide important costs, so investors need to look at both GAAP (official rules) and non-GAAP numbers to get a full understanding.
View in glossary
zero trust technical
"Our differentiated Zero Trust SASE architecture, which hides applications from attackers"
Zero trust is a security approach that assumes no one, whether inside or outside an organization, should be automatically trusted. Instead, every access request is carefully verified before being granted, much like checking ID at every door rather than trusting someone just because they are known. For investors, it emphasizes the importance of protecting digital assets and data from potential breaches, reducing overall risk.
sase technical
"Our differentiated Zero Trust SASE architecture, which hides applications from attackers"
SASE, or Secure Access Service Edge, is a modern technology that combines network security and access management into a single, cloud-based service. It ensures that users can safely connect to company resources from anywhere, much like having a secure, virtual gatekeeper that protects digital information. For investors, SASE matters because it reflects how organizations are adopting advanced security measures to support flexible, remote work environments and protect valuable data.
deferred revenue financial
"Deferred revenue: $2,477.2 million as of April 30, 2026, grew 25% year-over-year."
Cash a company has already received for goods or services it has promised but not yet delivered; it's recorded as a liability because the company still owes that product, service, or future revenue recognition. For investors, deferred revenue signals upcoming work or deliveries that will convert into reported sales over time and affects short-term obligations, cash flow quality, and how quickly a firm can grow recognized revenue—think of it like prepaid subscriptions or gift cards a business must honor later.
View in glossary
impact level 5 (il5) regulatory
"Achieved Provisional Authorization at Impact Level 5 (IL5) from the Department of War (DoW)"
Impact Level 5 (IL5) is a high-severity classification used to signal an event or condition that could have major, measurable effects on a company’s operations, finances, regulatory status, or safety profile. For investors, an IL5 note is like a red-flag in a traffic-light system: it warns that the situation may materially change earnings, require significant remediation, or draw intense regulatory or market scrutiny, and therefore may prompt reassessment of risk and valuation.
non-gaap tax rate financial
"we have adopted a long-term projected non-GAAP tax rate of 21%, reduced from the previous rate of 23%"
Non-GAAP tax rate is the effective tax percentage a company applies when it reports adjusted earnings that exclude one-time items or other accounting adjustments. Investors care because it changes the after-tax profit used to value a business — like comparing a person’s weight with and without a heavy coat, it gives a standardized view of recurring results so comparisons and forecasts aren’t distorted by unusual tax impacts.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

See more from StockTitan in Google Search and AI answers. Adds StockTitan as a preferred source · opens Google
Add on Google

Achieves record operating margin and strong revenue growth

Third Quarter Highlights

  • Revenue grew 25% year-over-year to $850.5 million
  • Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) grew 25% year-over-year to $3,525 million
  • Operating cash flow of $198.0 million, compared to $211.1 million a year ago
  • Free cash flow of $136.0 million, compared to $119.5 million a year ago, grew 14% year-over-year

SAN JOSE, California, May 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zscaler, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZS), the leader in cloud security, today announced financial results for its third quarter of fiscal year 2026, ended April 30, 2026.

“Zscaler is ideally positioned as the cybersecurity platform for the AI era. Our differentiated Zero Trust SASE architecture, which hides applications from attackers and eliminates lateral movement, has never been more essential in securing against threats exposed by frontier models and compromised AI agents,” said Jay Chaudhry, CEO, Chairman and Founder of Zscaler. “Our results demonstrate that our approach is resonating as we attract new customers and expand with our existing customers, and we see ample runway for long-term growth.”

“We delivered strong Q3 fiscal 2026 results with record profitability. ARR grew 25%, or 21%, excluding the contribution from the Red Canary acquisition, and non-GAAP operating margin reached an all-time high of 23%,” said Kevin Rubin, chief financial officer of Zscaler. “Looking ahead, we remain focused on driving profitable growth across multiple vectors, including product innovation, go-to-market, and customer expansion.”

Third Quarter Fiscal 2026 Financial Highlights

  • Revenue: Grew 25% year-over-year to $850.5 million.
  • ARR: Grew 25% year-over-year to $3,525 million, of which $166 million was net new ARR during the third quarter of fiscal 2026. Excluding the acquisition of Red Canary, which contributed ARR of $127 million, ARR grew 21% to $3,398 million and net new ARR grew 14%.
  • Income (loss) from operations: GAAP loss from operations was $29.6 million, or 3% of revenue, compared to a loss of $25.4 million, or 4% of revenue, in the third quarter of fiscal 2025. Non-GAAP income from operations was $195.8 million, or 23% of revenue, compared to $146.7 million, or 22% of revenue, in the third quarter of fiscal 2025.
  • Net income (loss): GAAP net loss was $13.9 million, compared to $4.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2025. Non-GAAP net income was $177.9 million, compared to $136.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2025.
  • Net income (loss) per share, diluted: GAAP net loss per share was $0.09, compared to $0.03 in the third quarter of fiscal 2025. Non-GAAP net income per share was $1.08, compared to $0.84 in the third quarter of fiscal 2025.
  • Cash flow: Cash provided by operations was $198.0 million, or 23% of revenue, compared to $211.1 million, or 31% of revenue, in the third quarter of fiscal 2025. Free cash flow was $136.0 million, or 16% of revenue, compared to $119.5 million, or 18% of revenue, in the third quarter of fiscal 2025.
  • Deferred revenue: $2,477.2 million as of April 30, 2026, grew 25% year-over-year.

Recent Business Highlights

  • Announced the intent to acquire Symmetry Systems, which would combine Zscaler’s Zero Trust ExchangeTM platform and Symmetry Systems’ access graph technology to govern AI agent communication at scale. Symmetry Systems’ access graph maps how human and non-human identities, applications, and data connect across the enterprise.

  • Joined Anthropic’s Project Glasswing to revolutionize AI-driven defense, gaining access to the Claude Mythos Preview model. Zscaler integrated this frontier AI model into its secure software development lifecycle (SDLC) to rapidly identify and remediate vulnerabilities within the Zero Trust Exchange platform.

  • Partnered with OpenAI via DayBreak, the evolution of the Trusted Access for Cyber (TAC) program, integrating the specialized GPT 5.5-Cyber model and Codex Security into Zscaler’s internal multi-agent security architecture. This partnership enables Zscaler to embed Security-as-a-Service throughout its SDLC workflows, accelerating vulnerability detection, triaging, and patching, while further enhancing its AI Red Teaming suite and Red Canary Managed Detection and Response capabilities to counter AI-based attacks.

  • Launched Project AI-Guardian, combining Zscaler’s advanced AI security platform with global system integrator (GSI) consulting expertise to help enterprises navigate the complexities of the AI-driven landscape. This strategic collaboration is expected to enable organizations to accelerate AI initiatives while helping to maintain robust protection, regulatory compliance, and total visibility over their data.

  • Won the 2026 Google Cloud Partner of the Year Award for Security in the Application category, recognizing Zscaler’s industry-leading approach to protecting modern applications, and its continued commitment to delivering seamless, secure integrations within the Google Cloud ecosystem.

  • Achieved Provisional Authorization at Impact Level 5 (IL5) from the Department of War (DoW) for Zscaler Internet AccessTM. This public sector milestone enables U.S. warfighters, national security systems, defense agencies and mission partners to operate at mission speed while securely managing highly sensitive and unclassified workloads with a cloud-native Zero Trust architecture built for the demands of modern warfare.

  • Significantly expanded global sovereignty on the Zero Trust Exchange platform, allowing global enterprises and government entities to maintain precise control over their digital assets and privacy, while complying with local laws. This expansion helps customers meet increasingly stringent global compliance and localized regulatory requirements without sacrificing security posture.

  • Partnered with Singtel Singapore to bring Zero Trust security to cellular internet of things (IoT) and operational technology (OT) across Southeast Asia. By leveraging Zscaler Cellular, the partnership enables enterprises to seamlessly and securely connect their highly distributed IoT and OT infrastructure directly to the Zero Trust Exchange.

  • Launched the India AI & Cyber Threat Research Center in partnership with Bharti Airtel at the India AI Impact Summit to promote cyber resilience and secure AI adoption for critical infrastructure and government. The joint initiative will produce comprehensive threat intelligence research targeting Indian infrastructure, recommend proactive cyber defense strategies, and educate organizations on evolving cyber threats confronting AI adoption. Center partners will develop new cybersecurity curriculum with local educational institutions to prepare India's next generation of cyber professionals. Additional organizations will affiliate with the Research Center in the coming months.

Change in Non-GAAP Measures Presentation

Effective August 1, 2025, the beginning of our fiscal 2026, we have adopted a long-term projected non-GAAP tax rate of 21%, reduced from the previous rate of 23%. This adjustment aligns with the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The revised tax rate will apply prospectively. We will continue to assess the appropriate non-GAAP tax rate on a regular basis, which could be subject to changes for a variety of reasons, including the rapidly evolving global tax environment, significant changes in our geographic earnings mix, or other changes to our strategy or business operations.

Financial Outlook

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, the company expects:

  • Revenue of $875 million to $878 million, growth of approximately 22%.
  • Non-GAAP gross margin of approximately 80%.
  • Non-GAAP income from operations of $206 million to $208 million, growth of 30 to 31%.
  • Non-GAAP net income per share of approximately $1.08 to $1.09, assuming approximately 168 million fully diluted shares outstanding and a non-GAAP tax rate of 21%. This represents growth of 21 to 22%.

For the full year of fiscal 2026, the company expects:

  • Annual Recurring Revenue of $3.740 billion to $3.749 billion, growth of approximately 24%, up from previous guidance of $3.730 billion to $3.745 billion, or growth of 24%.
  • Revenue of approximately $3.3295 billion to $3.3325 billion, growth of 24.6 to 24.7%, up from prior guidance of $3.309 billion to $3.322 billion, or growth of 24%.
  • Non-GAAP income from operations of $755 million to $757 million, growth of approximately 30%, up from prior guidance of $742 million to $748 million, or growth of 28 to 29%.
  • Non-GAAP net income per share of $4.10 to $4.11, growth of 25%. This assumes approximately 168 million fully diluted shares outstanding and a non-GAAP tax rate of 21%. This is up from previous guidance for non-GAAP net income per share of $3.99 to $4.02 million, or growth of 22 to 23%.
  • Free cash flow margin of approximately 22.8 to 23.3%, down from our prior expectation of 26.5 to 27%, reflecting capex in the high single-digits as a percent of revenue.

These statements are forward-looking and actual results may differ materially. Refer to the Forward-Looking Statements safe harbor below for information on the factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements.

Guidance for non-GAAP income from operations and non-GAAP net income per share exclude, as applicable, stock-based compensation expense and related employer payroll taxes, amortization expense of acquired intangible assets and amortization of debt issuance costs. We have not reconciled our expectations of non-GAAP income from operations and non-GAAP net income per share to their most directly comparable GAAP measures because certain items are out of our control or cannot be reasonably predicted. For those reasons, we are also unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information, the variability of which may have a significant impact on future results. Accordingly, a reconciliation for the guidance for non-GAAP income from operations and non-GAAP net income per share is not available without unreasonable effort.

For further information regarding why we believe that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to investors, the specific manner in which management uses these measures, and some of the limitations associated with the use of these measures, please refer to the "Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section of this press release.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

Zscaler will host a conference call for analysts and investors to discuss its third quarter of fiscal 2026 and outlook for its fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 and full year fiscal 2026 today at 1:30 p.m. Pacific time (4:30 p.m. Eastern time).

Date:Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Time:1:30 p.m. PT
Webcast:https://ir.zscaler.com
Dial-in:To join by phone, register at the following link: (https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI08b44d6462ad4047b150db602b995c9a). After registering, you will be provided with a dial-in number and a personal PIN that you will need to join the call.
  

Upcoming Conferences

Fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 investor conference participation schedule:

  • Baird Global Consumer, Technology & Services Conference, Tuesday, June 2, 2026

  • Bank of America Global Technology Conference, Wednesday, June 3, 2026

  • FBN Virtual Technology Conference, Monday, June 15, 2026

Sessions that offer a webcast will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Zscaler website at https://ir.zscaler.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, statements regarding our future financial and operating performance, including our financial outlook for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 and full year fiscal 2026. There are a significant number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from statements made in this press release, including but not limited to: macroeconomic influences and instability, geopolitical events, operations and financial results and the economy in general; risks related to the use of AI in our platform; our ability to identify and effectively implement the necessary changes to address execution challenges; risks associated with managing our rapid growth, including fluctuations from period to period; our limited experience with new products and subscription and support introductions and the risks associated with new products and subscription and support offerings, including the discovery of software bugs; our ability to attract and retain new customers; the failure to timely develop and achieve market acceptance of new products and subscription as well as existing products and subscription and support; rapidly evolving technological developments in the market for network security products and subscription and support offerings and our ability to remain competitive; length of sales cycles; useful lives of our assets and other estimates; and general market, political, economic and business conditions.

Additional risks and uncertainties that could affect our financial results are included under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” set forth from time to time in our filings and reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2026 filed on February 26, 2026 and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2025 filed on September 11, 2025, as well as future filings and reports by us, copies of which are available on our website at ir.zscaler.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You should not rely on these forward-looking statements, as actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements as a result of such risks and uncertainties. Additional information will also be set forth in other filings that we make with the SEC from time to time. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we do not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements provided to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information

We believe that the presentation of non-GAAP financial information provides important supplemental information to management and investors regarding financial and business trends relating to our financial condition and results of operations. For further information regarding why we believe that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to investors, the specific manner in which management uses these measures, and some of the limitations associated with the use of these measures, please refer to the “Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this press release.

About Zscaler

Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS) is a pioneer and global leader in zero trust security. The world’s largest businesses, critical infrastructure organizations, and government agencies rely on Zscaler to secure users, branches, applications, data & devices, and to accelerate digital transformation initiatives. Distributed across more than 160 data centers globally, the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange™ platform combined with advanced AI combats billions of cyber threats and policy violations every day and unlocks productivity gains for modern enterprises by reducing costs and complexity.

Zscaler™ and the other trademarks listed at https://www.zscaler.com/legal/trademarks are either (i) registered trademarks or service marks or (ii) trademarks or service marks of Zscaler, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Any other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

Investor Relations Contacts

Kim Watkins
SVP, Investor Relations & Strategic Finance
ir@zscaler.com

Pavel Radda
Media Relations Contact
press@zscaler.com


ZSCALER, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
         
  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  April 30, April 30,
   2026   2025   2026   2025 
Revenue $850,475  $678,034  $2,454,338  $1,953,889 
Cost of revenue (1) (2) (3)  192,652   155,978   568,665   445,938 
Gross profit  657,823   522,056   1,885,673   1,507,951 
Operating expenses:        
Sales and marketing (1) (2) (3)  371,941   314,605   1,114,449   928,564 
Research and development (1) (2) (3)  232,281   169,765   661,916   494,879 
General and administrative (1) (4)  83,241   63,097   227,083   180,726 
Total operating expenses  687,463   547,467   2,003,448   1,604,169 
Loss from operations  (29,640)  (25,411)  (117,775)  (96,218)
Interest income  34,043   31,263   101,090   92,189 
Interest expense (5)  (2,700)  (1,966)  (9,048)  (7,448)
Other income (expense), net  (4,074)  677   (6,310)  (4,911)
Income (loss) before income taxes  (2,371)  4,563   (32,043)  (16,388)
Provision for income taxes (6)  11,512   8,688   27,767   7,512 
Net loss $(13,883) $(4,125) $(59,810) $(23,900)
Net loss per share, basic and diluted $(0.09) $(0.03) $(0.37) $(0.16)
Weighted-average shares used in computing net loss per share, basic and diluted  160,741   154,909   159,662   153,699 
                 


(1) Includes stock-based compensation expense and related payroll taxes:                
                 
Cost of revenue $21,629  $18,262  $64,491  $51,674 
Sales and marketing  72,206   63,937   225,421   198,782 
Research and development  88,779   63,753   248,704   188,514 
General and administrative  29,652   21,857   87,824   65,769 
Total $212,266  $167,809  $626,440  $504,739 
                 


(2) Includes amortization expense of acquired intangible assets:                
                 
Cost of revenue $7,243  $3,830  $19,852  $11,320 
Sales and marketing  4,198   425   11,336   1,275 
Research and development           145 
Total $11,441  $4,255  $31,188  $12,740 
                 


(3) Includes restructuring and other charges:                
                 
Cost of revenue $  $  $750  $ 
Sales and marketing        2,809    
Research and development        1,182    
Total $  $  $4,741  $ 
                 


(4) Includes acquisition-related expenses: $1,782  $  $4,077  $ 
                 


(5) Includes amortization of debt issuance costs: $2,043  $984  $6,121  $2,947 
                 
(6) During the three and nine months ended April 30, 2025, we recognized a tax benefit of $0.2 million and $17.4 million, respectively, attributable to the release of the valuation allowance on United Kingdom (U.K.) deferred tax assets.
                 


ZSCALER, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 April 30, July 31,
  2026   2025 
Assets   
Current assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$982,112  $2,389,023 
Short-term investments 2,556,995   1,183,386 
Accounts receivable, net 730,461   992,181 
Deferred contract acquisition costs 196,706   180,819 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 187,911   148,881 
Total current assets 4,654,185   4,894,290 
Property and equipment, net 574,737   543,377 
Operating lease right-of-use assets 138,186   89,772 
Deferred contract acquisition costs, noncurrent 347,820   328,722 
Acquired intangible assets, net 191,735   47,323 
Goodwill 1,094,434   417,730 
Other noncurrent assets 96,982   98,674 
Total assets$7,098,079  $6,419,888 
    
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity   
Current liabilities:   
Accounts payable$33,874  $46,906 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 122,577   93,984 
Accrued compensation 180,637   181,807 
Deferred revenue 2,097,103   2,054,417 
Operating lease liabilities 66,751   52,497 
Total current liabilities 2,500,942   2,429,611 
Convertible senior notes 1,699,636   1,700,727 
Deferred revenue, noncurrent 380,063   413,609 
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent 94,797   43,352 
Other noncurrent liabilities 56,046   33,316 
Total liabilities 4,731,484   4,620,615 
Stockholders’ Equity   
Common stock 162   159 
Additional paid-in capital 3,623,519   2,980,591 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (7,718)  8,081 
Accumulated deficit (1,249,368)  (1,189,558)
Total stockholders’ equity 2,366,595   1,799,273 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$7,098,079  $6,419,888 
        


ZSCALER, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
  Nine Months Ended
  April 30,
   2026   2025 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities    
Net loss $(59,810) $(23,900)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation and amortization expense  105,611   74,101 
Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets  31,188   12,740 
Amortization of deferred contract acquisition costs  149,675   121,499 
Amortization of debt issuance costs  6,121   2,947 
Non-cash operating lease costs  60,447   47,896 
Stock-based compensation expense  610,332   488,696 
Accretion of investments purchased at a discount  (4,568)  (13,862)
Unrealized gains on hedging transactions  (1,036)  (862)
Deferred income taxes  326   (17,841)
Other  6,857   1,059 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of business acquisitions:    
Accounts receivable  280,042   120,506 
Deferred contract acquisition costs  (184,660)  (139,986)
Prepaid expenses, other current and noncurrent assets  (29,053)  (12,182)
Accounts payable  (19,992)  28,947 
Accrued expenses, other current and noncurrent liabilities  18,174   (7,033)
Accrued compensation  (9,413)  (5,693)
Deferred revenue  (65,903)  90,011 
Operating lease liabilities  (43,969)  (45,194)
Net cash provided by operating activities  850,369   721,849 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities    
Purchases of property, equipment and other assets  (77,467)  (104,206)
Capitalized internal-use software  (54,523)  (62,871)
Payments for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired  (770,048)  (834)
Purchase of strategic investments  (4,242)  (786)
Purchases of short-term investments  (1,971,715)  (886,636)
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments  418,648   875,893 
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments  177,568    
Net cash used in investing activities  (2,281,779)  (179,440)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities    
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options  3,984   3,497 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under the employee stock purchase plan  21,506   22,344 
Payment of holdback amounts related to a business acquisition  (110)  (440)
Payments for issuance costs related to the 2028 convertible senior notes  (684)   
Purchases of capped calls related to the 2028 convertible senior notes  (197)   
Net cash provided by financing activities  24,499   25,401 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  (1,406,911)  567,810 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  2,389,023   1,423,080 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $982,112  $1,990,890 
         


ZSCALER, INC.
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(in thousands, except percentages)
(unaudited)
         
  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  April 30, April 30,
   2026   2025   2026   2025 
         
Revenue $850,475  $678,034  $2,454,338  $1,953,889 
         
Non-GAAP Gross Profit and Non-GAAP Gross Margin        
GAAP gross profit $657,823  $522,056  $1,885,673  $1,507,951 
Add:        
Stock-based compensation expense and related payroll taxes  21,629   18,262   64,491   51,674 
Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets  7,243   3,830   19,852   11,320 
Restructuring and other charges        750    
Non-GAAP gross profit $686,695  $544,148  $1,970,766  $1,570,945 
GAAP gross margin  77%  77%  77%  77%
Non-GAAP gross margin  81%  80%  80%  80%
         
Non-GAAP Income from Operations and Non-GAAP Operating Margin        
GAAP loss from operations $(29,640) $(25,411) $(117,775) $(96,218)
Add:        
Stock-based compensation expense and related payroll taxes  212,266   167,809   626,440   504,739 
Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets  11,441   4,255   31,188   12,740 
Restructuring and other charges        4,741    
Acquisition-related expenses  1,782      4,077    
Non-GAAP income from operations $195,849  $146,653  $548,671  $421,261 
GAAP operating margin  (3)%  (4)%  (5)%  (5)%
Non-GAAP operating margin  23%  22%  22%  22%
                 


ZSCALER, INC.
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
         
  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  April 30, April 30,
   2026   2025   2026   2025 
Non-GAAP Net Income per Share, Diluted        
GAAP net loss $(13,883) $(4,125) $(59,810) $(23,900)
Add: GAAP provision for income taxes (1)  11,512   8,688   27,767   7,512 
GAAP income (loss) before income taxes  (2,371)  4,563   (32,043)  (16,388)
Add:        
Stock-based compensation expense and related payroll taxes  212,266   167,809   626,440   504,739 
Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets  11,441   4,255   31,188   12,740 
Restructuring and other charges        4,741    
Acquisition-related expenses  1,782      4,077    
Amortization of debt issuance costs  2,043   984   6,121   2,947 
Non-GAAP net income before income taxes  225,161   177,611   640,524   504,038 
Non-GAAP provision for income taxes (2)  47,284   40,844   134,509   115,927 
Non-GAAP net income $177,877  $136,767  $506,015  $388,111 
         
GAAP provision for income taxes $11,512  $8,688  $27,767  $7,512 
Add: Income tax and other tax adjustments (2)  35,772   32,156   106,742   108,415 
Non-GAAP provision for income taxes (2) $47,284  $40,844  $134,509  $115,927 
Non-GAAP effective tax rate (2)  21%  23%  21%  23%
         
Non-GAAP net income $177,877  $136,767  $506,015  $388,111 
Add: Non-GAAP interest expense, net of tax related to the convertible senior notes     276      828 
Numerator used in computing non-GAAP net income per share, diluted $177,877  $137,043  $506,015  $388,939 
         
GAAP net loss per share, diluted $(0.09) $(0.03) $(0.37) $(0.16)
Stock-based compensation expense and related payroll taxes  1.28   1.03   3.75   3.10 
Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets  0.07   0.03   0.19   0.08 
Restructuring and other charges        0.03    
Acquisition-related expenses  0.01      0.02    
Amortization of debt issuance costs  0.01   0.01   0.04   0.02 
Income tax and other tax adjustments (2)  (0.22)  (0.20)  (0.64)  (0.67)
Non-GAAP interest expense, net of tax related to the convertible senior notes           0.01 
Adjustment to total fully diluted earnings per share (3)  0.02      0.01   0.01 
Non-GAAP net income per share, diluted $1.08  $0.84  $3.03  $2.39 
         
Weighted-average shares used in computing GAAP net loss per share, diluted  160,741   154,909   159,662   153,699 
Add: Outstanding potentially dilutive equity incentive awards  680   2,812   3,316   3,113 
Add: Convertible senior notes  3,925   7,626   3,925   7,626 
Less: Antidilutive impact of capped call transactions (4)     (1,946)     (1,656)
Weighted-average shares used in computing non-GAAP net income per share, diluted  165,346   163,401   166,903   162,782 
                 

___________

(1) During the three and nine months ended April 30, 2025, we recognized a tax benefit of $0.2 million and $17.4 million, respectively, attributable to the release of the valuation allowance on U.K. deferred tax assets.

(2) Effective August 1, 2025, the beginning of our fiscal 2026, we have adopted a long-term projected non-GAAP tax rate of 21%, reduced from the previous rate of 23%. This adjustment aligns with the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The revised tax rate will apply prospectively. We will continue to assess the appropriate non-GAAP tax rate on a regular basis, which could be subject to changes for a variety of reasons, including the rapidly evolving global tax environment, significant changes in our geographic earnings mix, or other changes to our strategy or business operations.

(3) The sum of the fully diluted earnings per share impact of individual reconciling items may not total to fully diluted non-GAAP net income per share due to the weighted-average shares used in computing the GAAP net loss per share differs from the weighted-average shares used in computing the non-GAAP net income per share, and due to rounding of the individual reconciling items. The GAAP net loss per share calculation uses a lower share count as it excludes potentially dilutive shares, which are included in calculating the non-GAAP net income per share.

(4) We exclude the in-the-money portion of the convertible senior notes for non-GAAP weighted-average diluted shares as they are covered by our capped call transactions. Our outstanding capped call transactions are antidilutive under GAAP but are expected to mitigate the dilutive effect of the convertible senior notes and therefore are included in the calculation of non-GAAP diluted shares outstanding. The capped calls have an antidilutive impact when the average stock price of our common stock in a given period is higher than their exercise price.

ZSCALER, INC.
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(in thousands, except percentages)
(unaudited)
         
  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  April 30, April 30,
   2026   2025   2026   2025 
Free Cash Flow        
Net cash provided by operating activities $198,016  $211,081  $850,369  $721,849 
Less:        
Purchases of property, equipment and other assets  (42,401)  (72,163)  (77,467)  (104,206)
Capitalized internal-use software  (19,661)  (19,455)  (54,523)  (62,871)
Free cash flow $135,954  $119,463  $718,379  $554,772 
         
Free Cash Flow Margin        
Net cash provided by operating activities, as a percentage of revenue  23%  31%  35%  37%
Less:        
Purchases of property, equipment and other assets, as a percentage of revenue  (5)%  (10)%  (3)%  (6)%
Capitalized internal-use software, as a percentage of revenue  (2)%  (3)%  (3)%  (3)%
Free cash flow margin  16%  18%  29%  28%
                 

ZSCALER, INC.
Explanation of Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures

In addition to our results determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP), we believe the following non-GAAP measures are useful in evaluating our operating performance. We use the following non-GAAP financial information to evaluate our ongoing operations and for internal planning and forecasting purposes. We believe that non-GAAP financial information, when taken collectively, may be helpful to investors because it provides consistency and comparability with past financial performance. However, non-GAAP financial information is presented for supplemental informational purposes only, as it has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. In particular, free cash flow is not a substitute for cash provided by operating activities. Additionally, the utility of free cash flow as a measure of our liquidity is further limited as it does not represent the total increase or decrease in our cash balance for a given period. In addition, other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate similarly titled non-GAAP measures differently or may use other measures to evaluate their performance, all of which could reduce the usefulness of our non-GAAP financial measures as tools for comparison. A reconciliation of our historical non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable financial measures stated in accordance with GAAP has been included in this press release. There is no GAAP measure that is comparable to ARR, so we have not reconciled the ARR data included to any GAAP measure. Investors are cautioned that there are a number of limitations associated with the use of non-GAAP financial measures and key metrics as analytical tools. Investors are encouraged to review these reconciliations, and not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.

Expenses Excluded from Non-GAAP Measures

Stock-based compensation expense is excluded primarily because it is a non-cash expense that management believes is not reflective of our ongoing operational performance. Employer payroll taxes related to stock-based compensation, which is a cash expense, are excluded because these are tied to the timing and size of the exercise or vesting of the underlying equity incentive awards and the price of our common stock at the time of vesting or exercise, which may vary from period to period independent of the operating performance of our business. Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets and amortization of debt issuance costs from the convertible senior notes are excluded because these are non-cash expenses and are not reflective of our ongoing operational performance. Acquisition-related expenses incurred with business acquisitions are excluded because these are not reflective of our ongoing operational performance. Restructuring and other charges includes severance and termination benefits in connection with a restructuring plan to streamline operations and to align people, roles and projects to our strategic priorities. These expenses are excluded because they fluctuate in amount and frequency and are not reflective of our core business operating performance.

Effective August 1, 2025, the beginning of our fiscal 2026, we have adopted a long-term projected non-GAAP tax rate of 21%, reduced from the previous rate of 23%. This adjustment aligns with the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The revised tax rate will apply prospectively. We will continue to assess the appropriate non-GAAP tax rate on a regular basis, which could be subject to changes for a variety of reasons, including the rapidly evolving global tax environment, significant changes in our geographic earnings mix, or other changes to our strategy or business operations.

Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures

Non-GAAP Gross Profit and Non-GAAP Gross Margin. We define non-GAAP gross profit as GAAP gross profit excluding stock-based compensation expense and related employer payroll taxes, amortization expense of acquired intangible assets and restructuring and other charges. We define non-GAAP gross margin as non-GAAP gross profit as a percentage of revenue.

Non-GAAP Income from Operations and Non-GAAP Operating Margin. We define non-GAAP income from operations as GAAP loss from operations excluding stock-based compensation expense and related employer payroll taxes, amortization expense of acquired intangible assets, restructuring and other charges and acquisition-related expenses. We define non-GAAP operating margin as non-GAAP income from operations as a percentage of revenue.

Non-GAAP Net Income per Share, Diluted. We define non-GAAP net income as GAAP net loss excluding stock-based compensation expense and related employer payroll taxes, amortization expense of acquired intangible assets, restructuring and other charges, amortization of debt issuance costs, acquisition-related expenses and the non-GAAP provision for income taxes adjustment. We define non-GAAP net income per share, diluted, as non-GAAP net income plus the applicable non-GAAP interest expense related to the convertible senior notes divided by the weighted-average diluted shares outstanding. The weighted-average diluted shares outstanding includes the effect of potentially diluted common stock equivalents outstanding during the period and the anti-dilutive impact of the capped call transactions entered into in connection with the convertible senior notes.

Annual Recurring Revenue. ARR refers to the next 12 months of revenue from subscription contracts as of the measurement date. To establish ARR for a customer, we assume that any contract expiring during the next 12 months will be renewed under the existing terms, excluding Red Canary’s subscription contracts expiring in fiscal year 2026.

Bookings. We define bookings as the total customer contract value over the entire duration of each such customer contract. This includes all recurring subscription fees committed for the full term of each such customer contract.

Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow Margin. We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities less purchases of property, equipment and other assets and capitalized internal-use software. We define free cash flow margin as free cash flow divided by revenue. We believe that free cash flow and free cash flow margin are useful indicators of liquidity that provide information to management and investors about the amount of cash generated from our operations that, after the investments in property, equipment and other assets and capitalized internal-use software, can be used for strategic initiatives.


FAQ

What were Zscaler (ZS) third-quarter fiscal 2026 revenue and earnings results?

Zscaler reported Q3 fiscal 2026 revenue of $850.5 million, up 25% year-over-year, and non-GAAP EPS of $1.08. According to Zscaler, non-GAAP operating income reached $195.8 million with a 23% margin, while GAAP net loss was $13.9 million.

How did Zscaler (ZS) third-quarter fiscal 2026 ARR and deferred revenue perform?

Zscaler’s Q3 fiscal 2026 Annual Recurring Revenue reached $3.525 billion, growing 25% year-over-year, with $166 million in net new ARR. According to Zscaler, deferred revenue was $2.4772 billion as of April 30, 2026, also increasing 25% year-over-year.

What impact did the Red Canary acquisition have on Zscaler (ZS) ARR growth in Q3 2026?

Red Canary contributed $127 million of ARR to Zscaler in Q3 fiscal 2026. According to Zscaler, excluding this acquisition, ARR grew 21% to $3.398 billion and net new ARR grew 14%, highlighting both organic expansion and acquisition-driven growth.

How did Zscaler (ZS) cash flow and free cash flow trend in Q3 fiscal 2026?

Zscaler generated Q3 fiscal 2026 operating cash flow of $198 million, or 23% of revenue, down from $211.1 million. According to Zscaler, free cash flow was $136 million, or 16% of revenue, compared with $119.5 million, or 18%, a year earlier.

Did Zscaler (ZS) raise its full-year fiscal 2026 guidance after Q3 results?

Yes. Zscaler raised full-year 2026 guidance for ARR, revenue, non-GAAP operating income, and non-GAAP EPS. According to Zscaler, revenue is now expected at $3.3295–$3.3325 billion and non-GAAP EPS at $4.10–$4.11, both above prior ranges.

Why did Zscaler (ZS) lower its free cash flow margin guidance for fiscal 2026?

Zscaler cut its fiscal 2026 free cash flow margin outlook to 22.8–23.3%, from 26.5–27%. According to Zscaler, this reflects higher capital expenditures in the high single digits as a percentage of revenue, impacting near-term free cash flow leverage.

What AI and cybersecurity partnerships did Zscaler (ZS) highlight alongside Q3 2026 earnings?

Zscaler announced collaborations with Anthropic’s Project Glasswing and OpenAI’s DayBreak, plus Project AI-Guardian initiatives. According to Zscaler, these efforts integrate frontier AI models into its Zero Trust Exchange, enhancing vulnerability detection, AI red teaming, and secure AI adoption for enterprises.