Citrix Takes A Breather After Earnings (CTXS, VMW)

Citrix Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:CTXS) posted earnings of $0.41 non-GAAP EPS on revenues $350 million.  First Call had estimates at $0.38 EPS and revenues at $339.7 million.  GUIDANCE: next quarter guidance is $0.42 to $0.43 non-GAAP EPS on $374 to $382 million revenues; estimates are $0.45 EPS and $373 million; but there are charges even in these non-GAAP numbers.

In prior periods this might not have garnered enough enthusiasm for its own preview, but after it announced XenSource for $500 million it became a more focused interest as a virtualization stock. It should be noted that the company notes many charges fvor its XenSource and Ardence acquisitions and those revenues won’t start until Q1 2008.  If VMware (NYSE:VMW) investors were hoping for any additional robust virtualization comments, they are going to have to wait for the conference call questions and answers.

Citrix shares closed at $32.27 the day the XenSource deal was announced.  Shares closed today down 0.3% at $41.77 and its recent yearly high is $42.75.  Shares are down a little over 2% in immediate after-hours trading, probably as a result of no major driving comments above and beyond the huge recent gains.

Unfortunately, the complexities around virtualization mean that the report given here (including the guidance) might not be all that complete for the long-term expectations out of the company.

Jon C. Ogg
October 17, 2007