Technology

FireEye Jumps on Solid Earnings and Guidance

Thinkstock

When FireEye Inc. (NASDAQ: FEYE) reported its third-quarter financial results after the markets closed on Thursday, it posted a net loss of $0.18 per share and $186.4 million in revenue. Consensus estimates from Thomson Reuters had called for a net loss of $0.20 per share on revenue of $195.67 million. The same period of last year reportedly had a per-share net loss of $0.36 and $184.77 million in revenue.

Billings totaled $215.4 million at the end of the quarter, an increase of 2% from last year. Gross margin was 74%, compared to 73% in the third quarter of 2015.

In terms of guidance for the fourth quarter, the company expects to have a net loss in the range of $0.16 to $0.18 per share and revenues between $187 million and $193 million. The consensus estimates are a net loss of $0.24 per share and $189.57 million in revenue for the current quarter.

Cash flow from operations of $14.1 million, compared to −$8.3 million in the third quarter of 2015. On the books, FireEye’s cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $926.2 million at the end of the quarter, down from $1.17 billion at the end of 2015.

Kevin Mandia, FireEye CEO, commented:

Our performance in the third quarter — with billings, revenue, operating margin, earnings per share and cash flow above guidance — reflected customer confidence in FireEye intelligence-led products and services. We experienced strong demand for our cloud-based email security and threat intelligence solutions, as well as continued growth in renewal subscriptions. Of the 47 customers who spent more than one million dollars on FireEye solutions in the third quarter, 41 invested in multiple products.

Shares of FireEye closed Thursday down 2.7% at $11.01, with a consensus analyst price target of $17.89 and a 52-week trading range of $10.87 to $24.16. Following the report, the stock was up 13% at $12.45 in early trading indications Friday.

Essential Tips for Investing: Sponsored

A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.