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Zscaler (ZS)
NASDAQ:ZS
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Zscaler (ZS) AI Stock Analysis

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ZS

Zscaler

(NASDAQ:ZS)

Rating:67Neutral
Price Target:
$298.00
▲(8.68% Upside)
Zscaler's overall stock score is driven by strong financial performance in terms of revenue growth and cash management, as well as positive sentiment from the latest earnings call. However, ongoing profitability challenges and a negative valuation score due to net losses weigh down the overall score. Technical indicators suggest a neutral market sentiment, adding to the mixed outlook.
Positive Factors
Financial Performance
Zscaler closed out FY25 on a high note, beating consensus on revenue, EPS, and billings while crossing the $3 billion ARR milestone.
Innovation
AI Operations is experiencing rapid growth, expected to account for over 10% of total revenue by FY26, showcasing Zscaler's innovative edge.
Market Demand
Zscaler's strategic initiative 'Zero Trust Everywhere' has significantly exceeded customer adoption targets, indicating strong market reception.
Negative Factors
Gross Margin Pressure
Gross margins might face some pressure in the near term due to the company's expansion into new products and markets.
Gross Margins
A drawback on the quarter was the lower than historical gross margins (79% non-GAAP), but this was a onetime dip due to a large deployment of cloud systems for a government customer.
Initial Market Reaction
The stock faded after hours as initial ARR guidance seemed a bit underwhelming at first glance, but this was likely due in part to a change in methodology where the company is no longer including ramped business in its ARR calculation.

Zscaler (ZS) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Zscaler Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionZscaler, Inc. (ZS) is a leading cloud security company that specializes in providing secure access to applications and data for businesses of all sizes. Operating primarily in the cybersecurity sector, Zscaler offers a suite of services designed to protect users, devices, and applications regardless of location. Its core products include Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) and Zscaler Private Access (ZPA), which enable secure internet access and application access for remote users, respectively, leveraging a cloud-native architecture to ensure scalability and speed.
How the Company Makes MoneyZscaler generates revenue primarily through a subscription-based model. Customers pay for access to its cloud security services on a recurring basis, which allows for predictable revenue streams. The company offers various pricing tiers based on the number of users, the level of service, and additional features required. Key revenue streams include fees from ZIA and ZPA subscriptions, as well as professional services related to implementation and support. Zscaler has established significant partnerships with major technology providers and cloud platforms, enhancing its market reach and credibility, which further contributes to its earnings.

Zscaler Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue by Geography
Revenue by Geography
Breaks down revenue across different regions, revealing where Zscaler is strongest and where it may face risk or growth potential due to local economic conditions or market share shifts.
Chart InsightsZscaler's revenue growth is robust across all regions, with the United States leading the charge. The latest earnings call highlights a 23% year-over-year revenue increase, driven by strong performance in the Zero Trust Everywhere initiative and AI-powered solutions. Despite macroeconomic challenges, the company is strategically positioned for further expansion, aiming for $3 billion in ARR by fiscal year-end. This growth trajectory is supported by strategic partnerships and a diversified product suite, indicating strong future potential despite some variability in net retention rates.
Data provided by:Main Street Data

Zscaler Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Sep 02, 2025
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Nov 26, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call conveyed a strong performance across key metrics with significant growth in revenue, ARR, and adoption of new technologies like AI and Zero Trust. Despite a minor decline in gross margin and higher churn in the newly acquired Red Canary segment, the overall business momentum is positive.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Revenue Growth
Revenue grew 21% year over year, and operating margin exceeded 22%, achieving a quarterly record.
Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) Milestone
ARR increased 22% year over year, surpassing $3 billion, making Zscaler one of only two pure-play SaaS security vendors to achieve this milestone.
Free Cash Flow and Rule of 50
For fiscal year 2025, revenue growth was 23% with a free cash flow margin of 27%, operating at the rule of 50.
Expansion of Zero Trust Everywhere
Zero Trust Everywhere enterprises grew to over 350, with a goal of securing 390 enterprises by the end of fiscal 2026.
Strong Demand for AI and Data Security Solutions
AI security solutions and data security everywhere ARR grew to approximately $425 million, with strong demand leading to large deal wins.
Negative Updates
Gross Margin Decline
Gross margin was 79.3%, lower than the historical target of 80% due to a one-time deployment of a large private cloud in a government customer's data center.
Higher Churn in New Business Segment
The newly acquired Red Canary business segment, which is a new area for Zscaler, has historically had a higher churn rate.
Company Guidance
During the Zscaler Fourth Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Earnings Call, the company provided an extensive range of guidance metrics and insights into its growth strategy. Revenue grew by 21% year-over-year, with an operating margin exceeding 22%, marking a quarterly record. The annual recurring revenue (ARR) increased by about 22% year-over-year, surpassing $3 billion, making Zscaler one of only two pure-play SaaS security vendors to achieve this milestone. For fiscal year 2025, the company operated at a "rule of 50," with revenue growth of 23% and a free cash flow margin of 27%. Looking ahead to fiscal 2026, Zscaler anticipates ARR between $3.676 billion and $3.698 billion, and revenue growth of approximately 22% to 23%. The company is focusing on three growth vectors: AI security, Zero Trust Everywhere, and Data Security Everywhere, which collectively surpassed $1 billion in ARR in Q4. Additionally, Zscaler introduced its Z Flex program, which generated over $100 million in TCV bookings in Q4, representing over 50% sequential growth and is expected to be a significant growth driver in fiscal 2026.

Zscaler Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Zscaler demonstrates strong revenue growth and effective cash management, which are positive indicators for future performance. However, the company continues to face profitability challenges, as evidenced by negative net income and EBIT margins. The balance sheet shows improved leverage, but the negative return on equity highlights the need for better profitability. Overall, Zscaler is on a growth trajectory but needs to address its profitability issues to enhance financial stability.
Income Statement
72
Positive
Zscaler has shown consistent revenue growth, with a 4.96% increase in the latest year. The gross profit margin remains strong at approximately 76.87%, indicating effective cost management. However, the company is still operating at a net loss, with a net profit margin of -1.55%, which is an improvement from previous years but still a concern. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are also negative, reflecting ongoing operational challenges.
Balance Sheet
65
Positive
The debt-to-equity ratio has improved to 0.99, suggesting better leverage management compared to previous years. However, the return on equity remains negative at -2.31%, indicating that the company is not generating positive returns on shareholder investments. The equity ratio is stable, showing a balanced asset structure.
Cash Flow
78
Positive
Zscaler's free cash flow has grown by 6.1%, and the operating cash flow to net income ratio is strong at 0.40, indicating good cash generation relative to net income. The free cash flow to net income ratio is also healthy at 0.75, suggesting efficient cash management despite the net losses.
BreakdownTTMDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue2.67B2.67B2.17B1.62B1.09B673.10M
Gross Profit2.05B2.05B1.69B1.25B847.63M522.46M
EBITDA112.41M112.41M64.79M-76.72M-183.43M-105.80M
Net Income-41.48M-41.48M-57.71M-202.34M-390.28M-262.03M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets6.42B6.42B4.70B3.61B2.83B2.26B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments3.57B3.57B2.41B2.10B1.73B1.50B
Total Debt1.80B1.80B1.24B1.21B1.05B964.61M
Total Liabilities4.62B4.62B3.43B2.88B2.26B1.73B
Stockholders Equity1.80B1.80B1.27B725.11M573.30M528.89M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow770.44M730.99M584.95M333.62M231.33M143.74M
Operating Cash Flow976.75M976.75M779.85M462.34M321.91M202.04M
Investing Cash Flow-427.02M-427.02M-683.18M-259.34M374.06M-109.67M
Financing Cash Flow420.51M420.51M64.21M45.99M41.34M41.67M

Zscaler Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price274.20
Price Trends
50DMA
285.40
Negative
100DMA
271.70
Positive
200DMA
235.17
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-2.11
Negative
RSI
54.44
Neutral
STOCH
58.78
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For ZS, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 274.2 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 273.80, below the 50-day MA of 285.40, and above the 200-day MA of 235.17, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -2.11 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 54.44 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 58.78 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for ZS.

Zscaler Risk Analysis

Zscaler disclosed 59 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Zscaler reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Zscaler Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
80
Outperform
$130.07B121.5317.45%14.87%-57.43%
70
Neutral
$74.72B-11.04%27.32%-11.94%
67
Neutral
$42.69B-2.70%23.31%31.04%
67
Neutral
$60.40B31.46165.17%14.46%48.06%
67
Neutral
$104.81B721.64-8.99%23.46%-270.07%
66
Neutral
$16.13B107.862.61%12.68%
61
Neutral
$35.55B8.91-10.55%1.87%8.47%-8.26%
* Technology Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
ZS
Zscaler
281.60
125.70
80.63%
FTNT
Fortinet
80.36
4.29
5.64%
PANW
Palo Alto Networks
197.38
23.59
13.57%
OKTA
Okta
92.68
21.68
30.54%
CRWD
CrowdStrike Holdings
428.06
180.32
72.79%
NET
Cloudflare
214.43
137.62
179.17%

Zscaler Corporate Events

Private Placements and Financing
Zscaler Issues $1.725 Billion Convertible Notes
Neutral
Jul 3, 2025

On July 3, 2025, Zscaler, Inc. issued $1.725 billion in 0.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028, with net proceeds expected to be approximately $1.70 billion. The funds will be used for capped call transactions and general corporate purposes, including potential acquisitions. The notes are convertible under specific conditions and are subject to customary terms and covenants. Additionally, capped call transactions were entered to mitigate potential stock dilution upon note conversion.

Executive/Board Changes
Zscaler Announces CTO Departure Effective July 2025
Neutral
Jun 23, 2025

On June 23, 2025, Zscaler, Inc. announced the upcoming departure of its Chief Technology Officer, Syam Nair, effective July 4, 2025. This change in leadership may impact the company’s operations as Mr. Nair is expected to receive benefits under the company’s severance policy, highlighting a significant transition within the company’s executive team.

Executive/Board Changes
Zscaler Announces Transition Agreement for Retiring CFO
Neutral
Jun 13, 2025

On June 9, 2025, Zscaler, Inc. announced a Transition Agreement with its retiring CFO, Remo Canessa, to ensure a smooth transition to a new CFO by December 31, 2025. During this period, Mr. Canessa will maintain his current salary and benefits, and upon completion, he will receive a lump sum payment and accelerated vesting of restricted stock units, highlighting the company’s commitment to a seamless leadership transition.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Sep 06, 2025