Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Bull of the Day: AppFolio, Inc. (APPF)

Read MoreHide Full Article

AppFolio Inc. (APPF - Free Report) , a Zacks Ranked #1 (Strong Buy), offers cloud-based software solutions for property management and legal industries. It offers AppFolio Property Manager, a solution for the property managers including activities of posting and tracking tenant vacancies, handling the entire leasing process electronically, administering maintenance and repairs with their vendor networks, managing accounting and reporting to property owners. MyCase solution for practitioners and small law firms, providing time tracking, billing and payments, client communication, coordination with other lawyers and support staff, legal document management and assembly and general office administration services. Value+ services include Websites and electronic payment services. AppFolio, Inc. is headquartered Goleta, California.

Recent News and Earnings

The company recently reported Q2 17 earnings where they beat both the Zacks consensus earnings and revenue estimates for the fifth consecutive quarter.  Total revenues grew by +37%, and total billings were up +32.2% on a year over year (YoY) basis.  The Value+ services saw the biggest YoY improvement in revenues as they were up +43%.  The Property Management arm of the business saw the number of customers increase by +17% YoY, and the number of units under management rise by +22% YoY.  The Legal segment saw customer growth improve by +21% YoY to almost 9,000 customers.  The average revenues per unit jumped up by +38% as management streamlined sales, improved marketing performance, and targeted higher value customers.  

Due to the impressive quarterly performance, management increased FY 17 guidance from a range between $136-138 million to a range between $138-139 million indicating a +31-32% YoY increase.  

The Board of Directors also announced that the current CEO Brian Donahoo will be retiring and that Jason Randall will take over the position.  Mr. Donahoo will be available through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.  Mr. Randall was the SVP, and has been with the company for over nine years.  While the retirement was not expected, the street viewed the transition as a positive.  

Price and Earnings Consensus Graph

As you can see in the graph below, the company’s stock price and future earnings estimates have been increasing throughout 2017, and are expected to continue to grow into 2018.

AppFolio, Inc. Price and Consensus

AppFolio, Inc. Price and Consensus | AppFolio, Inc. Quote

Increasing Earnings Estimates

Due to the impressive quarterly results, improving fundamentals, and increased guidance earnings estimates for Q3 17, Q4 17, FY 17 and FY 18 have all seen positive revisions.  Q3 17 jumped up from $0.04 to $0.07, Q4 17 more than doubled from $0.03 to $0.07, FY 17 leaped from $0.15 to $0.32, and FY 18 was elevated from $0.30 to $0.45.

Bottom Line

Management’s ability to acquire new customers, and improve their retention rates has enabled them to see increased earnings and revenues over the past five quarters.  This strong trend is expected to continue into 2018 with expected growth in all three segments of the company.

4 Surprising Tech Stocks to Keep an Eye On

Tech stocks have been a major force behind the market’s record highs, but picking the best ones to buy can be tough. There’s a simple way to invest in the success of the entire sector. Zacks has just released a Special Report revealing one thing tech companies literally cannot function without. More importantly, it reveals 4 top stocks set to skyrocket on increasing demand for these devices. I encourage you to get the report now – before the next wave of innovations really take off.

See Stocks Now>>
 


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:


AppFolio, Inc. (APPF) - free report >>