Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.
What: Shares of Tableau Software (DATA) popped 15% after the data analytics company turned in better-than-expected fourth quarter results and solid forward guidance.
So what: Quarterly sales rose 95% year over year to $81.5 million, which translated to adjusted earnings of $0.20 per diluted share. Analysts were only expecting a breakeven quarter on sales of $67 million.
Keeping in mind Q1 is typically Tableau's lightest, management expects current-quarter revenue to be in the range of $61 million to $63 million, or above expectations for sales of $60.25 million. For the full year 2014, Tableau expects revenue of $320 million to $325 million, versus estimates which called for $308.18 million.
Now what: Tableau is also expecting non-GAAP operating losses between $15 million and $20 million this year as it invests to aggressively boost its industry position. But the company should have no problems weathering those losses considering it has no debt and almost $253 million in cash on its balance sheet.
It Tableau can continue delivering this kind of top-line growth en route to sustained long-term profitability, the stock could still prove a bargain for patient investors.
