A Look ahead to Citrix’s Margin Growth

Citrix (CTXS) has witnessed ongoing pressure on its margins, driven by increasing expenditures on research and development (or R&D). The higher cost of its product, services, and maintenance businesses has also been responsible for its margin contractions. In 4Q17, Citrix’s gross margin stood at 84.3% compared with 86.4% in 4Q16. Its operating margin in 4Q17 was 24.4%, down 310 basis points. In the chart above, we can see Citrix’s operating margins on a GAAP basis in the last five quarters. In fiscal 2017, its gross margin was 84.4% versus 85.2% in fiscal 2016.