Biggest changeWe maintain a full valuation allowance in jurisdictions where we had net deferred tax assets as we have concluded that it is not more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. 51 Table of Contents Results of Operations The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations data for each of the periods indicated: Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2024 2023 2022 (in thousands) Revenue $ 471,800 $ 355,426 $ 238,035 Cost of revenue (1) 147,527 115,818 78,511 Gross profit 324,273 239,608 159,524 Operating expenses: Sales and marketing (1) 247,125 201,684 127,137 Research and development (1) 119,863 97,293 59,034 General and administrative (1) 101,977 88,771 51,564 Total operating expenses 468,965 387,748 237,735 Loss from operations (144,692) (148,140) (78,211) Other income (expense), net 16,220 7,977 (121) Loss before provision for income taxes (128,472) (140,163) (78,332) Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 1,957 583 (165) Net loss $ (130,429) $ (140,746) $ (78,167) (1) Includes stock-based compensation expense, net of amounts capitalized as follows: Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2024 2023 2022 (in thousands) Cost of revenue $ 3,585 $ 3,616 $ 2,185 Sales and marketing 31,198 23,871 16,281 Research and development 38,962 28,897 15,613 General and administrative 23,432 15,833 13,101 Total $ 97,177 $ 72,217 $ 47,180 The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations data expressed as a percentage of revenue for each of the periods indicated: 52 Table of Contents Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2024 2023 2022 (as a percentage of revenue) Revenue 100 % 100 % 100 % Cost of revenue 31 % 33 % 33 % Gross profit 69 % 67 % 67 % Operating expenses: Sales and marketing 52 % 57 % 53 % Research and development 25 % 27 % 25 % General and administrative 22 % 25 % 22 % Total operating expenses 99 % 109 % 100 % Loss from operations (30) % (42) % (33) % Other income (expense), net 3 % 2 % — % Loss before provision for income taxes (27) % (40) % (33) % Provision for (benefit from) income taxes — % — % — % Net loss (27) % (40) % (33) % Comparison of the Fiscal Years Ended January 31, 2024 and January 31, 2023 Revenue Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2024 2023 Change % Change ($ in thousands) Revenue $ 471,800 $ 355,426 $ 116,374 32.7 % The increase in revenue of $116.4 million, or 32.7%, for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 compared to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023 was primarily driven by an $112.7 million, or 33%, increase in subscription revenue.
Biggest changeResults of Operations The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations data for each of the periods indicated: Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2025 2024 2023 (in thousands) Revenue $ 593,410 $ 471,800 $ 355,426 Cost of revenue (1) 183,191 147,527 115,818 Gross profit 410,219 324,273 239,608 Operating expenses: Sales and marketing (1) 282,316 247,125 201,684 Research and development (1) 133,969 119,863 97,293 General and administrative (1) 116,093 101,977 88,771 Total operating expenses 532,378 468,965 387,748 Loss from operations (122,159) (144,692) (148,140) Other income, net 21,557 16,220 7,977 Loss before provision for income taxes (100,602) (128,472) (140,163) Provision for income taxes 3,445 1,957 583 Net loss $ (104,047) $ (130,429) $ (140,746) (1) Includes stock-based compensation expense, net of amounts capitalized as follows: Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2025 2024 2023 (in thousands) Cost of revenue $ 4,022 $ 3,585 $ 3,616 Sales and marketing 38,168 31,198 23,871 Research and development 43,004 38,962 28,897 General and administrative 29,067 23,432 15,833 Total $ 114,261 $ 97,177 $ 72,217 The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations data expressed as a percentage of revenue for each of the periods indicated: 53 Table of Contents Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2025 2024 2023 (as a percentage of revenue) Revenue 100 % 100 % 100 % Cost of revenue 31 % 31 % 33 % Gross profit 69 % 69 % 67 % Operating expenses: Sales and marketing 48 % 52 % 57 % Research and development 23 % 25 % 27 % General and administrative 19 % 22 % 25 % Total operating expenses 90 % 99 % 109 % Loss from operations (21) % (30) % (42) % Other income, net 4 % 3 % 2 % Loss before provision for income taxes (17) % (27) % (40) % Provision for income taxes 1 % — % — % Net loss (18) % (27) % (40) % Comparison of the Fiscal Years Ended January 31, 2025 and January 31, 2024 Revenue Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2025 2024 Change % Change ($ in thousands) Revenue $ 593,410 $ 471,800 $ 121,610 25.8 % The increase in revenue of $121.6 million, or 25.8%, for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025 compared to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 was primarily driven by an $119.2 million, or 26.4%, increase in subscription revenue.
Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities was $13.1 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, primarily consisting of proceeds from the exercise of common stock options of $7.3 million and proceeds from stock purchases associated with our employee stock purchase plan of $6.0 million, offset by payments of deferred purchase considerations related to the acquisition of North Star of $0.2 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $13.1 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, primarily consisting of proceeds from the exercise of common stock options of $7.3 million and proceeds from stock purchases associated with our employee stock purchase plan of $6.0 million, offset by payments of deferred purchase considerations related to the acquisition of North Star of $0.2 million.
General macroeconomic and socioeconomic conditions such as, among others, instability in the banking and financial services sector, international and domestic supply chain risks, inflationary pressure, interest rate increases, declines in consumer confidence, international conflicts, and domestic and foreign political unrest have recently led to increased economic uncertainty.
General macroeconomic and socioeconomic conditions such as, among others, instability in the banking and financial services sector, international and domestic supply chain risks, inflationary pressure, interest rate increases, declines in consumer confidence, international conflicts and domestic and foreign political unrest have led to increased economic uncertainty.
As of January 31, 2024, we recorded a full valuation allowance in jurisdictions where we had net deferred tax assets, which consist of net operating loss carryforwards and other basis differences, as we have concluded that it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets will not be realized. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Refer t o Note 2.
As of January 31, 2025, we recorded a full valuation allowance in jurisdictions where we had net deferred tax assets, which consist of net operating loss carryforwards and other basis differences, as we have concluded that it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets will not be realized. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Refer t o Note 2.
While our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including revenue growth and costs incurred to support customer usage and growth in our customer base, increased research and development expenses to support the growth of our business and related infrastructure, and increased general and administrative expenses to support being a publicly-traded company, we believe our current cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months.
While our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including revenue growth and costs incurred to support customer usage and growth in our customer base, increased research 57 Table of Contents and development expenses to support the growth of our business and related infrastructure, and increased general and administrative expenses to support being a publicly-traded company, we believe our current cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months.
These costs primarily include payments to third-party cloud infrastructure providers for hosting software solutions, costs associated with application service providers utilized to deliver the platform, personnel-related costs, including salaries, cash-based performance compensation, benefits and stock-based compensation, and overhead cost allocations, including rent, utilities, depreciation, information technology costs, amortization of internal use software and certain administrative personnel costs.
These costs primarily include payments to third-party cloud infrastructure providers for hosting software solutions, costs associated with application service providers utilized to deliver the platform, personnel-related costs, including salaries, cash-based performance compensation, benefits and stock-based 51 Table of Contents compensation, and overhead cost allocations, including rent, utilities, depreciation, information technology costs, amortization of internal use software and certain administrative personnel costs.
The cash inflows from changes in our operating assets and liabilities were primarily due to an increase in deferred revenue of $39.9 million as a result of increased billings driven by timing of subscriptions and renewals.
The cash inflows from changes in our operating assets and liabilities were primarily due to an increase in deferred revenue of $35.9 million as a result of increased billings driven by timing of subscriptions and renewals.
We expand the use of our platform by existing customers by, among others, adding new channels and increasing the messaging volume we sell to our customers as their businesses and needs continue to grow and as they connect directly with additional consumers, which in 48 Table of Contents turn leads to a need for greater messaging capacity.
We expand the use of our platform by existing customers by, among others, adding new channels and increasing the messaging volume we sell to our customers as their businesses and needs continue to grow and as they connect directly with additional consumers, which in turn leads to a need for greater messaging capacity.
In addition, we had an increase in personnel and overhead costs of $2.0 million. The increased infrastructure, messaging, and personnel costs were incurred to support overall revenue growth.
In addition, we had an increase in personnel and overhead costs of $3.2 million. The increased infrastructure, messaging, and personnel costs were incurred to support overall revenue growth.
See the section titled “— Non-GAAP Free Cash Flow” for additional information about how we calculate free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial metric, and a reconciliation to net cash us ed in operating activities, the most directly comparable measure calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or U.S. GAAP.
See the section titled “— Non-GAAP Free Cash Flow” for additional information about how we calculate free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial metric, and a reconciliation to net cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable measure calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or U.S. GAAP.
For the fiscal years ended January 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, approximately 43%, 42%, and 40%, of our revenue was generated outside of the United States, respectively. We expect to increase market penetration in regions including Europe and Asia-Pacific and to further capitalize on the greenfield opportunity in regions such as Latin America.
For the fiscal years ended January 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, approximately 45%, 43%, and 42%, of our revenue was generated outside of the United States, respectively. We expect to increase market penetration in regions including Europe and Asia-Pacific and to further capitalize on the greenfield opportunity in regions such as Latin America.
A single organization could have multiple distinct contracting divisions or subsidiaries, all of which together would be considered a single customer. Expanding Within Our Existing Customer Base We believe we can achieve significant growth by expanding sales within our existing customer base.
A single organization could have multiple distinct contracting divisions or subsidiaries, all of which together would be considered a single customer. Expanding Within Our Existing Customer Base 49 Table of Contents We believe we can achieve significant growth by expanding sales within our existing customer base.
We review the estimated standalone selling price for our performance obligations periodically and update, if needed, to ensure that the methodology 57 Table of Contents utilized reflects our current pricing practices. The transaction price allocated to each performance obligation is recognized as revenue when or as the products or services are transferred to the customer.
We review the estimated standalone selling price for our performance obligations periodically and update, if needed, to ensure that the methodology utilized reflects our current pricing practices. The transaction price allocated to each performance obligation is recognized as revenue when or as the products or services are transferred to the customer.
Through our sales and marketing efforts, we also plan to capitalize on industries subject to ongoing digital transformation and where direct-to-consumer relationships are accelerating, to further propel adoption of our technology. As of January 31, 2024, we had 2,044 customers across a broad range of sizes and industries.
Through our sales and marketing efforts, we also plan to capitalize on industries subject to ongoing digital transformation and where direct-to-consumer relationships are accelerating, to further propel adoption of our technology. As of January 31, 2025, we had 2,296 customers across a broad range of sizes and industries.
Although these investments in geographic regions may negatively affect our operating results in the near term, we believe that they will contribute to our long-term growth. 49 Table of Contents Sustaining Innovation and Technology Leadership Our success is dependent on our ability to sustain innovation and technology leadership in order to maintain our competitive advantage.
Although these investments in geographic regions may negatively affect our operating results in the near term, we believe that they will contribute to our long-term growth. Sustaining Innovation and Technology Leadership Our success is dependent on our ability to sustain innovation and technology leadership in order to maintain our competitive advantage.
We expect our cost of revenue to increase for the foreseeable future as we continue to grow our business. Gross Profit and Gross Margin 50 Table of Contents Gross profit represents revenue less cost of revenue. Gross margin is gross profit expressed as a percentage of revenue.
We expect our cost of revenue to increase for the foreseeable future as we continue to grow our business. Gross Profit and Gross Margin Gross profit represents revenue less cost of revenue. Gross margin is gross profit expressed as a percentage of revenue.
Professional services revenue increased $3.6 million, or 21%, due to an increase in deliverability services, technical account management, and support engagement services. These increases were partially offset by the decline in onboarding revenue as a result of the continued engagement of new customers with third-party partner-led onboarding.
Professional services revenue increased $2.4 million, or 11.6%, due to an increase in deliverability services, technical account management, and support engagement services. These increases were partially offset by the decline in onboarding revenue as a result of the continued engagement of new customers with third-party partner-led onboarding.
To supplement our consolidated financial statements, we provide investors with the amount of free cash flow, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. Our management uses free cash flow to assess our operating performance and our progress towards our goal of positive free cash flow.
Non-GAAP Free Cash Flow We report our financial results in accordance with GAAP. To supplement our consolidated financial statements, we provide investors with the amount of free cash flow, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. Our management uses free cash flow to assess our operating performance and our progress towards our goal of positive free cash flow.
As of January 31, 2024, we had approximately 6.2 billion monthly active users, up from approximately 4.8 billion monthly active users as of January 31, 2023. Braze supports interactions across a broad range of both in-product and out-of-product messaging channels.
As of January 31, 2025, we had approximately 7.2 billion monthly active users, up from approximately 6.2 billion monthly active users as of January 31, 2024. Braze supports interactions across a broad range of both in-product and out-of-product messaging channels.
Other Income (Expense), Net Other income (expense), net, primarily consists of net exchange gains or losses on foreign currency transactions and investment income consists primarily of income earned on our investments, cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash.
Other Income, Net 52 Table of Contents Other income, net, primarily consists of net exchange gains or losses on foreign currency transactions and investment income consists primarily of income earned on our investments, cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash.
Our dollar-based net retention rate for the trailing 12 months ended January 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, was 117%, 124%, and 128% respectively, for all our customers, and 120%, 126%, and 136%, respectively, for our customers with ARR of $500,000 or more.
Our dollar-based net retention rate for the trailing 12 months ended January 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, was 111%, 117%, and 124% respectively, for all our customers, and 114%, 120%, and 126%, respectively, for our customers with ARR of $500,000 or more.
Purchase commitments for business operations are primarily related to cloud hosting, infrastructure, and other software-based services. Our future funding requirements to settle our obligations in foreign jurisdictions are subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign exchange rates.
Purchase commitments for business operations are predominately related to cloud hosting, infrastructure, and other software-based services and due primarily over the next three years. Our future funding requirements to settle our obligations in foreign jurisdictions are subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign exchange rates.
For a discussion regarding our financial condition and results of operations for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023 compared to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, refer to “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 47 Table of Contents and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2023.
For a discussion regarding our financial condition and results of operations for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 compared to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, refer to “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 48 Table of Contents and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024.
Liquidity and Capital Resources Sources of Funds As of January 31, 2024, our principal source of liquidity was cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $480.0 million . Our cas h and cash equivalents consist of deposit accounts, interest-bearing money market accounts, and U.S. government securities that are stated at fair value.
Liquidity and Capital Resources Sources of Funds As of January 31, 2025, our principal source of liquidity was cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $514.0 million. Our cash and cash equivalents consist of deposit accounts, interest-bearing money market accounts, U.S. government, and corporate securities that are stated at fair value.
The following table presents a reconciliation of free cash flow to net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities, the most directly comparable measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, for the periods presented: Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2024 2023 2022 (in thousands) Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities $ 6,850 $ (22,308) $ (35,398) Less: Purchases of property and equipment (9,761) (15,447) (2,310) Capitalized internal-use software costs (3,574) (1,258) (2,065) Non-GAAP Free cash flow $ (6,485) $ (39,013) $ (39,773) Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities $ (19,976) $ (398,519) $ 18,040 Net cash provided by financing activities $ 13,109 $ 11,332 $ 467,910 Our free cash flow increased for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 from the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, primarily due to higher collections as a result of an increase in billings that are aligned with new contracts and contract renewals.
The following table presents a reconciliation of free cash flow to net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities, the most directly comparable measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, for the periods presented: Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2025 2024 2023 (in thousands) Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities $ 36,680 $ 6,850 $ (22,308) Less: Purchases of property and equipment (13,234) (9,761) (15,447) Capitalized internal-use software costs (3,814) (3,574) (1,258) Non-GAAP free cash flow $ 19,632 $ (6,485) $ (39,013) Net cash used in investing activities $ (36,470) $ (19,976) $ (398,519) Net cash provided by financing activities $ 11,695 $ 13,109 $ 11,332 Our free cash flow increased for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025 from the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, primarily due to higher collections as a result of an increase in billings that are aligned with new contracts and contract renewals.
The cash inflows were offset by cash outflows primarily from an increase in deferred contract costs of $30.5 million as a result of commissions on new bookings and renewals.
The cash inflows were offset by cash outflows primarily from an increase in accounts receivable of $5.4 million and an increase in deferred contract costs of $48.2 million as a result of commissions on new bookings and renewals.
Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities was $20.0 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, primarily consisting of purchases of marketable securities of $248.1 million, cash paid for the acquisition of North Star of $16.3 million, purchases of property and equipment of $9.8 million, and capitalization of internal-use software costs of $3.6 million, partially offset by maturities of marketable securities of $257.7 million.
Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities was $36.5 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, primarily consisting of purchases of marketable securities of $218.0 million,, purchases of property and equipment of $13.2 million, and capitalization of internal-use software costs of $3.8 million, partially offset by maturities of marketable securities of $195.4 million. 56 Table of Contents Net cash used in investing activities was $20.0 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, primarily consisting of purchases of marketable securities of $248.1 million, cash paid for the acquisition of North Star of $16.3 million, purchases of property and equipment of $9.8 million, and capitalization of internal-use software costs of $3.6 million, partially offset by maturities of marketable securities of 257.7 million.
Approximately 66.8% of the increase in subscription revenue was attributable to the growth from existing customers increase in monthly active users, expansion across channels and committed entitlements and features, and the remaining 33.2% was attributable to new customers. Total customers grew to 2,044 as of January 31, 2024 from 1,770 as of January 31, 2023.
Approximately 73.8% of the increase in subscription revenue was attributable to the growth from existing customers increase in monthly active users, expansion across channels and committed entitlements and features, and the remaining 26.2% was attributable to new customers. Total customers grew to 2,296 as of January 31, 2025 from 2,044 as of January 31, 2024.
Additionally, in the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, our international revenue increased by $54.1 million as we continued to expand market penetration in regions such as Europe and Asia-Pacific.
Additionally, in the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, our international revenue increased by $62.4 million as we continued to expand market penetration in regions such as Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
Our subscription fees are principally based on an upfront commitment by our customers for messaging volumes, a specific number of monthly active users, platform access and/or support and certain add-on products.
We primarily generate revenue from the sale of subscriptions to customers for the use of our platform. Our subscription fees are principally based on an upfront commitment by our customers for messaging volumes, a specific number of monthly active users, platform access and/or support and certain add-on products.
Cash Flow Overview The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods presented: Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2024 2023 2022 (in thousands) Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities $ 6,850 $ (22,308) $ (35,398) Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities $ (19,976) $ (398,519) $ 18,040 Net cash provided by financing activities $ 13,109 $ 11,332 $ 467,910 Operating Activities For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, net cash provided by operating activities was $6.9 million, primarily due to a net loss of $130.4 million adjusted for non-cash charges of $136.2 million and net changes in our operating assets and liabilities of $1.1 million.
Cash Flow Overview The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods presented: Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2025 2024 2023 (in thousands) Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities $ 36,680 $ 6,850 $ (22,308) Net cash used in investing activities $ (36,470) $ (19,976) $ (398,519) Net cash provided by financing activities $ 11,695 $ 13,109 $ 11,332 Operating Activities For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, net cash provided by operating activities was $36.7 million, primarily due to a net loss of $104.0 million adjusted for non-cash charges of $163.4 million and net changes in our operating assets and liabilities of $22.7 million.
We generated revenue of $471.8 million, $355.4 million, and $238.0 million in the fiscal years ended January 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, representing year-over-year growth of 33% from the fiscal years ended January 31, 2023 to January 31, 2024 and 49% from the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022 to January 31, 2023.
We generated revenue of $593.4 million, $471.8 million, and $355.4 million in the fiscal years ended January 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively, representing year-over-year growth of 25.8% from the fiscal years ended January 31, 2024 to January 31, 2025 and 32.7% from the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023 to January 31, 2024.
We intend to continue to expand our customer base in verticals where we already have a strong presence, such as retail, media and entertainment, on-demand services, gaming, health and lifestyle, and financial services — and to increase our presence in verticals where we are not yet strongly represented.
We intend to continue to expand our customer base in verticals where we already have a strong presence, such as retail and consumer goods, media and entertainment, telecommunications, restaurants and on-demand services, healthcare and life sciences, technology, manufacturing, education, government and public services, and financial services — and to increase our presence in verticals where we are not yet strongly represented.
These increases were due primarily to improved personnel efficiencies, 53 Table of Contents economies of scale, a one-time vendor charge recorded in the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, and the optimization of costs of our tech stack as our infrastructure costs to support our revenue growth did not increase at the same pace as our revenue.
These increases were due primarily to improved personnel efficiencies, 54 Table of Contents economies of scale, and the optimization of costs of our tech stack as our infrastructure costs to support our revenue growth did not increase at the same pace as our revenue.
Since our inception, we have financed our operations primarily through the net proceeds received from the sales of equity securities and cash generated from the sale of subscriptions to our platform.
Since our inception, we have financed our operations primarily through the net proceeds received from the sales of equity securities and cash generated from the sale of subscriptions to our platform. We have generated losses from our operations as reflected in our accumulated deficit of $586.8 million as of January 31, 2025.
Our gross profit increased $84.7 million, or 35.3%, in the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 compared to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, and our gross margin increased by 1.3% to 68.7% in the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 from 67.4% in the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023.
Our gross profit increased $85.9 million, or 26.5%, in the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025 compared to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, and our gross margin increased by 0.4% to 69.1% in the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025 from 68.7% in the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024.
The non-cash adjustments primarily relate to stock-based compensation of $72.2 million, amortization of deferred contract costs of $23.6 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $4.6 million, and expense associated with the donation of our Class A common stock to a charitable donor-advised fund of $4.3 million as part of our Pledge 1% 55 Table of Contents commitment.
The non-cash adjustments primarily relate to stock-based compensation of $115.1 million, amortization of deferred contract costs of $35.0 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $10.1 million, and expense associated with the donation of our Class A common stock to a charitable donor-advised fund of $3.8 million.
For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, net cash used in operating activities was $22.3 million, primarily due to a net loss of $140.7 million adjusted for non-cash charges of $109.0 million and net changes in our operating assets and liabilities of $9.4 million.
For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, net cash provided by operating activities was $6.9 million, primarily due to a net loss of $130.4 million adjusted for non-cash charges of $136.2 million and net changes in our operating assets and liabilities of $1.1 million.
Our most significant funding requirements are principally comprised of employee compensation and related taxes and benefits, non-cancelable purchase commitments, and operating lease obligations. Non-cancelable purchase commitments for business operations and operating lease obligations total $255.1 million and $122.9 million, respectively, as of January 31, 2024, due primarily over the next three years.
Our most significant funding requirements are principally comprised of employee compensation and related taxes and benefits, non-cancelable purchase commitments, and operating lease obligations. Non-cancelable purchase commitments for business operations and operating lease obligations total $224.4 million and $114.8 million, respectively, as of January 31, 2025.
Cost to Obtain a Contract with a Customer We capitalize incremental costs of obtaining revenue contracts, which primarily consist of internal sales commissions and agent commissions. We amortize these commissions on a systematic basis, consistent with the pattern of transfer of the expected benefit period or services to which the contract relates, generally up to four years.
We amortize these commissions on a systematic basis, consistent with the pattern of transfer of the expected benefit period or services to which the contract relates, generally up to four years.
We had net cash provided by operating activities of $6.9 million in the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 and net cash used in operating activities of $22.3 million and $35.4 million in the fiscal years ended January 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
We had net cash provided by operating activities of $6.9 million and net cash used in operating activities of $22.3 million in the fiscal years ended January 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Our Non-GAAP free cash flow was $19.6 million, $(6.5) million and $(39.0) million in the fiscal years ended January 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.
General and Administrative Expense Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2024 2023 Change % Change ($ in thousands) General and administrative $ 101,977 $ 88,771 $ 13,206 14.9 % The increase in general and administrative expenses of $13.2 million, or 14.9%, for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 compared to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023 was primarily driven by an increase in personnel and overhead costs of $13.8 million , which included $7.6 million of stock-based compensation costs, and an increase in s oftware costs of $1.0 million .
General and Administrative Expense Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2025 2024 Change % Change ($ in thousands) General and administrative $ 116,093 $ 101,977 $ 14,116 13.8 % The increase in general and administrative expenses of $14.1 million, or 13.8%, for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025 compared to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 was primarily driven by an increase in personnel and overhead costs of $13.2 million, which included $5.6 million of stock-based compensation costs and $2.3 million of depreciation expense, primarily related to the winding down of our old office as we moved to our new headquarters in the fiscal year.
We had net losses of $130.4 million, $140.7 million and $78.2 million, in the fiscal years ended January 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
We had net losses of $104.0 million, $130.4 million and $140.7 million, in the fiscal years ended January 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. We had net cash provided by operating activities of $36.7 million in the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025.
We expect our free cash flow to fluctuate in future periods with changes in our operating expenses and as we continue to invest in our growth. 56 Table of Contents Liquidity Outlook We assess our liquidity primarily through our cash on hand as well as the projected timing of billings under contracts with our paying customers and related collection cycles.
Liquidity Outlook We assess our liquidity primarily through our cash on hand as well as the projected timing of billings under contracts with our paying customers and related collection cycles.
Cost of Revenue, Gross Profit and Gross Margin Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2024 2023 Change % Change ($ in thousands) Cost of revenue $ 147,527 $ 115,818 $ 31,709 27.4 % Gross profit $ 324,273 $ 239,608 $ 84,665 35.3 % Gross margin 68.7 % 67.4 % T he increase in cost of revenue of $31.7 million, or 27.4%, for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 compared to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023 was primarily driven by an increase of $15.8 million in hosting, infrastructure, and other third-party fees associated with delivering our platform and a $13.2 million increase in third-party messaging fees associated with growth in channel utilization.
Cost of Revenue, Gross Profit and Gross Margin Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2025 2024 Change % Change ($ in thousands) Cost of revenue $ 183,191 $ 147,527 $ 35,664 24.2 % Gross profit $ 410,219 $ 324,273 $ 85,946 26.5 % Gross margin 69.1 % 68.7 % T he increase in co st of revenue of $35.7 million, or 24.2%, for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025 compared to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 was primarily driven by an increase of $7.5 million in hosting, infrastructure, and other third-party fees associated with delivering our platform and a $24.0 million increase in third-party messaging fees associated with growth in premium messaging channels.
Operating Expenses Sales and Marketing Expense Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2024 2023 Change % Change ($ in thousands) Sales and marketing $ 247,125 $ 201,684 $ 45,441 22.5 % The increase in sales and marketing expense of $45.4 million, or 22.5%, for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 compared to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, was primarily driven by an increase in personnel and overhead costs of $34.8 million, which included $7.3 million of stock-based compensation costs, as a result of the expansion of equity award grants for existing and new employees.
Operating Expenses Sales and Marketing Expense Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2025 2024 Change % Change ($ in thousands) Sales and marketing $ 282,316 $ 247,125 $ 35,191 14.2 % The increase in sales and marketing expense of $35.2 million, or 14.2%, for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025 compared to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, was primarily driven by an increase in personnel and overhead costs of $22.9 million, which included $7.0 million of stock-based compensation costs.
Research and Development Expense Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2024 2023 Change % Change ($ in thousands) Research and development $ 119,863 $ 97,293 $ 22,570 23.2 % Th e increase in research and development expense of $22.6 million, or 23.2%, for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 compared to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, was primarily driven by an increase of personnel and overhead costs of $22.9 million , which included $10.1 million of stock-based compensation costs , to support our continued investment in the features and functionality of our platform.
Research and Development Expense Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2025 2024 Change % Change ($ in thousands) Research and development $ 133,969 $ 119,863 $ 14,106 11.8 % The increase in research and development expense of $14.1 million, or 11.8%, for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025 compared to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, was primarily driven by an increase in personnel and overhead costs of $11.7 million, which included $4.0 million of stock-based compensation costs, an increase of $1.6 million in software costs, and an increase in professional services of $0.7 million.
Additionally, the increase was driven in part by an increase of $4.0 million in promotional and product marketing, primarily related to the hosting of regional customer events. Further, there was a $2.4 million increase in professional services substantially related to sales team training.
Additionally, the increase was driven in part by an increase of $6.4 million in promotional and product marketing, primarily related to the hosting of regional customer events, our annual customer conference, and other sales related events, an increase of $3.7 million in software costs, and an increase of $2.5 million in deferred contract costs as a result of sales growth.
Our customers include many established global enterprises and leading technology innovators, and span a wide variety of sizes and industries, including retail, media, entertainment, on-demand services, gaming, health and lifestyle, and financial services. We primarily generate revenue from the sale of subscriptions to customers for the use of our platform.
Our customers include many established global enterprises and leading technology innovators, and span a wide variety of sizes and industries, including retail and consumer goods, media and entertainment, telecommunications, restaurants and on-demand services, healthcare and life sciences, technology, manufacturing, education, government and public services, and financial services.
A substantial source of our cash provided by operating activities is our deferred revenue, which is included on our consolidated balance sheets as a liability. Deferred revenue consists of the unearned portion of billed fees for our subscriptions, which is recorded as revenue over the term of the subscription agreement.
We had cash flows provided by operating activities for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025 of $36.7 million. A substantial source of our cash provided by operating activities is our deferred revenue, which is included on our consolidated balance sheets as a liability.
As of January 31, 2024, we had total deferred revenue of $204.7 million, of which $204.3 million was recorded as a current liability. Deferred revenue will be recognized as revenue when all of the revenue recognition criteria are met.
Deferred revenue will be recognized as revenue when all of the revenue recognition criteria are met.
The increase in personnel costs was primarily due to a year-over-year increase in headcount. Increases in expenses were partially offset by a decrease of $1.2 million in professional services costs.
The increases in expenses were partially offset by a decrease in professional services costs of $0.5 million related to the acquisition of North Star in the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $11.3 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, consisting solely of proceeds from the exercise of common stock options. Non-GAAP Free Cash Flow We report our financial results in accordance with GAAP.
Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities was $11.7 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, primarily consisting of proceeds from the exercise of common stock options of $6.9 million and proceeds from stock purchases associated with our employee stock purchase plan of $7.7 million, offset by payments of deferred purchase considerations related to the acquisition of North Star of $2.9 million.
Provision for Income Taxes Provision for income taxes consists of state income taxes and income taxes in certain foreign jurisdictions in which we conduct business.
Provision for Income Taxes Provision for income taxes consists of state income taxes and income taxes in certain foreign jurisdictions in which we conduct business. We maintain a full valuation allowance in jurisdictions where we had net deferred tax assets as we have concluded that it is not more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized.
The investment income increase was driven primarily by the strengthening of interest rates related to the graded maturation of the portfolio positions and the reinvestment of proceeds in a rising interest rate environment.
Other Income, Net Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2025 2024 Change % Change ($ in thousands) Other income, net $ 21,557 $ 16,220 $ 5,337 32.9 % The increase in other income, net of $5.3 million, or 32.9%, for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, compared to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, was attributable to a $5.2 million increase in investment income from marketable securities. 55 Table of Contents The investment income increase was driven primarily by the graded maturation of the portfolio positions at higher interest rates and the reinvestment of proceeds in a high interest rate environment.
In addition, 202, 156, and 107 of our customers had ARR of $500,000 or more as of January 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. Expanding Geographically We believe there is a significant opportunity to continue to expand our presence in international markets we have already penetrated and by entering markets we have not yet penetrated.
In addition, 247, 202, and 156 of our customers had ARR of $500,000 or more as of January 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. Our dollar-based net retention rate is influenced by macroeconomic factors that impact our customers’ purchasing decisions, which may impact the revenue attributable to such customers.