Progress Software: A Mild Uprising

So, Progress Software (PRGS +10.62%) had a good day. A good day. Like finding a twenty in your old bowling shoes good. Shares jumped. Apparently, they announced some numbers. Numbers! Who needs numbers when you’ve got… well, never mind. It’s all numbers in the end, isn’t it? By the closing bell, they were up over 10%. Which, let’s be honest, in this market, is roughly the equivalent of a pigeon winning the Kentucky Derby. A surprise, yes. But should we build a statue? Discuss.

AI-Driven Growth… Or Just a Good Quarter?

Revenue climbed 18% to $253 million. Eighteen percent! That’s almost… significant. Like, enough to buy a slightly nicer sandwich at lunch. Operating income surged 78% to $38.4 million. They’re practically swimming in cash. Or at least, they’re sitting in a slightly larger pool of it. The operating margin went up 5 percentage points to 15%. Fifteen percent! That’s enough to make a bean counter weep with joy. And operating cash flow? Rocketed 220% to $62.8 million. I suspect a rogue accountant may have accidentally added an extra zero. It happens, you know. We’ve all been there.

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The CEO, Yogesh Gupta (a perfectly respectable name, I assure you), declared this is all thanks to their “AI-focused offerings.” AI! The magic buzzword of the decade! It’s like sprinkling fairy dust on everything and hoping it turns to gold. He claims it’s relevant in “an AI-driven world for businesses of all sizes.” Right. Because every mom-and-pop shop is desperate for algorithms. Give me a break. But hey, it sounds good on a press release. Adjusted earnings per share rose 14% to $1.51, beating Wall Street’s expectations of $1.31. So, they made a little extra money. Congratulations. Should we send flowers?

More Growth Ahead? Oh, Bless Their Hearts.

Management is guiding for revenue of $986 million to $1 billion in fiscal 2026. A bold prediction! They also expect earnings per share of $1.74 to $1.91 and cash flow of $263 million to $277 million. Look, I’m not saying it won’t happen. I’m just saying… have they seen the world lately? Gupta said 2025 was their “strongest year ever.” Strongest year ever! I bet the cavemen who invented fire thought they had a pretty strong year. He added they’re executing a “long-term total growth strategy.” A strategy! Like they’re plotting world domination. Invest and innovate, acquire and integrate, and drive customer success. It sounds… exhausting. Frankly, I’m starting to suspect they’re just making this up as they go along. But who am I to judge? I’m just a humble observer, watching the market dance on the edge of a volcano. And occasionally, someone gets a slightly better sandwich.

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2026-01-22 01:13