PSTG 10-K Analysis: Two Hidden Catalysts Trapped in an Equity Comp Machine
Everpure generated $615.7 million in free cash flow in FY2026 — and kept $2.2 million of it. The FY2026 10-K reveals that 99.6% of FCF recycles into an equity compensation system where $482M in stock grants, $343M in buybacks, and $271M in tax withholdings consume everything the business produces. Meanwhile, two catalysts sit unpriced: an ~$838M valuation allowance release signaled within 12 months and RPO acceleration from 14% to 40%. The filing shows why headline EPS could surge 3-5x without improving shareholder economics.