10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2001

INTUIT INC. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Oct 31, 2000

Filed December 13, 2000For Securities:INTU

Summary

Intuit Inc.'s Q1 Fiscal Year 2001 10-Q filing for the period ending October 31, 2000, reveals a company navigating a period of transition, with overall net revenue showing a modest 6% increase to $187.5 million. While the Small Business Division demonstrated robust growth, driven by payroll services and the QuickBooks Internet Gateway, the Consumer Finance Division experienced a revenue decline, primarily impacting the Quicken product line. The company continues to invest heavily in emerging Internet-based businesses, anticipating future growth, but this is accompanied by increased R&D and selling/marketing expenses. A significant development is the adoption of FAS 133, impacting the accounting for derivative instruments and resulting in a one-time cumulative gain, while also introducing market volatility in its net income due to the reclassification of certain equity investments to trading securities.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total net revenue increased by 6% to $187.5 million for the quarter ended October 31, 2000, compared to the prior year period.
  • 2The Small Business Division saw a 17% revenue increase, driven by strong performance in payroll services and contributions from the QuickBooks Internet Gateway.
  • 3The Consumer Finance Division experienced a 7% revenue decrease, largely due to an expected decline in Quicken product sales and competitive pressures.
  • 4Intuit is significantly increasing its investment in emerging Internet-based businesses, with expected doubled investments in fiscal 2001, leading to higher R&D and selling/marketing expenses.
  • 5The adoption of FAS 133 resulted in a one-time cumulative gain of $14.3 million and requires future fluctuations in the fair value of certain derivative instruments to be recognized in net income.
  • 6The company reported a net loss of $33.8 million for the quarter, an improvement from the $65.9 million net loss in the prior year's comparable period.
  • 7Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $138.2 million to $278.7 million due to operating activities, investing in the acquisition of Venture Finance Software Corp. (VFSC), and capital expenditures.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the quarter ended October 31, 2000, Intuit reported a net revenue of $187.5 million, a 6% increase compared to $176.9 million in the prior year. However, the company incurred a net loss of $33.8 million, which, while an improvement from the $65.9 million loss in the same period last year, still indicates ongoing profitability challenges. The company is actively investing in its future growth, particularly in Internet-based businesses.

Performance varied across divisions. The Small Business Division showed strong growth (+17%), boosted by payroll services and the QuickBooks Internet Gateway. The Tax Division also saw a modest increase (+12%), though revenue from this segment is seasonal and typically nominal in this quarter. The Consumer Finance Division experienced a decline (-7%), primarily due to weaker performance in Quicken products, facing competition from both established players and emerging web-based tools. The Global Business Division showed slight growth (+2%).

Intuit is significantly increasing its investment in Internet-based businesses, planning to double its spending in fiscal 2001. This strategic focus is expected to drive future revenue growth. However, these investments are leading to higher research and development and selling and marketing expenses in the short term. Some of these emerging businesses are still in early stages and not yet profitable, impacting overall financial results.

The adoption of FAS 133 ('Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities') on August 1, 2000, had a notable impact. It resulted in a one-time cumulative gain of $14.3 million recognized in net income due to the revaluation of S1 options. Furthermore, Intuit has reclassified certain equity investments (Excite@Home, VeriSign, 724 Solutions) as 'trading securities.' This means that future fluctuations in their market value will be directly recognized in net income, potentially increasing earnings volatility.