10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2006

SYNOPSYS INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Jul 31, 2006

Filed September 6, 2006For Securities:SNPS

Summary

Synopsys, Inc. (SNPS) reported its third-quarter results for the period ending July 31, 2006. The company saw a 10% increase in total revenue to $277.2 million, driven by a significant 19% rise in time-based license revenue, which now constitutes 81% of total revenue. This shift towards a ratable revenue model, a strategic move to align with customer payment preferences, continues to impact revenue recognition, leading to a decrease in upfront license revenue and a substantial decline in separately recognized maintenance revenue. While gross margins remain strong, net income declined year-over-year, primarily due to a large litigation settlement received in the prior year and the commencement of share-based compensation expense recognition under SFAS 123(R). Key financial events include the acquisition of Virtio Corporation for $11.5 million to enhance its electronic system level design capabilities and the ongoing significant stock repurchase program, with $169.5 million repurchased year-to-date. The company also disclosed a material weakness in internal controls related to income tax accounting, which is being remediated. Investors should monitor the impact of the ongoing IRS examination regarding transfer pricing, which poses a significant contingent liability, and the continued shift in revenue recognition strategy.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenue increased 10% year-over-year to $277.2 million for the quarter ended July 31, 2006.
  • 2Time-based license revenue grew 19% to $224.8 million, now representing 81% of total revenue, reflecting a strategic shift to a ratable revenue model.
  • 3Net income decreased to $7.6 million from $17.3 million in the prior year, impacted by a prior year litigation settlement and the adoption of SFAS 123(R) for share-based compensation.
  • 4The company acquired Virtio Corporation for $11.5 million to expand its presence in electronic system level design.
  • 5Synopsys repurchased approximately $70.5 million of its common stock during the quarter, contributing to a year-to-date repurchase total of $169.5 million.
  • 6Amortization of intangible assets significantly decreased by 60% year-over-year due to the completion of amortization for certain acquired assets.
  • 7The company is actively addressing a material weakness in internal controls related to income tax accounting, with remediation expected by Q4 2006.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the 10% revenue growth was the significant increase in time-based license revenue, which rose by 19% year-over-year. This reflects the company's strategic shift to a ratable revenue recognition model, where license fees are recognized over the term of the contract, a move that aligns better with customer payment preferences.

The decrease in net income was primarily due to two factors: the receipt of a substantial litigation settlement in the prior year's quarter, which boosted that period's net income, and the commencement of recognizing share-based compensation expense under SFAS 123(R) starting in fiscal year 2006. While revenue grew, these one-time and new expense items impacted the net income comparison.

The acquisition of Virtio Corporation for $11.5 million in cash is strategic for Synopsys. It aims to expand the company's presence in electronic system level design by integrating Virtio's virtual prototyping technology with Synopsys' existing solutions, enabling earlier software development and providing a more comprehensive implementation, verification, and IP solution for hardware and software development.

The IRS has proposed a net tax deficiency of approximately $476.8 million plus interest for fiscal years 2000 and 2001 related to transfer pricing transactions. Synopsys has filed a protest and is vigorously contesting these proposed adjustments, believing they are inconsistent with applicable tax laws. While the company believes it has adequately provided for this matter based on its analysis, an unfavorable outcome could materially and adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations.