10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2008

SYNOPSYS INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Jan 31, 2008

Filed March 12, 2008For Securities:SNPS

Summary

Synopsys, Inc. reported its quarterly results for the period ending January 31, 2008. The company demonstrated revenue growth, with total revenue increasing by 5% year-over-year to $315.5 million. This growth was primarily driven by its time-based license model, which recognizes revenue over the term of the license, reflecting strong bookings from prior periods. Net income saw a significant increase, more than doubling from $23.4 million in the prior year's comparable quarter to $46.4 million, attributed to both revenue growth and cost management efforts. The company's balance sheet shows a decrease in cash and cash equivalents, primarily due to a large customer payment shift to a later period in fiscal 2008. However, short-term investments saw a slight increase. Synopsys actively engaged in its stock repurchase program, buying back approximately 3.4 million shares during the quarter. The company also noted the adoption of FIN 48, an accounting standard for uncertainty in income taxes, which impacted retained earnings and deferred tax assets. Overall, the report indicates a positive operational performance with increased profitability. Investors should note the continued reliance on the time-based license model for revenue recognition and the ongoing management of cash flows, including significant share repurchases. The company also highlighted a tentative settlement with the IRS regarding a significant tax dispute, which, if finalized, is expected to resolve the matter.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenue increased by 5% to $315.5 million for the three months ended January 31, 2008, compared to $300.2 million in the prior year.
  • 2Net income more than doubled, reaching $46.4 million ($0.31 per diluted share) compared to $23.4 million ($0.16 per diluted share) in the same period last year.
  • 3Time-based license revenue, a key revenue driver, grew 6% to $267.9 million.
  • 4The company repurchased approximately 3.4 million shares of common stock for $82.9 million during the quarter.
  • 5Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $428.1 million from $579.3 million, mainly due to a customer payment shift.
  • 6Synopsys adopted FIN 48, impacting its accounting for income taxes and resulting in a change to retained earnings and deferred tax assets.
  • 7A tentative settlement was reached with the IRS regarding a tax dispute for fiscal years 2000-2001, subject to government approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

The significant increase in net income was primarily driven by overall revenue growth, which rose by 5% year-over-year, and the company's cost control efforts. The shift towards a time-based license model, which recognizes revenue over time from past bookings, also contributed to the stronger top-line performance and subsequent profitability.

The decrease in cash and cash equivalents from $579.3 million to $428.1 million was mainly due to a new contract with a large customer that resulted in a payment shift. Instead of being received in the current quarter, a substantial payment was deferred to a later period in fiscal 2008. Additionally, significant share repurchases also utilized cash.

Adopting FIN 48 (Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes) means Synopsys now has a more structured approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. This adoption led to a retrospective adjustment, including a decrease in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits and a corresponding increase in retained earnings. It also reclassified certain tax liabilities as long-term rather than current.

Synopsys reached a tentative settlement with the IRS Appeals Division in December 2007 concerning a proposed tax deficiency for fiscal years 2000-2001. While this settlement is subject to further government review and approval, the company believes it is likely to be finalized and that they have adequately provided for this matter. If finalized on the agreed terms, it would resolve the dispute.