Edgar Filing: ORACLE CORP /DE/

Form 10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended February 29, 2004

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to .

Commission file number: 0-14376

Oracle Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

94-2871189

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification no.)

500 Oracle Parkway

Redwood City, California 94065

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(650) 506-7000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YES x NO ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES x NO ¨

The number of shares of registrant’s common stock outstanding as of March 12, 2004: 5,194,988,009

ORACLE CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS


		Page
PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)

	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 29, 2004 and May 31, 2003	3

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003	4

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003	5

	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	6

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	16

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	41

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	43

PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	44

Item 2.	Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds	44

Item 6.	Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K	44

	Signatures	45

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Financial Statements

ORACLE CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of February 29, 2004 and May 31, 2003

(Unaudited)


(in millions, except per share data)	February 29, 2004		May 31, 2003
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	4,192	$	4,737
Short-term investments		3,826		1,782
Trade receivables, net of allowances of $358 as of February 29, 2004 and $376 as of May 31, 2003		1,545		1,920
Other receivables		225		301
Deferred tax assets		333		381
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		113		106

Total current assets		10,234		9,227

Investments in debt securities		—		233
Property, net		1,080		1,062
Deferred tax assets		165		197
Intangible and other assets		236		345

Total assets	$	11,715	$	11,064


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	188	$	228
Current portion of long-term debt		—		153
Income taxes payable		715		891
Accrued compensation and related benefits		445		454
Other accrued liabilities		1,037		1,023
Deferred revenues		1,355		1,409

Total current liabilities		3,740		4,158

Notes payable and long-term debt, net of current portion		170		175
Deferred tax liabilities		151		186
Other long-term liabilities		248		225

Commitments and contingencies

Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value—authorized: 1.0 shares; outstanding: none		—		—
Common stock, $0.01 par value and additional paid in capital—authorized: 11,000 shares; outstanding: 5,195 shares as of February 29, 2004 and 5,233 shares as of May 31, 2003		5,329		5,101
Retained earnings		1,828		1,092
Accumulated other comprehensive income		249		127

Total stockholders’ equity		7,406		6,320

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	11,715	$	11,064

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

ORACLE CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Three and Nine Months Ended February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003

(Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
(in millions, except per share data)	February 29, 2004			February 28, 2003			February 29, 2004		February 28, 2003
Revenues:
New software licenses	$	847		$	755		$	2,227	$	2,083
Software license updates and product support		1,176			1,005			3,325		2,863
Services		486			547			1,528		1,697

Total revenues		2,509			2,307			7,080		6,643

Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing		527			521			1,515		1,505
Software license updates and product support		143			120			407		354
Cost of services		439			454			1,337		1,408
Research and development		328			301			951		882
General and administrative		145			115			413		325

Total operating expenses		1,582			1,511			4,623		4,474

Operating income		927			796			2,457		2,169

Net investment gains (losses) related to equity securities		(2	)		(6	)		30		(108	)
Other income, net		22			39			39		90

Income before provision for income taxes		947			829			2,526		2,151
Provision for income taxes		312			258			835		702

Net income	$	635		$	571		$	1,691	$	1,449

Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.12		$	0.11		$	0.32	$	0.27

Diluted	$	0.12		$	0.11		$	0.32	$	0.27

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic		5,218			5,259			5,225		5,322

Diluted		5,337			5,383			5,340		5,439

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

ORACLE CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Nine Months Ended February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003

(Unaudited)


	Nine Months Ended
(in millions)	February 29, 2004			February 28, 2003
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income	$	1,691		$	1,449
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation		150			193
Amortization of intangible assets		29			65
Net investment (gains) losses related to equity securities		(30	)		108
Deferred income taxes		45			(19	)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease in trade receivables		432			665
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets		95			104
Decrease in accounts payable and other current liabilities		(95	)		(182	)
Decrease in income taxes payable		(76	)		(105	)
Decrease in deferred revenues		(68	)		(68	)
Decrease in other long-term liabilities		(14	)		(13	)

Net cash provided by operating activities		2,159			2,197

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Purchases of investments		(7,578	)		(3,066	)
Proceeds from maturities and sale of investments		5,829			4,064
Capital expenditures		(144	)		(88	)
Increase in other assets		(33	)		(64	)

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities		(1,926	)		846

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Payments for repurchase of common stock		(1,027	)		(2,196	)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		241			200
Payments of long-term debt		(150	)		—
Settlement of forward contract		—			(166	)

Net cash used for financing activities		(936	)		(2,162	)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		158			112

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(545	)		993
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		4,737			3,095

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	4,192		$	4,088

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

ORACLE CORPORATION

NOTE TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

February 29, 2004

(Unaudited)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

We have prepared the condensed consolidated financial statements included herein, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, we believe that the disclosures are adequate to ensure the information presented is not misleading. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2003.

We believe that all necessary adjustments, which consisted only of normal recurring items, have been included in the accompanying financial statements to present fairly the results of the interim periods. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for any subsequent interim period or for our fiscal year ending May 31, 2004. Certain prior period balances have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

2. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

We issue stock options to our employees and outside directors and provide employees the right to purchase our stock pursuant to stockholder approved stock option and employee stock purchase programs. We account for our stock-based compensation plans under the intrinsic value method of accounting as defined by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations. We apply the disclosure provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, as amended by Statement 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure. For pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options is amortized over the vesting period, typically four years, and the estimated fair value of the stock purchases is amortized over the six-month purchase period. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if we had accounted for our stock option and stock purchase plans under the fair value method of accounting:


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
(in millions, except per share data)	February 29, 2004			February 28, 2003			February 29, 2004			February 28, 2003
Net income, as reported	$	635		$	571		$	1,691		$	1,449
Deduct: Stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair value based method for awards, net of related tax effects		(58	)		(83	)		(141	)		(261	)

Pro forma net income	$	577		$	488		$	1,550		$	1,188

Earnings per share:
Basic—as reported	$	0.12		$	0.11		$	0.32		$	0.27
Basic—pro forma	$	0.11		$	0.09		$	0.30		$	0.22

Diluted—as reported	$	0.12		$	0.11		$	0.32		$	0.27
Diluted—pro forma	$	0.11		$	0.09		$	0.29		$	0.22

We estimate the fair value of our options using the Black-Scholes option value model, which was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility. Our options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimates. The fair value of options granted and

ORACLE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

February 29, 2004

(Unaudited)

the option component of the employee purchase plan shares were estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	February 29, 2004			February 28, 2003			February 29, 2004			February 28, 2003
Employee and Director Stock Options
Expected life from vest date (in years)		1.30			1.25-1.	93		1.26-3.	00		1.25-2.	46
Risk-free interest rate		1.65-2.94	%		1.47-3.01	%		1.65-4.09	%		1.47-3.34	%
Volatility		37	%		51	%		37-44	%		51-56	%
Dividend yield		—			—			—			—
Weighted average fair value of grants	$	4.37		$	4.31		$	4.78		$	3.82

Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Expected life (in years)		0.50			0.50			0.50			0.50
Risk-free interest rate		1.02	%		1.22	%		1.02-1.10	%		1.12-1.22	%
Volatility		40	%		56	%		40-48	%		56-57	%
Dividend yield		—			—			—			—
Weighted average fair value of grants	$	2.97		$	2.32		$	3.06		$	2.98

3. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, plus the dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and shares issuable under the employee stock purchase plan using the treasury stock method, and with respect to the nine months ended February 28, 2003, a forward contract to sell 36.0 million shares of our common stock that was settled on October 31, 2002. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
(in millions, except per share data)	February 29, 2004		February 28, 2003		February 29, 2004		February 28, 2003
Net income	$	635	$	571	$	1,691	$	1,449

Weighted average common shares outstanding		5,218		5,259		5,225		5,322
Dilutive effect of employee stock plans		119		124		115		108
Dilutive effect of forward contract		—		—		—		9

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		5,337		5,383		5,340		5,439

Basic earnings per share	$	0.12	$	0.11	$	0.32	$	0.27
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.12	$	0.11	$	0.32	$	0.27
Anti-dilutive weighted shares excluded from calculation⁽¹⁾		102		121		128		126

⁽¹⁾	These weighted shares relate to anti-dilutive stock options and could be dilutive in the future.

ORACLE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

February 29, 2004

(Unaudited)

4. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Comprehensive income includes foreign currency translation and equity hedge gains and losses as well as unrealized gains and losses on equity securities that are reflected in stockholders’ equity instead of net income. The following table sets forth the calculation of comprehensive income:


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
(in millions)	February 29, 2004		February 28, 2003		February 29, 2004			February 28, 2003
Net income	$	635	$	571	$	1,691		$	1,449
Unrealized gains (loss) on equity securities, net of tax		—		9		(24	)*		11
Foreign currency translation and equity hedge gains, net of tax		110		81		145			117

Total comprehensive income	$	745	$	661	$	1,812		$	1,577

*	Represents reversal of unrealized gain upon sale of Liberate Technologies securities in the first quarter of fiscal 2004.

5. NET INVESTMENT GAINS (LOSSES) RELATED TO EQUITY SECURITIES

Net investment gains (losses) related to equity securities in the condensed consolidated statements of operations includes sales and provisions for losses related to Liberate Technologies and investments in other companies. In the first quarter of fiscal 2004, we sold all of our common stock in Liberate Technologies to a third-party for approximately $83.5 million and recognized a $35.4 million gain on the sale. In the first half of fiscal 2003, we recorded impairment charges on our investment in Liberate Technologies of $87.1 million. These charges related to other than temporary declines in the fair value of Liberate Technologies. We concluded that our investment was other than temporarily impaired because our cost basis exceeded the publicly traded market value of the Liberate Technologies common stock for approximately six months.

6. DEFERRED REVENUES

The following table sets forth the components of deferred revenues:


(in millions)	February 29, 2004		May 31, 2003
Software license updates and product support	$	1,136	$	1,168
Services		129		128
New software licenses		90		113

Total deferred revenues	$	1,355	$	1,409

Deferred software license updates and product support revenues represent customer payments made in advance for annual support contracts. Software license updates and product support services are typically billed on a per annum basis in advance and revenue is recognized ratably over the support period. The deferred software license updates and product support revenues are typically highest at the end of our first fiscal quarter due to the collection of cash in the first quarter from the large volume of service contracts that are sold or renewed in the fourth quarter of the previous fiscal year. Deferred service revenues include prepayments for consulting, advanced product services and education services. Revenue for these services is recognized as the services are performed. Deferred new software license revenues typically result from undelivered products or specified

ORACLE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

February 29, 2004

(Unaudited)

enhancements, customer specific acceptance provisions or software license transactions that are not segmentable from consulting services.

7. STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

Our Board of Directors has approved a program to repurchase shares of our common stock to reduce the dilutive effect of our stock option and stock purchase plans. Since the inception of the stock repurchase program, a total of 1,634.8 million shares have been repurchased as of February 29, 2004 for approximately $18.6 billion. We repurchased 78.3 million shares for $1.0 billion and 231.2 million shares for $2.2 billion during the nine months ended February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003, respectively. At February 29, 2004, approximately $1.8 billion was available to repurchase shares of our common stock pursuant to the stock repurchase program.

8. SEGMENT REPORTING

FASB Statement No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Our chief operating decision maker is our Chief Executive Officer. We are organized geographically and by line of business. While the Chief Executive Officer evaluates results in a number of different ways, the line of business management structure is the primary basis for which the allocation of resources and financial results are assessed. We have five major line of business operating segments: new software licenses, software license updates and product support, consulting, advanced product services and education.

The new software license line of business is engaged in the licensing of database technology software and applications software. Database technology software includes database management software, application server software, development tools and collaboration software. Applications software includes financials, projects, marketing, sales, order management, procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, services and human resources, which can be accessed with standard web browsers and can be used to automate business processes and provide business intelligence. The software license updates and product support line of business provides customers with rights to unspecified software product upgrades and maintenance releases, internet access to technical content, as well as internet and telephone access to technical support personnel during the support period. The consulting line of business assists customers in the rapid design, implementation, deployment, upgrade and migration of our database technology and applications software. Advanced product services are comprised of advanced product support services and Oracle On Demand. Advanced product support services are earned by providing services to customers that include configuration and performance analysis, personalized support and annual on-site technical services. Oracle On Demand (formerly Oracle Outsourcing) provides multi-featured software and hardware management and maintenance services for our database technology and applications software. The education line of business provides instructor led, media based and internet based training in the use of our database technology and applications software.

We do not track our assets by operating segments. Consequently, it is not practical to show assets by operating segments.

ORACLE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

February 29, 2004

(Unaudited)

The following table presents a summary of our operating segments⁽¹⁾:


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
(in millions)	February 29, 2004		February 28, 2003		February 29, 2004		February 28, 2003
New software licenses:
Revenues⁽²⁾	$	845	$	749	$	2,221	$	2,067
Sales and distribution expenses		433		406		1,211		1,169

Margin⁽³⁾	$	412	$	343	$	1,010	$	898
Software license updates and product support:
Revenues	$	1,176	$	1,005	$	3,325	$	2,863
Cost of services		136		114		391		331

Margin⁽³⁾	$	1,040	$	891	$	2,934	$	2,532
Consulting:
Revenues⁽²⁾	$	373	$	429	$	1,162	$	1,311
Cost of services		321		343		975		1,066

Margin⁽³⁾	$	52	$	86	$	187	$	245
Advanced product services:
Revenues	$	62	$	63	$	187	$	190
Cost of services		53		43		154		130

Margin⁽³⁾	$	9	$	20	$	33	$	60
Education:
Revenues⁽²⁾	$	53	$	61	$	185	$	212
Cost of services		48		54		151		162

Margin⁽³⁾	$	5	$	7	$	34	$	50
Totals:
Revenues	$	2,509	$	2,307	$	7,080	$	6,643
Expenses		991		960		2,882		2,858

Margin⁽³⁾	$	1,518	$	1,347	$	4,198	$	3,785

⁽¹⁾	For business and management evaluation purposes, the underlying structure of our operating segments change periodically. Segment data related to the prior periods have been reclassified, as required by Statement 131, to conform to the current management organizational structure.

⁽²⁾	Operating segment revenues differ from the external reporting classifications due to certain software license products that are classified as consulting and education revenues for management reporting purposes.

⁽³⁾

The margins reported reflect only the direct controllable expenses of each line of business and do not represent the actual margins for each operating segment because they do not contain an allocation of product development, information technology, marketing and partner programs and corporate and general and administrative expenses incurred in support of the lines of business.

ORACLE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

February 29, 2004

(Unaudited)

Reconciliation of operating segment margin to income before provision for income taxes


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
(in millions)	February 29, 2004			February 28, 2003			February 29, 2004			February 28, 2003
Total margin for reportable segments	$	1,518		$	1,347		$	4,198		$	3,785
Product development and information technology expenses		(399	)		(357	)		(1,170	)		(1,073	)
Marketing and partner program expenses		(76	)		(84	)		(243	)		(244	)
Corporate and general and administrative expenses		(106	)		(89	)		(297	)		(235	)
Net investment gains (losses) related to equity securities		(2	)		(6	)		30			(108	)
Other income, net		12			18			8			26

Income before provision for income taxes	$	947		$	829		$	2,526		$	2,151

9. INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rate in all periods is the result of the mix of income earned in various tax jurisdictions that apply a broad range of income tax rates. The provision for income taxes differs from the tax computed at the federal statutory income tax rate due primarily to state taxes and earnings considered as permanently reinvested in foreign operations.

The effective tax rate was 33.0% and 33.1% for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2004 as compared to 31.1% and 32.6% for the corresponding prior year periods. In fiscal 2004, the effective tax rate is a blend of the effective tax rate on operating and other income, increased by the tax rate on the gain from the sale of our investment in Liberate Technologies in the first quarter. The effective tax rate for the first nine months of fiscal 2004 on operating and other income was reduced to 33.0% in the second quarter from 33.5% in the first quarter. In fiscal 2003, the effective tax rate is a blend of the effective tax rate on operating and other income, reduced by the tax rate on the impairment charge on our investment in Liberate Technologies recorded in the first and second quarters, plus a benefit in the third quarter resulting from the reversal of previously accrued taxes due to the Internal Revenue Service conceding the Tax Court case regarding Foreign Sales Corporation benefits on our foreign royalties. The effective tax rate for the first nine months of fiscal 2003 on operating and other income was reduced to 34.0% in the second quarter from 35.0% in the first quarter.

The Internal Revenue Service has examined our federal income tax returns for all years through 1995 without any material adjustment of additional taxes due. The IRS is currently examining our federal income tax returns for 1996 through 2002. We do not believe that the outcome of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Our intercompany transfer pricing is currently being reviewed by the IRS and by foreign tax jurisdictions and will likely be subject to additional audits in the future. We previously negotiated two Advance Pricing Agreements with the IRS that cover many of our intercompany transfer pricing issues and preclude the IRS from making a transfer pricing adjustment within the scope of these agreements. The agreements, however, are only effective through May 31, 2001, do not cover all elements of our intercompany transfer pricing issues and do not bind tax authorities outside the United States. We are currently negotiating bilateral and unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements to cover the periods from June 1, 2001 through May 31, 2006.

ORACLE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

February 29, 2004

(Unaudited)

10. TENDER OFFER FOR PEOPLESOFT, INC.

On June 9, 2003, we commenced an unsolicited $16.00 per share tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of common stock of PeopleSoft, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or approximately $5.1 billion. On June 18, 2003, we increased the tender offer to $19.50 per share or approximately $6.2 billion. In connection with PeopleSoft’s acquisition of J.D. Edwards & Company, PeopleSoft issued additional shares of its stock, which increased our offer to approximately $7.5 billion. On February 4, 2004, we increased the tender offer to $26.00 per share or approximately $9.4 billion. Our tender offer will expire on June 25, 2004, unless we extend the offer.

On December 24, 2003, we entered into a 364-Day Revolving Credit Facility (the Credit Facility) with Credit Suisse First Boston (an affiliate of Credit Suisse First Boston LLC) and certain other syndicated lenders named in the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility provides an unsecured revolving credit facility to us or an acquisition subsidiary (with the underlying obligation guaranteed by us), in the aggregate amount of up to $1.5 billion and is available through December 22, 2004 for the purpose of financing the acquisition of PeopleSoft. At February 29, 2004, no amounts were borrowed from the Credit Facility.

We have incurred approximately $48.4 million of expenditures as of February 29, 2004, associated with our tender offer for PeopleSoft. For the three and nine months ended February 29, 2004, expenditures of $15.0 million and $43.4 million are included in general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The remaining $5.0 million, which relates to a commitment fee for the Credit Facility incurred in the first quarter of 2004, is included in other income, net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

As discussed in Note 11, in connection with the tender offer, we have been named as a defendant in various legal proceedings, including civil antitrust lawsuits filed by the U.S. Department of Justice and several state attorneys general to block our acquisition of PeopleSoft, and may be a party to additional legal proceedings in the future.

11. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Stockholder class actions were filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against us and our Chief Executive Officer on and after March 9, 2001. On June 20, 2001, the Court consolidated the class actions into a single action and appointed a lead plaintiff and class counsel. A consolidated amended complaint, adding our Chief Financial Officer and a former Executive Vice President as defendants, was filed on August 3, 2001. The consolidated amended complaint was brought on behalf of purchasers of our stock during the period from December 15, 2000 through March 1, 2001. Plaintiffs alleged that the defendants made false and misleading statements about our actual and expected financial performance and the performance of certain of our applications products, while certain individual defendants were selling Oracle stock, in violation of Federal securities laws. Plaintiffs further alleged that certain individual defendants sold Oracle stock while in possession of material non-public information. On March 12, 2002, the court granted our and the individual defendants’ motion to dismiss the amended consolidated complaint. On April 10, 2002, plaintiffs filed a first amended consolidated complaint and on September 11, 2002, the court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss that complaint. On October 11, 2002, the plaintiffs filed another amended complaint. In this second amended complaint, the plaintiffs added allegations that the defendants engaged in accounting violations and made misstatements about our financial performance, beginning on December 14, 2000 through March 1, 2001. On March 24, 2003, the Court dismissed the second amended complaint with prejudice. Plaintiffs appealed that dismissal and, on August 11, 2003, filed their appellate brief in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Defendants filed their response on October 8, 2003 and plaintiffs filed their reply on November 26, 2003. Oral argument has been scheduled for April 12, 2004. We believe that we have meritorious defenses against this action and we will continue to vigorously defend it. No class has been certified.

ORACLE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

February 29, 2004

(Unaudited)

Stockholder derivative lawsuits were filed in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware in and for New Castle County on and after March 12, 2001. A revised amended consolidated complaint was filed in the Delaware action on October 9, 2001 (the Delaware Derivative Action). During the same period, similar stockholder derivative lawsuits were filed in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Mateo and County of Santa Clara. A consolidated amended complaint was filed in San Mateo on January 28, 2002 (the San Mateo Derivative Action). On March 15, 2002, a similar derivative suit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California (the Federal Derivative Action). The derivative suits were brought by alleged stockholders of the Company, purportedly on our behalf, against some of our current and former directors. The derivative plaintiffs alleged that these directors breached their fiduciary duties to us, abused their control, mismanaged Oracle, unjustly enriched themselves and committed constructive fraud, by making or causing to be made alleged misstatements about our revenue, growth and the performance of certain of our applications products, while certain officers and directors allegedly sold Oracle stock based on material, non-public information, and by taking actions that resulted in our being sued in the federal stockholder class actions. The derivative plaintiffs seek compensatory and other damages, disgorgement of profits, treble damages and other relief. The Board of Directors established a Special Litigation Committee (the SLC), which investigated the allegations in the Delaware Derivative, the San Mateo Derivative, and the Federal Derivative Actions. Two outside directors serve on the SLC. On November 22, 2002, the SLC concluded its nine-month investigation and determined, in the exercise of its business judgment, that these claims lack merit and that, therefore, prosecution of them is not in the best interests of Oracle or its stockholders. Accordingly, the SLC filed a motion in the Delaware Court of Chancery to terminate the Delaware Derivative Action. On June 13, 2003, the Delaware Court of Chancery denied the SLC’s motion to terminate, without addressing the SLC’s conclusions on the merits. Plaintiffs filed a motion to amend the complaint in the Delaware Derivative Action to dismiss all defendants other than our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer which was granted by a stipulation of all the parties and order of the Court on September 23, 2003. The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have filed a motion for summary judgment seeking judgment in their favor on all claims in the Delaware Action. We expect the hearing on the summary judgment to go forward in June 2004. On December 8, 2003, the San Mateo Court approved plaintiffs’ request in the San Mateo Derivative Action to dismiss all defendants other than our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. On March 5, 2004, the Northern District Court issued a similar order dismissing all defendants other than our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer from the Federal Derivative Action. The Federal Derivative Action has been stayed by stipulation of the parties. Any party may terminate the stay with 30 days written notice. In the San Mateo Derivative Action, the trial date previously set for April 5, 2004 has been postponed, and we do not expect trial to proceed before 2005, at the earliest.

On July 29, 1998, and on November 22, 2002, we filed petitions with the United States Tax Court, challenging notices of deficiency issued by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue that disallowed certain Foreign Sales Corporation (FSC) commission expense deductions taken by us. The first notice of deficiency covered our 1988 through 1991 tax years and assessed additional taxes of approximately $20 million plus interest. The second notice covered our 1992 through 1995 tax years and assessed additional taxes of approximately $43 million plus interest. In February 2003, the IRS conceded its case against us for tax years 1992 through 1995 and on May 8, 2003, the Court ordered there were no further deficiencies for those years. For purposes of entering a stipulated decision in Tax Court for tax years 1988 through 1991, the IRS in November 2003 issued a proposed settlement that reflected our entitlement to FSC benefits.

In connection with our unsolicited offer for PeopleSoft, we have been named as a defendant in several legal proceedings and may be party to additional legal proceedings in the future.

ORACLE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

February 29, 2004

(Unaudited)

On June 12, 2003, J.D. Edwards and Company, (J.D. Edwards) filed suit in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Mateo, against us, our Chief Executive Officer, and an Executive Vice President seeking damages, injunctive relief, and other relief (the San Mateo Action). On the same date J.D. Edwards also filed suit against us in the District Court for the City and County of Denver, Colorado, seeking damages, declaratory relief and other relief (the Colorado Action). In both the San Mateo and Colorado Actions, stipulations of dismissal were executed and filed by the parties after the PeopleSoft-J.D. Edwards merger was consummated. On June 13, 2003, PeopleSoft filed suit against us in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Alameda, seeking damages, injunctive relief and other relief (the Alameda Action). In that action, PeopleSoft alleges that the defendants wrongfully interfered with the pending merger agreement between J.D. Edwards and PeopleSoft, wrongfully interfered with prospective software license sales by PeopleSoft to its customers and engaged in trade libel and false advertising in connection with the tender offer. On August 12, 2003, PeopleSoft filed an amended complaint, asserting substantially similar claims and purporting to bring claims on behalf of J.D. Edwards. On September 11, 2003, we filed a demurrer in the Alameda Action, seeking to dismiss the action in its entirety. On November 5, 2003, the Court overruled the demurrer in part and sustained it in part, with leave to amend certain causes of action. PeopleSoft filed its second amended complaint on December 12, 2003. On January 20, 2004, we filed a second demurrer and a motion to strike in the Alameda Action seeking to dismiss the second amended complaint in its entirety. On February 25, 2004, the Court overruled the demurrer and denied the motion to strike, and we are required to file an answer in the Alameda Action by March 30, 2004. We believe we have meritorious defenses in the Alameda Action and we will vigorously defend that action.

On June 18, 2003, the State of Connecticut (State) filed suit against us in the United Stated District Court for the District of Connecticut seeking declaratory, injunctive, and other relief in connection with our proposed acquisition of PeopleSoft, alleging that the acquisition would be anticompetitive and would violate state and federal antitrust laws. On August 4, 2003, the State filed an amended complaint alleging the same causes of action and seeking to permanently enjoin us from acquiring PeopleSoft. We filed a motion to dismiss the action on August 18, 2003, the State filed its opposition on October 15, 2003, and we filed our reply on November 12, 2003. No hearing on the motion has been held or scheduled. We believe that we have meritorious defenses to the action and intend to vigorously defend that action.

On February 26, 2004, the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice and the Attorneys General of seven states filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against us to block the proposed acquisition of PeopleSoft, claiming that the proposed acquisition would likely substantially lessen competition in interstate trade and commerce in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act. On March 4, 2004, we filed our answer. The parties filed a joint case management conference statement on March 8, 2004 in preparation for the initial case management conference on March 10, 2004. The court set trial to begin on June 7, 2004, and we anticipate that the trial will last for four weeks. We believe that we have meritorious defenses to the action filed and we intend to vigorously defend that action.

In connection with the PeopleSoft tender offer we also initiated legal proceedings on June 18, 2003 against PeopleSoft and its board of directors in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware (the Delaware Action). By stipulation of the parties and on orders of the court entered on July 16, 2003, discovery in the Alameda and Delaware Actions is to be coordinated. On November 10, 2003, Oracle moved for a preliminary injunction to enjoin PeopleSoft from offering, continuing to offer or expanding the money back offer to customers it had reported in public filings during its last two fiscal quarters (the Customer Assurance Program or CAP), and further sought expedited proceedings in connection with the motion and the proposed amended compliant filed on the same day. The CAP, in its varying forms, allows for a refund to PeopleSoft customers in the event that there is a change of control of PeopleSoft (such as an acquisition of the company) within a fixed period of time, and certain business events (such as the termination of support for PeopleSoft products) occur during a fixed

ORACLE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

February 29, 2004

(Unaudited)

period of time. Although the Court denied our request for expedited proceedings, it ordered expedited discovery on the issue of the CAP and reserved two weeks for a possible hearing or trial beginning March 29, 2004. On December 8, 2003, Oracle filed a motion for leave to file an amended complaint and a proposed amended complaint in the Delaware Action. The proposed amended complaint contains further allegations of breach of fiduciary duty and other claims against PeopleSoft and its board of directors based upon, among other things, the CAP. On December 19, 2003, the Court issued an order setting a schedule for further discovery culminating in a possible trial in the action beginning on March 29, 2004, or in the alternative, April 26, 2004. At a status conference on February 27, 2004, the Court directed discovery to continue concerning the CAP and certain other issues and continued to reserve two weeks beginning on April 26, 2004 for a hearing on claims related to the money back offer.

We are currently party to various legal proceedings and claims, either asserted or unasserted, which arise in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not believe that the outcome of any of these claims or any of the above mentioned legal matters will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flow.

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to historical information, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially. Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations—Factors That May Affect Our Future Results or the Market Price of Our Stock.” When used in this report, the words “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect our opinions only as of the date of this Quarterly Report. We undertake no obligation to publicly release any revisions to the forward-looking statements after the date of this document. You should carefully review the risk factors described in other documents we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2003 and the other Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed by us in our fiscal year 2004, which runs from June 1, 2003 to May 31, 2004.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). These accounting principles require us to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions. We believe that the estimates, judgments and assumptions upon which we rely are reasonable based upon information available to us at the time that these estimates, judgments and assumptions are made. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. To the extent there are material differences between these estimates, judgments or assumptions and actual results, our financial statements will be affected. The significant accounting policies that we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results include the following:

•

Revenue Recognition

•

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts and Returns

•

Legal Contingencies

•

Accounting for Income Taxes

In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by GAAP and does not require management’s judgment in its application. There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting among available alternatives would not produce a materially different result. Our senior management has reviewed these critical accounting policies and related disclosures with our Finance and Audit Committee.

Revenue Recognition

We derive revenues from three primary sources: (1) new software licenses, (2) software license updates and product support, and (3) services, which include consulting, advanced product services and education revenues. New software license revenues represent all fees earned from granting customers licenses to use our database technology and applications software, and excludes revenues derived from software license updates, which are included in software license updates and product support. While the basis for software license revenue recognition is substantially governed by the provisions of Statement of Position No. 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition, issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, we exercise judgment and use estimates in connection with the determination of the amount of new software license, software license updates and product support and services revenues to be recognized in each accounting period.

For software license arrangements that do not require significant modification or customization of the underlying software, we recognize new software license revenue when: (1) we enter into a legally binding arrangement with a customer for the license of software; (2) we deliver the products; (3) customer payment is deemed fixed or determinable and free of contingencies or significant uncertainties; and (4) collection is probable. Substantially all of our new software license revenues are recognized in this manner.

The vast majority of our software license arrangements include software license updates and product support, which are recognized ratably over the term of the arrangement, typically one year. Software license updates provide customers with rights to unspecified software product upgrades, maintenance releases and patches released during the term of the support period. Product support services include internet access to technical content, as well as internet and telephone access to technical support personnel. Software license updates and product support are generally priced as a percentage of the net new software license fees. Software license updates can be purchased separately from product support; however, only customers who purchase software license updates can purchase product support. Substantially all of our customers purchase both software license updates and product support upon the initial licensing of our software. In addition, most of these customers renew the software license updates and product support rights annually.

Many of our software arrangements include consulting implementation services sold separately under consulting engagement contracts. Consulting revenues from these arrangements are generally accounted for separately from new software license revenues because the arrangements qualify as service transactions as defined in SOP 97-2. The more significant factors considered in determining whether the revenue should be accounted for separately include the nature of services (i.e., consideration of whether the services are essential to the functionality of the licensed product), degree of risk, availability of services from other vendors, timing of payments and impact of milestones or acceptance criteria on the realizability of the software license fee. Revenues for consulting services are generally recognized as the services are performed. If there is a significant uncertainty about the project completion or receipt of payment for the consulting services, revenue is deferred until the uncertainty is sufficiently resolved. We estimate the percentage of completion on contracts with fixed or “not to exceed” fees on a monthly basis utilizing hours incurred to date as a percentage of total estimated hours to complete the project. We recognize no more than 90% of the milestone or total contract amount until project acceptance is obtained. If we do not have a sufficient basis to measure progress towards completion, revenue is recognized when we receive final acceptance from the customer. When total cost estimates exceed revenues, we accrue for the estimated losses immediately based upon an average fully burdened daily rate applicable to the consulting organization delivering the services. The complexity of the estimation process and issues related to the assumptions, risks and uncertainties inherent with the application of the percentage-of-completion method of accounting affect the amounts of revenue and related expenses reported in our consolidated financial statements. A number of internal and external factors can affect our estimates, including labor rates, utilization and efficiency variances and specification and testing requirement changes.

If an arrangement does not qualify for separate accounting of the software license and consulting transactions, then new software license revenue is generally recognized together with the consulting services based on contract accounting using either the percentage-of-completion or completed-contract method as described above. Contract accounting is applied to any arrangements: (1) that include milestones or customer specific acceptance criteria that may affect collection of the software license fees; (2) where services include significant modification or customization of the software; (3) where significant consulting services are provided for in the software license contract without additional charge or are substantially discounted; or (4) where the software license payment is tied to the performance of consulting services.

Advanced product services are comprised of advanced product support services and Oracle On Demand (formerly Oracle Outsourcing). Advanced product support services are earned by providing services to customers that include configuration and performance analysis, personalized support and annual on-site technical services. Oracle On Demand provides multi-featured software and hardware management and maintenance services for our database technology and applications software. Advanced product services revenues are recognized over the term of the service contract, which is generally one year.

Education revenues include instructor-led, media-based and internet-based training in the use of our products. Education revenues are recognized as the classes or other education offerings are delivered.

For arrangements with multiple elements, we allocate revenue to each element of a transaction based upon its fair value as determined by “vendor specific objective evidence.” Vendor specific objective evidence of fair value for all elements of an arrangement is based upon the normal pricing and discounting practices for those products and services when sold separately and for software license updates and product support services, is additionally measured by the renewal rate offered to the customer. We defer revenue for any undelivered elements, and recognize revenue when the product is delivered or over the period in which the service is performed, in accordance with our revenue recognition policy for such element. If we cannot objectively determine the fair value of any undelivered element included in bundled software and service arrangements, we defer revenue until all elements are delivered and services have been performed, or until fair value can objectively be determined for any remaining undelivered elements. When the fair value of a delivered element has not been established, we use the residual method to record revenue if the fair value of all undelivered elements is determinable. Under the residual method, the fair value of the undelivered elements is deferred and the remaining portion of the arrangement fee is allocated to the delivered elements and is recognized as revenue.

Our software license arrangements generally do not include acceptance provisions. However, if acceptance provisions exist as part of public policy, for example in agreements with government entities when acceptance periods are required by law, or within previously executed terms and conditions that are referenced in the current agreement and are short-term in nature, we provide for a sales return allowance in accordance with FASB Statement No. 48, Revenue Recognition when Right of Return Exists. If acceptance provisions are long-term in nature or are not included as standard terms of an arrangement or if we cannot reasonably estimate the incidence of returns, revenue is recognized upon the earlier of receipt of written customer acceptance or expiration of the acceptance period.

We also evaluate arrangements with governmental entities containing “fiscal funding” or “termination for convenience” provisions, when such provisions are required by law, to determine the probability of possible cancellation. We consider multiple factors, including the history with the customer in similar transactions, the “essential use” of the software licenses and the planning, budgeting and approval processes undertaken by the governmental entity. If we determine that the likelihood of non-acceptance in these arrangements is remote, we then recognize revenue once all of the criteria described above have been met. If such a determination cannot be made, revenue is recognized upon the earlier of cash receipt or approval of the applicable funding provision by the governmental entity.

We assess whether fees are fixed or determinable at the time of sale and recognize revenue if all other revenue recognition requirements are met. Our standard payment terms are net 30; however, terms may vary based on the country in which the agreement is executed. Payments that are due within six months are generally deemed to be fixed or determinable based on our successful collection history on such arrangements, and thereby satisfy the required criteria for revenue recognition.

While most of our arrangements include short-term payment terms, we have a standard practice of providing long-term financing to credit worthy customers through our financing division. Since fiscal 1989, when our financing division was formed, we have established a history of collection, without concessions, on these receivables with payment terms that generally extend up to five years from the contract date. Provided all other revenue recognition criteria have been met, we recognize new software license revenue for these arrangements upon delivery, net of any payment discounts from financing transactions. In the nine months ended February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003, approximately 9% and 10% of our new software license revenues were financed through our financing division. We have generally sold these receivables on a non-recourse basis to third party financing institutions. We account for the sale of these receivables as “true sales” as defined in FASB Statement No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities.

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts and Returns

We make judgments as to our ability to collect outstanding receivables and provide allowances for the portion of receivables when collection becomes doubtful. Provisions are made based upon a specific review of all significant outstanding invoices. For those invoices not specifically reviewed, provisions are provided at differing rates, based upon the age of the receivable. In determining these percentages, we analyze our historical collection experience and current economic trends. If the historical data we use to calculate the allowance for doubtful accounts does not reflect the future ability to collect outstanding receivables, additional provisions for doubtful accounts may be needed and the future results of operations could be materially affected.

We also record a provision for estimated sales returns and allowances on product and service related sales in the same period the related revenues are recorded in accordance with Statement 48. These estimates are based on historical sales returns, analysis of credit memo data and other known factors. If the historical data we use to calculate these estimates do not properly reflect future returns, then a change in the allowances would be made in the period in which such a determination is made and revenues in that period could be materially affected.

Legal Contingencies

We are currently involved in various claims and legal proceedings. Periodically, we review the status of each significant matter and assess our potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, we accrue a liability for the estimated loss. Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability and the determination as to whether an exposure is reasonably estimable. Because of uncertainties related to these matters, accruals are based only on the best information available at the time. As additional information becomes available, we reassess the potential liability related to our pending claims and litigation and may revise our estimates. Such revisions in the estimates of the potential liabilities could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position. See Note 11 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of our material legal proceedings not in the ordinary course of business.

Accounting for Income Taxes

Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide income tax provision. In the ordinary course of a global business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. Some of these uncertainties arise as a consequence of revenue sharing and cost reimbursement arrangements among related entities, the process of identifying items of revenue and expense that qualify for preferential tax treatment, and segregation of foreign and domestic income and expense to avoid double taxation. Although we believe that our estimates are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different than that which is reflected in our historical income tax provisions and accruals. Such differences could have a material effect on our income tax provision and net income in the period in which such determination is made.

We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount of future tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized. While we have considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance, there is no assurance that the valuation allowance will not need to be increased to cover additional deferred tax assets that may not be realizable. Any increase in the valuation allowance could have a material adverse impact on our income tax provision and net income in the period in which such determination is made.

We provide for United States income taxes on the earnings of foreign subsidiaries unless they are considered permanently invested outside the United States. If these earnings were repatriated to the United States, they would generate foreign tax credits that could reduce the Federal tax liability associated with the foreign dividend.

Results of Operations

Constant Currency Presentation

We compare the percent change in the results from one period to another period in this Quarterly Report using constant currency disclosure. To present that information, current period results for entities reporting in currencies other than United States dollars are converted into United States dollars at the exchange rate in effect on the last day of the prior fiscal year, rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the periods. For example, if an entity reporting in Euros had revenues of 1.0 million Euros for the nine months ended February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003, our financial statements would reflect revenues of $1.3 million for the nine months ended February 29, 2004 (using 1.26 as the exchange rate) and $1.1 million for the nine months ended February 28, 2003 (using 1.08 as the exchange rate). The constant currency presentation would translate the results for the nine months ended February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003 using the May 31, 2003 exchange rate and indicate, in this example, no change in revenues during the periods. We present this constant currency information in order to allow investors to assess how our underlying business performed excluding the effect of currency rate fluctuations. In each of the tables below, we present the percent change based on actual results as reported and based on constant currency.

Total Revenues and Operating Expenses


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	Feb 29, 2004		Percent Change		Feb 28, 2003		Feb 29, 2004		Percent Change		Feb 28, 2003
(Dollars in millions)	Feb 29, 2004		Actual	Constant	Feb 28, 2003		Feb 29, 2004		Actual	Constant	Feb 28, 2003
*Total Revenues:*
Americas	$	1,216	2%	1%	$	1,190	$	3,507	2%	1%	$	3,453
EMEA⁽¹⁾		918	17%	2%		786		2,517	13%	-1%		2,230
Asia Pacific		375	13%	4%		331		1,056	10%	3%		960

Total revenues		2,509	9%	2%		2,307		7,080	7%	0%		6,643

*Total Operating Expenses*		1,582	5%	-1%		1,511		4,623	3%	-2%		4,474


*Total Operating Margin*	$	927	16%	8%	$	796	$	2,457	13%	5%	$	2,169


*Total Operating Margin %*		37%				35%		35%				33%

*% Revenues by Geography:*
Americas		48%				52%		49%				52%
EMEA		37%				34%		36%				34%
Asia Pacific		15%				14%		15%				14%

⁽¹⁾	Comprised of Europe, the Middle East and Africa

Fiscal Third Quarter 2004 Compared to Fiscal Third Quarter 2003: Total revenues increased in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 due to an increase in both new software license revenues and software license updates and product support revenues, as well as favorable foreign currency rate fluctuations due to a weakening of the United States dollar against certain major international currencies, primarily the Euro, British Pound and Japanese Yen.

Excluding the effect of currency rate fluctuations, total revenues increased in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 due to an increase in software license updates and product support revenues and new software license revenues, partially offset by a decline in services revenues, most notably consulting revenues. The increase in software license updates and product support revenues is a result of the high renewal rate of the comparable prior year period subscription base, the addition of software license updates and product support revenues associated with new software license revenues in the current fiscal year and more timely renewals. The growth rate of software license updates and product support revenues does not necessarily correlate to the growth rate of new software

license revenues. Improved sales execution, a strengthening in our competitive position, and improvements in the economy resulted in a 5% increase in new software license revenues. Historically, the services revenue growth rates have lagged new software license revenue growth rates by several quarters, as implementation services and education services are typically provided after the licenses are acquired by our customers. In addition, consulting revenues have declined due to a soft demand for consulting implementation services, the increased use of partners and competitive pricing pressures that have led to higher discounts and the increased use of offshore resources that are billed at lower rates.

Operating expenses were unfavorably affected as a result of the weak United States dollar relative to other major international currencies, resulting in an increase of 5% in operating expenses. Excluding currency rate fluctuations, total operating expenses decreased slightly in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 due primarily to lower salary expenses related to lower headcount levels and a shift in the personnel mix from the United States and EMEA to lower cost countries. This decrease was partially offset by discretionary bonus expenses as well as professional fees incurred in connection with the PeopleSoft tender offer.

Operating margins as a percentage of total revenues increased from 35% to 37% in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 primarily due to the increase in new software license revenues and software license updates and product support revenues.

International operations will continue to provide a significant portion of total revenues. As a result, total revenues and expenses will continue to be affected by changes in the relative strength of the United States dollar against certain major international currencies.

First Nine Months Fiscal 2004 Compared to First Nine Months Fiscal 2003: Total revenues increased in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 due to an increase in both new software license revenues and software license updates and product support revenues, partially offset by lower services revenues. Total revenues were favorably affected by foreign currency rate fluctuations due to a weakening of the United States dollar against certain major international currencies, primarily the Euro, British Pound and Japanese Yen.

Excluding the effect of currency rate fluctuations, total revenues remained flat in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 due to a 10% increase in software license updates and product support revenues, which was offset by lower services revenues. Although new software license revenues grew in the second and third quarters of fiscal 2004, new software license revenues for the first nine months of fiscal 2004 were flat as a result of weak economic conditions in the United States in the first quarter of fiscal 2004, as well as weak economic conditions internationally, particularly in EMEA, in the first half of fiscal 2004. Customers continued to exercise caution over spending in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 as current economic conditions have resulted in more customers restricting their software procurement to well-defined current needs and delaying or limiting technology purchases intended to accommodate future customer growth. The modest improvement in the economy did not positively affect the services revenue growth rates. Historically, services revenue growth rates have lagged new software license revenue growth rates by several quarters, as implementation services and education services are typically provided after the licenses are acquired by our customers. In addition, consulting revenues have declined due to a soft demand for consulting implementation services, the increased use of partners and competitive pricing pressures that have led to higher discounts and the increased use of offshore resources that are billed at lower rates.

Operating expenses were unfavorably affected as a result of the weak United States dollar relative to other major international currencies, resulting in a 3% increase in operating expenses. Excluding currency rate fluctuations, total operating expenses decreased in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 due primarily to lower salary expenses related to lower headcount levels and a shift in the personnel mix from the United States and EMEA to lower cost countries. This decrease was partially offset by discretionary bonus expenses as well as professional fees incurred in connection with the PeopleSoft tender offer.

Operating margins as a percentage of total revenues increased from 33% to 35% in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 primarily due to the increase in new software license revenues and software license updates and product support revenues.

Expected Results for the Three Months Ended May 31, 2004: We expect the total revenue growth rate in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 to range between 6% and 10%, while the new software license revenue growth rate is expected to range between 5% and 15%. These expected revenue growth rates assume that the United States dollar will remain weak relative to major international currencies, contributing five percentage points of revenue growth. In addition, we anticipate reported earnings per share to range between $0.17 and $0.18, depending on actual revenue growth rates. These estimates are forward looking and are based on current expectations and assumptions. Actual results may differ materially and you should not rely on these estimates. Factors that may affect our actual results include our critical accounting policies and estimates and those identified below under the caption “Factors That May Affect Our Future Results or the Market Price of Our Stock.” We undertake no specific obligation to provide any updates regarding these estimates.

New Software Licenses: New software license revenues represent fees earned from granting customers licenses to use our database technology and application software products, and exclude revenues derived from software license updates, which are included in software license updates and product support revenues. New software license revenues also include other revenues, which consist of documentation and miscellaneous revenues. We continue to place significant emphasis, both domestically and internationally, on direct sales through our own sales force. We also continue to market our products through indirect channels.


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	Feb 29, 2004		Percent Change		Feb 28, 2003		Feb 29, 2004		Percent Change		Feb 28, 2003
(Dollars in millions)	Feb 29, 2004		Actual	Constant	Feb 28, 2003		Feb 29, 2004		Actual	Constant	Feb 28, 2003

*New Software License Revenues:*
Americas	$	344	1%	-1%	$	341	$	930	2%	0%	$	916
EMEA		332	22%	7%		272		845	11%	-2%		760
Asia Pacific		171	20%	12%		142		452	11%	4%		407

Total revenues		847	12%	5%		755		2,227	7%	0%		2,083

*Sales and Marketing Expenses*		527	1%	-5%		521		1,515	1%	-5%		1,505


*Total Margin*	$	320	37%	26%	$	234	$	712	23%	13%	$	578


*Total Margin %*		38%				31%		32%				28%

*% Revenues by Geography:*
Americas		41%				45%		42%				44%
EMEA		39%				36%		38%				36%
Asia Pacific		20%				19%		20%				20%

*Revenues by Product:*
Database technology	$	700	16%	8%	$	603	$	1,820	8%	1%	$	1,684
Applications		140	0%	-5%		140		384	7%	2%		359

Total revenues by product		840	13%	5%		743		2,204	8%	1%		2,043
Other revenues		7	-42%	-46%		12		23	-43%	-45%		40

Total new software license revenues	$	847	12%	5%	$	755	$	2,227	7%	0%	$	2,083

Fiscal Third Quarter 2004 Compared to Fiscal Third Quarter 2003: Excluding the effect of currency rate fluctuations, new software license revenues increased in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 primarily due to higher database technology revenues in all geographic areas, offset slightly by lower application revenues, primarily in Japan. Improved sales execution, a strengthening in our competitive position, and improvements in the economy resulted in a 7% increase in new software license sales internationally, while revenues in the United States remained essentially flat. EMEA contributed 58% and Asia Pacific contributed 48% to the increase in new software license revenues, offset by flat revenues in the United States and lower revenues in Latin America.

New software license revenues earned from large transactions, defined as new software license transactions over $0.5 million, increased by 6% in the third quarter of fiscal 2004. New software license revenues generated from large transactions decreased as a percentage of total new software license revenues from 33% to 32% in the third quarter of fiscal 2004.

Excluding the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations, sales and marketing expenses decreased in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 due to lower headcount levels and related costs, as well as tighter controls over discretionary spending. The new software license margin increased in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 primarily due to higher new software license revenues.

First Nine Months Fiscal 2004 Compared to First Nine Months Fiscal 2003: Excluding the effect of currency rate fluctuations, new software license revenues were flat in the first nine months of fiscal 2004. Although new software license revenues grew in the second and third quarters of fiscal 2004, new software license revenues for the first nine months of fiscal 2004 were flat as a result of weak economic conditions in the United States in the first quarter of fiscal 2004, as well as weak economic conditions internationally, particularly in EMEA, in the first half of fiscal 2004. Customers continued to exercise caution over spending in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 as current economic conditions have resulted in more customers restricting their software procurement to well-defined current needs and delaying or limiting technology purchases intended to accommodate future customer growth. An increase in new software license revenues in Asia Pacific was offset by a decrease in revenues in EMEA, while revenues in the Americas were flat.

New software license revenues earned from large transactions, defined as new software license transactions over $0.5 million, increased by 10% in the first nine months of fiscal 2004. New software license revenues generated from large transactions as a percentage of total new software license revenues were 33% in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 and 2003.

Excluding the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations, sales and marketing expenses decreased in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 due to lower headcount levels and related costs, as well as tighter controls over discretionary spending. New software license margin increased in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 due to higher new software license revenues.

Software License Updates and Product Support: Software license updates grant customers rights to unspecified software product upgrades and maintenance releases issued during the support period. Product support includes internet access to technical content, as well as internet and telephone access to technical support personnel. The cost of providing support services consists largely of personnel related expenses.


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	Feb 29, 2004		Percent Change		Feb 28, 2003		Feb 29, 2004		Percent Change		Feb 28, 2003
(Dollars in millions)	Feb 29, 2004		Actual	Constant	Feb 28, 2003		Feb 29, 2004		Actual	Constant	Feb 28, 2003

*Software License Updates and Product Support Revenues:*
Americas	$	629	13%	11%	$	559	$	1,778	12%	11%	$	1,588
EMEA		396	23%	8%		322		1,123	22%	8%		918
Asia Pacific		151	22%	10%		124		424	19%	10%		357

Total revenues		1,176	17%	10%		1,005		3,325	16%	10%		2,863

*Expenses*		143	19%	10%		120		407	15%	8%		354


*Total Margin*	$	1,033	17%	10%	$	885	$	2,918	16%	10%	$	2,509


*Total Margin %*		88%				88%		88%				88%

*% Revenues by Geography:*
Americas		53%				56%		53%				55%
EMEA		34%				32%		34%				32%
Asia Pacific		13%				12%		13%				13%

Fiscal Third Quarter 2004 Compared to Fiscal Third Quarter 2003: Software license updates and product support revenue growth rates are affected by the overall new software license revenue growth rates, as well as the renewal rate of annual support contracts by existing customers. The increase in software license updates and product support revenues in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 is a result of the high renewal rate of the comparable prior year period subscription base, the addition of software license updates and product support revenues associated with new software license revenues in the current fiscal year and more timely renewals. The growth rate of software license updates and product support revenues does not necessarily correlate to the growth rate of new software license revenues. Excluding the effect of currency rate fluctuations, the Americas contributed 62% to the growth in software license updates and product support revenues in the third quarter of fiscal 2004, EMEA contributed 26%, and Asia Pacific contributed 12%.

Excluding the effect of currency rate fluctuations, software license updates and product support expenses increased in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 primarily due to the accrual of discretionary bonuses, as well as higher salary expenses due to increased headcount. The software license updates and product support margin as a percent of revenues remained flat as a result of higher revenues offset by increased salary and discretionary bonus expenses.

First Nine Months Fiscal 2004 Compared to First Nine Months Fiscal 2003: The growth in software license updates and product support revenues in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 is attributed to the same reasons noted above. Excluding the effect of currency rate fluctuations, the Americas contributed 60% to the growth in software license updates and product support revenues in the first nine months of fiscal 2004, EMEA contributed 28% and Asia Pacific contributed 12%.

Excluding the effect of currency rate fluctuations, software license updates and product support expenses increased in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 for the same reasons cited above. The software license updates and product support margin as a percent of revenues remained flat as a result of higher revenues offset by increased salary and discretionary bonus expenses.

Services

Services consist of consulting, advanced product services and education.

Consulting: Consulting revenues are earned by providing services to customers specializing in the rapid design, implementation, deployment, upgrade and migration of our database technology and applications software. The cost of providing consulting services consists primarily of personnel related expenditures.


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	Feb 29, 2004		Percent Change		Feb 28, 2003		Feb 29, 2004		Percent Change		Feb 28, 2003
(Dollars in millions)	Feb 29, 2004		Actual	Constant	Feb 28, 2003		Feb 29, 2004		Actual	Constant	Feb 28, 2003

*Consulting Revenues:*
Americas	$	192	-18%	-18%	$	233	$	633	-17%	-18%	$	763
EMEA		149	-3%	-15%		153		419	-2%	-13%		427
Asia Pacific		33	-25%	-30%		44		115	-10%	-15%		128

Total revenues		374	-13%	-18%		430		1,167	-11%	-16%		1,318

*Expenses*		334	-6%	-12%		356		1,019	-8%	-13%		1,111


*Total Margin*	$	40	-46%	-49%	$	74	$	148	-29%	-30%	$	207


*Total Margin %*		11%				17%		13%				16%

*% Revenues by Geography:*
Americas		51%				54%		54%				58%
EMEA		40%				36%		36%				32%
Asia Pacific		9%				10%		10%				10%

Fiscal Third Quarter 2004 Compared to Fiscal Third Quarter 2003: Consulting revenue growth rates are affected by the overall new software license revenue growth rates, in particular applications revenues. Excluding the effect of currency rate fluctuations, the decline in total consulting revenues in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 was primarily due to companies delaying or limiting technology spending and product implementations. Consulting revenue growth rates have lagged new software license revenue growth rates by several quarters, as consulting services are typically provided after the licenses are acquired by our customers. In addition, consulting revenues have declined due to soft demand for consulting implementation services, the increased use of partners and competitive pricing pressures that have led to higher discounts and the increased use of offshore resources that are billed at lower rates. The Americas contributed 53% to the decline in consulting revenues, EMEA contributed 30% and Asia Pacific contributed 17%.

Excluding the effect of currency rate fluctuations, the decline in consulting expenses is due primarily to a reduction of personnel related expenditures as a result of lower headcount and revenue levels, as well as a shift in the mix of consulting personnel from the United States and EMEA to India, where personnel costs are lower. The consulting margin as a percentage of revenues decreased slightly, as consulting revenues declined at a higher rate than consulting expenses.

First Nine Months Fiscal 2004 Compared to First Nine Months Fiscal 2003: Excluding the effect of currency rate fluctuations, the growth rates for both consulting revenues and expenses in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 were due to the same reasons cited above. The Americas contributed 62% to the decline in consulting revenues, EMEA contributed 29% and Asia Pacific contributed 9%.

Advanced Product Services: Advanced product services are comprised of advanced product support services and Oracle On Demand (formerly Oracle Outsourcing). Advanced product support services are earned by providing services to customers that include configuration and performance analysis, personalized support and annual on-site technical services. Oracle On Demand provides multi-featured software and hardware management and maintenance services for our database technology and applications software. The cost of providing advanced product services consists primarily of personnel related expenditures and hardware and facilities costs for Oracle On Demand.


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	Feb 29, 2004		Percent Change		Feb 28, 2003		Feb 29, 2004		Percent Change		Feb 28, 2003
(Dollars in millions)	Feb 29, 2004		Actual	Constant	Feb 28, 2003		Feb 29, 2004		Actual	Constant	Feb 28, 2003

*Advanced Product Services Revenues:*
Americas	$	36	-5%	-5%	$	38	$	103	-9%	-10%	$	113
EMEA		18	0%	-11%		18		59	5%	-8%		56
Asia Pacific		8	14%	14%		7		25	19%	9%		21

Total revenues		62	-2%	-6%		63		187	-2%	-7%		190

*Expenses*		55	22%	15%		45		161	19%	12%		135


*Total Margin*	$	7	-61%	-61%	$	18	$	26	-53%	-54%	$	55


*Total Margin %*		11%				29%		14%				29%

*% Revenues by Geography:*
Americas		58%				60%		55%				60%
EMEA		29%				29%		32%				29%
Asia Pacific		13%				11%		13%				11%

Fiscal Third Quarter 2004 Compared to Fiscal Third Quarter 2003: Excluding the effect of currency rate fluctuations, advanced product support services revenues decreased in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 due to companies delaying or limiting technology spending. Advanced product support services revenue growth rates have lagged new software license revenue growth rates by several quarters, as services are typically provided after the licenses are acquired by our customers. In addition, the decrease was due to a de-emphasis of certain

services. The decrease in advanced product support services revenues was offset by an increase in Oracle On Demand revenues. The Americas contributed 60% and EMEA contributed 50% to the decrease in advanced product services revenues, offset by higher revenues in Asia Pacific.

Excluding the effect of currency rate fluctuations, total advanced product services expenses increased primarily due to investments made in facilities and headcount to support current and future growth in our Oracle On Demand business. The decrease in the advanced product services margin as a percent of revenues in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 is due to lower advanced product support revenues and higher Oracle On Demand expenses.

First Nine Months Fiscal 2004 Compared to First Nine Months Fiscal 2003: Excluding the effect of currency rate fluctuations, the growth rates for advanced product services revenues and expenses in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 were due to the same reasons cited above. The Americas contributed 80% and EMEA contributed 35% to the decrease in advanced product services revenues, offset by higher revenues in Asia Pacific.

Education: Education revenues are earned by providing instructor led, media based and internet based training in the use of our database technology and applications software. Education expenses primarily consist of personnel related expenditures, facilities and external contractor costs.


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	Feb 29, 2004		Percent Change		Feb 28, 2003		Feb 29, 2004		Percent Change		Feb 28, 2003
(Dollars in millions)	Feb 29, 2004		Actual	Constant	Feb 28, 2003		Feb 29, 2004		Actual	Constant	Feb 28, 2003

*Education Revenues:*
Americas	$	15	-21%	-21%	$	19	$	63	-14%	-15%	$	73
EMEA		23	10%	-5%		21		71	3%	-9%		69
Asia Pacific		12	-14%	-21%		14		40	-15%	-19%		47

Total revenues		50	-7%	-16%		54		174	-8%	-14%		189

*Expenses*		50	-6%	-13%		53		157	-3%	-9%		162


*Total Margin*	$	—	-100%	-100%	$	1	$	17	-37%	-41%	$	27


*Total Margin %*		0%				2%		10%				14%

*% Revenues by Geography:*
Americas		30%				35%		36%				39%
EMEA		46%				39%		41%				36%
Asia Pacific		24%				26%		23%				25%

Fiscal Third Quarter 2004 Compared to Fiscal Third Quarter 2003: Excluding the effect of currency rate fluctuations, the decline in education revenues is attributable to headcount reductions of information technology personnel across multiple industry sectors that have resulted in a continued reduction of the demand for technical product training. In addition, companies have delayed or limited technology spending. Education revenue growth rates have lagged new software license revenue growth rates by several quarters, as education services are typically provided after the licenses are acquired by our customers. The Americas contributed 49% to the decline in education revenues in the third quarter of fiscal 2004, EMEA contributed 13% and Asia Pacific contributed 38%.

Excluding currency rate fluctuations, education expenses decreased due to reductions in personnel and related expenditures. The education margins as a percentage of revenues decreased in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 as revenues declined at a higher rate than expenses.

First Nine Months Fiscal 2004 Compared to First Nine Months Fiscal 2003: Excluding the effect of currency rate fluctuations, the growth rates for education revenues and expense in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 were due to the same reasons cited above. The Americas contributed 40% to the decline in education revenues in the first nine months of fiscal 2004, EMEA contributed 26% and Asia Pacific contributed 34%.

Research and Development Expenses: Research and development expenses primarily consist of personnel related expenditures. We intend to continue to invest significantly in our research and development efforts because, in our judgment, they are essential to maintaining our competitive position.


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	Feb 29, 2004		Percent Change		Feb 28, 2003		Feb 29, 2004		Percent Change		Feb 28, 2003
(Dollars in millions)	Feb 29, 2004		Actual	Constant	Feb 28, 2003		Feb 29, 2004		Actual	Constant	Feb 28, 2003

*Expenses*	$	328	9%	7%	$	301	$	951	8%	6%	$	882

*Percent of Total Revenues*		13%				13%		13%				13%

Excluding foreign currency rate fluctuations, research and development expenses increased in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2004 primarily due to an increase in discretionary bonus expenses. In the third quarter of fiscal 2004, research and development headcount increased 8% and 13% in the database technology and applications development organizations, respectively. While total headcount increased, salary expenses did not increase in proportion to the higher headcount as the hiring occurred in countries where personnel costs are significantly lower than in the United States.

General and Administrative Expenses: General and administrative expenses primarily consist of personnel related expenditures for information technology, finance, legal and human resources support functions.


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	Feb 29, 2004		Percent Change		Feb 28, 2003		Feb 29, 2004		Percent Change		Feb 28, 2003
(Dollars in millions)	Feb 29, 2004		Actual	Constant	Feb 28, 2003		Feb 29, 2004		Actual	Constant	Feb 28, 2003

*Expenses*	$	145	26%	16%	$	115	$	413	27%	19%	$	325

*Percent of Total Revenues*		6%				5%		6%				5%

Excluding the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations, the increase in general and administrative expenses in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2004 was primarily attributed to professional fees incurred in connection with the PeopleSoft tender offer, as well as discretionary bonus expenses.

Net Investment Gains (Losses) Related to Equity Securities: Net investment gains (losses) related to equity securities primarily related to our investment in Liberate Technologies.


	Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	Feb 29, 2004			Percent Change		Feb 28, 2003			Feb 29, 2004			Percent Change		Feb 28, 2003
(Dollars in millions)	Feb 29, 2004			Actual	Constant	Feb 28, 2003			Feb 29, 2004			Actual	Constant	Feb 28, 2003
Liberate Technologies	$	—		*	*	$	—		$	35		*	*	$	(87	)
Other equity securities		(2	)	*	*		(6	)		(5	)	*	*		(21	)

Total net investment gains (losses) related to equity securities	$	(2	)	*	*	$	(6	)	$	30		*	*	$	(108	)

*	not meaningful

In the first quarter of fiscal 2004, we sold all of our common stock in Liberate Technologies to a third-party for approximately $83.5 million and recognized a $35.4 million gain on the sale. In the first half of fiscal 2003, we recorded impairment charges on our investment in Liberate Technologies of $87.1 million. These charges related to other than temporary declines in the fair value of Liberate Technologies. We concluded that our investment was other than temporarily impaired because our cost basis exceeded the publicly traded market value of the Liberate Technologies common stock for approximately six months.

Other Income, Net: Other income, net consists primarily of interest income, interest expense, foreign currency exchange gains (losses) and the minority interest share in the net profits of Oracle Japan.


	Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	Feb 29, 2004			Percent Change		Feb 28, 2003			Feb 29, 2004			Percent Change		Feb 28, 2003
(Dollars in millions)	Feb 29, 2004			Actual	Constant	Feb 28, 2003			Feb 29, 2004			Actual	Constant	Feb 28, 2003
Interest income	$	29		-9%	-15%	$	32		$	85		-15%	-19%	$	100
Interest expense		(4	)	0%	0%		(4	)		(18	)	50%	50%		(12	)
Foreign currency gains (losses)		(4	)	*	*		11			(10	)	*	*		12
Minority interest		—		*	*		(6	)		(23	)	*	*		(19	)
Other		1		*	*		6			5		*	*		9

Total other income, net	$	22		*	*	$	39		$	39		*	*	$	90

*	not meaningful

The decrease in interest income is primarily due to lower interest rates available in the capital markets. In the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2004, the weighted average interest rate earned on cash, cash equivalents and investments decreased to 1.4% from 1.9%. Interest expense increased in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 primarily due to a $5.0 million commitment fee related to our revolving credit facility obtained in connection with the PeopleSoft tender offer.

Provision for Income Taxes: The effective tax rate in all periods is the result of the mix of income earned in various tax jurisdictions that apply a broad range of income tax rates. The provision for income taxes differs from the tax computed at the federal statutory income tax rate due primarily to state taxes and earnings considered as permanently reinvested in foreign operations. Future effective tax rates could be adversely affected if earnings are lower than anticipated in countries where we have lower statutory rates, by unfavorable changes in tax laws and regulations or by adverse rulings in tax related litigation.

Under FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, deferred assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Statement 109 provides for the recognition of deferred tax assets if realization of such assets is more likely than not. We evaluate the realizability of the deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis.

Liquidity and Capital Resources


(Dollars in millions)	February 29, 2004			Change	May 31, 2003
Working capital	$	6,494		28%	$	5,069
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	$	8,018		23%	$	6,519

	Nine Months Ended
(Dollars in millions)	February 29, 2004			Change	February 28, 2003
Cash provided by operating activities	$	2,159		-2%	$	2,197
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities	$	(1,926	)	*	$	846
Cash used for financing activities	$	(936	)	-57%	$	(2,162	)

*	not meaningful

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments: Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments in time deposits held at major banks, commercial paper, United States government agency discount notes, money market mutual funds and other money market securities with original maturities of 90 days or less. Short-term investments include similar highly liquid investments that mature by February 28, 2005. The increase in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments in the nine months ended February 29, 2004 was primarily due to $2.2 billion in cash from operating activities. The largest uses of cash from investing and financing activities were $1.0 billion for common stock repurchases, $150.0 million for repayments of long-term debt and $144.0 million for capital expenditures, offset by proceeds of $241.1 million from the issuance of common stock under stock option and employee stock purchase plans.

The improved timeliness in the collection of accounts receivable increases the amount of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. Days sales outstanding, which is calculated by dividing period end accounts receivable by average daily sales for the quarter, was 55 and 61 for the quarters ended February 29, 2004 and May 31, 2003, respectively. Days sales outstanding was lower for the quarter ended February 29, 2004 compared to the quarter ended May 31, 2003 due to the composition of software license updates and product support revenues as a percentage of total revenues, which increased from 37.6% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 to 46.9% in the third quarter of fiscal 2004. Software license updates and product support revenue is typically invoiced in advance resulting in a lower days sales outstanding as compared to our other lines of business.

Cash flows provided by operating activities: Our largest source of operating cash flows are from our customers upon the purchase and renewal of their software licenses updates and product support agreements. Payments from customers for software license updates and product support are generally received by the beginning of the contract term, which is generally one year in length. Additionally, we generate significant cash from new software license sales, and to a lesser extent, services. Our primary uses of cash from operating activities are for personnel related expenditures, payment of taxes, facilities and technology costs. Cash flows from operating activities decreased in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 primarily due to higher cash collections from customers in the first nine months of fiscal 2003. Days sales outstanding improved in the first nine months of fiscal 2003, while remaining essentially flat for the first nine months of fiscal 2004.

Cash flows provided by (used for) investing activities: The negative cash flows from investing activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 primarily relates to an increase in the purchase of short-term investments. We typically purchase short-term investments with surplus cash. Additionally, in the first quarter of fiscal 2004, we acquired an office building, which we previously occupied under an operating lease, and the underlying land for $45.9 million. We expect to continue to invest in capital and other assets to support our growth.

Cash flows used for financing activities: We incurred negative cash flows from financing activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 and 2003, primarily as a result of common stock repurchases. Our Board of Directors has approved a program to repurchase shares of our common stock to reduce the dilutive effect of our stock option and stock purchase plans. Since the inception of the stock repurchase program, a total of 1,634.8 million

shares have been repurchased as of February 29, 2004 for approximately $18.6 billion. We repurchased 78.3 million shares for $1.0 billion and 231.2 million shares for $2.2 billion during the nine months ended February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003, respectively. At February 29, 2004, approximately $1.8 billion was available to repurchase shares of our common stock pursuant to the stock repurchase program.

During fiscal 1997, we issued $150.0 million in 6.72% senior notes due in February 2004 and $150.0 million in 6.91% senior notes due in February 2007. In February 2002, we entered into two interest-rate swap agreements that have the economic effect of modifying the interest obligations associated with these senior notes so that the interest payable on the senior notes effectively becomes variable. The notional amount of the interest rate swaps and their termination date match the principal amounts and maturities of the outstanding senior notes. In the third quarter of fiscal 2004, we repaid our $150.0 million senior notes that matured in February 2004. As a result of our interest rate swap, the effective interest rate on our 6.91% senior notes was reduced to 3.21% as of February 29, 2004. Additionally, at February 29, 2004, we had notes payable of $9.5 million due in May 2005.

We offer our customers the option to acquire our software and services through separate long-term payment contracts. We generally sell such contracts on a non-recourse basis to financial institutions. We record the transfers of amounts due from customers to financial institutions as sales of financial assets because we are considered to have surrendered control of these financial assets under the provisions of FASB Statement No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities. In the nine months ended February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003, approximately 9% and 10% of our new software license revenues were financed through our financing division.

Contractual Obligations

The following is a summary of our contractual obligations as of February 29, 2004:


			Year Ending May 31,
(in millions)	Total		2004		2005		2006		2007		2008		2009		Thereafter
Principal and interest payments on senior notes	$	180	$	—	$	10	$	10	$	160	$	—	$	—	$	—
Notes payable		10		—		10		—		—		—		—		—
Operating leases		564		42		131		95		62		49		40		145
Purchase obligations⁽¹⁾		13		2		9		2		—		—		—		—
Other obligations⁽²⁾		182

Total contractual obligations	$	949	$	44	$	160	$	107	$	222	$	49	$	40	$	145

⁽¹⁾	Represents agreements that are enforceable, legally binding and specify terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the payment.

⁽²⁾	The timing of future cash outflows related to other obligations is not known. These include long-term deferred tax liabilities of $151 on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of February 29, 2004 and funding commitments for venture fund investments of $31, payable upon demand.

Tender Offer for PeopleSoft, Inc.

offer, we have been named as a defendant in various legal proceedings, including civil antitrust lawsuits filed by the U.S. Department of Justice and several state attorneys general to block our acquisition of PeopleSoft, and may be a party to additional legal proceedings in the future.

We have incurred approximately $48.4 million of expenditures as of February 29, 2004, associated with our tender offer for PeopleSoft. For the three and nine months ended February 29, 2004, expenditures of $15.0 million and $43.4 million are included in general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The remaining $5.0 million, which relates to a commitment fee for the Credit Facility incurred in the first quarter of 2004, is included in other income, net in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. We will continue to incur costs in connection with our tender offer for PeopleSoft.

We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to meet our working capital, capital expenditure, contractual obligations and investment needs. If we acquire PeopleSoft, we will need up to approximately $9.8 billion to purchase all shares we estimate will be outstanding prior to the expiration date of the offer and to pay estimated fees and expenses related to the offer. In addition to the Credit Facility, we could raise funds through additional borrowings or from the issuance of additional securities. We expect, based upon the combination of internally available cash and investments as of February 29, 2004, additional cash generated since that date, borrowings under the Credit Facility or any other credit facility or the issuance of securities, to have sufficient cash on hand at the expiration of the offer to pay the offer price for all shares in the offer. In addition, we believe we could fund other acquisitions with our internally available cash and investments, cash generated from operations, additional credit facilities or from the issuance of additional securities.

Stock Options

Our stock option program is a key component of the compensation package we provide to attract and retain talented employees and align their interests with the interests of existing stockholders. We recognize that options dilute existing stockholders and have sought to control the number of options granted while providing competitive compensation packages. Consistent with these dual goals, our cumulative potential dilution over the last three full fiscal years has been less than 1.0%, and has averaged 0.8% per year. The potential dilution percentage is calculated as the new option grants for the year, net of options forfeited by employees leaving the company, divided by the total outstanding shares at the beginning of the year. This maximum potential dilution will only result if all options are exercised. Many of these options, which have 10-year exercise periods, have exercise prices substantially higher than the current market price. At February 29, 2004, 22.8% of our outstanding stock options had exercise prices in excess of the current market price. Consistent with our historic practices, we do not expect that dilution from future grants before the effect of our stock repurchase program will exceed 1.5% per year for our ongoing business. Over the last 10 years, our stock repurchase program has more than offset the dilutive effect of our stock option program. At February 29, 2004, the maximum potential dilution from all option awards, regardless of when granted and regardless of whether vested or unvested and including options where the strike price is higher than the current market price, was 8.7%.

The Committee on Compensation and Management Development of the Board of Directors reviews and approves the organization-wide stock option grants to selected employees, all stock option grants to executive officers and any individual stock option grant in excess of 25,000 shares. The Plan Committee approves individual stock option grants up to 25,000 shares to non-executive officers.

Option information from June 1, 2000 through February 29, 2004 is summarized as follows:


	(Shares in millions)
Options outstanding at May 31, 2000	592
Options granted	188
Options exercised	(217	)
Cancellations	(113	)

Options outstanding at February 29, 2004	450


Average annualized options granted net of cancellations	20
Average annualized stock repurchases	187

Shares outstanding at February 29, 2004	5,195
Weighted average shares outstanding from June 1, 2000 through February 29, 2004	5,423

Options outstanding as a percent of shares outstanding at February 29, 2004	8.7	%

In the money options outstanding (based on our February 29, 2004 stock price) as a percent of shares outstanding at February 29, 2004	6.7	%

Average annualized options granted, net of cancellations and before stock repurchases, as a percent of weighted average shares outstanding from June 1, 2000 through February 29, 2004	0.4	%

Average annualized options granted, net of cancellations and after stock repurchases, as a percent of average shares outstanding from June 1, 2000 through February 29, 2004	-3.1	%

Generally, we grant stock options to our existing employees on an annual basis. During the nine months ended February 29, 2004, we made our annual grant of options and other grants to purchase approximately 43.6 million shares of our stock, partially offset by 17.8 million shares for cancelled options. For additional information about our employee stock option plan activity for the fiscal years 2001 through 2003, and the pro forma earnings presentation as if we had expensed our stock option grants using the fair value method of accounting, please see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2003 and Note 2 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Factors That May Affect Our Future Results or the Market Price of Our Stock

We operate in a rapidly changing economic and technological environment that presents numerous risks. Many of these risks are beyond our control and are driven by factors that we cannot predict. The following discussion, as well as our discussion above of critical accounting policies and estimates, highlights some of these risks.

Economic, political and market conditions can adversely affect our revenue growth. Our revenue growth and profitability depends on the overall demand for computer software and services, particularly in the sectors in which we offer products. Because our sales are primarily to corporate and government customers, the health of our business is directly related to the strength of general economic and business conditions. A general weakening of the global economy and weakening of business conditions, particularly in the high technology, telecommunications, financial services and manufacturing industry sectors, as well as the imposition of governmental budgetary constraints, could result in delays and decreases of customer purchases. In addition to sales of new software licenses, we derive a significant proportion of our revenues from new purchase and recurring renewals of software license updates and product support. A general weakening of the global economy and weakening of business conditions could result in decreases in our renewal rates for software license updates and product support. There are increasing signs of an improving economic environment. However, it may be too early to determine whether an economic recovery will be broad, substantial and sustained, and whether any such recovery would translate to sustained higher levels of information technology spending. In addition, some governmental budgetary constraints continue both domestically and internationally. If demand for our software and related services does not continue to strengthen, our revenue growth rates for new software licenses and, to a

lesser extent, our revenue growth rates for software license updates and product support will be adversely affected. In addition, the war on terrorism and the potential for other hostilities in various parts of the world continues to contribute to a climate of economic and political uncertainty that could adversely affect our revenue growth and results.

Although our business depends materially on the condition of domestic and foreign economies, and on the performance of key sectors that generate a disproportionate percentage of our revenues and earnings, our management has no comparative advantage in forecasting macroeconomic trends and developments relating to these general business conditions. Our management is, however, required to make these forecasts in order to develop budgets, plan research and development strategies and perform a wide variety of general management functions. To the extent that our forecasts are in error, because we are either overly optimistic or overly pessimistic about the performance of an economy or of a sector, our performance can suffer because of a failure to properly match corporate strategy with economic conditions.

Our success depends upon our ability to develop new products and enhance our existing products. Rapid technological advances in hardware and software development, evolving standards in computer hardware, software technology and communications infrastructure, changing customer needs and frequent new product introductions and enhancements characterize the enterprise software market in which we compete. To keep pace with technological developments, satisfy increasingly sophisticated customer requirements and achieve market acceptance, we must enhance and improve existing products like Oracle Database, Oracle Application Server, Oracle E-Business Suite, Oracle Collaboration Suite and Oracle On Demand and we must also continue to introduce new products and services. If we are unable to develop new products or adapt our current products to run on new or popular operating systems, if we are unable to enhance and improve our products successfully in a timely manner, or if we fail to position and/or price our products to meet market demand, customers may not buy new software licenses and our business and operating results will be adversely affected. If our enhancement to existing products does not deliver the functionality that our customer base demands, our customers may not renew software license updates and product support and our business and operating results will be adversely affected. In addition, standards for network protocols, as well as other industry adopted and de facto standards for the internet, are rapidly evolving. We cannot provide any assurance that the standards on which we choose to develop new products will allow us to compete effectively for business opportunities as they arise in emerging areas. Accelerated product introductions and short product life cycles require high levels of expenditures for research and development that could adversely affect our operating results. Further, any new products we develop may not be introduced in a timely manner and may not achieve the broad market acceptance necessary to generate significant revenues. Finally, while customers make first-time buying decisions based on the products, many make future license and support buying decisions based upon the quality of the support offering. If we do not continue to enhance our support services our renewal rates for product support may decline, which could affect our operating results.

Our sales forecasts may not consistently correlate to revenues in a particular quarter. We use a “pipeline” system, a common industry practice, to forecast sales and trends in our business. Our sales personnel monitor the status of all proposals, such as the date when they estimate that a customer will make a purchase decision and the potential dollar amount of the sale. These estimates are aggregated periodically to generate a sales pipeline. We compare this pipeline at various points in time to evaluate trends in our business. This analysis provides some guidance in business planning and budgeting, but these pipeline estimates are by their nature speculative. Our pipeline estimates are not necessarily reliable predictors of revenues in a particular quarter or over a longer period of time, partially because of changes in conversion rates of the pipeline into contracts that can be very difficult to estimate. A variation in the conversion rate of the pipeline into contracts, or in the pipeline itself, could cause us to plan or budget incorrectly and thereby adversely affect our business or results of operations. In particular, a slowdown in information technology spending or economic conditions can cause purchasing decisions to be delayed, reduced in amount or cancelled, which would reduce the overall software license pipeline conversion rate in a particular period of time. Because a substantial portion of our software license revenue contracts are completed in the latter part of a quarter, we may not be able to adjust our cost structure promptly in response to a decrease in our pipeline conversion rate.

There are specific risks associated with our proposed acquisition of PeopleSoft. In June 2003, we commenced an unsolicited cash tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of common stock of PeopleSoft. In addition to the risks we face in connection with acquisitions generally, there are several unique risks we face in connection with the PeopleSoft offer including:

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in February 2004, the United States Department of Justice, joined by several state attorneys general, filed a civil antitrust suit in U.S. District Court to block our proposed merger with PeopleSoft. We believe the Department’s claim that there are only three vendors that meet the needs of large enterprises does not fit with the reality of the highly competitive, dynamic and rapidly changing market and have decided to challenge the lawsuit. While we believe we will prevail in the lawsuit, if we are not successful we would not be able to acquire PeopleSoft and the Department’s analysis may impact our ability to acquire other companies. In addition, the lawsuit could result in substantial costs and could divert management’s attention and other corporate resources;

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we have also received, and have responded to, requests for additional information from various other governmental authorities regarding possible antitrust concerns. If these authorities challenge our proposed acquisition, there may be additional costs and delays;

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in connection with the tender offer, we have also been named as a defendant in various legal proceedings and we may be a party to additional legal proceedings in the future. These proceedings could result in substantial costs and could divert management’s attention and other corporate resources;

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PeopleSoft has a “poison pill” in place, which may prevent us from consummating the proposed merger;

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PeopleSoft has implemented several other defensive tactics, including providing to all customers negotiating new contracts a refund program that may require an acquiror, including us, to pay those customers two to five times their license fees if certain business events (such as the termination of support for PeopleSoft products) occur during a fixed period of time. Based on public statements by PeopleSoft, we anticipate that this program could result in more than $1.56 billion in potential refund liabilities if triggered;

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our offer is not conditioned on any financing arrangements. We plan to pay for the PeopleSoft shares and related transaction fees and expenses with internally available cash and borrowings. We may not be able to arrange favorable financing terms. Depending upon the final financial structure of the transaction, our credit rating may be reduced, which may increase the cost of future borrowings;

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beyond reviewing publicly available information, we have not been able to conduct any due diligence on PeopleSoft and there may be liabilities or accounting issues which we are not aware of; and

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we may have higher than anticipated costs in continuing support and development of acquired PeopleSoft products.

While we intend to proceed with our offer, we cannot assure you that we will be successful in acquiring PeopleSoft.

Acquisitions and investments present many risks, and we may not realize the financial and strategic goals that were contemplated at the time of any transaction. We have in the past and expect in the future to acquire or make investments in complementary companies, products, services and technologies. The risks we may encounter in acquisitions and investments include:

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we may find that the acquired company or assets do not further our business strategy or that we paid more than what the company or assets are worth;

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we may have difficulty integrating the operations and personnel of the acquired businesses;

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we may have difficulty incorporating the acquired technologies or products with our existing product lines;

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we may have product liability, customer liability or intellectual property liability associated with the sale of the acquired company’s products;

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our ongoing business may be disrupted by transition or integration issues;

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our management’s attention may be diverted from other business concerns;

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our management may not be able to improve our financial and strategic position;

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we may have difficulty maintaining uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies;

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our relationship with current and new employees, customers and distributors could be impaired;

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the acquisition may result in litigation from terminated employees or third parties; and

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our due diligence process may fail to identify significant issues with the target’s product quality, financial disclosures and accounting practices, product architecture and legal contingencies, among other matters.

These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows, particularly in the case of a larger acquisition or number of acquisitions. Our investments in other businesses are also accompanied by risks similar to those involved in an acquisition.

We previously have generally paid for acquisitions in cash. We may in the future pay for acquisitions in whole or in part with stock or other equity-related purchase rights. To the extent that we issue shares of stock or other rights to purchase stock, including options and other rights, existing stockholders may be diluted and earnings per share may decrease.

Our quarterly revenues and operating results can be difficult to predict and can fluctuate substantially. Our revenues in general, and our new software license revenues in particular, are difficult to forecast and are likely to fluctuate substantially from quarter to quarter due to a number of factors, many of which are outside of our control. These factors include:

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the relatively long sales cycles for many of our products;

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the tendency of some of our customers to wait until the end of a fiscal quarter or our fiscal year in the hope of obtaining more favorable terms;

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the timing of our or our competitors’ new products or product enhancements or any delays in such introductions;

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any delays or deferrals of customer implementations of our products;

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any changes in customer budgets that could affect both the timing and size of any transaction;

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any delays in recognizing revenue on any transaction;

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changes in the renewal rate for software license updates and product support contracts;

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any seasonality of technology purchases;

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changes in local, national and international regulatory requirements;

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any changes in general economic, political or market conditions;

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any changes in exchange rates;

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any changes in the product selection purchasing patterns of our customers between standard edition products and higher premium products; and

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changes in our pricing policies or the policies of our competitors.

Our new software license revenues in any quarter depend on orders booked and delivered in that particular quarter. Our software license updates and product support revenues, which are recognized ratably over the support term, are affected principally by the renewal rate of annual support contracts by existing customers, as

well as customers purchasing software license updates and product support in connection with purchasing new software license. Our operating expenses are budgeted based on our estimates of revenues and a high percentage of our expenses are fixed.

Accordingly, our quarterly results are difficult to predict with any accuracy until the very end of a quarter. If even a small number of large software license transactions are delayed until after a quarter ends, our operating results could vary substantially from quarter to quarter and our net income could fall significantly short of our predictions.

Our international sales and operations subject us to additional risks that can adversely affect our operating results. We derive a substantial portion of our revenues from customers outside the United States. We have significant operations outside of the United States, including software development, sales, customer support and shared administrative service centers, and we plan to expand our international operations, including continued expansion in China and India. Our international operations are subject to a variety of risks, including:

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general economic conditions in each country or region;

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the overlap of different tax regimes;

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fluctuations in currency exchange rates and difficulties in transferring funds from certain countries;

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the difficulty of managing an organization spread over various countries;

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growing political sentiment against international outsourcing of support services and development;

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changes in regulatory requirements;

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compliance with a variety of international laws and regulations, including trade restrictions, local labor ordinances and changes in tariff rates;

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longer payment cycles and difficulties in collecting accounts receivable;

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import and export licensing requirements;

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political unrest, terrorism and the potential for other hostilities, particularly in areas in which we have facilities; and

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reduced protection for intellectual property rights in some countries.

Our success depends, in part, on our ability to anticipate and address these risks. We cannot guarantee that these or other factors will not adversely affect our business or operating results.

We conduct a significant portion of our business in currencies other than the United States dollar. Our operating results are therefore subject to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Our revenues and operating results are adversely affected when the United States dollar strengthens relative to other currencies and are positively affected when the United States dollar weakens. Changes in the value of major foreign currencies, particularly the Euro, Japanese Yen and British Pound relative to the value of the United States dollar positively affected revenues and operating results in fiscal 2003 and the first nine months of fiscal 2004. If the United States dollar strengthens throughout the remainder of fiscal 2004 relative to other currencies our revenues and operating results will be adversely affected. Our foreign currency transaction gains and losses are primarily related to sublicense fee and other agreements among our subsidiaries, our selling distributors and ourselves. These gains and losses are charged against earnings in the period incurred. To reduce our transaction and translation gains and losses associated with converting foreign currencies into United States dollars, we enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge certain transaction and translation exposures in major currencies. In certain instances, we do not hedge foreign currencies, such as when the forward contracts in the relevant currency are not readily available or are not, in our opinion, cost effective. As a result, we will continue to experience foreign currency gains and losses.

We may need to change our pricing models to compete successfully. The intensely competitive markets in which we compete can put pressure on us to reduce our prices. If our competitors offer deep discounts on certain

products or in an effort to recapture or gain market share or to sell other software or hardware products, we may then need to lower prices or offer other favorable terms in order to compete successfully. Any such changes would be likely to reduce margins and could adversely affect operating results. Our software license updates and product support fees are generally priced as a percentage of our new license fees. Our competitors may offer a lower percentage pricing on product updates and support, which could put pressure on us to further discount our new license prices to compete effectively. We have recently changed our pricing for our database management software and outsourcing services and any broadly based changes to our prices and pricing policies could cause software license and service revenues to decline or be delayed as our sales force implements and our customers adjust to the new pricing policies. Some of our competitors may bundle software products for promotional purposes or as a long-term pricing strategy or provide guarantees of prices and product implementations. These practices could, over time, significantly constrain the prices that we can charge for our products. In addition, if we do not adapt our pricing models to reflect changes in customer use of our products, our software license revenues could decrease. Additionally, although the distribution of applications through application service providers may provide a new market for our products, these new distribution methods could also reduce the price paid for our products or adversely affect other sales of our products. If we cannot offset price reductions with a corresponding increase in the number of sales or with lower spending, then the reduced software license revenues resulting from lower prices would adversely affect our results.

Disruptions of our indirect sales channel could affect our future operating results. In addition to marketing our products and services through our own direct sales and service forces, we market our products and services through indirect channels. Our indirect channel network is comprised primarily of resellers, system integrators/implementers, consultants, education providers, internet service providers, network integrators, and independent software vendors. We believe that our relationships with these channel participants enhance our marketing and sales efforts. Our financial results could be adversely affected if our contracts with channel participants were terminated, if our relationship with channel participants were to deteriorate, if any of our competitors enter into strategic relationships or acquire a significant channel participant, or if the financial condition of our channel participants were to weaken. In connection with our efforts to further penetrate markets, we will need to maintain or expand our relationships with indirect channel participants and develop additional relationships. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in maintaining, expanding or developing our relationships with these channel participants. If we are not successful, we may lose sales opportunities, customers and market share.

To be successful we must effectively compete in a range of markets within the highly competitive software industry. The software industry is intensely competitive. Many vendors develop and market databases, internet application server products, application development tools, business applications, collaboration products and business intelligence products that compete with our offerings. In addition, several companies offer business outsourcing as a competitive alternative to buying software. Some of these competitors have greater financial or technical resources than we do. We expect to continue to face intense competition in each market in which we compete. We could lose market share if our competitors introduce new competitive products into one or more of our markets, add new functionality into an existing competitive product, acquire a competitive product, reduce prices, or form strategic alliances with other companies. In addition, because new distribution methods and opportunities offered by the internet and electronic commerce have removed many of the barriers to entry historically faced by small and start-up companies in the software industry, we expect to face additional future competition from these companies. We also face increasing competition from open source software initiatives, in which developers provide software and intellectual property free over the internet. If existing or new competitors gain market share in any of these markets, at our expense, our business and operating results could be adversely affected. Our applications run only on our database products, which could potentially limit our share of the market for business applications software. Additionally, our competitors who offer business applications and application server products may influence a customer’s purchasing decisions for the underlying database in an effort to persuade potential customers not to acquire our products.

If we cannot hire enough qualified employees or if we lose key employees, it will adversely affect our ability to manage our business, develop our products and increase our revenues. We believe our continued success depends to a large extent on the continued service of our senior management and other key employees and the hiring of new qualified employees. In the software industry, there is substantial and continuous competition for

highly skilled business, product development, technical and other personnel. We may experience increased compensation costs that are not offset by either improved productivity or higher prices. We may not be successful in recruiting new personnel and in retaining and motivating existing personnel. Members of our senior management team have left Oracle over the years for a variety of reasons and we cannot assure you that there will not be additional departures. Any changes in management can be disruptive to our operations. With rare exceptions, we do not have long-term employment or non-competition agreements with our employees. Part of our total compensation program includes stock options. The volatility or lack of positive performance of our stock price may from time to time adversely affect our ability to retain or attract key employees. In addition, if we elected to or are required to treat all stock-based compensation as an expense, we may change both our cash and stock-based compensation practices. Some of the changes we are considering include the reduction in the number of employees granted options, a reduction in the number of options granted, the elimination or reduction of benefits under the employee stock purchase plan and a change to alternative forms of stock-based compensation. Any changes in our compensation practices could affect our ability to retain and motivate existing personnel and recruit new personnel.

If we account for employee stock option and employee stock purchase plans using the fair value method, it could significantly reduce our net income and earnings per share. There has been ongoing public debate whether employee stock option and employee stock purchase plans shares should be treated as a compensation expense and, if so, how to properly value such charges. If we elected or were required to record an expense for our stock-based compensation plans using the fair value method, we could have significant accounting charges. For example, in the first nine months of fiscal 2004, had we accounted for stock-based compensation plans using the fair-value method prescribed in FASB Statement No. 123 as amended by Statement 148, net income would have been reduced by $140.6 million. Although we are not currently required to record any compensation expense using the fair value method in connection with option grants that have an exercise price at or above fair market value at the grant date and for shares issued under our employee stock purchase plan, future laws or regulations could require us to treat all stock-based compensation as an expense using the fair value method. See Note 2 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and our discussion in the Employee Stock Options section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for a more detailed presentation of accounting for stock-based compensation plans.

We might experience significant undetected errors or security flaws in our products. Despite testing prior to release of the products, software products frequently contain errors or security flaws, especially when first introduced or when new versions are released. Software errors in our products could affect the ability of our products to work with other hardware or software products, could delay the development or release of new products or new versions of products and could adversely affect market acceptance of our products. Security flaws in our products could expose us to claims as well as harm our reputation, which could impact our future sales. The detection and correction of any security flaws can be time consuming and costly. In addition, we run our own business operations as well as Oracle On Demand on our products and any security flaws, if exploited, could affect our ability to conduct business operations. End users, who rely on our products for applications that are critical to their businesses, may have a greater sensitivity to product errors and security vulnerabilities than customers for software products generally. If we experience errors or delays in releasing new products or new versions of products, we could lose revenues. Software product errors could also subject us to product liability, performance and/or warranty claims, which could adversely affect our business and operating results.

We periodically have restructured our sales force, which can be disruptive. We continue to rely heavily on our direct sales force. In many years, we have restructured or made other adjustments to our sales force in response to factors such as management changes, product changes, performance issues and other internal considerations. Changes in the structure of the sales force and sales force management have generally resulted in a temporary lack of focus and reduced productivity that may have affected revenues in one or more quarters. We cannot assure you that we will not continue to restructure our sales force or that the transition issues associated with restructuring the sales force will not recur.

Some of our products are not as profitable as others. Some of our products require a higher level of development, distribution and support expenditures, on a percentage of revenues basis. If revenues generated from these products become a greater percentage of our total revenues and if the expenses associated with these products on a percentage of revenues basis do not decrease, then our operating margins will be adversely affected.

We may not receive significant revenues from our current research and development efforts for several years, if at all. Developing and localizing software is expensive and the investment in product development often involves a long payback cycle. In the first nine months of fiscal 2004, our research and development expenses were $328 million, or 13% of our total revenues. Our plans for the remainder of fiscal 2004 include significant investments in software research and development and related product opportunities. We believe that we must continue to dedicate a significant amount of resources to our research and development efforts to maintain our competitive position. However, we do not expect to receive significant revenues from these investments for several years.

We may not be able to protect our intellectual property. We rely on a combination of copyright, patent, trademark, trade secrets, confidentiality procedures and contractual commitments to protect our proprietary information. Despite our efforts, these measures can only provide limited protection. Unauthorized third parties may try to copy or reverse engineer portions of our products or otherwise obtain and use our intellectual property. Any patents owned by us may be invalidated, circumvented or challenged. Any of our pending or future patent applications, whether or not being currently challenged, may not be issued with the scope of the claims we seek, if at all. In addition, the laws of some countries do not provide the same level of protection of our proprietary rights as do the laws of the United States. If we cannot protect our proprietary technology against unauthorized copying or use, we may not remain competitive.

Third parties may claim we infringe their intellectual property rights. We sometimes receive notices from others claiming we are infringing their patent or other intellectual property rights. We expect the number of such claims will increase as the number of products and competitors in our industry segments grows and the functionality of products overlaps. Companies are more frequently seeking to patent software and business methods because of developments in the law that may extend the ability to obtain such patents. As a result, we expect to receive more patent infringement claims. Responding to any infringement claim, regardless of its validity, could:

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be time-consuming to defend;

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result in costly litigation;

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divert management’s time and attention from developing our business;

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require us to enter into royalty and licensing agreements that we would not normally find acceptable;

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require us to stop selling or to redesign our products; and

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require us to pay money as damages or to satisfy indemnification obligations that we have with our customers.

If a successful claim is made against us and we fail to develop or license a substitute technology, our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

Oracle On Demand may not be successful. We recently began offering outsourced services for our products through E-Business Suite On Demand, Collaboration Suite On Demand and Technology On Demand. Our Oracle On Demand business model is rapidly evolving and we may not be able to compete effectively or generate significant revenues. Our Oracle On Demand business is subject to a variety of risks including:

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we may not be able to operate this business at an acceptable profit level;

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because we host critical customer operations we could be exposed to significant damage claims in the event of system failures or inadequate disaster recovery;

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because Oracle On Demand results in our hosting of customer data and other confidential information, we have increased exposure to risk of claims around data security and privacy and misappropriation of customer confidential information;

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if we are unable to avoid system failures, provide adequate disaster recovery and provide agreed upon data security and privacy threshold standards, we may not be able to attract new customers and we could lose existing customers;

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the laws and regulations applicable to hosted service providers are unsettled and we could have regulatory exposure in certain areas such as data privacy, data security, export compliance and workforce reduction claims as a result of customers transferring their information technology functions to us; and

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as our Oracle On Demand business grows, we will need to continue to invest in various aspects of our outsourcing offering, including data centers, computers, network infrastructure and security.

If we are unable to successfully exploit this business our future operating results could be adversely affected.

Business disruptions could affect our future operating results. Our operating results and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected in the event of a major earthquake, fire or other catastrophic event. We are a highly automated business and a disruption or failure of our systems could cause delays in completing sales and providing services, including Oracle On Demand. A significant portion of our research and development activities and certain other critical business operations are concentrated in a few geographic areas. A catastrophic event that results in the destruction or disruption of any of our critical business or information technology systems could severely affect our ability to conduct normal business operations and as a result our future operating results could be adversely affected.

Our sales to government clients subject us to risks including early termination, audits and investigations that can adversely affect our business. We derive a substantial portion of our revenues from contracts with the United States government and its agencies and from contracts with state and local governments and their agencies. Governments and their agencies may terminate most of these contracts at any time, without cause.

Also, there is increased pressure for all governments and their agencies, both domestically and internationally, to reduce spending. Our federal government contracts are subject to the approval of appropriations being made by the United States Congress to fund the expenditures to be made by the federal government under these contracts. Additionally, government contracts are generally subject to audits and investigations by government agencies. If the government discovers improper or illegal activities in the course of audits or investigations, the contractor may be subject to various civil and criminal penalties and administrative sanctions, which may include termination of contracts, refund of a portion of fees received, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, fines and suspensions or debarment from doing business with the government. If we were assessed any penalties or sanctions, our business and operating results could be adversely affected.

We may have exposure to additional tax liabilities. As a multinational corporation, we are subject to income taxes as well as non-income based taxes, in both the United States and various foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes and other tax liabilities.

In the ordinary course of a global business, there are many intercompany transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We are regularly under audit by tax authorities. Our intercompany transfer prices are currently being reviewed by the IRS and by foreign tax jurisdictions and will likely be subject to additional audits in the future. We previously negotiated two Advance Pricing Agreements with the IRS that cover many of our intercompany transfer prices and preclude the IRS from making a transfer pricing adjustment within the scope of these agreements. The agreements, however, are only effective through May 31, 2001, do not cover all elements of our transfer pricing and do not bind tax authorities outside the United States. We are currently negotiating bilateral and unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements to cover the period from June 1, 2001 to May 31, 2006.

Although we believe that our tax estimates are reasonable, we cannot assure you that the final determination of our tax audits and litigation will not be different from what is reflected in our historical income tax provisions

and accruals. Should we be assessed with additional taxes, there could be a material effect on our income tax provision and net income in the period or periods for which such determination is made.

We have exposure to additional non-income tax liabilities. We are subject to non-income taxes, such as payroll, sales, use, value-added, net worth, property and goods and services taxes, in both the United States and various foreign jurisdictions. We are regularly under audit by tax authorities with respect to these non-income taxes.

United States Congressional action in connection with the extraterritorial income case could adversely affect our net income. The World Trade Organization (WTO) has ruled the extraterritorial income regime (ETI) operated by the United States (US) to be an illegal export subsidy. ETI is a provision in the US Tax Code providing tax incentives on products produced in the US and exported for sale. On March 1, 2004, the European Union (EU) began imposing sanctions against a wide range of US exports (software not included) as part of an effort, authorized by the WTO, to pressure the US to repeal ETI. The US Congress has incentive to act, but we cannot be certain that any legislation replacing ETI will provide us with the level of tax incentives received under the existing regime. We currently save approximately $25 million per year in United States federal income tax under the ETI regime.

Our stock price could remain volatile and your investment could lose value. Our stock price has fluctuated widely in the past and could continue to do so in the future. Your investment in our stock could lose value. Some of the factors that could significantly affect the market price of our stock include:

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quarterly variations in our results of operations or those of our competitors;

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changes in our or our competitors’ prices;

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changes in our revenue and revenue growth rates as a whole or for specific geographic areas, business units, products or product categories;

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announcements of new products or product enhancements by us or our competitors;

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announcements regarding our tender offer for PeopleSoft;

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announcements of advances in technology by us or our competitors;

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changes in management;

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changes in recommendations or earnings estimates by financial analysts;

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speculation in the press or analyst community;

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changes in political, economic and market conditions either generally or specifically to particular industries;

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fluctuations in stock prices generally, particularly with respect to the stock prices for other technology companies;

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changes in interest rates; and

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changes in investors’ beliefs as to the appropriate price-earnings ratio or other valuation measure for our competitors and us.

A significant drop in our stock price could expose us to the risk of securities class action lawsuits. Defending against such lawsuits could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources. Furthermore, any settlement or adverse determination of these lawsuits could adversely affect us.

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk. All of our fixed income investments, with the exception of auction rate securities, are classified as held-to-maturity, and therefore, are reported on the balance sheet at amortized cost. Auction rate securities are classified as available-for-sale and reported on the balance sheet at par value, which equals market value, as the rate on such securities re-sets generally every 7 to 28 days. Hence, interest rate movements do not

affect the balance sheet valuation of the fixed income investments. Changes in the overall level of interest rates affect our interest income that is generated from our investments. For the three months ended February 29, 2004, total interest income was $29.1 million with the investments yielding an average of 1.38% on a worldwide basis. This interest rate level was down approximately 56 basis points from 1.94% for the three months ended February 28, 2003.

Table of Investment Securities:

The table below presents the cash, cash equivalent and investment balances, related weighted average interest rates and maturities for our investment portfolio at February 29, 2004. The cash, cash equivalent and investment balances approximate fair value at February 29, 2004:


(Dollars in millions)	Amortized Principal Amount		Weighted Average Interest Rate
Cash and cash equivalents	$	4,192	1.28	%
Short-term investments (91 days-1 year)		3,826	1.18	%

Total cash, cash equivalents and investments	$	8,018	1.23	%

The table above includes the United States dollar equivalent of cash, cash equivalents and investments, a portion of which is denominated in foreign currencies as shown below. See discussion of our foreign currency risk below for a description of how we hedge net assets of certain international subsidiaries from foreign currency exposure.


(in millions)	Amortized Principal Amount at February 29, 2004
Euro	$	1,550
Japanese Yen		748
British Pound		192
Chinese Renminbi		144
Australian Dollar		90
Canadian Dollar		85
South African Rand		74
Other currencies		708

Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments denominated in foreign currencies	$	3,591

During fiscal 1997, we issued $150.0 million in 6.72% senior notes due in February 2004 and $150.0 million in 6.91% senior notes due in February 2007. In February 2002, we entered into two interest-rate swap agreements that have the economic effect of modifying the interest obligations associated with these senior notes so that the interest payable on the senior notes effectively becomes variable. The notional amount of the interest rate swaps and their termination date match the principal amounts and maturities of the outstanding senior notes. In the third quarter of fiscal 2004, we repaid our $150.0 million senior notes that matured in February 2004. As a result of our interest rate swap, the effective interest rate on our 6.91% senior notes was reduced to 3.21% as of February 29, 2004. The fair value of the interest rate swap due in February 2007 is $10.1 million at February 29, 2004 and is included in intangible and other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Foreign Currency Transaction Risk. We transact business in various foreign currencies and have established a program that primarily utilizes foreign currency forward exchange contracts to offset the risk associated with the effects of certain foreign currency exposures. Under this program, increases or decreases in our foreign currency exposures are offset by gains and losses on the forward contracts, so as to mitigate the possibility of foreign currency transaction gains and losses. These foreign currency exposures typically arise from intercompany sublicense fees and other intercompany transactions. Our forward contracts generally have terms of 180 days or

less. We do not use forward contracts for trading purposes. All outstanding forward contracts (excluding equity hedges) are marked to market at the end of the period with unrealized gains and losses included in other income, net. Our ultimate realized gain or loss with respect to currency fluctuations will depend on the currency exchange rates and other factors in effect as the contracts mature. Net foreign exchange transaction gains (losses) included in other income, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations were $(6.1) million and $(15.5) million in the three and nine months ended February 29, 2004 and $9.0 million and $5.5 million in the three and nine months ended February 28, 2003. The fair value of the foreign currency exchange contracts was $(0.1) million and $(0.2) million as February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003.

Net Investment Risk. Periodically, we hedge the net assets of certain international subsidiaries (net investment hedges) using forward foreign currency exchange contracts to offset the translation and economic exposures related to our investments in these subsidiaries. We measure the ineffectiveness of net investment hedges by using the changes in spot exchange rates because this method reflects our risk management strategies, the economics of those strategies in our financial statements and better manages interest rate differentials between different countries. Under this method, the change in fair value of the forward contract attributable to the changes in spot exchange rates (the effective portion) is reported in stockholders’ equity to offset the translation results on the net investments. The remaining change in fair value of the forward contract (the ineffective portion) is recognized in other income, net.

At February 29, 2004, we had one net investment hedge in Japanese Yen. The Yen equity hedge minimizes currency risk arising from net assets held in Yen as a result of equity capital raised during the initial public offering and secondary offering of Oracle Japan. The fair value of our Yen equity hedge was $0.1 million and $(0.2) million as of February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003. The Yen equity hedge has a notional amount of $670.3 million and an exchange rate of 108.31 Yen for United States dollar.

Net losses on equity hedges reported in stockholders’ equity relating to the effective portion of the net investment hedges were $6.9 million and $55.3 million in the three and nine months ended February 29, 2004 and $24.1 million and $50.5 million in the three and nine months ended February 28, 2003. Net gains on equity hedges reported in other income, net relating to the ineffective portion of the net investment hedges were $1.9 million and $5.6 million in the three and nine months ended February 29, 2004 and $2.1 million and $6.9 million in the three and nine months ended February 28, 2003.

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures required by paragraph (b) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15.

(b) Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

The material set forth in Note 11 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 2.

Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

In the third quarter of fiscal 2004, we sold an aggregate of 4,742 shares of our common stock to eligible employees of Oracle EMEA Limited, an indirect subsidiary of the Company, who are participants in the Oracle Ireland Approved Profit Sharing Scheme (the Ireland APSS) at an aggregate purchase price of approximately $65,000. There were no underwriting discounts or commissions. The Ireland APSS permits an eligible employee to receive shares of common stock in a tax efficient manner as a portion of such employee’s bonus, as well as to contribute a portion of their base salary and Flex Euro allowance towards the purchase of additional shares in certain circumstances. The securities are held in trust for the employees for a minimum of two years. The shares of common stock were offered and sold in reliance upon Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the safe harbor provided by Rule 903 of Regulation S under the Securities Act, to employees of Oracle EMEA Ltd who are not “U.S. Persons” as that term is defined in Regulation S.

Item 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) Exhibits


Exhibit 31.1		Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act—Lawrence J. Ellison.

Exhibit 31.2		Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act—Jeffrey O. Henley.

Exhibit 32.1		Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

None.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Oracle Corporation has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


	ORACLE CORPORATION

Dated: March 17, 2004	By:	/s/ JEFFREY O. HENLEY

		Jeffrey O. Henley Chairman, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Dated: March 17, 2004	By:	/s/ JENNIFER L. MINTON

		Jennifer L. Minton Senior Vice President, Finance and Operations and Chief Accounting Officer