FORM 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2006

OR

 

¨ 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 0000-26251

 


NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Delaware   04-2837575

(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)

  (IRS Employer
Identification No.)

310 Littleton Road, Westford, MA 01886

(978) 614-4000

 


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 large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  ¨    Accelerated filer  x    Non-accelerated filer  ¨

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

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, as of August 3, 2006 was 31,714,830.

 



Table of Contents

NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC.

FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2006

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1. Unaudited Financial Statements:

  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:

  

As of June 30, 2006 and March 31, 2006

   3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:

  

For the three months ended June 30, 2006 and June 30, 2005

   4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:

  

For the three months ended June 30, 2006 and June 30, 2005

   5

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   6

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

   21

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   34

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

   34

PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1A. Risk Factors

   36

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   42

Item 6. Exhibits

   42

SIGNATURES

   43

EXHIBIT INDEX

   44

 

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Table of Contents

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Unaudited Financial Statements

NetScout Systems, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     June 30,
2006
    March 31,
2006
 
Assets     

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 51,999     $ 61,676  

Marketable securities

     32,761       19,810  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $23 and $44 at June 30, 2006 and March 31, 2006, respectively

     15,021       16,765  

Inventories

     4,386       2,816  

Refundable income taxes

     202       985  

Deferred income taxes

     2,837       2,896  

Restricted cash

     1,342       1,339  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     2,953       3,119  
                

Total current assets

     111,501       109,406  

Fixed assets, net

     7,757       7,577  

Goodwill

     36,561       36,561  

Other intangible assets, net

     872       1,015  

Capitalized software development costs, net

     293       312  

Deferred income taxes

     4,803       4,889  

Long-term marketable securities

     6,030       5,979  

Other assets

     13       16  
                

Total assets

   $ 167,830     $ 165,755  
                
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity     

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 2,469     $ 2,727  

Accrued compensation

     7,490       8,635  

Accrued other

     2,139       2,325  

Income taxes payable

     467       —    

Deferred acquisition payment

     1,342       1,339  

Deferred revenue

     21,747       21,382  
                

Total current liabilities

     35,654       36,408  

Accrued other

     1,103       1,157  

Deferred revenue

     1,248       1,599  
                

Total liabilities

     38,005       39,164  
                

Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)

    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, $0.001 par value: 5,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding at June 30, 2006 and March 31, 2006

     —         —    

Common stock, $0.001 par value: 150,000,000 shares authorized; 35,900,002 and 35,488,019 shares issued and 31,696,779 and 31,284,796 shares outstanding at June 30, 2006 and March 31, 2006, respectively

     36       35  

Additional paid-in capital

     117,494       120,057  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (134 )     (122 )

Deferred compensation

     —         (4,434 )

Treasury stock at cost, 4,203,223 shares at June 30, 2006 and March 31, 2006

     (26,490 )     (26,490 )

Retained earnings

     38,919       37,545  
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     129,825       126,591  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 167,830     $ 165,755  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

NetScout Systems, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
     2006    2005

Revenue:

     

Product

   $ 14,227    $ 15,046

Service

     9,348      8,271

License and royalty

     —        184
             

Total revenue

     23,575      23,501
             

Cost of revenue:

     

Product (1)

     3,856      4,626

Service (1)

     1,267      1,257
             

Total cost of revenue

     5,123      5,883
             

Gross profit

     18,452      17,618
             

Operating expenses:

     

Research and development (1)

     4,422      4,614

Sales and marketing (1)

     10,830      10,022

General and administrative (1)

     2,106      2,286

Amortization of other intangible assets

     39      32

In-process research and development

     —        143
             

Total operating expenses

     17,397      17,097
             

Income from operations

     1,055      521

Interest income and other expenses, net

     1,015      515
             

Income before income tax expense and cumulative effect of accounting change

     2,070      1,036

Income tax expense

     766      384
             

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

     1,304      652

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of taxes of $41

     70      —  
             

Net income

   $ 1,374    $ 652
             

Basic net income per share

   $ 0.04    $ 0.02

Diluted net income per share

   $ 0.04    $ 0.02

Shares used in computing:

     

Basic net income per share

     31,480      30,840

Diluted net income per share

     33,049      31,413

(1) Share-based compensation expense included in these amounts is as follows:

 

Cost of product revenue

   $ 9    $ —  

Cost of service revenue

     13      —  

Research and development

     133      59

Sales and marketing

     157      20

General and administrative

     75      —  
             

Total share-based compensation expense, before income tax effect

   $ 387    $ 79
             

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

NetScout Systems, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2006     2005  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 1,374     $ 652  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities, net of the effects of the acquisition of Quantiva’s business:

    

Depreciation

     679       613  

Amortization of other intangible assets

     143       119  

Amortization of capitalized software

     34       166  

In-process research and development

     —         143  

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

     17       30  

Share-based compensation expense associated with equity awards

     387       79  

Cumulative effect of accounting change

     (111 )     —    

Deferred income taxes

     145       303  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable, net

     1,744       779  

Inventories

     (1,570 )     (9 )

Refundable income taxes

     783       (78 )

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     161       71  

Other assets

     3       (3 )

Accounts payable

     (258 )     4  

Accrued compensation and other expenses

     (1,385 )     177  

Income taxes payable

     467       —    

Deferred revenue

     14       (272 )
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     2,627       2,774  
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchase of marketable securities

     (17,622 )     (25,757 )

Proceeds from maturity of marketable securities

     4,613       8,794  

Purchase of fixed assets

     (474 )     (843 )

Capitalized expenditures for internal use software

     (402 )     (170 )

Acquisition of Quantiva’s business

     —         (9,442 )

Capitalized software development costs

     (15 )     —    
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (13,900 )     (27,418 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     1,485       1,072  

Tax benefit from stock options exercised

     111       —    
                

Net cash provided by financing activities

     1,596       1,072  
                

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (9,677 )     (23,572 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     61,676       57,070  
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 51,999     $ 33,498  
                

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid for interest

   $ 5     $ 2  

Cash paid for income taxes

   $ 496     $ 177  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2006 and for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, have been prepared by NetScout Systems, Inc. (“NetScout” or the “Company”) in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial reports and the instructions for Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared under generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such regulations. In the opinion of the Company’s management, the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The results of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the year ending March 31, 2007. The balance sheet at March 31, 2006 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation.

For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 2, 2006.

 

2. Share-Based Compensation

Effective April 1, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123R”) which require the measurement and recognition of compensation expense based on estimated fair values for all share-based payment awards made to our employees and directors including employee stock option awards, employee stock purchases made under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) and restricted stock units. The Company previously applied the provisions of Accounting Principle Board Opinion (“APB”) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related Interpretations and provided the required pro forma disclosures under SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS 123”).

The Company’s unearned stock-based compensation balance of $4.4 million as of April 1, 2006, which was accounted for under APB 25, was reclassified against additional paid-in-capital upon the adoption of SFAS 123R. The unearned stock-based compensation balance was from the issuance of restricted stock units accounted for based on the intrinsic value on the date of grant. Under SFAS 123R the unrecognized expense of restricted stock units and employee stock option awards not yet vested at March 31, 2006 will be recognized as expense in operations in the periods after that date, based on their fair value, which was determined under the original provisions of SFAS 123, as disclosed in the Company’s previous filings. The impact of adopting SFAS 123R on the post-adoption results of operations was decreased as a result of the Company’s action in fiscal 2006 to accelerate the vesting on a significant portion of its outstanding stock options (see Note 9).

 

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Table of Contents

NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

Pro forma Information for Periods Prior to the Adoption of SFAS 123R

Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, the Company provided the disclosures required under SFAS 123, as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosures.” Forfeitures of awards were recognized as they occurred. Previously reported amounts have not been restated. The pro forma information for the three months ended June 30, 2005 was as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30, 2005
 

Net income as reported

   $ 652  

Add: stock-based compensation under APB No. 25

     79  

Deduct: stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value-based methods for all awards, net of tax

     (849 )
        

Pro forma net income (loss)

   $ (118 )
        

Basic net income (loss) per share:

  

As reported

   $ 0.02  

Pro forma

   $ (0.00 )

Diluted net income (loss) per share:

  

As reported

   $ 0.02  

Pro forma

   $ (0.00 )

Impact of the Adoption of SFAS 123R

The Company adopted SFAS 123R using the modified prospective transition method beginning April 1, 2006. Accordingly, during the three months ended June 30, 2006, the Company recorded share-based compensation expense for awards granted prior to but not yet vested as of April 1, 2006 as if the fair value method required for pro forma disclosure under SFAS 123 were in effect for expense recognition purposes, but adjusted for estimated forfeitures. The Company recorded a pre-tax cumulative benefit of accounting change of $111 related to estimating forfeitures for restricted stock units that were unvested as of April 1, 2006. For share-based awards granted after April 1, 2006, the Company recognized compensation expense based on the estimated grant date fair value method required under SFAS 123R. For all awards the Company has recognized compensation expense using a straight-line amortization method. As SFAS 123R requires that share-based compensation expense be based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest, estimated share-based compensation for the three months ended June 30, 2006 has been reduced for estimated forfeitures.

Under the provisions of SFAS 123R, the Company recorded $369 of stock-based compensation in operations in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Statement of Operations for the three months ended June 30, 2006. Stock-based compensation capitalized in conjunction with our costs related to internally developed software and software for internal use was immaterial.

 

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Table of Contents

NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

The impact on the Company’s results of operating income, net income and earnings per share from the adoption of SFAS 123R for the three months ended June 30, 2006 was as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30, 2006
 

Stock options

   $ (40 )
        

Impact on operating income

     (40 )

Cumulative effect of accounting change

     111  
        

Impact after cumulative effect of accounting change

   $ 71  
        

Impact on net income

   $ 45  
        

Impact on earnings per share:

  

Basic

   $ 0.01  

Diluted

   $ 0.01  

Total share-based compensation recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operation for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 was as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
         2006             2005    

Cost of revenue—Product

   $ 9     $ —  

Cost of revenue—Service

     13       —  

Research and development

     133       59

Sales and marketing

     157       20

General and administrative

     75       —  

Less non-employee compensation

     (18 )     —  
              

Total employee share based compensation expense

   $ 369     $ 79
              

Valuation Assumptions

As of June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, the fair value of share-based awards for employee stock option awards and employee stock purchases made under our ESPP were estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the assumptions below. No grants were given during the three months ended June 30, 2006. There was no activity for the ESPP in the three months ended June 30, 2006 due to the suspension of the Employee Stock Purchase plan (see Note 9.)

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
         2006            2005      

Option Plans

     

Expected option term

     —        5years  

Weighted average risk-free interest rate

     —        4.0 %

Expected volatility

     —        95 %

Dividend yield

     —        —    

Weighted average fair value

   $ —      $ 3.31  

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

     

Expected option term

     —        0.5 years  

Weighted average risk-free interest rate

     —        3.2 %

Expected volatility

     —        59 %

Dividend yield

     —        —    

Weighted average fair value

   $ —      $ 1.23  

 

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Table of Contents

NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

The dividend yield of zero is based on the fact that the Company has never paid cash dividends and has no present intention to pay cash dividends. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock over the period commensurate with the expected life of the options. The risk-free interest rate is derived from the average U.S. Treasury rate during the period, which approximates the rate in effect at the time of grant, commensurate with the expected life of the instrument. The expected option term is based on the exercise behavior that different employee groups exhibited historically.

The fair value per share of the restricted stock unit is equal to the quoted market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

Restricted Stock Units

The 1999 Stock Option Plan permits the granting of restricted stock and restricted stock units, collectively referred to as “equity-based awards.” Equity-based award grants are generally measured at fair value on the date of grant based on the number of shares granted and the quoted price of the Company’s common stock. Such value is recognized as a cost of revenue or an operating expense over the corresponding vesting period.

On April 14, 2005, the Company granted stock-based awards to employees who were former employees of Quantiva and to a consultant who was a former consultant of Quantiva, a company that sold substantially all of its assets to the Company (Note 6). These awards consisted of grants of 154,345 restricted stock units, which vest over two years and do not have an exercise price. The Company records expense for the restricted stock units granted to the employees over the vesting period, and records expense for the restricted stock granted to the consultant to stockholders’ equity in accordance with EITF 96-18. The Company estimated the fair value of these restricted stock units using a per share value of $4.14, which represented the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The restricted stock units issued to the consultant of Quantiva will be marked-to-market at each reporting date until exercised with changes being charged to compensation expense on a pro-rata basis over the vesting period.

On September 14, 2005, the Company granted equity-based awards to members of the Company’s Board of Directors. These awards consisted of 33,210 restricted stock units, which vest over one year after grant, provided that during such year, such directors attend at least 75% of the meetings of the Board and at least 75% of the meetings of any committee of the Board of which such directors are a member. In the event that the foregoing attendance requirements are not met, the restricted stock units will not vest until the third anniversary of the date of grant. The restricted stock units do not have an exercise price. The gross value of these awards at June 30, 2006 was approximately $180. In addition, the Company will pay each member of the Board of Directors $20 upon issuance of underlying shares in conjunction with the vesting and payout of the restricted stock units to defray personal taxes related to the issuance. The Company is recognizing the expense related to these payments over a period equal to the vesting period of the restricted stock units, which is one year. Operating expenses related to these tax defrayment payments for the three months ended June 30, 2006, was $30.

Periodically, the Company grants equity-based awards to employees and officers of the Company. These awards represent restricted stock units, which vest over four years and do not have an exercise price.

 

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NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

Share-Based Payment Award Activity

The following table summarizes equity share-based payment award activity for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively:

 

     Stock Options    Restricted Stock Units
     Number of
Shares
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   Number of
Awards
    Weighted
Average
Fair
Value

Outstanding-March 31, 2005

   4,700,743     $ 6.01    —       $ —  

Granted

   167,600     $ 4.48    154,345     $ 4.14

Exercised

   (180,601 )   $ 4.28    —       $ —  

Canceled

   (86,147 )   $ 5.97    —       $ —  
                 

Outstanding-June 30, 2005

   4,601,595     $ 6.02    154,345     $ 4.14
                 

Outstanding-March 31, 2006

   4,189,844     $ 6.08    842,528     $ 6.14

Granted

   —       $ —      27,054     $ 8.83

Exercised

   (332,825 )   $ 4.46    (79,158 )   $ 8.52

Canceled

   (4,813 )   $ 6.23    (5,329 )   $ 6.55
                 

Outstanding-June 30, 2006

   3,852,206     $ 6.22    785,095     $ 5.99
                 

The following tables summarizes information about options outstanding and exercisable at June 30, 2006:

 

     Outstanding    Exercisable

Range of Exercise Prices

   Number of
Shares
   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life in
Years
   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   Number of
Shares
   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

$1.27 to 2.50

   104,191    1.4    $ 2.42    104,191    $ 2.42

$3.01 to 5.00

   1,820,853    4.5    $ 4.19    1,715,095    $ 4.19

$5.04 to 7.40

   904,189    6.1    $ 5.75    851,158    $ 5.73

$7.60 to 11.25

   769,754    6.7    $ 8.23    769,754    $ 8.23

$13.44 to 14.94

   93,031    3.8    $ 13.72    93,031    $ 13.72

$15.13 to 18.50

   66,000    4.5    $ 15.32    66,000    $ 15.32

$21.25 to 28.94

   94,188    4.0    $ 24.04    94,188    $ 24.04
                  
   3,852,206    5.2    $ 6.22    3,693,417    $ 6.28
                  

The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options and restricted stock units as of June 30, 2006 and 2005 was as follows:

 

     June 30,
2006
   June 30,
2005

Options:

     

Outstanding (1)

   $ 12,687    $ 6,782

Exercisable (1)

   $ 12,036    $ 5,264

Restricted Stock Units (2)

   $ 7,003    $ 1,017

 

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NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 


(1) The aggregate intrinsic value on this table was calculated based on the positive difference between the closing market value of the Company’s common stock on June 30, 2006 ($8.92) and 2005 ($6.59) and the exercise price of the underlying options.
(2) The aggregate intrinsic value on this table was calculated based on the positive difference between the closing market value of the Company’s common stock on June 30, 2006 ($8.92) and 2005 ($6.59) and the exercise price of the underlying Restricted Stock Units.

Information regarding cash proceeds received, the intrinsic value and the total tax benefit realized resulting from stock based awards and stock option exercises was as follows:

 

     June 30,
2006

Cash proceeds received

   $ 1,484

Intrinsic value realized

   $ 2,046

Income tax benefit realized

   $ 111

As of June 30, 2006, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options was $394 which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.7 years.

The total fair value of restricted stock units vested during the three months ended June 30, 2006 was $712. As of June 30, 2006, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards was $3,159 which is expected to be amortized over a weighted-average period of 3.5 years.

 

3. Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents and those investments with original maturities greater than three months are considered to be marketable securities. Cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities are stated at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. Long-term marketable securities are stated at fair value based on quoted market prices. Cash equivalents and marketable securities consist primarily of money market instruments and U.S. Treasury bills.

Marketable Securities

The following is a summary of marketable securities held by NetScout at June 30, 2006, with maturity dates of July 2006 through February 2008:

 

     Amortized
Costs
   Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value

U.S. government and municipal obligations

   $ 21,101    $ (143 )   $ 20,958

Commercial paper

     18,912      —         18,912

Less restricted investment

     1,108      (29 )     1,079
                     

Marketable securities

   $ 38,905    $ (114 )   $ 38,791
                     

 

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NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

The following is a summary of marketable securities as classified between short and long-term for June 30, 2006:

 

Short-term marketable securities

   $ 32,761

Long-term marketable securities

     6,030
      

Total marketable securities

   $ 38,791
      

The following is a summary of marketable securities held by NetScout at March 31, 2006, with maturity dates of April 2006 through February 2008:

 

     Amortized
Costs
   Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value

U.S. government and municipal obligations

   $ 16,213    $ (122 )   $ 16,091

Commercial paper

     10,819      —         10,819

Less restricted investment

     1,145      (24 )     1,121
                     

Marketable securities

   $ 25,887    $ (98 )   $ 25,789
                     

The following is a summary of marketable securities as classified between short and long-term for June 30, 2005:

 

Short-term marketable securities

   $ 19,810

Long-term marketable securities

     5,979
      

Total marketable securities

   $ 25,789
      

Restricted Investment

The Company has a restricted investment account related to a deferred compensation plan of $1.1 million, which is currently included in prepaid expenses and other current assets. As of June 30, 2006 and March 31, 2006, there were unrealized losses of $29 and $24, respectively, recorded as other comprehensive income (loss), net of $0 tax.

 

4. Inventories

Inventories are stated at lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Inventories consist of the following:

 

     June 30,
2006
   March 31,
2006

Raw materials

   $ 2,703    $ 2,213

Work in process

     223      102

Finished goods

     1,460      501
             
   $ 4,386    $ 2,816
             

 

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NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

5. Acquisition

On April 14, 2005, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Quantiva, Inc. (“Quantiva”), a provider of automated analytics solutions for application performance management. The acquisition of Quantiva’s business is intended to extend the Company’s product offering with unique technology that automates detection and diagnosis of application performance problems before they impact business critical services. Quantiva’s patent pending technology analyzes real-time performance metrics using advanced statistical modeling and analytic techniques to establish dynamic thresholds and detect behavioral anomalies quickly. The Company’s financial statements include the results of operations of Quantiva subsequent to the acquisition date.

The total purchase price was approximately $9.5 million and was paid in cash. Cash paid includes $1.3 million in escrow to be paid sixteen months from the date of the acquisition. The Company has recorded the cash in escrow as Restricted cash on the balance sheet, with a corresponding liability reported as Deferred acquisition payment. In August 2006, the sixteenth month anniversary of the acquisition, the $1.3 million escrow and any interest earned on the balance, will be paid to Quantiva or its successors, which will reduce the restricted cash and corresponding liability balances to $0. The escrow account was established to satisfy potential claims and obligations that could arise subsequent to the acquisition. No claims have arisen as of June 30, 2006. The purchase price includes capitalized acquisition costs of approximately $166 consisting of legal, consulting and accounting services. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting in accordance with SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” and SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” The total purchase price of $9.5 million has been allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired based on the Company’s estimates of fair values at the time of acquisition as follows:

 

Current assets

   $ 7

Fixed assets

     26

Intangible assets

     1,708

Goodwill

     7,722
      

Total purchase price including acquisition costs

   $ 9,463
      

Goodwill was recognized for the excess purchase price over the fair value of the assets acquired. Goodwill is primarily attributable to the expected growth from new technology and synergies related to the integration of Quantiva with the Company’s High Definition Performance Monitoring and nGenius Flow Recorder. Goodwill from the Quantiva acquisition will be included within the Company’s one reporting unit and will be included in the Company’s enterprise-level annual review for impairment. Goodwill for tax purposes is deductible over a 15-year period.

The following table reflects the estimated fair value of the acquired intangible assets and related estimates of useful lives:

 

Software

   $ 1,255    3-year useful life

Non-compete agreements

     310    2-year useful life

In-process research and development

     143   
         
   $ 1,708   
         

The acquired research and development of $143 was charged to expense as a separate line item within operating expenses on the consolidated statement of operations during the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2005.

 

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NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

6. Goodwill & Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The carrying amount of goodwill was $36.6 million and $36.5 million as of June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Company’s goodwill resulted from the acquisition of NextPoint Networks, Inc. in July 2000 and substantially all of the assets of Quantiva on April 14, 2005 (Note 5). The Company recorded $7.7 million of goodwill at the acquisition date related to Quantiva. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, goodwill is not amortized, but instead is reviewed for impairment at the enterprise-level at least annually or more frequently when events and circumstances occur indicating that the recorded goodwill may be impaired. If the book value of the Company’s enterprise exceeds its fair value for a sustained period, the implied fair value of goodwill will be compared with the carrying amount of goodwill. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss will be recorded in an amount equal to that excess.

The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, are as follows:

 

     For the Three
Months Ended
June 30, 2006
   For the Three
Months Ended
June 30, 2005

Balance as of beginning of period

   $ 36,561    $ 28,839

Goodwill related to the acquisition of Quantiva’s business

     —        7,694
             

Balance as of the ending of period

   $ 36,561    $ 36,533
             

Other Intangible Assets

The carrying amount of other intangible assets was $872 and $1.4 million as of June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recorded under the purchase method of accounting at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The Company amortizes other intangible assets over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis. Other Intangible Assets consist of the following as of June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively:

 

     June 30, 2006    June 30, 2005
     Cost    Accumulated
Amortization
   Net    Cost    Accumulated
Amortization
   Net

Software

   $ 1,255    $ 505    $ 750    $ 1,255    $ 87    $ 1,168

Non-Compete Agreements

     310      188      122      310      32      278
                                         
   $ 1,565    $ 693    $ 872    $ 1,565    $ 119    $ 1,446
                                         

Amortization of acquired software, that is included as cost of product revenue, was approximately $104 and $87 for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Amortization of other acquired intangible assets, that is included as operating expense, was approximately $39 and $32 for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

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NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

The following is the expected future amortization expense as of June 30, 2006 for the years ended March 31:

 

2007

   $ 430

2008

     425

2009

     17
      

Total

   $ 872
      

The weighted average useful life of other intangible assets is 2.8 years.

 

7. Capitalized Software Development Costs and Purchased Software

Costs incurred in the research and development of the Company’s products are expensed as incurred, except for certain software development costs. Costs associated with the development of computer software are expensed prior to the establishment of technological feasibility (as defined by SFAS No. 86, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to Be Sold, Leased or Otherwise Marketed”) and capitalized thereafter until the related software products are available for first customer shipment. During fiscal year ended March 31, 2004, the Company capitalized $1.3 million of software development costs. Amortization of this capitalized software development costs was $0 and $166 for the three months ending June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, the Company met technological feasibility for its nGenius Performance Analytics product. As of June 30, 2006, capitalized software development costs for the Analytics product totaled $327. Beginning in April 2006, the Company commenced amortization of capitalized software development costs for the Analytics product over its estimated economic life which approximates two years . Amortization of capitalized software development costs for the Analytics product was $34 for the three months ending June 30, 2006.

The Company also capitalizes purchased software in accordance with SFAS No. 86. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, the Company capitalized $1.3 million of purchased software obtained in connection with the acquisition of Quantiva’s business (Note 5). Purchased capitalized software is included on the balance sheet within other intangible assets, net. Amortization of purchased software is recorded on a straight-line basis over three years. Amortization of capitalized purchased software was $104 and $87 for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Capitalized software development costs are periodically assessed for recoverability in the event of changes to the anticipated future revenue for the software products or changes in product technologies. Unamortized capitalized software development costs that are determined to be in excess of the net realizable value of the software products would be expensed in the period in which such a determination is made.

 

8. Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time the Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate expense with respect to any current legal proceedings and claims will not have a significant adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Guarantor’s Agreements

The Company warrants that its software and hardware products will substantially conform to the documentation accompanying such products on their original date of shipment. For software, which also includes

 

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NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

software embedded in the probes sold to customers, the standard warranty commences upon shipment and expires ninety (90) days thereafter. With regard to hardware, the standard warranty commences upon shipment and expires twelve (12) months thereafter. Additionally, this warranty is subject to various exclusions which include but are not limited to non-conformance resulting from modifications made to the software or hardware by a party other than the Company or damage to hardware caused by a power surge or a force majeure event. The Company also warrants that all support services shall be performed in a good and workmanlike manner. The Company believes that its product and support services warranties are consistent with commonly accepted industry standards. No warranty cost information is presented since service revenue associated with warranty is deferred at the time of a sale and recognized over the warranty period. Therefore, no warranty costs are accrued.

Contracts that the Company enters into in the ordinary course of business may contain standard indemnification provisions. Pursuant to these agreements, the Company may agree to defend any third party claims brought against a partner or direct customer claiming infringement of such third party’s (i) U.S. patent and/or EU or other selected countries’ patents, (ii) Berne convention member country copyright, and/or (iii) U.S., EU and/or OHIM trademark or intellectual property rights. Moreover, this indemnity may require the Company to pay any damages awarded against the partner or direct customer in such type of lawsuit as well as reimburse the partner or direct customer for any reasonable attorney’s fees incurred by them from the lawsuit.

On very limited occasions, the Company may agree to provide other forms of indemnification to partners or direct customers, such as indemnification that would obligate the Company to defend and pay any damages awarded to a third party against a partner or direct customer based on a lawsuit alleging that such third party has suffered personal injury and/or tangible property damage legally determined to have been caused by negligently designed or manufactured products.

The term associated with these indemnification agreements is generally perpetual. The maximum potential amount of future payments that the Company could be required to pay arising from indemnification agreements may be limited to a certain monetary value. However, the monetary exposure associated with the majority of these indemnification agreements is unlimited. Historically, the Company has incurred no costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims relating to such indemnity agreements and believes the estimated fair value of these agreements is immaterial. If the Company were to have to defend a lawsuit and settle claims, the costs could potentially have a material impact on the Company’s financial results.

 

9. Material Transactions Affecting Stockholders’ Equity

Restricted Stock

On April 14, 2005, the Company granted stock-based awards to employees who were former employees of Quantiva and to a consultant who was a former consultant of Quantiva, a company that sold substantially all of its assets to the Company (Note 6). These awards consisted of grants of 154,345 restricted stock units, which vest over two years. The Company recorded the intrinsic value and the fair value of the restricted stock units granted to former employees as deferred compensation and recognized the current period expense in accordance with EITF 96-18. The Company recorded the current period expense for the restricted stock units granted to the consultant to stockholders’ equity in accordance with EITF 96-18. The Company estimated the fair value of these restricted stock units using a per share value of $4.14, which represented the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Upon the grant of the restricted stock units to employees, deferred compensation for the fair market value of the restricted stock units were recorded within stockholders’ equity and will be subsequently amortized as compensation expense over the vesting period. The restricted stock units issued to the consultant of Quantiva will be marked-to-market at each reporting date until exercised with changes

 

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NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

being charged to compensation expense on a pro-rata basis over the vesting period. The aggregate intrinsic value of these awards at June 30, 2005 was approximately $674. Amortization expense related to these grants for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 was $90 and $71, respectively.

Stock Options

On April 14, 2005, the Company granted equity-based awards to certain former consultants of Quantiva, a company that sold substantially all of its assets to the Company (Note 5). These awards consisted of options to purchase 20,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, which vest over a four-year period, and have an exercise price of $4.14 per share. The Company recorded the current period expense for the stock options granted to the consultants to stockholders’ equity. Compensation expense related to these options for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 was $10 and $6, respectively. The Company calculated the fair value and related compensation expense in accordance with EITF 96-18. These options will be marked-to-market at each reporting date until exercised with changes being charged to compensation expense on a pro-rata basis over the expected vesting period with any unexpensed amounts included in deferred compensation. Fair value of the stock options was calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

Dividend yield

   None  

Expected volatility

   95 %

Risk-free interest rate

   3.72 %

Expected life (years)

   4.75  

Acceleration of Stock Option Vesting Period

On May 4, 2005, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the acceleration of vesting of all stock options issued on or before December 31, 2004 that became exercisable on or after April 1, 2006, so that all such options became fully exercisable on March 31, 2006. Such options had been granted under the Company’s equity compensation plans and are held by the Company’s officers and employees, including its executive officers. The exercise prices of substantially all of these options were in excess of the then current market price of the Company’s common stock and thus were considered “out-of-the-money” as of the modification date. Options to purchase 621,234 shares of common stock or 39% of the Company’s outstanding unvested options (of which 7% of the Company’s outstanding unvested options are held by the Company’s executive officers) were subject to the acceleration. The weighted average exercise price of the options subject to the acceleration is $5.62. As a result of the acceleration, the Company recorded $14 of deferred compensation within stockholder’s equity, which was fully amortized over the remaining vesting periods during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 as compensation expense.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

In April 1999, NetScout adopted the 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “1999 Purchase Plan”). The 1999 Purchase Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee. All employees of NetScout whose customary employment is for more than 20 hours per week and for more than three months in any calendar year are eligible to participate in the 1999 Purchase Plan. Employees who would own 5% or more of the total combined voting power or value of NetScout’s stock immediately after the grant of the option may not participate in the 1999 Purchase Plan. The Board of Directors suspended the 1999 Purchase Plan as of October 31, 2005.

 

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NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

10. Treasury Stock

On September 17, 2001, the Company announced an open market stock repurchase program to purchase up to one million shares of outstanding Company common stock, subject to market conditions and other factors. Any purchases under the Company’s stock repurchase program may be made from time to time without prior notice. Through June 30, 2006, the Company has repurchased 158,000 shares of common stock under this original program. During the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, the Company did not repurchase any shares of common stock. On July 26, 2006, the Company announced that it has expanded the existing open market stock repurchase program to enable the Company to purchase up to an additional three million shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock, bringing the total number of shares authorized for repurchase to 3,842,000 shares.

 

11. Net Income Per Share

Calculations of the basic and diluted net income per share and potential common shares are as follows:

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,

     2006    2005

Basic:

     

Net income applicable to common stockholders

   $ 1,374    $ 652
             

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     31,480,493      30,839,747
             

Basic net income per share

   $ 0.04    $ 0.02
             

Diluted:

     

Net income applicable to common stockholders

   $ 1,374    $ 652
             

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     31,480,493      30,839,747

Weighted average stock options

     1,363,481      492,767

Weighted average restricted stock units

     205,508      80,490
             

Diluted weighted average shares

     33,049,482      31,413,004
             

Diluted net income per share

   $ 0.04    $ 0.02
             

The following table sets forth common stock and restricted stock units excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share, since their inclusion would be antidilutive:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
     2006    2005

Stock options

   528,839    1,657,769

Restricted stock units

   15,753    —  
         

Total

   544,592    1,657,769
         

 

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NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

12. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other comprehensive income (loss) adjustments consist of unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities and restricted investment. Other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
         2006             2005    

Net income

   $ 1,374     $ 652

Unrealized gains (loss) on cash equivalent, marketable securities and restricted investment, net of $0 tax

     (12 )     38
              

Other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 1,362     $ 690
              

 

13. Geographic Information

Total revenue was distributed geographically as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
     2006    2005

North America

   $ 19,806    $ 18,456

Europe—Middle East—Africa

     2,319      3,768

Asia—Pacific

     1,450      1,277
             
   $ 23,575    $ 23,501
             

The North America revenue includes sales to North American resellers. These North American resellers fulfill customer orders based upon joint selling efforts in conjunction with the Company’s direct sales force and may subsequently ship the Company products to international locations. The Company reports these shipments as North America revenue since the Company ships the products to a North American location. Revenue attributable to locations outside of North America is a result of export sales. Substantially all of the Company’s identifiable assets are located in the United States.

 

14. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2006, the EITF reached a consensus on EITF Issue No. 06-3, “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (That is, Gross versus Net Presentation)” that the entities may adopt a policy of presenting taxes in the income statement on either a gross or net basis. Gross or net presentation may be elected for each different type of tax, but similar taxes should be presented consistently. Taxes within the scope of this EITF would include taxes that are imposed on a revenue transaction between a seller and a customer, for example, sales taxes, use taxes, value-added taxes, and some types of excise taxes. EITF 06-3 will not impact the method for recording these sales taxes in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the Company presents sales net of any and all taxes.

In July 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”) which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute, as well as criteria for subsequently recognizing, derecognizing and measuring uncertain

 

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NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

tax positions for financial statement purposes. FIN 48 also requires expanded disclosure with respect to the uncertainty in income tax assets and liabilities. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is required to be recognized as a change in accounting principle through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the provisions of FIN 48 in fiscal 2008.

 

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

The following information should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial information and the notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. In addition to historical information, the following discussion and other parts of this Quarterly Report contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual events or results may differ materially due to competitive factors and other factors discussed in Item 1A. Risk Factors and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report. These factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement.

Overview

NetScout Systems, Inc. (“NetScout” or the “Company”) designs, develops, manufactures, markets, sells and supports a family of integrated products that enable performance management and optimization of complex, high-speed networks, including the ability to deliver critical business applications and content efficiently to end-users. We manufacture and market these products in an integrated hardware and software solution that has been used by commercial enterprises, large governmental agencies and service providers worldwide. We manage our business as a single operating segment and substantially all of our identifiable assets are located in the United States.

NetScout was incorporated in 1984 as a consulting services company. In 1992, we began to develop, manufacture and market our first infrastructure performance management products. Our operations have been financed principally through cash provided by operations.

Our operating results are influenced by a number of factors, including the mix of products and services sold, pricing, costs of materials used in our products and the expansion of our operations during the fiscal year. Factors that affect our ability to maximize our operating results include: our ability to introduce new and enhance existing products, the marketplace acceptance of those new or enhanced products, continued expansion into international markets and current economic conditions.

For the three months ended June 30, 2006, our total revenue was relatively flat increasing $74,000 to $23.6 million compared to the $23.5 million of total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2005. In addition, our cost of revenue decreased by $760,000 to $5.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared to $5.9 million in the three months ended June 30, 2005. Gross profit at $18.5 million, or 78.2% of revenue, in the three months ended June 30, 2006 increased from $17.6 million, or 74.9% of revenue, in the three months ended June 30, 2005. Our gross margin is primarily impacted by the mix and volume of product and service revenue. We realize significantly higher gross margins on service revenue relative to product revenue.

For the three months ended June 30, 2006, our total operating expenses, which include research and development, sales and marketing, general and administrative expenses, amortization of intangibles and in-process research and development expenses, were $17.4 million, increasing by $300,000 compared to the $17.1 million of total operating expenses in the three months ended June 30, 2005. The primary contributors to this increase in operating expenses was $365,000 in stock-based compensation expenses. Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2006 increased by $722,000 to $1.4 million compared to net income of $652,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2005. This increase is primarily due to the increase in gross profit of $834,000 that resulted from a change in the revenue mix and the increase of $500,000 in interest income and other expense, net due to higher interest rates and increased cash, partially offset by the increase in operating expenses of $300,000 and an increase of $382,000 in income tax expense due to higher income before tax.

The underlying drivers of our revenue and market share growth remain strong, evidenced by strong new product flow and expanding sales force. We are focused on tight expense control and expanding operating margins. During the quarter we began shipping two new products, our nGenius Analytics and our new nGenius Application Fabric Monitor based upon our next generation Application Fabric Performance Management

 

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architecture. These products are market-leading solutions that proactively identify and resolve performance problems faster and assure business service reliability in increasingly complex, high-speed networks. The nGenius Analytics product adds intelligent early warning capabilities to our solution set, and is based on a sophisticated behavior modeling technology for which we have recently been granted a U.S. patent. The nGenius Application Fabric Monitor represents a new class of instrumentation, combining the capabilities of our nGenius Probe and nGenius Flow Recorder products in a single high capacity, high performance platform that puts us in a superior cost-to-capability position versus our key competitors.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates are continuously monitored and analyzed by management for changes in facts and circumstances and material changes in these estimates could occur in the future.

NetScout considers the following accounting policies to be critical in fully understanding and evaluating our financial results:

 

    revenue recognition;

 

    allowance for doubtful accounts receivable;

 

    valuation of inventories;

 

    valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets;

 

    capitalization of software development costs, purchased software and internal use software;

 

    stock-based compensation; and

 

    income taxes.

Revenue Recognition

Product revenue consists of sales of our hardware products and licensing of our software products. Product revenue is recognized upon shipment, provided that evidence of an arrangement exists, title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, fees are fixed or determinable and collection of the related receivable is probable.

Service revenue consists primarily of fees from customer support agreements, consulting and training. NetScout generally provides three months of software support and 12 months of hardware support as part of product sales. Revenue related to the software support is recognized ratably over the three-month support period. Revenue related to the hardware support is recognized ratably over the 12-month support period. After the expiration of these initial support periods the customer may elect to purchase an extended support agreement that typically runs for an additional 12 months. Revenue from customer support agreements is recognized ratably over the support period. Revenue from consulting and training services is recognized as the work is performed.

License and royalty revenue consists primarily of royalties under license agreements by original equipment manufacturers that incorporate components of our data collection technology into their own products or reproduce and sell our software products. License revenue is recognized when delivery of the original equipment manufacturer’s product has occurred and when we become contractually entitled to receive license fees, provided that such fees are fixed or determinable and collection is probable. Royalty revenue is recognized based upon reported product shipments by the license holder.

Multi-element arrangements are customer purchases of a combination of NetScout product and service offerings that may be delivered at various points in time. For multi-element arrangements, each element of the

 

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purchase is analyzed and a portion of the total purchase price is allocated to the undelivered elements, primarily support agreements and training, using vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value of the undelivered element. Under the residual method, the remaining portion of the purchase price is allocated to the delivered elements, generally hardware and licensed software products, regardless of any separate prices stated within the contract for each element. Vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value of the undelivered elements is based on the price customers pay when the element is sold separately.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable is reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts. Our standard payment terms are net 30 days. We monitor all accounts receivable balances of our customers and assess any collection issues as they arise. We believe our credit policies are prudent and reflect normal industry terms and business risk. At June 30, 2006, one customer accounted for more than 12% of our accounts receivable balance. At June 30, 2005, one different customer accounted for more than 11% of our accounts receivable balance. Historically, we have not experienced any significant non-performance by our customers nor do we anticipate non-performance by our customers in the future and, accordingly, typically we do not require collateral from our customers. On rare occasions we will require select international customers to provide a letter of credit. We perform credit checks on all potential new customers prior to acceptance of an order. We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for possible losses resulting from the failure of our customers to make their required payments and any losses are recorded as general and administrative expenses. As of June 30, 2006, our allowance for doubtful accounts was $23,000. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based upon our judgments and estimates of the uncollectability of specific accounts receivable, historical bad debts, customer credit-worthiness, current economic trends and customer concentrations. Significant judgments and estimates are made when establishing the allowance for doubtful accounts. If these accounting judgments and estimates prove to be materially inaccurate, our financial results could be materially and adversely impacted in future periods.

Valuation of Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of actual cost or their net realizable value. Cost is determined by using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Inventories consist primarily of raw materials and finished goods. Inventory carrying values are reduced to our estimate of net realizable value. As of June 30, 2006, we recorded net realizable value adjustments of $624,000. We regularly monitor our inventories for potential obsolete and excess inventory. Our net realizable value adjustment is based upon our estimates of forecasts of unit sales, expected timing and impact of new product introductions, historical product demand, current economic trends, expected market acceptance of our products and expected customer buying patterns. Significant judgments and estimates are made when establishing the net realizable value adjustment. If these accounting judgments and estimates prove to be materially inaccurate, our financial results could be materially and adversely impacted in future periods.

Valuation of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The carrying value of goodwill was $36.6 million and $36.5 million as of June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Goodwill will be reviewed for impairment at the enterprise-level at least annually or more frequently when events and circumstances occur indicating that the recorded goodwill may be impaired. If the book value of our enterprise exceeds its fair value, the implied fair value of goodwill is compared with the carrying value of goodwill. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss is recorded in an amount equal to that excess.

We compute the market capitalization of our outstanding common stock versus our stockholders’ equity as one potential indicator that goodwill may be impaired. At times, the market capitalization of our common stock may decline temporarily below our stockholders’ equity; however, we do not believe that any temporary decline below our stockholders’ equity would necessarily indicate impairment. If adverse economic or industry trends or

 

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decrease in customer demand result in a significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period in the future, we would need to assess an impairment loss. Significant judgments and estimates are made when assessing impairment. If these accounting judgments and estimates prove to be materially inaccurate, an asset may be determined to be impaired and our financial results could be materially and adversely impacted in future periods. Likewise, if a future event or circumstance indicates that an impairment assessment is required and an asset is determined to be impaired, our financial results could be materially and adversely impacted in future periods. As of June 30, 2006, based upon our review, we determined that there has been no goodwill impairment.

The carrying value of other intangible assets was $872,000 and $1.4 million as of June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. We account for our other intangible assets at historical cost. The carrying value of other intangible assets acquired in a business combination is recorded under the purchase method of accounting at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. We amortize other intangible assets over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis. The Company’s other intangible assets include software and non-compete agreements, resulting from the acquisition of Quantiva’s business on April 14, 2005 (see Note 5 and Note 6).

In-process research and development was $143,000 fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 due to the acquisition of Quantiva’s business. In-process research and development was identified and valued by management with the assistance of an independent valuation specialist. The amount assigned to in-process research and development was determined by identifying the specific projects that would be continued and for which technological feasibility had not been established as of the acquisition date and which had no alternative future use. The cost approach, as represented by time invested by Quantiva programmers, was used in valuing the in-process research and development. We recognize that the income approach is the preferable valuation methodology. However, due to the lack of a historical market for the technology, a meaningful cash flow projection could not be developed and therefore the cost approach was determined to be most appropriate.

Capitalization of Software Development Costs, Purchased Software and Internal Use Software

Costs incurred in the research and development of NetScout’s products, including the various small point releases and small product enhancements that are released throughout each fiscal year, are expensed as incurred. Costs associated with the development of computer software are expensed prior to establishment of technological feasibility (as defined by SFAS No. 86, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to Be Sold, Leased or Otherwise Marketed”) and capitalized thereafter, until the related software products are available for first customer shipment. Judgment is required in determining the point at which technological feasibility has been met. Future major product enhancements would be capitalized under the guidance of SFAS No. 86. Amortization, for any reporting period, is determined based on the greater of the amount calculated using the ratio that current revenue for a product bear to the total of current and anticipated future reveneues for that product or the straight-line method over the remaining estimated economic life of the product. NetScout also capitalizes purchased software in accordance with SFAS No. 86.

As of June 30, 2006, capitalized software development costs were $1.7 million and accumulated amortization of such costs was $1.4 million, resulting in net capitalized software costs of $293,000. Capitalized software development costs are subject to an ongoing assessment of recoverability based upon anticipated future revenue for the software products and changes in product technologies. Unamortized capitalized software development costs that are determined to be in excess of the net realizable value of the software product will be expensed in the period in which such a determination is made. Significant judgments and estimates are made when assessing the net realizable value of the unamortized software development costs. If our accounting judgments and estimates prove to be materially inaccurate, we may expense such software development costs immediately and our financial results could be materially and adversely impacted in future periods. During the twelve months ended March 31, 2006, NetScout met technological feasibility for its nGenius Analytics product. Capitalized costs to date include payroll and payroll related costs for employees who are directly associated with and devote time to the project and who are working on software development tasks eligible for capitalization, such as design requirements, development, infrastructure, testing and project management. General and

 

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administrative costs and overhead costs are not capitalized. As of June 30, 2006, capitalized software development costs for the nGenius Analytics product totaled $327,000. Beginning in April 2006, the Company commenced amortization of capitalized software development costs for the Analytics product over it’s estimated economic life of two years. Amortization of capitalized software development costs for the Analytics product was $34,000 for the three months ending June 30, 2006.

During the twelve months ended March 31, 2006, NetScout capitalized $1.3 million of purchased software obtained in connection with the acquisition of Quantiva’s business (Note 5). Purchased capitalized software is included on the balance sheet within other intangible assets, net. Amortization of capitalized purchased software is recorded on a straight-line basis over three years from the date of the purchase. Accumulated amortization at June 30, 2006 was $505,000, resulting in net capitalized software cost of $750,000. The Company considered the economic consumption method alternative for amortizing these costs and determined that the straight-line method was preferable given the amount of subjectivity involved in projecting the timing of revenues related to the acquired Quantiva software.

NetScout is implementing a new Enterprise Resource Planning, or ERP, system in order to manage better the growth and increasing complexity of our business and to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of our internal control over financial reporting. Certain costs that are incurred in the procurement and development of this ERP system are capitalized in accordance with SOP 98-1 (“Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use”). Preliminary project planning costs associated with the project were expensed as incurred. Once we executed contracts with third parties and committed to develop the software system, capitalization of eligible costs began. Capitalized costs to date include fees paid for the purchase of software, fees paid to third parties to develop customizations to the software during the application development stage, and payroll and payroll related costs for employees who are directly associated with and devote time to the software project and who are working on software development tasks such as design requirements, development, infrastructure, testing and project management. General and administrative costs and overhead costs are not capitalized. As of June 30, 2006, capitalized software costs relating to the ERP system implementation totaled $2.2 million. Amortization of internal use software will be recorded on a straight-line basis over five years once the project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use, which is currently expected to be in fiscal year 2007.

Stock-based Compensation

Effective April 1, 2006, NetScout adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123R, using the modified prospective application transition method, and therefore have not restated prior periods’ results. Under this method we recognize compensation expense for all share-based payments granted after April 1, 2006 and those shares granted in prior periods but not yet vested as of April 1, 2006, in accordance with SFAS 123R. Under the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123R, we recognize stock-based compensation net of an estimated forfeiture rate and only recognize compensation cost for those shares expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. Prior to SFAS 123R’s adoption, we accounted for share-based payments under APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and accordingly, generally recognized compensation expense only when we granted options with a discounted exercise price or granted restricted stock unit.

Based on historical experience the Company has assumed an annualized forfeiture rate of 0% for awards granted to its two most senior executives and directors, and a 12% forfeiture rate for its remaining employees. The Company will record additional expense if the actual forfeitures are lower than estimated and will record a recovery of prior expense if the actual forfeitures are higher than estimated. The cumulative effect of the accounting change resulted in pre-tax income of $111,000 and was recognized in the statement of operations for the three-month period ending June 30, 2006.

Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of share-based payment awards requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected life of the share-based payment

 

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awards and stock price volatility. Management estimated the volatility based on historical volatility of its own stock. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of share-based payment awards represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. As a result, if circumstances change and we use different assumptions, our stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future. In addition, we are required to estimate the expected forfeiture rate and only recognize expense for those shares expected to vest. If our actual forfeiture rate is materially different from our estimate, the stock-based compensation expense could be significantly different from what we have recorded in the current period. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements for a further discussion on stock-based compensation.

Income Taxes

NetScout estimates the quarterly income tax expense based on our projected annual effective tax rate. Significant judgments and estimates are made when assessing NetScout’s projected annual effective tax rate. In addition, we may record certain tax reserves to address potential exposures involving our tax positions. Our estimate of the value of our tax reserves contains assumptions based on past experiences and judgments about the interpretation of statutes, rules and regulations by taxing jurisdictions. If these judgments and estimates prove to be materially inaccurate, our tax rate could fluctuate significantly and our financial results could be materially and adversely impacted in the future.

NetScout recognizes deferred income tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities as well as an acquired or incurred net operating loss carryforward amounts. We make an assessment of the likelihood that our deferred income tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income, and, to the extent that recovery is not believed to be more likely than not, a valuation allowance is established. All available evidence, both positive and negative, is considered in the determination of recording a valuation allowance. We consider future taxable income and ongoing tax planning strategies when assessing the need for a valuation allowance. We believe future taxable income will be sufficient to realize the deferred tax benefit of the net deferred tax assets.

As of June 30, 2006, deferred income tax assets were $7.6 million, consisting primarily of $328,000 of federal net operating loss carryforwards and $319,000 of federal research and development tax credits, which begin to expire in fiscal year 2012, and $6.4 million of other temporary book and tax accounting differences. Significant accounting judgments and estimates are made when determining whether it is more likely than not that our deferred income tax assets will not be realized and, accordingly, require a valuation allowance. If these judgments and estimates prove to be materially inaccurate, a valuation allowance may be required and our financial results could be materially and adversely impacted in the future. If we determine that we will not be able to realize some or all of the deferred income taxes in the future, an adjustment to the deferred income tax assets will be charged to income tax expense in the period such determination is made.

 

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Results of Operations

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the percentage of total revenue of certain line items included in our Statements of Operations:

NetScout Systems, Inc.

Statements of Operations

Percentages of Total Revenue

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
         2006             2005      

Revenue:

    

Product

   60.3 %   64.0 %

Service

   39.7     35.2  

License and royalty

   —       0.8  
            

Total revenue

   100.0     100.0  
            

Cost of revenue:

    

Product

   16.4     19.7  

Service

   5.4     5.4  
            

Total cost of revenue

   21.8     25.1  
            

Gross margin

   78.2     74.9  
            

Operating expenses:

    

Research and development

   18.8     19.6  

Sales and marketing

   45.9     42.7  

General and administrative

   8.9     9.7  

Amortization of other intangible assets

   0.2     0.1  

In-process research and development

   —       0.6  
            

Total operating expenses

   73.8     72.7  
            

Income from operations

   4.4     2.2  

Interest income and other expenses, net

   4.3     2.2  
            

Income before income tax expense and cumulative effect of accounting change

   8.7     4.4  

Income tax expense

   3.2     1.6  
            

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

   5.5     2.8  

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of taxes

   0.3     0.0  
            

Net income

   5.8 %   2.8 %
            

 

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Three Months Ended June 30, 2006 and 2005

Revenue

Product revenue consists of sales of our hardware products and licensing of our software products. Service revenue consists of customer support agreements, consulting and training. License and royalty revenue consists of royalties under license agreements by original equipment manufacturers that incorporate components of our data collection technology into their own products or reproduce and sell our software products. No one customer or indirect channel partner accounted for more than 10% of our total revenue during the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005.

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

    Change  
     2006     2005    
          % of
Revenue
         % of
Revenue
    $     %  

Revenue:

              

Product

   $ 14,227    60 %   $ 15,046    64 %   ($ 819 )   (5 %)

Service

     9,348    40       8,271    35       1,077     13 %

License and royalty

     —      —         184    1       (184 )   (100 %)
                                    

Total Revenue

   $ 23,575    100 %   $ 23,501    100 %   $ 74     —   %
                                    

Product.    The 5%, or $819,000, decrease in product revenue, which includes hardware and software products, was primarily due to a decrease of approximately 21% in unit sales offset by an increase of approximately 15% in average selling price per unit due to product mix during for the three month period. The decrease in unit sales was primarily due to decreased sales in our Europe-Middle East-Africa (“EMEA”) operations. The increase in average selling price was partially due to sales of our new Application Fabric Performance Management, or AFPM, product.

Service.    The 13%, or $1.1 million, increase in service revenue was primarily due to an increase in the number of customer support agreements attributable to new product sales generated during the last 12, combined with continued renewals of customer support agreements from our expanding installed base. Certain older probe products were removed from service eligibility during fiscal year 2006 and others will be removed in fiscal year 2007.

License and royalty.    The 100%, or $184,000, decrease in license and royalty revenue was due to Cisco’s discontinuation of reselling Real Time Monitor as of February 8, 2005. There will be no future royalty revenue from Cisco related to this reseller agreement.

Total product and service revenue from direct channels and product, service and license and royalty revenue from indirect channels are as follows:

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

             
     2006     2005     Change  
          % of
Revenue
         % of
Revenue
    $     %  

Indirect

   $ 14,047    60 %   $ 14,336    61 %   ($ 289 )   (2 %)

Direct

     9,528    40       9,165    39       363     4 %
                                    

Total Revenue

   $ 23,575    100 %   $ 23,501    100 %   $ 74     —   %
                                    

Sales to customers outside North America are primarily export sales through indirect channel partners, who are generally responsible for selling products and providing technical support and service to customers within

 

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their territory. All sales arrangements are transacted in United States dollars. Our reported international revenue does not include any revenue from sales to customers outside North America that are shipped through our North American-based indirect channel partners. These domestic resellers fulfill customer orders based upon joint selling efforts in conjunction with our direct sales force and may subsequently ship our products to international locations; however, we report these shipments as North America revenue since we ship the products to a domestic location.

Total revenue was distributed geographically as follows:

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

             
     2006     2005     Change  
          % of
Revenue
         % of
Revenue
    $     %  

Geographic mix:

              

North America

   $ 19,806    84 %   $ 18,456    79 %   $ 1,350     7 %

International:

              

Europe—Middle East—Africa

     2,319    10       3,768    16       (1,449 )   (38 %)

Asia—Pacific

     1,450    6       1,277    5       173     14 %
                                    

Subtotal International:

     3,769    16       5,045    21       (1,276 )   (25 %)
                                    

Total Revenue

   $ 23,575    100 %   $ 23,501    100 %   $ 74     —   %
                                    

Revenue from sales to customers outside North America decreased 25% primarily as a result of decreased sales from our European operations. Despite this sales decrease in Europe in the first quarter of 2007, we plan to continue to focus on sales and marketing activities in all international regions including the Asia-Pacific region. We expect revenue from sales to customers outside North America to continue to account for a significant portion of our total revenue in the future. Revenue decreased in EMEA primarily due to restructuring which caused loss of sales momentum. The impact of the restructuring will occur during the second half of fiscal 2007.

Cost of Revenue and Gross Profit

Cost of product revenue consists primarily of material components, personnel expenses, media duplication, manuals, packaging materials, licensed technology fees, overhead and amortization of capitalized software. Cost of service revenue consists primarily of personnel, material, overhead and support costs.

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

    Change  
     2006     2005    
           % of
Revenue
          % of
Revenue
    $     %  

Cost of revenue

            

Product

   $ 3,856     16 %   $ 4,626     20 %   ($ 770 )   (17 %)

Service

     1,267     5       1,257     5       10     1 %
                                      

Total cost of revenue

   $ 5,123     21 %   $ 5,883     25 %   ($ 760 )   (13 %)
                                      

Gross profit:

            

Product $

   $ 10,371     44 %   $ 10,420     44 %   ($ 49 )   (1 %)

Product %

     73 %       69 %      

Service $

   $ 8,081     34 %   $ 7,014     30 %   $ 1,067     15 %

Service %

     87 %       85 %      

License and royalty $

   $ —       —   %   $ 184     1 %   ($ 184 )   (100 %)

License and royalty %

     —   %       100 %      

Total gross profit $

   $ 18,452       $ 17,618       $ 834     5 %

Total gross margin %

     78 %       75 %       3 %  

 

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Product.    The 17%, or $770,000, decrease in cost of product revenue corresponds with the 5%, or $819,000, decrease in product revenue as well as an approximate 2% decrease in average cost per unit due to a change in our sales mix. The product gross margin percentage increased by 4 points to 73% from 69% due to the mix of higher margin products in the three months ended June 30, 2006.

Service.    The 1%, or $10,000, increase in cost of service revenue was primarily due to a $13,000 increase in stock-based compensation expenses related to the adoption of SFAS 123R. The 2-point, or $1.1 million, increase in service gross profit corresponds with the 13%, or $1.1 million, increase in service revenue, offset by the 1%, or $10,000, increase in cost of services. Cost of service remained relatively constant due to our constant resource levels.

Gross profits.    Our gross profit in absolute dollars increased 5%, or $834,000. This increase was partially due to the $1.1 million increase in service revenue, offset by the associated $10,000 increase in service costs and further offset by the $819,000 decrease in product revenue, offset by the associated $770,000 decrease in product costs and the $184,000 decrease in royalty revenue. Service revenue contributes approximately an additional 14 points of gross margin when compared to product revenue. In the first quarter of 2007 service revenue accounted for 40% of the total revenue while in the first quarter of 2006 service revenue accounted for 35% of total revenue. This additional service revenue in the first quarter of 2007 contributed positively to the total gross margin recognized. The net effect of the combined increases in revenue and decreases in cost and in royalty revenue along with the revenue mix being more weighted toward service revenue was a 3-point increase in gross margin percentage.

Operating Expenses

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

             
     2006     2005     Change  
          % of
Revenue
         % of
Revenue
    $     %  

Research and development

   $ 4,422    19 %   $ 4,614    20 %   ($ 192 )   (4 %)

Sales and marketing

     10,830    46 %     10,022    43 %     808     8 %

General and administrative

     2,106    9 %     2,286    9 %     (180 )   (8 %)

Amortization of other intangible assets

     39    —   %     32    0 %     7     22 %

In-process research and development

     —      —   %     143    1 %     (143 )   (100 %)
                                    

Total Operating Expenses

   $ 17,397    74 %   $ 17,097    73 %   $ 300     2 %
                                    

Research and development.    Research and development expenses consist primarily of personnel expenses, fees for outside consultants, overhead and related expenses associated with the development of new products and the enhancement of existing products.

The 4%, or $192,000, decrease in research and development expenses was primarily due to a $204,000 decrease in personnel expenses due to decreased employee compensation, mainly due to incentive compensation, a decrease of $65,000 in non-recurring engineering and consulting charges, offset by a $74,000 increase in stock-based compensation primarily due to the adoption of SFAS 123R. Average headcount in research and development was 109 for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005.

Sales and marketing.    Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of personnel expenses, overhead and other expenses associated with selling activities and marketing programs such as trade shows, seminars, advertising and new product launch activities.

The 8%, or $808,000, increase in total sales and marketing expenses was primarily due to a $231,000 increase in employee related expenses primarily due to increased headcount and a $260,000 increase in sales travel and a $137,000 increase in stock-based compensation primarily due to the adoption of SFAS 123R. Average headcount in sales and marketing was 154 and 143 for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

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General and administrative.    General and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel expenses for executive, financial, legal and human resource employees, overhead and other corporate expenditures.

The 8%, or $180,000, decrease in general and administrative expense was primarily due to a $257,000 decrease in personnel expenses due to decreased employee compensation, mainly due to incentive compensation and decreased headcount, offset by a $75,000 increase in stock-based compensation expenses mainly due to the adoption of SFAS 123R. Average headcount in general and administrative was 54 and 57 for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Amortization of other intangible assets.    Amortization of other intangible assets was $39,000 and $32,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively due to the acquisition of Quantiva’s business in the first quarter of fiscal 2006.

In-process research and development.    In-process research and development expense in the three months ended June 30, 2005, $143,000, represents the various projects and technologies acquired in the acquisition of Quantiva’s business for which technological feasibility had not been established as of the acquisition date and that had no alternative future use.

Interest income and other expenses, net.    Interest income includes interest earned on our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities and restricted investments. Other expenses, net includes gain (loss) on disposal of equipment and various interest expense.

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

            
     2006     2005     Change  
          % of
Revenue
         % of
Revenue
    $    %  

Interest income and other expenses, net

   $ 1,015    4 %   $ 515    2 %   $ 500    97 %

The 97%, or $500,000, increase in interest income and other expenses, net was primarily due to higher market interest rates on cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities and higher average investable balances.

Income tax expense.    We estimate our income tax expense based on our estimated annual effective tax rate. The estimated annual effective tax rate as of June 30, 2006 is 37.4%, compared to an estimated annual effective tax rate of 37.3% as of June 30, 2005. Generally, the estimated annual effective tax rates differ from the federal statutory and state tax rates primarily due to the impact of federal and state tax credits.

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

            
     2006     2005     Change  
          % of
Revenue
         % of
Revenue
    $    %  

Income tax expenses

   $ 766    3 %   $ 384    2 %   $ 382    99 %

Net income.    Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 is as follows:

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

            
     2006     2005     Change  
          % of
Revenue
         % of
Revenue
    $    %  

Net income

   $ 1,374    6 %   $ 652    3 %   $ 722    111 %

The $722,000 increase in net income was mainly attributable to the increase in gross profit of $834,000, an increase of $500,000 in interest income and other expense, net and the cumulative effect of accounting change, net of taxes of $70,000, partially offset by increases in operating stock-based compensation expense of $286,000 and income tax expense of $382,000.

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As such, we are not exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.

Commitment and Contingencies

From time to time NetScout is subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate expense with respect to any current legal proceedings and claims will not have a significant adverse effect on NetScout’s financial position or results of operations.

There have been no substantial changes to our commitments and contingencies since March 31, 2006, as reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities consist of the following:

 

    

June 30,

(In Thousands)

     2006    2005

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 51,999    $ 33,498

Short-term marketable securities

     32,761      43,786

Long-term marketable securities

     6,030      —  
             

Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities

   $ 90,790    $ 77,284
             

We have a line of credit with a bank, which allows us to borrow up to $10.0 million for working capital purposes and to obtain letters of credit. Amounts available under the line of credit are a function of eligible accounts receivable, bear interest at the bank’s prime rate and are collateralized by our inventory and accounts receivable. As of June 30, 2006, we had a letter of credit secured under the line aggregating $3.2 million relating to our current principal operating lease for our corporate headquarters. No other amounts were outstanding under the line of credit. Under the agreement, we are required to comply with certain financial covenants, which require that NetScout maintain minimum amounts of liquidity, the most restrictive of which is a minimum tangible net worth of no less than $70 million. As of June 30, 2006, we were in compliance with all such covenants with a tangible net worth of $92 million.

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities increased by $13.5 million from June 30, 2005 to June 30, 2006. While cash and cash equivalents increased by $18.5 million, short- and long-term marketable securities decreased in total by $5.0 million.

Cash and cash equivalents were impacted by the following:

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,

(In Thousands)

 
     2006     2005  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 2,627     $ 2,774  
                

Net cash used in investing activities

   $ (13,900 )   $ (27,418 )
                

Net cash provided by financing activities

   $ 1,596     $ 1,072  
                

 

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Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to $2.6 million and $2.8 million during the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The primary sources of operating cash flow in the three months ended June 30, 2006 included net income of $1.4 million, the add back of non-cash charges of $1.3 million, a decrease in accounts receivable of $1.7 million due to the timing of sales within the three month period ending June 30, 2006, and a net decrease in refundable income taxes of $783,000 due to the receipt of a one-time federal income tax refund, offset by an increase in inventory of $1.6 million due to an unanticipated slow down in orders at the end of June 2006 as well as a $1.4 million decrease in accrued compensation due to the payment of fiscal 2006 year end commissions and the timing of payroll payments in the first quarter of 2007. The primary sources of operating cash flow in the three months ended June 30, 2005 included net income of $652,000, the add back of non-cash charges of $1.5 million and a decrease of $779,000 in accounts receivable as a result of timing of sales within the three month period ending June 30, 2005.

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash used in investing activities was $13.9 million and $27.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. For the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, cash used in investing activities reflects the purchase of marketable securities of $17.6 million and $25.8 million, respectively, offset by the proceeds from the maturity of marketable securities due to cash management activities of $4.6 million and $8.8 million, respectively, the purchase of fixed assets to support our infrastructure of $474,000 and $843,000, respectively, and the capitalized expenditure for internal use of software of $402,000 and $170,000, respectively. We anticipate that our investment in our infrastructure will continue in future quarters. For the three months ended June 30, 2005 net cash used in investing activities also reflects the acquisition of Quantiva’s business for $9.4 million.

Net cash provided by financing activities

Cash provided by financing activities was $1.6 million and $1.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. For the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, cash provided by financing activities was mainly due to proceeds from the issuance of common stock in connection with the exercise of stock options. For the three months ended June 30, 2006, the cash provided by financing activities was also due to a tax benefit from stock options exercised of $111,000. For the three months ended June 30, 2005, the cash provided by financing activities was also due to proceeds of issuance of common stock in connection with the employee stock purchase plan.

We believe that our cash balances, marketable securities classified as available-for-sale and any future cash flows generated by operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for working capital and capital expenditures for at least the next 12 months. If demand for our product were to decrease substantially, our ability to generate cash flow sufficient for our short-term working capital and expenditure needs could be materially impacted.

Additionally, a portion of our cash may be used to acquire or invest in complementary businesses or products or to obtain the right to use complementary technologies. From time to time, in the ordinary course of business, we evaluate potential acquisitions of such businesses, products or technologies. If our existing sources of liquidity are insufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements, we may seek to sell additional equity or convertible debt securities. The sale of additional equity or debt securities could result in additional dilution to our stockholders.

 

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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2006, the EITF reached a consensus on EITF Issue No. 06-3, “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (That is, Gross versus Net Presentation)” that the entities may adopt a policy of presenting taxes in the income statement on either a gross or net basis. Gross or net presentation may be elected for each different type of tax, but similar taxes should be presented consistently. Taxes within the scope of this EITF would include taxes that are imposed on a revenue transaction between a seller and a customer, for example, sales taxes, use taxes, value-added taxes, and some types of excise taxes. EITF 06-3 will not impact the method for recording these sales taxes in NetScout’s consolidated financial statements as NetScout presents sales net of any and all taxes.

In July 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”) which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute, as well as criteria for subsequently recognizing, derecognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions for financial statement purposes. FIN 48 also requires expanded disclosure with respect to the uncertainty in income tax assets and liabilities. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is required to be recognized as a change in accounting principle through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption. The company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the provisions of FIN 48.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We consider all highly liquid marketable securities purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents and those with maturities greater than three months are considered to be marketable securities. Cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities are stated at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. Long-term marketable securities are stated at fair value based on quoted market prices. Cash equivalents and marketable securities consist primarily of money market instruments and U.S. Treasury bills. NetScout’s primary market risk exposures are in the areas of interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk. We currently do not hedge interest rate exposure, but do not believe that a fluctuation in interest rates would have a material impact on the value of our cash equivalents. NetScout’s exposure to interest rates based on outstanding debt has been and is expected to continue to be modest due to the fact that although we currently have a $10.0 million line of credit with $3.2 million of letters of credit secured against it, we have no amounts outstanding under the line and no other outstanding interest-bearing debt.

NetScout’s exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations has been limited. All revenue transactions are executed in U.S. dollars. NetScout pays for certain foreign operating expenses such as payroll, rent and office expense in the local currency and, therefore, currency exchange rate fluctuations could have a material and adverse impact on our operating results and financial condition. Currently, NetScout does not engage in foreign currency hedging activities. The impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of foreign currency denominated account balances and transactions is recorded in the period incurred.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of June 30, 2006, NetScout, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based upon that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of June 30, 2006, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that material information relating to NetScout, including its consolidated subsidiaries, required to be disclosed by NetScout in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, including ensuring that such material information is accumulated and communicated to our

 

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management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other information in this report, the following discussion should be considered carefully in evaluating NetScout and our business. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance and are identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “seeks,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential” or “continue,” or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual events or results may differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed below and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement.

Our operating results and financial condition have varied in the past and may in the future vary significantly depending on a number of factors. Except for the historical information in this report, the matters contained in this report include forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties. The following factors are among many that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in or implied by forward-looking statements made in this report. These statements involve the risks and uncertainties identified below as well as additional risks and uncertainties that are not yet identified or that we currently think are immaterial may also impact our business operations. Such factors are among many that may have a material adverse impact upon our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate.    Our quarterly revenue and operating results are difficult to predict and may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter. Most of our expenses, such as employee compensation and rent, are relatively fixed in the short term. Moreover, our expense levels are based, in part, on our expectations regarding future revenue levels. As a result, if revenue for a particular quarter is below our expectations, we may not be able to reduce operating expenses proportionately for that quarter, and, therefore, this revenue shortfall would have a disproportionately negative impact on our operating results for that quarter.

Our quarterly revenue may fluctuate as a result of a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control, including the following:

 

    technology spending by current and potential customers;

 

    uneven demand for application and network management solutions;

 

    the timing and receipt of orders from customers, especially in light of our lengthy sales cycle;

 

    the timing and market acceptance of new products or product enhancements by us or our competitors;

 

    changes in the distribution channels through which our products are sold;

 

    the timing of hiring sales personnel and the speed at which such personnel become productive;

 

    our ability to anticipate or adapt effectively to developing markets and rapidly changing technologies;

 

    changes in the number and size of our competitors;

 

    changes in our prices or the prices of our competitors’ products; and

 

    economic slowdowns or the occurrence of unforeseeable events, such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters, which contribute to such slowdowns.

We operate with minimal backlog because our products typically are shipped shortly after orders are received. As a result, product revenue in any quarter is substantially dependent upon orders booked and shipped in that quarter and revenue for any future quarter is not predictable to any degree of certainty. Achieving all or

 

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more of our projected sales during a quarter is critical to our achievement of expected financial results and any significant deferral of orders for our products would cause a shortfall in revenue for that quarter.

If we fail to introduce new products and enhance our existing products to keep up with rapid technological change, demand for our products may decline.    The market for application and network management solutions is characterized by rapid changes in technology, evolving industry standards, changes in customer requirements and frequent product introductions and enhancements. Our success is dependent upon our ability to meet our customers’ needs, which are driven by changes in computer networking technologies and the emergence of new industry standards. In addition, new technologies may shorten the life cycle for our products or could render our existing or planned products obsolete. If we are unable to develop and introduce new network and application infrastructure performance management products or enhancements to existing products in a timely and successful manner, this inability could have a material and adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition.

We have introduced and intend to continue to introduce new products related to our previously announced CDM, High Definition and Application Fabric Performance Management technology strategies. If the introduction of these products is significantly delayed or if we are unsuccessful in selling these products to our current and potential customers, our business, operating results and financial condition could be materially and adversely impacted.

If our products contain errors, they may be costly to correct, revenue may be delayed, we could be sued and our reputation could be harmed.    Despite testing by our customers and us, errors may be found in our products after commencement of commercial shipments. If errors are discovered, we may not be able to correct them in a timely manner or at all. In addition, we may need to make significant expenditures of capital resources in order to eliminate errors and failures. Errors and failures in our products could result in loss of or delay in market acceptance of our products and could damage our reputation. If one or more of our products fail, a customer may assert warranty and other claims for substantial damages against us. The occurrence or discovery of these types of errors or failures could have a material and adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition.

We face significant competition from other technology companies.    The market for application and network management solutions is intensely competitive. We believe customers make network management system purchasing decisions based primarily upon the following factors:

 

    product performance, functionality and price;

 

    name and reputation of vendor;

 

    distribution strength; and

 

    alliances with industry partners.

We compete with the smaller yet growing number of providers of application and network performance management solutions and providers of portable network traffic analyzers and probes, such as Network General (formerly a division of Network Associates, Inc.). In addition, leading network equipment providers, including Cisco, offer their own solutions, including products which they license from other competitors. Many of our current and potential competitors have longer operating histories, greater name recognition and substantially greater financial, management, marketing, service, support, technical, distribution and other resources than we do. Further, in recent years larger companies that are seeking to enter or expand in the markets that we operate have acquired some of our competitors. Therefore, given their larger size and greater resources our competitors may be able to respond more effectively than we can to new or changing opportunities, technologies, standards or customer requirements.

As a result of these and other factors, we may not be able to compete effectively with our current or future competitors, which could have a material and adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

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The success of our business depends on the continued growth in the market for and the commercial acceptance of application and network management solutions.    We derive all of our revenue from the sale of products and services that are designed to allow our customers to manage the performance of applications across computer networks. Therefore, we must be able to predict the appropriate features and prices for future products to address the market, the optimal distribution strategy and the future changes to the competitive environment. In order for us to be successful, our potential customers must recognize the value of more sophisticated application and network management solutions, decide to invest in the management of their networked applications and, in particular, adopt our management solutions. Any failure of this market to continue to be viable would materially and adversely impact our business, operating results and financial condition. Additionally, businesses may choose to outsource the management of their networks to service providers. Our business may depend on our ability to continue to develop relationships with these service providers and successfully market our products to them.

The current economic and geopolitical environment may impact some specific sectors into which we sell.    Many of our customers are concentrated in a small number of sectors, including financial services, government, health and medical, and telecommunications. Certain sectors may be more acutely affected by economic, geopolitical and other factors than other sectors. To the extent that one or more of the sectors in which our customer base operates are adversely impacted, whether as a result of general conditions affecting all sectors or as a result of conditions affecting only those particular sectors, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely impacted.

Our success depends on our ability to expand and manage our international operations. Sales to customers outside North America accounted for 16% and 21% of our total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. We currently expect international revenue to continue to account for a significant percentage of total revenue in the future. We believe that we must continue to expand our international sales activities in order to be successful. Our international sales growth will be limited if we are unable to:

 

    expand international indirect distribution channels;

 

    hire additional sales personnel;

 

    adapt products for local markets and to comply with foreign regulations. For example, in July 2006, the European Union implemented its new Directive on the Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances (“RoHS”), that is designed to restrict the use of cadmium, hexavalent chromium, lead, mercury and certain halogenated flame retardants (PBBs and PBDEs) in electronic products; and

 

    manage geographically dispersed operations.

The major countries outside of North America in which we do or intend to do business are England, Germany, Japan and China. Our international operations, including our operations in England, Germany, Japan and China, are generally subject to a number of risks, including:

 

    failure of local laws to provide the same degree of protection that the laws in the United States provide against infringement of our intellectual property;

 

    protectionist laws and business practices that favor local competitors;

 

    dependence on local indirect channel partners;

 

    conflicting and changing governmental laws and regulations;

 

    longer sales cycles;

 

    greater difficulty in collecting accounts receivable; and

 

    foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and political and economic instability.

 

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Our success depends on our ability to manage indirect distribution channels.    Sales to our indirect distribution channels, which include original equipment manufacturers, distributors, resellers, systems integrators and service providers, accounted for 60% and 61% of our total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. To increase our sales going forward we need to continue to enhance our indirect sales efforts, to continue to manage and expand these existing indirect distribution channels and to develop new indirect distribution channels. Our indirect channel partners have no obligation to purchase any products from us. In addition, they could internally develop products that compete with our solutions or partner with our competitors or bundle or resell competitors’ solutions, possibly at lower prices. The potential inability to develop new relationships or to expand and manage our existing relationships with partners, the potential inability or unwillingness of our partners to effectively market and sell our products or the loss of existing partnerships could have a material and adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition.

Our future growth depends on our ability to maintain and periodically expand our sales force.    We must maintain and periodically increase the size of our sales force in order to increase our direct sales and support our indirect sales channels. Because our products are very technical, sales people require a comparatively long period of time to become productive, typically six to twelve months. This lag in productivity, as well as the challenge of attracting qualified candidates, may make it difficult to meet our sales force growth targets. Further, we may not generate sufficient sales to offset the increased expense resulting from growing our sales force. If we are unable successfully to maintain and periodically expand our sales capability, our business, operating results and financial condition could be materially and adversely impacted.

We must hire and retain skilled personnel.    Our success depends in large part upon our ability to attract, train, motivate and retain highly skilled employees, particularly sales and marketing personnel, software engineers, and technical support personnel. If we are unable to attract and retain the highly skilled technical personnel that are integral to our sales, marketing, product development and technical support teams, the rate at which we can generate sales and develop new products or product enhancements may be limited. This inability could have a material and adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition.

Loss of key personnel could adversely impact our business.     Our future success depends to a significant degree on the skills, experience and efforts of Anil Singhal, our President, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder, and Narendra Popat, our Chairman of the Board and co-founder. We also depend on the ability of our other executive officers and senior managers to work effectively as a team. The loss of one or more of our key personnel could have a material and adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition.

Our reliance on sole source suppliers could adversely impact our business.    Many components that are necessary for the assembly of our probes are obtained from separate sole source suppliers or a limited group of suppliers. These components include some of our network interface cards. Our reliance on sole or limited suppliers involves several risks, including a potential inability to obtain an adequate supply of required components and the inability to influence appropriate control over pricing, quality and timely delivery of components. We do not generally maintain long-term agreements with any of our suppliers or have on hand large volumes of inventory. Our inability to obtain adequate deliveries or the occurrence of any other circumstance that would require us to seek alternative sources of these components would impact our ability to ship our products on a timely basis. This could damage relationships with our current and prospective customers, cause shortfalls in expected revenue, and could materially and adversely impact our business, operating results and financial condition.

Our success depends on our ability to protect our intellectual property rights.    Our business is heavily dependent on our intellectual property. We rely upon a combination of patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws and registrations and non-disclosure and other contractual and license arrangements to protect our intellectual property rights. The reverse engineering, unauthorized copying, or other misappropriation of our intellectual property could enable third parties to benefit from our technology without compensating us. Legal proceedings to enforce our intellectual property rights could be burdensome and expensive and could involve a

 

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high degree of uncertainty. In addition, legal proceedings may divert management’s attention from growing our business. There can be no assurance that the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property rights will be adequate to deter misappropriation of proprietary information, or that we will be able to detect unauthorized use by third parties and take appropriate steps to enforce our intellectual property rights. Further, we also license software from third parties for use as part of our products, and if any of these licenses were to terminate, we may experience delays in product shipment until we develop or license alternative software.

Others may claim that we infringe on their intellectual property rights.    We may be subject to claims by others that our products infringe on their intellectual property rights, patents, copyrights or trademarks. These claims, whether or not valid, could require us to spend significant sums in litigation, pay damages, delay product shipments, reengineer our products, rename our products and rebuild name recognition or acquire licenses to such third-party intellectual property. We may not be able to secure any required licenses on commercially reasonable terms or secure them at all. We expect that these claims could become more frequent as more companies enter the market for network and application infrastructure performance management solutions. Any of these claims or resulting events could have a material and adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition.

We may fail to secure necessary additional financing.    We may require significant capital resources to expand our business and remain competitive in the rapidly changing network performance management industry. We may invest in our operations as well as acquire complementary businesses, products or technologies. Our future success may depend in part on our ability to obtain additional financing to support our continued growth and operations. If our existing sources of liquidity are insufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements, we may seek to raise capital by:

 

    issuing additional common stock or other equity instruments;

 

    issuing debt securities;

 

    obtaining additional lease financings; or

 

    increasing our lines of credit.

However, we may not be able to obtain additional capital when we want or need it, and capital may not be available on satisfactory terms. Furthermore, any additional capital may have terms and conditions that adversely affect our business, such as financial or operating covenants, or that may result in additional dilution to our stockholders.

We may not successfully complete acquisitions or integrate acquisitions we do make, which could impair our ability to compete and could harm our operating results.    We may need to acquire complementary businesses, products or technologies to remain competitive or expand our business. We actively investigate and evaluate potential acquisitions of complementary businesses, products and technologies in the ordinary course of business. We may compete for acquisition opportunities with entities having significantly greater resources than us. As a result, we may not succeed in acquiring some or all businesses, products or technologies that we seek to acquire. Our inability to effectively consummate acquisitions on favorable terms could significantly impact our ability to effectively compete in our targeted markets and could negatively affect our results of operations.

Further acquisitions that we do complete could adversely impact our business. The potential adverse consequences from acquisitions, such as Quantiva, include:

 

    the potentially dilutive issuance of common stock or other equity instruments;

 

    the incurrence of debt and amortization expenses related to goodwill and other intangible assets;

 

    the incurrence of significant costs and expenses; or

 

    the potentially dilutive impact on our earnings per share.

 

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Acquisition transactions also involve numerous business risks. These risks from acquisitions, such as Quantiva, include:

 

    difficulties in assimilating the acquired operations, technologies, personnel and products;

 

    difficulties in managing geographically dispersed and international operations;

 

    difficulties in assimilating diverse financial reporting and management information systems;

 

    the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns;

 

    the potential disruption of our business; and

 

    the potential loss of key employees, customers, distributors or suppliers.

Our estimates and judgments related to critical accounting policies could be inaccurate.    We consider accounting policies related to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, valuation of inventories, valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets, capitalized software development costs, purchased software and internal use software, stock-based compensation and income taxes to be critical in fully understanding and evaluating our financial results. Management makes certain significant accounting judgments and estimates related to these policies. Our business, operating results and financial condition could be materially and adversely impacted in future periods if our accounting judgments and estimates related to these critical accounting policies prove to be inaccurate.

Failure to manage growth properly and to implement enhanced automated systems could adversely impact our business.    The growth in size and complexity of our business and our customer base has been and will continue to be a challenge to our management and operations. To manage further growth effectively, we must integrate new personnel and manage expanded operations. We must also implement a new Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) system in order to manage the growth and increasing complexity of our business operations and to continue to enhance our internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Sarbanes-Oxley. Our ERP selection process is complete and we began implementation efforts in the first quarter of our fiscal year ending March 31, 2006, with the new ERP system anticipated to be operational during the second half of our fiscal year 2007. If we are unable to manage our growth effectively, our costs, the quality of our products, the effectiveness of our sales organization and our retention of key personnel, our business, operating results and financial condition could be materially and adversely impacted.

The effectiveness of our disclosure and internal controls may be limited.    Our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting may not prevent all errors and intentional misrepresentations. Any system of internal control can only provide reasonable assurance that all control objectives are met. Some of the potential risks involved could include but are not limited to management judgments, simple errors or mistakes, willful misconduct regarding controls or misinterpretation. There is no guarantee that existing controls will prevent or detect all material issues or that existing controls will be effective in future conditions, which could materially and adversely impact our financial results. Under Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley, we are required to evaluate and determine the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Compliance with this legislation requires management’s attention and resources and will continue to cause us to incur significant expense. Management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting may identify weaknesses that need to be addressed in our internal control over financial reporting or other matters that may raise concerns for investors. If we determine that we have material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, our results of operations or financial condition may be materially adversely affected or the price of our common stock may decline.

Although we determined that the operating effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2006 was effective, in future years we may encounter problems or delays in completing the implementation of any changes necessary to attain a favorable assessment of our internal control over financial reporting or we may encounter problems or delays in completing the implementation of any required

 

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improvements. If in future annual reports we cannot favorably assess the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, or if our independent auditors are unable to provide an unqualified attestation report on our assessment, the price of our common stock may decline.

In order to continue the enhancement of our internal control over financial reporting and to manage the growth and increasing complexity of our business, we are in the process of implementing a new ERP system that is expected to be operational in the second half of fiscal year 2007. If we are unable to implement this system successfully, improvements to our internal control over financial reporting could be adversely impacted and this could have a material and adverse impact on our financial results in the future.

The price of our common stock may decrease due to market volatility.    The market price of our common stock has been highly volatile and has fluctuated significantly since the initial public offering of our common stock on August 12, 1999. The market price of our common stock may continue to fluctuate significantly in response to a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control. Trading activity of our stock has been thin, in part as a result of officers and directors and affiliates holding a significant percentage of our stock. In addition, the market prices of securities of technology companies have been extremely volatile and have experienced fluctuations that often have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of these companies. Also, broad market fluctuations could adversely impact the market price of our common stock, which in turn could cause impairment of goodwill that could materially and adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.

Recently, when the market price of a stock has been volatile, holders of that stock have occasionally instituted securities class action litigation against the company that issues that stock. If any of our stockholders brought such a lawsuit against us, even if the lawsuit is without merit, we could incur substantial costs defending the lawsuit. The lawsuit could also divert the time and attention of our management.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2007, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its outstanding common stock pursuant to its open market stock repurchase program further described above in Note 10 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements attached hereto.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

  (a) Exhibits

 

31.1    Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2    Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1    Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2    Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

   

NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC.

Date: August 9, 2006

    /S/    ANIL K. SINGHAL        
    Anil K. Singhal
    President, Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer and Director
    (Principal Executive Officer)

Date: August 9, 2006

    /S/    DAVID P. SOMMERS        
    David P. Sommers
    Senior Vice President, General Operations and Chief Financial
    Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

Date: August 9, 2006

    /S/    JEFFREY R. WAKELY        
    Jeffrey R. Wakely
    Vice President, Finance and Chief
    Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.   

Description

31.1    Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2    Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1    Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2    Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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