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 September 30, 2007

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 November 7, 2007 was 38,558,720.

 



Table of Contents

NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC.

FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1. Unaudited Financial Statements:

  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
As of September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007

   3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:
For the three and six months ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006

   4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
For the six months ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006

   5

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   6

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

   16

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   29

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

   29

PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

   30

Item 1A. Risk Factors

   30

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

   31

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders

   31

Item 6. Exhibits

   32

SIGNATURES

   33

EXHIBIT INDEX

   34

 

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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 data)

(Unaudited)

 

    September 30,
2007
    March 31,
2007
 

Assets

   

Current assets:

   

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 31,923     $ 18,925  

Marketable securities

    70,856       69,204  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $9 at September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007

    18,709       18,317  

Inventories

    4,846       4,562  

Refundable income taxes

    309       657  

Deferred income taxes

    2,747       2,535  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    2,845       3,380  
               

Total current assets

    132,235       117,580  

Fixed assets, net

    8,869       8,262  

Goodwill

    36,561       36,561  

Acquired intangible assets, net

    226       442  

Capitalized software development costs, net

    89       170  

Deferred income taxes

    5,462       5,382  

Long-term marketable securities

    6,094       11,975  

Other assets

    1,692       47  
               

Total assets

  $ 191,228     $ 180,419  
               

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

   

Current liabilities:

   

Accounts payable

  $ 4,507     $ 3,023  

Accrued compensation

    8,219       8,271  

Accrued other liabilities

    3,690       2,609  

Income taxes payable

    380       192  

Deferred revenue

    22,365       23,992  
               

Total current liabilities

    39,161       38,087  

Other long-term liabilities

    961       1,008  

Accrued long-term retirement benefits

    1,315       1,155  

Long-term deferred revenue

    3,223       1,762  
               

Total liabilities

    44,660       42,012  
               

Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
Stockholders’ equity:

   

Preferred stock, $0.001 par value:

   

5,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding at September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007

    —         —    

Common stock, $0.001 par value: 150,000,000 shares authorized; 36,930,755 and 36,581,852 shares issued and 32,398,738 and 32,049,835 shares outstanding at September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007, respectively

    37       36  

Additional paid-in capital

    124,260       122,074  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (3 )     (46 )

Treasury stock at cost, 4,532,017 shares at September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007

    (28,939 )     (28,939 )

Retained earnings

    51,213       45,282  
               

Total stockholders’ equity

    146,568       138,407  
               

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $ 191,228     $ 180,419  
               

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
September 30,
    Six Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2007     2006     2007     2006  

Revenue:

        

Product

   $ 18,911     $ 15,758     $ 36,424     $ 29,985  

Service

     10,701       9,322       21,101       18,670  
                                

Total revenue

     29,612       25,080       57,525       48,655  
                                

Cost of revenue:

        

Product (1)

     5,204       4,382       9,856       8,238  

Service (1)

     1,499       1,315       2,986       2,582  
                                

Total cost of revenue

     6,703       5,697       12,842       10,820  
                                

Gross profit

     22,909       19,383       44,683       37,835  
                                

Operating expenses:

        

Research and development (1)

     4,711       4,486       9,246       8,908  

Sales and marketing (1)

     11,436       10,028       22,977       20,858  

General and administrative (1)

     3,192       2,236       6,025       4,342  

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

     —         39       6       78  
                                

Total operating expenses

     19,339       16,789       38,254       34,186  
                                

Income from operations

     3,570       2,594       6,429       3,649  

Interest income and other expense, net:

        

Interest income

     1,089       1,076       2,107       2,101  

Interest expense

     (22 )     (1 )     (31 )     (14 )

Other expense, net

     (6 )     (3 )     (6 )     —    
                                

Total interest income and other expense, net

     1,061       1,072       2,070       2,087  
                                

Income before income tax expense and cumulative effect of accounting change

     4,631       3,666       8,499       5,736  

Income tax expense

     1,380       1,364       2,568       2,130  
                                

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

     3,251       2,302       5,931       3,606  

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

     —         —         —         70  
                                

Net income

   $ 3,251     $ 2,302     $ 5,931     $ 3,676  
                                

Basic net income per share

   $ 0.10     $ 0.07     $ 0.18     $ 0.12  

Diluted net income per share

   $ 0.10     $ 0.07     $ 0.18     $ 0.11  

Shares used in computing:

        

Basic net income per share

     32,302       31,661       32,221       31,571  

Diluted net income per share

     33,600       32,673       33,435       32,867  

(1)    Share-based compensation expenses included in these amounts
    are as follows:

       

Cost of product revenue

   $ 10     $ 10     $ 21     $ 19  

Cost of service revenue

     14       12       26       25  

Research and development

     70       99       184       232  

Sales and marketing

     150       145       321       302  

General and administrative

     82       67       159       142  
                                

Total share-based compensation expense, before income tax effect

   $ 326     $ 333     $ 711     $ 720  
                                

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

 

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NetScout Systems, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Six Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2007     2006  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 5,931     $ 3,676  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     2,226       1,779  

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

     13       22  

Share-based compensation expense associated with equity awards

     711       720  

Cumulative effect of accounting change

     —         (111 )

Deferred income taxes

     (292 )     318  

Changes in assets and liabilities

    

Accounts receivable

     (392 )     (1,148 )

Inventories

     (284 )     (1,507 )

Refundable income taxes

     348       787  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     542       932  

Other assets

     (1,645 )     (13 )

Accounts payable

     1,484       1,343  

Accrued compensation and other expenses

     1,142       (2,693 )

Income taxes payable

     188       1,135  

Deferred revenue

     (166 )     (1,221 )
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     9,806       4,019  
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchase of marketable securities

     (15,966 )     (32,396 )

Proceeds from maturity of marketable securities

     20,232       23,674  

Purchase of fixed assets

     (2,549 )     (1,131 )

Capitalized expenditures for internal use software

     —         (951 )

Capitalized software development costs

     —         (15 )
                

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     1,717       (10,819 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     1,289       1,888  

Purchase of treasury shares

     —         (983 )

Tax benefit from stock options exercised

     186       327  
                

Net cash provided by financing activities

     1,475       1,232  
                

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     12,998       (5,568 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     18,925       61,676  
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 31,923     $ 56,108  
                

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

 

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Table of Contents

NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2007 and for the three and six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, have been prepared by NetScout Systems, Inc., or 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 and six months ended September 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the year ending March 31, 2008. The balance sheet at March 31, 2007 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.

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, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, on June 4, 2007.

 

2. Share-Based Compensation

The 1999 Stock Option Plan and the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, which replaced the 1999 Stock Option Plan effective as of September 12, 2007, permit the granting of stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units, collectively referred to as “share-based awards.” Periodically, the Company grants share-based awards to employees and officers of the Company. The Company accounts for these share-based awards in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment”, or SFAS 123R, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense based on estimated fair values for all share-based payment awards made to our employees and directors. Share-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. During the three and six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, share-based compensation expense was $326 thousand, $333 thousand, $711 thousand and $720 thousand, respectively.

The Company adopted SFAS 123R using the modified prospective transition method beginning April 1, 2006. Accordingly, 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 share-based awards that were unvested as of April 1, 2006.

 

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 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, U.S. Treasury bills and municipal obligations.

 

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Table of Contents

NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Marketable Securities

The following is a summary of marketable securities held by NetScout at September 30, 2007, with maturity dates of October 2007 through March 2009 (in thousands):

 

     Amortized
Costs
   Unrealized
Gains
(Losses)
    Fair
Value

U.S. government and municipal obligations

   $ 78,082    $ (3 )   $ 78,079

Less: restricted investment

     1,136      (7 )     1,129
                     

Marketable securities

   $ 76,946    $ 4     $ 76,950
                     

 

The following is a summary of marketable securities as classified between short and long-term at September 30, 2007 (in thousands):

 

Short-term marketable securities

   $ 70,856

Long-term marketable securities

     6,094
      

Total marketable securities

   $ 76,950
      

The following is a summary of marketable securities held by NetScout at March 31, 2007, with maturity dates of April 2007 through March 2009 (in thousands):

 

     Amortized
Costs
   Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value

U.S. government and municipal obligations

   $ 82,336    $ (46 )   $ 82,290

Less: restricted investment

     1,124      (13 )     1,111
                     

Marketable securities

   $ 81,212    $ (33 )   $ 81,179
                     

The following is a summary of marketable securities as classified between short and long-term at March 31, 2007 (in thousands):

 

Short-term marketable securities

   $ 69,204

Long-term marketable securities

     11,975
      

Total marketable securities

   $ 81,179
      

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 September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007, there were unrealized losses of $7 thousand and $13 thousand, respectively, recorded as other comprehensive income (loss), net of $0 tax.

 

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Table of Contents

NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

4. Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined by using the first-in, first-out, or FIFO, method. Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     September 30,
2007
   March 31,
2007

Raw materials

   $ 3,989    $ 3,270

Work in process

     80      143

Finished goods

     777      1,149
             
   $ 4,846    $ 4,562
             

 

5. Goodwill & Acquired Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The carrying amount of goodwill was $36.6 million as of September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007. The Company’s goodwill resulted from the acquisition of NextPoint Networks, Inc. in July 2000 and substantially all of the assets of Quantiva, Inc., or Quantiva, on April 14, 2005. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, goodwill is not amortized, but instead is reviewed for impairment 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.

Acquired Intangible Assets

The carrying amounts of acquired intangible assets were $226 thousand and $442 thousand as of September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007, 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 acquired intangible assets over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis.

Acquired intangible assets consist of the following as of September 30, 2007 (in thousands):

 

     Cost    September 30, 2007
Accumulated
Amortization
   Net

Software

   $ 1,255    $ 1,029    $ 226

Non-compete agreements

     310      310      —  
                    
   $ 1,565    $ 1,339    $ 226
                    

Amortization of acquired software included as cost of product revenue was $105 thousand and $210 thousand for the three and six months ended September 30, 2007. Other acquired intangible assets became fully amortized during the first quarter of fiscal 2008. Amortization of other acquired intangible assets included as operating expense was $6 thousand for the six months ended September 30, 2007.

 

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NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Acquired intangible assets consist of the following as of March 31, 2007 (in thousands):

 

     Cost    March 31, 2007
Accumulated
Amortization
   Net

Software

   $ 1,255    $ 819    $ 436

Non-compete agreements

     310      304      6
                    
   $ 1,565    $ 1,123    $ 442
                    

Amortization of acquired software included as cost of product revenue was $104 thousand and $208 thousand for the three and six months ended September 30, 2006. Amortization of other acquired intangible assets included as operating expense was $39 thousand and $78 thousand for the three and six months ended September 30, 2006.

The following is the expected future amortization expense as of September 30, 2007 for the years ended March 31 (in thousands):

 

2008 (remaining six months)

   $ 209

2009

     17
      

Total

   $ 226
      

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

 

6. 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 software products 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 the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, the Company met technological feasibility for its nGenius Analytics product. As of September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007, capitalized software development costs for the nGenius Analytics product totaled $327 thousand. Beginning in April 2006, the Company commenced amortization of the capitalized software development costs for the nGenius Analytics project on a straight-line basis over two years. Amortization of capitalized software development costs included as cost of product revenue was $40 thousand, $35 thousand, $81 thousand and $75 thousand for the three and six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

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 substantially all of the assets of Quantiva. Purchased software is recorded under acquired intangible assets (see Note 5).

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.

 

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NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

7. Commitments and Contingencies

Contingencies

From time to time NetScout is subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business. On December 14, 2006, Diagnostic Systems Corporation, or DSC, filed a lawsuit against the Company and six other co-defendants in the United States District Court for the Central District of California claiming patent infringement. The complaint seeks damages in an unspecified amount and injunctive relief. In the lawsuit, DSC alleges that NetScout is infringing United States Patent No. 5,701,400, and No. 5,537,590. On February 23, 2007, the Company filed its Answer denying all claims and asserted counterclaims seeking a declaration of non-infringement and invalidity of the patents. The Company and DSC are engaging in discovery. The Company believes the plaintiff’s claims have no merit, and will defend the lawsuit vigorously. No amounts have been accrued for the potential settlement of these claims. Legal expenses in association with the defense of these claims are expensed as incurred.

Employment Agreements

In January 2007 the Company announced the retirement of Narendra Popat, co-founder and outgoing Chairman of the Board of Directors effective January 19, 2007. The Company and Mr. Popat entered into a separation agreement effective January 19, 2007, whereupon Mr. Popat became an advisor, through January 2010, to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The separation agreement provides for the payment of severance of $16 thousand per month, along with continued health and dental benefits, until Mr. Popat, who at the time of separation was 57, reaches the age of 65. Should Mr. Popat die before the age of 65, the balance of any such severance payments due Mr. Popat would be paid to his estate in one lump sum payment equal to the net present value of such remaining monthly payments. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $1.4 million under General and administrative expenses in its Consolidated Statement of Operations, representing the net present value of expected future severance and benefit payments for this fully vested obligation. The Company’s accrued cost for this unfunded retirement obligation was $1.2 million as of September 30, 2007, of which $117 thousand is included under Accrued compensation and $1.1 million is included under Accrued long-term retirement benefits in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. Benefit payments commenced during the second quarter of fiscal year 2008. The Company has projected its remaining future payments for this unfunded obligation at $1.5 million.

In January 2007, the Company announced that Anil Singhal, co-founder and President and Chief Executive Officer, would also assume the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective January 19, 2007. In conjunction with his additional responsibilities the Company entered into a new employment agreement with Mr. Singhal, which provides that he will receive a base salary of at least $300 thousand. The employment agreement provides for a three-year term commencing January 19, 2007 with automatic one-year renewals. During the term of this agreement, Mr. Singhal will also be eligible to receive an annual bonus based on company performance and individual objectives. The employment agreement is terminable at will by either party, and provides that if the Company elects not to renew the agreement for any reason, or if Mr. Singhal’s employment is terminated by NetScout without cause, or by Mr. Singhal at any time following the consummation of a sale of the Company, or upon the death or disability of Mr. Singhal, Mr. Singhal, or his estate, is entitled to receive in a lump sum, a payment equal to the net present value of $16 thousand per month for a period of 7 years. If Mr. Singhal terminates his employment with the Company for any reason prior to the consummation of a sale of the Company, he is entitled to such lump sum payment for the period for which his severance benefits have vested (not to exceed 7 years). Mr. Singhal shall also receive continued health and dental benefits during such period. Mr. Singhal’s severance benefits will vest at a rate of 1.5 years for every year of future service, prorated for any partial year. The Company has projected its future payments for this unfunded obligation at

 

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NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

approximately $1.4 million, with benefit payments estimated to commence in fiscal year 2012. Estimated pre-tax expense of approximately $1.3 million, representing the present value of this future obligation, will be recognized ratably over the vesting period of approximately 4 years and 8 months which began in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007. The Company’s accrued cost for this unfunded retirement obligation was $212 thousand as of September 30, 2007, which is included under Accrued long-term retirement benefits in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.

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 software embedded in 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. The Company also warrants that all support services will be performed in a good and workmanlike manner. The Company believes that its product and support service 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 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 European Union, or EU, or other selected countries’ patents, (ii) Berne convention member country copyright, and/or (iii) U.S., EU, and/or other selected countries’ 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 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 terms associated with these indemnification agreements are 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.

 

8. 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

 

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NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

notice. On July 26, 2006, the Company announced that it had 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 4,000,000. Through September 30, 2007, the Company had repurchased a total of 486,794 shares of common stock. The Company did not repurchase any shares during the six months ended September 30, 2007.

 

9. Net Income Per Share

Calculations of the basic and diluted net income per share and potential common shares are as follows (in thousands, except share and per share data):

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30,
 

Six Months Ended

September 30,

    2007   2006   2007   2006

Basic:

       

Net income applicable to common stockholders

  $ 3,251   $ 2,302   $ 5,931   $ 3,676
                       

Weighted average common shares outstanding

    32,301,512     31,660,636     32,221,099     31,571,056
                       

Basic net income per share

  $ 0.10   $ 0.07   $ 0.18   $ 0.12
                       

Diluted:

       

Net income applicable to common stockholders

  $ 3,251   $ 2,302   $ 5,931   $ 3,676
                       

Weighted average common shares outstanding

    32,301,512     31,660,636     32,221,099     31,571,056

Weighted average stock options

    1,130,831     856,783     1,062,104     1,106,011

Weighted average restricted stock units

    167,325     155,841     151,505     190,269
                       

Diluted weighted average shares

    33,599,668     32,673,260     33,434,708     32,867,336
                       

Diluted net income per share

  $ 0.10   $ 0.07   $ 0.18   $ 0.11
                       

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
September 30,
  Six Months Ended
September 30,
    2007   2006   2007   2006

Stock options

  260,616   1,249,373   383,816   1,059,709

Restricted stock units

  —     38,767   3,115   22,480
               

Total

  260,616   1,288,140   386,931   1,082,189
               

 

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NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

10. Comprehensive Income

Other comprehensive income typically consists of unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities and restricted investments. Other comprehensive income for the three and six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Six Months Ended
September 30,
     2007    2006    2007    2006

Net income

   $ 3,251    $ 2,302    $ 5,931    $ 3,676

Unrealized gains on cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted investment, net of $0 tax

     60      74      43      62
                           

Other comprehensive income

   $ 3,311    $ 2,376    $ 5,974    $ 3,738
                           

 

11. Income Taxes

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”, or FIN 48. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes by prescribing the minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 utilizes a two-step approach for evaluating tax positions. Recognition (Step 1) occurs when an enterprise concludes that a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Measurement (Step 2) is only addressed if Step 1 has been satisfied. Under Step 2, the tax benefit is measured at the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis that is more likely than not to be realized upon settlement. As used in FIN 48, the term “more likely than not” means that the likelihood of an occurrence is greater than 50%. The Company adopted FIN 48 as of April 1, 2007 as required. There was no cumulative adjustment to beginning retained earnings related to the implementation of FIN 48.

As of the beginning of fiscal year 2008, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits. No unrecognized tax benefits were recorded in the six months ended September 30, 2007. The Company believes it is reasonably possible that its unrecognized tax benefits may change significantly within the next twelve months, due to the Company’s acquisition of Network General Corporation (see Note 14). An estimate of the range of the possible change to the unrecognized tax benefits cannot be made at this time. The Company’s policy to include interest and penalties, related to unrecognized tax benefits, as a component of interest expense on the condensed consolidated statements of operations did not change as a result of implementing FIN 48. There was no accrued interest or penalties as of September 30, 2007 or March 31, 2007.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states and foreign jurisdictions. With respect to the U.S. federal and primary state jurisdictions, the Company is no longer subject to examinations by tax authorities for tax years before 2002.

 

12. Geographic Information

The Company reports revenues and income under one reportable industry segment. The Company’s management assesses operating results on an aggregate basis to make decisions about the allocation of resources.

The Company manages its business in the following geographic areas: North America (including the US, Canada and Mexico), EMEA (including Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) and Asia Pacific (including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan).

 

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NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Total revenue was distributed geographically as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
  

Six Months Ended

September 30,

     2007    2006    2007    2006

North America

   $ 24,376    $ 19,305    $ 48,130    $ 39,111

EMEA

     4,030      3,824      6,661      6,143

Asia Pacific

     1,206      1,951      2,734      3,401
                           
   $ 29,612    $ 25,080    $ 57,525    $ 48,655
                           

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’s 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 of America.

 

13. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No.157, “Fair Value Measurements”, or SFAS 157. SFAS 157 clarifies the principle that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. Under the standard, fair value measurements would be separately disclosed by level within the fair value hierarchy. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of adopting SFAS 157 but does not expect that it will have a material effect on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115”, or SFAS 159. SFAS 159 permits entities to choose fair value measurement for many financial instruments and certain other items as of specified election dates. Business entities will thereafter report in earnings the unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been chosen. The fair value option may be applied instrument by instrument, may not be applied to portions of instruments and is irrevocable unless a new election date occurs. SFAS 159 is effective for an entity’s first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adoption of SFAS 159, but does not expect that it will have a material effect on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

14. Subsequent Events

On November 1, 2007 the Company completed the acquisition of Network General Corporation, a global leader in network troubleshooting and protocol analysis and owner/developer of the acclaimed Sniffer suite of products. The purchase price was approximately $206 million, consisting of a combination of 6 million shares of NetScout common stock, $100 million of NetScout’s senior secured floating rate notes, and approximately $50 million in cash, subject to adjustments. Affiliates of Silver Lake Partners, Texas Pacific Group, or TPG, and Integral Capital Partners provided the debt financing and became NetScout stockholders. In addition, a representative of each of Silver Lake Partners and TPG joined NetScout’s board of directors on such date. The acquisition will be accounted for under the purchase method of accounting with the operations of Network

 

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NetScout Systems, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

General included in the Company’s operating results from the date of acquisition. The purchase price allocation has not been completed, but a significant portion of the purchase price is expected to be allocated to acquired intangible assets and goodwill.

Interest on the notes is a variable annual interest rate initially set at the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR plus five percent, escalating incrementally to LIBOR plus six percent after two years. These notes are collateralized by substantially all assets of the Company. Under the indenture governing the notes, the Company is required to comply with certain financial covenants, which require the Company to maintain a minimum leverage ratio initially set at 4.2 to 1.0 and a minimum interest coverage ratio initially set at 2.1 to 1.0. In addition, the Company modified its existing line of credit with Silicon Valley Bank, by reducing the maximum allowable borrowings, under the line, from $10 million down to $5 million, and removing the requirements to comply with certain financial covenants.

 

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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 referred to 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., or 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, enabling delivery of critical business applications, services, and content efficiently to customers and 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 telecommunication service providers worldwide. We have 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. In addition, we completed our initial public offering in August 1999.

On November 1, 2007, we completed the acquisition of Network General Corporation, or Network General, and embarked upon an aggressive integration program designed to merge our highly complementary products and technologies. This activity will demand a significant investment of time and resources, as we work towards the goal of achieving fully integrated operations by the end of our fiscal year in March 2008. The transaction will be valued at approximately $206 million for purchase accounting purposes. The acquisition was financed with a combination of 6 million shares of our common stock, $100 million of senior secured floating rate notes, and approximately $50 million in cash, subject to adjustments.

Our operating results are influenced by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, 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, but are not limited to, our ability to introduce new and to enhance existing products, the marketplace acceptance of those new or enhanced products, continued expansion into international markets and current economic conditions.

For the six months ended September 30, 2007, our total revenue increased $8.8 million, or 18%, to $57.5 million compared to $48.7 million for the six months ended September 30, 2006. Our cost of revenue increased by $2.0 million, or 19%, to $12.8 million for the six months ended September 30, 2007 compared to $10.8 million for the six months ended September 30, 2006. Gross profit of $44.7 million, or 78% of revenue, for the six months ended September 30, 2007 increased from $37.8 million, or 78% of revenue, for the six months ended September 30, 2006. 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. Service revenue for the six months ended September 30, 2007 increased $2.4 million, or 13%, to $21.1 million from $18.7 million for the six months ended September 30, 2006.

For the six months ended September 30, 2007, our total operating expenses, which include research and development, sales and marketing, general and administrative expenses and amortization of intangibles, were $38.3 million, increasing by $4.1 million compared to the $34.2 million of total operating expenses in the six months ended September 30, 2006. The primary contributors to this increase in operating expenses were higher

 

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incentive compensation on improved operating results and increased sales compensation resulting from higher sales volume. Net income for the six months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $2.2 million to $5.9 million compared to net income of $3.7 million for the six months ended September 30, 2006. This increase is primarily due to an increase in gross profit of $6.8 million, resulting from the $8.8 million increase in revenue, partially offset by the increase in operating expenses of $4.1 million.

We are focused on expanding our long-term operating margins through revenue growth coupled with appropriate expense control. During fiscal year 2008, we have made several shifts in our go-to-market strategy that improved our ability to grow the business. First, we refocused product and solution development activities around our core competence – leveraging packet-based flow data to deliver definitive visibility and rapid troubleshooting of the performance of business-critical applications and services across globally distributed networks. Second, we delivered specific product enhancements adding capabilities of special value to the financial and mobile communications sectors, improving the impact and benefits of our solutions within those vertical markets. And lastly, we expanded our sales force to improve account coverage and increase our ability to engage and capture demand for performance management solutions around the globe. We expect that our third and fourth quarter operating margins will be reduced, due to expenses related to the Network General acquisition and integration.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America consistently applied. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make significant estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. These items are regularly monitored and analyzed by management for changes in facts and circumstances, and material changes in these estimates could occur in the future. Changes in estimates are recorded in the period in which they become known. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from our estimates.

While all of our accounting policies impact the consolidated financial statements, certain policies are viewed to be critical. Critical accounting policies are those that are both most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and that require management’s most subjective or complex judgments and estimates. We consider the following accounting policies to be critical in fully understanding and evaluating our financial results:

 

   

revenue recognition;

 

   

valuation of inventories;

 

   

valuation of goodwill and acquired intangible assets;

 

   

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

 

   

share-based compensation; and

 

   

income taxes.

Please refer to the critical accounting policies set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, on June 4, 2007, for a description of all critical accounting policies.

 

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Table of Contents

Results of Operations

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

NetScout Systems, Inc.

Statements of Operations

Percentages of Total Revenue

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Six Months Ended
September 30,
 
       2007         2006         2007         2006    

Revenue:

        

Product

   63.9 %   62.8 %   63.3 %   61.6 %

Service

   36.1     37.2     36.7     38.4  
                        

Total revenue

   100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0  
                        

Cost of revenue:

        

Product

   17.6     17.5     17.1     16.9  

Service

   5.1     5.2     5.2     5.3  
                        

Total cost of revenue

   22.7     22.7     22.3     22.2  
                        

Gross margin

   77.3     77.3     77.7     77.8  
                        

Operating expenses:

        

Research and development

   15.9     17.9     16.1     18.3  

Sales and marketing

   38.6     40.0     39.9     42.9  

General and administrative

   10.8     8.9     10.5     8.9  

Amortization of other intangible assets

   —       0.2     —       0.2  
                        

Total operating expenses

   65.3     67.0     66.5     70.3  
                        

Income from operations

   12.0     10.3     11.2     7.5  

Interest income and other expense, net

   3.6     4.3     3.6     4.3  
                        

Income before income tax expense and cumulative effect of accounting change

   15.6     14.6     14.8     11.8  

Income tax expense

   4.7     5.4     4.5     4.4  

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of taxes

   —       —       —       0 .1  
                        

Net income

   10.9 %   9.2 %   10.3 %   7.5 %
                        

Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

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. During the three months ended September 30, 2007, one indirect channel partner accounted for 15% of our total revenue, while no one direct customer accounted for more than 10% of our total revenue. During the three months ended September 30, 2006, no one customer or indirect channel partner accounted for more than 10% of our total revenue.

 

    

Three Months Ended

September 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

       
     2007     2006     Change  
          % of
Revenue
         % of
Revenue
    $    %  

Revenue:

               

Product

   $ 18,911    64 %   $ 15,758    63 %   $ 3,153    20 %

Service

     10,701    36       9,322    37       1,379    15 %
                                   

Total Revenue

   $ 29,612    100 %   $ 25,080    100 %   $ 4,532    18 %
                                   

 

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Product.    The 20%, or $3.2 million, increase in product revenue, which includes hardware and software products, was primarily due to an increase of approximately 17% in the average selling price per unit, due to product mix, combined with a 6% increase in the number of units sold during the three month period ended September 30, 2007. The increase in both average selling price and units sold was due to continued traction of our higher capacity products, including some of our new product introductions.

Service.    The 15%, or $1.4 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 months, combined with continued renewals of customer support agreements from our expanding installed base.

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

 

    

Three Months Ended

September 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

    Change  
     2007     2006    
          % of
Revenue
         % of
Revenue
    $    %  

Indirect

   $ 20,228    68 %   $ 15,809    63 %   $ 4,419    28 %

Direct

     9,384    32       9,271    37       113    1 %
                                   

Total Revenue

   $ 29,612    100 %   $ 25,080    100 %   $ 4,532    18 %
                                   

The 28%, or $4.4 million, increase in indirect channel revenue is primarily the result of increased sales to the federal sector, which utilizes channel partners. Sales to customers outside North America are primarily export sales through indirect channel partners, who are generally responsible for assisting in sales and contract operations with customers as well as providing first line technical support and service to these customers within 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

September 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

       
     2007     2006     Change  
          % of
Revenue
         % of
Revenue
    $     %  

Geographic mix:

              

North America

   $ 24,376    82 %   $ 19,305    77 %   $ 5,071     26 %

International:

              

Europe—Middle East—Africa

     4,030    14       3,824    15       206     5 %

Asia—Pacific

     1,206    4       1,951    8       (745 )   (38 )%
                                    

Subtotal International:

     5,236    18       5,775    23       (539 )   (9 )%
                                    

Total Revenue

   $ 29,612    100 %   $ 25,080    100 %   $ 4,532     18 %
                                    

Revenue from sales to customers outside North America decreased 9% primarily as a result of a 38% decrease in Asia Pacific revenue. The decline in the Asia Pacific region was mainly due to timing of orders received from large multinational corporations. We do not expect this decline in the Asia Pacific region to continue. 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.

 

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Table of Contents

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

September 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

    Change  
     2007     2006    
           % of
Revenue
          % of
Revenue
    $    %  

Cost of revenue

             

Product

   $ 5,204     18 %   $ 4,382     17 %   $ 822    19 %

Service

     1,499     5       1,315     5       184    14 %
                                     

Total cost of revenue

   $ 6,703     23 %   $ 5,697     22 %   $ 1,006    18 %
                                     

Gross profit:

             

Product $

   $ 13,707     46 %   $ 11,376     45 %   $ 2,332    20 %

Product %

     72 %       72 %       

Service $

   $ 9,202     31 %   $ 8,007     32 %   $ 1,195    15 %

Service %

     86 %       86 %       
                         

Total gross profit $

   $ 22,909       $ 19,383       $ 3,526    18 %

Total gross margin %

     77 %       77 %       

Product.    The 19%, or $822 thousand, increase in cost of product revenue was primarily due to the 20% increase in product revenue during the three months ended September 30, 2007. The product gross margin percentage remained flat at 72%. Average cost per unit and units sold during the three months ended September 30, 2007 both increased compared to average cost per unit and units sold for the three months ended September 30, 2006.

Service.    The 14%, or $184 thousand, increase in cost of service revenue was primarily due to a $150 thousand increase in personnel costs associated with our customer support group. The 15%, or $1.2 million, increase in service gross profit corresponds with the 15%, or $1.4 million, increase in service revenue, offset by the 14%, or $184 thousand, increase in cost of services. Average headcount in cost of service was 39 and 36 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Gross profits.    Our gross profit in absolute dollars increased 18%, or $3.5 million. This increase was consistent with our revenue growth of 18%. Gross margin remained flat at 77% for both the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.

Operating Expenses

 

    

Three Months Ended

September 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

       
     2007     2006     Change  
          % of
Revenue
         % of
Revenue
    $     %  

Research and development

   $ 4,711    16 %   $ 4,486    18 %   $ 225     5 %

Sales and marketing

     11,436    39       10,028    40       1,408     14 %

General and administrative

     3,192    11       2,236    9       956     43 %

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

     —      —         39    —         (39 )   (100 )%
                                    

Total Operating Expenses

   $ 19,339    65 %   $ 16,789    67 %   $ 2,550     15 %
                                    

 

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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 5%, or $225 thousand, increase in research and development expenses was primarily due to increases in incentive compensation, and increases in headcount. Average headcount in research and development was 111 and 107 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

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

The 14%, or $1.4 million, increase in total sales and marketing expenses was primarily due to a $983 thousand increase in employee related expenses primarily due to increased sales compensation tied directly to the quarterly revenue increase of 18%, and a $115 thousand increase in trade show expenses primarily due to increased participation in previously attended trade shows as well as participation in new trade shows during the three months ended September 30, 2007. Average headcount in sales and marketing was 150 and 153 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

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 43%, or $956 thousand, increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a $595 thousand increase in employee related expenses mainly due to higher incentive compensation and increased headcount, a $330 thousand increase in legal expenses related to patent infringement defense, a $71 thousand increase in retirement benefit costs related to the employment agreements with the co-founders, and increased Information Technology, or IT, expenses related to our Enterprise Resource Planning, or ERP, system going live during the three months ended September 30, 2007. Average headcount in general and administrative was 56 and 54 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Amortization of acquired intangible assets.    Amortization of acquired intangible assets consists of amortization of non-compete agreements related to the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Quantiva, Inc., or Quantiva, in the first quarter of fiscal year 2006.

The 100%, or $39 thousand, decrease in amortization of acquired intangible assets was due to completion of the amortization of the non-compete agreements during the first quarter of fiscal year 2008.

Interest income and other expense, net.    Interest income and other expense, net includes interest earned on our cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted investments and interest expense.

 

    

Three Months Ended

September 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

       
   2007     2006     Change  
        % of
Revenue
         % of
Revenue
    $     %  

Interest income and other expense, net

   $ 1,061    4 %   $ 1,072    4 %   $ (11 )   (1 )%

Interest income and other expense, net remained flat with a 1% or $11 thousand decrease, even though combined cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted investments increased reflecting a shift in our investment strategy to lower yield tax-exempt investments in an effort to increase our overall after tax return.

 

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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 September 30, 2007 for fiscal year 2008 is 30.2%, compared to an estimated annual effective tax rate of 37.2% as of September 30, 2006 for fiscal year 2007. The decrease in our effective tax rate is primarily due to a change in our investment strategy in late fiscal 2007 towards tax exempt securities. 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 and tax-exempt interest income. The estimated effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2007 is 29.8%.

 

    

Three Months Ended

September 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

    Change  
   2007     2006    
        % of
Revenue
         % of
Revenue
    $    %  

Income tax expense

   $ 1,380    5 %   $ 1,364    5 %   $ 16    1 %

Net income.    Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 is as follows:

 

    

Three Months Ended

September 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

    Change  
   2007     2006    
          % of
Revenue
         % of
Revenue
    $    %  

Net income

   $ 3,251    11 %   $ 2,302    9 %   $ 949    41 %

The 41%, or $949 thousand, increase in net income for the three months ended September 30, 2007 was mainly attributable to the increase in total product and service gross profit of $3.5 million, offset by a $2.6 million increase in operating expenses mainly due to increased employee related expenses of incentive compensation, and sales compensation.

Six Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

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. No one customer or indirect channel partner accounted for more than 10% of our total revenue during the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.

 

    

Six Months Ended

September 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

    Change  
   2007     2006    
        % of
Revenue
         % of
Revenue
    $    %  

Revenue:

               

Product

   $ 36,424    63 %   $ 29,985    62 %   $ 6,439    21 %

Service

     21,101    37       18,670    38       2,431    13 %
                                   

Total Revenue

   $ 57,525    100 %   $ 48,655    100 %   $ 8,870    18 %
                                   

Product.    The 21%, or $6.4 million, increase in product revenue, which includes hardware and software products, was primarily due to an increase of approximately 11% in the average selling price per unit, due to product mix, combined with an 11% increase in the number of units sold during the six month period ended September 30, 2007. The increase in both average selling price and units sold was due to continued traction of our higher capacity products, including some of our new product introductions.

 

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Service.    The 13%, or $2.4 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 months, combined with continued renewals of customer support agreements from our expanding installed base.

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

 

    

Six Months Ended

September 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

    Change  
   2007     2006    
        % of
Revenue
         % of
Revenue
    $    %  

Indirect

   $ 37,956    66 %   $ 29,856    61 %   $ 8,100    27 %

Direct

     19,569    34       18,799    39       770    4 %
                                   

Total Revenue

   $ 57,525    100 %   $ 48,655    100 %   $ 8,870    18 %
                                   

The 27%, or $8.1 million, increase in indirect channel revenue is mainly a result of increased sales to the federal sector, which utilizes channel partners. Sales to customers outside North America are primarily export sales through indirect channel partners, who are generally responsible for assisting in sales and contract operations with customers as well as providing first line technical support and service to these customers within 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:

 

    

Six Months Ended

September 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

    Change  
   2007     2006    
        % of
Revenue
         % of
Revenue
    $     %  

Geographic mix:

              

North America

   $ 48,130    84 %   $ 39,111    80 %   $ 9,019     23 %

International:

              

Europe—Middle East—Africa

     6,661    11       6,143    13       518     8 %

Asia—Pacific

     2,734    5       3,401    7       (667 )   (20 )%
                                    

Subtotal International:

     9,395    16       9,544    20       (149 )   (2 )%
                                    

Total Revenue

   $ 57,525    100 %   $ 48,655    100 %   $ 8,870     18 %
                                    

Revenue from sales to customers outside North America decreased 2% primarily as a result of a 20% decrease in Asia Pacific revenue. The decline in the Asia Pacific region was mainly due to timing of orders received from large multinational corporations. We do not expect this decline in the Asia Pacific region to continue. 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.

 

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Table of Contents

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.

 

    

Six Months Ended

September 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

       
   2007     2006     Change  
         % of
Revenue
          % of
Revenue
    $    %  

Cost of revenue

             

Product

   $ 9,856     17 %   $ 8,238     17 %   $ 1,618    20 %

Service

     2,986     5       2,582     5       404    16 %
                                     

Total cost of revenue

   $ 12,842     22 %   $ 10,820     22 %   $ 2,022    19 %
                                     

Gross profit:

             

Product $

   $ 26,568     46 %   $ 21,747     45 %   $ 4,821    22 %

Product %

     73 %       73 %       

Service $

   $ 18,115     32 %   $ 16,088     33 %   $ 2,027    13 %

Service %

     86 %       86 %       
                         

Total gross profit $

   $ 44,683       $ 37,835       $ 6,848    18 %

Total gross margin %

     78 %       78 %       

Product.    The 20%, or $1.6 million, increase in cost of product revenue was primarily due to the 21% increase in product revenue during the six months ended September 30, 2007. The product gross margin percentage remained flat at 73%. Average cost per unit and units sold during the six months ended September 30, 2007 both increased compared to average cost per unit and units sold for the six months ended September 30, 2006.

Service.    The 16%, or $404 thousand, increase in cost of service revenue was primarily due to a $246 thousand increase in personnel costs associated with our customer support group, a $35 thousand increase in third party consulting services and increases in allocated costs, which resulted from increased legal and IT spending. The 13%, or $2.0 million, increase in service gross profit corresponds with the 13%, or $2.4 million, increase in service revenue, offset by the 16%, or $404 thousand, increase in cost of services. Average headcount in cost of service was 39 and 37 for the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Gross profits.    Our gross profit in absolute dollars increased 18%, or $6.8 million. This increase was consistent with our revenue growth of 18%. Gross margin remained flat at 78% for both the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.

Operating Expenses

 

    

Six Months Ended

September 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

    Change  
   2007     2006    
        % of
Revenue
         % of
Revenue
    $     %  

Research and development

   $ 9,246    16 %   $ 8,908    18 %   $ 338     4 %

Sales and marketing

     22,977    40       20,858    43       2,119     10 %

General and administrative

     6,025    11       4,342    9       1,683     39 %

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

     6    —         78    —         (72 )   (92 )%
                                    

Total Operating Expenses

   $ 38,254    67 %   $ 34,186    70 %   $ 4,068     12 %
                                    

 

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Table of Contents

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 $338 thousand, increase in research and development expenses was primarily due to increases in incentive compensation. Average headcount in research and development was 108 for the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.

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

The 10%, or $2.1 million, increase in total sales and marketing expenses was primarily due to a $1.5 million increase in employee related expenses primarily due to increased sales compensation tied directly to the year to date revenue increase, and a $248 thousand increase in trade show expenses primarily due to increased participation in a previously attended trade show as well as participation in a new trade show during the six months ended September 30, 2007. Average headcount in sales and marketing was 152 and 153 for the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

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 39%, or $1.7 million, increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a $1.0 million increase in employee related expenses mainly due to higher incentive compensation and increased headcount, a $446 thousand increase in legal expenses related to patent infringement defense, a $141 thousand increase in retirement benefit costs related to the employment agreements with the co-founders, and increased IT expenses related to our ERP system going live during the three months ended September 30, 2007. Average headcount in general and administrative was 55 and 54 for the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Amortization of acquired intangible assets.    Amortization of acquired intangible assets consists of amortization of non-compete agreements related to the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Quantiva in the first quarter of fiscal 2006.

The 92%, or $72 thousand, decrease in amortization of acquired intangible assets was due to completion of the amortization of the non-compete agreements during April of 2007.

Interest income and other expense, net.    Interest income and other expense, net includes interest earned on our cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted investments and interest expense.

 

    

Six Months Ended

September 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

    Change  
   2007     2006    
          % of
Revenue
         % of
Revenue
    $     %  

Interest income and other expense, net

   $ 2,070    4 %   $ 2,087    4 %   $ (17 )   (1 )%

Interest income and other expense, net remained flat with a 1.0%, or $17 thousand, decrease, even though combined cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted investments increased reflecting a shift in our investment strategy to lower yield tax-exempt investments in an effort to increase our overall after tax return.

 

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Table of Contents

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 September 30, 2007 for fiscal year 2008 is 30.2%, compared to an estimated annual effective tax rate of 37.2% as of September 30, 2006 for fiscal year 2007. The decrease in our effective tax rate is primarily due to a change in our investment strategy in late fiscal 2007 towards tax exempt securities. 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 and tax-exempt interest income. The estimated effective tax rate for the six months ended September 30, 2007 is 30.2%.

 

    

Six Months Ended

September 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

    Change  
   2007     2006    
          % of
Revenue
         % of
Revenue
    $    %  

Income tax expense

   $ 2,568    4 %   $ 2,130    4 %   $ 438    21 %

Net income.    Net income for the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 is as follows:

 

    

Six Months Ended

September 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

    Change  
   2007     2006    
          % of
Revenue
         % of
Revenue
    $    %  

Net income

   $ 5,931    10 %   $ 3,676    8 %   $ 2,255    61 %

The 61%, or $2.3 million, increase in net income for the six months ended September 30, 2007 was mainly attributable to the increase in total product and service gross profit of $6.8 million, offset by a $4.0 million increase in operating expenses mainly due to increased employee related expenses of incentive compensation, and sales compensation and a $438 thousand increase in the income tax provision.

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 we are subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business. In our opinion, the amount of ultimate expense with respect to any current legal proceedings and claims will not have a significant adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

There have been no substantial changes to our commitments and contingencies since March 31, 2007, as reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources

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

 

    

September 30,

(In Thousands)

   2007    2006

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 31,923    $ 56,108

Short-term marketable securities

     70,856      31,247

Long-term marketable securities

     6,094      3,315
             

Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities

   $ 108,873    $ 90,670
             

At September 30, 2007, we had a line of credit with a bank, which allows us to borrow up to $10 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. 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 September 30, 2007, we were in compliance with all such covenants. As of September 30, 2007, no amounts were outstanding under the line of credit. Subsequent to September 30, 2007, this line of credit was modified, in connection with the acquisition of Network General, by reducing the borrowing limit to $5 million and removing the requirements to comply with financial covenants. Additionally, we funded $100 million of the purchase price of the acquisition through debt financing with affiliates of Silver Lake Partners, Texas Pacific Group and Integral Capital Partners.

Cash and cash equivalents were impacted by the following:

 

    

Six Months Ended

September 30,

(In Thousands)

 
   2007    2006  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 9,806    $ 4,019  
               

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

   $ 1,717    $ (10,819 )
               

Net cash provided by financing activities

   $ 1,475    $ 1,232  
               

Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to $9.8 million and $4.0 million during the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The primary sources of operating cash flow in the six months ended September 30, 2007 included net income of $5.9 million, adjusted to exclude the effects of non-cash items of $2.7 million, including depreciation and amortization and share-based compensation expense, a $1.5 million increase in accounts payable due to timing of payments, and a $1.1 million increase in accrued compensation resulting from the timing of payments for payroll, commissions and incentive compensation, offset by a $1.1 million increase in prepaid and other assets due to costs associated with the definitive agreement to acquire Network General, a $392 thousand increase in accounts receivable resulting from the timing of cash collections and sales, and a $284 thousand increase in inventory due to build up of inventory due to increased order volume. The primary sources of operating cash flow in the six months ended September 30, 2006 included net income of $3.7 million, the add back of non-cash charges of $2.7 million, and the receipt of a one-time refund on income taxes of $1.1 million offset by an increase in accounts receivable of $1.1 million due to the timing of cash collections and sales, an increase in inventory of $1.5 million due to purchases to support anticipated order flow as well as a $2.7 million decrease in accrued compensation due to the payment of fiscal 2006 incentive compensation.

 

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Table of Contents

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Net cash provided by investing activities was $1.7 million for the six months ended September 30, 2007. For the six months ended September 30, 2007, cash provided by investing activities reflects the proceeds from the maturity of marketable securities due to cash management activities of $20.2 million offset by the purchase of marketable securities of $16.0 million and the purchase of fixed assets to support our infrastructure of $2.6 million. Net cash used in investing activities was $10.8 million for the six months ended September 30, 2006. For the six months ended September 30, 2006, cash used in investing activities reflects the purchase of marketable securities of $32.4 million, offset by the proceeds from the maturity of marketable securities due to cash management activities of $23.7 million, the purchase of fixed assets to support our infrastructure of $1.1 million, respectively, and capitalized expenditures for internal use software of $951 thousand. We anticipate that our investment in our infrastructure will continue in future quarters.

Net cash provided by financing activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $1.5 million and $1.2 million for the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. For the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, cash provided by financing activities was mainly due to proceeds from the issuance of common stock in connection with the exercise of stock options in the amount of $1.3 million and $1.9 million, respectively. For the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, cash provided by financing activities was also due to a tax benefit from stock options exercised of $186 thousand and $327 thousand, respectively. For the six months ended September 30, 2006, net cash provided by financing activities also reflects the purchase of treasury stock for $983 thousand.

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 debt securities. The sale of additional equity or debt securities could result in additional dilution to our stockholders. In the second quarter of fiscal 2008, we announced the acquisition of Network General. The acquisition closed on November 1, 2007. The total purchase price for the acquisition is expected to be approximately $206 million.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or the FASB, issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No.157, “Fair Value Measurements”, or SFAS 157. SFAS 157 clarifies the principle that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. Under the standard, fair value measurements would be separately disclosed by level within the fair value hierarchy. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of adopting SFAS 157 but does not expect that it will have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

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Table of Contents

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115”, or SFAS 159. SFAS 159 permits entities to choose fair value measurement for many financial instruments and certain other items as of specified election dates. Business entities will thereafter report in earnings the unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been chosen. The fair value option may be applied instrument by instrument, may not be applied to portions of instruments and is irrevocable unless a new election date occurs. SFAS 159 is effective for an entity’s first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adoption of SFAS 159, but does not expect that it will have a material effect on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

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 and marketable securities. 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 as of September 30, 2007, we had a $10 million line of credit with no amounts outstanding under the line and no other outstanding interest-bearing debt. Subsequent to September 30, 2007, in connection with our acquisition of Network General, we reduced the line of credit to $5 million, and issued $100 million of senior secured floating rate notes, initially bearing interest at LIBOR plus five percent.

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 an 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 September 30, 2007, 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, as amended, or the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2007, 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 SEC’s rules and forms, including ensuring that such material information is accumulated and communicated to our 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 controls 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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Table of Contents

PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

There were no material changes to legal proceedings set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended March 31, 2007.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended March 31, 2007. The risks discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K could materially affect our business, financial condition and future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results.

The Risk Factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 have not materially changed, other than the following:

The Risk Factor entitled “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” has been updated to reflect the acquisition of Network General.

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.

Acquisitions that we do complete could adversely impact our business. The potential adverse consequences from acquisitions include:

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

the potentially costly and disruptive impact of assuming pre-existing contractual relationships of acquired companies that we would not have otherwise entered into, and potentially exiting or modifying such relationships;

 

   

the potential litigation or other claims in connection with, or inheritance of claims or litigation risk as a result of, an acquisition including claims from terminated employees, customers or third parties;

 

   

the incurrence of significant costs and expenses; or

 

   

the potentially dilutive impact on our earnings per share.

Acquisition transactions also involve numerous business risks. These risks from acquisitions 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;

 

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difficulties in maintaining uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies;

 

   

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

 

   

use of cash to pay for acquisitions may limit other potential uses of our cash, including stock repurchases and retirement of outstanding indebtedness;

 

   

substantial accounting charges for restructuring and related expenses, write-off of in-process research and development, impairment of goodwill, amortization of intangible assets and stock-based compensation expense;

 

   

the potential disruption of our business; and

 

   

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

 

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

During the second quarter of fiscal year 2008, 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 8 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements attached hereto.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

At the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders held on September 12, 2007, NetScout’s stockholders took the following actions:

 

(1) NetScout stockholders elected each of Anil K. Singhal, John R. Egan and Stuart M. McGuigan, each Class II directors, to a three-year term expiring at NetScout’s annual meeting of stockholders in 2010 or until each director’s respective successor has been duly elected and qualified or until each director’s earlier resignation or removal. Election of the directors was determined by a plurality of the votes cast at the 2007 annual meeting. With respect to the election of Mr. Singhal, the votes were cast as follows: 27,468,730 shares of common stock voted for the election of Mr. Singhal; 3,910,924 shares of common stock were withheld as to the election of Mr. Singhal. With respect to the election of Mr. Egan, the votes were cast as follows: 27,250,189 shares of common stock voted for the election of Mr. Egan; 4,129,465 shares of common stock were withheld as to the election of Mr. Egan. With respect to the election of Mr. McGuigan, the votes were cast as follows: 27,360,522 shares of common stock voted for the election of Mr. McGuigan; 4,019,132 shares of common stock were withheld as to the election of Mr. McGuigan. No other persons were nominated, nor received votes, for election as a director of NetScout at the 2007 annual meeting. The other directors of NetScout whose terms continued after the 2007 annual meeting were Vincent J. Mullarkey, Victor A. DeMarines, Stephen Pearse, and Joseph G. Hadzima, Jr.

 

(2) NetScout’s stockholders ratified the selection of the firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as auditors for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008. With respect to such matter, the votes were cast as follows: 27,740,679 shares of common stock voted for the proposal; 3,638,556 shares of common stock voted against the proposal; 419 shares of common stock abstained.

 

(3) NetScout stockholders approved the NetScout Systems, Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, which replaces the Company’s 1999 Stock Incentive Plan. With respect to such matter, the votes were cast as follows: 14,221,986 shares of common stock voted for the proposal; 13,913,429 shares of common stock voted against the proposal; 1,499 shares of common stock abstained; and 3,242,740 shares of common stock were not voted.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

  (a) Exhibits

 

10.1    Netscout Systems, Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan.
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: November 9, 2007   

/s/    ANIL K. SINGHAL        

   Anil K. Singhal
   President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
   (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: November 9, 2007   

/s/    DAVID P. SOMMERS        

   David P. Sommers
  

Senior Vice President, General Operations

and Chief Financial Officer

   (Principal Financial Officer)
Date: November 9, 2007   

/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

10.1    NetScout Systems, Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan.
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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