Non-GAAP gross profit, operating income, operating margin, net income, and earnings per share are supplemental measures of our performance that are not presented in accordance with GAAP. Moreover, they should not be considered as an alternative to any performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP, or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of our liquidity. We present non-GAAP gross profit, operating income, operating margin, net income, and earnings per share because we consider them to be important supplemental measures of our operating performance and profitability trends, and because we believe they give investors useful information on period-to-period performance as evaluated by management. Non-GAAP net income also facilitates comparison with other companies in our industry, which use similar financial measures to supplement their GAAP results. Non-GAAP net income has limitations as an analytical tool, and therefore should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. In the future, we expect to continue to incur expenses similar to the non-GAAP adjustments described above and exclusion of these items in our non-GAAP presentation should not be construed as an inference that these costs are unusual, infrequent or non-recurring. Some of the limitations in relying on non-GAAP net income are:
- Amortization of intangible assets represents the loss in value as the technology in our industry evolves, is advanced, or is replaced over time. The expense associated with this loss in value is not included in the non-GAAP net income presentation and therefore does not reflect the full economic effect of the ongoing cost of maintaining our current technological position in our competitive industry, which is addressed through our research and development program.
- We regularly evaluate our business to determine whether any operations should be eliminated or curtailed. Additionally, as part of our ongoing business, we engage in acquisition and assimilation activities and patent litigation. We therefore will continue to experience special charges on a regular basis. These costs also directly impact our available funds.
- Our stock incentive and stock purchase plans are important components of our incentive compensation arrangements and will be reflected as expenses in our GAAP results.
- Our income tax expense will be ultimately based on our GAAP taxable income and actual tax rates in effect, which often differ significantly from the rate assumed in our non-GAAP presentation. In addition, if we have a GAAP loss and non-GAAP net income, our non-GAAP results will not reflect any projected GAAP tax benefits.
- Other companies, including other companies in our industry, calculate non-GAAP net income differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.
About Mentor Graphics
Mentor Graphics Corporation is a world leader in electronic hardware and software design solutions, providing products, consulting services and award-winning support for the world’s most successful electronic, semiconductor and systems companies. Established in 1981, the company reported revenues in the last fiscal year in excess of $1.24 billion. Corporate headquarters are located at 8005 S.W. Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-7777. World Wide Web site: http://www.mentor.com/.
(Mentor Graphics, Mentor, Nucleus, Calibre, Xpedition and PADS are registered trademarks and xACT is a trademark of Mentor Graphics Corporation. All other company and/or product names are the trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.)
Statements in this press release regarding the company’s guidance for
future periods constitute “forward-looking” statements based on current
expectations within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results,
performance or achievements of the company or industry results to be
materially different from any results, performance or achievements
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors
include, among others, the following: (i) economic weakness in the
European Union, China, Japan or other countries, and the potential
adverse impact of such weakness on the semiconductor and electronics
industries; (ii) the company’s ability to successfully offer products
and services that compete in the highly competitive EDA industry,
including the risk of obsolescence for our hardware products; (iii)
product bundling or discounting of products and services by competitors,
which could force the company to lower its prices or offer other more
favorable terms to customers; (iv) effects of the volatility of foreign
currency fluctuations on the company’s business and operating results;
(v) litigation, including the company’s ongoing patent litigation with
Synopsys, Inc.; (vi) changes in accounting or reporting rules or
interpretations, including new rules affecting revenue recognition;
(vii) the impact of tax audits by taxing authorities, or changes in
applicable tax laws, regulations or enforcement practices; (viii)
effects of unanticipated shifts in product mix on gross margin; and (ix)
effects of customer mergers or divestitures, customer seasonal
purchasing patterns and the timing of significant orders which may
negatively or positively impact the company’s quarterly results of
operations; all as may be discussed in more detail under the heading
“Risk Factors” in the company’s most recent Form 10-K or Form 10-Q.
Given these uncertainties, prospective investors are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. In addition,
statements regarding guidance do not reflect potential impacts of
mergers or acquisitions that have not been announced or closed as of the
time the statements are made. Mentor Graphics disclaims any obligation
to update any such factors or to publicly announce the results of any
revisions to any of the forward-looking statements to reflect future
events or developments.