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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 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 November 30, 2004

 

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: 000-26281

 


 

RED HAT, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

06-1364380

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

1801 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

(919) 754-3700

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

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

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

 

As of November 30, 2004, there were 180,360,662 shares of common stock outstanding.

 



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EXPLANATORY NOTE

 

We have included the restated unaudited statements of operations and cash flows for the three and nine month periods ended November 30, 2003 in this Form 10-Q. The restatement in the unaudited financial statements relates to a change in accounting to correct our method of revenue recognition related to subscription agreements that we announced in July 2004 and that is more fully described in Part I herein under “Item 1: Financial Statements,” including without limitation NOTE 3 to our Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements included therein, and under “Item 2-Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

 

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RED HAT, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

             Page

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

    

ITEM 1:

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   4
       

Consolidated Balance Sheets at November 30, 2004 (unaudited) and February 29, 2004 (unaudited, restated)

   4
       

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months and nine months ended November 30, 2004 (unaudited) and 2003 (unaudited, restated)

   5
       

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months and nine months ended November 30, 2004 (unaudited) and 2003 (unaudited, restated)

   6
       

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

   7

ITEM 2:

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

   18

ITEM 3:

 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

   34

ITEM 4:

 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

   35

PART II OTHER INFORMATION:

    

ITEM 1:

 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

   35

ITEM 2:

 

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

   38

ITEM 4:

 

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

   38

ITEM 6:

 

EXHIBITS

   39

SIGNATURES

   40

 

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PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

RED HAT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands – except share amounts)

 

    

November 30,

2004


   

February 29,

2004


 
     (unaudited)     (unaudited, restated)  
ASSETS                 

Current assets:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 234,436     $ 544,889  

Investments in debt securities

     69,751       63,712  

Accounts receivable, net

     43,616       38,346  

Estimated earnings in excess of billings

     3,618       4,326  

Inventory

     2,085       2,794  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     8,581       5,971  
    


 


Total current assets

     362,087       660,038  

Property and equipment, net

     30,954       29,448  

Goodwill and identifiable intangibles, net

     69,810       69,713  

Investments in debt securities

     674,835       332,783  

Debt issue costs-convertible notes

     13,022       15,103  

Other assets, net

     5,905       4,568  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 1,156,613     $ 1,111,653  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                 

Current liabilities:

                

Accounts payable

   $ 6,445     $ 7,154  

Accrued expenses

     19,322       15,619  

Deferred revenue

     97,284       62,751  

Current portion of capital lease obligations

     459       898  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     123,510       86,422  

Deferred lease credits

     5,227       5,359  

Long term deferred revenue

     24,153       10,945  

Capital lease obligations

     154       538  

Convertible notes

     600,000       600,000  

Commitments and contingencies

     —         —    

Stockholders’ equity:

                

Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary

     537       359  

Preferred stock, $.0001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding

     —         —    

Common stock, $.0001 par value, 300,000,000 shares authorized, 185,888,662 and 183,803,289 shares issued, and 180,360,662 and 181,665,389 shares outstanding at November 30, 2004 and February 29, 2004, respectively

     19       18  

Additional paid-in capital

     710,554       695,722  

Deferred compensation

     (5,786 )     (9,293 )

Accumulated deficit

     (243,638 )     (277,224 )

Treasury stock, 5,528,000 and 2,137,900 shares at November 30, 2004 and February 29, 2004, respectively

     (52,628 )     (7,436 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (5,489 )     6,243  
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     403,569       408,389  
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 1,156,613     $ 1,111,653  
    


 


 

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

 

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RED HAT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands - except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended

    Nine Months Ended

 
     November 30,
2004


   

November 30,

2003


    November 30,
2004


   

November 30,

2003


 
     (unaudited)     (unaudited, restated)     (unaudited)     (unaudited, restated)  

Subscription and services revenue:

                                

Subscription:

                                

Enterprise technologies

   $ 38,113     $ 17,210     $ 102,022     $ 43,284  

Retail

     512       4,091       1,448       11,859  

Embedded

     597       466       1,245       1,602  
    


 


 


 


Total subscription revenue

     39,222       21,767       104,715       56,745  
    


 


 


 


Services:

                                

Enterprise technologies

     10,771       9,887       31,749       28,073  

Embedded development services

     932       1,229       2,549       3,148  
    


 


 


 


Total services revenue

     11,703       11,116       34,298       31,221  
    


 


 


 


Total subscription and services revenue

     50,925       32,883       139,013       87,966  
    


 


 


 


Cost of subscription and services revenue:

                                

Subscription:

                                

Enterprise technologies and retail

     3,554       2,365       8,274       7,052  

Embedded

     59       69       190       288  
    


 


 


 


Total cost of subscription revenue

     3,613       2,434       8,464       7,340  
    


 


 


 


Services:

                                

Enterprise technologies

     5,684       5,356       16,411       15,197  

Embedded development services

     792       1,003       2,405       2,482  
    


 


 


 


Total cost of services revenue

     6,476       6,359       18,816       17,679  
    


 


 


 


Total cost of subscription and services revenue

     10,089       8,793       27,280       25,019  
    


 


 


 


Gross profit enterprise technologies and retail

     40,158       23,467       110,534       60,967  

Gross profit embedded

     678       623       1,199       1,980  
    


 


 


 


Gross profit on enterprise technologies, retail and embedded revenue

     40,836       24,090       111,733       62,947  

Operating expense:

                                

Sales and marketing

     15,652       10,062       43,622       28,114  

Stock-based sales and marketing expense

     —         180       108       411  

Research and development

     7,883       7,002       23,353       18,885  

Stock-based research and development expense

     48       227       288       670  

General and administrative

     8,360       4,873       21,006       13,288  

Stock-based general and administrative expense

     1,101       107       3,339       918  

Amortization of intangibles

     201       23       538       38  
    


 


 


 


Total operating expense

     33,245       22,474       92,254       62,324  
    


 


 


 


Income from operations

     7,591       1,616       19,479       623  

Other income, net

     5,384       2,694       18,715       8,556  

Interest expense

     (1,684 )     (49 )     (4,802 )     (233 )
    


 


 


 


Income before provision for income taxes

     11,291       4,261       33,392       8,946  

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     447       —         (194 )     —    
    


 


 


 


Net income

   $ 10,844     $ 4,261     $ 33,586     $ 8,946  
    


 


 


 


Net income per share:

                                

Basic

   $ 0.06     $ 0.02     $ 0.18     $ 0.05  

Diluted

   $ 0.06     $ 0.02     $ 0.17     $ 0.05  

Weighted average shares outstanding:

                                

Basic

     182,340       173,996       182,750       172,417  

Diluted

     192,226       184,210       194,283       185,641  

 

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

 

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RED HAT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended

    Nine Months Ended

 
    

November 30,

2004


   

November 30,

2003


   

November 30,

2004


   

November 30,

2003


 
     (unaudited)     (unaudited, restated)     (unaudited)     (unaudited, restated)  

Cash flows from operating activities:

                                

Net income

   $ 10,844     $ 4,261     $ 33,586     $ 8,946  

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

                                

Depreciation and amortization

     2,557       1,654       7,272       4,574  

Deferred income taxes

     (693 )     —         (1,929 )        

Stock-based compensation expense

     1,109       384       3,507       1,839  

Earnings in noncontrolling interest in subsidiary

     133       48       178       176  

Provision for doubtful accounts

     544       292       1,558       997  

Amortization of debt issue costs

     785       —         2,218       —    

Other

     88       44       121       67  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                                

Accounts receivable and estimated earnings in excess of billings

     (7,516 )     (7,305 )     (4,518 )     (12,245 )

Inventory

     602       (110 )     590       (681 )

Prepaid expenses

     (756 )     874       (886 )     (223 )

Intangibles and other assets

     (79 )     (24 )     (1,294 )     (343 )

Accounts payable

     (894 )     (1,065 )     (709 )     (1,851 )

Accrued expenses

     3,876       931       6,209       1,017  

Deferred revenue

     19,163       12,095       45,884       25,644  

Deferred lease credits

     (47 )     (40 )     (131 )     17  
    


 


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     29,716       12,039       91,656       27,934  
    


 


 


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                                

Purchase of investment securities

     (111,164 )     (37,200 )     (579,772 )     (130,697 )

Proceeds from sales and maturities of investment securities

     110,342       32,870       218,961       107,460  

Cash used to acquire businesses

     (303 )     —         (303 )     —    

Purchase of property and equipment

     (2,609 )     (1,416 )     (10,547 )     (5,260 )
    


 


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (3,734 )     (5,746 )     (371,661 )     (28,497 )
    


 


 


 


Cash flows from financing activities:

                                

Proceeds from short term notes payable

     —         15,000       —         57,957  

Repayments of short term notes payable

     —         (15,003 )     —         (57,989 )

Offering costs – issuance of convertible debt

     (67 )     —         (137 )     —    

Proceeds from issuance of common stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan

     522       592       1,394       1,014  

Proceeds from exercise of common stock options

     893       10,705       13,004       15,491  

Purchase of treasury stock

     (45,192 )     —         (45,192 )     —    

Payments on capital lease obligations

     (278 )     (449 )     (815 )     (1,033 )
    


 


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (44,122 )     10,845       (31,746 )     15,440  
    


 


 


 


Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

     3,124       809       1,298       1,188  

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (15,016 )     17,947       (310,453 )     16,065  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

     249,452       43,368       544,889       45,250  
    


 


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 234,436     $ 61,315     $ 234,436     $ 61,315  
    


 


 


 


 

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

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

NOTE 1 - Organization

 

Red Hat, Inc. is incorporated in Delaware. Red Hat, Inc. together with its subsidiaries (“Red Hat” or the “Company”) is the recognized global technology leader in providing an enterprise operating system and related management services based on open source technology for the information technology infrastructure of large enterprises. The Company applies its technology leadership to create its enterprise operating system, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and related layered infrastructure technology solutions, based on open source technology. The Company’s enterprise solutions are intended to have the functionality requirements and to meet the performance demands of the enterprise and third-party computer hardware and software applications that are critical to the enterprise. In April 2002, the Company launched the first in a line of Red Hat Enterprise Linux solutions for enterprise customers, Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS. Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS was available for shipment in May 2002. Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS was developed to compete with proprietary Unix and Windows 2000 as the primary operating platform for applications in the middle tier and data center of the information technology infrastructure of enterprises. In March 2003, the Company launched three additional technology solutions in the Red Hat Enterprise Linux line: Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES, Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS and Red Hat Network. Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES and WS broaden the areas of the information technology infrastructure to which the Company’s enterprise operating platforms are relevant. The Company provides chief information officers with the choice of a Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating platform for all application areas including the technical/developer workstation, edge of the network applications, middle tier of the information technology infrastructure (applications such as database, ERP and large file systems) and the data center. Red Hat Network provides an integrated management service that allows Red Hat Enterprise Linux technologies to be updated and configured, and the performance of these technologies to be monitored in an automated fashion. These technology solutions, and the enterprise technology and systems management offerings that will follow them, reflect the Company’s commitment to provide an enterprise-wide infrastructure platform based on open source technology.

 

NOTE 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Unaudited Interim Financial Information

 

The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements as of and for the quarter ended November 30, 2004 have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for interim financial reporting. These consolidated statements are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and accruals) necessary to present fairly the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated operating results, and consolidated cash flows for the periods presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Operating results for the three and nine month period ended November 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2005. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted in accordance with the SEC’s rules and regulations for interim reporting.

 

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Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Entities that are not wholly-owned, but for which a controlling financial interest is maintained by the Company are consolidated. The non-controlling interest of these entities is presented as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Inventory

 

The costs incurred for duplicating the computer software, documentation, and training materials sold by the Company from the product masters and costs of packaging these products for distribution are capitalized as inventory using the weighted average method and amortized to cost of sales ratably over the subscription period. The Company carries inventory at the lower of cost or market and periodically evaluates the realizability of inventory based on planned release dates of product and training updates and records a reserve for obsolescence when necessary. The reserve for inventory obsolescence was approximately $277,000 and $209,000 at November 30, 2004 and February 29, 2004, respectively.

 

Debt Issue Costs

 

The costs related to the issuance of the convertible debt offering which was closed on January 12, 2004 were capitalized and are being amortized to interest expense using the effective-interest-rate method over the life of the related debt. Issuance costs related to the Company’s convertible debt offering totaled $15.7 million and primarily consisted of investment banking fees, legal and other professional fees. Amortization expense, which is included in interest expense, was $785,000 and $2.3 million for the three and nine months ended November 30, 2004, respectively.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company evaluates the recoverability of its property and equipment and other assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” (“SFAS 144”). SFAS 144 requires that one accounting model be used for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale, whether previously held and used or newly acquired, and broadens the presentation of discontinued operations to include more disposal transactions than previous authoritative guidance. An impairment loss is recognized when the net book value of assets exceeds the estimated future undiscounted cash flows attributable to the assets or the business to which the assets relate. Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the book value exceeds the fair value of the assets. The Company had no impairments of its long lived assets in fiscal 2004 or for the quarter or nine month period ended November 30, 2004.

 

Deferred Commissions

 

Deferred commissions are the incremental costs that are directly associated with non-cancellable subscription contracts with customers and consist of sales commissions paid to the Company’s sales force. The commissions are deferred and amortized over the non-cancellable terms of the related customer contracts, which are typically 12 months. The commission payments are paid in full subsequent to the quarter in which the customer’s service commences. The deferred commission amounts are recoverable through the future revenue streams under the non-cancellable customer contracts and are therefore recorded as an asset and charged to expense over the same period that the subscription revenue is recognized. In addition, the Company has the ability and intent under the commission plans with its sales force to recover commissions previously paid to its sales force in the event that customers breach the terms of their subscription agreements and do not pay fully for their subscription agreements. Amortization of deferred commissions is included in sales and marketing expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Deferred commissions are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with Statement of Position No. 97-2, “Software Revenue Recognition,” (“SOP 97-2”), as amended by SOP 98-4 and SOP 98-9, and Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101 (“SAB 101”), as amended by Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104. The Company establishes persuasive evidence of an arrangement for each type of revenue based on either a signed contract with the end customer, a click-through contract on the Company’s website whereby the customer agrees to the Company’s standard subscription terms, signed distribution contracts with OEMs and other resellers, or, in the case of individual training seats, through receipt of payment which indicates acceptance of the Company’s training agreement terms.

 

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Subscription Revenue

 

Subscription revenue is comprised of enterprise, retail and embedded revenues. An account receivable and deferred revenue are recorded at the time a customer enters into a binding agreement for the purchase of a subscription and subscription services are made available to the customer. The deferred revenue amount is amortized to income as discussed below. See NOTE 3 for additional discussion of subscription revenue.

 

Enterprise subscription revenue is comprised primarily of revenue from sales of Red Hat Enterprise Linux technology solutions, however, through April 2004, the Company also generated enterprise subscription revenue from sales of Red Hat Linux and related software development tools. During fiscal 2003, the Company released the first version of its Red Hat Enterprise Linux offerings, Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS. In March 2003, two additional versions of Red Hat Enterprise Linux were released, Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES and WS. Red Hat Enterprise Linux (“RHEL”) products are offered with either one or three year base subscription periods; the majority of our subscriptions have one-year terms. These technologies are sold under a subscription agreement with generally specified one or three year renewal rates. The base subscription entitles the end user to the technology itself and post contract customer support (“PCS”) consisting of security errata, updates to the technology, upgrades to new versions of RHEL, on a when and if available basis, during the term of the subscription. The Company sells RHEL through four channels: distribution, direct sales, original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) and the web. The Company recognizes revenue from the sale of RHEL offerings ratably over the period of the subscription beginning on the commencement date of the subscription agreement. Accounts receivable and deferred revenue balances are recognized at the time a customer has entered into a binding agreement with the Company and the Company has the right to bill the customer under the terms of each particular agreement. The Company does not sell the RHEL technology or the components of the PCS that are included in the subscription on a stand alone basis.

 

Subscription arrangements with large enterprise customers often have contracts with multiple elements (e.g., software technology, maintenance, training, consulting and other services). The Company allocates revenue to each element of the arrangement based on vendor-specific objective evidence of its fair value when it can demonstrate sufficient evidence of the fair value of at least those elements that are undelivered. The fair value of each element in multiple element arrangements is created by either (i) providing the customer with the ability during the term of the arrangement to renew that element at the same rate paid for the element included in the initial term of the agreement or (ii) selling the element on a stand-alone basis. The services offered by the Company as part of these multiple element arrangements also meet all of the requirements set forth in SOP 97-2 to allow for these services to be accounted for separately. Enterprise subscription revenue also includes revenue from large Unix to Linux migration arrangements that were sold prior to the release of RHEL in fiscal 2003. Revenue from these pre-RHEL arrangements has generally been recognized ratably over the term of the arrangement as no pattern of performance is sufficiently discernible to allow for other than ratable recognition. These arrangements lapsed in or prior to the second quarter of fiscal 2004.

 

In addition, the Company’s enterprise subscription revenue is partially derived from sales of its Red Hat Network (“RHN”) offerings. RHN is a Company-hosted, internet-based set of services to assure the security, availability and reliability of all of the Company’s Red Hat technology solutions offered by the Company. RHN may be subscribed to at the time of, and in addition to, one of the Company’s RHEL offerings or on a stand alone basis. Revenues are recognized ratably over the term of the subscription beginning not before the commencement date of the subscription.

 

Through the Company’s retail distributors, the Company sells Red Hat Linux consumer products. The retail product is currently offered in one version: Red Hat Professional Workstation. During fiscal 2004, Red Hat sold two different versions of Red Hat Linux (9 and Professional Workstation). The revenue associated with products whose subscription period is 30 days or less is recognized immediately upon shipment to the distributor because the cost to the Company associated with such subscriptions is de minimis. For retail products whose subscription period for support services is greater than 30 days, the Company recognizes the revenue ratably over the period that the subscription services are provided beginning on the estimated date of purchase by the end user. A reserve for sales returns is recognized for sales of retail software products to distributors, who have a right of return, based on the Company’s historical experience of sell-through to the end user by the distributor. The predominant portion of the Company’s retail distribution agreements provide that distributors only have 90 days from date of original shipment to return unsold product. The Company recognizes revenues from sales of retail products with subscription periods less than 30 days upon shipment to the distributor because the Company is able to estimate returns with a reasonable degree of accuracy, the fee is fixed or determinable, collection of the resulting receivable is probable and product returns are estimable at the time its retail products sell into the retailer. The Company’s retail customers do not receive the right to future upgrades or new versions of its technology.

 

Embedded subscription consists of revenue for technical support and maintenance services provided pursuant to software compiling, debugging and optimization agreements. Revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the agreement, which is typically 12 months.

 

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Services Revenue

 

Services revenue is comprised of enterprise technology services and embedded development. Enterprise technology services are comprised of revenue for enterprise consulting and engineering services, and customer training and education. Enterprise technology services are provided under agreements in which customers either pay the Company on a fixed fee or hourly basis to assist in the deployment of enterprise technologies. Enterprise technology engineering services represent revenues earned under fixed fee arrangements with the Company’s OEM partners to add functionality to its RHEL line of technologies. Revenues under hourly arrangements are recognized as work is performed. Revenues under fixed fee arrangements are recognized either on a proportional performance basis (i.e., if the arrangement involves the delivery of software which includes significant production, customization and modification) or upon passage of time dependent upon the terms of each individual engagement. Revenue from customer training and education is recognized as the services are performed.

 

Embedded development services are contracts for software compiling, debugging, and optimization. Revenue is recognized on the proportional performance method, provided that the Company has the ability to make reliable estimates of future performance requirements, the fee for such services is fixed or determinable and collection of the resulting receivable is probable.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation based on the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”), which states that no compensation expense is recorded for stock options or other stock-based awards to employees that are granted with an exercise price equal to or above the market value per share of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. When the exercise price is less than market value, deferred compensation is recorded for the difference and is amortized to compensation expense over the vesting period of the stock option.

 

SFAS No. 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”(“SFAS 123”), as amended by SFAS No. 148 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123” (“SFAS 148”), requires the Company to disclose pro forma information regarding stock option grants issued to its employees. SFAS 123 specifies certain valuation techniques that produce estimated compensation charges that are included in the pro forma results below. These amounts have not been reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations because APB 25 specifies that no compensation charge arises when the exercise price of employees’ stock options equals the market value of the underlying stock at the grant date, as in the case of options granted to the Company’s employees. The fair value of options was estimated using the following assumptions for the three months ended November 30, 2004 and 2003:

 

     Three Months Ended
November 30, 2004


    Three Months Ended
November 30, 2003


 

Expected dividend yield

   0 %   0 %

Risk-free interest rate

   3.50 %   3.35 %

Expected volatility

   87.67 %   92.14 %

Expected life (in years)

   5     5  

 

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The following table illustrates the effect on net loss and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123 to stock based employee compensation (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

    

Three Months Ended
November 30, 2004

(unaudited)


   

Three Months Ended
November 30, 2003

(unaudited, restated)


 

Net income, as reported

   $ 10,844     $ 4,261  

Add: Recognized stock-based compensation expense for options

     1,149       514  

Deduct: total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

     (9,124 )     (19,626 )
    


 


Pro forma net income (loss)

   $ 2,869     $ (14,851 )
    


 


Earnings (loss) per share data:

                

Basic as reported

   $ .06     $ .02  

Basic pro forma

   $ .02     $ (.09 )

Diluted as reported

   $ .06     $ .02  

Diluted pro forma

   $ .01     $ (.09 )
    

Nine Months Ended
November 30, 2004

(unaudited)


   

Nine Months Ended
November 30, 2003

(unaudited, restated)


 

Net income, as reported

   $ 33,586     $ 8,946  

Add: Recognized stock-based compensation expense for options

     3,735       1,999  

Deduct: total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

     (34,800 )     (62,857 )
    


 


Pro forma net income (loss)

   $ 2,521     $ (51,912 )
    


 


Earnings (loss) per share data:

                

Basic as reported

   $ .18     $ .05  

Basic pro forma

   $ .01     $ (.30 )

Diluted as reported

   $ .17     $ .05  

Diluted pro forma

   $ .01     $ (.30 )

 

The weighted average estimated fair value of employee stock options granted was $10.54 and $9.44 per share during the three months ended November 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Deferred Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets or liabilities for the temporary differences between financial reporting and tax bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities and for tax carryforwards at enacted statutory tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. Historically, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance to fully reserve for the benefit of its deferred tax assets due to uncertainty of realization of these deferred tax assets. During the quarter ended August 31, 2004, the Company recorded $0.6 million of income tax expense and reversed $1.2 million of its valuation allowance pertaining to certain foreign deferred tax assets as it was determined to be more likely than not that the deferred tax assets in these foreign jurisdictions would be realized. During the quarter ended November 30, 2004, the Company recorded an income tax provision of $0.4 million. The net benefit recorded through the quarter ended November 30, 2004 is approximately $0.2 million.

 

The Company will continue to assess the realizability of other deferred tax assets which primarily consist of net operating losses and stock option expense deductions in the United States. In assessing the realizability of these deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. In making this assessment, management considers historical trend of taxable losses, projected future taxable income and the reversal of deferred tax liabilities. As of November 30, 2004, the Company continues to provide a full valuation allowance against the majority of its deferred tax assets arising from tax losses in the United States due primarily to (i) cumulative losses in recent periods, (ii) uncertainty related to stock option exercises and related tax deductions generated, and (iii) inherent difficulties in forecasting future taxable income as a result of rapidly changing technology and the Company’s competitive environment. However, if the Company’s positive trend of earnings continues, it is likely the valuation allowance will be reversed at some point in the future although we cannot predict which quarter this will occur. After the date on which the valuation allowance is fully reversed, the Company will begin to recognize a tax provision, with respect to U.S. Federal taxes, on a quarterly basis.

 

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Net Income Per Common Share

 

The Company computes net income per common share in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, “Earnings Per Share,” (“SFAS 128”) and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 98 (“SAB 98”). Under the provisions of SFAS 128 and SAB 98, basic net income per common share (“Basic EPS”) is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net income per common share (“Diluted EPS”) is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common share equivalents then outstanding. Potential common shares consist of shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options.

 

Segment Reporting

 

The Company identifies its reportable segments primarily based on differences in the nature of its products and services and identifies segments based on geographic location. The Company’s reportable segments are enterprise and embedded. These segments reflect the Company’s primary focus, sales of RHEL and Red Hat Network subscriptions to large enterprises, and the fact that management has decided to maintain a small but strategic presence in the embedded systems market. Retail subscription revenue is included in the enterprise segment because results of retail subscription sales are not reviewed on a disaggregated basis from the Company’s other enterprise subscriptions. Performance of these segments is evaluated based on their respective gross profit margins as disclosed in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

The Company’s enterprise segment principally relates to the sale of Red Hat technology subscriptions or support services/subscriptions for enterprise customers using Red Hat technology. All Red Hat enterprise products are infrastructure technologies. Red Hat’s enterprise services are provided in support of the enterprise technology that the Company distributes.

 

The Company’s embedded segment provides service and support primarily related to embedded devices. This business continues to target a unique subset of customers that are separate and distinct from the Company’s enterprise customers, employs dedicated resources and is managed by a separate team. The Company is beginning to see interest in subscription based technology offerings in the embedded market. Results of this segment are regularly reviewed separately from the Company’s enterprise products for the purpose of allocating resources and assessing performance.

 

The Company evaluates its assets on a consolidated basis only. Accordingly, no information has been provided and no allocations have been made related to reportable segment assets.

 

The Company manages its international business on a Europe-wide and Asia Pacific-wide basis. The following disclosure aggregates individually immaterial international operations and separately discloses the significant international operations and assets at and for the three and nine months ended November 30, 2004 and 2003 (in thousands):

 

     North
America


   Europe

    Asia Pacific
and Japan


    Total

    

Three Months Ended November 30, 2004

(unaudited)


Revenue from unaffiliated customers

   $ 33,877    $ 9,504     $ 7,544     $ 50,925

Net income (loss)

   $ 12,499    $ (414 )   $ (1,241 )   $ 10,844

Total assets at November 30, 2004

   $ 1,081,050    $ 38,865     $ 36,698     $ 1,156,613
    

Three Months Ended November 30, 2003

(unaudited, restated)


Revenue from unaffiliated customers

   $ 22,157    $ 5,917     $ 4,809     $ 32,883

Net income

   $ 2,405    $ 1,117     $ 739     $ 4,261

Total assets at November 30, 2003

   $ 409,625    $ 17,511     $ 14,758     $ 441,894
    

Nine Months Ended November 30, 2004

(unaudited)


Revenue from unaffiliated customers

   $ 93,946    $ 24,353     $ 20,714     $ 139,013

Net income (loss)

   $ 35,249    $ (2,106 )   $ 443     $ 33,586

Total assets at November 30, 2004

   $ 1,081,050    $ 38,865     $ 36,698     $ 1,156,613
    

Nine Months Ended November 30, 2003

(unaudited, restated)


Revenue from unaffiliated customers

   $ 58,706    $ 16,785     $ 12,475     $ 87,966

Net income

   $ 2,117    $ 3,518     $ 3,311     $ 8,946

Total assets at November 30, 2003

   $ 409,625    $ 17,511     $ 14,758     $ 441,894

 

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In July 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force ( EITF ) reached a consensus on EITF Issue No. 04-08, The Effect of Contingently Convertible Debt on Diluted Earnings per Share, that the impact of contingently convertible debt, such as the Company’s convertible notes, should be included in diluted net income per share computations regardless of whether the market price trigger has been met. The consensus has been ratified by the FASB, and the provisions are expected to be effective during the first quarter of 2005 in connection with the date of the revisions to SFAS 128. All prior period net income per share amounts presented would be restated to conform to the provisions of the final EITF. The Company has reviewed the provisions of EITF Issue No. 04-08 and has determined based on the “if converted” provisions of SFAS 128, “Earnings Per Share,” that the adoption would reduce diluted earnings per share by $.01 to $.05 for the three months ended November 30, 2004 and would reduce diluted earnings per share by $.02, to $.15 per share, for the nine months ended November 30, 2004. This calculation results in an additional 23 million shares outstanding related to the convertible notes included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share on an as-if converted basis.

 

In March 2004, the EITF reached a consensus on EITF Issue No. 03-01, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments (“EITF 03-1”). The guidance prescribes a three-step model for determining whether an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired and requires disclosures about unrealized losses on investments. The accounting guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2004, while the disclosure requirements are effective for annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2004. In September 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position EITF 03-0-1, Effective Date of Paragraphs 10-20 of EITF Issue No. 03-1, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments, (“FSP EITF 03-01-1”). FSP EITF 03-1-1 delays the effective date for the measurement and recognition guidance contained in paragraphs 10-20 of EITF Issue 03-1. During the period of the delay, FSP EITF 03-0-1 states that companies should continue to apply relevant other-than-temporary guidance. The adoption of EITF 03-1, excluding paragraphs 10-20, did not impact the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company will assess the impact of paragraphs 10-20 of EITF 03-1 once the guidance has been finalized.

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 123R, Share-Based Payment, (“SFAS 123R”). This revised standard addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions in which a company receives employee services in exchange for either equity instruments of the company or liabilities that are based on the fair value of the company’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. Under the new standard, companies will no longer be able to account for share-based compensation transactions using the intrinsic method in accordance with APB 25. Instead, companies will be required to account for such transactions using a fair-value method and recognize the expense in the consolidated statement of income. SFAS 123R will be effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2005 and allows, but does not require, companies to restate the full fiscal year of 2005 to reflect the impact of expensing share-based payments under SFAS 123R. The Company has not yet determined which fair-value method and transitional provision it will follow. The impact on our financial statements of applying one of the acceptable fair-value based method of accounting for stock options is disclosed in the Stock Based Compensation section above.

 

On November 29, 2004, the FASB issued Statement No. 151, Inventory Costs, an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4. Statement 151 clarifies the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material. Statement 151 is effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning in our second quarter of fiscal 2006. The Company does not believe adoption of Statement 151 will have a material effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

On December 16, 2004, the FASB issued Statement No. 153, Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets, an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29. Statement 153 addresses the measurement of exchanges of nonmonetary assets and redefines the scope of transactions that should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. Statement 153 is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges beginning in our second quarter of fiscal 2006. The Company does not believe adoption of Statement 153 will have a material effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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NOTE 3 - Restatement of Financial Statements

 

The Company’s previously issued financial statements for the quarter ended November 30, 2003 have been restated to correct its method of accounting for subscription agreements. Historically, the Company had recognized revenue for subscription agreements on a monthly basis, meaning that for a one-year subscription, one-twelfth of the subscription revenue was recognized in the calendar month of commencement of the subscription and the remaining revenue was recognized over the next 11 calendar months. In the first quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company began to recognize revenue ratably over the period of each particular subscription agreement, beginning on the commencement date of the subscription agreement. The effect of the change in method of recognizing subscription revenues on our previously reported financial statements is to defer a portion of the revenue that had been previously recognized in the month of commencement of a subscription to the final month of the subscription term. This change resulted in a decrease to previously reported subscription revenue for the three and nine month periods ended November 30, 2003 of $205,000 and $1.2 million, respectively. In addition to the adjustment to revenue, we recorded a decrease to previously reported cost of subscription revenue for the three and nine month periods ended November 30, 2003 of $319,000 and $826,000, respectively, in order to match the incremental direct cost of services of our enterprise technologies with the related revenue now being deferred. Previously reported sales and marketing expense for the three and nine month periods ended November 30, 2003 was decreased by $2,000 and $272,000 to adjust for the deferral of sales commissions associated with the revenue now being deferred. Corresponding adjustments were made to the balance sheet as of November 30, 2003. The following is a summary of changes to unaudited, selected consolidated financial data as a result of these restatements for the three and nine month periods ended November 30, 2003:

 

     Three Months Ended

   Nine Months Ended

    

November 30,
2003

As Reported


   Adjustments

    November 30,
2003
Restated


  

November 30,
2003

As Reported


   Adjustments

    November 30,
2003
Restated


Subscription and services revenue:

                                           

Subscription:

                                           

Enterprise technologies

   $ 17,779    $ (569 )   $ 17,210    $ 44,986    $ (1,702 )   $ 43,284

Retail

     3,727      364       4,091      11,310      549       11,859

Embedded

     466      —         466      1,602      —         1,602
    

  


 

  

  


 

Total subscription revenue

     21,972      (205 )     21,767      57,898      (1,153 )     56,745
    

  


 

  

  


 

Services:

                                           

Enterprise technologies

     9,887      —         9,887      28,073      —         28,073

Embedded development services

     1,229      —         1,229      3,148      —         3,148
    

  


 

  

  


 

Total services revenue

     11,116      —         11,116      31,221      —         31,221
    

  


 

  

  


 

Total subscription and services revenue

     33,088      (205 )     32,883      89,119      (1,153 )     87,966
    

  


 

  

  


 

Cost of subscription and services revenue:

                                           

Subscription:

                                           

Enterprise technonogies and retain

     2,684      (319 )     2,365      7,878      (826 )     7,052

Embedded

     69      —         69      288      —         288
    

  


 

  

  


 

Total cost of subscription revenue

     2,753      (319 )     2,434      8,166      (826 )     7,340
    

  


 

  

  


 

Services:

                                           

Enterprise technonogies

     5,356      —         5,356      15,197      —         15,197

Embedded devenopment services

     1,003      —         1,003      2,482      —         2,482
    

  


 

  

  


 

Total cost of services revenue

     6,359      —         6,359      17,679      —         17,679
    

  


 

  

  


 

Total cost of subscription and services revenue

     9,112      (319 )     8,793      25,845      (826 )     25,019
    

  


 

  

  


 

Gross profit enterprise technologies and retail

     23,353      114       23,467      61,294      (327 )     60,967

Gross profit (loss) embedded

     623      —         623      1,980      —         1,980
    

  


 

  

  


 

Total gross profit

     23,976      114       24,090      63,274      (327 )     62,947
    

  


 

  

  


 

Operating expense:

                                           

Sales and marketing

     10,064      (2 )     10,062      28,386      (272 )     28,114

Stock-based sales and marketing expense

     180      —         180      411      —         411

Research and development

     7,002      —         7,002      18,885      —         18,885

Stock-based research and development expense

     227      —         227      670      —         670

General and administrative

     4,873      —         4,873      13,288      —         13,288

Stock-based general and administrative expense

     107      —         107      918      —         918

Amortization of intangibles

     23      —         23      38      —         38
    

  


 

  

  


 

Total operating expense

     22,476      (2 )     22,474      62,596      (272 )     62,324
    

  


 

  

  


 

Income (loss) from operations

     1,500      116       1,616      678      (55 )     623

Other income and expense, net

     2,645      —         2,645      8,323      —         8,323
    

  


 

  

  


 

Income before provision for income taxes

     4,145      116       4,261      9,001      (55 )     8,946

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     —        —         —        —        —         —  
    

  


 

  

  


 

Net income

   $ 4,145    $ 116     $ 4,261    $ 9,001    $ (55 )   $ 8,946
    

  


 

  

  


 

Net income per share:

                                           

Basic

   $ 0.02            $ 0.02    $ 0.05            $ 0.05

Diluted

   $ 0.02            $ 0.02    $ 0.05            $ 0.05

Weighted average shares outstanding:

                                           

Basic

     173,996              173,996      172,417              172,417

Diluted

     184,210              184,210      185,641              185,641

 

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NOTE 4 - Comprehensive Income

 

The Company’s comprehensive income is comprised of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities classified as available-for-sale. Comprehensive income for the three and nine month periods ended November 30, 2004 and 2003 was as follows (in thousands):

 

    

Three Months
Ended November 30,
2004

(unaudited)


   

Three Months
Ended November 30,
2003

(unaudited, restated)


 

Comprehensive income:

                

Net income

   $ 10,844     $ 4,261  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     1,341       801  

Change in unrealized losses on marketable securities

     (4,533 )     (202 )
    


 


Total comprehensive income, net of taxes

   $ 7,652     $ 4,860  
    


 


    

Nine Months

Ended November 30,
2004

(unaudited)


   

Nine Months

Ended November 30,
2003

(unaudited, restated)


 

Comprehensive income:

                

Net income

   $ 33,586     $ 8,946  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     982       1,176  

Change in unrealized losses on marketable securities

     (12,721 )     (2,834 )
    


 


Total comprehensive income, net of taxes

   $ 21,847     $ 7,288  
    


 


 

As of November 30, 2004 and February 29, 2004 the Company holds investments in debt securities with an unrealized gain (loss) of $(7.3) million and $5.4 million, respectively.

 

NOTE 5 - Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets

 

Identifiable intangible assets consist primarily of trademarks, copyrights and patents, which are amortized over the estimated useful life ranging from three to 15 years. The following is a summary of identifiable intangible assets (in thousands):

 

    

As of November 30, 2004

(unaudited)


  

As of February 29, 2004

(unaudited, restated)


     Gross
Amount


   Accumulated
Amortization


    Net Amount

   Gross
Amount


   Accumulated
Amortization


    Net Amount

Trademarks, copyrights and patents

   $ 3,670    $ (2,601 )   $ 1,069    $ 3,436    $ (2,495 )   $ 941

Purchased technologies

   $ 3,023    $ (550 )   $ 2,473    $ 3,000    $ (100 )   $ 2,900

 

The following is a rollforward of goodwill by reportable segment for the nine months ended November 30, 2004 (in thousands):

 

     Enterprise

   Embedded

   Consolidated

Balance at February 29, 2004

   $ 46,356    19,516    $ 65,872

Additions

     62    —        62

Impact of foreign currency fluctuations

     334    —        334
    

  
  

Balance at November 30, 2004

   $ 46,752    19,516    $ 66,268
    

  
  

 

No impairments to goodwill or identifiable assets were required to be recognized during the nine months ended November 30, 2004 or the year ended February 29, 2004.

 

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NOTE 6 - Legal Proceedings

 

Red Hat Professional Consulting, Inc., formerly PTI, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company acquired in February 2001, together with its former directors and some of its former principal shareholders, is a defendant in a suit brought by a former employee in DeKalb County Superior Court in Georgia. The plaintiff asserts, among other things, breach of various employment agreements and seeks monetary damages. PTI has filed affirmative defenses and counterclaims denying all liability and has filed a motion to dismiss which remains pending. All discovery in the matter is complete. The Company has been indemnified in this matter by the former PTI shareholders and further believes that the likelihood of a material loss is remote.

 

Commencing on or about March 29, 2001, the Company and certain of its officers and directors were named as defendants in a series of purported class action suits arising out of the Company’s initial public offering and secondary offering. On August 8, 2001, Chief Judge Michael Mukasey of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York issued an order that transferred all of the so-called IPO allocation actions, including the complaints involving the Company, to one judge for coordinated pre-trial proceedings. The court has consolidated the actions into a single action. The plaintiffs contend that the defendants violated federal securities laws by issuing registration statements and prospectuses that contained materially false and misleading information and failed to disclose material information. Plaintiffs also challenge certain IPO allocation practices by underwriters and the lack of disclosure thereof in initial public offering documents. On April 19, 2002, plaintiffs filed amended complaints in each of the 300 consolidated actions, including the Red Hat action. The relief sought consists of unspecified damages. No discovery has occurred to date. The individual director and officer defendants have been dismissed from the case without prejudice. The Company believes these complaints are without merit and will defend itself vigorously in this matter. However, there can be no assurance that this matter will be resolved in our favor. The Company, among other issuers, the plaintiffs, and the insurers have agreed, in concept, to a proposed settlement whereby the Company would be released from this litigation without further payment from the Company. That proposed settlement has been submitted to the court for its consideration; however, there is no certainty that the court will approve the settlement.

 

Commencing on August 4, 2003, the Company filed suit against The SCO Group, Inc. (“SCO”) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware (Civil Action No. 03-722 SLR) seeking a declaratory judgment that the Company is not infringing any of SCO’s intellectual property rights. In addition, the Company has asserted claims against SCO under Delaware and federal law, including deceptive trade practices, unfair competition, tortious interference with prospective business opportunities, trade libel and violations of the Lanham Act. The Company contends that SCO has made false and misleading public statements alleging that software code, in which SCO claims to own copyrights and trade secrets, was misappropriated and incorporated into the Company’s product, and SCO has threatened legal action. On September 15, 2003, SCO filed a motion to dismiss contending, among other things, that no actual controversy exists such that the declaratory judgment that the Company seeks would be warranted. On April 6, 2004, the Court denied SCO’s Motion to Dismiss but stayed further action in the case pending the resolution of litigation pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah between SCO and IBM. On April 20, 2004, the Company filed a motion for reconsideration contending that a stay based on the Utah case would be inappropriate; SCO has filed an opposition to that motion. That motion is now pending before the Court. At this early stage of the proceedings, no assurance can be given as to the outcome.

 

As of November 30, 2004, 14 class action lawsuits had been filed against the Company and several of its present and former officers on behalf of investors who purchased the Company’s securities during various periods from June 19, 2001 through July 13, 2004. All 14 suits were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. In each of the actions, plaintiffs seek to represent a class of purchasers of the Company’s common stock during some or all of the period from June 19, 2001 through July 13, 2004. All of the claims arose in connection with the Company’s announcement on July 13, 2004 that it would restate certain of its financial statements (the “Restatement”). One or more of the plaintiffs assert that certain present and former officers (the “Individual Defendants”) and the Company variously violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder by issuing the financial statements that the Company subsequently restated. One or more of the plaintiffs seek unspecified damages, interest, costs, attorneys’ and experts’ fees, an accounting of certain profits obtained by the Individual Defendants from trading in Red Hat common stock; disgorgement by our Chief Executive and former Chief Financial Officer of certain compensation and profits from trading in the Company’s common stock, pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and other relief. As of September 8, 2004, all of these class action lawsuits have been consolidated into a single action referenced as Civil Action No. 5:04-CV-473BR and titled In re Red Hat, Inc. Securities Litigation. Plaintiffs’ counsel are now seeking designation as lead counsel. The Company intends to vigorously defend this class action lawsuit. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful, and an adverse resolution of the lawsuit could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations in the period in which the lawsuit is resolved. The Company is not presently able to reasonably estimate potential losses, if any, related to the lawsuit.

 

In addition to the class action claims, two purported shareholder derivative actions were filed on July 22, 2004 and August 24, 2004, respectively, in the New Castle County Court of Chancery in Delaware in connection with the Restatement against certain present and former officers and directors of the Company, and in one case against PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and in each case also

 

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naming the Company as a nominal defendant. The suits claim that certain of the Company’s present and former officers and directors breached their fiduciary duties to the Company’s stockholders and to the Company. The complaints are derivative in nature and do not seek relief from the Company. On September 29, 2004, an order was entered consolidating the two actions into a single action referenced as Consolidated Civil Action No. 586-N and titled In re Red Hat, Inc. Derivative Litigation. On November 30, 2004, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint. The Company believes there are substantial legal and factual defenses to the claims, which the Company intends to vigorously pursue. There is no assurance the Company will prevail in defending these actions.

 

In addition to the derivative actions filed in Delaware, a purported shareholder derivative action was filed on August 20, 2004, in the Wake County Superior Court in North Carolina (Civil Action No. 04-CVS-11746) in connection with the Restatement against certain present and former officers and directors of the Company and also naming the Company as a nominal defendant. The suit claims that certain of the Company’s present and former officers and directors breached their fiduciary duties to the Company’s stockholders and to the Company. The complaint is derivative in nature and does not seek relief from the Company. The Company believes there are substantial legal and factual defenses to the claims, which the Company intends to vigorously pursue. There is no assurance the Company will prevail in defending these actions.

 

Commencing on October 7, 2004, a petition was entered in the United States Bankruptcy Court in the Eastern District of North Carolina (Case No. 04-03642-5) by the bankruptcy administrator of ArsDigita GmbH, a German company, seeking to recover certain assets acquired by RH Interchange, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, in an asset acquisition in February 2002. Petitioner claims that the German company received insufficient consideration for the transfer of the purchased assets and seeks to avoid that portion of the transaction pertaining to the German company. Petitioner seeks recovery of those transferred assets still in the possession of either the Company or RH Interchange and compensation for those assets no longer in their possession. On November 29, 2004, the Company and its subsidiary filed a motion to dismiss the petition. The Company believes there are substantial legal and factual defenses to the petition, which the Company intends to vigorously pursue. There is no assurance the Company will prevail in defending this action. The Company is not presently able to reasonably estimate potential losses, if any, related to the petition.

 

The Company also experiences other routine litigation in the normal course of our business. The Company believes that the outcome of this routine litigation will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

NOTE 7 - Income Taxes

 

During the quarter ended August 31, 2004, the Company recorded $0.6 million of income tax expense and reversed $1.2 million of its valuation allowance pertaining to certain foreign deferred tax assets as it was determined to be more likely than not that the deferred tax assets in these foreign jurisdictions would be realized. During the quarter ended November 30, 2004, the Company recorded an income tax provision of $0.4 million. The net benefit recorded through the quarter ended November 30, 2004 is approximately $0.2 million.

 

The Company continues to assess the realizability of other deferred tax assets which primarily consist of net operating losses and stock option expense deductions in the United States. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. In making this assessment, management considers historical trend of taxable losses, projected future taxable income and the reversal of deferred tax liabilities. As of November 30, 2004, the Company continues to provide a full valuation allowance against the majority of its deferred tax assets arising from tax losses in the United States due primarily to (i) cumulative losses in recent periods, (ii) uncertainty related to stock option exercises and related tax deductions generated, and (iii) inherent difficulties in forecasting future taxable income as a result of rapidly changing technology and the Company’s competitive environment. However, if the Company’s positive trend of earnings continues, it is likely the valuation allowance will be reversed at some point in the future although we cannot predict which quarter this will occur. After the date on which the valuation allowance is fully reversed, the Company will begin to recognize a tax provision, with respect to U.S. Federal taxes, on a quarterly basis.

 

NOTE 8 – Share Repurchase Program

 

On September 29, 2004, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized a program to repurchase up to $100 million of the Company’s common stock, par value $.0001 per share, from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The program will expire on the earlier of (i) September 30, 2005, or (ii) a determination by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Office or the Chief Financial Officer to discontinue the program. During the quarter ended November 30, 2004, the Company acquired 3,390,100 shares under the repurchase program at a total cost of $45.2 million.

 

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NOTE 9 - Subsequent Event

 

On December 7, 2004, the Company completed its purchase of the Netscape Security Solutions unit from Netscape Communications Corporation and America Online, Inc. (together, the “Sellers”) for a purchase price of $20.5 million in cash. An additional $2.5 million is payable by Red Hat contingent on certain future customer orders being placed on or before April 30, 2005. The assets acquired are derived from the Netscape Enterprise Suite and include Netscape Directory Server and Netscape Certificate Management System.

 

ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Investors are cautioned that statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not strictly historical statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding current or future financial performance, management’s plans and objectives for future operations, product plans and performance, management’s assessment of market factors, and statements regarding the strategy and plans of Red Hat and its strategic partners, constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of Red Hat’s future performance and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause Red Hat’s actual results in the future to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the risks detailed below and in Red Hat’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which may be accessed through the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.

 

OVERVIEW

 

Red Hat offers users a single, trusted point of contact and a common platform for developing, deploying and managing open source software across Internet infrastructure and devices that connect to the Internet, ranging from small embedded devices to high-availability clusters and integrated web server/e-commerce operating systems. Red Hat Network (“RHN”), our unique management technology, helps companies efficiently manage their networks and systems by delivering open source products, services, support and information on-line, in real-time. Open source software is an alternative to proprietary software. There are no licensing fees associated with open source software. Therefore, we do not recognize any separate distinguishable value from the sale of the code itself. We derive the value from the sale of our open source solutions by the value we add through the integration and testing of open source technology and by the managed services we provide for our technologies through the RHN. We sell our technology principally through subscriptions and we recognize our technology based revenue over the period of the technology subscription relationships with our customers. Our products and services are offered primarily to large enterprises, government organizations, and small and medium size businesses.

 

We have focused on introducing and gaining acceptance for our enterprise technologies, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (“RHEL”) AS, ES and WS and Red Hat Network for the past two fiscal years. In May 2002, we introduced our initial Red Hat Enterprise Linux offering, Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS, formerly called Advanced Server. Since its initial introduction, Red Hat Enterprise Linux has gained broad support from independent software and hardware vendors. We have continued to focus on our Enterprise line of technologies by expanding our enterprise operating platform offerings and introducing new systems management products. As discussed in our critical accounting policies, these offerings typically have a twelve month revenue recognition period which matches the subscription period.

 

For the quarter ended November 30, 2004, total revenue increased 54.9% to $50.9 million from $32.9 million in the quarter ended November 30, 2003. This increase has resulted from an increasing level of adoption of Red Hat Enterprise Linux as a primary computing platform by the larger enterprise customers and the introduction of two additional Red Hat Enterprise Linux offerings in March 2003, Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES and WS. These new products are targeted at the lower end of the server market and the technical/developer workstation market, respectively, and have less features and more limited service level agreements. Our ability to continue to increase adoption rates of Red Hat Enterprise Linux and maintain competitive pricing are critical to our success.

 

On December 7, 2004, we completed the purchase of the Netscape Security Solutions unit from Netscape Communications Corporation and America Online, Inc. (together, the “Sellers”) for a purchase price of $20.5 million in cash. An additional $2.5 million is payable by Red Hat contingent on certain future customer orders being placed on or before April 30, 2005. The assets acquired are derived from the Netscape Enterprise Suite and include Netscape Directory Server and Netscape Certificate Management System.

 

We derive our revenues and generate cash from customers from two sources (i) subscription revenue, which includes retail, enterprise subscriptions, and embedded subscriptions and (ii) services revenue which includes enterprise and embedded services. For the quarters

 

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ended November 30, 2004 and 2003, our revenues were $50.9 million and $32.9 million, respectively. The arrangements that create Enterprise subscription revenue are explained in detail in our Revenue Recognition footnote included in our Critical Accounting Policies and in NOTE 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. These arrangements typically involve the sale of subscriptions to Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Our revenues are affected by corporate, government and consumer spending levels. In evaluating the performance of our business, management considers a number of factors. These factors include total revenues, gross margin, operating margin, operating income and cash flows on a geographic basis. In addition, management considers the following factors:

 

  Subscriptions. Our RHEL products: AS, ES and WS are sold under subscription agreements. These arrangements typically have a one year subscription period. The base subscription entitles the end user to one year of maintenance, which includes end user configuration support and updates to the technology, when and if available, during the term of the subscription. Subscriptions increased again in the third quarter of fiscal 2005. The increase in sales is being driven by the market acceptance of using the Linux operating system in enterprise data centers as well as the strategic agreements we entered into with leading technology companies that included the distribution of RHEL by these companies, which are detailed in the strategic relationships discussion of the Business section of our Form 10-K/A.

 

  Sales by geography. We operate our business in three geographic regions; North America (U.S. and Canada); Europe, Middle East and Africa, or EMEA; and Asia Pacific, including, Japan, Australia, India, Korea and China. In the third quarter of fiscal 2005, 33.5% of our revenue was generated outside North America compared to 32.6% for the same period in fiscal 2004. This percentage is expected to continue to increase as our international sales force and channels become more mature.

 

  Deferred revenue balances. Our deferred revenue balance at November 30, 2004 was $121.4 million. Because of our subscription model and revenue recognition policies, deferred revenues improve predictability of future revenues. Deferred revenues at November 30, 2004, have increased by more than 22% compared to the August 31, 2004 balance.

 

  Cash, cash equivalents and investments in debt securities. Cash, cash equivalents and investments in debt securities balance at November 30, 2004, totaled $979.0 million. During the first nine months of fiscal 2005, we generated $91.7 million in cash flow from operations primarily related to the increase in sales of subscriptions to Red Hat Enterprise Linux during the fiscal year. Our significant cash balance gives us the ability to take advantage of acquisition opportunities and increase our international growth.

 

  In fiscal 2005, we are focused on, among other things, (i) continuing to build on the market momentum in the migration to the Linux operating system by enterprise customers; (ii) continuing our market penetration through channel partners; (iii) driving renewal rates of subscriptions sold in prior periods and (iv) increasing the contribution to our subscription sales by Intel hardware vendors.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our critical accounting policies include the following:

 

  Revenue recognition;

 

  Impairment of long-lived assets; and

 

  Deferred taxes.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We recognize revenue in accordance with Statement of Position No. 97-2, “Software Revenue Recognition” (“SOP 97-2”), as amended by SOP 98-4 and SOP 98-9, and Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101 (“SAB 101”), as amended by Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104. Revenue recognition in accordance with these pronouncements can be complex due to the nature and variability of our sales transactions.

 

Subscription Revenue

 

Subscription revenue is comprised of enterprise, retail and embedded revenues. An account receivable and deferred revenue are recorded at the time a customer enters into a binding agreement for the purchase of a subscription and subscription services are made available to the customer. The deferred revenue amount is amortized to income as discussed below. See NOTE 3 for additional discussion of subscription revenue.

 

Enterprise subscription revenue is comprised primarily of revenue from sales of Red Hat Enterprise Linux technology solutions, however, through April 2004, we also generated enterprise subscription revenue from sales of Red Hat Linux and related software development tools. During fiscal 2003, we released the first version of our Red Hat Enterprise Linux offerings, Red Hat Enterprise

 

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Linux AS. In March 2003, two additional versions of Red Hat Enterprise Linux were released, Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES and WS. Red Hat Enterprise Linux (“RHEL”) products are offered with either one or three year base subscription periods; the majority of our subscriptions have one-year terms. Under these subscription agreements, renewal rates are generally specified for one or three year renewal terms. The base subscription entitles the end user to the technology itself and post contract customer support (“PCS”) consisting of security errata, updates to the technology, upgrades to new versions of RHEL, on a when and if available basis, during the term of the subscription. We sell RHEL through four channels: distribution, direct sales, original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) and the web. We recognize revenue from the sale of RHEL offerings ratably over the period of the subscription beginning on the commencement date of the subscription agreement. Accounts receivable and deferred revenue balances are recognized at the time a customer has entered into a binding agreement with us and we have the right to bill the customer under the terms of each particular agreement. We do not sell the RHEL technology or the components of the PCS that are included in the subscription on a stand alone basis.

 

Subscription arrangements with large enterprise customers often have contracts with multiple elements (e.g., software technology, maintenance, training, consulting and other services). We allocate revenue to each element of the arrangement based on vendor-specific objective evidence of its fair value when we can demonstrate sufficient evidence of the fair value of at least those elements that are undelivered. The fair value of each element in multiple element arrangements is created by either (i) providing the customer with the ability during the term of the arrangement to renew that element at the same rate paid for the element included in the initial term of the agreement or (ii) selling the services on a stand-alone basis. Enterprise subscription revenue also includes revenue from large Unix to Linux migration arrangements that were sold prior to the release of RHEL in fiscal 2003. Revenue from these pre- RHEL arrangements has generally been recognized ratably over the term of the arrangement as no pattern of performance is sufficiently discernible to allow for other than ratable recognition. These arrangements lapsed in or prior to the second quarter of fiscal 2004.

 

In addition, our enterprise subscription revenue is partially derived from sales of our RHN offerings. RHN is a Company-hosted, internet-based set of services to help assure the security, availability and reliability of all of our Red Hat technology solutions that we offer. RHN may be subscribed to at the time of, and in addition to, one of our RHEL offerings or on a stand alone basis. Revenues are recognized ratably over the term of the subscription beginning on the commencement date of the subscription.

 

Through our retail distributors, we sell Red Hat Linux consumer products. The retail product is currently offered in one version: Red Hat Professional Workstation. During fiscal 2004, we sold two different versions of Red Hat Linux (9 and Professional Workstation). In accordance with SOP 97-2, the revenue associated with products whose subscription period is 30 days or less is recognized immediately because the cost to us associated with such subscriptions is de minimis. For retail products whose subscription period for support services is greater than 30 days, we recognize the revenue ratably over the period that the subscription services are provided beginning on the estimated date of purchase by the end user. A reserve for sales returns is recognized for sales of retail software products to distributors, who have a right of return, based on our historical experience of sell-through to the end user by the distributor. The predominant portion of our retail distribution agreements provide that distributors only have 90 days from date of original shipment to return unsold product. We recognize revenues from sales of retail products with subscription periods less than 30 days upon shipment to the distributor because we are able to estimate returns with a reasonable degree of accuracy, the fee is fixed and determinable, and collection of the resulting receivable is probable. Our retail customers do not receive the right to future upgrades or new versions of its technology.

 

Embedded subscription consists of revenue for technical support and maintenance services provided pursuant to software compiling, debugging, and optimization agreements. Revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the agreement, which is typically 12 months.

 

Services Revenue

 

Services revenue is comprised of enterprise technology services and embedded development. Enterprise technology services are comprised of revenue for enterprise consulting and engineering services, and customer training and education. Enterprise technology consulting services are provided under agreements in which customers pay us on a fixed fee or hourly basis to assist in the deployment of enterprise technologies. Enterprise technology engineering services represent revenues earned under fixed fee arrangements with our OEM partners to add functionality to our RHEL line of technologies. Revenues under hourly arrangements are recognized as work is performed. Revenues under fixed fee arrangements are recognized either on a proportional performance basis (i.e., if the arrangement involves the delivery of software that includes significant production, customization and modification) or upon passage of time dependent upon the terms of each individual engagement. Revenue from customer training and education is recognized as the services are performed.

 

Embedded development services are contracts for software compiling, debugging, and optimization. Revenue is recognized on the proportional performance method, provided that the Company has the ability to make reliable estimates of future performance requirements, the fee for such services is fixed and determinable and collection of the resulting receivable is probable.

 

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Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

We evaluate the recoverability of our property and equipment and other assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” (“SFAS 144”). SFAS 144 requires that one accounting model be used for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale, whether previously held and used or newly acquired, and broadens the presentation of discontinued operations to include more disposal transactions. An impairment loss is recognized when the net book value of such assets exceeds the estimated future undiscounted cash flows attributable to the assets or the business to which the assets relate. We perform this assessment on an annual basis, typically during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year. Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the assets.

 

Deferred Taxes

 

We account for income taxes using the liability method that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets or liabilities for the temporary differences between financial reporting and tax bases of our assets and liabilities and for tax carryforwards at enacted statutory tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. Historically, we have recorded a valuation allowance to fully reserve for the benefit of its deferred tax assets due to uncertainty of realization of these deferred tax assets. During the quarter ended August 31, 2004, we recorded $0.6 million of income tax expense and reversed $1.2 million of our valuation allowance pertaining to certain foreign deferred tax assets as it was determined to be more likely than not that the deferred tax assets in these foreign jurisdictions would be realized. During the quarter ended November 30, 2004, we recorded an income tax provision of $0.4 million. The net benefit recorded through the quarter ended November 30, 2004 is approximately $0.2 million.

 

We will continue to assess the realizablity of other deferred tax assets which primarily consist of net operating losses and stock option expense deductions in the United States. In assessing the realizability of these deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. In making this assessment, management considers historical trend of taxable losses, projected future taxable income and the reversal of deferred tax liabilities. As of November 30, 2004, we continue to provide a full valuation allowance against the majority of our deferred tax assets arising from tax losses in the United States due primarily to (i) cumulative losses in recent periods, (ii) uncertainty related to stock option exercises and related tax deductions generated, and (iii) inherent difficulties in forecasting future taxable income as a result of rapidly changing technology and the Company’s competitive environment. However, if our positive trend of earnings continues, it is likely the valuation allowance will be reversed at some point in the future although we cannot predict which quarter this will occur. After the date on which the valuation allowance is fully reversed, we will begin to recognize a tax provision, with respect to U.S. Federal taxes, on a quarterly basis.

 

RESTATEMENT

 

Our previously issued consolidated balance sheet as of February 29, 2004 and consolidated statements of operations and of cash flows for the three and nine month periods ended November 30, 2003, have been restated to reflect our change in accounting to correct our method of revenue recognition related to subscription agreements. Historically, we had recognized revenue for subscription agreements ratably on a monthly basis, meaning that for a one-year subscription one-twelfth of the subscription revenue was recognized in the calendar month of commencement of the subscription and the remaining revenue was recognized over the next 11 calendar months. In the first quarter of fiscal 2005, we began recognizing revenue over the term of each particular subscription agreement, beginning on the commencement date of the subscription agreement. The effect of using the new method on our previously reported financial statements is to defer a portion of the revenue that had been previously recognized in the month of commencement of a subscription to the month in which the subscription ends. See NOTE 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following table is a summary of our results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended November 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, with further explanation of the variances below:

 

     Three Months Ended

    Nine Months Ended

 
     November 30,
2004


   

November 30,

2003


    November 30,
2004


   

November 30,

2003


 
     (unaudited)     (unaudited, restated)     (unaudited)     (unaudited, restated)  

Subscription and services revenue:

                                

Subscription:

                                

Enterprise technologies

   $ 38,113     $ 17,210     $ 102,022     $ 43,284  

Retail

     512       4,091       1,448       11,859  

Embedded

     597       466       1,245       1,602  
    


 


 


 


       39,222       21,767       104,715       56,745  
    


 


 


 


Services:

                                

Enterprise technologies

     10,771       9,887       31,749       28,073  

Embedded development services

     932       1,229       2,549       3,148  
    


 


 


 


       11,703       11,116       34,298       31,221  
    


 


 


 


Total subscription and services revenue

     50,925       32,883       139,013       87,966  
    


 


 


 


Cost of subscription and services revenue:

                                

Subscription:

                                

Enterprise technologies and retail

     3,554       2,365       8,274       7,052  

Embedded

     59       69       190       288  
    


 


 


 


       3,613       2,434       8,464       7,340  
    


 


 


 


Services:

                                

Enterprise technologies

     5,684       5,356       16,411       15,197  

Embedded development services

     792       1,003       2,405       2,482  
    


 


 


 


       6,476       6,359       18,816       17,679  
    


 


 


 


Total cost of subscription and services revenue

     10,089       8,793       27,280       25,019  
    


 


 


 


Gross profit enterprise technologies and retail

     40,158       23,467       110,534       60,967  

Gross profit embedded

     678       623       1,199       1,980  
    


 


 


 


Gross profit on enterprise technologies, retail and embedded revenue

     40,836       24,090       111,733       62,947  

Operating expense:

                                

Sales and marketing

     15,652       10,062       43,622       28,114  

Research and development

     7,883       7,002       23,353       18,885  

General and administrative

     8,360       4,873       21,006       13,288  

Stock-based compensation and amortization of intangibles

     1,350       537       4,273       2,037  
    


 


 


 


Total operating expense

     33,245       22,474       92,254       62,324  
    


 


 


 


Income from operations

     7,591       1,616       19,479       623  

Other income, net

     5,384       2,694       18,715       8,556  

Interest expense

     (1,684 )     (49 )     (4,802 )     (233 )
    


 


 


 


Income before provision for income taxes

     11,291       4,261       33,392       8,946  

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     447       —         (194 )     —    
    


 


 


 


Net income

   $ 10,844     $ 4,261     $ 33,586     $ 8,946  
    


 


 


 


 

Three Months Ended November 30, 2004 and November 30, 2003

 

Total revenue

 

Total revenue increased 54.9% to $50.9 million in the three months ended November 30, 2004 from $32.9 million in the three months ended November 30, 2003. This increase was driven by significant growth in the enterprise subscription revenues of our business, offset somewhat by a decrease in retail revenue which is due to our focus on the sale of subscriptions to our enterprise technologies to large customers rather than on the consumer market.

 

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Subscription revenue

 

Subscription revenue is comprised of revenue from enterprise technologies (Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Red Hat Network), retail technologies and embedded customers. Subscription revenue increased to $39.2 million for the three months ended November 30, 2004 from $21.8 million for the three months ended November 30, 2003.

 

Enterprise technologies

 

Enterprise technologies revenue primarily relates to both direct and indirect sales of Red Hat Enterprise Linux and other related software solutions. Enterprise technologies revenue increased 121.5% to $38.1 million for the three months ended November 30, 2004 from $17.2 million for the three months ended November 30, 2003. The increase is directly related to the number of deployed units of Red Hat Enterprise Linux as a result of units sold in previous quarters as well as sales of RHEL during the current quarter. These arrangements typically have a one year subscription period. The base subscription entitles the end user to one year of maintenance, which entitles the end user to configuration support and updates to the technology, when and if available, during the term of the subscription. The increase in sales is being driven by the market acceptance of the Linux operating system in mission critical areas of computing by the large enterprise, the introduction of two additional Red Hat Enterprise Linux offerings in March 2003, RHEL ES and WS and the strategic agreements we entered into with leading technology companies that provide for the distribution of Red Hat Enterprise Linux by these companies.

 

Retail

 

Retail revenue, which consists of sales of Red Hat Linux and Professional Workstation to consumers through either value added resellers or distributors, decreased 87.5% to $0.5 million for the quarter ended November 30, 2004 from $4.1 million for the quarter ended November 30, 2003. This decrease is due to our focus on the sale of subscriptions to our Enterprise technologies to large Enterprise customers rather than on the consumer market. This market is no longer a strategic source of revenue for us but instead represents a channel for providing leading edge technology to sophisticated users. Certain users are expected to help us improve new technology to the point it has the stability to be introduced into our Enterprise offerings. We expect our retail revenues to continue to decline in fiscal 2005 due to fewer planned product releases during the fiscal year.

 

Embedded subscription

 

Embedded subscription revenue increased to $0.6 million for the three months ended November 30, 2004 from $0.5 million for the three months ended November 30, 2003. The slight increase in the embedded market is due to continued interest in the semiconductor and telecommunications industries in integrating the Linux operating system in certain devices and systems. We will continue to maintain a strategic presence in this market as we believe that a Linux/open source platform will provide a significant value advantage in the embedded market in the future.

 

Services revenue

 

Enterprise technologies services

 

Enterprise technologies services include fees received from enterprise customers for deployment of Red Hat Enterprise technologies, customer training and education fees and fees received for adding certain functionality to RHEL for our OEM partners. Enterprise technologies services revenue increased 8.9% to $10.8 million in the three months ended November 30, 2004 from $9.9 million in the three months ended November 30, 2003. The increase in enterprise technologies services revenue is primarily due to an increase in the revenues earned from customer training and education of $1.2 million. We continue to view our customer training and education business as a leading indicator of demand for the use of our Red Hat Enterprise Linux technologies by enterprise customers. The adoption of Linux as a primary computing platform increases the need to train system administrators and developers. This increase was offset by a decrease in consulting fees received from enterprise customers for deployment of Red Hat Enterprise technologies of approximately $0.3 million.

 

Embedded development services

 

Embedded development services revenue decreased 24.1% for the three months ended November 30, 2004 to $0.9 million compared to $1.2 million for the three months ended November 30, 2003. The reduction primarily relates to our reduction in focus and personnel on this business to a small core team which maintains a strategic presence in this marketplace, though we have seen continued interest in integrating the Linux operating system in certain devices and systems.

 

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Cost of revenue

 

Cost of subscription revenue

 

Cost of subscription revenue primarily consists of expenses we incur to manufacture, package, distribute, support and maintain our solutions. These costs include expenses for physical media, literature and packaging, fulfillment and shipping, labor related costs to provide technical support and maintenance and bandwidth costs for Red Hat Network. Cost of subscription revenue increased 48.4% to $3.6 million in the three months ended November 30, 2004 from $2.4 million in the three months ended November 30, 2003. The increase is the result of additions to our technical support staff at each of our three call center locations to meet the demands of our growing subscriber base.

 

Cost of services revenue

 

Cost of services revenue is primarily comprised of salaries and related costs incurred for our personnel to deliver custom development, open source consulting engineering, training and education, and hardware certification services. We incur no direct costs related to royalties received from the licensing of our trademarks to third parties. Cost of services revenue increased 1.8% to $6.5 million in the three months ended November 30, 2004 from $6.4 million in the three months ended November 30, 2003. The increase is primarily related to an increase in costs associated with our training and education services of $0.7 million which is consistent with the increase in revenue. This increase was partially offset by decreases in the cost of our professional consulting services of $0.3 million and in the cost of our embedded services of $0.2 million. Both of these reductions were related to headcount reductions.

 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit increased 69.5% to $40.8 million in the three months ended November 30, 2004 from $24.1 million in the three months ended November 30, 2003. Our total gross margin percentage was 80.2% for the three months ended November 30, 2004 compared to 73.3% for the three months ended November 30, 2003. These increases were primarily due to the increase in revenue related to our Red Hat Enterprise Linux offerings. Enterprise technologies and retail subscriptions gross margins were 90.8% for the three months ended November 30, 2004 compared to 88.9% in the three months ended November 30, 2003. Our Enterprise technologies services gross margins were 47.2% and 45.8%, respectively, for the three months ended November 30, 2004 and 2003.

 

Operating expenses

 

Sales and marketing

 

Sales and marketing expense consists primarily of salaries and other related costs for sales and marketing personnel, sales commissions, travel, public relations and marketing materials and tradeshows. Sales and marketing expense increased 55.6% to $15.7 million (30.7% of total revenue) in the three months ended November 30, 2004 from $10.1 million (30.6% of total revenue) in the three months ended November 30, 2003. This increase was primarily due to a $4.3 million increase in enterprise sales costs as we increased the size of our direct outside sales and our channel sales forces as well as a $1.3 million increase in our marketing costs.

 

Research and development

 

Research and development expense consists primarily of personnel and related costs for development of software technologies and systems management offerings. Research and development expense increased 12.6% to $7.9 million (15.5% of total revenue) in the three months ended November 30, 2004 from $7.0 million (21.3% of total revenue) in the three months ended November 30, 2003. The increase in research and development expense resulted from an increase in engineering headcount to support the development and integration of our Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating platforms as well as our Desktop and Storage products. We acquired Sistina in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 and added approximately $0.6 million per quarter in cost related to Sistina’s file storage development team. We have also been adding resources to our Desktop team and the cost associated with this team has increased by $0.5 million on a quarterly basis.

 

General and administrative

 

General and administrative expense consists primarily of personnel and related costs, including professional fees, for general corporate functions, including finance, accounting, legal, human resources, facilities and information systems expenses. General and administrative expense increased 71.6% to $8.4 million (16.4% of total revenues) in the three months ended November 30, 2004 from $4.9 million (14.8% of total revenues) in the three months ended November 30, 2003. This increase relates primarily to increased professional fees of $1.6 million incurred in connection with legal and accounting fees associated with the restatement of certain of our previously filed financial statements in the summer of 2004 and related litigation, Sarbanes-Oxley 404 compliance and consulting services related to our long-term compensation plans. The remaining increase is primarily related to higher payroll costs of $0.3 million and additional bad debt expense of $0.4 million.

 

Stock-based compensation and amortization of intangibles

 

Stock-based compensation and amortization of intangibles expense increased $0.8 million to $1.3 million in the three months ended November 30, 2004 from $0.5 million in the three months ended November 30, 2003. Costs incurred for acquiring trademarks,

 

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copyrights and patents are capitalized as intangibles and amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from three to ten years. The increase in stock-based compensation and amortization of intangibles is primarily due to the amortization of certain stock awards granted in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004.

 

Other income

 

Other income consists of interest income earned on cash deposited in money market accounts and invested in short- and long-term fixed income instruments and foreign currency transaction gains and losses, net. Other income increased to $5.4 million in the three months ended November 30, 2004 from $2.7 million in the three months ended November 30, 2003. The increase is primarily related to increased interest income associated with the increase in our cash and investment balances related to the debt offering in January 2004.

 

Interest expense

 

Interest expense consists of interest expense incurred on short term debt, capital leases and the convertible notes. Interest expense increased to $1.7 million in the three months ended November 30, 2004 from $0.1 million in the three months ended November 30, 2003. The increase is principally related to interest expense associated with the convertible notes including amortization of debt issuance costs related to our convertible debt of $0.8 million in the three months ended November 30, 2004.

 

Provision for income taxes

 

The provision for income taxes for the three months ended November 30, 2004 was $0.4 million. There was no provision recorded in the three months ended November 30, 2003. The increase represents a provision of $0.4 million related to those jurisdictions with projected taxable income.

 

Nine Months Ended November 30, 2004 and November 30, 2003

 

Total revenue

 

Total revenue increased 58.0% to $139.0 million in the nine months ended November 30, 2004 from $88.0 million in the nine months ended November 30, 2003. This increase was driven by significant growth in the enterprise subscription revenues of our business offset somewhat by a decrease in retail revenue which is due to our focus on the sale of subscriptions to our enterprise technologies to large customers rather than on the consumer market.

 

Subscription revenue

 

Subscription revenue is comprised of revenue from enterprise technologies (Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Red Hat Network), retail technologies and embedded customers. Subscription revenue increased 84.5% to $104.7 million for the nine months ended November 30, 2004 from $56.7 million for the nine months ended November 30, 2003.

 

Enterprise technologies

 

Enterprise technologies revenue primarily relates to both direct and indirect sales of Red Hat Enterprise Linux and other related software solutions. Enterprise technologies revenue increased 135.7% to $ 102.0 million for the nine months ended November 30, 2004 from $43.3 million for the nine months ended November 30, 2003. The increase is directly related to the number of deployed units of Red Hat Enterprise Linux as a result of units sold in previous quarters as well as sales of RHEL during the current quarter. These arrangements typically have a one year subscription period. The base subscription entitles the end user to one year of maintenance, which entitles the end user to configuration support and updates to the technology, when and if available, during the term of the subscription. The increase in sales volume is being driven by the market acceptance of the Linux operating system in mission critical areas of computing by the large enterprise, as well as the strategic agreements we entered into with leading technology companies that provide for the distribution of Red Hat Enterprise Linux by these companies.

 

Retail

 

Retail revenue, which consists of sales of Red Hat Linux and Professional Workstation to consumers through either value added resellers or distributors, decreased 87.8% to $1.4 million for the nine months ended November 30, 2004 from $11.9 million for the nine months ended November 30, 2003. This decrease is due to our focus on the sale of subscriptions to our Enterprise technologies to large Enterprise customers rather than on the consumer market. This market is no longer a strategic source of revenue for us but instead represents a channel for providing leading edge technology to sophisticated users. We expect our retail revenues to remain lower than previous years due to fewer planned product releases during the fiscal year.

 

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Embedded subscription

 

Embedded subscription revenue decreased to $1.2 million for the nine months ended November 30, 2004 from $1.6 million for the nine months ended November 30, 2003. We will continue to maintain a strategic presence in this market as we believe that a Linux/open source platform will provide a significant value advantage in the embedded market in the future.

 

Services revenue

 

Enterprise technologies services

 

Enterprise technologies services revenue include fees received from enterprise customers for deployment of Red Hat Enterprise technologies, customer training and education fees and fees received for adding certain functionality to RHEL for our major hardware partners. Enterprise technologies services revenue increased 13.1% to $31.7 million in the nine months ended November 30, 2004 from $28.1 million in the nine months ended November 30, 2003. The increase in enterprise technologies services revenue is primarily due to an increase in the revenues earned from customer training and education of $4.3 million. We continue to view our customer training and education business as a leading indicator of demand for the use of our Red Hat Enterprise Linux technologies by enterprise customers. The adoption of Linux as a primary computing platform increases the need to train system administrators and developers. We had an increase in all geographies for our training and education services for the nine months ended November 30, 2004 compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase from training and education services was partially offset by a decrease of approximately $0.5 million in revenue recognized for adding certain functionality to RHEL for our major hardware partners and in our consulting fees related to the deployment of Red Hat Enterprise technologies.

 

Embedded development services

 

Embedded development services revenue decreased 19.0% for the nine months ended November 30, 2004 to $2.5 million compared to $3.1 million for the nine months ended November 30, 2003. We will continue to maintain a strategic presence in this market as we believe that a Linux/open source platform will provide a significant value advantage in the embedded market in the future.

 

Cost of revenue

 

Cost of subscription revenue

 

Cost of subscription revenue primarily consists of expenses we incur to manufacture, package, distribute, support and maintain our solutions. These costs include expenses for physical media, literature and packaging, fulfillment and shipping, labor related costs to provide technical support and maintenance. Cost of subscription revenue increased 15.3% to $8.5 million in the nine months ended November 30, 2004 from $7.3 million in the nine months ended November 30, 2003. The increase is the result of additions to our technical support staff at each of our three call center locations to meet the demands of our growing subscriber base.

 

Cost of services revenue

 

Cost of services revenue is primarily comprised of salaries and related costs incurred for our personnel to deliver custom development, open source consulting engineering, training and education, and hardware certification services. We incur no direct costs related to royalties received from the licensing of our trademarks to third parties. Cost of services revenue increased 6.4% to $18.8 million in the nine months ended November 30, 2004 from $17.7 million in the nine months ended November 30, 2003. The increase is related to an increase in costs associated with our training and education services of $2.0 million which is consistent with the increase in revenue partially offset by a $0.8 million decrease in cost of our consulting services which is consistent with the decrease in headcount in this group.

 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit increased 77.5% to $111.7 million in the nine months ended November 30, 2004 from $62.9 million in the nine months ended November 30, 2003. This increase was due to the increase in revenue related to our Red Hat Enterprise Linux offerings. The strength in growth and profitability of our Enterprise business was offset by the decline in the Embedded segment. Our total gross margin percentage was 80.4% for the nine months ended November 30, 2004 compared to 71.6% for the nine months ended November 30, 2003. Enterprise technologies and retail subscriptions gross margins were 92.0% for the nine months ended November 30, 2004 compared to 87.2% in the nine months ended November 30, 2003. Our Enterprise technologies services gross margins were 48.3% and 45.9%, respectively, for the nine months ended November 30, 2004 and 2003.

 

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Operating expenses

 

Sales and marketing

 

Sales and marketing expense consists primarily of salaries and other related costs for sales and marketing personnel, sales commissions, travel, public relations and marketing materials and tradeshows. Sales and marketing expense increased 55.2% to $43.6 million (31.4% of total revenue) in the nine months ended November 30, 2004 from $28.1 million (32.0% of total revenue) in the nine months ended November 30, 2003. This increase was primarily due to a $13.4 million increase in enterprise sales costs as we have increased the size of our direct outside and our channel sales forces. In addition, marketing costs have increased $2.1 million due to the growth of our business and expanding sales channels and markets.

 

Research and development

 

Research and development expense consists primarily of personnel and related costs for development of software technologies and systems management offerings. Research and development expense increased 23.7% to $23.4 million (16.8% of total revenue) in the nine months ended November 30, 2004 from $18.9 million (21.5% of total revenue) in the nine months ended November 30, 2003. The increase in research and development expense resulted from an increase in engineering headcount to support the development and integration of our Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating platforms as well as our Desktop and Storage products currently in development. Our Storage engineering team is primarily related to the acquisition of Sistina which closed in December 2003 and added approximately $2.0 million in cost for the first nine months of fiscal 2005. The remaining increase is due to additional headcount added on the Desktop team and higher salaries.

 

General and administrative

 

General and administrative expense consists primarily of personnel and related costs for general corporate functions, including finance, accounting, legal, human resources, facilities and information systems expenses. General and administrative expense increased 58.1% to $21.0 million (15.1% of total revenue) in the nine months ended November 30, 2004 from $13.3 million (15.1% of total revenue) in the nine months ended November 30, 2003. This increase relates primarily to increased professional accounting and legal fees of $3.6 million associated with legal and accounting fees associate with the restatement of certain of our previously issued financial statements in the summer of 2004 and related litigation, compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley and consultation regarding our compensation plans. The remaining increase is in general overhead such as facility costs, travel costs, recruiting fees and amortization expense associated with various information system projects.

 

Stock-based compensation and amortization of intangibles

 

Stock-based compensation and amortization of intangibles expense increased $2.2 million to $4.3 million in the nine months ended November 30, 2004 from $2.0 million in the nine months ended November 30, 2003. Costs incurred for acquiring trademarks, copyrights and patents are capitalized as intangibles and amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from three to ten years. The increase in stock-based compensation and amortization of intangibles is primarily due to the amortization of certain stock awards granted in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004.

 

Other income

 

Other income consists of interest income earned on cash deposited in money market accounts and invested in short- and long-term fixed income instruments and foreign currency gains and losses, net. Other income, net, increased to $18.7 million in the nine months ended November 30, 2004 from $8.6 million in the nine months ended November 30, 2003. The increase resulted from realized gains on the sales of investments and an increase in interest earned on significantly higher cash and investment balances related to the debt offering in January 2004.

 

Interest expense

 

Interest expense consists of interest expense incurred on short term debt, capital leases and the convertible notes. Interest expense increased to $4.8 million in the nine months ended November 30, 2004 from $0.2 million in the nine months ended November 30, 2003. The increase is principally related to interest expense associated with the convertible notes including amortization of debt issuance costs related to our convertible debt of $2.3 million in the nine months ended November 30, 2004.

 

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Benefit for income taxes

 

The benefit for income taxes for the nine months ended November 30, 2004 was $0.2 million. There was no provision or benefit in the nine months ended November 30, 2003. The benefit represents a reversal of $1.2 million of valuation allowance pertaining to certain deferred tax assets and a provision for the nine months of $1.0 million related to taxable income in certain jurisdictions with projected taxable income.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We have historically derived a significant portion of our liquidity and operating capital from the sale of equity securities, including private sales of preferred stock and the sale of common stock in our initial and secondary public offerings, the issuance of convertible notes and borrowings under our working capital line of credit. At November 30, 2004, we had total cash and investments of $979.0 million, which is comprised of $234.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, $69.8 million of short-term, fixed-income investments and $674.8 million of long-term, fixed-income investments. This compares to total cash and investments of $941.4 million at February 29, 2004.

 

Cash provided by operations of $29.7 million in the three months ended November 30, 2004, includes net income of $10.8 million, adjusted to exclude the impact of non-cash revenues and expenses, which totaled $4.5 million. Changes in working capital items were a net source of cash of $14.3 million primarily resulting from an increase in deferred revenue of $19.2 million and an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $3.0 million, offset by an increase of $7.5 million in accounts receivable and estimated earnings in excess of billings. The increase in deferred revenue is due to bookings growth and the nature by which we generally obtain payments from customers for subscriptions to our technologies in advance of the subscription period.

 

Cash used in investing activities of $3.7 million for the three months ended November 30, 2004 was primarily comprised of purchases of fixed-income investments of $111.2 million, proceeds from the sales and maturities of investment securities of $110.3 million, and purchases of property and equipment totaling $2.6 million.

 

Cash used in financing activities of $44.1 million for the three months ended November 30, 2004 was primarily comprised of $45.2 million in purchases of treasury shares pursuant to the our previously announced share repurchase program to acquire up to an aggregate of $100 million of our common stock and $0.3 million in payments made under capital lease obligations and debt financing costs partially offset by proceeds from the issuance of common stock due to employees exercise of stock options and purchases under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

 

We have a $15.0 million line of credit with a financial institution, none of which was outstanding at November 30, 2004. This line of credit is secured by certain of our fixed-income investments. The line bears interest at monthly LIBOR plus 1%. This line is available to us for up to 12 months and is to be used to provide additional working capital liquidity. In August, 2004 we renewed this line of credit for 12-months. We intend to renew this working capital line of credit upon maturity but we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

 

In January 2004, we issued $600 million in convertible senior debentures. The debentures mature on January 15, 2024 and bear interest at a rate of 0.5% per annum, payable semiannually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. The debentures are senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of our other existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated debt. The debentures are convertible into shares of our common stock under certain circumstances prior to maturity at a conversion rate of 39.0753 shares per $1,000 principal amount of debentures (which represents a conversion price of approximately $25.59 per share) subject to adjustment under certain conditions. We may redeem the debentures, in whole or in part, in cash at any time on or after January 15, 2009. Holders of the debentures may require us to redeem the debentures, in whole or in part, in cash on January 15 of 2009, 2014 and 2019. As of November 30, 2004, no debentures were redeemed. Accrued interest to the redemption date will be paid by us in any such redemption.

 

Given the cash generated from operations and the $979.0 million of cash and investments held at November 30, 2004, we do not anticipate the need to raise cash to fund our operations either through the sale of additional equity or through the issuance of debt for the foreseeable future. However, we may take advantage of favorable capital market situations that may arise from time to time to raise additional capital.

 

We have and will utilize existing cash and investments to fund, among other potential uses, the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of the former Netscape Security Solutions unit from America Online, Inc. for approximately $23 million (see NOTE 9 – Subsequent Event to our Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements) as well as the stock repurchase program to acquire up to $100 million of common stock (see NOTE 8 – Share Repurchase Program to our Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements).

 

We believe that cash flow from operations will improve; however, there can be no assurances that we will improve our cash flow from operations from the current rate or that such cash flows will be adequate to fund other investments or acquisitions that we may choose

 

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to make. We may choose to accelerate the expansion of our business from our current plans, which may require us to raise additional funds through the sale of equity or debt securities or through other financing means. There can be no assurances that any such financing would occur in amounts or on terms favorable to us, if at all.

 

We have no off balance sheet financing arrangements and do not utilize any structured debt, special purpose or similar unconsolidated entities for liquidity or financing purposes.

 

FACTORS AFFECTING FUTURE RESULTS

 

RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS

 

If open source software programmers, most of whom we do not employ, do not continue to develop and enhance the open source technologies, we may be unable to develop new products or adequately enhance our existing products.

 

We rely to a significant degree on several largely informal communities of independent open source software programmers to develop and enhance our products. For example, Linus Torvalds, a prominent open source software developer, and a relatively small group of software engineers, many of whom are not employed by us, are primarily responsible for the development and evolution of the Linux kernel, which is the heart of the Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating system. If these groups of programmers fail to adequately further develop and enhance open source technologies, we would have to rely on other parties to develop and enhance our products or we would need to develop and enhance our products with our own resources. We cannot predict whether further developments and enhancements to these technologies would be available from reliable alternative sources. In either event, our development expenses could be increased and our product release and upgrade schedules could be delayed. Moreover, if third party software programmers fail to adequately further develop and enhance open source technologies, the development and adoption of these technologies could be stifled and our products could become less competitive.

 

If we fail to continue to establish and maintain strategic distribution and other collaborative relationships with industry-leading companies, we may not be able to attract and retain a larger customer base.

 

Our success depends in part on our ability to continue to establish and maintain strategic distribution and other collaborative relationships with industry-leading hardware manufacturers (such as Hewlett-Packard, Dell, IBM, Fujitsu and others), distributors, software vendors (such as Oracle) and enterprise solutions providers. These relationships allow us to offer our products and services to a much larger customer base than we would otherwise be able to through our direct sales and marketing efforts. We may not be able to maintain these relationships or replace them on attractive terms. In addition, our existing strategic relationships do not, and any future strategic relationships may not, afford us any exclusive marketing or distribution rights. As a result, many of the companies with which we have strategic alliances pursue alternative technologies and develop alternative products and services in addition to or in lieu of our products and services, either on their own or in collaboration with others, including our competitors. Moreover, we cannot guarantee that the companies with which we have strategic relationships will market our products effectively or continue to devote the resources necessary to provide us with effective sales, marketing, and technical support.

 

If third-party enterprise software application providers do not continue to make their new applications compatible with our Linux-based operating systems, our software will cease to be competitive.

 

Our products will not be competitive unless new enterprise software applications continue to be compatible with our Linux-based operating systems. We intend to encourage the development of additional applications that operate on Linux-based operating systems by, among other means, attracting third-party developers to the Linux platform, providing open source tools to create these applications and maintaining our existing developer relationships through marketing and technical support for third-party developers. If we are not successful in achieving these goals, however, our products will not be competitive and our sales growth will be adversely affected.

 

We may be unable to predict the future course of open source technology development, which could reduce the market appeal of our products and damage our reputation.

 

We do not exercise control over many aspects of the development of open source technology. Different groups of open source software programmers compete with one another to develop new technology. Typically, the technology developed by one group will become more widely used than that developed by others. If we adopt new technology and incorporate it into our products and competing technology becomes more widely used or accepted, the market appeal of our products may be reduced and that could harm our reputation, diminish the Red Hat brand and result in decreased revenue.

 

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Because of characteristics of open source software, there are few technology barriers to entry in the open source market by new competitors and it may be relatively easy for new competitors with greater resources than us to enter our markets and compete with us.

 

One of the characteristics of open source software is that anyone can modify the existing software or develop new software that competes with existing open source software. Such competition can develop without the degree of overhead and lead time required by traditional proprietary software companies. It is possible for a new competitor with greater resources than ours to develop its own open source solutions, potentially reducing the demand for our solutions.

 

We have entered into and may continue to enter into or seek to enter into business combinations and acquisitions, which may be difficult to integrate, disrupt our business, dilute stockholder value or divert management attention.

 

We announced, on September 29, 2004, a definitive agreement to acquire certain assets from America Online, Inc.’s Netscape Security Solutions unit, which closed on December 7, 2004. As part of our business strategy, we have in the past and may in the future enter into business combinations and acquisitions. We have limited experience in making acquisitions. In addition, acquisitions are typically accompanied by a number of risks, including:

 

  the difficulty of integrating the operations and personnel of the acquired companies;

 

  the maintenance of acceptable standards, controls, procedures and policies;

 

  the potential disruption of our ongoing business and distraction of management;

 

  the impairment of relationships with employees and customers as a result of any integration of new management and other personnel;

 

  the inability to maintain a relationship with customers of the acquired business;

 

  the difficulty of incorporating acquired technology and rights into our products and services;

 

  the potential failure to achieve the expected benefits of the combination or acquisition;

 

  expenses related to the acquisition;

 

  potential unknown liabilities associated with acquired businesses; and

 

  unanticipated expenses related to acquired technology and its integration into existing technology.

 

If we are not successful in completing acquisitions that we may pursue, we would be required to reevaluate our growth strategy and we may incur substantial expenses and devote significant management time and resources in seeking to complete the acquisitions. In addition, for such acquisitions, we could use substantial portions of our available cash as all or a portion of the purchase price. We could also issue additional securities as consideration for these acquisitions, which could cause our stockholders to suffer significant dilution, or incur substantial debt. Any acquisition may not generate additional revenue or profit for us.

 

If we fail to effectively manage our growth, our operations and financial results could be adversely affected.

 

We have expanded our operations rapidly in recent years. For example, our aggregate revenues increased from approximately $90.3 million for the year ended February 28, 2003 to approximately $124.7 million for the year ended February 29, 2004. Moreover, the total number of employees of the Company has been steadily increasing over at least the last three quarters. In addition, we continue to explore ways to extend our product and service offerings, and geographic reach. Our growth has placed and may continue to place a strain on our management systems, information systems, resources and internal controls. Our ability to successfully offer products and services and implement our business plan requires adequate information systems and resources and oversight from our senior management. We have, with our audit committee, undertaken to review and improve our financial and managerial controls, reporting systems and procedures. We will need to continue to modify and improve these controls, systems and procedures and other internal controls and compliance procedures as we continue to grow and expand our business. As we grow, we must also continue to hire, train, supervise and manage new employees. We may not be able to hire, or adequately train, supervise and manage sufficient personnel or develop management and operating systems to adequately manage our expansion effectively. If we are unable to adequately manage our growth and improve our controls, systems and procedures, our operations and financial results could be adversely affected.

 

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RISKS RELATED TO LEGAL UNCERTAINTY

 

We could be prevented from selling or developing our software if the GNU General Public License and similar licenses under which our products are developed and licensed are not enforceable.

 

A number of our technologies offerings, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux, have been developed and licensed under the GNU General Public License and similar open source licenses. These licenses state that any program licensed under them may be liberally copied, modified and distributed. The GNU General Public license is a subject of litigation in the case of The SCO Group, Inc. v. International Business Machines Corp., pending in the United States District Court for the District of Utah. It is possible that a court would hold these licenses to be unenforceable in that litigation or that someone could assert a claim for proprietary rights in a program developed and distributed under them. Any ruling by a court that these licenses are not enforceable, or that Linux-based operating systems, or significant portions of them, may not be liberally copied, modified or distributed, would have the effect of preventing us from selling or developing all or a portion of our products.

 

Our subscription-based contract model may encounter customer resistance.

 

The subscription agreement used for many of our products, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux, requires customers to agree to a subscription for our services for each machine on which they deploy our subscription based products. At the same time, the subscription agreement places no restriction on the customer’s right to redistribute the products. While we believe this practice complies with the requirements of the GNU General Public License, and while we have reviewed this practice with the Free Software Foundation, the organization that maintains and provides interpretations of the GNU General Public license, we may still encounter customer resistance to this distribution model. To the extent we are unsuccessful in promoting or defending this distribution model, our business and operating results could be materially and adversely affected.

 

If our products are found to infringe third-party intellectual property rights, we could be required to redesign our products, replace components of our products or enter into license agreements with third parties.

 

We have committed to our customers with valid, registered Enterprise subscriptions that if any portion of our Enterprise products are found to infringe any third party intellectual property rights we will, at our expense and option: (i) obtain the right for the customer to continue to use the product consistent with their subscription agreement with us; (ii) modify the product so that it is non-infringing; or (iii) replace the infringing component with a non-infringing component. Although we cannot predict whether we will need to satisfy this commitment, satisfying the commitment could be costly and time consuming and could materially and adversely affect our financial results. In addition, our insurance policies may not adequately cover our exposure to this type of claim.

 

We are vulnerable to claims that our products infringe third-party intellectual property rights because our products are comprised of software components, many of which are developed by numerous independent parties, and an adverse legal decision affecting our intellectual property could materially harm our business.

 

We are vulnerable to claims that our products infringe third-party intellectual property rights including trade secrets because our products are comprised of software components, many of which are developed by numerous independent parties. Claims for infringement of intellectual property rights may be filed and may seek damages and injunctive relief. The risk of infringement claims is exacerbated by the fact that much of the code in our products is developed by numerous independent parties over whom we exercise no supervision or control. It is further exacerbated by our lack of access to unpublished software patent applications. Claims of infringement could require us to seek to obtain licenses from third parties in order to continue offering our products, reengineer our products, or discontinue the sale of our products in the event that obtaining licences and reengineering could not be accomplished on a timely and cost effective basis.

 

SCO Group, Inc., or SCO, has publicly alleged that certain Linux kernels contain unauthorized UNIX code or derivative works. On November 4, 2003, we filed a complaint against SCO in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware seeking, among other things, a declaratory judgment that we are not infringing any of SCO’s intellectual property rights. SCO, to date, has not asserted a claim of infringement against us. Uncertainty concerning SCO’s allegations, regardless of their merit, could adversely affect sales of our products. If SCO were to prevail in this or other actions related to their claims regarding Linux, our business could be materially and adversely affected. Defending patent infringement, copyright infringement and/or trade secret claims, even claims without significant merit, can be expensive. An adverse legal decision regarding the intellectual property in and to our technology and other offerings could harm our business and may do so materially.

 

Our products may contain defects that may be costly to correct, delay market acceptance of our products and expose us to litigation.

 

Despite testing by ourselves and our customers, errors have been and will likely continue to be found in our products after commencement of commercial shipments. This risk is exacerbated by the fact that much of the code in our products is developed by independent parties over whom we exercise no supervision or control. If errors are discovered, we may have to make significant

 

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expenditures of capital to eliminate them and may not be able to successfully correct them in a timely manner or at all. Errors and failures in our products could result in a loss of, or delay in, market acceptance of our products and could damage our reputation and our ability to convince commercial users of the benefits of Linux-based operating systems and other open source software products.

 

In addition, failures in our products could cause system or other failures for our customers who may assert warranty and other claims for substantial damages against us. Although our license agreements with our customers typically contain provisions designed to limit our exposure to potential product liability claims, it is possible that these provisions may not be effective or enforceable under the laws of some jurisdictions. In addition, our insurance policies may not adequately limit our exposure to this type of claim. These claims, even if unsuccessful, could be costly and time consuming to defend.

 

Our efforts to protect our trademarks may not be adequate to prevent third parties from misappropriating our intellectual property rights.

 

Our most valuable intellectual property is our collection of trademarks. The protective steps we have taken in the past have been, and may in the future continue to be, inadequate to deter misappropriation of our trademark rights. Although we do not believe that we have suffered any material harm from misappropriation to date, we may be unable to detect the unauthorized use of, or take appropriate steps to enforce, our trademark rights in a timely manner. We have registered some of our trademarks in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia and have other trademark applications pending in each of those regions. Effective trademark protection may not be available in every country in which we offer or intend to offer our products and services. Failure to adequately protect our trademark rights could damage or even destroy the Red Hat brand and impair our ability to compete effectively. Furthermore, defending or enforcing our trademark rights could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources.

 

In connection with our restatement of historical financial statements, class action lawsuits have been filed against us and additional lawsuits may be filed.

 

Following our announcement in July 2004 of our intention to restate historical financial statements, 14 class action lawsuits and three derivative lawsuits were commenced against us and certain of our current and former directors and officers, by or on behalf of persons claiming to be our stockholders and persons claiming to have purchased or otherwise acquired our securities at specified dates beginning as early as June 19, 2001 and continuing through July 13, 2004. The 14 class action lawsuits have since been consolidated into a single lawsuit. In addition, two of the three derivative suits have been consolidated into a single lawsuit as well. Additional lawsuits may be filed against us. Regardless of the outcome of any of these actions, it is likely that we will incur substantial defense costs and that such actions will cause a diversion of our management’s time and attention. If we do not prevail in these cases we could be required to pay substantial damages or settlement costs, which could have a material adverse affect on our financial condition or results of operations. We are unable at this time to assess the validity of the claims or estimate the possible range of damages that might be incurred as a result of the lawsuits. We have not yet established any financial reserves relating to any of these lawsuits.

 

We may suffer material adverse consequences if we are deemed to be an investment company and may incur significant costs to avoid investment company status.

 

We may be deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), if we own investment securities with a value exceeding 40% of our total assets, unless a particular exclusion or safe harbor provision applies. A large portion of our assets has been invested in investment grade interest-bearing securities, many of which constitute “investment securities” under the 1940 Act. As of November 30, 2004, our “investment securities” exceeded 40% of our total assets. We believe that we are excluded from the definition of investment company and the registration requirements of the 1940 Act, but absent further interpretation by the courts or the SEC of the relevant exclusions, this result cannot be assured. Investment companies are subject to registration under the 1940 Act and compliance with a variety of restrictions and requirements imposed under the 1940 Act. If we were to be deemed an investment company, we would become subject to these restrictions and requirements of the 1940 Act and the consequences of having been an investment company without registering thereunder, could have a material adverse impact on our business.

 

In addition, we may incur significant costs to avoid investment company status if an exclusion from the 1940 Act were to be considered unavailable to us at a time when the value of our investments that constitute “investment securities” exceeds 40% of our total assets. If we were required to change the allocation of our assets to reduce our ownership of securities that constitute “investment securities,” and acquire non-investment security assets, this could result in transaction costs and a reduction in the rate of return on our liquid assets.

 

RISKS RELATED TO OUR FINANCIAL RESULTS AND CONDITION

 

We have incurred substantial net losses on a GAAP basis in the past and may not be able to increase or maintain profitability.

 

We have incurred net losses in seven of our previous nine fiscal years. As of February 29, 2004, we had an accumulated deficit of $277.2 million. While we have achieved profitability in fiscal 2004 on a restated basis of $13.7 million, we cannot be certain that we will be able to sustain or increase profitability. Failure to increase or maintain profitability may adversely affect the market price of our common stock and our ability to raise capital and continue operations.

 

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You should not rely on our quarterly results of operations as an indication of our future results.

 

Due to the unpredictability of the technology spending environment, our revenue and operating results have fluctuated and may continue to fluctuate from quarter to quarter. We base our current and projected future expense levels in part on our estimates of future revenue. Our expenses are, to a large extent, fixed in the short term. We may not be able to adjust our spending quickly enough to protect our projected operating results for a quarter if our revenue in that quarter falls short of our expectations. If among other considerations our future operating results fall below expectations of securities analysts or investors, the market price of our common stock may decline.

 

We may not be able to effectively attract additional enterprise customers and preserve relationships with current enterprise customers, which could adversely affect revenue.

 

In late fiscal 2002, we began to focus the predominant portion of our sales and marketing efforts on expanding our enterprise customer base. To this end, we have invested extensively to attract enterprise customers. While we have had certain success to date in acquiring large enterprise customers, if we are unsuccessful in gaining additional large enterprise customers in the future or in securing subscription renewals from existing enterprise customers, it will adversely affect our future financial performance. In addition, while our subscription agreements generally provide for renewals at prices that are the same as those in effect during the initial term or at then current list prices, there can be no assurance that customers will renew their subscription agreements at the end of the initial or any renewal term or that customers will not seek to condition any renewal on reduced prices. Any failure to obtain customer renewals, or reduction in prices upon renewal, could reduce future revenues.

 

We may not be able to continue to attract capable management personnel.

 

Over the past three years we have built our management team during a time of significant unemployment and downturn in the technology sector. This has given us the opportunity to attract capable management personnel. However, our ability to retain key management personnel or hire capable new management personnel as we grow may be challenged if the technology sector rebounds and/or if companies with more generous compensation packages or greater perceived growth opportunities compete for the same personnel.

 

We depend on our key personnel that we employ.

 

Our future success depends on the continued services of a number of key officers and employees. The loss of the technical knowledge and industry expertise of any these individuals could seriously impede our success. Moreover, the loss of these individuals, particularly to a competitor, and any resulting loss of customers could reduce our market share and diminish the Red Hat brand and adversely affect our business or stock price.

 

We may lack the financial and operational resources needed to increase our market share and compete effectively with operating systems providers, Microsoft, other established operating systems and application developers, software development tools developers, and certain infrastructure service providers.

 

In the market for operating systems, we face significant competition from larger companies with greater financial resources and name recognition than we have. These competitors, which offer hardware-independent multi-user operating systems for Intel platforms and/or Linux and UNIX-based operating systems, include Microsoft, Novell, IBM, Sun Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard and Unisys, and we may lack the financial and operational resources needed to compete successfully with the current competitors as well as potential new competitors.

 

As we increase our services offerings, we may face additional competition from larger companies including those that currently provide service and training related to the Linux operating system as well as other operating systems, particularly UNIX-based operating systems, due to the fact that Linux-and UNIX-based operating systems share many common features. These companies, including IBM, Novell and Hewlett-Packard, may be able to leverage their existing service organizations and provide higher levels of consulting and training on a more cost-effective basis than we can. We may not be able to compete successfully with current or potential competitors.

 

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We may not be able to meet the operational and financial challenges that we will encounter as our international operations, which represented approximately 31% of our total revenue for the year ended February 29, 2004, continue to expand.

 

Our international operations accounted for approximately 31% of total revenue for the year ended February 29, 2004. As we expand our international operations, we will face a number of additional challenges associated with the conduct of business overseas. For example:

 

  we may have difficulty managing and administering a globally-dispersed business;

 

  fluctuations in exchange rates may negatively affect our operating results;

 

  we have to comply with a wide variety of foreign laws;

 

  we may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property rights overseas due among other reasons to the uncertainty of laws and enforcement in certain countries relating to the protection of intellectual property rights;

 

  export controls and times of crisis could prevent us from shipping our products into and out of certain markets;

 

  changes in import/export duties and quotas could affect the competitive pricing of our products and services and reduce our market share in some countries; and

 

  economic or political instability in some international markets could result in the forfeiture of some foreign assets and the loss of sums spent developing and marketing those assets.

 

Any failure by us to effectively manage the challenges associated with the international expansion of our operations could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

We may be exposed to potential risks if we do not have an effective system of disclosure controls or internal controls or fail to properly implement Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley.

 

We are now in the process of complying with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX”), including those provisions that establish the requirements for both management and auditors of public companies with respect to reporting on internal control over financial reporting. These requirements will first become applicable to the Company on February 28, 2005. In 2004, we have devoted significant resources to review and strengthen our internal controls in advance of complying with the Section 404 requirements, including corrections to existing controls and procedures and additions of new controls and procedures. Our on-going efforts include focusing on matters related segregation of duties, the consistency of our internal systems and policies, the level of manual control processes, the use of spreadsheets and the documentation of controls and procedures. The requirements and processes associated with Section 404 are new and untested, and we cannot be certain that the measures we have taken, and will take, will be sufficient or timely completed to meet the Section 404 requirements, or that we will be able to implement and maintain adequate disclosure controls and controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future, particularly in light of our rapid growth and international expansion, which is expected to result in on-going changes to our control systems and areas of potential risk.

 

If we fail to maintain an effective system of disclosure controls or internal control over financial reporting, including satisfaction of the requirements of Section 404 of SOX, we may not be able to accurately or timely report on our financial results or adequately identify and reduce fraud. As a result, the financial position of our business could be harmed; current and potential future shareholders could lose confidence in the Company and/or its reported financial results, which may cause a negative effect on our trading price; and we could be exposed to litigation or regulatory proceedings, which may be costly or divert management attention.

 

ITEM 3: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal and liquidity while at the same time maximizing yields without significantly increasing risk. To achieve this objective, we maintain our portfolio of cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments in a variety of fixed-income securities, including both government and corporate obligations and money market funds. A one percentage point change in interest rates will result in a $2.3 million change in interest income on a quarterly basis. The fair market value of the investment portfolio is subject to interest rate risk. Based on a sensitivity analysis performed on this investment portfolio, a hypothetical one percentage point increase in interest rates would result in an approximate $15 million decrease in the value of our investments as of November 30, 2004. Our debt is at fixed rates and therefore interest expense is not impacted by a change in rates.

 

We did not hold derivative financial instruments as of November 30, 2004, and have not held these types of investments in the past.

 

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Foreign Currency Risk

 

Approximately 33.5% of our revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2004 were generated by sales outside the United States. We are exposed to significant risks of foreign currency fluctuation primarily from receivables denominated in foreign currency and are subject to transaction gains and losses, which are recorded as a component in determining net income. Additionally, the assets and liabilities of our non-U.S. operations are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect as of the applicable balance sheet dates, and revenue and expense accounts of these operations are translated at average exchange rates during the month the transactions occur. Translation gains and losses are included as an adjustment to stockholders’ equity.

 

ITEM 4: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Our management, including our chief executive office and chief financial officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined below) or our internal control over financial reporting (as defined below) will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of the controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error and mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

 

Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of November 30, 2004. Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of November 30, 2004, our disclosure controls and procedures were (1) designed to ensure that material information relating to us, including our consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to our chief executive officer and chief financial officer by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report was being prepared and (2) effective, in that they provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

 

No changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2004 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Red Hat Professional Consulting, Inc., formerly PTI, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company acquired in February 2001, together with its former directors and some of its former principal shareholders, is a defendant in a suit brought by a former employee in DeKalb County Superior Court in Georgia. The plaintiff asserts, among other things, breach of various employment agreements and seeks monetary damages. PTI has filed an answer, affirmative defenses and counterclaims denying all liability and has filed a motion to dismiss which remains pending. All discovery in the matter is complete. The Company has been indemnified in this matter by the former PTI shareholders and further believes that the likelihood of a material loss is remote.

 

Commencing on or about March 29, 2001, the Company and certain of its officers and directors were named as defendants in a series of purported class action suits arising out of the Company’s initial public offering and secondary offering. On August 8, 2001, Chief Judge Michael Mukasey of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York issued an order that transferred all of the so-called IPO allocation actions, including the complaints involving the Company, to one judge for coordinated pre-trial proceedings. The court has consolidated the actions into a single action. The plaintiffs contend that the defendants violated federal securities laws by issuing registration statements and prospectuses that contained materially false and misleading information and failed to disclose material information. Plaintiffs also challenge certain IPO allocation practices by underwriters and the lack of disclosure thereof in initial public offering documents. On April 19, 2002, plaintiffs filed amended complaints in each of the 300 consolidated actions, including the Red Hat action. The relief sought consists of unspecified damages. No discovery has occurred to

 

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date. The individual director and officer defendants have been dismissed from the case without prejudice. We believe these complaints are without merit and will defend ourselves vigorously in this matter. However, there can be no assurance that this matter will be resolved in our favor. The Company, among other issuers, the plaintiffs, and the insurers have agreed, in concept, to a proposed settlement whereby the Company would be released from this litigation without further payment from the Company. That proposed settlement has been submitted to the court for its consideration; however, there is no certainty that the court will approve the settlement.

 

Commencing on August 4, 2003, the Company filed suit against The SCO Group, Inc. (“SCO”) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware (Civil Action No. 03-722 SLR) seeking a declaratory judgment that the Company is not infringing any of SCO’s intellectual property rights. In addition, the Company has asserted claims against SCO under Delaware and federal law, including deceptive trade practices, unfair competition, tortious interference with prospective business opportunities, trade libel and violations of the Lanham Act. The Company contends that SCO has made false and misleading public statements alleging that software code, in which SCO claims to own copyrights and trade secrets, was misappropriated and incorporated into the Company’s product, and SCO has threatened legal action. On September 15, 2003, SCO filed a motion to dismiss contending, among other things, that no actual controversy exists such that the declaratory judgment that the Company seeks would be warranted. On April 6, 2004, the Court denied SCO’s Motion to Dismiss but stayed further action in the case pending the resolution of litigation pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah between SCO and IBM. On April 20, 2004, the Company filed a motion for reconsideration contending that a stay based on the Utah case would be inappropriate; SCO has filed an opposition to that motion. That motion is now pending before the Court. At this early stage of the proceedings, no assurance can be given as to the outcome.

 

As of November 30, 2004, 14 class action lawsuits had been filed against the Company and several of its present and former officers on behalf of investors who purchased the Company’s securities during various periods from June 19, 2001 through July 13, 2004. All 14 suits were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. In each of the actions, plaintiffs seek to represent a class of purchasers of the Company’s common stock during some or all of the period from June 19, 2001 through July 13, 2004. All of the claims arose in connection with the Company’s announcement on July 13, 2004 that it would restate certain of its financial statements (the “Restatement”). One or more of the plaintiffs assert that certain present and former officers (the “Individual Defendants”) and the Company variously violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder by issuing the financial statements that we subsequently restated. One or more of the plaintiffs seek unspecified damages, interest, costs, attorneys’ and experts’ fees, an accounting of certain profits obtained by the Individual Defendants from trading in Red Hat common stock; disgorgement by our Chief Executive and former Chief Financial Officer of certain compensation and profits from trading in the Company’s common stock, pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and other relief. As of September 8, 2004, all of these class action lawsuits have been consolidated into a single action referenced as Civil Action No. 5:04-CV-473BR and titled In re Red Hat, Inc. Securities Litigation. Plaintiffs’ counsel are now seeking designation as lead counsel. The Company intends to vigorously defend this class action lawsuit. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful, and an adverse resolution of the lawsuit could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations in the period in which the lawsuit is resolved. The Company is not presently able to reasonably estimate potential losses, if any, related to the lawsuit.

 

In addition to the class action claims, two purported shareholder derivative actions were filed on July 22, 2004 and August 24, 2004, respectively, in the New Castle County Court of Chancery in Delaware in connection with the Restatement against certain present and former officers and directors of the Company, and in one case against PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and in each case also naming the Company as a nominal defendant. The suits claim that certain of the Company’s present and former officers and directors breached their fiduciary duties to the Company’s stockholders and to the Company. The complaints are derivative in nature and do not seek relief from the Company. On September 29, 2004, an order was entered consolidating the two actions into a single action referenced as Consolidated Civil Action No. 586-N and titled In re Red Hat, Inc. Derivative Litigation. On November 30, 2004, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint. The Company believes there are substantial legal and factual defenses to the claims, which the Company intends to vigorously pursue. There is no assurance the Company will prevail in defending these actions.

 

In addition to the derivative actions filed in Delaware, a purported shareholder derivative action was filed on August 20, 2004, in the Wake County Superior Court in North Carolina (Civil Action No. 04-CVS-11746) in connection with the Restatement against certain present and former officers and directors of the Company and also naming the Company as a nominal defendant. The suit claims that certain of the Company’s present and former officers and directors breached their fiduciary duties to the Company’s stockholders and to the Company. The complaint is derivative in nature and does not seek relief from the Company. The Company believes there are substantial legal and factual defenses to the claims, which the Company intends to vigorously pursue. There is no assurance the Company will prevail in defending these actions.

 

Commencing on October 7, 2004, a petition was entered in the United States Bankruptcy Court in the Eastern District of North Carolina (Case No. 04-03642-5) by the bankruptcy administrator of ArsDigita GmbH, a German company, seeking to recover certain assets acquired by RH Interchange, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, in an asset acquisition in February 2002.

 

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Petitioner claims that the German company received insufficient consideration for the transfer of the purchased assets and seeks to avoid that portion of the transaction pertaining to the German company. Petitioner seeks recovery of those transferred assets still in the possession of either the Company or RH Interchange and compensation for those assets no longer in their possession. On November 29, 2004, the Company and its subsidiary filed a motion to dismiss the petition. The Company believes there are substantial legal and factual defenses to the petition, which the Company intends to vigorously pursue. There is no assurance the Company will prevail in defending this action. The Company is not presently able to reasonably estimate potential losses, if any, related to the petition.

 

We also experience other routine litigation in the normal course of our business. We believe that the outcome of this routine litigation will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

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ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SHARES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

The following table provides information about purchases by the Company during the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2004 of equity securities that are registered by the Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Period


   Total Number of
Shares Purchased


   Average Price Paid per
Share


   Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Program
(1)


   Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet be Purchased
Under the Program (1)


Month #1 (September 1-30, 2004)

   —        —      —      $ 100 million

Month #2 (October 1-31, 2004)

   3,390,100    $ 13.33    3,390,100    $ 54.8 million

Month #3 (November 1-30, 2004)

   —        —      —      $ 54.8 million

Total (as of November 30, 2004)

   3,390,100    $ 13.33    3,390,100    $ 54.8 million

(1) As previously announced on September 29, 2004, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase by us of shares of our common stock having a value of up to $100 million. The Program expires on the earlier (i) of September 30, 2005 or (ii) a determination by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer to discontinue the Program.

 

ITEM 4: SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

On September 21, 2004, the Company held its 2004 annual meeting of stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”). At the Annual Meeting, the following Class II directors were elected: General H. Hugh Shelton, Eugene J. McDonald and Matthew J. Szulik. The Class I directors whose terms of office continued after the Annual Meeting were Dr. W. Steve Albrecht and Dr. Marye Anne Fox. The Class III directors whose terms of office continued after the Annual Meeting were William S. Kaiser and Robert F. Young.

 

Set forth below is the number of votes cast for or withheld with respect to each nominee for director and the number of votes cast for or against or abstaining, and if applicable, the number of broker non-votes, for the other matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders at the Annual Meeting.

 

(1) Election of Directors:

     Number of Votes

NOMINEES            


   SHARES FOR

   SHARES WITHHELD

General H. Hugh Shelton

   161,996,939    3,532,221

Eugene J. McDonald

   159,592,681    5,936,479

Matthew J. Szulik

   161,348,368    4,180,792

 

(2) Ratification of PricewaterhouseCooper LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2005:

 

RATIFICATION OF AUDITORS            


   Number of Votes

VOTES FOR:

   164,306,390

VOTES AGAINST:

   1,073,173

ABSTENTIONS:

   149,597

 

(3) Adoption of the Company’s 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2004 LTIP”):

 

ADOPTION OF 2004 LTIP            


   Number of Votes

VOTES FOR:

   119,183,057

VOTES AGAINST:

   9,798,941

ABSTENTIONS:

   419,702

BROKER NON-VOTES:

   36,127,460

 

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ITEM 6: EXHIBITS

 

(a) List of Exhibits

 

  10.1 Executive Variable Compensation Plan 2005 Performance Objectives *, **

 

  31.1 Certification of Matthew J. Szulik, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

  31.2 Certification of Charles E. Peters, Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

  32.1 Certifications of Matthew J. Szulik, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Charles E. Peters, Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350

* Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement
** Indicates confidential treatment requested as to certain portions of this exhibit, which portions have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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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.

 

   

RED HAT, INC.

Date: January 10, 2005

 

By:

 

/s/ MATTHEW J. SZULIK


       

Matthew J. Szulik

       

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Officer on behalf of the Registrant)

Date: January 10, 2005

 

By:

 

/s/ CHARLES E. PETERS, JR.


       

Charles E. Peters, Jr.

       

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

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