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8-K - 8-K - ASPEN TECHNOLOGY INC /DE/azpn-20210428.htm

Exhibit 99.1
aspentechnologylogoa611.jpg

Contacts:     
Media Contact Investor Contact
Lucy Millington Brian Denyeau
Aspen Technology ICR for Aspen Technology
 +1 781-221-6419 +1 646-277-1251
lucy.millington@aspentech.com brian.denyeau@icrinc.com

Aspen Technology Announces Financial Results for the
Third Quarter of Fiscal 2021

Bedford, Mass. – April 28, 2021 - Aspen Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: AZPN), a global leader in asset optimization software, today announced financial results for its third quarter of fiscal year 2021 ended March 31, 2021.
    
“AspenTech’s third quarter performance was highlighted by strong free cash flow generation and demand activity in each of our core end-markets that was at or above pre-pandemic levels,” said Antonio Pietri, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aspen Technology. “At the same time, the continued uncertainty in the global macro environment due to COVID, coupled with the significant and costly disruptions in the energy and chemicals markets related to the winter storm in the US during the quarter, made it more challenging to close transactions than we expected.”

Pietri continued, “Our high levels of engagement with customers regarding AspenTech’s critical role in their long-term digitalization and sustainability initiatives give us confidence that we will drive faster growth as market conditions normalize.”

Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2021 Recent Business Highlights    

Annual spend, which the company defines as the annualized value of all term license and maintenance contracts at the end of the quarter, was $609.9 million at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2021, which increased 6.0% compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2020 and 1.0% sequentially.

Summary of Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2021 Financial Results

AspenTech’s total revenue of $162.7 million included:

License revenue, which represents the portion of a term license agreement allocated to the initial license, was $110.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2021, compared to $78.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2020.

Maintenance revenue, which represents the portion of the term license agreement related to on-going support and the right to future product enhancements, was $45.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2021, compared to $44.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2020.

Services and other revenue was $6.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2021, compared to $8.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2020.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2021, AspenTech reported income from operations of $68.9 million, compared to income from operations of $44.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2020.

Net income was $62.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, leading to net income per share of $0.91, compared to net income per share of $0.61 in the same period last fiscal year.




Non-GAAP income from operations, was $80.9 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2021, compared to non-GAAP income from operations of $53.9 million in the same period last fiscal year. Non-GAAP net income was $72.0 million, or $1.05 per share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2021, compared to non-GAAP net income of $49.1 million, or $0.72 per share, in the same period last fiscal year. These non-GAAP results add back the impact of stock-based compensation expense, amortization of intangibles and acquisition-related fees. A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP results is presented in the financial tables included in this press release.

AspenTech had cash and cash equivalents of $317.1 million and total borrowings, net of debt issuance costs, of $297.0 million at March 31, 2021.

During the third quarter, the company generated $98.7 million in cash flow from operations and $100.0 million in free cash flow. Free cash flow is calculated as net cash provided by operating activities adjusted for the net impact of: purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements; payments for capitalized computer software development costs, and other nonrecurring items, such as acquisition-related payments.

Business Outlook
Based on information as of today, April 28, 2021, Aspen Technology is issuing the following guidance for fiscal year 2021:

Annual spend growth of 4-5.5% year-over-year
Free cash flow of $265 to $275 million
Total bookings of $771 to $809 million
Total revenue of $705 to $729 million
GAAP total expense of $355 to $360 million
Non-GAAP total expense of $310 to $315 million
GAAP operating income of $350 to $369 million
Non-GAAP operating income of $395 to $415 million
GAAP net income of $306 to $321 million
Non-GAAP net income of $341 to $357 million
GAAP net income per share of $4.46 to $4.70
Non-GAAP net income per share of $4.98 to $5.22

These statements are forward-looking and actual results may differ materially. Refer to the Forward-Looking Statements safe harbor below for information on the factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements.

AspenTech has not reconciled its expectations as to forward-looking non-GAAP total expense, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per share to their most directly comparable GAAP measure because certain items are out of AspenTech’s control or cannot be reasonably predicted. Accordingly, a reconciliation for forward-looking non-GAAP total expense, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per share is not available without unreasonable effort.


Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release contains “non-GAAP financial measures” under the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Non-GAAP financial measures are not based on a comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. This non-GAAP information supplements, and is not intended to represent a measure of performance in accordance with, disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or superior to, financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP results is included in the financial tables included in this press release.

Management considers both GAAP and non-GAAP financial results in managing Aspen Technology’s business. As the result of adoption of new licensing models, management believes that a number of Aspen Technology’s performance indicators based on GAAP, including revenue, gross profit, operating income and net income, should be viewed in conjunction with certain non-GAAP and other business measures in assessing Aspen Technology’s performance, growth and financial condition. Accordingly, management utilizes a number of non-GAAP and other business metrics, including the non-GAAP metrics set forth in this press release, to track Aspen Technology’s business performance. None of these non-GAAP metrics should be considered as an alternative to any measure of financial performance calculated in accordance with GAAP.




Conference Call and Webcast

Aspen Technology will host a conference call and webcast today, April 28, 2021, at 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time), to discuss the company's financial results for the second-quarter of fiscal year 2021 as well as the company’s business outlook. The live dial-in number is (866) 471-3828 or (678) 509-7573, conference ID code 6459234. Interested parties may also listen to a live webcast of the call by logging on to the Investor Relations section of Aspen Technology’s website, http://ir.aspentech.com/events-and-presentations, and clicking on the “webcast” link. A replay of the call will be archived on Aspen Technology’s website and will also be available via telephone at (855) 859-2056 or (404) 537-3406, conference ID code 6459234, through May 5, 2021.

About Aspen Technology

Aspen Technology (AspenTech) is a global leader in asset optimization software. Its solutions address complex, industrial environments where it is critical to optimize the asset design, operation and maintenance lifecycle. AspenTech uniquely combines decades of process modelling expertise with artificial intelligence. Its purpose-built software platform automates knowledge work and builds sustainable competitive advantage by delivering high returns over the entire asset lifecycle. As a result, companies in capital-intensive industries can maximize uptime and push the limits of performance, running their assets safer, greener, longer and faster. Visit AspenTech.com to find out more.

Forward-Looking Statements

The third paragraph of this press release as well as the Business Outlook section contain forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may vary significantly from AspenTech’s expectations based on a number of risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation: delays or reductions in demand for AspenTech solutions due to the COVID-19 pandemic; AspenTech’s failure to increase usage and product adoption of aspenONE offerings or grow the aspenONE APM business, and failure to continue to provide innovative, market-leading solutions; declines in the demand for, or usage of, aspenONE software for any reason, including declines due to adverse changes in the process or other capital-intensive industries and due to the drop in demand for oil due to the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by the excess supply arising from producers’ failure to agree on production cuts; unfavorable economic and market conditions or a lessening demand in the market for asset process optimization software, including due to the significant drop in oil prices arising from drop in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic and producers’ failure to agree on production cuts; risks of foreign operations or transacting business with customers outside the United States; risks of competition and other risk factors described from time to time in AspenTech’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AspenTech cannot guarantee any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. AspenTech expressly disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking statements after the date of this press release.

© 2021 Aspen Technology, Inc. AspenTech, aspenONE, asset optimization and the Aspen leaf logo are trademarks of Aspen Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Source: Aspen Technology, Inc.




ASPEN TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited in Thousands, Except per Share Data)

Three Months Ended
March 31,
Nine Months Ended
March 31,
2021202020212020
(Dollars in Thousands, Except per Share Data)
Revenue:
License$110,104 $78,156 $352,133 $238,311 
Maintenance45,885 44,199 139,561 132,418 
Services and other6,737 8,233 19,721 26,048 
Total revenue162,726 130,588 511,415 396,777 
Cost of revenue:
License2,485 1,881 6,859 5,550 
Maintenance5,174 4,778 14,066 14,339 
Services and other8,396 9,046 24,911 26,560 
Total cost of revenue16,055 15,705 45,836 46,449 
Gross profit146,671 114,883 465,579 350,328 
Operating expenses:
Selling and marketing30,345 28,354 82,092 86,046 
Research and development25,874 23,576 70,576 68,694 
General and administrative21,553 18,219 60,389 54,525 
Total operating expenses77,772 70,149 213,057 209,265 
Income from operations68,899 44,734 252,522 141,063 
Interest income8,410 8,173 26,383 24,577 
Interest (expense)(1,495)(3,207)(5,639)(9,368)
Other (expense), net(5)(352)(1,807)(217)
Income before income taxes75,809 49,348 271,459 156,055 
Provision for income taxes13,314 7,522 47,101 20,914 
Net income$62,495 $41,826 $224,358 $135,141 
Net income per common share:
Basic$0.92 $0.62 $3.31 $1.98 
Diluted$0.91 $0.61 $3.28 $1.96 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic67,920 67,806 67,809 68,122 
Diluted68,608 68,482 68,439 68,906 




ASPEN TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)
March 31,
2021
June 30,
2020
(Dollars in Thousands, Except
Share Data)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$317,099 $287,796 
Accounts receivable, net49,034 56,301 
Current contract assets, net298,835 291,497 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets9,762 10,884 
Prepaid income taxes12,008 3,962 
Total current assets686,738 650,440 
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net5,506 5,963 
Computer software development costs, net1,255 928 
Goodwill158,182 137,055 
Intangible assets, net45,996 42,851 
Non-current contract assets, net409,010 318,976 
Contract costs28,419 28,614 
Operating lease right-of-use assets31,589 34,905 
Deferred tax assets2,924 1,735 
Other non-current assets3,042 1,839 
Total assets$1,372,661 $1,223,306 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable$3,563 $3,988 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities43,063 43,556 
Current operating lease liabilities7,214 6,824 
Income taxes payable76 1,799 
Current borrowings18,000 135,163 
Current deferred revenue54,730 43,168 
Total current liabilities126,646 234,498 
Non-current deferred revenue11,535 13,913 
Deferred tax liabilities188,896 179,978 
Non-current operating lease liabilities28,894 33,088 
Non-current borrowings, net278,960 292,369 
Other non-current liabilities4,842 3,107 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)
Series D redeemable convertible preferred stock, $0.10 par value—
Authorized— 367,000 shares as of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020
Issued and outstanding— none as of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020
— — 
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.10 par value— Authorized—210,000,000 shares
Issued— 104,283,957 shares at March 31, 2021 and 103,988,707 shares at June 30, 2020
Outstanding— 68,013,942 shares at March 31, 2021 and 67,718,692 shares at June 30, 2020
10,429 10,399 
Additional paid-in capital799,743 769,411 
Retained earnings1,682,688 1,458,330 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)6,527 (5,288)
Treasury stock, at cost—36,270,015 shares of common stock at March 31, 2021 and 36,270,015 shares at June 30, 2020(1,766,499)(1,766,499)
Total stockholders’ equity732,888 466,353 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$1,372,661 $1,223,306 



ASPEN TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited in Thousands)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Nine Months Ended
March 31,
2021202020212020
(Dollars in Thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income$62,495 $41,826 $224,358 $135,141 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization2,688 2,549 7,545 7,028 
Reduction in the carrying amount of right-of-use assets2,258 3,267 7,037 6,518 
Net foreign currency losses (gains)(27)345 2,027 183 
Stock-based compensation9,225 7,299 24,589 24,133 
Deferred income taxes6,817 (116)7,029 (1,516)
Provision for bad debts2,064 2,127 6,800 3,391 
Other non-cash operating activities311 208 718 423 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable(4,257)(11,889)4,115 (16,428)
Contract assets, net19,835 32,216 (103,538)2,329 
Contract costs(123)(692)198 (1,522)
Lease liabilities(2,298)(3,444)(7,533)(6,840)
Prepaid expenses, prepaid income taxes, and other assets(7,001)(433)(6,959)(2,201)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, income taxes payable and other liabilities216 2,353 (6,847)(20,752)
Deferred revenue6,456 5,765 13,410 13,701 
Net cash provided by operating activities98,659 81,381 172,949 143,588 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements(211)(143)(733)(1,111)
Payments for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired(329)(241)(16,272)(74,460)
Payments for equity method investments(760)(319)(926)(319)
Payments for capitalized computer software development costs— (71)(895)(141)
Net cash used in investing activities(1,300)(774)(18,826)(76,031)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of shares of common stock9,394 2,650 12,508 5,364 
Repurchases of common stock— (49,757)— (150,621)
Payments of tax withholding obligations related to restricted stock(2,612)(2,395)(6,719)(8,246)
Deferred business acquisition payments— (4,600)— (4,600)
Proceeds from revolving credit facility, net of repayments— 90,000 (119,182)219,163 
Repayments of amounts borrowed under term loan(4,000)(4,000)(12,000)(4,000)
Payments of debt issuance costs— (79)— (3,533)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities2,782 31,819 (125,393)53,527 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(531)(740)573 (838)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents99,610 111,686 29,303 120,246 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period217,489 80,486 287,796 71,926 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$317,099 $192,172 $317,099 $192,172 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Income taxes paid, net$18,681 $6,611 $49,349 $26,359 
Interest paid1,455 3,054 5,672 8,246 
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities:
Change in purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements included in accounts payable and accrued expenses$20 $$77 $(89)
Change in repurchases of common stock included in accounts payable and accrued expenses— 243 — (621)
Lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets197 6,802 1,488 11,626 



ASPEN TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Results of Operations and Cash Flows
(Unaudited in Thousands, Except per Share Data)

Three Months Ended
March 31,
Nine Months Ended
March 31,
2021202020212020
Total expenses
GAAP total expenses (a)$93,827 $85,854 $258,893 $255,714 
Less:
Stock-based compensation (b)(9,225)(7,299)(24,589)(24,133)
Amortization of intangibles(2,047)(1,864)(5,657)(4,741)
Acquisition related fees(749)— (3,133)(78)
Non-GAAP total expenses$81,806 $76,691 $225,514 $226,762 
Income from operations
GAAP income from operations$68,899 $44,734 $252,522 $141,063 
Plus:
Stock-based compensation (b)9,225 7,299 24,589 24,133 
Amortization of intangibles2,047 1,864 5,657 4,741 
Acquisition related fees749 — 3,133 78 
Non-GAAP income from operations$80,920 $53,897 $285,901 $170,015 
Net income
GAAP net income$62,495 $41,826 $224,358 $135,141 
Plus:
Stock-based compensation (b)9,225 7,299 24,589 24,133 
Amortization of intangibles2,047 1,864 5,657 4,741 
Acquisition related fees749 — 3,133 78 
Less:
Income tax effect on Non-GAAP items (c)(2,524)(1,924)(7,010)(6,080)
Non-GAAP net income$71,992 $49,065 $250,727 $158,013 
Diluted income per share
GAAP diluted income per share$0.91 $0.61 $3.28 $1.96 
Plus:
Stock-based compensation (b)0.14 0.11 0.35 0.35 
Amortization of intangibles0.03 0.03 0.08 0.07 
Acquisition related fees0.01 — 0.05 — 
Less:
Income tax effect on Non-GAAP items (c)(0.04)(0.03)(0.10)(0.09)
Non-GAAP diluted income per share$1.05 $0.72 $3.66 $2.29 
Shares used in computing Non-GAAP diluted income per share68,608 68,482 68,439 68,906 



Three Months Ended
March 31,
Nine Months Ended
March 31,
2021202020212020
Free Cash Flow
Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP)$98,659 $81,381 $172,949 $143,588 
Purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements(211)(143)(733)(1,111)
Payments for capitalized computer software development costs— (71)(895)(141)
Acquisition related payments1,526 — 2,433 1,264 
Free cash flow (non-GAAP)$99,974 $81,167 $173,754 $143,600 
(a) GAAP total expenses
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Nine Months Ended
March 31,
2021202020212020
Total costs of revenue$16,055 $15,705 $45,836 $46,449 
Total operating expenses77,772 70,149 213,057 209,265 
GAAP total expenses$93,827 $85,854 $258,893 $255,714 
(b) Stock-based compensation expense was as follows:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Nine Months Ended
March 31,
2021202020212020
Cost of maintenance$234 $343 $688 $1,104 
Cost of services and other412 450 1,198 1,477 
Selling and marketing1,869 1,472 4,655 4,228 
Research and development2,273 2,082 6,515 6,193 
General and administrative4,437 2,952 11,533 11,131 
Total stock-based compensation$9,225 $7,299 $24,589 $24,133 
(c) The income tax effect on non-GAAP items for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, is calculated utilizing the Company's statutory tax rate of 21 percent.