Press Release

Novell Reports Third Fiscal Quarter 1997 Results

View a Printer Friendly Version of this Page Send this page to a friend

PROVO, UT., -- August 21, 1997 -- Novell, Inc. (NASDAQ:NOVL) today reported revenue of $90 million and a net loss of $122 million, or ($0.35) per share, for its third fiscal quarter ended July 31, 1997. These results reflect decisions the company announced on May 28 to lower product inventories in its indirect distribution channel and to take a restructuring charge as it reduced its workforce by 18 percent. The restructuring charge of $55 million contributed ($0.10) per share, after tax, to the reported loss.

Dr. Eric Schmidt, Novell chairman and chief executive officer, said: "The third quarter was an opportunity to take aggressive steps to stabilize Novell's business and set the stage for restoring revenue and profitability. Lower operating expenses, realigned resources, and improved information systems make Novell a tighter and more accountable $1 billion company. With these actions behind us, our focus is to deliver Internet products to make Novell a pure Internet/intranet software leader by summer 1998."

Novell reported revenue of $365 million and earnings of $0.17 per share in the third fiscal quarter of 1996. "However, given our third quarter 1997 actions, comparisons with previous periods are not indicative of Novell's market strength or opportunities," said Dr. Schmidt.

Novell's third quarter revenue was reduced from recent periods primarily due to actions the company took in response to changing market conditions. During the third quarter, the company did not ship products to its indirect distribution channel except to accommodate product exchanges and returns. This action brought channel inventory of boxed software products in line with current market demand.

Third quarter revenue was derived principally from sales to large network users through Novell's major account, corporate, and volume license programs. Among the customers licensing Novell products in the third quarter were KPMG Peat Marwick, Safeway Stores, Foundation Health Systems, Saatchi & Saatchi, UBS Switzerland, and the 36-campus State of Minnesota Department of State Colleges and Universities.

Novell reduced its workforce by approximately 1,000 employees in the quarter, bringing total headcount to approximately 4,800 worldwide. This reduction, coupled with an associated consolidation of facilities, is expected to lower operating expenses by $100 million annually, beginning in the fourth fiscal quarter of 1997.

On the balance sheet, cash and short-term investments were $1.1 billion at the end of the third quarter, approximately equal to the prior period and year-end 1996.

Founded in 1983, Novell (NASDAQ:NOVL) is the world's leading provider of network software. The company offers a wide range of network solutions, education, and support for distributed network, Internet, and small-business markets. Information about Novell's complete range of products and services can be accessed on the World Wide Web at http://www.novell.com.

Forward looking statements in this release are made under the Safe Harbor Reform Act of 1996. These statements are based on current expectations and actual results may differ materially due to risks, uncertainties, and other factors. Additional information covering factors that could cause results to differ materially from projected statements can be found in Novell's 10-K and 10-Q filings, as well as the annual report.

Novell Contact:
Peter Troop
Phone: (408) 577-8361
Fax: (408) 577-8921
Internet: peter_troop@novell.com

Novell, Inc.
Consolidated Unaudited Condensed Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share data)
                             Third Fiscal Quarter Ended       Nine Months Ended
                              _________________________  _________________________
                              Jul 31, 1997 Jul 27, 1996  Jul 31, 1997 Jul 27, 1996
                              ------------ ------------  ------------ ------------

Net sales                           $90,074   $365,091      $738,028      $991,190
Cost of sales                        61,671       75,618       214,817     240,243
                                ___________  ____________  ___________  __________
Gross profit                         28,403      289,473       523,211     750,947

Operating expenses
    Sales and marketing              97,769      124,853       341,727     375,610
    Product development              69,428       60,345       209,625     208,701
    General and administrative       33,711       34,299       110,959     107,568
    Restructuring charges            55,335           --        55,335      18,442
                                ___________  ___________   ___________  __________
Total operating expenses            256,243      219,497       717,646     710,321


Income (loss) from operations     (227,840)       69,976     (194,435)      40,626

Other income (expense)
    Investment income                14,619       15,558       41,154       41,715
    Gain on sale of assets               --           --           --       19,815
    Other, net                      (4,736)        (822)      (11,079)     (5,110)
                                ___________  ___________    __________  __________
Other income, net                     9,883       14,736        30,075      56,420
                                ___________  ___________    __________  __________

Income (loss) before taxes        (217,957)       84,712     (164,360)      97,046

Income taxes                       (96,312)       25,953      (78,893)      30,085
                                ___________  ___________   ___________  __________

Net income (loss)                ($121,645)      $58,759     ($85,467)     $66,961
                                ===========  ===========   ===========  ==========

Weighted average shares O/S         349,381      352,129      348,127      362,052
                                ===========  ===========   ===========  ==========

Net income (loss) per share         ($0.35)        $0.17       ($0.25)       $0.18
                                ===========  ===========   ===========  ==========

Novell, Inc.
Consolidated Unaudited Condensed Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
ASSETS                                         Jul 31, 1997       Oct 26, 1996
                                               ____________       ____________

Current assets
    Cash and short-term investments              $1,055,867         $1,024,755
    Receivables, net                                177,058            452,327
    Inventories                                      15,668             16,837
    Prepaid expenses                                 61,602             59,009
    Deferred& refundable income taxes              142,880             37,831
                                                ___________        ___________
Total current assets                              1,453,075          1,590,759

Property, plant and equipment, net                  386,144            394,684
Other assets                                         48,297             64,023
                                                ___________        ___________

Total assets                                     $1,887,516         $2,049,466
                                                ===========        ===========


LIABILITIES& SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities
    Accounts payable                                $64,522            $96,933
    Accrued compensation                             50,227             54,731
    Accrued marketing liabilities                    28,639             48,402
    Other accrued liabilities                       102,614            118,133
    Income taxes payable                                 --                 --
    Deferred revenue                                 63,688             46,573
                                                ___________        ___________
Total current liabilities                           309,690            364,772

Minority interests                                   24,311             17,035

Put warrants                                             --             52,150

Shareholders' equity                              1,553,515          1,615,509
                                                ___________        ___________

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity       $1,887,516         $2,049,466
                                                ===========        ===========