Press Release

Novell Reports Fourth Fiscal Quarter 1997 Results

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PROVO, UT., -- November 25, 1997 -- Novell, Inc. (NASDAQ:NOVL) today reported revenue of $269 million and net income of $7 million or $0.02 per share for its fourth fiscal quarter ended October 31, 1997. After two successive quarters of losses and restructuring in the third quarter, these results mark a return to profitability, the restoration of revenue to near second-quarter levels, and a $26- million decline in costs and expenses from the second quarter.

"I'm pleased to report that demand for our products came back from our entire distribution channel -- value added resellers, multi-product licensing programs, and original equipment manufacturers," said Dr. Eric Schmidt, Novell chairman and chief executive officer. "Fourth-quarter performance shows that the changes we've made in Novell's business are taking hold. We have also set a faster pace for product introductions and market initiatives."

"During the quarter, we delivered new Internet related products, including BorderManager and GroupWise 5.2, that are indicative of the changes we will make across our entire product line over the coming year. With the decisions we've made, fiscal 1998 will be a year of further investment. These changes are intended to build a strong foundation for our business and put Novell on a path to becoming a pure Internet/intranet leader."

Novell's core business -- supplying software for very large networks -- was its strongest ever. Revenue from multi-product, channel, and end-user licensing programs reached a record $99 million or 37 percent of total revenue, reflecting the continued strong adoption of Novell's software by users of large networks. Representative of customers participating in Novell's fourth-quarter license programs were Whirlpool Corporation, Lenscrafters, Colgate-Palmolive, WorldCom, Liberty Mutual, American Home Products, State Farm Insurance, BASF Corp, and the State of Ohio Department of Human Services.

Channel partners also continued to be an important part of Novell's business in the fourth quarter. Resellers accounted for approximately 54 percent of overall sales, which includes almost half of the multi-product licensing revenue. Inventory of boxed software in the distribution channel remained at new, lower levels established by the company in the third fiscal quarter.

On the balance sheet, cash and short-term investments were $1.0 billion at the end of fiscal 1997, up $9 million from year-end 1996. Days sales outstanding declined to 79 days, from 107 days at year-end 1996, and were the lowest in over two years.

For full fiscal year 1997, Novell recorded revenue of slightly more than $1 billion and a net loss of $78 million or ($0.22) per share. The company's third-quarter restructuring charge of $55 million contributed ($0.10) per share, after tax, to the reported loss. These results compare with revenue of $1.4 billion and net income of $126 million or $0.35 per share in fiscal 1996. In the fourth fiscal quarter of 1996, Novell reported revenue of $384 million and net income of $59 million, or $0.17 per share.

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.

Press Contacts:
Peter Troop
Phone: 408-577-8975
Internet: peter_troop@novell.com

Austin Edington
Phone: 408-577-6213
Internet: aedgington@novell.com

Novell, Inc.
Consolidated Unaudited Condensed Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share data)
                      Fourth Fiscal Quarter Ended     Fiscal Year Ended
                      ___________________________   ______________________
                              Oct 31,    Oct 26,       Oct 31,     Oct 26,
                               1997       1996          1997        1996
                            ---------  ---------    ----------  ----------

Net sales                    $269,283   $383,666    $1,007,311  $1,374,856
Cost of sales                  62,630     66,518       277,446     306,761
                            _________  _________   ___________  __________
Gross profit                  206,653    317,148       729,865   1,068,095

Operating expenses
  Sales and marketing         101,767    143,236       443,494     518,846
  Product development          73,053     66,926       282,680     275,627
  General and administrative   37,402     38,668       148,360     146,236
  Restructuring charges            --         --        55,335      18,442
                          ______________________   ___________  __________
Total operating expenses      212,222    248,830       929,869     959,151


Income (loss) from operations (5,569)     68,318     (200,004)     108,944

Other income (expense)
  Investment income            20,161     16,480        61,315      58,195
  Gain on sale of assets           --         --            --      19,815
  Other, net                    (802)    (1,856)      (11,881)     (6,966)
                          ______________________   ___________  __________
Other income, net              19,359     14,624        49,434      71,044
                          ______________________   ___________  __________

Income (loss) before taxes     13,790     82,942     (150,570)     179,988

Income taxes                    6,619     23,912      (72,274)      53,997
                          ___________ __________   ___________  __________

Net income (loss)              $7,171    $59,030     ($78,296)    $125,991
                          ======================   ===========  ==========

Weighted average shares O/S   353,337    345,520       349,429     357,919
                          ======================   ===========  ==========

Net income (loss) per share     $0.02      $0.17       ($0.22)       $0.35
                          ======================   ===========  ==========

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

Current assets
  Cash and short-term investments           $1,033,473      $1,024,755
  Receivables, net                             234,358         452,327
  Inventories                                   10,656          16,837
  Prepaid expenses                              57,685          59,009
  Deferred& refundable income taxes           134,210          37,831
                                          ____________    ____________
Total current assets                         1,470,382       1,590,759

Property, plant and equipment, net             373,865         394,684
Other assets                                    66,402          64,023
                                          ____________    ____________

Total assets                                $1,910,649      $2,049,466
                                          ============    ============


LIABILITIES& SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities
  Accounts payable                             $82,759         $96,933
  Accrued compensation                          51,397          54,731
  Accrued marketing liabilities                 27,728          48,402
  Other accrued liabilities                     85,157         118,133
  Income taxes payable                              --              --
  Deferred revenue                              74,915          46,573
                                          ____________    ____________
Total current liabilities                      321,956         364,772

Minority interests                              23,276          17,035

Put warrants                                        --          52,150

Shareholders' equity                         1,565,417       1,615,509
                                          ____________    ____________

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity  $1,910,649      $2,049,466
                                          ============    ============