-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, HUpcg3wL2Bu3YOiBTxF6ys3v8CT4xubWUEMgnsi6ceSktQR0owPiNyILeIXsl7wf 01KEw86MQ4jvDA6DK98W6A== 0001193125-07-002263.txt : 20070105 0001193125-07-002263.hdr.sgml : 20070105 20070105165055 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-07-002263 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 6 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20061130 FILED AS OF DATE: 20070105 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20070105 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: COGNOS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000746782 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-PREPACKAGED SOFTWARE [7372] IRS NUMBER: 980119485 STATE OF INCORPORATION: CA FISCAL YEAR END: 0228 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 033-72402 FILM NUMBER: 07514700 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 3755 RIVERSIDE DR STREET 2: PO BOX 9707 CITY: OTTAWA ONTARIO CAN K STATE: A6 ZIP: 00000 BUSINESS PHONE: 6137381440 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 3755 RIVERSIDE DR STREET 2: POST OFFICE BOX 9707 CITY: ONTARIO 10-Q 1 d10q.htm FORM 10-Q FORM 10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 

x

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended November 30, 2006

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 0-16006

COGNOS INCORPORATED

(Exact Name Of Registrant As Specified In Its Charter)

 

CANADA   98-0119485

(State Or Other Jurisdiction Of

Incorporation Or Organization)

  (IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

3755 Riverside Drive,  
P.O. Box 9707, Station T,  
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada   K1G 4K9
(Address Of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

(613) 738-1440

(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 a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  x            Accelerated filer  ¨            Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)    YES  ¨    NO  x

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s only class of Common Stock as of December 29, 2006, was 89,586,463.

 



COGNOS INCORPORATED

INDEX

 

          PAGE
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

  

Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

   3
  

Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006 and November 30, 2005

   3
  

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 30, 2006 and February 28, 2006

   4
  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006 and November 30, 2005

   5
  

Condensed Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

   6

Item 2.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   24

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

   63

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

   64
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

   65

Item 2.

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   71

Item 4.

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   72

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

   73

Signature

   74

 

2


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

COGNOS INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(US$000s except share amounts, U.S. GAAP)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended
November 30,
     Nine months ended
November 30,
     2006    2005      2006    2005

Revenue

             

Product license

   $ 93,994    $ 75,510      $ 245,734    $ 225,305

Product support

     107,771      94,430        311,214      274,997

Services

     46,034      42,314        137,781      124,069
                             

Total revenue

     247,799      212,254        694,729      624,371
                             

Cost of revenue

             

Cost of product license

     1,773      1,732        4,975      4,363

Cost of product support

     12,977      9,192        35,588      27,102

Cost of services

     44,586      33,120        121,907      98,122
                             

Total cost of revenue

     59,336      44,044        162,470      129,587
                             

Gross margin

     188,463      168,210        532,259      494,784
                             

Operating expenses

             

Selling, general, and administrative

     137,663      110,753        373,236      325,795

Research and development

     36,436      28,287        103,584      87,572

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets

     1,701      1,684        5,104      4,958
                             

Total operating expenses

     175,800      140,724        481,924      418,325
                             

Operating income

     12,663      27,486        50,335      76,459

Interest and other income, net

     6,567      3,788        17,794      9,619
                             

Income before taxes

     19,230      31,274        68,129      86,078

Income tax provision

     2,687      7,264        13,288      16,796
                             

Net income

   $ 16,543    $ 24,010      $ 54,841    $ 69,282
                             

Net income per share

             

Basic

     $0.19      $0.27        $0.61      $0.76
                             

Diluted

     $0.18      $0.26        $0.61      $0.74
                             

Weighted average number of shares (000s)

             

Basic

     89,373      90,410        89,662      90,744
                             

Diluted

     90,187      92,288        90,412      92,997
                             

 

 

(See accompanying notes)

 

3


COGNOS INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(US$000s, U.S. GAAP)

(Unaudited)

 

     November 30,
2006
     February 28,
2006
 
Assets       (Note 1 )

Current assets

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $   258,277      $   398,634  

Short-term investments

   340,996      152,368  

Accounts receivable

   169,036      216,850  

Income taxes receivable

   7,363      1,363  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   22,497      31,978  

Deferred tax assets

   11,686      12,936  
             
   809,855      814,129  

Fixed assets, net

   75,406      75,821  

Intangible assets, net

   17,338      22,125  

Other assets

   6,035      6,096  

Deferred tax assets

   7,292      6,928  

Goodwill

   224,383      225,709  
             
   $1,140,309      $1,150,808  
             
Liabilities      

Current liabilities

     

Accounts payable

   $     27,776      $     33,975  

Accrued charges

   37,971      30,799  

Salaries, commissions, and related items

   90,407      73,229  

Income taxes payable

   4,913      6,009  

Deferred income taxes

   5,871      4,118  

Deferred revenue

   197,672      246,562  
             
   364,610      394,692  

Deferred income taxes

   32,578      30,344  
             
   397,188      425,036  
             
Stockholders’ Equity      

Capital stock

     

Common shares and additional paid-in capital
(November 30, 2006 – 89,380,506; February 28, 2006 – 89,826,706)

   489,193      439,680  

Treasury shares
(November 30, 2006 – 558,204; February 28, 2006 – 55,970)

   (19,471 )    (1,563 )

Retained earnings

   268,948      283,168  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   4,451      4,487  
             
   743,121      725,772  
             
   $1,140,309      $1,150,808  
             

 

 

(See accompanying notes)

 

4


COGNOS INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(US$000s, U.S. GAAP)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended
November 30,
       Nine months ended
November 30,
 
     2006      2005        2006      2005  

Cash flows from operating activities

             

Net income

   $ 16,543      $ 24,010        $ 54,841      $ 69,282  

Non-cash items

             

Depreciation and amortization

     8,101        7,304          22,701        21,709  

Amortization of stock-based compensation

     5,523        5,055          15,266        13,695  

Deferred income taxes

     1,669        2,053          6,437        (39 )

Loss (gain) on disposal of fixed assets

     (200 )      82          316        355  
                                     
     31,636        38,504          99,561        105,002  

Change in non-cash working capital

             

Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable

     (23,191 )      (16,851 )        53,084        28,113  

Increase in income tax receivable

     (184 )      —            (5,976 )      —    

Decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets

     3,206        862          10,619        1,699  

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

     3,313        4,470          (6,683 )      (4,554 )

Increase (decrease) in accrued charges

     4,444        (352 )        5,702        (5,726 )

Increase (decrease) in salaries, commissions, and related items

     23,517        (1,919 )        14,922        (32,437 )

Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable

     (2,439 )      502          (1,588 )      (18,789 )

Decrease in deferred revenue

     (16,846 )      (15,900 )        (57,414 )      (39,546 )
                                     

Net cash provided by operating activities

     23,456        9,316          112,227        33,762  
                                     

Cash flows from investing activities

             

Maturity of short-term investments

     142,608        86,244          519,577        332,779  

Purchase of short-term investments

     (281,429 )      (216,233 )        (705,551 )      (414,356 )

Additions to fixed assets

     (4,263 )      (6,157 )        (15,178 )      (17,074 )

Additions to intangible assets

     (366 )      (216 )        (1,062 )      (657 )

Decrease (increase) in other assets

     87        235          (132 )      115  

Acquisition costs, net of cash and cash equivalents

     —          (4,677 )        —          (4,546 )
                                     

Net cash used in investing activities

     (143,363 )      (140,804 )        (202,346 )      (103,739 )
                                     

Cash flows from financing activities

             

Issue of common shares

     27,298        8,463          40,809        26,049  

Purchase of treasury shares

     (15,913 )      —            (18,458 )      (177 )

Repurchase of shares

     (50,075 )      (24,435 )        (75,073 )      (73,383 )
                                     

Net cash used in financing activities

     (38,690 )      (15,972 )        (52,722 )      (47,511 )
                                     

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     (625 )      (522 )        2,484        (3,730 )
                                     

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (159,222 )      (147,982 )        (140,357 )      (121,218 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     417,499        405,112          398,634        378,348  
                                     

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

     258,277        257,130          258,277        257,130  

Short-term investments, end of period

     340,996        226,129          340,996        226,129  
                                     

Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, end of period

   $ 599,273      $ 483,259        $ 599,273      $ 483,259  
                                     

 

 

(See accompanying notes)

 

5


COGNOS INCORPORATED

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(All amounts in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

(In accordance with U.S. GAAP)

 

1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Corporation in United States (“U.S.”) dollars and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the U.S. with respect to interim financial statements, applied on a basis consistent in all material respects with those applied in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2006 except for the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement No. 123 (revised), Share-based Payment (“FAS 123R”) which has been retrospectively applied. These consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required for compliance with GAAP in the U.S. for annual financial statements. These unaudited condensed notes to the consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes included in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2006.

The preparation of these unaudited consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. In particular, management makes judgments related to, among other things, revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, the allowance for doubtful accounts, income taxes, business acquisitions and the related goodwill, intangibles and restructuring accrual, and the impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets. In the opinion of management, these unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (which include normal, recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the results for the periods presented. Actual results could differ from these estimates and the operating results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year.

2. Revenue Recognition

The Corporation recognizes revenue in accordance with Statement of Position (“SOP”) 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition as amended by SOP 98-9, Software Revenue Recognition with Respect to Certain Arrangements (collectively “SOP 97-2) issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

The Corporation recognizes revenue only when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is probable. For contracts with multiple obligations, the Corporation allocates revenue to the undelivered elements of a contract based on vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of the fair value of those elements and allocates revenue to the delivered elements, principally license revenue, using the residual method as described in SOP 97-2.

Substantially all of the Corporation’s product license revenue is earned from licenses of off-the-shelf software requiring no customization. If a license includes the right to return the product for refund or credit, revenue is deferred until the right of return lapses.

Revenue from post-contract customer support (“PCS”) contracts is recognized ratably over the life of the contract, typically 12 months. Incremental costs directly attributable to the acquisition of PCS contracts, which would not have been incurred but for the acquisition of that contract, are deferred and expensed in the period the related revenue is recognized. These costs include commissions payable on sales of support contracts.

 

6


COGNOS INCORPORATED

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(All amounts in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

(In accordance with U.S. GAAP)

 

Many of the Corporation’s sales include both software and services. The services are not essential to the functionality of any other element of the transaction and are stated separately such that the total price of the arrangement is expected to vary as a result of the inclusion or exclusion of the service. Accordingly services revenue from education, consulting, and other services is recognized at the time such services are rendered, and the software element is accounted for separately from the service element.

As required by SOP 97-2, the Corporation establishes VSOE of fair value for each element of a contract with multiple elements (i.e., delivered and undelivered products, support obligations, education, consulting, and other services). The Corporation determines VSOE for service elements based on the normal pricing and discounting practices for those elements when they are sold separately. For PCS, VSOE of fair value is based on the PCS rates contractually agreed to with customers, if the rate is consistent with our customary pricing practices. Absent a stated PCS rate, a consistent rate which represents the price when PCS is sold separately based on PCS renewals is used.

We have historically used two forms of contract terms regarding PCS: contracts which include a stated PCS rate (either a stated renewal rate or a stated rate for the first year PCS bundled with the software license); and contracts which do not state a PCS rate. For contracts which include a stated renewal rate, we use the contractually stated renewal rate to allocate arrangement consideration to the undelivered PCS at the inception of the arrangement and recognize such consideration ratably over the PCS term provided that the stated rate is substantive and consistent with our customary pricing practices. Historically, there has been a high correlation between the amounts allocated to PCS in the initial software licensing arrangement for such arrangements and the amounts at which PCS is renewed.

For contracts that have a stated first year PCS rate, we use such stated prices to allocate arrangement consideration to the undelivered PCS at the inception of the arrangement and recognize such consideration ratably over the PCS term, provided that it is substantive and consistent with our customary pricing practices, as this is typically the rate at which PCS will be renewed. Historically, there has been a high correlation between the amounts allocated to PCS in the initial software licensing arrangement for such arrangements and the amounts at which PCS is renewed.

For contracts which do not state a PCS rate, we allocate a consistent percentage of the license fee to PCS in the first year of such arrangements based on a substantive rate at which our customer experience indicates customers will typically agree to renew PCS. Historically, there has been a high correlation between the mean of amounts allocated to PCS in the initial software licensing arrangement for such arrangements and the mean of amounts at which PCS is renewed.

We stratify our customers into three classes in determining VSOE of fair value for PCS. The classifications are based on the amount of software license business (i.e., software license revenues), life-to-date, that has previously been obtained from the respective customers. For each class of customer, a range of prices exists which represents VSOE of fair value for PCS for that class of customer.

 

7


COGNOS INCORPORATED

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(All amounts in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

(In accordance with U.S. GAAP)

 

When PCS in individual arrangements is stated below the lower limits of our acceptable ranges by customer class, we adjust the percentage allocated for support upwards to the low end of the applicable range by customer class. This adjustment allocates additional revenue from license revenue to deferred PCS revenue which is amortized over the life of the PCS contract, which is typically one year. If the stated PCS is above the reasonable range, no adjustment is made and the deferred PCS revenue is measured at the contracted percentage.

The Corporation recognizes revenue for resellers in a similar manner to revenue for end-users. The Corporation recognizes revenue on physical transfer of the master copy to the reseller if the license fee is a one-time up-front fixed irrevocable payment and all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. If there are multiple license fee payments based on the number of copies made or ordered, delivery occurs and revenue is recognized when the copies are licensed and delivered to an end-user. It is the Corporation’s general business practice not to offer or agree to exchanges or returns with resellers. If a reseller is newly formed, undercapitalized or in financial difficulty, or if uncertainties about the number of copies to be sold by the reseller exist, revenue is deferred and recognized when cash is received if all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.

3. Stock-Based Compensation

The Corporation adopted FAS 123R on March 1, 2006 to account for its stock option, stock purchase, deferred share, and restricted share unit plans. This standard addresses the accounting for stock-based payment transactions in which a corporation receives employee services in exchange for either equity instruments of the corporation or liabilities that are based on the fair value of the corporation’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. Under this standard, companies are required to account for such transactions using a fair value method and recognize the expense over the requisite service period of the award in the consolidated statements of income.

The Corporation previously accounted for stock-based compensation transactions using the intrinsic value method in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (“APB 25”) and provided the pro forma disclosures prescribed by FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-based Compensation (“FAS 123”), the predecessor to FAS 123R. Except for certain acquisition-related options, the exercise price of all stock options is equal to the closing market price of the stock on the trading day preceding the date of grant. Accordingly, with the exception of certain acquisition-related compensation and awards granted under the Corporation’s deferred share and restricted share unit plans, no compensation cost had been recognized in the financial statements prior to fiscal 2007.

 

8


COGNOS INCORPORATED

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(All amounts in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

(In accordance with U.S. GAAP)

 

The Corporation has elected the modified retrospective method of transition provided by FAS 123R and, accordingly, financial statement amounts for all prior periods presented herein reflect results as if the fair value method of expensing had been applied on a basis consistent with the pro forma disclosures required in those periods by FAS 123.

In March 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, Share-based Payment (“SAB 107”) regarding the application of FAS 123R. The Corporation has applied the provisions of SAB 107 in its adoption of FAS 123R.

The following tables set forth the increase (decrease) to the Corporation’s consolidated statements of income and balance sheets as a result of the adoption of FAS 123R for the three and nine months ended November 30, 2005 and for the years ended February 28, 2006 and 2005: (000s, except per share amounts)

 

     Impact of Change for Adoption of FAS 123R  
    

For the three

months ended
November 30, 2005

  

For the nine

months ended
November 30, 2005

   For the year ended  
           February 28, 2006     February 28, 2005  

Consolidated Statement of Income

       

Operating income

   $(4,863)    $(13,168)    $(18,820)     $(17,138)  

Net income

   (4,258)    (11,530)    (16,226)     (15,130)  

Net income per share (basic)

   $(0.04)    $(0.13)    $(0.18)     $(0.17)  

Net income per share (diluted)

   $(0.05)    $(0.12)    $(0.18)     $(0.17)  
    

Impact of Change

for Adoption of FAS 123R

 
     February 28, 2006     February 28, 2005  

Consolidated Balance Sheet

  

Deferred income tax asset

   $     6,792     $     6,018  
            

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Common shares and additional paid-in capital

   159,737     142,962  

Deferred stock-based compensation

   501     277  

Retained earnings

   (153,446 )   (137,221 )
                  

Net Stockholders’ equity

   $     6,792     $     6,018  
            

The Corporation uses the straight-line attribution method to recognize stock-based compensation expense over the requisite service period of its awards with service conditions only and the graded attribution method for its performance-based awards. Stock-based compensation expense is recorded, consistent with other compensation expenses, in cost of support, cost of services, selling, general and administrative expenses or research and development expenses, depending on the employee’s job function.

 

9


COGNOS INCORPORATED

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(All amounts in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

(In accordance with U.S. GAAP)

 

When recording compensation cost for equity awards, FAS 123R requires corporations to estimate the number of equity awards granted that are expected to be forfeited. Prior to the adoption of FAS 123R, the Corporation recognized forfeitures when they occurred, rather than using an estimate at the grant date, and subsequently adjusting the estimated forfeitures to reflect actual forfeitures.

Stock-based compensation expense recognized for the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006 and 2005 is as follows:

 

    

Three months ended

November 30,

    

Nine months ended

November 30,

 
     2006     2005      2006     2005  
     ($000s)  

Compensation cost recognized

         

Cost of Product Support

   $      94     $   130      $     255     $     361  

Cost of Services

   214     249      560     650  

Selling, General and Administrative

   6,311     3,616      15,716     9,739  

Research and Development

   507     1,061      1,430     2,946  
                         

Total

   7,126     5,056      17,961     13,696  

Tax benefit recognized

   (2,108 )   (605 )    (3,567 )   (1,638 )
                         

Net Stock-based Compensation Cost

   $ 5,018     $4,451      $14,394     $12,058  
                         

 

Stock Options

 

The fair value of the options granted after March 1, 2005 was estimated at the date of grant using a binomial lattice option-pricing model. Prior to March 1, 2005, the Corporation used the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the fair value of options at the grant date. The following weighted-average assumptions were used for options granted during the following periods:

 

 

   

     Three months ended
November 30,
     Nine months ended
November 30,
 
     2006     2005      2006     2005  

Risk-free interest rates

   4.1 %   4.1 %    4.2 %   3.8 %

Expected volatility

   38.0 %   33.0 %    39.3 %   33.1 %

Dividend yield

   0.0 %   0.0 %    0.0 %   0.0 %

Expected life of options (years)

   3.7     3.6      3.8     3.8  

 

10


COGNOS INCORPORATED

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(All amounts in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

(In accordance with U.S. GAAP)

 

Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of the Corporation’s stock, implied volatilities from traded options on the Corporation’s stock, and other relevant factors. The Corporation uses historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination within the valuation model. Separate groups of employees that have similar exercise behavior and turnover rates are considered separately for valuation purposes. The expected life of the options granted is derived from the output of the option valuation model and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option are determined by the US Treasury yields for US dollar options and the Government of Canada benchmark bond yields for Canadian dollar options in effect at the time of the grant.

Options outstanding that have vested and are expected to vest as of November 30, 2006 are as follows:

 

     Number
of Awards
(000s)
    Weighted-
average
exercise
price
(in $)
   Aggregate
intrinsic
value (1)
($000s)
   Weighted-
average
remaining
contractual
term (in years)

Outstanding, March 1, 2006

   11,255     $32.60    $75,347    3.3

Granted

   647     34.93      

Cancelled

   (473 )   36.12      

Exercised

   (1,492 )   25.82      
              

Outstanding, November 30, 2006

   9,937     33.51    80,364    2.7
              

Exercisable, November 30, 2006

   6,723     32.92    60,435    2.4

Unvested, November 30, 2006

   3,214     34.74    19,929    3.3

(1)

The intrinsic value of an option represents the amount by which the market value of the stock exceeds the exercise price of the option of in-the-money options only. The aggregate intrinsic value is based on the closing price of $38.25 and $40.91 for the Corporation’s stock on the NASDAQ on February 28, 2006 and November 30, 2006, respectively.

Additional information with respect to stock option activity is as follows:

 

    

Number of

Awards
(in 000s)

    Weighted-
average
grant date
fair value
(in $)

Unvested at March 1, 2006

   4,594     $11.17

Granted

   647     10.92

Vested

   (1,750 )   11.81

Forfeited

   (277 )  
        

Unvested at November 30, 2006

   3,214     11.09
        

 

11


COGNOS INCORPORATED

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(All amounts in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

(In accordance with U.S. GAAP)

 

The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted during the nine-month period ended November 30, 2006 was $10.92 for a total fair value of $7,065,000. Options with a fair value of $20,681,000 completed vesting during the nine-month period ended November 30, 2006. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine-month period ended November 30, 2006 was $19,381,000. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from option exercises in certain jurisdictions and the deduction of stock-based compensation in others for the nine-month period ended November 30, 2006 was $3,364,000.

As of November 30, 2006, there was $31,902,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options; that cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.

Restricted Share Unit Plan

The Corporation also maintains a Restricted Share Unit Plan pursuant to which employees, officers, and directors of the Corporation and its subsidiaries are eligible to participate. Subject to performance and/or service provisions set out in each participant’s award agreement, each restricted share unit (“RSU”) will be exchangeable for one common share of the Corporation. Performance targets are based on company-wide performance goals such as operating margin and revenue growth and may include indexes to competitors’ performance. RSUs contingently vest over a period of 1 to 5 years.

The fair value of each RSU is determined on the date of grant based on the value of the Corporation’s stock on that day. The Corporation estimates its achievement against the performance goals which are based on the Corporation’s business plan approved by the Board of Directors. The estimated achievement is updated for the Corporation’s outlook for the fiscal year as at the end of each fiscal period. Compensation cost will only be recognized to the extent that performance goals are achieved.

The common shares for which RSUs may be exchanged will be purchased on the open market by a trustee appointed and funded by the Corporation. As no common shares will be issued by the Corporation pursuant to the plan, the plan is non-dilutive to existing shareholders.

 

12


COGNOS INCORPORATED

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(All amounts in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

(In accordance with U.S. GAAP)

 

Activity in the RSU plan for the nine-month period ended November 30, 2006 was as follows:

 

     Restricted
Share
Units
     Weighted-
Average
Grant Day
Fair Value
   Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(in years)
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
     (000s)                ($000)

Outstanding, March 1, 2006

   43      $37.05    2.6    $  1,630

Granted

   674      34.69      

Vested

   (15 )    32.14      

Forfeited

   (3 )    36.70      
               

Outstanding, November 30, 2006

   699      $34.67    3.9    $28,584
               

The weighted-average grant date fair value of RSUs granted during the nine-month period ended November 30, 2006 was $34.69. The fair value of the Corporation’s stock at November 30, 2006 was $40.91. The total intrinsic value of RSUs that vested during the nine-month period ended November 30, 2006 was $548,000.

As of November 30, 2006, there was $18,701,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested RSUs; that cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.9 years.

The Corporation expects to purchase up to 208,000 shares in the upcoming year to meet RSU commitments if certain performance goals are achieved.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Corporation sponsors the Cognos Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). A participant in the ESPP authorizes the Corporation to deduct an amount per pay period that cannot exceed five (5) percent of annual salary and target bonus divided by the number of pay periods per year. Deductions are accumulated during each of the Corporation’s fiscal quarters (“Purchase Period”) and, on the first trading day following the end of any Purchase Period, these deductions are applied toward the purchase of common shares. The purchase price per share is ninety (90) percent of the lesser of the fair market value of Cognos stock on the Toronto Stock Exchange as of the beginning and the end of the Purchase Period. As the ESPP is considered a compensatory plan under FAS 123R, the Corporation recognized $121,000 and $395,000 of ESPP compensation expense in the three and nine-month periods ended November 30, 2006, respectively and $98,078 and $272,589 for the three and nine months ended November 30, 2005, respectively.

 

13


COGNOS INCORPORATED

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(All amounts in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

(In accordance with U.S. GAAP)

 

Deferred Share Unit Plan for Non-employee Directors

The Corporation has established a deferred share unit plan for its non-employee directors (“DSU Plan”). A DSU is a unit, equivalent in value to a share of the Corporation, credited by means of a bookkeeping entry in the books of the Corporation to an account in the name of the non-employee director. DSUs represent the variable (at risk) component of the directors’ compensation. At the end of the director’s tenure, the director must redeem the DSUs and, at the option of the Corporation, is either (i) paid the market value of the shares represented by the DSUs, or (ii) receives the whole number equivalent of the number of DSUs in shares of the Corporation purchased on the open market. A director is required to hold 5,000 DSUs and/or shares which must be attained within three (3) years of the director commencing service on the Board. At November 30, 2006, the Corporation had a liability of $5,345,000 in relation to the DSU Plan based on the value of the Corporation’s stock at that date.

4. Intangible Assets

 

    

As at November 30,

2006

  

As at February 28,

2006

      
     Cost     Accumulated
Amortization
   Cost     Accumulated
Amortization
   Amortization
Rate
 
     ($000s)    ($000s)       

Acquired technology

   $ 41,611     $32,333    $ 41,611     $28,194    20 %

Contractual relationships

   9,654     4,293    9,654     3,328    12.5 %

Trademarks and patents

   6,785     4,086    5,724     3,342    20 %
                        
   58,050     $40,712    56,989     $34,864   
                

Accumulated Amortization

   (40,712 )      (34,864 )     
                    

Net book value

   $ 17,338        $ 22,125       
                    

During the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006, there were additions to trademarks and patents in the amount of $366,000 and $1,062,000, respectively, compared to $216,000 and $657,000 in the corresponding periods of the previous year.

The amortization of trademarks and patents is included in selling, general, and administrative expenses and the amortization of acquired technology and contractual relationships is included in income as amortization of acquisition-related intangibles. The following table sets forth the allocations:

 

14


COGNOS INCORPORATED

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(All amounts in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

(In accordance with U.S. GAAP)

 

     Three months ended
November 30,
     Nine months ended
November 30,
     2006      2005      2006      2005
     ($000s)      ($000s)

Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles

   $1,701      $1,684      $5,104      $4,958

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

   254      171      744      557
                         

Total

   $1,955      $1,855      $5,848      $5,515
                         

The estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets in existence as at November 30, 2006, over the next five years, is as follows ($000s):

 

2007 (Q4)

   $ 1,928

2008

     7,098

2009

     3,570

2010

     2,782

2011

     1,875

2012

     85

5. Goodwill

During the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006, there was a decrease to goodwill of $1,326,000, related to the acquisition of Adaytum, Inc. The decrease resulted from the realization of a tax benefit associated with acquisition-related costs. During the three and nine months ended November 30, 2005, there were increases to goodwill of $6,415,000 and $5,413,000, respectively, resulting from the acquisition of Databeacon Inc. and Digital Aspects Holdings Ltd., and adjustments to the accounts receivable in the purchase price allocation for Frango AB (“Frango”).

 

     Three months ended
November 30,
   Nine months ended
November 30,
     2006      2005    2006      2005
     ($000s)    ($000s)

Beginning balance

   $ 225,709      $ 220,488    $ 225,709      $ 221,490

Adjustments

     (1,326 )      6,415      (1,326 )      5,413
                               

Closing balance

   $ 224,383      $ 226,903    $ 224,383      $ 226,903
                               

 

15


COGNOS INCORPORATED

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(All amounts in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

(In accordance with U.S. GAAP)

 

6. Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

The Corporation and its subsidiaries may, from time to time, be involved in legal proceedings, claims, and litigation that arise in the ordinary course of business. In the event that any such claims or litigation are resolved against Cognos, such outcomes or resolutions could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, or results of operations of the Corporation.

Customer Indemnification

The Corporation has entered into licensing agreements with customers that include limited intellectual property indemnification clauses. These clauses are typical in the software industry and require the Corporation to compensate the customer for certain liabilities and damages incurred as a result of third party intellectual property claims arising from these transactions. The Corporation also issues letters of credit for a range of global contingent and firm obligations including insurance, custom obligations, real estate leases, and support obligations. The Corporation has not made any significant payments as a result of these indemnification clauses or letters of credit and, in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 45, Guarantors Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, has not accrued any amounts in relation to these indemnification clauses.

7. Income Taxes

The Corporation provides for income taxes in its quarterly unaudited financial statements based on the estimated effective tax rate for the full fiscal year. The estimated effective tax rate is adjusted on a quarterly basis when a tax asset or exposure is ultimately resolved.

The Corporation estimates its effective tax rate for fiscal 2007 to be 22.5%, exclusive of any one-time events. This estimated effective tax rate was reduced for the three and nine-month periods ended November 30, 2006 to 14.0% and 19.5%, respectively, due primarily to tax benefits on disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock options exercised in the United States. The Corporation originally estimated its effective tax rate for fiscal 2006 to be 22.0%, exclusive of any one-time events and prior to the retrospective application of FAS123R. The effective tax rate for the three-month period ended November 30, 2005 was 23.2%, including adjustments relating to various tax audits and prior period tax provisions. The effective tax rate for the nine-month period ended November 30, 2005 was 19.5%, including the adjustments in the quarter as well as the recognition of one-time benefits resulting from (i) a tax court decision that allowed corporations to claim investment tax credits on stock-based compensation for research and development personnel relating to fiscal years 2004 and 2005 and (ii) a change in tax withholding legislation relating to one of the Corporation’s subsidiaries.

 

16


COGNOS INCORPORATED

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(All amounts in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

(In accordance with U.S. GAAP)

 

8. Stockholders’ Equity

The Corporation issued 1,003,000 common shares for proceeds of $27,298,000, and 1,559,000 common shares for proceeds of $40,809,000 during the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006, respectively. The Corporation issued 301,000 common shares for proceeds of $8,463,000 and 1,067,000 common shares for $26,049,000 during the three and nine months ended November 30, 2005, respectively. The issuance of shares in fiscal 2007 and 2006 was pursuant to the Corporation’s stock purchase plan and the exercise of stock options by employees, officers and directors.

The Corporation repurchases shares in the open market under a share repurchase program and under a restricted share unit plan. During the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006, the Corporation repurchased 1,352,000 shares at a value of $50,075,000 and 2,005,000 shares at a value of $75,073,000, respectively, under the Corporation’s share repurchase program. During the three and nine-month periods ended November 30, 2006, the Corporation repurchased 437,000 shares valued at $15,913,000 and 517,000 shares valued at $18,458,000, respectively, under its restricted share unit plan.

During the three and nine months ended November 30, 2005, the Corporation repurchased 651,000 shares at a value of $24,435,000 and 1,917,000 shares at a value of $73,383,000, respectively, under its share repurchase program. The Corporation did not repurchase shares under its restricted share unit plan during the three months ended November 30, 2005. During the nine-month period ended November 30, 2005, the Corporation repurchased 5,000 shares valued at $177,000 under its restricted share unit plan.

 

17


COGNOS INCORPORATED

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(All amounts in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

(In accordance with U.S. GAAP)

 

Net Income per Share

The reconciliation of the numerator and denominator for the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share is as follows: (000s except per share amounts)

 

     Three months ended
November 30,
   Nine months ended
November 30,
     2006    2005    2006    2005

Basic Net Income per Share

           

Net income

   $ 16,543    $ 24,010    $ 54,841    $ 69,282
                           

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

     89,373      90,410      89,662      90,744
                           

Basic net income per share

     $0.19      $0.27      $0.61      $0.76
                           

Diluted Net Income per Share

           

Net income

   $ 16,543    $ 24,010    $ 54,841    $ 69,282
                           

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

     89,373      90,410      89,662      90,744

Dilutive effect of stock options

     814      1,878      750      2,253
                           

Adjusted weighted average number of shares outstanding

     90,187      92,288      90,412      92,997
                           

Diluted net income per share

     $0.18      $0.26      $0.61      $0.74
                           

9. Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes net income and other comprehensive income (“OCI”). OCI refers to changes in net assets from transactions and other events, and circumstances not included in net income and other than transactions with stockholders. These changes are recorded directly as a separate component of Stockholders’ Equity. OCI includes the foreign currency translation adjustments for subsidiaries that do not use the U.S. dollar as their functional currency net of gains or losses on the effective portion of cash flow hedges where the hedged item has not yet been recognized in income. Tax effects of foreign currency translation adjustments pertaining to those subsidiaries are generally included in OCI.

 

18


COGNOS INCORPORATED

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(All amounts in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

(In accordance with U.S. GAAP)

 

The components of comprehensive income were as follows ($000’s):

 

     Three months ended
November 30,
     Nine months ended
November 30,
 
     2006      2005      2006      2005  

Net income

   $ 16,543      $ 24,010      $ 54,841      $ 69,282  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

             

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (838 )      1,671        (705 )      4,440  

Change in net unrealized loss on derivative instruments

     345        —          669        (869 )
                                   

Comprehensive income

   $ 16,050      $ 25,681      $ 54,805      $ 72,853  
                                   

10. Segmented Information

The Corporation operates in one business segment as one reporting unit — computer software solutions.

11. Restructuring Activities

Margin Improvement Plan

On September 7, 2006, in order to streamline the organization and improve its operating margin on a long term basis, the Corporation announced a restructuring plan. The plan included a reduction of 203 personnel or 6% of the Corporation’s global workforce, focused primarily on the elimination of redundant management and non-revenue-generating positions. The Corporation expects to substantially complete the activities relating to the plan within the Corporation’s fiscal year 2007.

As part of this plan, and in accordance with FASB Statement No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities, the Corporation has incurred approximately $26,898,000 in total pre-tax charges. Substantially all of the pre-tax charges are one-time employee termination benefits and are included in the income statement in cost of support, cost of services, selling, general and administrative expenses or research and development expenses, depending on the employee’s job function. The cash related accrual is included on the balance sheet as salaries, commissions and related items and the effects of remeasurement of stock-based compensation are included in common shares and additional paid-in-capital. The implementation of the plan has not yet been completed as severance packages in certain geographies continue to be finalized. As a result, the Corporation could incur additional liabilities. The Corporation expects all payments to be made by the end of its fiscal year 2009.

 

19


COGNOS INCORPORATED

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(All amounts in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

(In accordance with U.S. GAAP)

 

The following table sets forth the activity in the Corporation’s restructuring plan for the three-month period ended November 30, 2006: ($000s)

 

     Employee
separations
     Stock-based
compensation
     Total per plan  

Restructuring charges in the quarter

   $ 26,599      $299      $ 26,898  

Cash payments during the quarter

   (11,994 )    —        (11,994 )

Foreign exchange adjustment

   213      —        213  
                    

Balance as at November 30, 2006

   $ 14,818      $299      $ 15,117  
                    

The restructuring charge incurred in the quarter ended November 30, 2006 was as follows:

 

($000s)    Three months ended
November 30, 2006

Cost of product support

   $  1,351

Cost of services

   5,361

Selling, general and administrative

   15,256

Research & development

   4,930
    

Total restructuring charge

   $26,898
    

Frango Acquisition

In September 2004, in conjunction with the acquisition of Frango, the Corporation undertook a restructuring plan. In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) No. 95-3, Recognition of Liabilities in Connection with a Business Combination (“EITF 95-3”), the liability associated with this restructuring is considered a liability assumed in the purchase price allocation. The Corporation recorded restructuring costs of approximately $5,445,000 in relation to this restructuring plan. This restructuring primarily related to involuntary employee separations of approximately 20 employees of Frango and accruals for vacating leased premises of Frango. The employee separations impacted all functional groups, primarily in Europe. The restructuring accrual is included on the balance sheet as accrued charges and salaries, commissions, and related items. All amounts excluding lease payments will be paid by the end of fiscal 2007. Outstanding balances for the lease payments will be paid over the lease term unless settled earlier. The Corporation does not believe that any unresolved contingencies, purchase price allocation issues, or additional liabilities exists that would result in a material adjustment to the acquisition cost allocation.

 

20


COGNOS INCORPORATED

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(All amounts in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

(In accordance with U.S. GAAP)

 

The following table sets forth the activity in the Corporation’s restructuring accrual for the nine-month period ended November 30, 2006: ($000s)

 

    
Employee
separations
     Other
restructuring
accruals
    

Total
accrual
 

Balance as at February 28, 2006

   $ 277      $ 481      $ 758  

Cash payments during the first nine months of fiscal 2007

   (226 )    (165 )    (391 )

Adjustment

   (13 )    —        (13 )

Foreign exchange adjustment

   25      43      68  
                    

Balance as at November 30, 2006

   $   63      $ 359      $ 422  
                    

12. New Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158 (“SFAS 158”), Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans an amendment to SFAS No’s 87, 88, 106 and 132(R). SFAS 158 requires an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or a liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. SFAS 158 is effective as of the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006. The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 158 on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition. The Corporation does not expect the adoption of SFAS 158 to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 (“SFAS 157”), Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value, establishes guidelines for measuring fair value and expands disclosures regarding fair value measurements. SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements but rather eliminates inconsistencies in guidance found in various prior accounting pronouncements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Earlier adoption is permitted. The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 157 on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition. The Corporation does not expect the adoption of SFAS 157 to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements (“SAB 108”). SAB 108 requires companies to evaluate the materiality of identified unadjusted errors on each financial statement and related financial statement disclosure using both the rollover approach and the iron curtain approach. The “rollover” approach quantifies misstatements based on the amount of the error in the current year financial statement whereas the “iron curtain” approach quantifies misstatements based on the effects of correcting the misstatement existing in the balance sheet at the end of the current year, irrespective of the misstatement’s year(s) of origin. Financial statements would require adjustment when either approach results in quantifying a misstatement that is material. Correcting prior year financial statements for immaterial errors would not require previously filed reports to be amended. SAB 108 is effective for the annual financial statements covering the first fiscal year ending after November 15, 2006 with early adoption encouraged for any interim period of the first fiscal year ending after November 15, 2006, filed after the publication of the Staff Bulletin.

 

21


COGNOS INCORPORATED

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(All amounts in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

(In accordance with U.S. GAAP)

 

Historically, the Corporation has evaluated uncorrected differences using the “rollover” approach. While the Corporation believes its prior period assessments of uncorrected differences utilizing the “rollover” approach and the conclusions reached regarding its quantitative and qualitative assessments of such uncorrected differences were appropriate, it expects that, due to the “iron curtain” analysis required under SAB 108, certain historical uncorrected differences related to deferred support revenue and stock-based compensation will be corrected in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007 as a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance as of March 1, 2006. The cumulative adjustment to opening retained earnings, resulting from the correction of deferred support revenue attributable to a change in fiscal year 2003 to recognize support revenue on an estimated daily basis, is expected to be a reduction of approximately $6,000,000. The uncorrected difference related to stock-based compensation is related to differences in measurement date uncovered by an internal review of historical grants from fiscal years 1996 through 2006. The cumulative adjustment to opening retained earnings resulting from the correction of stock-based compensation is expected to be a reduction of approximately $1,500,000. The Corporation is continuing to evaluate the impact of adopting SAB 108 and, as a result, the actual reduction to the retained earnings may be different than these estimates.

In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). This Interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. This Interpretation prescribes that a company should use a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold based on the technical merits of the tax position taken. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be measured in order to determine the tax benefit to be recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 is effective in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact of FIN 48 on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Instruments – an Amendment of SFAS No. 140 (“SFAS 156”). This Statement amends SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, with respect to the accounting for separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities. This Statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006. The Corporation does not expect the adoption of SFAS 156 to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

 

22


COGNOS INCORPORATED

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(All amounts in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

(In accordance with U.S. GAAP)

 

In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments – an Amendment to SFAS Nos. 133 and 140 (“SFAS 155”). SFAS 155 permits fair value remeasurement for any hybrid financial instrument that contains an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation and clarifies which interest-only strips and principal-only strips are not subject to the requirements of SFAS No. 133. This statement also establishes a requirement to evaluate interests in securitized financial assets to identify interests that are freestanding derivatives or that are hybrid financial instruments that contain an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation and clarifies that concentrations of credit risk in the form of subordination are not embedded derivatives. In addition, SFAS 155 amends SFAS No. 140 to eliminate the prohibition on a qualifying special-purpose entity from holding a derivative financial instrument that pertains to a beneficial interest other than another derivative financial instrument. This Statement is effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. The Corporation does not expect the adoption of SFAS 155 to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

13. Comparative Results

Certain figures in the prior periods’ financial statements have been reclassified in order to conform to the presentation adopted in the current year. None of these changes in presentation affect previously reported results of operations.

 

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Item 2.

COGNOS INCORPORATED

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(in United States dollars and in accordance with U.S. GAAP, unless otherwise indicated)

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS/SAFE HARBOR

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report and can also be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes, and MD&A contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”) for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2006 (“fiscal 2006”). Certain statements made in this MD&A, including in the “Outlook” section, that are not based on historical information are forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 138.4(9) of the Ontario Securities Act. Terms and phrases such as, “opportunity”, “expected”, “plans”, “aimed at”, “intends” and similar terms and phrases are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements relate to and include, among other things future revenues and earnings; our products, including Cognos 8 Business Intelligence (“Cognos 8”) and Cognos Planning and their contributions to our revenues and earnings; market trends; new and existing product innovations and developments; operational performance; our sales force structure and model; our anticipated hiring needs and our use of subcontractors; the impact of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123 (revised), Share-based Payment (“FAS 123R”) and other new accounting pronouncements on our financial results; the charges from and the impact of our margin improvement plan on our financial results, our estimated payments under the plan, and our expected time frame for completion of our restructuring activities; our effective tax rate; our plans with respect to our share repurchase program and purchases under our RSU Plan; anticipated liabilities from prior acquisitions; the revenue mix between product license, support and services; the decline in license revenue from stand alone products incorporated into Cognos 8; improvements in gross margins; the growth of corporate performance management (“CPM”) in the software industry; the trend towards standardization and larger transactions; product and technological improvements by our competitors and consolidation in our industry and the expansion of larger software vendors including enterprise resource planning software vendors, into our markets; the strength of the Canadian and U.S. dollars and their effects; our plans to retain earnings to reinvest in Cognos; drivers of growth in the business intelligence (“BI”) market; our ability to meet our working capital needs; and our investments in personnel and technology.

These forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, Cognos’ transition to new products and releases, including Cognos 8 and customer acceptance and implementation of Cognos 8; a continuing increase in the number of larger customer transactions and the related lengthening of sales cycles and challenges in executing on these sales opportunities; the incursion of enterprise resource planning and other major software companies into the BI market; continued BI and software market consolidation and other competitive changes in the BI and software market; currency fluctuations; our ability to identify, hire, train, motivate, retain, and incent highly qualified management/other key personnel (including sales personnel) and our ability to manage changes and transitions in management/other key personnel; our ability to achieve our expected cost savings from our margin improvement plan; the impact of the implementation of FAS 123R; our ability to develop, introduce and implement new products as well as enhancements or improvements for existing products that respond, in a timely fashion, to customer/product requirements and rapid technological change; our ability to maintain                                     

 

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or accurately forecast revenue or to anticipate and accurately forecast a decline in revenue from any of our products or services; our ability to compete in an intensely competitive market; new product introductions and enhancements by competitors; our ability to select and implement appropriate business models, plans and strategies and to execute on them; fluctuations in our quarterly and annual operating results; fluctuations in our tax exposure; the impact of natural disasters on the overall economic condition of North America; unauthorized use or misappropriation of our intellectual property; claims by third parties that our software infringes their intellectual property; the risks inherent in international operations, such as the impact of the laws, regulations, rules and pronouncements of jurisdictions outside of Canada and their interpretation by courts, tribunals, regulatory and similar bodies of such jurisdictions; our ability to identify, pursue, and complete acquisitions with desired business results; as well as the risk factors discussed in this quarterly report, our Annual Report and in other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Canadian Securities Administrators. Readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. We disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any such statement to reflect any change in our expectations or in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements.

Discussion of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to our GAAP results, Cognos discloses adjusted operating margin percentage, net income and net income per share, referred to respectively as “non-GAAP operating margin percentage,” “non-GAAP net income,” and “non-GAAP net income per diluted share.” These items, which are collectively referred to as “Non-GAAP Measures,” exclude the impact of stock-based compensation and the amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets. The Non-GAAP measures also exclude the restructuring charges related to our margin improvement plan announced September 7, 2006 as these charges are considered non-recurring. From time to time, subject to the review and approval of the audit committee of the Board of Directors, management may make other adjustments for expenses and gains that it does not consider reflective of core operating performance in a particular period and may modify the Non-GAAP Measures by excluding these expenses and gains.

Management defines its core operating performance to be the revenues recorded in a particular period and the expenses incurred within that period which management has the capability of directly affecting in order to drive operating income. Non-cash stock-based compensation, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets and restructuring charges are excluded from our core operating performance because the decisions which gave rise to these expenses were not made to generate revenue in a particular period, but rather were made for our long term benefit over multiple periods. While strategic decisions, such as the decisions to issue stock-based compensation, to acquire a company or to restructure the organization, are made to further our long term strategic objectives and do impact our income statement under GAAP, these items affect multiple periods and management is not able to change or affect these items within any particular period. Therefore, management excludes these impacts in its planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of our underlying revenue-generating operations for a particular period.

 

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Prior to the adoption of FAS 123R on March 1, 2006, the beginning of our fiscal year 2007, management’s practice was to exclude stock-based compensation internally to evaluate performance. With the adoption of FAS 123R, management concluded that the Non-GAAP Measures could provide relevant disclosure to investors as contemplated by Staff Accounting Bulletin 107. As of the beginning of our current fiscal year, management also began excluding amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets when assessing appropriate adjustments for non-GAAP presentations. While both of these items are recurring and affect GAAP net income, management does not use them to assess the business’ operational performance for any particular period because: each item affects multiple periods and is unrelated to business performance in a particular period; management is not able to change either item in any particular period; and neither item contributes to the operational performance of the business for any particular period.

In the case of stock-based compensation, as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2006 (“2006 Form 10-K”), our compensation strategy is to use stock-based compensation “as a key tool for ensuring that key employees and executives are engaged and motivated to remain at the Company for the long term.” Whether the grant of stock options or Restricted Share Units are part of a Key Employee grant, are merit based or are granted based on meeting specific performance criteria in a measurement period, these grants vest over time and are aimed at long term employee retention, rather than to motivate or reward operational performance for any particular period. Thus, stock-based compensation expense varies for reasons that are generally unrelated to operational performance in any particular period. As further discussed in our 2006 Form 10-K, we use annual cash bonus payouts for executives and other employees to motivate and reward annual operational performance in the areas of revenue and operating margin achievement. Since the beginning of fiscal year 2007, operating margin achievement has been measured on a non-GAAP basis, excluding stock-based compensation and amortization of acquisition-related intangible asset expenses.

Management views amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, such as the amortization of an acquired company’s research and development efforts, customer lists and customer relationships, as items arising during the time that preceded the acquisition. It is a cost that is determined at the time of the acquisition. While it is continually viewed for impairment, amortization of the cost is a static expense, one that is typically not affected by operations during any particular period and does not contribute to operational performance in any particular period.

The margin improvement plan reflects a fundamental realignment of our business, including significant personnel reductions within higher levels of management. The restructuring charges are excluded from our Non-GAAP Measures because they are significantly different in magnitude and character from routine personnel adjustments that management makes when monitoring and conducting the Company’s core operations during any particular period. The restructuring decision and related expenses are not related to operating performance for any particular period, and are not subject to change by management in any particular period. Instead, the restructuring is intended to align our business model and expense structure to our position in the market we are experiencing, and expect to experience, over the long term.

Management also uses these Non-GAAP Measures to operate the business because the excluded expenses are not under the control of, and accordingly are not used in evaluating the performance of, operations personnel within their respective areas of responsibility. In the case of stock-based compensation expense, the award of stock options is governed by the human resources and compensation committee of the Board of Directors. With respect to acquisition-related intangible assets and charges associated with the margin improvement plan, these charges arise from acquisitions and a restructuring that are the result of strategic decisions which are not the responsibility of most levels of operational management. The restructuring charges, like our stock-based compensation charges and amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, are excluded in management’s internal evaluations of our operating results and are not considered for management compensation purposes.

 

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Ultimately, stock-based compensation, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, and restructuring expenses are incurred to further our long-term strategic objectives, rather than to achieve operational performance objectives for any particular period. As such, supplementing GAAP disclosure with non-GAAP disclosure using the Non-GAAP Measures provides management with an additional view of operational performance by excluding expenses that are not directly related to performance in any particular period. Further, management considers this supplemental information to be beneficial to shareholders because it shows our operating performance without the impact of charges that are largely unrelated to the performance of our underlying revenue-generating operations during the period in which the charges are recorded. Including such disclosure in our filings also provides investors with greater transparency on period-to-period performance and the manner in which management views, conducts and evaluates the business.

Because the Non-GAAP Measures are not calculated in accordance with GAAP, they are used by management as a supplement to, and not an alternative to, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. There are a number of limitations on the Non-GAAP Measures, including the following:

 

   

The Non-GAAP Measures do not have standardized meanings and may not be comparable to similar non-GAAP measures used or reported by other software companies.

 

   

The Non-GAAP Measures do not reflect all costs associated with our operations determined in accordance with GAAP. For example:

 

   

Non-GAAP operating margin performance and non-GAAP net income do not include stock-based compensation expense related to equity awards granted to our workforce. Cognos’ stock incentive plans are important components of our employee incentive compensation arrangements and are reflected as expenses in our GAAP results under FAS 123R. While we include the dilutive impact of such equity awards in weighted average shares outstanding, the expense associated with stock-based awards is excluded from our Non-GAAP Measures.

 

   

While amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets does not directly impact our current cash position, such expense represents the declining value of the technology or other intangible assets that we have acquired. These assets are amortized over their respective expected economic lives or impaired, if appropriate. The expense associated with this decline in value is excluded from our non-GAAP disclosures and therefore our Non-GAAP Measures do not include the costs of acquired intangible assets that supplement our research and development.

 

   

Restructuring charges primarily represent severance charges associated with our margin improvement plan which was announced September 7, 2006. These charges are a significant expense from a GAAP perspective and the costs associated with the restructuring would be operational in nature absent the margin improvement plan. Most of the charges are cash expenditures which are excluded from our Non-GAAP Measures.

 

   

Excluded expenses for stock-based compensation and amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets will recur and will impact our GAAP results. While restructuring costs are non-recurring activities, their occasional occurrence will impact GAAP results. As such, the Non-GAAP Measures should not be construed as an inference that the excluded items are unusual, infrequent or non-recurring.

 

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As a result of these limitations, management recognizes that the Non-GAAP Measures should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to our results as reported under GAAP. Management compensates for theses limitations by relying on the Non-GAAP Measures only as a supplement to our GAAP results.

ABOUT COGNOS

Cognos is a global leader in business intelligence (“BI”) and corporate performance management (“CPM”) software solutions. Our solutions provide world-class enterprise planning and BI software and services to help companies plan, understand and manage financial and operational performance.

Cognos brings together technology, analytical applications, best practices, and a broad network of partners to give customers a complete performance system. The Cognos performance system is an open and adaptive solution that leverages an organization’s enterprise resource planning (“ERP”), packaged applications, and database investments. It gives customers the ability to answer the questions – How are we doing? Why are we on or off track? What should we do about it? – and enables them to understand and monitor current performance while planning future business strategies.

Cognos serves more than 23,000 customers in more than 135 countries. Cognos performance management solutions and services are also available from more than 3,000 worldwide partners and resellers

Our revenue is derived primarily from the licensing of our software and the provision of related services for BI and CPM solutions. These related services include product support, education, and consulting. We generally license software and provide services subject to terms and conditions consistent with industry standards. For an annual fee, customers may contract with us for product support, which includes product and documentation enhancements, as well as tele-support and web-support.

OVERVIEW OF THE QUARTER

We delivered strong results for the third quarter of fiscal 2007, highlighted by license revenue growth of 24%. Strong demand for Cognos 8 resulted in an increase in the number of large orders and average order size. These results reflect solid performance across the key strategic growth opportunities within our Performance Management platform.

On March 1, 2006, we adopted FAS 123R. FAS 123R requires all companies to measure compensation costs for all share-based payments (including stock options) at fair value and to recognize such costs in the statement of income. As a result of the adoption of FAS 123R, our operating income, net income, and earnings per share have been significantly impacted. We have elected the modified retrospective method of transition provided by FAS 123R and, accordingly, financial statement amounts for all prior periods presented herein reflect results as if the fair value method of expensing had been applied from the original effective date of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-based Compensation (“FAS 123”), the predecessor to FAS 123R. See Note 3 of the Condensed Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Operating Performance

Revenue for the three-month period ended November 30, 2006 was $247.8 million, an increase of 17% from $212.3 million for the corresponding period last year. License revenue increased 24% to $94.0 million, compared with $75.5 million in the third quarter last fiscal year. License revenue growth was driven by the strong demand for Cognos 8.

We signed 11 contracts in excess of one million dollars during the quarter, compared with 7 contracts in the corresponding period last year. The number of contracts greater than $200,000 and $50,000 increased by 22% and 9% respectively compared to the corresponding period last year. Average license order size for orders greater than $50,000 was $222,000 for the three months ended November 30, 2006, compared to $157,000 last year. We believe that order size is an indication of enterprise-scale investment in our products by our customers which creates a foundation for future growth as it enables us to generate additional software licensing and ongoing maintenance renewals.

Product support revenue increased 14% to $107.8 million as we continued to expand our customer base and experience solid renewal rates. Services revenue also contributed to the growth in revenue during the quarter, increasing 9% to $46.0 million from $42.3 million for the same quarter last year.

Net income for the three-month period ended November 30, 2006 was $16.5 million or $0.18 per diluted share compared to net income of $24.0 million or $0.26 per diluted share for the same period last year, representing a decrease of 31% in both net income and net income per diluted share. The decrease in net income for the quarter is primarily due to the September 7th margin improvement plan which resulted in the reduction of 203 personnel, or 6% of the workforce. The reduction was focused on the elimination of redundant management and non-revenue-generating positions which resulted in a restructuring charge of $26.9 million before tax in the third quarter. The decrease in net income was partially offset by an increase in interest and other income.

Non-GAAP net income for the three months ended November 30, 2006 was $43.1 million and non-GAAP net income per diluted share was $0.48 compared to Non-GAAP net income of $29.5 million and Non-GAAP net income per diluted share of $0.32 for the corresponding period last year. This represents a growth in Non-GAAP net income of 46%. The Non-GAAP Measures presented herein, including non-GAAP net income, exclude the impact of stock-based compensation, the amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, and restructuring charges. Management uses the Non-GAAP Measures to measure core operating performance in individual periods. Management’s use of the Non-GAAP Measures is further discussed in the section entitled “Discussion of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and a reconciliation between the Non-GAAP Measures and the most closely related GAAP measures is included in the section entitled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

Our balance sheet remains strong, ending the quarter with $599.3 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments. This represents a decrease of $18.8 million from August 31, 2006. The decrease in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments was primarily the result of share repurchases as part of share repurchase and restricted share unit plans.

Recent Announcements

During the quarter, we previewed Cognos 8 Go! Mobile, a new BI solution that will bring decision-support information directly to mobile device users for right-time decision making, and we announced Cognos 8 Go! Mobile for SAP. Cognos 8 Go! Mobile follows the recent announcement of Cognos Go! Search Service and represents Cognos’ next milestone in making BI accessible to more people and enabling higher adoption of business intelligence for enhanced decision making and improved organizational performance.

 

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This quarter we adopted a stock repurchase program which commenced on October 10, 2006 and will end on October 9, 2007. This program will enable us to purchase up to the lesser of $200,000,000 or 8,000,000 common shares. All shares repurchased under this plan will be cancelled. This program follows a similar program which ended on October 9, 2006.

Our Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders was held on October 18, 2006. At the meeting, shareholders approved amendments to our 2003-2008 Stock Option plan which increased the number of shares of common stock reserved for awards under the Plan by 2,000,000 to 7,360,000. As part of this amendment, shareholders also approved the extension of the term of the Plan to 2016 and an increase in the permissible term for an option under the Plan from 5 years to 6 years. Shareholders also approved amendments to our Employee Stock Purchase Plan to provide specific details relating to the ability of the Committee to amend the Plan with or without shareholder approval.

Outlook for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007

Our outlook for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007 is based on our internal forecast and assumes continued growth in the BI market, continued strength of the Canadian dollar and the euro compared to the U.S. dollar, and no significant changes in the economy.

As part of the margin improvement plan mentioned above and in accordance with FASB Statement No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities (“FAS 146”), we have incurred $26.9 million in total pre-tax restructuring charges in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007. Substantially all of the expected pre-tax charges are employee termination benefits. We expect this action to result in improved operating margins.

We continue to expect revenue to increase for the full fiscal year as compared to fiscal 2006. We believe that the BI market remains strong and that Cognos 8 is the product of choice for BI standardization. With the general availability of its second maintenance release, we believe that we are well positioned to benefit from licensing revenue from new customers, as well as provide existing customers with the opportunity to add to their current reporting and analysis capabilities. We have received a positive response to Cognos 8 since its release and we believe that Cognos 8 will continue to make a significant contribution to fiscal 2007 license revenue.

We continue to experience a healthy market for our other products, including our performance management applications. Cognos 8 and Cognos Planning are the key components of our product strategy and we believe that the strength of these two products in the market will be significant contributors to our business. We will continue to focus on bringing innovative new products to market and we continue to develop new releases of our products.

The BI and performance management markets continue to be very competitive and we expect our competitors to continue to improve the performance of their current products and to introduce new products (or integrated products) or new technologies to compete with our strong product portfolio. In addition, the software market continues to consolidate by acquisition and larger software vendors, including ERP software vendors, may continue to expand their product offering into our markets, creating stronger competitors.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Recently Adopted Accounting Principle

We adopted FAS 123R on March 1, 2006 to account for our stock option, stock purchase, and deferred share and restricted share unit plans. This standard addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions in which a company receives 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 this standard, companies are required to account for such transactions using a fair value method and to recognize the expense over the vesting period of the award in the consolidated statements of income.

We previously accounted for share-based compensation transactions using the intrinsic value method in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (“APB 25”) and provided the pro forma disclosures prescribed by FAS 123, the predecessor to FAS 123R. Except for certain acquisition-related options, the exercise price of all stock options is equal to the closing market price of the stock on the trading day preceding the date of grant. Accordingly, with the exception of this acquisition-related compensation and awards granted under our deferred share and restricted share unit plans, no compensation cost had been recognized in the financial statements prior to fiscal 2007.

We have elected the modified retrospective method of transition provided by FAS 123R and, accordingly, financial statement amounts for all prior periods presented herein reflect results as if the fair value method of expensing had been applied from the original effective date of FAS 123 (See Note 3 of the Condensed Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

We use the straight-line attribution method to recognize share-based compensation costs over the requisite service period of our awards with service conditions only and the graded attribution method for our performance-based awards. Stock-based compensation expense is recorded, consistent with other compensation expenses, in cost of support, cost of services, selling, general and administrative expenses or research and development expenses, by employee job function.

 

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Stock-based compensation expense recognized for the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006 and 2005 is as follows:

 

    

Three months ended

November 30,

      

Nine months ended

November 30,

 
     2006      2005        2006      2005  
     ($000s)  

Compensation cost recognized

             

Cost of Product Support

   $      94      $    130        $     255      $     361  

Cost of Services

   214      249        560      650  

Selling, General and Administrative

   6,311      3,616        15,716      9,739  

Research and Development

   507      1,061        1,430      2,946  
                             

Total

   7,126      5,056        17,961      13,696  

Tax benefit recognized

   (2,108 )    (605 )      (3,567 )    (1,638 )
                             

Net Stock-based Compensation Cost

   $ 5,018      $4,451        $14,394      $12,058  
                             

GAAP Operating Performance

 

(000s, except per share amounts)                  Percentage Change
     Three months ended
November 30,
     Nine months ended
November 30,
    

Three months ended

November 30,

2005 to 2006

  

Nine months ended

November 30,

2005 to 2006

     2006    2005      2006    2005        

Revenue

   $247,799    $212,254      $694,729    $624,371      16.7 %    11.3 %

Cost of revenue

   59,336    44,044      162,470    129,587      34.7         25.4     
                             

Gross margin

   188,463    168,210      532,259    494,784      12.0         7.6     

Operating expenses

   175,800    140,724      481,924    418,325      24.9         15.2     
                             

Operating income

   $  12,663    $  27,486      $  50,335    $  76,459      (53.9)        (34.2)    

Gross margin percentage

   76.1%    79.2%      76.6%    79.2%        

Operating margin percentage

   5.1%    12.9%      7.2%    12.2%        

Net income

   $  16,543    $  24,010      $  54,841    $  69,282      (31.1)        (20.8)    
                             

Net income per share

                     

Basic

   $0.19    $0.27      $0.61    $0.76        
                             

Diluted

   $0.18    $0.26      $0.61    $0.74        
                             

 

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Revenue for the quarter ended November 30, 2006 was $247.8 million, a 17% increase from revenue of $212.3 million for the same quarter last year. Net income for the current quarter was $16.5 million, compared to net income of $24.0 million for the same quarter last year, a decrease of 31%. Diluted net income per share was $0.18 for the current quarter, compared to diluted net income per share of $0.26 for the same quarter last year. Basic net income per share was $0.19 and $0.27 for the quarters ended November 30, 2006 and November 30, 2005, respectively.

Revenue for the nine months ended November 30, 2006 was $694.7 million, an 11% increase from revenue of $624.4 million for the same period last year. Net income for the current nine-month period was $54.8 million, compared to net income of $69.3 million for the same period last year, a decrease of 21%. Diluted net income per share was $0.61 for the current nine-month period, compared to diluted net income per share of $0.74 for the same period last year. Basic net income per share was $0.61 and $0.76 for the nine-month periods ended November 30, 2006 and November 30, 2005, respectively.

Gross margin for the three months ended November 30, 2006 was $188.5 million, an increase of 12% over gross margin of $168.2 million for the same quarter last year. Gross margin percentage was 76% for the quarter ended November 30, 2006, compared to 79% for the corresponding quarter last fiscal year. Gross margin for the nine months ended November 30, 2006 was $532.3 million, an increase of 8% over gross margin of $494.8 million for the same period last year. Gross margin percentage for the nine months ended November 30, 2006 was 77% compared to 79% for the corresponding period last year. The decrease in gross margin percentage is attributable to the shift in revenue mix towards lower margin services revenue in the first half of the fiscal year and to the restructuring charges in the third quarter relating to our margin improvement plan.

Total operating expenses for the quarter ended November 30, 2006 were $175.8 million, a 25% increase from operating expenses of $140.7 million for the same quarter last year. The increase in operating expenses is primarily the result of $26.9 million in pre-tax restructuring charges relating to the margin improvement plan that was announced on September 7, 2006. The operating margin for the quarter ended November 30, 2006 was 5.1% compared to 12.9% for the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year. Total operating expenses for the nine months ended November 30, 2006 were $481.9 million, a 15% increase from operating expenses of $418.3 million for the same period last year. Operating margin for the nine months ended November 30, 2006 was 7.2% compared to 12.2% for the same period last year.

The decrease in operating and net income for the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006, compared to the same periods in the prior fiscal year, is primarily due to the aforementioned restructuring charges. These charges were partially offset by an increase in interest and other income.

We operate internationally and, as a result, a substantial portion of our business is conducted in foreign currencies. Accordingly, our results are affected by exchange rate fluctuations of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar, to various European currencies, and, to a lesser extent, other foreign currencies. The following table breaks down the year-over-year percentage change in revenue and expenses between change attributable to growth and change attributable to fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar.

 

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Year-over-year Percentage Change in Revenue and Expenses

 

    

Three Months Ended
November 30,

2006 over 2005

 

Nine Months Ended
November 30,

2006 over 2005

     Growth
Excluding
Foreign
Exchange
  Foreign
Exchange
 

Net

Change

  Growth
Excluding
Foreign
Exchange
  Foreign
Exchange
  Net
Change

Revenue

   12.8%   3.9%   16.7%   9.2%   2.1%   11.3%

Cost of Revenue and Operating Expenses

   22.9      4.4      27.3      13.9      3.7      17.6   

Operating Income

   (54.9)      1.0      (53.9)      (24.9)      (9.3)      (34.2)   

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Non-GAAP Measures presented herein, including non-GAAP net income, exclude the impact of stock-based compensation, the amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, and restructuring charges. Management uses the Non-GAAP Measures to measure core operating performance in individual periods. Management’s use of the Non-GAAP Measures is further discussed in the section entitled “Discussion of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and a reconciliation between the Non-GAAP Measures and the most closely related GAAP measures is included in this section.

 

(000s, except per share amounts)           Percentage Change
     Three months
ended
November 30,
    Nine months
ended
November 30,
   

Three months
ended

November 30,

2005 to 2006

 

Nine months
ended

November 30,

2005 to 2006

     2006     2005     2006     2005      

Non-GAAP Operating Income

   $ 48,388     $ 34,226     $ 100,298     $ 95,113     41.4%   5.5%

Non-GAAP Operating Margin

     19.5 %     16.1 %     14.4 %     15.2 %    

Non-GAAP Net Income

   $ 43,144     $ 29,521     $ 92,950     $ 84,425     46.1      10.1    

Non-GAAP Net Income per Diluted Share

     $0.48       $0.32       $1.03       $0.91      

Non-GAAP operating margin for the quarter ended November 30, 2006 was 19.5% compared to 16.1% for the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year. Non-GAAP operating margin for the nine months ended November 30, 2006 was 14.4% compared to 15.2% for the same period last year. The increase in non-GAAP operating margin for the three month period ended November 30, 2006 is primarily attributable to the strong revenue performance and to the early effects of the margin improvement plan. Several factors experienced in the first half of fiscal year 2006 contributed to the decline in operating margin in the nine month period ended November 30, 2006 including: fluctuations in foreign currency, predominantly the Canadian dollar; a shift in revenue mix from our higher margin license revenue towards our lower margin product support and services revenue; and growth in our infrastructure and head count. These factors resulted in our expenses growing faster than our revenues in that period.

 

34


Non-GAAP net income for the current quarter was $43.1 million, compared to $29.5 million for the same quarter last year. Non-GAAP net income per diluted share was $0.48 for the current quarter, compared to non-GAAP net income per diluted share of $0.32 for the same quarter last year. Non-GAAP net income for the current nine-month period was $93.0 million, compared to $84.4 million for the same period last year. Non-GAAP net income per diluted share was $1.03 for the current nine-month period, compared to non-GAAP net income per diluted share of $0.91 for the same period last year.

The increase in non-GAAP net income for the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006, compared to the same periods in the prior fiscal year, is primarily due to the strong revenue performance, the early effects of the margin improvement plan, and to an increase in interest and other income.

The following tables reflect selected Cognos’ Non-GAAP results reconciled to GAAP results:

 

     Three months ended
November 30,
     Nine months ended
November 30,
 
     2006     2005      2006     2005  

Operating Income

         

GAAP Operating Income

   $ 12,663     $ 27,486      $ 50,335     $ 76,459  

Plus:

         

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets

     1,701       1,684        5,104       4,958  

Stock-based compensation expense

     7,126       5,056        17,961       13,696  

Restructuring charge

     26,898       —          26,898       —    
                                 

Non-GAAP Operating Income

   $ 48,388     $ 34,226      $ 100,298     $ 95,113  
                                 

Operating Margin Percentage

         

GAAP Operating Margin Percentage

     5.1 %     12.9 %      7.2 %     12.2 %

Plus:

         

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets

     0.7       0.8        0.7       0.8  

Stock-based compensation expense

     2.9       2.4        2.6       2.2  

Restructuring charge

     10.8       —          3.9       —    
                                 

Non-GAAP Operating Margin Percentage

     19.5 %     16.1 %      14.4 %     15.2 %
                                 

Net Income

         

GAAP Net Income

   $ 16,543     $ 24,010      $ 54,841     $ 69,282  

Plus:

         

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets

     1,701       1,684        5,104       4,958  

Stock-based compensation expense

     7,126       5,056        17,961       13,696  

Restructuring charge

     26,898       —          26,898       —    

Less:

         

Income tax effect of amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets

     (645 )     (624 )      (1,916 )     (1,873 )

Income tax effect of stock-based compensation expense

     (2,108 )     (605 )      (3,567 )     (1,638 )

Income tax effect of restructuring charge

     (6,371 )     —          (6,371 )     —    
                                 

Non-GAAP Net Income

   $ 43,144     $ 29,521      $ 92,950     $ 84,425  
                                 

 

35


Net Income per diluted share

        

GAAP Net Income per diluted share

   $ 0.18     $ 0.26     $ 0.61     $ 0.74  

Plus:

        

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets

   0.02     0.02     0.05     0.05  

Stock-based compensation expense

   0.08     0.06     0.20     0.15  

Restructuring charge

   0.30     —       0.30     —    

Less:

        

Income tax effect of amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets

   (0.01 )   (0.01 )   (0.02 )   (0.02 )

Income tax effect of stock-based compensation expense

   (0.02 )   (0.01 )   (0.04 )   (0.01 )

Income tax effect of restructuring charge

   (0.07 )   —       (0.07 )   —    
                        

Non-GAAP Net Income per diluted share

   $ 0.48     $ 0.32     $ 1.03     $ 0.91  
                        

Shares used in computing diluted net income per share

   90,187     92,288     90,412     92,997  

Percentage of Revenue Table

The following table sets out, for the periods indicated, the percentage that each income and expense item bears to revenue, and the percentage change of each item compared to the indicated prior period.

 

     Percentage of Revenue     Percentage Change
     Three months ended
November 30,
    Nine months ended
November 30,
   

Three months ended

November 30,

2005 to 2006

  

Nine months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

     2006     2005     2006     2005       

Revenue

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %       16.7 %        11.3 %
                             

Cost of revenue

   23.9     20.8     23.4     20.8     34.7    25.4
                             

Gross margin

   76.1     79.2     76.6     79.2     12.0      7.6
                             

Operating expenses

             

Selling, general, and administrative

   55.6     52.2     53.7     52.2     24.3    14.6

Research and development

   14.7     13.3     14.9     14.0     28.8    18.3

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets

   0.7     0.8     0.8     0.8       1.0      2.9
                             

Total operating expenses

   71.0     66.3     69.4     67.0     24.9    15.2
                             

Operating income

   5.1     12.9     7.2     12.2     (53.9)    (34.2)

Interest and other income, net

   2.7     1.8     2.6     1.6     73.4    85.0
                             

Income before taxes

   7.8     14.7     9.8     13.8     (38.5)    (20.9)

Income tax provision

   1.1     3.4     1.9     2.7     (63.0)    (20.9)
                             

Net income

   6.7 %   11.3 %   7.9 %   11.1 %   (31.1)    (20.8)
                             

 

36


REVENUE

 

($000s)                                Percentage Change  
     Three months ended
November 30,
     Nine months ended
November 30,
    

Three months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

    

Nine months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

 
     2006      2005      2006      2005        

Product License

   $ 93,994      $ 75,510      $ 245,734      $ 225,305      24.5 %    9.1 %

Product Support

     107,771        94,430        311,214        274,997      14.1      13.2  

Services

     46,034        42,314        137,781        124,069      8.8      11.1  
                                         

Total Revenue

   $ 247,799      $ 212,254      $ 694,729      $ 624,371      16.7      11.3  
                                         

Our total revenue was $247.8 million for the quarter ended November 30, 2006, an increase of $35.5 million or 17%, compared to the quarter ended November 30, 2005. Our total revenue was $694.7 million for the nine months ended November 30, 2006, an increase of $70.4 million or 11%, compared to the nine months ended November 30, 2005.

Our Product License revenue was derived primarily from Cognos 8, our business intelligence platform and our suite of products targeted at the Office of Finance including Cognos Planning, Cognos Controller, and Cognos Finance. While Cognos Performance Applications continue to represent a small portion of our license revenue, Cognos Workforce Performance drove growth this quarter for these applications. Though the functionality of our Series 7 suite of BI products have been combined into one single product, Cognos 8, we continue to generate license revenue from PowerPlay, Impromptu, Cognos ReportNet, Cognos DecisionStream, Cognos Metrics Manager, Cognos Visualizer, NoticeCast, and Cognos Query. These products also continue to generate significant product support revenue. As more of these Series 7 customers license, migrate, or upgrade to Cognos 8, we expect a decline in revenue from these products that will be more than offset by increased revenue from Cognos 8.

The overall change in total revenue from our three revenue categories in the quarter ended November 30, 2006 from November 30, 2005 was as follows: a 24% increase in product license revenue, a 14% increase in product support revenue, and a 9% increase in services revenue. The increase for the same categories for the nine months was as follows: 9%, 13%, and 11%, respectively.

Industry Trends and Geographic Information

We believe that growth in the BI market continues to be driven by three main factors: (1) a desire by enterprises to standardize on one BI platform, (2) investment in the Office of Finance driven by the increasing importance of compliance and transparency, and (3) a growing focus on CPM.

First, we believe BI has become a leading priority within IT budgets as businesses try to leverage their investments in enterprise applications and expand the use of BI within their organizations. In particular, businesses are looking to standardize on one BI platform to reduce the number of platforms and vendors they support and to better align their operations with their strategy. We believe that the breadth and depth of functionality of our BI offering make it the solution of choice.

Second, there is increased investment in systems within the Office of Finance of most enterprises driven by our customers’ continued focus on compliance and transparency. Organizations are looking to replace spreadsheet-based applications and legacy systems with single instance planning, consolidation, and financial reporting solutions that reduce the effort and cost of compliance. Further, these organizations are looking to extend these solutions beyond compliance to achieve best practices, specifically in the areas of rolling plans, planning standardization, and reduced time to close. This focus allows the Office of Finance to extend beyond managing pure financial goals and towards overall performance goals and CPM. We believe that our planning and consolidation products help improve the accuracy, transparency, and timeliness of financial information. For this reason, we believe, we are seeing increased demand for these products.

 

37


Finally, CPM is a growing segment in the software industry. It blends BI with planning, budgeting, and scorecarding to provide management performance visibility and to support the corporate decision-making process. We believe that our market-leading BI, planning, consolidation, and scorecarding products deliver a complete CPM solution. These separate agendas provide multiple entry points into a CPM solution that are appealing to both the finance and operational segments of enterprises. Our single platform for BI differentiates us from our competition by enabling enterprises to easily integrate new and existing IT assets into their CPM plan.

We believe these trends are leading to an increase in the number of large customer contracts, an increase in enterprise-wide deployment of BI products, and a strengthening of our relationships with some of the world’s largest companies, and with our strategic partners. We expect the trend towards larger contracts to continue as a result of the growing demand for standardization and the deepening strategic importance of performance management within our customers’ businesses. While we are becoming involved in more and more of these larger contracts, small and medium-sized contracts continue to be important contributors to our success.

We believe that order size is an indication of enterprise-scale investment in our products by our customers which creates a foundation for future growth. We use the following summary of key revenue indicators to track order size:

Key Revenue Indicators

 

    

Three months ended

November 30,

  

Nine months ended

November 30,

     2006    2005    2006    2005

Orders (License, Support, Services)

           

Transactions greater than $1 million

   11    7    34    22

Transactions greater than $200,000

   140    115    378    343

Transactions greater than $50,000

   806    737    2,353    2,159

Average selling price (License orders only) ($000s)

           

Greater than $50,000

   222    157    196    167

As the number of large sales opportunities increases, specifically with regard to our customers’ standardization agenda, our sales cycles have become longer as these larger transactions typically require greater scrutiny, a more extensive proof of concept, and a longer decision cycle by our customers because these transactions are more complex and represent a larger proportion of our customers’ investment budgets.

 

38


Our operations are divided into three main geographic regions: (1) the Americas (consisting of Canada, Mexico, the United States, and Central and South America), (2) EMEA (consisting of the U.K., Continental Europe, the Middle East, and Africa), and (3) Asia/Pacific (consisting of Australia and countries in the Far East). The following table sets out, for each fiscal period indicated, the revenue attributable to each of our three main geographic regions and the percentage change in the dollar amount in each region compared to the prior fiscal period.

Revenue by Geography

 

($000s)             Percentage Change
       Three months ended
November 30,
     Nine months ended
November 30,
    

Three months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

  

Nine months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

       2006      2005      2006      2005        

The Americas

     $ 140,783      $ 122,171      $ 407,851      $ 360,280         15.2%        13.2 %

EMEA

       85,788        72,972        230,324        207,029      17.6    11.3

Asia/Pacific

       21,228        17,111        56,554        57,062      24.1     (0.9)
                                           

Total

     $ 247,799      $ 212,254      $ 694,729      $ 624,371      16.7    11.3
                                           

This table sets out, for each fiscal period indicated, the percentage of total revenue earned in each geographic region.

Revenue by Geography as a Percentage of Total Revenue

 

      

Three months ended

November 30,

    

Nine months ended

November 30,

 
       2006     2005      2006     2005  

The Americas

     56.8 %   57.5 %    58.7 %   57.7 %

EMEA

     34.6     34.4      33.2     33.2  

Asia/Pacific

     8.6     8.1      8.1     9.1  
                           

Total

     100.0 %   100.0 %    100.0 %   100.0 %
                           

The growth rates of our revenue in EMEA, Asia/Pacific and, to a much lesser extent, in the Americas can be affected by foreign exchange rate fluctuations. The following table breaks down the year-over-year percentage change in revenue for the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006 by geographic area between change attributable to growth and change due to fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar.

 

39


Year-over-year Percentage Change in Revenue by Geography

 

      

Three months ended

November 30,

2005 to 2006

  

Nine months ended

November 30,

2005 to 2006

       Growth
Excluding
Foreign
Exchange
   Foreign
Exchange
   Net
Growth
   Growth
Excluding
Foreign
Exchange
  Foreign
Exchange
   Net
Growth

The Americas

     14.7%    0.5%    15.2%    12.1 %   1.1%    13.2 %

EMEA

       8.1%    9.5%    17.6%      7.0 %   4.3%    11.3 %

Asia/Pacific

     19.6%    4.5%    24.1%    (1.5)%   0.6%    (0.9)%

Total

     12.8%    3.9%    16.7%      9.2 %   2.1%    11.3 %

The growth rates of our revenue in the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific in the three months ended November 30, 2006 and the Americas and EMEA during the nine months ended November 30, 2006 was mostly attributable to increases in volume and size of transactions. The slight decrease in revenue in Asia Pacific during the nine month period ended November 30, 2006 was largely due to a very strong performance in that region in the comparative period last fiscal year as we closed several large contracts in the region last year. Changes in the valuation of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies have impacted our revenue and may continue to do so in the future.

Product License Revenue

 

($000s)             Percentage Change
       Three months ended
November 30,
     Nine months ended
November 30,
    

Three months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

 

Nine months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

       2006     2005      2006     2005       

Product license revenue

     $ 93,994     $ 75,510      $ 245,734     $ 225,305      24.5%   9.1%

Percentage of total revenue

       37.9 %     35.6 %      35.4 %     36.1 %     

Product license revenue was $94.0 million in the quarter ended November 30, 2006, an increase of $18.5 million or 24% from the quarter ended November 30, 2005; and was $245.7 million for the nine months ended November 30, 2006, an increase of $20.4 million or 9% compared to the corresponding period in the prior fiscal year. The increase in product license revenue in the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006 was driven by strong demand for Cognos 8 and resulted in an increase in the number of large orders and average order size. Exchange rate fluctuations have also contributed to license revenue growth, contributing 5% and 2% in the three and nine month periods respectively. Product license revenue accounted for 38% of total revenue in the three months ended November 30, 2006 compared to 36% for the corresponding quarter in the prior fiscal year, and 35% and 36% for the nine months ended November 30, 2006 and November 30, 2005, respectively.

The breadth of our solution is allowing us to develop long-term strategic relationships with our customers which, in turn, enables us to generate additional software licensing and ongoing maintenance renewals. These relationships are a significant asset as approximately 77% and 73% of our license revenue came from existing customers in the three and nine month periods ended November 30, 2006, respectively.

 

40


We license our software through our direct sales force and value-added resellers, system integrators, and OEMs. Direct sales accounted for approximately 73% and 72% of our license revenue in the three and nine month periods ended November 30, 2006, respectively.

We believe that a direct sales force is an effective way of building long-term relationships with our customers. In addition, as enterprise-wide deployments become larger and more strategic, we believe that our relationships with systems integrators will help us succeed as the role of systems integrators in these large standardization opportunities is increasing. We are also expending resources developing our indirect sales activities in order to have coverage in every desirable market. We will continue to commit management time and financial resources to developing relationships with systems integrators and direct and indirect international sales and support channels.

Product Support Revenue

 

($000s)         Percentage Change
    Three months
ended November 30,
    Nine months ended
November 30,
   

Three months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

 

Nine months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

    2006     2005     2006     2005      

Product support revenue

  $ 107,771     $ 94,430     $ 311,214     $ 274,997     14.1%   13.2%

Percentage of total revenue

    43.5 %     44.5 %     44.8 %     44.0 %    

Product support revenue was $107.8 million in the quarter ended November 30, 2006, an increase of $13.3 million or 14% from the quarter ended November 30, 2005; and was $311.2 million in the nine months ended November 30, 2006, an increase of $36.2 million or 13% compared to the corresponding period in the prior fiscal year. The increase in support revenue was the result of the continuing expansion of our customer base and solid support renewal rates. Exchange rate fluctuations contributed 4% and 2% of product support revenue growth during the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006, respectively.

Product support revenue accounted for 43% and 44% of our total revenue in the quarters ended November 30, 2006 and November 30, 2005, respectively, and was 45% and 44% of total revenue in the nine months ended November 30, 2006 and November 30, 2005, respectively.

 

41


Services Revenue

 

($000s)           Percentage Change
     Three months ended
November 30,
     Nine months ended
November 30,
    

Three months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

  

Nine months ended

November 30,

2005 to 2006

     2006     2005      2006     2005        

Services revenue

   $ 46,034     $ 42,314      $ 137,781     $ 124,069      8.8%    11.1%

Percentage of total revenue

     18.6 %     19.9 %      19.8 %     19.9 %      

Services revenue (training, consulting, and other revenue) was $46.0 million in the quarter ended November 30, 2006, an increase of $3.7 million or 9% from the quarter ended November 30, 2005; and was $137.8 million in the nine months ended November 30, 2006, an increase of $13.7 million or 11% compared to the corresponding period in the prior fiscal year. Services revenue accounted for 19% and 20% of our total revenue for the three months ended November 30, 2006 and November 30, 2005, respectively, and accounted for 20% for both the nine months ended November 30, 2006 and November 30, 2005.

The increase in services revenue in the quarter was attributable to increases in education and consulting revenue as we move more towards large enterprise-wide deployments and financial applications-based software. Exchange rate fluctuations contributed 3% and 2% of services revenue growth during the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006, respectively.

As our business moves more towards these larger enterprise-wide deployments and financial applications-based software, our customers require an increased level of technical expertise and support to meet their specific needs. Successful installation and deployment of our solutions has, we believe, become critical to our customers’ success. As a result, our customers have increasingly required services such as project management, analysis and design, technical advisory, and instruction to effectively deploy our solutions.

COST OF REVENUE

Cost of Product License

 

($000s)           Percentage Change
     Three months ended
November 30,
     Nine months ended
November 30,
    

Three months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

  

Nine months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

     2006     2005      2006     2005        

Cost of product license

   $1,773     $1,732      $4,975     $4,363      2.4%    14.0%

Percentage of license revenue

   1.9 %   2.3 %    2.0 %   1.9 %      

The cost of product license revenue was $1.8 million, an increase of 2% in the quarter ended November 30, 2006 and was $5.0 million, an increase of $0.6 million or 14% in the nine months ended November 30, 2006, compared to the corresponding periods in the prior fiscal year. These costs represented 2% of product license revenue for the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006,                                 

 

42


the same as for both comparative periods in the prior fiscal year.

The cost of product license consists primarily of royalties for technology licensed from third parties, as well as the costs of materials and distribution related to licensed software. The change in cost of product license is as follows:

 

($000s)   

Year-over-year Change

from November 30,

2005 to 2006

  
    

Three

months

    

Nine

months

Royalty cost

   $(32 )    $483

Other

   73      129
           

Total year-over-year change

   $ 41      $612
           

The increase in these costs for the nine months ended November 30, 2006 was the result of increased costs of materials and distribution resulting from stronger product license revenue performance and an increase in royalties related to suppliers whose technology is embedded in our software in the first quarter of fiscal year 2007.

Cost of Product Support

 

($000s)           Percentage Change
     Three months ended
November 30,
     Nine months ended
November 30,
    

Three months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

  

Nine months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

     2006     2005      2006     2005        

Cost of product support

   $12,977     $9,192      $35,588     $27,102      41.2%    31.3%

Percentage of support revenue

   12.0 %   9.7 %    11.4 %   9.9 %      

The cost of product support revenue was $13.0 million, an increase of $3.8 million or 41% in the quarter ended November 30, 2006, and was $35.6 million, an increase of $8.5 million or 31% in the nine months ended November 30, 2006, compared to the corresponding periods in the prior fiscal year. The cost of product support represented 12% and 11%, of total product support revenue, respectively, for the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006, compared to 10% for both the corresponding periods in the prior fiscal year.

 

43


The cost of product support includes the costs associated with resolving customer inquiries and other tele-support and web-support activities, royalties in respect of technological support received from third parties, and the cost of materials delivered in connection with enhancement releases. The change in cost of product support is as follows:

 

($000s)    Year-over-year Change
    

from November 30,

2005 to 2006

     Three
months
     Nine
months

Staff-related costs

   $1,154      $3,068

Computer-related costs

   475      2,192

Restructuring

   1,351      1,351

Other

   805      1,875
           

Total year-over-year change

   $3,785      $8,486
           

The increase in the cost of product support for the three and nine month periods ended November 30, 2006 was attributable to the restructuring costs resulting from the margin improvement plan, as well as increases in staff-related costs and computer-related costs to service our growing customer base. The average number of employees within the support organization increased 11% in both the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006 compared to the same periods last year. Other includes direct selling and travel and living expenses. The unfavorable effect of fluctuations of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar increased cost of product support by approximately 7% and 6% for the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006, respectively, compared to the same periods last year.

 

44


Cost of Services

 

($000s)                             Percentage Change
    Three months ended
November 30,
     Nine months ended
November 30,
    

Three months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

 

Nine months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

    2006     2005      2006     2005       

Cost of services

  $ 44,586     $ 33,120      $ 121,907     $ 98,122      34.6%   24.2%

Percentage of services revenue

    96.9 %     78.3 %      88.5 %     79.1 %     

The cost of services was $44.6 million, an increase of $11.5 million or 35% in the quarter ended November 30, 2006 and was $121.9 million, an increase of $23.8 million or 24% in the nine months ended November 30, 2006 compared to the corresponding periods in the prior fiscal year. The cost of services represented 97% and 89% of services revenue for the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006, respectively, compared to 78% and 79% for the corresponding periods in the prior fiscal year.

The cost of services includes the costs associated with delivering education, consulting, and other services in relation to our products. The change in cost of services is as follows:

 

($000s)    Year-over-year Change
from November 30,
2005 to 2006
     Three
months
     Nine
months

Staff-related costs

   $ 1,756      $ 6,629

Services purchased externally

     3,127        5,868

Travel and living

     477        2,219

Restructuring

     5,361        5,361

Other

     745        3,708
               

Total year-over-year change

   $ 11,466      $ 23,785
               

The increase in cost of services for the three and nine-month periods ended November 30, 2006 was primarily attributable to the restructuring costs resulting from the margin improvement plan, the increased use of subcontractors and the increase in staff related costs. We continue to invest in services staff as we believe the availability and positioning of services is a key factor in the timing, closure, and success for large transactions. The average number of employees within the services organization increased by 5% in both the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006, compared to the same periods last year. Subcontractors are an important part of our services offering and are engaged to fill excess demand that cannot be met by internal Cognos service consultants. This demand can be in the form of increased volume or requirements for industry specialization. While we continue to hire new employees in this area, we intend to continue to supplement our skills by engaging subcontractors. Also contributing to the increase were travel and living expenses as well as Other costs, which include recruiting fees, staff development costs, and direct selling costs.

 

45


OPERATING EXPENSES

Selling, General, and Administrative

 

($000s)                             Percentage Change
    Three months ended
November 30,
     Nine months ended
November 30,
    

Three months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

 

Nine months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

    2006     2005      2006     2005       

Selling, general, and administrative

  $ 137,663     $ 110,753      $ 373,236     $ 325,795      24.3%   14.6%

Percentage of total revenue

    55.6 %     52.2 %      53.7 %     52.2 %     

Selling, general, and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were $137.7 million, an increase of $26.9 million or 24% in the quarter ended November 30, 2006, and were $373.2 million, an increase of $47.4 million or 15% in the nine months ended November 30, 2006 compared to the corresponding periods in the prior fiscal year. These costs represented 56% and 54% of total revenue for the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006, respectively, compared to 52% for both the corresponding periods in the prior fiscal year.

SG&A expenses include staff-related costs and travel and living expenditures for sales, marketing, management, and administrative personnel. These expenses also include costs associated with the sale and marketing of our products, professional services, and other administrative costs. The change in SG&A expenses is as follows:

 

($000s)   

Year-over-year Change
from November 30,

2005 to 2006

 
     Three
months
       Nine
months
 

Staff-related costs

   $ 11,680        $ 27,387  

Professional services

     1,816          5,354  

External contractors

     (1,177 )        828  

Travel & living

     (2,233 )        212  

Marketing

     (728 )        (1,822 )

Staff development

     358          6  

Restructuring

     15,255          15,255  

Other

     1,939          221  
                   

Total year-over-year change

   $ 26,910        $ 47,441  
                   

The increase in SG&A expenses in the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006 was primarily attributable to restructuring costs resulting from the margin improvement plan and to the increases in staff-related costs resulting from higher compensation related expenses, as well as associated benefits, compared to the same periods last year. The margin improvement plan has curtailed the headcount growth in SG&A. Headcount has remained flat for the three months ending November 30, 2006 when                                 

 

46


compared to the same period last year. For the nine months ending November 30, 2006, headcount has increased 3% compared to the same period last year. Contributing to the increase for the nine months ended November 30, 2006 were increases in professional services and external subcontractors. These were partially offset by a decrease in marketing costs. Travel and living and marketing costs were higher in the third quarter of last fiscal year as a result of the Cognos 8 product launch. The unfavorable effect of fluctuations of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar increased SG&A expenses by approximately 4% for both the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006 when compared to the corresponding periods in the prior fiscal year.

Research and Development

 

($000s)                              Percentage Change
     Three months ended
November 30,
     Nine months ended
November 30,
    

Three months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

  

Nine months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

     2006     2005      2006     2005        

Research and development

   $ 36,436     $ 28,287      $ 103,584     $ 87,572      28.8%    18.3%

Percentage of total revenue

     14.7 %     13.3 %      14.9 %     14.0 %      

Research and development (“R&D”) expenses were $36.4 million, an increase of $8.1 million or 29% in the quarter ended November 30, 2006, and were $103.6 million, an increase of $16.0 million or 18% for the nine months ended November 30, 2006 compared to the corresponding periods in the prior fiscal year. R&D costs were 15% of revenue for both the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006, compared to 13% and 14% of revenue, respectively, for the corresponding periods in the prior fiscal year.

R&D expenses are primarily staff-related costs attributable to the design and enhancement of existing products along with the creation of new products. The change in R&D expenses is as follows:

 

($000s)   

Year-over-year Change
from November 30,

2005 to 2006

     Three
months
     Nine
months

Staff-related costs

   $ 2,437      $ 7,280

Restructuring

     4,930        4,930

Other

     782        3,802
               

Total year-over-year change

   $ 8,149      $ 16,012
               

The increase in R&D expenses for the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006 was primarily attributable to restructuring costs resulting from the margin improvement plan and to increases in staff-related costs resulting from higher compensation related expenses, compared to the previous fiscal year. The restructuring activities from the margin improvement plan reduced the average number of employees within R&D by 10%, resulting in a slight decrease in average headcount for the quarter. Average headcount growth was 4% for the nine months ended November 30, 2006, when compared to the corresponding period last year. The unfavorable effect of fluctuations of foreign currencies, especially the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar, increased         

 

47


R&D expenses by approximately 5% and 3% for the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006, respectively, when compared to the corresponding periods of the prior fiscal year.

We continue to invest significantly in R&D activities for our next generation of BI solutions which are the foundation of our CPM vision. During the quarter, we continued to develop the next release for Cognos 8. The focus of this new version of Cognos 8 continues to be enhanced quality, upgradeability and performance.

During the quarter, we also previewed Cognos 8 Go! Mobile, a new BI solution that will bring decision-support information directly to mobile device users, for real time decision making and announced Cognos 8 Go! Mobile for SAP. Cognos 8 Go! Mobile follows the recent announcement of Cognos Go! Search Service and represents Cognos’ next milestone in making BI accessible to more people and enabling higher adoption of business intelligence for enhanced decision making and improved organizational performance.

We also continue to develop our next releases of Cognos Planning and Cognos Controller which continue to add new functionality for the office of finance and will join the Cognos 8 platform with shared infrastructure and tight integration with Cognos 8 BI. In the Performance Applications area, development continues on the next release of Cognos Workforce Performance Applications and a new Financial Performance application, both enabled by our Adaptive Application Framework.

We currently do not have any software development costs capitalized on our balance sheet. Software development costs are expensed as incurred unless they meet the requirements of generally accepted accounting principles for deferral and amortization. Software development costs incurred prior to the establishment of technological feasibility do not meet these criteria, and are expensed as incurred. Capitalized costs would be amortized over a period not exceeding 36 months. No costs were deferred in the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006 and November 30, 2005. Costs were not deferred in the periods because either no projects met the criteria for deferral or, if met, the period between achieving technological feasibility and the general availability of the product was short, rendering the associated costs immaterial.

Amortization of Acquisition-related Intangible Assets

 

($000s)                                Percentage Change
     Three months ended
November 30,
     Nine months ended
November 30,
    

Three months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

  

Nine months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

     2006      2005      2006      2005        

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets

   $1,701      $1,684      $5,104      $4,958      1.0%    2.9%

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets was $1.7 million, an immaterial increase for the quarter ended November 30, 2006 and was $5.1 million, an increase of $0.1 million or 3% for the nine months ended November 30, 2006 compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year.

 

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INTEREST AND OTHER INCOME, NET

 

($000s)                                Percentage Change
     Three months ended
November 30,
     Nine months ended
November 30,
    

Three months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

  

Nine months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

     2006      2005      2006      2005        

Interest and other income, net

   $6,567      $3,788      $17,794      $9,619      73.4%    85.0%

Net interest income was $6.6 million, an increase of $2.8 million or 73% in the quarter ended November 30, 2006 and was $17.8 million, an increase of $8.2 million or 85% in the nine months ended November 30, 2006 compared to the corresponding periods in the prior fiscal year. The change in net interest and other income is as follows:

 

($000s)    Year-over-year Change
from November 30,
2005 to 2006
 
     Three
months
       Nine
months
 

Increase in interest revenue

   $2,547        $8,167  

Decrease in interest and other expenses

   328        953  

Loss on foreign exchange

   (96 )      (945 )
               

Total year-over-year change

   $2,779        $8,175  
               

The increase in interest revenue during the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006 was attributable to an increase in the average portfolio size accompanied by an increase in the average yield on investments compared to the corresponding periods in the prior fiscal year.

INCOME TAX PROVISION

 

($000s)                              Percentage Change
     Three months ended
November 30,
     Nine months ended
November 30,
    

Three months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

 

Nine months ended
November 30,

2005 to 2006

     2006     2005      2006     2005       

Income tax provision

   $2,687     $7,264      $13,288     $16,796      (63.0)%   (20.9)%

Effective tax rate

   14.0 %   23.2 %    19.5 %   19.5 %     

As we operate globally, we calculate our income tax provision in each of the jurisdictions in which we conduct business. Our tax rate is therefore affected by the relative profitability of our operations in various geographic regions. In the three and nine months ended November 30, 2006, we recorded an income tax provision of $2.7 million and $13.3 million, respectively, representing an effective income tax rate of 14.0% and 19.5%, respectively. Comparatively, in the three and nine months ended November 30, 2005, we recorded an income tax provision of $7.3 million and $16.8 million, respectively, representing an effective income tax rate of 23.2% and 19.5%, respectively. We estimate our effective tax rate for the current fiscal year to be 22.5%, exclusive of any one-time events. The estimated effective tax rate was reduced for the three and nine-month periods ended November 30, 2006 to 14.0% and                     

 

49


19.5%, respectively, due primarily to tax benefits on disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock options exercised in the United States. The Corporation originally estimated its effective tax rate for fiscal 2006 to be 22.0%, exclusive of any one-time events and prior to the retrospective application of FAS123R. The effective tax rate for the three-month period ended November 30, 2005 was 23.2%, including adjustments relating to various tax audits and prior period tax provisions. The effective tax rate for the nine-month period ended November 30, 2005 was 19.5%, including the adjustments in the quarter as well as the recognition of one-time benefits resulting from (i) a tax court decision that allowed corporations to claim investment tax credits on stock-based compensation for research and development personnel relating to fiscal years 2004 and 2005 and (ii) a change in tax withholding legislation relating to one of the Corporation’s subsidiaries.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

($000s)    As at
November 30,
2006
     As at
February 28,
2006
     Percentage Change  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $258,277      $398,634      (35.2 )%

Short-term investments

   340,996      152,368      123.8  
                

Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments

   $599,273      $551,002      8.8  

Working capital

   445,245      419,437      6.2  
($000s)   

Nine months ended

November 30,

    

 

Percentage Change

Nine months ended

November 30,

2005 to 2006

 
     2006      2005     

Net cash provided by (used in):

        

Operating activities

   $ 112,227      $   33,762      232.4 %

Investing activities

   (202,346 )    (103,739 )    95.1  

Financing activities

   (52,722 )    (47,511 )    11.0  
   As at
November 30,
2006
 
 
 
   As at
November 30,
2005
 
 
 
  

Days sales outstanding (DSO)

   61      66     

 

50


Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments

As at November 30, 2006, we held $599.3 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, an increase of $48.3 million from February 28, 2006. This increase is primarily attributable to net income for the period and the collection of accounts receivable which were seasonally high at the end of fiscal 2006. Cash and cash equivalents include investments which are highly liquid and held to maturity. Cash equivalents typically include commercial paper, term deposits, banker’s acceptances and bearer deposit notes issued by major international banks. All cash equivalents have terms to maturity of ninety days or less. Short-term investments are investments that are highly liquid and held to maturity with terms to maturity greater than ninety days, but less than twelve months. Short-term investments typically consist of commercial paper, corporate bonds, bearer deposit notes, and government securities.

We group cash and cash equivalents with short-term investments when analyzing our total cash position. These balances may fluctuate from quarter to quarter depending on the renewal terms of the investments.

Working Capital

Working capital represents our current assets less our current liabilities. As of November 30, 2006, working capital was $445.2 million, an increase of $25.8 million from February 28, 2006. The increase in working capital can be attributed to an increase in short-term investments and a net decrease in current liabilities, especially deferred revenue. Offsetting this increase were decreases in accounts receivable and prepaid expenses and increases in accrued charges and salaries, commissions and related items. Increases in salaries, commissions and related items are due to the restructuring charges taken this quarter, annual bonus accruals and increased commissions resulting from the strong quarterly performance.

Days sales outstanding (DSO) was 61 days at November 30, 2006, compared to 66 days as at November 30, 2005. We calculate our days sales outstanding ratio based on ending accounts receivable balances and quarterly revenue.

Long-term Liabilities

As at November 30, 2006 and February 28, 2006, we had no long-term debt.

Cash Provided by Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities (after changes in non-cash working capital items) for the nine months ended November 30, 2006 was $112.2 million, an increase of $78.5 million compared to the same period last year. The increase is attributable to changes in working capital, most notably the collection of accounts receivable, and the increase in accrued salaries, commissions and related items. Increases in salaries, commissions and related items are due to the restructuring charges taken this quarter, annual bonus accruals, and increased commissions resulting from the strong quarterly performance. The reduction of the amount paid for year end bonuses, commissions, and income taxes, compared to the same period last year also contributed to the increase in cash from operating activities.

 

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Cash Used in Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities was $202.3 million for the nine months ended November 30, 2006, compared to $103.7 million in the corresponding period last fiscal year. During both the nine months ended November 30, 2006, and November 30, 2005 we had net increases in short-term investments. In the nine months ended November 30, 2006, our purchases of short-term investments, net of maturities, were $186.0 million, compared to $81.6 million in the comparative period last year. During the nine months ended November 30, 2006 and November 30, 2005, we spent $15.2 million and $17.1 million, respectively, on fixed asset additions. The additions for both periods related primarily to computer equipment and software, office furniture and leasehold improvements. Cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended November 30, 2005 included $4.5 million for the acquisitions of Databeacon and Digital Aspects, which occurred in September 2005.

Cash Used in Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities was $52.7 million for the nine months ended November 30, 2006, an increase of $5.2 million compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. We issued 1,559,000 common shares for proceeds of $40.8 million during the nine months ended November 30, 2006, compared to the issuance of 1,067,000 shares for proceeds of $26.0 million during the corresponding period in the prior fiscal year. The issuance of shares in the nine months ended November 30, 2006 was pursuant to our stock purchase plan and the exercise of stock options by employees, officers, and directors.

We purchased shares in the open market under a share repurchase program and under a restricted share unit plan. We paid $75.1 million during the nine months ended November 30, 2006 to purchase 2,005,000 shares on the open market under the share repurchase program and $18.5 million to purchase 517,000 shares for the restricted share unit plan. Comparatively, for the nine months ended November 30, 2005 we repurchased 1,917,000 shares at a value of $73.4 million under the share repurchase plan and 5,000 shares valued at $0.2 million for the restricted share unit plan.

The share repurchases made under the share repurchase program were part of distinct open market share repurchase programs through The Nasdaq Global Market or The Toronto Stock Exchange. The share repurchase programs have historically been adopted in October of each year and run for one year. They allow the Corporation to purchase no more than 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Corporation on the date the plan is adopted. These programs do not commit the Corporation to make any share repurchases. Purchases can be made on The Nasdaq Global Market or The Toronto Stock Exchange at prevailing open market prices and are paid out of general corporate funds. We cancel all shares repurchased under the bid. A copy of the Notice of Intention to Make an Issuer Bid is available from the Corporate Secretary.

In fiscal year 2007, we replaced the annual key employee stock option grant with a restricted share unit grant. We also granted 70,000 restricted share units to our new COO, Les Rechan, who joined the company in May 2006. As a result, we purchased 517,000 shares to fulfill these awards.

 

52


Contracts and Commitments

We have unsecured credit facilities subject to annual renewal. These credit facilities permit us to borrow funds or issue letters of credit or guarantee up to Cdn $39.5 million (U.S. $31.3 million), subject to certain covenants. As of November 30, 2006 and 2005, there were no direct borrowings under these facilities.

We do not enter into off-balance sheet financing as a matter of practice except for the use of operating leases for office space, computer equipment, and vehicles. In accordance with GAAP, neither the lease liability nor the underlying asset is carried on the balance sheet, as the terms of the leases do not meet the thresholds for capitalization.

During fiscal 2005, we entered into cash flow hedges in order to offset the risk associated with the effects of certain foreign currency exposures related to an intercompany loan and the corresponding interest payments between subsidiaries with different functional currencies. As at November 30, 2006, we had cash flow hedges, with maturity dates between February 28, 2007 and January 14, 2008, to exchange the U.S. dollar equivalent of $77.1 million in foreign currency. At November 30, 2006, we had an unrealized loss in the amount of $5.3 million in relation to these contracts with an offsetting gain on the hedged loan. We entered into these foreign currency exchange forward contracts with major Canadian chartered banks, and therefore we do not anticipate non-performance by these counterparties. The amount of the exposure on account of any non-performance is restricted to the unrealized gains in such contracts.

We may enter into foreign exchange contracts that we choose not to designate as a hedge for accounting purposes. We carry these contracts at their fair value with any gain or loss included in income. At November 30, 2006, we had eleven such contracts to exchange the U.S. dollar equivalent of $56.5 million. We entered into these contracts to offset the foreign exchange risk on intercompany receivables and on trade account receivables that were not in the functional currency of the subsidiary which held them. The estimated incremental fair value of the derivative instruments is not material.

This quarter, we implemented our margin improvement plan which reduced the global workforce by 6% or 203 personnel, focused primarily on management and non-revenue-generating positions. We continue to increase our investment in customer facing resources. We expect to substantially complete the activities relating to the plan within our fiscal year 2007. As part of this plan, and in accordance with FAS 146, we have incurred $26.9 million in total pre-tax charges this quarter, $26.6 million of which will be paid in cash. The remaining $0.3 million in pre-tax charges are expected to be non-cash expenses resulting primarily from employee termination costs related to non-cash stock-based compensation costs.

Our contractual obligations have not changed materially from those included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2006.

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common shares. Our current policy is to retain our earnings to finance expansion and to develop, license, and acquire new software products, and to otherwise reinvest in Cognos.

Given our historical profitability and our ability to manage expenses, we believe that our current resources are adequate to meet our requirements for working capital and capital expenditures through the foreseeable future.

 

53


Inflation has not had a significant impact on our results of operations.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that may not be readily apparent from other sources. These judgments may change based upon changes in business conditions. As a result, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions, conditions, and experience.

The following critical accounting policies and significant estimates are used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements:

 

   

Revenue Recognition

 

   

Stock-based Compensation

 

   

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

   

Accounting for Income Taxes

 

   

Business Combinations

 

   

Impairment of Goodwill and Long-lived Assets

Revenue Recognition - We recognize revenue in accordance with Statement of Position (“SOP”) No. 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition as amended by SOP No. 98-9, Software Revenue Recognition with Respect to Certain Arrangements (collectively “SOP 97-2”). As such, we exercise judgment and use estimates in connection with the determination of the amount of software license, post-contract customer support (“PCS”), and professional services (“services”) revenues to be recognized in each accounting period.

We sell off-the shelf software generally bundled with PCS and, on occasion, services in multiple-element arrangements. SOP 97-2 requires that judgment be applied to distinguish whether multiple elements in an arrangement can be treated as separate accounting units. In order to account separately for the services element of an arrangement that includes both product license and services, the services (a) must not be essential to the functionality of any other element of the transaction and (b) must be stated separately such that the total price of the arrangement can be expected to vary as a result of the inclusion or exclusion of the services. If these two criteria are not met, the entire arrangement is accounted for using the percentage of completion method in accordance with SOP 81-1, Accounting for Performance of Construction Type and Certain Production Type Contracts. While the service element must be stated separately, the service element does not have to be priced separately in the contract in order to separately account for the services as a separate element of the transaction.

For substantially all of our software arrangements, we defer revenue for the PCS and services to be provided to the customer based on vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of fair value and recognize revenue for the product license when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists and delivery of the software has occurred, provided the fee is fixed or determinable and collection is deemed probable.

 

54


We evaluate each of these criteria as follows:

 

   

Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists: Our standard business practice is that persuasive evidence exists when we have a binding contract between ourselves and a customer for the provision of software or services.

 

   

Delivery has occurred: Delivery is considered to occur when media containing the licensed programs is provided to a common carrier or, in the case of electronic delivery, the customer is given access to download the licensed program. Our typical end user license agreement does not include customer acceptance provisions. We recognize revenue from resellers in the same fashion as end-user licenses unless fee payments are based upon the number of copies made or ordered. In cases where the fees are linked to the number of copies, revenue is recognized upon sell-through to the end customer based on the number of copies sold.

 

   

The fee is fixed or determinable: A fee is fixed or determinable if it is a fixed amount of money or an amount that can be determined at the commencement of the contract, and is payable on Cognos’ standard payment terms. Fees are generally considered fixed or determinable unless a significant portion (more than 10%) of the licensing fee is due more that 12 months after delivery, in which case revenue is recognized when payment becomes due from the customer. In addition, we only consider the fee to be fixed or determinable if the fee is not subject to refund or adjustment. Our typical end user and reseller license agreements do not allow for refunds, returns or adjustments to the licensing fee. However, in the rare circumstance where this might occur and a refund, return or adjustment is agreed upon, revenue is recognized upon the expiration of the rights of exchange or return. For resellers, if they are newly formed, undercapitalized, or in financial difficulty, or if uncertainties about the number of copies to be sold by the reseller exist, fees are not considered fixed or determinable. If the arrangement fee is not fixed or determinable, we recognize the revenue as amounts become due and payable.

 

   

Collectibility is probable: We extend credit to credit worthy customers in order to facilitate our business. Credit is extended through the process of risk identification, evaluation, and containment. In practical terms, this process will take the form of: customer credit checks; established credit limits for customers (where necessary); and predetermined terms of sale. Collection is deemed probable if we expect that the customer will be able to pay amounts under the arrangement as payments become due. If we determine that collection is not probable, we defer the revenue and recognize the revenue upon cash collection.

Under the residual method prescribed by SOP 97-2, a portion of the arrangement fee is first allocated to undelivered elements included in the arrangement (i.e., PCS and services) based on VSOE of fair value, with the remainder of the arrangement fee being allocated to the delivered elements of the arrangement. Our contracts commonly include product license, PCS, and services (e.g., education and consulting). Each product license arrangement requires careful analysis to ensure that each of the individual elements in the transaction has been identified, along with VSOE of the fair value of each element. If VSOE of fair value cannot be established for the undelivered elements of a product license agreement, the entire amount of revenue from the arrangement is deferred and recognized over the period that these elements are delivered.

Services revenue primarily consists of implementation services related to the installation of our products and training revenues. Our software is ready to use by the customer upon receipt. While many of our customers may choose to configure the software to fit                             

 

55


their specific needs, our implementation services do not involve significant customization to or development of the underlying software code. Substantially all of our services arrangements are billed on a time and materials basis and, accordingly, are recognized as the services are performed. The fair value of the services portion of the arrangement is established according to our standard price list, which includes quantity discounts, and it is based on our history of separate sales using such price lists.

Our customers typically pre-pay PCS for the first year in connection with a new product license. In such cases, an amount equal to VSOE of fair value for PCS is deferred and recognized ratably over the term of the initial PCS contract, typically 12 months. PCS is renewable by the customer on an annual basis thereafter. We use two methods to determine VSOE of fair value for PCS in a multi-element arrangement: stated price and the price when an element is sold separately. If a stated rate (either a stated renewal rate or a stated rate for the first year PCS bundled with the software license) is included in a contract (i.e., the first method), that rate is used to account for the PCS provided to that customer, provided that the rate is substantive and consistent with our customary pricing practices. Historically, there has been a high correlation between the amounts allocated to PCS in the initial software licensing arrangement for such arrangements and the amounts at which PCS is renewed. The second method is the price charged when the same element is sold separately. We account for PCS using the first method when a stated PCS rate is included in a contract. For all other contracts, we establish VSOE of fair value for PCS based upon the price charged when PCS is sold separately (i.e., the second method).

Our customer experience has shown that our contractual arrangements have historically used two forms of contract terms regarding PCS; contracts which include a stated PCS rate (either a stated renewal rate or a stated rate for the first year PCS bundled with the software license); and contracts which do not state a PCS rate. For contracts which include a stated renewal rate, we use that contractually stated renewal rate to allocate arrangement consideration to the undelivered PCS at the inception of the arrangement and recognize such consideration ratably over the PCS term provided that the stated rate is substantive and consistent with our customary pricing practices. Historically, there has been a high correlation between the amounts allocated to PCS in the initial software licensing arrangement for such arrangements and the amounts at which PCS is renewed.

For contracts that state a first year PCS rate, we use that stated rate to allocate arrangement consideration to the undelivered PCS at the inception of the arrangement and recognize such consideration ratably over the PCS term, provided that it is consistent with our customary pricing practices. Our customer experience based on our continual monitoring of the process has been that this stated rate is typically the rate at which PCS will be renewed and is a substantive rate. Historically, there has been a high correlation between the amounts allocated to PCS in the initial software licensing arrangement for such arrangements and the amounts at which PCS is renewed. If our renewals history began to indicate that renewals were not highly correlated to the first year PCS amounts that we use to allocate revenue to PCS at the inception of the arrangement, then we would not be able to establish VSOE of fair value for PCS for such contracts and revenue attributable to the software license and PCS would be recognized ratably over the PCS period.

For contracts which do not state a PCS rate, we allocate a consistent percentage of the license fee to PCS in the first year of such arrangements based on a substantive rate at which our customer experience indicates customers will typically agree to renew PCS. Historically, there has been a high correlation between the mean of amounts allocated to PCS in the initial software licensing arrangement for such arrangements and the mean of amounts at which PCS is renewed.

 

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We allocate arrangement consideration to PCS included in a software licensing arrangement based upon contemporaneous evidence of stand-alone prices and the application of controlled processes. These controlled processes include making judgments about the amount of arrangement consideration to allocate to PCS in contracts which do not state a PCS rate. Such judgments include continual monitoring of customer acceptance of renewal rates by other customers of the same customer class and evaluating customer tolerance for rate changes from a business standpoint at the time the initial license arrangement is established. On an historical basis, the contemporaneous evidence used has enabled us to establish the first year deferral consistent with the amount at which PCS has actually been renewed in the second and subsequent years. We use these renewals, which represent separate contemporaneous sales of PCS, as a basis to establish VSOE of fair value. Our process has historically provided experience to establish VSOE for PCS due to our continual monitoring of the process. If there are changes in the customers’ acceptance of renewal rates or tolerance for rate change or our related ability to monitor and evaluate those changes, we may no longer be able to establish VSOE of fair value for PCS and accordingly revenue attributable to the software license and PCS would be recognized ratably over the PCS period.

We stratify our customers into three classes in determining VSOE of fair value for PCS. The classifications are based on the amount of software license business (i.e., software license revenues), life-to-date, that has previously been obtained from the respective customers. For each class of customer, a range of prices exists which represents VSOE of fair value for PCS for that class of customer based upon substantive renewals and our experience that there is a high correlation between the mean of amount allocated to PCS in the initial software licensing arrangement for such arrangements and the mean of amounts at which PCS is renewed.

When PCS in individual arrangements is stated below the lower limits of our acceptable ranges by customer class, we adjust the percentage allocated for support upwards to the low end of the applicable range by customer class. This adjustment allocates additional revenue from license revenue to deferred PCS revenue which is amortized over the life of the PCS contract, which is typically one year. If the stated PCS is above the reasonable range, no adjustment is made and the deferred PCS revenue is measured at the contracted percentage.

In determining VSOE of fair value for PCS, we conduct our analysis on the basis of customer classes as described above. We do not consider other factors, such as: geographic regions or locations; type and nature of products; distribution channel (i.e. direct and resellers); stage of licensed product life cycle; other arrangement elements; overall economics; term of the license arrangement; or other factors. We do not differentiate our pricing policies based on these factors and our customer experience has indicated no difference in customer renewal behavior based on these factors. While our renewal experience has not shown differences in renewal behavior based on these discriminate factors, it is possible that changes related to these factors or our related ability to monitor and evaluate those changes could occur. In such circumstances, we may come to the determination that we can no longer substantiate VSOE of fair value for PCS for some or all of our software license agreements and revenue related to software licenses and PCS in such agreements would be recognized ratably over the PCS period.

We recognize revenue for resellers, value added resellers, original equipment manufacturers, and strategic system integrators (collectively “resellers”) in a similar manner to our recognition of revenue for end-users.

Stock-based Compensation - Effective March 1, 2006, we adopted FAS 123R to account for our stock option, stock purchase, deferred share and restricted share unit plans. We elected to implement FAS 123R using the modified retrospective method of transition provided by FAS 123R and, accordingly, financial statement amounts for all prior periods presented herein reflect results as if the fair value method of expensing had been applied from the original effective date of FAS 123, the predecessor to FAS 123R.                                 

 

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Under this standard, companies are required to account for stock-based transactions using a fair value method and recognize the expense in the consolidated statements of income. We previously accounted for stock-based compensation transactions using the intrinsic value method in accordance with APB 25 and provided the pro forma disclosures prescribed by FAS 123. Except for certain acquisition-related options, the exercise price of all stock options is equal to the closing market price of the stock on the trading day preceding the date of grant. Accordingly, with the exception of this acquisition-related compensation and awards granted under our deferred share and restricted share unit plans, no compensation cost had been recognized in the financial statements prior to fiscal 2007.

In order to calculate the fair value of stock-based payment awards, we use a binomial lattice model. This model requires the input of subjective assumptions, including stock price volatility, the expected exercise behavior and forfeiture rate. Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of our stock, implied volatilities from traded options on our stock and other relevant factors. We use historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination within the valuation model: separate groups of employees that have similar exercise behavior and turnover rates are considered separately for valuation purposes. The expected life of options granted is derived from the output of the option valuation model and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option are determined by the US Treasury yields and the Government of Canada benchmark bond yields for U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar options, respectively, in effect at the time of the grant.

The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based payment awards represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. As a result, if factors change or we use different assumptions, our stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future. Further, the liability incurred as a result of our performance-based restricted share units and our deferred share unit plans is based on the fair value of our stock on the balance sheet date. If the value of our stock were to change significantly, our stock-based compensation expense could be significantly different in the future. We are also required to estimate the forfeiture rate and only recognize the expense for those shares expected to vest. If our actual forfeiture rate is materially different from our estimate, our stock-based compensation expense could be significantly different from what we have recorded in the period such determination is made.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. We regularly review our accounts receivable and use our judgment to assess the collectibility of specific accounts and, based on this assessment, an allowance is maintained for 100% of all accounts over 360 days and specific accounts deemed to be uncollectible. For those receivables not specifically identified as uncollectible, an allowance is maintained for 1.5% of those receivables at November 30, 2006. In order to determine the percentage used, we analyze, on an annual basis, the geographical aging of the accounts, the nature of the receivables (i.e. license, maintenance, consulting), our historical collection experience, and current economic conditions.

In the past, changes in these factors have resulted in adjustments to our allowance for doubtful accounts. These adjustments have been accounted for as changes in estimates, the effect of which has not been significant on our results of operations and financial condition. As these factors change, the estimates made by management will also change, which will impact our provision for doubtful accounts in the future. Specifically, if the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, an additional provision for doubtful accounts may be required.

 

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Accounting for Income Taxes - As an entity which operates globally, we calculate our income tax liabilities in each of the jurisdictions in which we conduct business. Our tax rate is therefore affected by the relative profitability of our operations in various geographic regions. We are subject to ongoing tax examinations and assessments in various jurisdictions. Accordingly, we may incur additional tax expense based upon our assessment of the probable outcomes of such matters. In addition, when applicable, we adjust the previously recorded tax expense to reflect examination results. Our ongoing assessments of the probable outcome of the examinations and related tax positions require judgment and can materially increase or decrease our effective tax rate as well as impact our operating results.

We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Although we have considered forecasted taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a valuation allowance, there is no assurance that the valuation allowance will not need to be adjusted to cover changes in deferred tax assets that may not be realized.

Our valuation allowance pertains primarily to net operating loss carryforwards. A portion of these loss carryforwards resulted from acquisitions. In the event we were to subsequently determine that we would be able to realize deferred tax assets related to acquisitions in excess of the net purchase price allocated to those deferred tax assets, we would record a credit to goodwill.

If we were to determine that we would be able to realize deferred tax assets unrelated to acquisitions in excess of the net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would increase income in the period such determination was made. Should we determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would reduce income in the period such determination was made.

We provide for withholding taxes on the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries where applicable. The ultimate tax liability related to the undistributed earnings could differ materially from the liabilities recorded in our financial statements. These differences could have a material effect on our income tax liabilities and our net income.

Business Combinations - We account for acquisitions of companies in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141, Business Combinations. We allocate the purchase price to tangible assets, intangible assets, and liabilities based on fair values with the excess of purchase price amount being allocated to goodwill.

Historically, our acquisitions have resulted in the recognition of significant amounts of goodwill and acquired intangible assets. In order to allocate a purchase price to these intangible assets and goodwill, we make estimates and judgments based on assumptions about the future income producing capabilities of these assets and related future expected cash flows. We also make estimates about the useful life of the acquired intangible assets. Should different conditions prevail, we could incur write-downs of goodwill, write-downs of intangible assets, or changes in the estimation of useful life of those intangible assets. In the past, we have made adjustments to the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets related to loss carry forwards acquired through acquisitions and the restructuring accrual related to acquisitions. These adjustments did not affect our result of operations. Instead, these adjustments were applied to goodwill.

 

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In accordance with SFAS No.142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS 142”), goodwill is not amortized, but is subject to annual impairment testing which is discussed in greater detail below under Impairment of Goodwill and Long-lived Assets.

Intangible assets currently include acquired technology, contractual relationships, and trademarks and patents. Acquired technology is initially recorded at fair value based on the present value of the estimated net future income-producing capabilities of the software products acquired. Acquired technology is amortized over its estimated useful life on a straight-line basis. Contractual relationships represent contractual and separable relationships that we have with certain customers and partners that we acquired through acquisitions. These contractual relationships were initially recorded at their fair value based on the present value of expected future cash flows and are amortized over their estimated useful life. Trademarks and patents are initially recorded at cost. Cost includes legal fees and other expenses incurred in order to obtain these assets. They are amortized over their estimated useful life on a straight-line basis.

In accordance with SFAS 142, we continuously evaluate the remaining useful life of our intangible assets being amortized to determine whether events or circumstances warrant a revision to the estimated remaining amortization period.

Other estimates associated with the accounting for acquisitions include restructuring costs. Restructuring costs primarily relate to involuntary employee separations and accruals for vacating duplicate premises. Restructuring costs associated with the pre-acquisition activities of an entity acquired are accounted for in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force No. 95-3, Recognition of Liabilities in Connection with a Business Combination (“EITF 95-3”). To calculate restructuring costs accounted for under EITF 95-3, management estimates the number of employees that will be involuntarily terminated and the associated costs and the future costs to operate and sublease duplicate facilities once they are vacated. Changes to the restructuring plan could result in material adjustments to the restructuring accrual.

Impairment of Goodwill and Long-lived Assets - In accordance with SFAS 142, goodwill is subject to annual impairment tests, or on a more frequent basis if events or conditions indicate that goodwill may be impaired. Goodwill is tested for impairment at a level of reporting referred to as a reporting unit. The Corporation as a whole is considered one reporting unit. Quoted market prices in active markets are considered the best evidence of fair value. Therefore, the first step of our annual test is to compare the fair value of our shares on The Nasdaq Stock Market to the carrying value of our net assets. If we determine that our carrying value exceeds our fair value, we would conduct a second step to the goodwill impairment test. The second step compares the implied fair value of the goodwill (determined as the excess fair value over the fair value assigned to our other assets and liabilities) to the carrying amount of goodwill. To date, we have not needed to perform the second step in testing goodwill impairment. If the carrying amount of goodwill were to exceed the implied fair value of goodwill, an impairment loss would be recognized.

We evaluate all of our long-lived assets, including intangible assets other than goodwill and fixed assets, periodically for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets (“SFAS 144”). SFAS 144 requires that long-lived assets be evaluated for impairment when events or changes in facts and circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. Events or changes in facts or circumstances can include a strategic change in business                     

 

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direction, decline or discontinuance of a product line, a reduction in our customer base, or a restructuring. If one of these events or circumstances indicates that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable, the amount of impairment will be measured as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the impaired asset as calculated using a net realizable value methodology. An impairment will be recorded as an operating expense in the period of the impairment and as a reduction in the carrying value of that asset.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158 (“SFAS 158”), Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans an amendment to SFAS No’s 87, 88, 106 and 132(R). SFAS 158 requires an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or a liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. SFAS 158 is effective as of the end of the fiscal year ending after December 15, 2006. We are currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 158 on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 158 to have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 (“SFAS 157”), Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value, establishes guidelines for measuring fair value and expands disclosures regarding fair value measurements. SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements but rather eliminates inconsistencies in guidance found in various prior accounting pronouncements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Earlier adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 157 on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 157 to have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements (“SAB 108”). SAB 108 requires companies to evaluate the materiality of identified unadjusted errors on each financial statement and related financial statement disclosure using both the rollover approach and the iron curtain approach. The “rollover” approach quantifies misstatements based on the amount of the error in the current year financial statement where as the “iron curtain” approach quantifies misstatements based on the effects of correcting the misstatement existing in the balance sheet at the end of the current year, irrespective of the misstatement’s year(s) of origin. Financial statements would require adjustment when either approach results in quantifying a misstatement that is material. Correcting prior year financial statements for immaterial errors would not require previously filed reports to be amended. SAB 108 is effective for the annual financial statements covering the first fiscal year ending after November 15, 2006 with early adoption encouraged for any interim period of the first fiscal year ending after November 15, 2006, filed after the publication of the Staff Bulletin.

Historically, we have evaluated uncorrected differences using the “rollover” approach. While we believe our prior period assessments of uncorrected differences utilizing the “rollover” approach and the conclusions reached regarding our quantitative and qualitative assessments of such uncorrected differences were appropriate, we expect that, due to the “iron curtain” analysis required under SAB 108, certain historical uncorrected differences related to deferred support revenue and stock-based compensation will be corrected in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007 as a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance as of March 1, 2006. The cumulative adjustment to opening retained earnings resulting from the correction of deferred support revenue attributable to a change in fiscal year 2003 to recognize support revenue on an estimated daily basis is expected to be a reduction of approximately $6,000,000. The uncorrected difference related to stock-based compensation is related to differences in measurement         

 

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date uncovered by an internal review of historical grants from fiscal years 1996 through 2006. The cumulative adjustment to opening retained earnings resulting from the correction of stock-based compensation is expected to be a reduction of approximately $1,500,000. We are continuing to evaluate the impact of adopting SAB 108 and, as a result, the actual reduction to the retained earnings may be different than these estimates.

In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). This Interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. This Interpretation prescribes that a company should use a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold based on the technical merits of the tax position taken. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be measured in order to determine the tax benefit to be recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 is effective in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. We are currently evaluating the impact of FIN 48 on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Instruments – an Amendment of SFAS No. 140 (“SFAS 156”). This Statement amends SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, with respect to the accounting for separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities. This Statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 156 to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments – an Amendment to SFAS Nos. 133 and 140 (“SFAS 155”). SFAS 155 permits fair value remeasurement for any hybrid financial instrument that contains an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation and clarifies which interest-only strips and principal-only strips are not subject to the requirements of SFAS No. 133. This statement also establishes a requirement to evaluate interests in securitized financial assets to identify interests that are freestanding derivatives or that are hybrid financial instruments that contain an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation and clarifies that concentrations of credit risk in the form of subordination are not embedded derivatives. In addition, SFAS 155 amends SFAS No. 140 to eliminate the prohibition on a qualifying special-purpose entity from holding a derivative financial instrument that pertains to a beneficial interest other than another derivative financial instrument. This Statement is effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 155 to have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position due to adverse changes in financial market prices and rates. Our market risk exposure is primarily a result of fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We do not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to market rate risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our investment portfolio. The investment of cash is regulated by our investment policy of which the primary objective is security of principal. Among other selection criteria, the investment policy states that the term to maturity of investments cannot exceed two years in length. As a result, we do not expect any material loss with respect to our investment portfolio. We do not use derivative financial instruments in our investment portfolio.

Interest income on our cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments is subject to interest rate fluctuations, but we believe that the impact of these fluctuations does not have a material effect on our financial position due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. We have no long-term debt. Our interest income and interest expense are most sensitive to the general level of interest rates in Canada and the United States. Sensitivity analysis is used to measure our interest rate risk. For the three and nine months ending November 30, 2006, a 100 basis-point adverse change in interest rates would have had a $0.01 and $0.04 impact on diluted earnings per share, respectively, and would not have had a material effect on our consolidated financial position or cash flows.

Foreign Currency Risk

We operate internationally. Accordingly, a substantial portion of our financial instruments are held in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Our policy with respect to foreign currency exposure, as it relates to financial instruments, is to manage financial exposure to certain foreign exchange fluctuations with the objective of neutralizing some of the impact of foreign currency exchange movements. Sensitivity analysis is used to measure our foreign currency exchange rate risk. As of November 30, 2006, a 10% adverse change in foreign exchange rates versus the U.S. dollar would have decreased our reported cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments by approximately one percent.

Also, as we conduct a substantial portion of our business in foreign currencies other than the U.S. dollar, our results are affected, and may be affected in the future, by exchange rate fluctuations of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar, various European currencies, and, to a lesser extent, other foreign currencies. Revenues and expenses generated in foreign currencies are translated at exchange rates during the month in which the transaction occurs. We cannot predict the effect foreign exchange fluctuations will have on our results going forward; however, if there is an adverse change in foreign exchange rates versus the U.S. dollar, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer conclude that the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) effectively ensure that information required to be disclosed in our filings and submissions under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

b) Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There have been no changes in the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results

This report contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the future success of our business and technology strategies, our research and development, our future market opportunities, our revenues, and our intellectual property. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks include risks related to our revenue growth, operating results, industry, products including the integration and customer acceptance of Cognos 8, and litigation, as well as the other factors discussed below and elsewhere in this report. Readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. Except to the extent required by applicable law, we disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any such statements to reflect any change in our expectations or in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Our dependence on larger transactions continues and the time required to complete a sales cycle is lengthy, complex, and unpredictable.

As existing and potential customers seek to standardize on a single BI vendor and as our business continues to evolve toward larger transactions at the enterprise level and larger transactions account for a greater proportion of our business, the presence or absence of one or more of these large transactions in a particular period may have a material positive or negative effect on our revenue in that period. For example, in fiscal years 2006 and 2005, we closed 585 and 535 contracts greater than $200,000, representing 32% and 33% of our revenue for these periods, respectively, compared to 394 contracts greater than $200,000, representing 27% of our revenue for fiscal 2004. In addition, during the first nine months of fiscal 2007, we closed 34 contracts greater than $1 million, compared with 22 such contracts in the same period last fiscal year. These significant transactions represent significant business and financial decisions for our customers and require a considerable effort on the part of customers to assess alternative products and require additional levels of management approvals before being concluded. They are also often more complex than smaller transactions. These factors generally lengthen the typical sales cycle and increase the risk that the customer’s purchasing decision may be postponed or delayed from one period to another subsequent or later period or that the customer will alter his purchasing requirements. The sales effort and service delivery scope for larger transactions also require additional resources to execute the transaction. These factors, along with any other foreseen or unforeseen event, could result in lower than anticipated revenue for a particular period or in the reduction of estimated revenue in future periods.

We face intense competition and we may not compete successfully.

We face substantial competition throughout the world. We expect our competitors to continue to improve the performance of their current products and to introduce or acquire new products (or integrated products) or new technologies. The software market may continue to consolidate by merger or acquisition and larger software vendors, including ERP software vendors, may continue to                                                                                                           

 

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expand their product offering into our markets. For example, ERP vendor, Oracle Corporation, acquired Siebel Systems, Inc. in January 2006 and also acquired one of its major ERP competitors, PeopleSoft, Inc. in 2005. In addition, Microsoft has increased its presence in our markets and has announced that it will continue expansion into business intelligence. As our competitors continue to merge or partner with other of our competitors or ERP vendors or if we were to become the subject of an unsolicited acquisition initiative by another enterprise, such changes in the competitive landscape could adversely affect our ability to compete, either because of an improvement in one of our competitor’s competitive position, or due to distraction caused by an unsolicited acquisition. Entry or expansion of other large software vendors, including ERP vendors, into our market may establish competitors which have larger existing customer bases and substantially greater financial and other resources with which to pursue research and development, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of their products. Their current customer base and relationships may also provide them with a competitive advantage. New product announcements or introductions by our competitors, including the continuing emergence of open source software offerings, could cause a decline in sales, a reduction in the sales price, or a loss of market acceptance of our existing products. To the extent that we are unable to effectively compete against our current and future competitors, our ability to sell products could be harmed. Any erosion of our competitive position could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

The introduction of new products or major releases could erode revenue from existing products and a delay in the release schedule for a product or a major release may have a material adverse impact on our financial results.

We may develop technology or a product that constitutes a marked advance over both our own products and those of our competitors. We believe Cognos 8 is an example of such a product. With the introduction of a new product, there is a risk that customer acceptance of the new product may be slower than anticipated. For this and other reasons associated with new product introductions, we may experience a decline in revenues of our existing products that is not fully matched by the new product’s revenue. For example, customers may delay making purchases of a new product to permit them to make a more thorough evaluation of the product, or until the views of the industry analysts and the marketplace become widely available. Customers may also delay making purchases of a new product in the anticipation of the availability of a major release. In addition, some customers may hesitate migrating to a new product out of concerns regarding the complexity of migration and product infancy issues on performance. In addition, we may lose existing customers who choose a competitor’s product rather than upgrade or migrate to our new product. This could result in a temporary or permanent revenue shortfall and materially affect our business. A delay in our release schedule for a new product or a major release may also result in us not being able to recognize revenue as previously anticipated during a particular period and it may delay the purchase of the product by customers. Despite our efforts to minimize the impact of these events, these events could result in a temporary or permanent revenue shortfall and materially affect our business and financial results. For example, in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006, we believe confusion in the market regarding the availability of Cognos 8 had a negative impact on our overall performance for the quarter.

Currency fluctuations may adversely affect us.

A substantial portion of both our revenues and expenditures are generated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, such as the Canadian dollar and the euro. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and other currencies, particularly the euro and the Canadian dollar, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results as we report in U.S. dollars. For example, the Canadian dollar has continued to strengthen during the first nine months of fiscal 2007, leading to higher than anticipated expenses when reported in U.S. dollars. Please see further discussion on foreign currency risk included in Item 3, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk, in this Form 10-Q.

 

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Economic conditions could adversely affect our revenue growth and ability to forecast revenue.

The revenue growth and profitability of our business depends on the overall demand for BI and CPM products and services. Because our sales are primarily to major corporate customers in the high technology, telecommunications, financial services (including insurance), pharmaceutical, utilities, and consumer packaged goods industries, our business depends on the overall economic conditions and the economic and business conditions within these industries. A weakening of one or more of the global economy, the information technology industry, or the business conditions within the industries listed above may cause a decrease in our software license revenues. A decrease in demand for computer software caused, in part, by a continued weakening of the economy, domestically or internationally, may result in a decrease in our revenues and growth rates.

We may not be able to hire, integrate, retain, or incent key personnel essential to our business or we may not be able to manage changes and transitions in our key personnel.

We believe that our success depends on our ability to hire, retain, and incent senior management and other key employees to develop, market, and support our products and manage our business. The loss of any one of their services could have a material adverse effect on our business. Our success is also highly dependent on our continuing ability to hire, integrate, and retain highly qualified personnel as well as our ability to train and develop personnel. The failure to attract and retain or to train and develop key personnel could adversely affect our future growth and profitability. In an effort to streamline our organization and improve our operating margin, we recently announced a restructuring plan which resulted in the reduction of 203 personnel, or 6% of our workforce. This workforce reduction could make it more difficult for us to retain the employees we have kept, or to attract new employees in the future. In addition, changes in senior management or other key personnel can also cause temporary disruption in our operations during such transition periods.

If we do not respond effectively to rapid technological change, our products may become obsolete.

The markets for our products are characterized by: rapid and significant technological change; frequent new product introductions and enhancements; changing customer demands; and evolving industry standards. We cannot provide assurance that our products and services will remain competitive in light of future technological change or that we will be able to respond to market demands and developments or new industry standards. If we are unable to identify a shift in market demand or industry standards quickly enough, we may not be able to develop products to meet those new demands or standards, or to bring them to market in a timely manner. In addition, failure to respond successfully to technological change may render our products and services obsolete and thus harm our ability to attract and retain customers. Even if we do respond to technological changes, our solutions may be less appealing to customers than those of our competitors, or our customers may not accept our new products and services.

Our sales forecasts may not match actual revenues in a particular period.

The basis of our business budgeting and planning process is the estimation of revenues that we expect to achieve in a particular quarter and is based on a common industry practice known as the “pipeline” system. Under this system, information relating to sales prospects, the anticipated date when a sale will be completed and the potential dollar amount of the sale are tracked and analyzed to                             

 

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provide a “pipeline” of future business. These pipeline estimates are not necessarily reliable predictors of revenues in a particular quarter because of, among other things, the events identified in these risk factors, as well as the subjective nature of the estimates themselves. In particular, a slowdown in technology spending or a deterioration in economic conditions is likely to result in the delay or cancellation of prospective orders in our pipeline. Also, an increase in the complexity and importance of large transactions and the resulting increase in time to complete these large transactions makes forecasting more difficult. A variation from our historical or expected conversion rate of the pipeline could adversely affect our budget or planning and could consequently materially affect our operating results and our stock price could suffer.

We operate internationally and face risks attendant to those operations.

We earn a significant portion of our total revenues from international sales generated through our foreign direct and indirect operations. These sales operations face risks arising from local political, legal and economic factors such as the general economic conditions in each country or region, varying regulatory requirements, compliance with international and local trade, labor and other laws, and reduced intellectual property protections in certain jurisdictions. We may also face difficulties in managing our international operations, collecting receivables in a timely fashion, and repatriating earnings. Any of these factors, either individually or in combination, could materially impact our international operations and adversely affect our business as a whole.

Our total revenue and operating results may fluctuate, which could result in fluctuations in the price of our common stock.

We have experienced revenue growth from our products in the past. We cannot, however, provide assurance that revenue from these products will continue to grow, or grow at previous rates or rates projected by management. For example, during the second quarter of fiscal 2007, our license revenue declined 1% compared to the same period last fiscal year. Anticipated revenue may be reduced by any one, or a combination of, unforeseen market, economic, or competitive factors some of which are discussed in this section. We have experienced and in the future may experience a shortfall in revenue or earnings or otherwise fail to meet public market expectations, which could materially and adversely affect our business and result in fluctuations in the market price of our common stock.

Our quarterly and annual operating results may vary between periods.

Historically, our quarterly operating results have varied from quarter to quarter, and we anticipate this pattern will continue. We typically realize a larger percentage of our annual revenue and earnings in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, and lower revenue and earnings in the first quarter of the following fiscal year. As well, in each quarter we typically close a larger percentage of sales transactions near the end of that quarter. As a result, it is difficult to anticipate the revenue and earnings that we will realize in any particular quarter until near the end of the quarter. Some of the causes of this difficulty are explained in other risk factors – in particular those entitled ‘Our sales forecasts may not match actual revenues in a particular period’, ‘Our dependence on larger transactions is increasing and the length of time required to complete a sales cycle has become lengthy, complex and unpredictable’ and ‘Our expenses may not match anticipated revenues’.

 

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Our expenses may not match anticipated revenues or we may fail to accurately predict our expenses.

We base our operating expenses on anticipated revenue trends. Since a high percentage of these expenses are relatively fixed in the short term, a delay in completing license transactions could cause significant variations in operating results from quarter to quarter and could result in operating losses. If these expenses precede, or are not subsequently followed by, increased revenues, our business, financial condition, or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. For example, in fiscal year 2006, our revenues were lower than expected while our expenses were in line with our projections. This resulted in a lower operating margin for the fiscal year. In addition, we expect our restructuring plan to result in a savings of approximately $15 million in the second half of fiscal 2007. If our estimates are incorrect, it could result in a lower operating margin for future quarters than we currently anticipate, which could result in lower earnings in these quarters.

Our restructuring plan may not achieve its intended results and may harm our business.

On September 7, 2006, in order to streamline our organization and improve our operating margin on a long term basis, we announced a restructuring plan. The plan includes a reduction of 203 personnel or 6% of our global workforce, focused primarily on the elimination of redundant management and non-revenue-generating positions. Workforce reductions may have negatively impacted, and could continue to negatively impact, our remaining employees, including those directly responsible for sales, and could limit our ability to pursue new revenue opportunities. Further, any failure to retain and effectively manage our remaining employees could increase our costs, hurt our sales efforts, and impact the quality of our customer service. This could continue to harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Making and integrating acquisitions could impair our operating results.

We have acquired and, if appropriate, will continue to seek to acquire additional products or businesses that we believe are complementary to ours. Acquisitions involve a number of other risks, including: diversion of management’s attention; disruption of our ongoing business; difficulties in integrating and retaining all or part of the acquired business and its personnel; assumption of disclosed and undisclosed liabilities; dealing with unfamiliar laws, customs and practices in foreign jurisdictions; and the effectiveness of the acquired company’s internal controls and procedures. The individual or combined effect of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business. As well, in paying for an acquisition, we may deplete our cash resources or dilute our shareholder base by issuing additional shares. Furthermore, there is the risk that our valuation assumptions and our models for an acquired product or business may be erroneous or inappropriate due to foreseen or unforeseen circumstances and thereby cause us to overvalue an acquisition target. There is also the risk that the contemplated benefits of an acquisition may not materialize as planned or may not materialize within the time period or to the extent anticipated.

New accounting pronouncements or guidance may require us to change the way in which we account for our operational or business activities.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), the SEC, and other bodies that have jurisdiction over the form and content of our accounts are constantly discussing and interpreting proposals and existing pronouncements designed to ensure that companies best display relevant and transparent information relating to their respective businesses. The pronouncements and interpretations of pronouncements by FASB, the SEC, and other bodies may have the effect of requiring us to account for revenues                                              

 

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and/or expenses in a different manner. For example, beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2007, we were required to expense the fair value of stock options. As a result, we reported increased expenses in our income statement and a reduction of our net income and earnings per share.

Our intellectual property may be misappropriated or we may have to defend ourselves against other parties’ claims.

We rely on various intellectual property protections, including contractual provisions, patents, copyright, trademark, and trade secret laws, to preserve our intellectual property rights. Despite our precautions, our intellectual property may be misappropriated causing us to lose potential revenue and competitive advantage. As well, we may ourselves from time to time become subject to claims by third parties that our technology infringes their intellectual property rights. In either case, we may incur expenditures to police, protect, and defend our interests and may become involved in litigation that could divert the attention of our management. Responding to such claims could result in substantial expense and result in damages, royalties, or injunctive relief, or require us to enter into licensing agreements on unfavorable terms, or redesign or stop selling affected products which could materially disrupt the conduct of our business.

We may face liability claims if our software products or services fail to perform as intended.

The sale, servicing, and support of our products entails the risk of product liability, performance or warranty claims, which may be substantial in light of the use of our products in business-critical applications. A successful product liability claim could seriously disrupt our business and adversely affect our financial results. Software products are complex and may contain errors or defects, particularly when first introduced, or when new versions or enhancements are released, or when configured to individual customer requirements. Although we currently have in place procedures and staff to exercise quality control over our products and respond to defects and errors found in current versions, new versions, or enhancements of our products, defects and errors may still occur. If there are defects and errors found in Cognos 8, it could disrupt our business, impact our sales and adversely affect our financial results. We also attempt to contractually limit our liability in accordance with industry practices. However, defects and errors in our products, including Cognos 8, could inhibit or prevent customer deployment and cause us to lose customers or require us to pay penalties or damages.

We may have exposure to greater or lower than anticipated tax liabilities.

We are subject to income taxes and non-income taxes in a variety of jurisdictions and our tax structure is subject to review by both domestic and foreign taxation authorities. The determination of our worldwide provision for income taxes and other tax liabilities requires significant judgment. Although we believe our estimates are reasonable, the ultimate tax outcome may differ from the amounts recorded in our financial statements and may materially affect our financial results, positively or negatively, in the fiscal year for which such determination is made. For example, our effective tax rate for fiscal year 2006 was lower than anticipated due to the recognition of benefits resulting from a tax court decision that allowed us to claim investment tax credits on stock-based compensation for research and development personnel relating to fiscal years 2004 and 2005 and other tax adjustments.

 

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Period

   Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
   Average Price
Paid per
Share
   Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
  

Maximum Number of Shares or
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May

Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans

                    

Restricted Share

Unit Plan

(# of shares)

   Share Repurchase
Program

September 1 to September 30, 2006

   437,000    $36.41    NIL    2,404,500    $  38,410,441

October 1 to October 31, 2006

   1,262,475    $37.00    1,262,475    2,404,500    $170,530,680

November 1 to November 30, 2006

   90,000    $37.45    90,000    2,404,500    $167,160,145
                    

Total

   1,789,475    $36.88    1,352,475    2,404,500    $167,160,145
                    

On September 25, 2002, the Board of Directors of Cognos adopted a restricted share unit plan under which awards of restricted share units can be granted to employees, officers and directors of Cognos up to an aggregate of 2,000,000 restricted share units. On June 23, 2005, the Corporation’s shareholders approved the extension of the term of the plan to September 30, 2015 and increased the number of authorized shares to 3,000,000. Subject to the vesting provisions set out in each participant’s award agreement, each restricted share unit can be exchanged for one common share of Cognos. The common shares for which the restricted share units may be exchanged are purchased on the open market by a trustee appointed and funded by Cognos. During the quarter ended November 30, 2006, the trustee repurchased 437,000 shares at an average price of $36.41 for the restricted share unit plan.

On October 6, 2005, Cognos announced that it had adopted a stock repurchase program which commenced on October 10, 2005 and ended on October 9, 2006 (the “2005 Stock Repurchase Program”). The program allowed Cognos to repurchase up to 4,000,000 common shares (which is less than 5% of the common shares outstanding on that date) provided that no more than $100,000,000 was expended in total under the program. During the quarter ended November 30, 2006, Cognos repurchased 473,075 shares at an average price of $36.43 under the 2005 Stock Repurchase Program.

On September 22, 2006, the Corporation announced that it had adopted a stock repurchase program which commenced on October 10, 2006 and ends on October 9, 2007 (the “2006 Stock Repurchase Program”). The program allows Cognos to repurchase up to 8,000,000 common shares (which is less than 10% of the common shares outstanding on that date) provided that no more than $200,000,000 is expended in total under the program. During the quarter ended November 30, 2006, Cognos repurchased 879,400 shares at an average price of $37.34 under the 2006 Stock Repurchase Program.

 

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Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

a)

The Corporation held its Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders on October 18, 2006.

 

b)

At the Annual and Special Meeting, shareholders elected the persons listed below as directors of the Corporation and approved the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Corporation’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2007 and authorized the Audit Committee of the Board to fix their remuneration. Shareholders also approved amendments to the Cognos Incorporated 2003-2008 Stock Option Plan (“Plan”) to: (i) increase the number of shares issuable under the Plan by 2,000,000 shares; (ii) extend the expiry date of the Plan from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2016; (iii) amend the manner in which “fair market value” is calculated for Nasdaq so that the “closing price” is used rather than the “average of the closing bid and asked prices”; (iv) extend the permissible term of options from 5 years to 6 years; and (v) allow for an extension to the term of an option if it expires during a period when the holders’ exercise of the option is prohibited by the Corporation. Shareholders also approved an amendment to the Plan and the Cognos Employee Stock Purchase Plan to more clearly establish the nature and scope of amendments that may be made by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee with or without shareholder approval. The voting results of the meeting are presented in the following table:

Voting Results

Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders

October 18, 2006

 

       FOR      WITHHELD      AGAINST

Election of Directors

              

Robert G. Ashe

     68,339,215      1,263,939      —  

John E. Caldwell

     62,412,331      7,190,923      —  

Paul D. Damp

     68,675,047      928,107      —  

Pierre Y. Ducros

     67,694,377      1,098,777      —  

Robert W. Korthals

     67,121,700      2,481,454      —  

Janet R. Perna

     68,673,142      930,012     

John J. Rando

     68,128,725      1,474,429      —  

William V. Russell

     68,129,326      1,473,828      —  

James M. Tory

     68,043,890      1,559,264      —  

Renato Zambonini

     67,849,019      1,664,135      —  

Appointment of Auditors

     69,509,631      93,523      —  

Amendments to the 2003-2008 Stock Option Plan to increase the shares of common stock reserved for awards thereunder by 2.0 million shares as well as the other amendments summarized above.

     51,034,187      —        10,208,129

Amendment to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan to include Section 12 “Amendment to Plan”

     60,046,161      —        1,173,908

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

a) Exhibits

 

3.1   

Articles of Incorporation and Amendments thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed for the quarter ended November 30, 2002 and Exhibit 3.1 (i) of Cognos’ Form 10-Q filed for the quarter ended May 31, 2004)

3.2   

By-Laws of the Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Corporation’s Form 10-K filed for the year ended February 28, 1997)

10.53   

Amended and Restated 2003-2016 Stock Option Plan

10.54   

Amended and Restated Cognos Employee Stock Purchase Plan

31.1   

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) and 15d – 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2   

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) and 15d – 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32   

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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SIGNATURE

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.

 

     COGNOS INCORPORATED
    

    (Registrant)

January 3, 2007

    

/s/ Tom Manley

Date     

Tom Manley

Senior Vice President, Finance &

    Administration and Chief Financial Officer

    (Principal Financial Officer and Chief Accounting

    Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

EXHIBIT
NO.
  

DESCRIPTION

   PAGE
  10.53   

Amended and Restated 2003-2016 Stock Option Plan

   76
  10.54   

Amended and Restated Cognos Employee Stock Purchase Plan

   85
  31.1   

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) and 15d – 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

   90
  31.2   

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) and 15d – 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

   91
  32   

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

   92

 

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EX-10.53 2 dex1053.htm AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCK OPTION PLAN AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCK OPTION PLAN

Exhibit 10.53

COGNOS INCORPORATED

2003-2016 STOCK OPTION PLAN

(Adopted by the Cognos Board of Directors May 1, 2003, approved by the Shareholders on June 19, 2003 and by the TSX. Amendment 1 approved by Cognos Board of Directors on June 22, 2004 and Shareholders on June 23, 2004 and by the TSX. Amendment 2 approved by Cognos Board of Directors on April 7, 2005 and Shareholders on June 23, 2005 and by the TSX. Amendment 3 approved by Cognos Board of Directors on April 6, 2006 and Shareholders on October 18, 2006 and by the TSX).

1. PURPOSE

This 2003-2016 Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”) is intended to provide incentives to employees of Cognos Incorporated and any present or future subsidiary of the Corporation wherever located (the “Corporation”), by providing them with opportunities to purchase stock in the Corporation pursuant to stock options (“Options”). Options may qualify as “incentive stock options”, or ISOs, under Section 422(b) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Options that are not ISOs are “non-qualified stock options” or NQOs.

2. ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

A. The Plan shall be administered by the Human Resources & Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board”).

B. Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Committee shall have the authority to (a) determine the employees of the Corporation and any Subsidiary (from among the class of employees eligible under paragraph 3) to whom Options may be granted; (b) determine the time or times at which Options may be granted; (c) determine (subject to paragraph 6) the option price of shares subject to each Option; (d) determine the limitations, restrictions, and conditions of any grant of Options, including whether any Option granted is an ISO or a NQO; (e) determine (subject to paragraph 8) the time or times when each Option shall become exercisable and the duration of the exercise period; and (f) interpret the Plan and prescribe and rescind rules and regulations relating to it. The interpretation and construction by the Committee of any provisions of the Plan or of any Option granted under it is final unless otherwise determined by the Board. The Committee may from time to time adopt such rules and regulations for carrying out the Plan as it may consider appropriate. No member of the Board or the Committee shall be liable for any action or determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any Option granted under it.

C. The date of grant of an Option under the Plan will be the date specified by the Committee at the time it awards the Option.

D. The Board in its discretion may take such action as may be necessary to ensure that Options granted under the Plan qualify as “qualified performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code and applicable regulations promulgated thereunder (“Performance-Based Compensation”). Options may be subject to such other terms and conditions as are necessary to constitute compensation arising from their exercise or disposition (or the disposition of any shares acquired thereunder) as Performance-Based Compensation.

3. PARTICIPATION

A. Options may be granted to any employee of the Corporation or any Subsidiary (each recipient of an award a “Participant”). Non-employee directors of the Corporation shall not be eligible to receive Options pursuant to the Plan.

 

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B. Participation in the Plan is voluntary and is not a condition of employment. No employee of the Corporation shall have any claim or right to be granted Options pursuant to the Plan.

C. Neither the Corporation nor any Subsidiary assumes any liability for the income or other tax consequences arising from participation in the Plan. Participants should consult their own tax advisors in that respect.

4. STOCK

A. All stock issued under the Plan shall be authorized but unissued common shares of capital stock of the Corporation without par value (the “Common Shares”).

B. The aggregate number of Common Shares which may be issued under the Plan is 7,360,000, subject to adjustment as provided in paragraph 14. The foregoing number of shares is anticipated to be sufficient for the Corporation’s requirements for the period ending July 1, 2007. Subject to prior applicable regulatory approval, it is intended that additional shares will be issued under the Plan but only after the issuance of such shares is approved at a duly convened meeting of shareholders.

C. If any Option expires or terminates for any reason without having been exercised in full or ceases for any reason to be exercisable in whole or in part, the unpurchased Common Shares subject to that Option shall again be available for grants of Options.

D. The following restrictions will apply to all grants of Options under the Plan:

(a) the number of Shares reserved for issuance under Options granted to Insiders (having the meaning given to the term “insiders” in the rules of the Toronto Stock Exchange Company Manual relating to changes in capital structure of listed companies in connection with employee stock option and stock purchase plans, options for services, and related matters, as amended (the “TSX Rules”)) or under any other option to purchase shares from treasury granted to Insiders under any other Share Compensation Arrangement (having the meaning given to the term “share compensation arrangement” in the TSX Rules), may not exceed 10% of the number of Common Shares outstanding on a non-diluted basis at such time (“outstanding issue”);

(b) Insiders may not, within a 12 month period, be issued a number of Common Shares under the Plan and/or under any other Share Compensation Arrangement of the Corporation exceeding 10% of the outstanding issue;

(c) any one Insider and that Insider’s Associates (as that term is defined in the Securities Act (Ontario)) may not, within a 12 month period, be issued a number of Common Shares under the Plan and/or under any other Share Compensation Arrangement of the Corporation exceeding 5% of the outstanding issue; and

(d) the number of Common Shares reserved for issuance to any one Participant under Options granted under the Plan or under any other option to purchase shares from treasury granted under any Share Compensation Arrangement of the Corporation must not exceed 5% of the outstanding issue, or 4,400,000 shares.

E. The foregoing limits under this paragraph 4 will be adjusted to reflect any adjustments in the capital of the Corporation as contemplated in paragraph 14.

5. TERM & EFFECTIVE DATE

A. This Plan was adopted by the Board on May 1, 2003. No Option may be awarded prior to shareholder approval of this Plan.

B. This Plan shall expire on June 30, 2016 (except as to Options outstanding on that date).

 

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6. MINIMUM OPTION PRICE

A. The price per Common Share specified in the agreement relating to each Option granted under the Plan shall not be lower than 100% of the fair market value of Common Shares on the date of grant, subject to adjustment in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 15 and paragraph 19.

B. In the case of an ISO to be granted to an employee owning stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, the price per Common Share specified in the agreement relating to each ISO shall not be less than one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the fair market value of Common Shares on the date of grant. For purposes of determining stock ownership under this paragraph, the rules of Section 424(d) of the Code shall apply.

C. Each eligible employee may be granted Options treated as ISOs only to the extent that, in the aggregate under this Plan and all incentive stock option plans of the Corporation and any Subsidiary, ISOs do not become exercisable for the first time by such employee during any calendar year with respect to stock having a fair market value (determined at the time the ISOs were granted) in excess of US$100,000. The Corporation intends to designate any Options granted in excess of such limitation as NQOs. (To make this calculation the conversion rate used shall be the noon purchase rate for U.S. dollars on the date of grant as published by the Bank of Canada). The foregoing shall be applied by taking Options into account in the order in which they were granted. If the Committee determines to issue an NQO, it shall take whatever actions it deems necessary, under Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder, to ensure that such Option is not treated as an ISO.

D. For the purposes of the Plan, “fair market value” on any particular day shall be determined at the close of business on the last trading day preceding the date an Option is granted and shall mean, (a) the closing price of the Common Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange, or if none is available then (b) the closing price on the NASDAQ Stock Market. If the Common Shares are not publicly traded at the time an Option is granted, “fair market value” shall be deemed to be the fair value of the Common Shares as determined by the Board after taking into consideration all factors which it deems appropriate, including, without limitation, recent sale and offer prices of the Common Shares in private transactions negotiated at arm’s length.

7. OPTION DURATION

Each Option shall expire on the date (“Expiry Date) specified by the Committee and set out in, or determined in accordance with, the instrument granting the Option (“Option Agreement”). The Expiry Date shall not be more than six (6) years from the date of Option grant unless the Expiry Date occurs during, or within ten (10) business days following, a period when the Participant is prohibited by the Corporation from trading in Common Shares pursuant to its policies (a Blackout Period). In such circumstances, the Committee may, in its discretion, change the Expiry Date of the Option to a date which is no more than ten (10) business days immediately following the end of the Blackout Period (“Blackout Extension Period”).

8. WHEN OPTION BECOMES EXERCISABLE

Each Option shall be exercisable as follows:

A. The Option shall either be fully exercisable on the date of grant or shall become exercisable thereafter in such installments as the Committee may specify. Any reference to an Option in this Plan includes any installment of that Option.

B. Once an installment becomes exercisable it shall remain exercisable until expiration or termination of the Option.

C. Subject to such trading restrictions as may be imposed by the Corporation from time to time, each Option may be exercised at any time or from time to time for up to the total number of Common Shares with respect to which it is then exercisable.

 

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D. In addition to specific instances provided in the Plan, the Committee shall have the right to accelerate the date of exercise of any Option or installment thereof. The date of exercise of any ISO (which has not previously been converted to an NQO pursuant to paragraph 19) may be accelerated only if that acceleration does not violate the annual vesting limitation set out in paragraph 6(C).

9. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

A. If a Participant ceases to be employed by the Corporation or any Subsidiary, other than by reason of “retirement” as defined in paragraph 10, death or for “cause” as defined in this paragraph 9, then, effective on the date that termination becomes effective (“Without Cause Termination Date”), no further installments of an Option will become exercisable, and the Participant may exercise the Option to the extent the Participant could have exercised, except to the extent the Committee accelerates the right of the Participant to exercise an Option (in its sole and absolute discretion) on the Without Cause Termination Date, at any time on or before the earlier of: thirty (30) days from the Without Cause Termination Date or on the specified expiration date of the Option.

B. Employment shall be considered as continuing uninterrupted during (a) any bona fide leave of absence (such as governmental service) or period of long term disability, on the condition that the period of such leave of absence does not exceed ninety (90) days, or (b) any period of long-term disability or, (c) any period during which a Participant’s right to re-employment is guaranteed by statute or contract. A bona fide leave of absence in excess of ninety (90) days, taken with the written approval of the Committee shall not be considered an interruption of employment under the Plan, provided that such written approval contractually obligates the Corporation or any Subsidiary to continue the employment of the Participant after the approved period of absence.

C. Nothing in the Plan shall give any Participant the right to be retained in employment by the Corporation for any period of time, nor shall it interfere with the right of the Corporation to terminate the employment of any Participant, with or without cause. Options granted under the Plan shall not be affected by any change of employment within or among the Corporation, so long as the Participant continues to be an employee of the Corporation.

D. If the employment of a Participant is terminated for “cause”, any Option or installment thereof shall terminate the last day of employment with the Corporation and shall thereafter not be exercisable, except to the extent the Committee accelerates the right of the Participant to exercise an Option (in its sole and absolute discretion). “Cause” shall mean conduct recognized by the laws applicable to the Participant as constituting just or proper cause for dismissal without compensation. In granting any Option (including any NQO), the Committee may specify that the Option shall be subject to the restrictions set forth herein, or to such other termination or cancellation provisions as it may determine.

10. RETIREMENT

If a Participant whose age and aggregate number of years of service with the Corporation totals 75 or greater, ceases to be employed by the Corporation without cause and with the intent of ceasing full-time employment with any party (the combination of the foregoing factors and such additional factors as the Committee in its sole discretion may from time to time determine constituting “Retirement” for purposes of this Plan), except to the extent the Committee accelerates the right of the Participant to exercise an Option (in its sole and absolute discretion), no further installments of an Option will become exercisable, and the Participant may exercise the Option to the extent the Participant could have exercised it on the date employment ceases, at any time on or before the earlier of: (i) the second (2nd) anniversary of that date, and (ii) the date that the Option expires pursuant to Paragraph 7. If the Participant dies or is incapacitated during that period, then the personal representatives of the Participant may exercise the foregoing rights.

11. DEATH

If a Participant ceases to be employed by the Corporation or any Subsidiary by reason of death, (i) all Options granted to the Participant shall become exercisable immediately prior to the death of the Participant, and (ii) the estate, personal representative or beneficiary of the Participant who h as acquired the Options by will or by the laws of the descent and distribution, may exercise the                         

 

79


Options to the extent the Participant could have exercised them, at any time on or before the earlier of: (a) the first (1st) anniversary of the date of the Participant’s death if the Participant is an executive officer, (b) the second (2nd) anniversary of the date of the Participant’s death for all other Participants or (c) the specified expiration date of the Option.  

12. ASSIGNABILITY

No Option shall be assignable or transferable by the Participant except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and Options shall be exercisable during the lifetime of the Participant only by the Participant.

13. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS

A. Options shall be evidenced by instruments (which need not be identical) in such forms as the Committee may from time to time approve. Such instruments shall conform to the terms and conditions set forth in paragraphs 6 through 12 and may contain such other provisions, as the Committee deems advisable, which are not inconsistent with the Plan, including restrictions applicable to Common Shares issuable upon exercise of Options.

B. The Committee may from time to time confer authority and responsibility on one or more of its members or one or more officers of the Corporation to execute and deliver such instruments. The proper officers of the Corporation are authorized and directed to take any and all action necessary or advisable from time to time to carry out the terms of such instruments.

14. ADJUSTMENTS

Upon the happening of any of the following described events, a Participant’s rights with respect to Options granted hereunder shall be adjusted as follows:

A. If there is any subdivision or subdivisions of the Common Shares into a greater number of shares at any time, or in the case of the issue of shares of the Corporation to the holders of its outstanding Common Shares by way of stock dividend or stock dividends (other than an issue of shares to shareholders pursuant to their exercise of a right to receive dividends in the form of shares of the Corporation in lieu of cash dividends declared payable in the ordinary course by the Corporation on its Common Shares), the number of Common Shares deliverable upon the exercise of Options shall be increased proportionately, and appropriate adjustments shall be made in the purchase price per share to reflect such subdivision or stock dividend.

B. If there is any consolidation or consolidations of the Common Shares into a lesser number of shares at any time, the number of Common Shares deliverable upon the exercise of Options shall be decreased proportionately, and appropriate adjustments shall be made in the purchase price per share to reflect such consolidation.

C. If there is any reclassification of the Common Shares, at any time a Participant shall accept, at the time of purchase of shares pursuant to the exercise of an Option, in lieu of the number of Common Shares in respect of which the Option to purchase is being exercised, the number of shares of the Corporation of the appropriate class or classes as the Participant would have been entitled as a result of such reclassification or reclassifications had the Option been exercised before such reclassification or reclassifications.

D. If the Corporation is to be amalgamated or consolidated with or acquired by another entity in a merger, sale of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets or otherwise (an “Acquisition”), the Committee or the board of directors of any entity assuming the obligations of the Corporation under the Plan (the “Successor Board”), shall, as to outstanding Options, either (a) make appropriate provision for the continuation of such Options by substituting on an equitable basis for the shares then subject to such Options the consideration payable with respect to the outstanding Common Shares in connection with the Acquisition; or (b) upon                                 

 

80


written notice to participants, provide that all Options must be exercised, to the extent then exercisable, within a specified number of days of the date of such notice, at the end of which period the Options shall terminate; or (c) terminate all Options in exchange for a cash payment equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares subject to such Options (to the extent then exercisable) over the exercise price thereof.

E. Despite the foregoing, any adjustments made pursuant to subparagraphs A, B, C or D with respect to ISOs shall be made only after the Committee, after consulting with counsel for the Corporation, determines whether such adjustments would constitute a “modification” of those ISOs (as that term is defined in Section 424 of the Code) or would cause any adverse tax consequences for their holders. If the Committee determines that those adjustments would constitute a “modification” of those ISOs, it may, subject to prior applicable regulatory approval, refrain from making such adjustments.

F. If there is any proposed winding up, dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation, each Option will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action or at such other time and subject to such other conditions as shall be determined by the Committee.

G. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Corporation of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of shares subject to Options. No adjustments shall be made for dividends paid in cash or in property other than securities of the Corporation.

H. No fractional shares shall be issued under the Plan. A Participant will receive cash in lieu of fractional shares.

I. Upon the happening of any of the foregoing events described in subparagraphs A, B, C or D above, the class and aggregate number of shares set forth in paragraph 4 hereof that are subject to Options which previously have been or subsequently may be granted under the Plan shall also be appropriately adjusted to reflect the events described in such subparagraphs. The Committee or the Successor Board shall determine the specific adjustments to be made under this paragraph 14 and, subject to paragraph 2, its determination shall be conclusive.

15. EXERCISE OF OPTIONS

A. An Option (or any part or installment thereof) shall be exercised by giving written notice to the Company at its principal office address, or to such transfer agent as the Company shall designate. The notice shall identify the Option being exercised, specify the number of shares as to which such Option is being exercised, and be accompanied by full payment of the purchase price therefor either (a) in Canadian dollars in cash or by certified cheque, (b) at the discretion of the Committee and consistent with applicable law, through the delivery of an assignment to the Company of a sufficient amount of the proceeds from the sale of the Common Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option and an authorization to the broker or selling agent to pay that amount to the Company, which sale shall be at the Participant’s direction at the time of exercise, or (c) at the discretion of the Committee, by such other method as it deems appropriate, subject to such regulatory approval as may be required. If the Committee exercises its discretion to permit payment of the exercise price of an Option by means of the methods set forth in clauses (b) or (c) above, that discretion shall be exercised in writing at the time of the grant of the Option in question.

B. The holder of an Option shall not have the rights of a shareholder with respect to the Common Shares subject to Option until the date of issuance of a stock certificate to the Participant for such Common Shares. Except as expressly provided above in paragraph 14 with respect to changes in capitalization and stock dividends, no adjustment shall be made for dividends or similar rights for which the record date is before the date such stock certificate is issued.

16. CONDITIONS OF EXERCISE

Each Option shall be subject to the requirement that, if at any time the Committee or counsel for the Corporation shall determine, in its reasonable discretion, that the listing, registration or qualification of the Common Shares subject to such Option upon any stock exchange or under any applicable law, or the consent or approval of any governmental body, is necessary or desirable,                                 

 

81


as a condition of, or in connection with, the granting of such Option or the issue or purchase of shares thereunder, no such Option may be exercised in whole or in part unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval shall have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Committee and counsel for the Corporation.

17. TERM & AMENDMENT OF THE PLAN

The Board may amend, suspend or terminate this Plan, or any portion thereof, at any time, subject to those provisions of applicable law (including, without limitation, the rules, regulations and policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ Stock Market), if any, that require the approval of shareholders or any governmental or regulative body. However, except as expressly set forth herein, no action of the Committee, Board or shareholders shall alter or impair the rights of a Participant without the consent of the affected Participant, under any Option previously granted to the Participant. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Board may make the following types of amendments to the Plan without seeking shareholder approval:

 

  (a)

amendments of a “housekeeping” or ministerial nature including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any amendment for the purpose of curing any ambiguity, error or omission in the Plan or to correct or supplement any provision of the Plan that is inconsistent with any other provision of the Plan;

 

  (b)

amendments necessary to comply with the provisions of applicable law (including, without limitation, the rules, regulations and policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ Stock Market);

 

  (c)

amendments necessary in order for awards to qualify for favorable treatment under Sections 162(m) or 422 of the Code, or any successor provisions;

 

  (d)

amendments respecting administration of the Plan;

 

  (e)

any amendment to the vesting provisions of the Plan or any Option;

 

  (f)

any amendment to the early termination provisions of the Plan or any Option, whether or not such Option is held by an Insider, provided such amendment does not entail an extension beyond the original expiry date;

 

  (g)

any amendment to the termination provisions of the Plan or any Option, other than an Option held by an Insider in the case of an amendment extending the term of an Option, provided any such amendment does not entail an extension of the expiry date of such Option beyond its original expiry date;

 

  (h)

the addition of any form of financial assistance by the Corporation for the acquisition by all or certain categories of Participants of Common Shares under the Plan, and the subsequent amendment of any such provision;

 

  (i)

the addition or modification of a cashless exercise feature, payable in cash or Common Shares, which provides for a full deduction of the number of underlying Common Shares from the Plan reserve;

 

82


  (j)

amendments necessary to suspend or terminate the Plan; and

 

  (k)

any other amendment, whether fundamental or otherwise, not requiring shareholder approval under applicable law (including, without limitation, the rules, regulations and policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ Stock Market).

Shareholder approval will be required for the following types of amendments:

 

  (i)

amendments to the number of Common Shares issuable under the Plan, including an increase to a fixed maximum number of Common Shares or a change from a fixed maximum number of Common Shares to a fixed maximum percentage;

 

  (ii)

any amendment to Section 7 of the Plan that increases the length of the Blackout Extension Period;

 

  (iii)

any amendment which would result in the exercise price for any Option granted under the Plan being lower than the fair market value of the Common Shares at the time the Option is granted;

 

  (iv)

any amendment which reduces the exercise price or purchase price of an Option;

 

  (v)

any amendment extending the term of an Option held by an Insider beyond its original expiry date except as otherwise permitted by the Plan;

 

  (vi)

the adoption of any option exchange scheme involving Options; and

 

  (vii)

amendments required to be approved by shareholders under applicable law (including, without limitation, the rules, regulations and policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ Stock Market).

In the event of any conflict between subsections (a) to (k) and subsections (i) to (vii), above, the latter shall prevail to the extent of any conflict.

18. CONVERSION OF ISOs INTO NQOs

The Committee, at the written request of any Participant, may, in its discretion and subject to such regulatory approval as may be required, take such actions as may be necessary to convert that Participant’s ISOs that have not been exercised on the date of conversion into NQOs at any time prior to the expiration of such ISOs, regardless of whether the Participant is an employee of the Corporation or a Subsidiary at the time of such conversion. Such actions may include, but are not limited to, extending the exercise period or reducing the exercise price of the appropriate installments of such ISO. At the time of conversion, the Committee (with the consent of the Participant) may impose such conditions on the exercise of the resulting NQOs as the Committee in its discretion may determine, on the condition that those conditions shall not be inconsistent with this Plan. Nothing in the Plan shall be deemed to give any Participant the right to have ISOs converted into NQOs, and no conversion shall occur until and unless the Committee takes appropriate action.

 

83


19. APPLICATION OF FUNDS

The proceeds received by the Corporation from the sale of Common Shares pursuant to Options granted under the Plan shall be used for general corporate purposes.

20. GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION

A. The Corporation’s obligations to sell and deliver Common Shares under this Plan are subject to the approval of any governmental or regulatory authority required in connection with the authorization, issuance or sale of such shares.

B. Government regulations may impose reporting or other obligations on the Corporation with respect to the Plan. For example, the Corporation may be required to send tax information statements to employees and former employees that exercise Options, and the Corporation may be required to file tax information returns reporting the income received by participants in connection with the Plan.

21. WITHHOLDING OF ADDITIONAL INCOME TAXES

Upon the exercise of an Option, the making of a Disqualifying Disposition (as defined in paragraph 22) or the vesting or transfer of restricted Common Shares acquired on the exercise of an Option, or the making of a distribution or other payment with respect to such Common Shares, the Corporation may withhold taxes in respect of amounts that constitute compensation included in gross income. The Committee in its discretion may condition (a) the exercise of an Option or (b) the vesting of restricted Common Shares acquired by exercising an Option, on the Participant’s making satisfactory arrangement for withholding. Such arrangement may include payment by the Participant in cash or by cheque (certified in its discretion) of the amount of the withholding taxes or, at the discretion of the Committee, by the Participant’s delivery of previously held Common Shares or the withholding of Common Shares otherwise deliverable upon exercise of an Option having an aggregate fair market value equal to the amount of such withholding taxes.

22. DISQUALIFYING DISPOSITION BY PARTICIPANT

By accepting an ISO granted under the Plan, each Participant agrees to notify the Corporation in writing immediately after the Participant makes a disqualifying disposition of any Common Shares received pursuant to the exercise of an ISO (a “Disqualifying Disposition”). Disqualifying Disposition means any disposition (including any sale) of such stock on or before the later of (a) two years from the date the employee was granted the ISO under which he acquired such stock, or (b) one year after the employee acquired such stock by exercising such ISO. If the employee has died before such stock is sold, these holding period requirements do not apply and no Disqualifying Disposition will thereafter occur.

23. GOVERNING LAW

The validity and construction of the Plan and the instruments evidencing Options shall be governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada.

 

84

EX-10.54 3 dex1054.htm AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

Exhibit 10.54

COGNOS

EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

(Amendment 1 approved by Cognos Board of Directors on May 10, 2002 approved by its Shareholders on July 2, 2002, and approved by the TSX on September 4, 2002. Amendment 2 approved by Cognos Board of Directors on April 7, 2005 and approved by its Shareholders on June 23, 2005 and by the TSX. Amendment 3 approved by Cognos Board of Directors on November 21, 2005. Amendment 4 approved by Cognos Board of Directors on August 30, 2006 and approved by its Shareholders on October 18, 2006 and by the TSX.)

 

1.

PURPOSE

Participation in the Cognos Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”) is being extended to all full-time and part-time permanent employees of the Cognos group of companies (the “Corporation”). An employee can enroll in the Plan at any time between December 1, 1993 and November 30, 2008. The Plan is intended to provide a further incentive for employees to promote the best interests of the Corporation and an additional opportunity to participate in its economic progress. The stock subject to this Plan shall be shares of the Corporation’s authorized but unissued common stock, no par value. The aggregate number of shares which may be issued pursuant to the Plan is 3,000,000 (1,500,000 pre-split common shares).

 

2.

PAYROLL DEDUCTION

Under the Plan each participating employee (the “Employee”) can elect to have the Corporation deduct an amount per pay period not to exceed 5% of his/her annual target salary divided by the number of pay periods per year provided such amount is greater than $10.00 per month. Commencing on December 1, 1993, the Corporation shall accumulate in its general fund on behalf of each Employee the deductions made in each of the Corporation’s fiscal quarters (a “Purchase Period”). An Employee may elect to change the amount deducted at any time to become effective at the beginning of the next Purchase Period.

 

3.

DATE OF ACQUISITION

On the first trading day after the end of each Purchase Period (the “Date of Acquisition”) (i.e., March 1, 1994, June 1, 1994, September 1, 1994 and December 1, 1994 etc. through to November 30, 2008) each Employee’s cumulative deductions shall be applied towards the purchase of common shares of Cognos Incorporated (the “Common Shares”).

 

4.

PRICE OF ACQUISITION

The purchase price per share shall be at a 10% discount from the lesser of the simple average of the average of the high and low prices of the Common Shares on The Toronto Stock Exchange (T.S.E.) on each of (a) the first trading day of the Purchase Period and the last four trading days of the immediately preceding Purchase Period or (b) the last five trading days of the Purchase Period.

 

5.

RECORD OF ACQUISITION

Within one month after each Date of Acquisition, each Employee shall be furnished with a record of the shares purchased, the purchase price per share, and the balance remaining in his/her account along with the stock certificate covering the shares                                 

 

85


purchased. No partial shares shall be issued. Amounts remaining in an Employee’s account which are insufficient to purchase a whole share shall form the opening balance for the subsequent Purchase Period.

 

6.

TAX CONSEQUENCES

Because the Plan is available to employees of all of the Cognos group of companies worldwide, no attempt has been made to determine the many special provisions which could be applicable to a particular situation. Employees should consult their own tax advisors to determine the specific tax consequences to them.

 

7.

TRANSFERABILITY OF SHARES

The Common Shares issued will be freely transferable on the T.S.E. and in the over-the-counter market in the United States, subject to the requirement that any resales by “affiliates” of the Corporation must be made pursuant to Rule 144 of the United States Securities Act.

 

8.

WITHDRAWAL AND TERMINATION

An employee may withdraw from the Plan at any time by providing written notice to the attention of:

The Corporate Secretary

Cognos Incorporated

P.O. Box 9707

3755 Riverside Drive

Ottawa, Ontario

K1G 4K9

Upon withdrawal all deducted amounts which have not been applied to the purchase of shares shall be returned to the Employee. No interest will be payable to any Employee in respect of deductions made under the Plan.

Termination of employment for whatever cause shall constitute withdrawal from the Plan. On termination all outstanding deductions which have not been applied to the purchase of shares shall be immediately returned to the Employee.

 

9.

ADMINISTRATION

Rights under the Plan are not transferable by an Employee to any other person. All funds received by the Corporation under the Plan shall be included in the general fund of the Corporation. This Plan will be administered by the Corporate Secretary whose decisions with regard thereto shall be final and conclusive. The Plan shall be governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario.

 

10.

ELECTION TO PARTICIPATE

In order to participate in the Plan an employee must complete the attached Election to Participate form by filling in the date deductions are to commence and the amount of money per pay period which he/she desires to have withheld. The form must then be dated, signed and returned to the Corporate Secretary. An Employee’s participation in the Plan will commence at the beginning of the next Purchase Period.

If you have any questions, please contact the Coordinator Shareholder Relations at the Ottawa-Riverside office (738-1338 ext. 3392).

 

86


11.

RESTRICTION ON PURCHASES

No employee of the Corporation may purchase Common Shares under the Plan that, together with all of the Corporation’s previously established or proposed share compensation arrangements, could result, at any time, in:

 

  (a)

the number of Common Shares purchased or reserved for issuance to such persons exceeding ten per cent (10%) of the number of Common Shares outstanding on a non-diluted basis at such time (“outstanding issue”);

 

  (b)

the purchase or issue to such persons, within a one-year period, of more than ten per cent (10%) of the outstanding issue of Common Shares; or

 

  (c)

the purchase or issue to any one of such persons, within a one-year period, of more than five per cent of the outstanding issue of Common Shares.

The foregoing limits will be adjusted to reflect any adjustments in the capital of the Corporation.

 

12.

AMENDMENT OF PLAN.

The Human Resources and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors may amend, suspend or terminate this Plan, or any portion thereof, at any time, subject to those provisions of applicable law (including, without limitation, the rules, regulations and policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ Stock Market), if any, that require the approval of shareholders or any governmental or regulative body be obtained. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee may make the following types of amendments to the Plan without seeking shareholder approval:

 

  (a)

amendments of a “housekeeping” or ministerial nature including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any amendment for the purpose of curing any ambiguity, error or omission in the Plan or to correct or supplement any provision of the Plan that is inconsistent with any other provision of the Plan;

 

  (b)

amendments necessary to comply with the provisions of applicable law (including, without limitation, the rules, regulations and policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ Stock Market);

 

  (c)

amendments respecting administration of the Plan;

 

  (d)

any amendment to the definition of “Employee” or otherwise relating to the eligibility of any Employee;

 

  (e)

amendments necessary to suspend or terminate the Plan; and

 

  (f)

any other amendment, whether fundamental or otherwise, not requiring shareholder approval under applicable law (including, without limitation, the rules, regulations and policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ Stock Market).

Shareholder approval will be required for the following types of amendments:

 

  (i)

amendments to the number of Common Shares issuable under the Plan, including an increase to a fixed maximum number of Common Shares or a change from a fixed maximum number of Common Shares to a fixed maximum percentage;

 

  (ii)

any amendment which would result in an increase in the discount of 10% contained in Section 4 or provide a longer look-back period in Section 4 for the purposes of determining the Purchase Price; and

 

87


  (iii)

amendments required to be approved by shareholders under applicable law (including, without limitation, the rules, regulations and policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ Stock Market).

In the event of any conflict between subsections (a) to (f) and subsections (i) to (iii), above, the latter shall prevail to the extent of any conflict.

 

88


ELECTION TO PARTICIPATE

TO: COGNOS INCORPORATED and its subsidiaries and affiliates (the “Corporation”)

I, the undersigned, acknowledge having received and read the Cognos Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”) and agree to the terms contained therein. I hereby authorize the Corporation in accordance with the terms of the Plan commencing on the first pay period of the next fiscal quarter of the Corporation, to withhold by way of payroll deduction the following amount:                          per pay period

(NOTE: The amount indicated may not exceed 5% of your target salary divided by the number of pay periods per year).

Unless given notice of any withdrawal from the Plan, I further authorize and direct the Corporation on my behalf to apply the proceeds from such deductions towards purchase of Common Shares of Cognos Incorporated on the first trading day after the end of each Purchase Period.

I recognize and agree that purchase of such shares is conditional upon my being a full-time employee of the Corporation at the time of purchase. I acknowledge and agree that termination of employment for whatever cause shall render my participation in the Plan null and void and all deductions made on my behalf since the end of the fiscal quarter which preceded my termination shall be returned to me in full.

 

Signature:

 

 

Name:

 

 

(Please Print)

 

Date:

 

 

Home Address:

 

 

 

89

EX-31.1 4 dex311.htm CEO CERTIFICATION CEO CERTIFICATION

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Robert G. Ashe, President and Chief Executive Officer certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Cognos Incorporated;

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

 

  b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

January 3, 2007

  

/s/ Robert G. Ashe

Date   

Robert G. Ashe,

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

90

EX-31.2 5 dex312.htm CFO CERTIFICATION CFO CERTIFICATION

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Tom Manley, Senior Vice President, Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer) certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Cognos Incorporated;

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f))for the registrant and have:

 

  a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

 

  b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

January 3, 2007

  

/s/ Tom Manley

Date   

Tom Manley,

Senior Vice President, Finance & Administration

    and Chief Financial Officer

    (Principal Financial Officer and Chief Accounting     Officer)

 

91

EX-32 6 dex32.htm CEO AND CFO CERTIFICATION CEO AND CFO CERTIFICATION

Exhibit 32

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Cognos Incorporated (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended November 30, 2006 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), we, Robert G. Ashe, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Tom Manley, Senior Vice President, Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of our knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

January 3, 2007

  

/s/ Robert G. Ashe

Date   

Robert G. Ashe,

President and Chief Executive Officer

January 3, 2007

  

/s/ Tom Manley

Date   

Tom Manley

Senior Vice President, Finance &

    Administration and Chief Financial Officer

    (Principal Financial Officer and Chief Accounting     Officer)

This certification is being submitted solely for the purpose of complying with Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code. This certification is not to be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor will the certification be deemed incorporated by reference in to any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference.

 

92

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