Attached files

file filename
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - NETSCOUT SYSTEMS INCntct-ex322_20150630.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - NETSCOUT SYSTEMS INCntct-ex321_20150630.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - NETSCOUT SYSTEMS INCntct-ex312_20150630.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - NETSCOUT SYSTEMS INCntct-ex311_20150630.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
 
(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2015
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                     to                     
Commission file number 000-26251
 
NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
Delaware
 
04-2837575
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
310 Littleton Road, Westford, MA 01886
(978) 614-4000
 
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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files.)    YES  x    NO  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
 
x
Accelerated filer
 
¨
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
 
¨
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 common stock, par value $0.001 per share, as of July 29, 2015 was 100,736,954.




NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC.
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
Item 1A.
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
 
 
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
 
 
 
Item 5.
Other Information
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Unaudited Financial Statements
NetScout Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 
June 30,
2015
 
March 31,
2015
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
94,352

 
$
104,893

Marketable securities
112,857

 
101,392

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $142 and $173 at June 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, respectively
58,496

 
82,226

Inventories
12,710

 
12,130

Prepaid income taxes

 
1,393

Deferred income taxes
21,053

 
21,755

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
8,425

 
13,495

Total current assets
307,893

 
337,284

Fixed assets, net
24,902

 
23,864

Goodwill
198,222

 
197,445

Intangible assets, net
48,815

 
50,180

Long-term marketable securities
60,303

 
58,572

Other assets
1,617

 
1,704

Total assets
$
641,752

 
$
669,049

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
11,203

 
$
13,077

Accrued compensation
21,780

 
36,553

Accrued other
7,509

 
14,474

Income taxes payable
147

 
107

Deferred revenue
108,179

 
123,422

Total current liabilities
148,818

 
187,633

Other long-term liabilities
1,858

 
1,995

Deferred tax liability
10,653

 
10,639

Accrued long-term retirement benefits
1,589

 
1,587

Long-term deferred revenue
27,919

 
26,961

Contingent liabilities, net of current portion
4,521

 
4,484

Total liabilities
195,358

 
233,299

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)

 

Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value:
 
 
 
5,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding at June 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015

 

Common stock, $0.001 par value:
 
 
 
150,000,000 shares authorized; 50,834,158 and 50,812,548 shares issued and 40,752,954 and 40,807,805 shares outstanding at June 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, respectively
51

 
51

Additional paid-in capital
302,456

 
298,101

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(2,858
)
 
(4,645
)
Treasury stock at cost, 10,081,204 and 10,004,743 shares at June 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, respectively
(172,683
)
 
(169,516
)
Retained earnings
319,428

 
311,759

Total stockholders’ equity
446,394

 
435,750

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
641,752

 
$
669,049

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

1


NetScout Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Revenue:
 
 
 
Product
$
53,593

 
$
64,366

Service
47,150

 
43,486

Total revenue
100,743

 
107,852

Cost of revenue:
 
 
 
Product
12,498

 
13,766

Service
8,798

 
8,830

Total cost of revenue
21,296

 
22,596

Gross profit
79,447

 
85,256

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
Research and development
18,058

 
18,767

Sales and marketing
38,092

 
37,272

General and administrative
10,099

 
8,753

Amortization of acquired intangible assets
809

 
862

Total operating expenses
67,058

 
65,654

Income from operations
12,389

 
19,602

Interest and other income (expense), net:
 
 
 
Interest income
158

 
104

Interest expense
(192
)
 
(194
)
Other expense, net
(112
)
 
(41
)
Total interest and other expense, net
(146
)
 
(131
)
Income before income tax expense
12,243

 
19,471

Income tax expense
4,574

 
7,995

Net income
$
7,669

 
$
11,476

Basic net income per share
$
0.19

 
$
0.28

Diluted net income per share
$
0.19

 
$
0.27

Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing:
 
 
 
Net income per share - basic
40,776

 
41,081

Net income per share - diluted
41,371

 
41,808

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

2


NetScout Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Net income
$
7,669

 
$
11,476

Other comprehensive income:
 
 
 
Cumulative translation adjustments
977

 
(432
)
Changes in market value of investments:
 
 
 
Changes in unrealized (losses) gains
(59
)
 
44

Total net change in market value of investments
(59
)
 
44

Changes in market value of derivatives:
 
 
 
Changes in market value of derivatives, net of taxes of $4 and $86
6

 
138

Reclassification adjustment for net gains (losses) included in net income, net of taxes (benefits) of $460 and ($63)
863


(106
)
Total net change in market value of derivatives
869

 
32

Other comprehensive income (loss)
1,787

 
(356
)
Total comprehensive income
$
9,456

 
$
11,120

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

3


NetScout Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
7,669

 
11,476

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities, net of the effects of acquisitions:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
4,986

 
4,876

Loss on disposal of fixed assets
10

 

Deal related compensation expense and accretion charges
37

 
38

Share-based compensation expense associated with equity awards
4,595

 
3,302

Net change in fair value of contingent and contractual liabilities

 
(9
)
Deferred income taxes
239

 
1,409

Other losses
42

 
28

Changes in assets and liabilities
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
23,729

 
27,551

Inventories
(1,806
)
 
612

Prepaid expenses and other assets
6,654

 
2,053

Accounts payable
(1,629
)
 
(1,558
)
Accrued compensation and other expenses
(20,955
)
 
(11,594
)
Income taxes payable
40

 
(791
)
Deferred revenue
(14,321
)
 
(9,193
)
                Net cash provided by operating activities
9,290

 
28,200

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Purchase of marketable securities
(32,289
)
 
(42,506
)
Proceeds from maturity of marketable securities
19,034

 
13,798

Purchase of fixed assets
(3,415
)
 
(1,865
)
Purchase of intangible assets
(88
)
 
(71
)
Decrease in deposits

 
17

                Net cash used in investing activities
(16,758
)
 
(30,627
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Issuance of common stock under stock plans

 
8

Treasury stock repurchases
(3,167
)
 
(12,187
)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation awards

 
1,431

                Net cash used in financing activities
(3,167
)
 
(10,748
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
94

 
73

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(10,541
)
 
(13,102
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
104,893

 
102,076

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
94,352

 
$
88,974

Supplemental disclosures:
 
 
 
Cash paid for income taxes
$
2,967

 
$
6,142

Non-cash transactions:
 
 
 
Transfers of inventory to fixed assets
$
1,229

 
$
940

Additions to property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable
$
245

 
$
95

Gross decrease in contractual liability relating to fair value adjustment
$

 
$
(49
)
Gross increase in contingent consideration liability relating to fair value adjustment
$

 
$
40

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

4


NetScout Systems, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared by NetScout Systems, Inc., or NetScout or the Company. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The year-end consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The results reported in these consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606 (ASU 2014-09), to supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, it is possible more judgment and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than required under existing U.S. GAAP, including identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. This ASU will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of its fiscal year 2019. Early adoption is not permitted. This ASU allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 2 – CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of investments, trade accounts receivable and accounts payable. The Company's cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities are placed with financial institutions with high credit standings.
At June 30, 2015, no direct customers accounted for more than 10% of the accounts receivable balance, while one indirect channel partner accounted for more than 10% of the accounts receivable balance. At March 31, 2015, one direct customer accounted for more than 10% of the accounts receivable balance, while no indirect channel partner accounted for more than 10% of the accounts receivable balance.
During the three months ended June 30, 2015, no direct customer or indirect channel partner accounted for more than 10% of the Company's total revenue. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, two direct customers accounted for more than 10% of the Company's total revenue, while no indirect channel partner accounted for more than 10% of the Company's total revenue.
Historically, the Company has not experienced any significant failure of its customers to meet their payment obligations nor does the Company anticipate material non-performance by its customers in the future; accordingly, the Company does not require collateral from its customers. However, if the Company’s assumptions are incorrect, there could be an adverse impact on its allowance for doubtful accounts.


5


NOTE 3 – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
The following is a summary of share-based compensation expense including restricted stock units and employee stock purchases made under the Company's employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) based on estimated fair values within the applicable cost and expense lines identified below (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Cost of product revenue
$
102

 
$
60

Cost of service revenue
373

 
228

Research and development
1,490

 
1,026

Sales and marketing
1,403

 
963

General and administrative
1,227

 
1,025

 
$
4,595

 
$
3,302

Employee Stock Purchase Plan – The Company maintains an ESPP for all eligible employees as described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2015. Under the ESPP, shares of the Company’s common stock may be purchased on the last day of each bi-annual offering period at 85% of the fair value on the last day of such offering period. The offering periods run from March 1st through August 31st and from September 1st through February 28th of each year.
NOTE 4 – CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents and those investments with original maturities greater than three months to be marketable securities. Cash and cash equivalents consisted of money market instruments and cash maintained with various financial institutions at June 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015.
Marketable Securities
The following is a summary of marketable securities held by NetScout at June 30, 2015, classified as short-term and long-term (in thousands):
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
Type of security:
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and municipal obligations
$
99,792

 
$
(9
)
 
$
99,783

Commercial paper
5,099

 

 
5,099

Corporate bonds
7,977

 
(2
)
 
7,975

Total short-term marketable securities
112,868

 
(11
)
 
112,857

U.S. government and municipal obligations
60,338

 
(35
)
 
60,303

Total long-term marketable securities
60,338

 
(35
)
 
60,303

Total marketable securities
$
173,206

 
$
(46
)
 
$
173,160


6


The following is a summary of marketable securities held by NetScout at March 31, 2015, classified as short-term and long-term (in thousands):
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
 
Fair
Value
Type of security:
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and municipal obligations
$
88,651

 
$
3

 
$
88,654

Commercial paper
5,093

 
2

 
5,095

Corporate bonds
7,644

 
(1
)
 
7,643

Total short-term marketable securities
101,388

 
4

 
101,392

U.S. government and municipal obligations
56,683

 
8

 
56,691

Corporate bonds
1,880

 
1

 
1,881

Total long-term marketable securities
58,563

 
9

 
58,572

Total marketable securities
$
159,951

 
$
13

 
$
159,964

Contractual maturities of the Company’s marketable securities held at June 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015 were as follows (in thousands):

June 30,
2015

March 31,
2015
Available-for-sale securities:



Due in 1 year or less
$
112,857


$
101,392

Due after 1 year through 5 years
60,303


58,572


$
173,160


$
159,964

NOTE 5 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine fair value. Level 1 refers to fair values determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Level 2 refers to fair values estimated using significant other observable inputs, and Level 3 includes fair values estimated using significant non-observable inputs. The following tables present the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis using the fair value hierarchy at June 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015 (in thousands):

Fair Value Measurements at
 
June 30, 2015
 
Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total
ASSETS:

 

 



Cash and cash equivalents
$
94,352

 
$

 
$

 
$
94,352

U.S. government and municipal obligations
58,769

 
101,317

 


160,086

Commercial paper

 
5,099

 


5,099

Corporate bonds
7,975

 

 


7,975

Derivative financial instruments

 
97

 


97


$
161,096

 
$
106,513

 
$


$
267,609

LIABILITIES:

 

 



Contingent purchase consideration
$

 
$

 
$
(4,521
)

$
(4,521
)
Derivative financial instruments

 
(456
)
 


(456
)

$

 
$
(456
)
 
$
(4,521
)

$
(4,977
)

7



Fair Value Measurements at
 
March 31, 2015
 
Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total
ASSETS:

 

 



Cash and cash equivalents
$
104,893

 
$

 
$


$
104,893

U.S. government and municipal obligations
46,564

 
98,781

 


145,345

Commercial paper

 
5,095

 


5,095

Corporate bonds
9,524

 

 


9,524

Derivative financial instruments

 
15

 


15


$
160,981


$
103,891


$


$
264,872

LIABILITIES:

 

 



Contingent purchase consideration
$

 
$

 
$
(4,484
)

$
(4,484
)
Derivative financial instruments

 
(1,664
)
 


(1,664
)

$


$
(1,664
)

$
(4,484
)

$
(6,148
)
This hierarchy requires the Company to use observable market data, when available, and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs when determining fair value. On a recurring basis, the Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value, including marketable securities and derivative financial instruments.
The Company’s Level 1 investments are classified as such because they are valued using quoted market prices or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency.
The Company’s Level 2 investments are classified as such because fair value is being calculated using data from similar but not identical sources, or a discounted cash flow model using the contractual interest rate as compared to the underlying interest yield curve. The Company's derivative financial instruments consist of forward foreign exchange contracts and are classified as Level 2 because the fair values of these derivatives are determined using models based on market observable inputs, including spot prices for foreign currencies and credit derivatives, as well as an interest rate factor. The Company classifies municipal obligations as level 2 because the fair values are determined using quoted prices from markets the Company considers to be inactive. Commercial paper is classified as Level 2 because the Company uses market information from similar but not identical instruments and discounted cash flow models based on interest rate yield curves to determine fair value. For further information on the Company's derivative instruments refer to Note 8.
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of the Company’s Level 3 financial liability for the three months ended June 30, 2015 (in thousands):

Contingent
Purchase
Consideration
Balance at beginning of period
$
(4,484
)
Increase in fair value and accretion expense (included within research and development expense)
(37
)
Balance at end of period
$
(4,521
)
Deal related compensation expense and accretion charges for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $37 thousand and was included as part of earnings.

8


NOTE 6 – INVENTORIES
Inventories are stated at the lower of actual cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined by using the first in, first out (FIFO) method. Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

June 30,
2015
 
March 31,
2015
Raw materials
$
7,241

 
$
6,134

Work in process
266

 
17

Finished goods
5,203

 
5,979


$
12,710

 
$
12,130

NOTE 7 – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill
The Company has two reporting units: (1) Unified Service Delivery and (2) Test Optimization. At June 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, goodwill attributable to the Unified Service Delivery reporting unit was $195.8 million and $195.0 million, respectively. Goodwill attributable to the Test Optimization reporting unit was $2.4 million at June 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015. Goodwill is tested for impairment at a reporting unit level at least annually, or on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would, more likely than not, reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value.
The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended June 30, 2015 is due to the impact of foreign currency translation adjustments related to asset balances that are recorded in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar.
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended June 30, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):
Balance at March 31, 2015
$
197,445

Foreign currency translation impact for the three months ended June 30, 2015
777

Balance at June 30, 2015
$
198,222

Intangible Assets
The net carrying amounts of intangible assets were $48.8 million and $50.2 million at June 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, respectively. Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recorded under the acquisition method of accounting at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The Company amortizes intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, except for the acquired trade name which resulted from the Network General Central Corporation (Network General) acquisition, which has an indefinite life and thus is not amortized. The carrying value of the indefinite lived trade name is evaluated for potential impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.
Intangible assets include an indefinite lived trade name with a carrying value of $18.6 million and the following amortizable intangible assets at June 30, 2015 (in thousands):

Cost

Accumulated
Amortization

Net
Developed technology
$
31,005

 
$
(26,150
)

$
4,855

Customer relationships
38,538

 
(17,691
)

20,847

Distributor relationships
1,640

 
(804
)

836

Core technology
7,177

 
(3,930
)

3,247

Non-compete agreements
289

 
(289
)


Other
1,031

 
(601
)

430


$
79,680


$
(49,465
)

$
30,215


9


Intangible assets include an indefinite lived trade name with a carrying value of $18.6 million and the following amortizable intangible assets at March 31, 2015 (in thousands):

Cost

Accumulated
Amortization

Net
Developed technology
$
30,865

 
$
(25,561
)

$
5,304

Customer relationships
38,498

 
(16,935
)

21,563

Distributor relationships
1,585

 
(711
)

874

Core technology
7,118

 
(3,660
)

3,458

Non-compete agreements
280

 
(280
)


Other
943

 
(562
)

381


$
79,289

 
$
(47,709
)

$
31,580

Amortization of software and core technology included as cost of product revenue was $758 thousand and $934 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Amortization of other intangible assets included as operating expense was $847 thousand and $901 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
The following is the expected future amortization expense at June 30, 2015 for the years ending March 31 (in thousands):
2016 (remaining nine months)
$
4,864

2017
5,726

2018
4,901

2019
3,991

2020
3,510

Thereafter
7,223


$
30,215

The weighted average amortization period of developed technology and core technology is 6.7 years. The weighted average amortization period for customer and distributor relationships is 13.3 years. The weighted average amortization period for amortizing all intangible assets is 10.1 years.
NOTE 8 – DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
NetScout operates internationally and, in the normal course of business, is exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The exposures result from costs that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar, primarily the Euro, British Pound, Canadian Dollar, and Indian Rupee. The Company manages its foreign cash flow risk by hedging forecasted cash flows for operating expenses denominated in foreign currencies for up to twelve months, within specified guidelines through the use of forward contracts. The Company enters into foreign currency exchange contracts to hedge cash flow exposures from costs that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. These hedges are designated as cash flow hedges at inception.
All of the Company’s derivative instruments are utilized for risk management purposes, and the Company does not use derivatives for speculative trading purposes. These contracts will mature over the next twelve months and are expected to impact earnings on or before maturity.
The notional amounts and fair values of derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015 were as follows (in thousands):
 
Notional Amounts (a)

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Accrued Other
 
June 30,
2015

March 31,
2015
 
June 30,
2015
 
March 31,
2015
 
June 30,
2015
 
March 31,
2015
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:











Forward contracts
$
19,014

 
$
20,203

 
$
97

 
$
15

 
$
456

 
$
1,664

 

10


(a)
Notional amounts represent the gross contract/notional amount of the derivatives outstanding.
The following table provides the effect foreign exchange forward contracts had on other comprehensive income (loss) (OCI) and results of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
Derivatives in Cash
Flow Hedging
Relationships
Effective Portion

   Ineffective Portion                    
Gain (Loss) Recognized in
OCI on Derivative
(a)

Gain (Loss) Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI into Income
(b)

Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income (Amount
Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
(c)
June 30, 2015
 
June 30, 2014

Location

June 30, 2015

June 30, 2014

Location

June 30, 2015
 
June 30, 2014
Forward contracts
$
10

 
$
(224
)

Research and
development

$
47

 
$
10


Research and
development

$
34

 
$
63






Sales and
marketing

1,276

 
159


Sales and
marketing

(14
)
 
4


$
10


$
(224
)



$
1,323


$
169




$
20


$
67

(a)
The amount represents the change in fair value of derivative contracts due to changes in spot rates.
(b)
The amount represents reclassification from other comprehensive income to earnings that occurs when the hedged item affects earnings.
(c)
The amount represents the change in fair value of derivative contracts due to changes in the difference between the spot price and forward price that is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and therefore recognized in earnings. No gains or losses were reclassified as a result of discontinuance of cash flow hedges.
NOTE 9 – LONG-TERM DEBT
On November 22, 2011, the Company entered into a credit facility (the Credit Agreement) with a syndicate of lenders led by KeyBank National Association (KeyBank) providing the Company with a $250 million revolving credit facility, which may be increased to $300 million at any time up to 90 days before maturity. The revolving credit facility includes a swing line loan sub-facility of up to $10 million and a letter of credit sub-facility of up to $10 million. The credit facility under the Credit Agreement matures on November 21, 2016. At June 30, 2015, there were no amounts outstanding under this credit facility.
At the Company’s election, revolving loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest at either (a) a rate per annum equal to the highest of (1) KeyBank’s prime rate, (2) 0.50% in excess of the federal funds effective rate, or (3) one hundred (100.00) basis points in excess of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) for one-month interest periods, or the Base Rate; or (b) the one-, two-, three-, or six-month per annum LIBOR, as selected by the Company, multiplied by the statutory reserve adjustment, or collectively, the Eurodollar Rate, in each case plus an applicable margin. Swing line loans will bear interest at the Base Rate plus the applicable Base Rate margin. The applicable margin depends on the Company’s leverage ratio, ranging from 100 basis points for Base Rate loans and 200 basis points for Eurodollar Rate loans if the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio is 2.50 to 1.00 or higher, down to 25 basis points for Base Rate loans and 125 basis points for Eurodollar Rate loans if the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio is 1.00 to 1.00 or less.
The Company may prepay loans under the Credit Agreement at any time, without penalty, subject to certain notice requirements. Debt is recorded at the amount drawn on the revolving credit facility plus interest based on floating rates reflective of changes in the market which approximates fair value.
The loans are guaranteed by each of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries and are collateralized by all of the assets of the Company and its domestic subsidiaries, as well as 65% of the capital stock of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries directly owned by the Company and its domestic subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement generally prohibits any other liens on the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions as described in the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement contains certain covenants applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries, including, without limitation, limitations on additional indebtedness, liens, various fundamental changes (including material mergers and dispositions of assets), dividends and distributions, capital expenditures, investments (including material acquisitions and investments in foreign subsidiaries), transactions with affiliates, sale-leaseback transactions, hedge agreements, payment of junior financing, material changes in business, and other limitations customary in senior secured credit facilities. In addition, the Company is required to maintain certain consolidated leverage and interest coverage ratios as well as a minimum liquidity amount. At June 30, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all of these covenants.

11


NOTE 10 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Acquisition related The Company has one contingent liability related to the acquisition of Simena, LLC (Simena) in November 2011 for future consideration to be paid to the former seller which had an initial fair value of $8.0 million at the time of acquisition. At June 30, 2015, the present value of the future consideration was $4.5 million.
Legal – From time to time, NetScout is subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate expense with respect to any current legal proceedings and claims, if determined adversely, will not have a significant adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
NOTE 11 – TREASURY STOCK
On April 22, 2014, the Company's board of directors approved a stock repurchase program. This program authorizes management to make additional repurchases of NetScout outstanding common stock of up to $100 million. The share repurchase authorization does not have an expiration date and the pace and timing of repurchases will depend on factors such as cash generation from operations, cash requirements for acquisitions, economic and market conditions, stock price and legal and regulatory requirements. Through June 30, 2015, the Company has repurchased 824,452 shares totaling $34.3 million in the open market under this stock repurchase plan. At June 30, 2015, $65.7 million of common stock remained available to be purchased under the plan. The Company repurchased 67,752 shares for $2.8 million under the program during the three months ended June 30, 2015.
In connection with the vesting and release of the restriction on previously vested shares of restricted stock units, the Company repurchased 8,709 shares for $381 thousand related to minimum statutory tax withholding requirements on these restricted stock units during the three months ended June 30, 2015. These repurchase transactions do not fall under the repurchase program described above, and therefore do not reduce the amount that is available for repurchase under that program.
On May 19, 2015, the Company’s board of directors approved a new share repurchase program, conditional upon the completion of the Company's planned acquisition of Danaher Corporation's (Danaher) Communications Business. This new program will enable the Company to repurchase up to 20 million shares of its common stock. This plan became effective on July 14, 2015 upon the completion of the acquisition and replaces the Company's existing open market stock repurchase program. For additional information regarding the acquisition of Danaher's Communications Business, see Note 16 of the Company's Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
NOTE 12 – NET INCOME PER SHARE
Calculations of the basic and diluted net income per share and potential common shares are as follows (in thousands, except for per share data):

Three Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2015

2014
Numerator:



Net income
$
7,669

 
$
11,476

Denominator:
 
 
 
Denominator for basic net income per share - weighted average common shares outstanding
40,776

 
41,081

Dilutive common equivalent shares:
 
 
 
      Weighted average stock options

 
17

      Weighted average restricted stock units
595

 
710

Denominator for diluted net income per share - weighted average shares outstanding
41,371

 
41,808

Net income per share:
 
 
 
Basic net income per share
$
0.19

 
$
0.28

Diluted net income per share
$
0.19

 
$
0.27


12


The following table sets forth restricted stock units excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share, since their inclusion would be antidilutive (in thousands):

Three Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2015

2014
Restricted stock units
19

 

Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Unvested restricted shares, although legally issued and outstanding, are not considered outstanding for purposes of calculating basic earnings per share. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect, if any, of outstanding stock options, restricted shares and restricted stock units using the treasury stock method. The calculation of the dilutive effect of outstanding equity awards under the treasury stock method includes consideration of proceeds from the assumed exercise of stock options, unrecognized compensation expense and any tax benefits as additional proceeds.
NOTE 13 – INCOME TAXES
The Company's effective income tax rates were 37.4% and 41.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Generally, the effective tax rates differ from statutory rates due to the impact of the domestic production activities deduction, research and development credits if enacted, the impact of state taxes, income generated in jurisdictions that have a different tax rate than the U.S. statutory rate, and losses not benefited in certain foreign jurisdictions. The effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2015 is lower than the effective rate for the three months ended June 30, 2014 primarily due to interim accounting treatment of certain foreign losses for which the benefit was not previously realized.
NOTE 14 – SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
The Company reports revenues and income under one reportable segment. The consolidated financial information is used by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.
The Company manages its business in the following geographic areas: United States, Europe, Asia and the rest of the world. In accordance with United States export control regulations, the Company does not sell or do business with countries subject to economic sanctions and export controls.
Total revenue by geography is as follows (in thousands):

Three Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2015

2014
United States
$
78,273

 
$
86,018

Europe
12,607

 
9,046

Asia
3,532

 
6,717

Rest of the world
6,331

 
6,071


$
100,743


$
107,852

The United States revenue includes sales to resellers in the United States. These resellers fulfill customer orders and may subsequently ship the Company’s products to international locations. The Company reports these shipments as United States revenue since the Company ships the products to a United States location. A majority of revenue attributable to locations outside of the United States is a result of export sales. Substantially all of the Company’s identifiable assets are located in the United States.
NOTE 15 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A member of the Company’s Board of Directors also serves as a member of the board of directors for EMC, Corp. (EMC) and therefore, the Company considers sales to EMC to be a related party transaction.  The Company recognized $79 thousand in revenue from EMC during the three months ended June 30, 2015 in the ordinary course of business. Another member of the Company’s Board of Directors also serves as a Section 16 officer of State Street Corporation (State Street) and therefore, the

13


Company considers sales to State Street to be a related party transaction.  The Company recognized $60 thousand in revenue from State Street during the three months ended June 30, 2015 in the ordinary course of business.
NOTE 16 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On July 14, 2015 (Closing Date), the Company completed the acquisition of the Communications Business of Danaher, which included certain assets, liabilities, technology and employees within Tektronix Communications, Arbor Networks and certain portions of the Fluke Networks Enterprise business. The acquisition was structured as a Reverse Morris Trust transaction (the Transaction) under which the total equity consideration was $2.3 billion based on issuing approximately 62.5 million new shares of NetScout common stock to the existing common unit holders of Potomac Holding LLC (Newco), based on the July 13, 2015 NetScout common stock closing share price of $36.89 per share. 

The Transaction will be accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting with the operations of the Communications Business included in the Company’s operating results from the date of acquisition.  The acquisition method of accounting requires, among other things, that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date.   The Company is in the process of obtaining valuations of acquired intangible assets and certain acquisition related liabilities in connection with this Transaction. 

The table below represents a preliminary purchase price allocation for the acquisition of the Communications Business, based on that business’s financial information and valuation models as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):

Purchase Price allocation:
 
 
     Total equity consideration
$
2,305,612

(1)
     Less: Equity consideration for replacement awards
(22,188
)
(2)
Estimated Purchase Price
2,283,424

 
 
 
 
Estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
 
 
     Cash
7,412

 
     Accounts Receivable
204,342

 
     Inventories
85,500

 
     Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
16,361

 
     Property, Plant and Equipment
32,043

 
     Trademarks
47,700

 
     Customer Relationships
735,700

 
     Developed Technology
230,800

 
     Other Intangible Assets
83,300

 
     Accounts Payable
(48,759
)
 
     Accrued Compensation
(28,275
)
 
     Accrued Other
(76,311
)
 
     Deferred Revenue
(131,886
)
 
     Accrued Retirement Benefits
(7,412
)
 
     Deferred Tax Liabilities
(375,129
)
 
Goodwill
1,508,038

 

 
(1)
Represents approximately 62.5 million new shares (plus cash in lieu of fractional shares) of NetScout common stock issued to the existing common unit holders of Newco based on the July 13, 2015 NetScout common stock closing share price of $36.89 per share.


14


 
(2)
Represents the value of certain outstanding Danaher equity awards held by Newco employees for which continuing employees will receive value after the closing date. A portion of this amount relates to awards that have been modified such that the awards will vest in Danaher shares after the Closing Date. These future compensation amounts will be settled in shares other than shares of the acquired business. The balance of this amount also represents future compensation expense and relates to a cash award to be paid by NetScout to acquired Newco employees on the later of the first anniversary of the transaction closing date or August 4, 2016. The cash payment by NetScout will be reimbursed by Danaher. These items are further described in that certain Employee Matters Agreement dated July 14, 2015 by and among NetScout Systems, Inc., Danaher Corporation and Potomac Holding LLC and have been accounted for separately from the Communications Business Acquisition.

In connection with RBC Capital Markets’ services as NetScout’s financial advisor, NetScout has agreed to pay RBC Capital Markets an aggregate fee of $11.0 million, a portion of which was payable upon delivery of RBC Capital Markets’ opinion and $9.5 million of which was contingent upon consummation of the Mergers. NetScout also has agreed to reimburse RBC Capital Markets for expenses reasonably incurred in connection with RBC Capital Markets’ services and to indemnify RBC Capital Markets and related persons against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the federal securities laws, arising out of RBC Capital Markets’ engagement.
The Company has incurred $3.4 million in acquisition related costs during the three months ended June 30, 2015.
Pursuant to the previously disclosed Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated October 12, 2014, by and among the Company, Danaher, Newco, RS Merger Sub I, Inc. and RS Merger Sub II, LLC (Merger Agreement), the Company agreed to appoint to the Company’s Board one individual designated by Danaher, effective on the closing date of the Transactions. Danaher designated, and the Board elected, James A. Lico as a Class I director. The Merger Agreement requires that, subject to the Board’s fiduciary duties, the Board nominate Mr. Lico as a director nominee for election to the Board at the Company’s 2015 annual meeting of stockholders, to serve until the Company’s 2018 meeting of stockholders and until his successor is duly elected and qualified. Mr. Lico is Danaher’s Executive Vice President and is a holder of Danaher common stock. In the Transactions, Mr. Lico was eligible to participate in the exchange offer being conducted by Danaher in connection with the Transactions on the same terms as all other Danaher stockholders. In connection with the Transactions, the Company entered into or assumed obligations under various ancillary agreements with Danaher or a subsidiary of Danaher, including a Commercial Lease Agreement and a Transition Services Agreement. Under the Commercial Lease Agreement, in addition to paying all costs and expenses relating to the premises, the Company is obligated to pay Danaher or one of its subsidiaries base rent during the first two lease years of $984,000 per annum and during the third lease year, of $3,000,000 per annum. The Transitions Services Agreement provides for payment for services on a schedule-by-schedule basis, and the terms and costs of such services vary.
On July 14, 2015, the Company entered into a certain credit facility with a syndicate of lenders pursuant to a Credit Agreement (Credit Agreement), dated as of July 14, 2015, by and among: the Company; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMorgan), as administrative agent and collateral agent; J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, KeyBanc Capital Markets, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, RBC Capital Markets and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners; Santander Bank, N.A., SunTrust Bank, N.A. and U.S. Bank National Association, as co-documentation agents; and the lenders party thereto. The Credit Agreement provides for a five-year $800,000,000 senior secured revolving credit facility, including a letter of credit sub-facility of up to $50,000,000. The Company may elect to use the new credit facility for working capital purposes or repurchase up to 20 million shares of common stock under the Company's common stock repurchase plan. The commitments under the Credit Agreement will expire on July 14, 2020, and any outstanding loans will be due on that date.
Subsequent to the credit facility closing, the Company drew down $250 million to support general working capital requirements as well as to help finance the repurchase of NetScout’s common stock under its recently approved 20 million share common stock repurchase plan.
At the Company’s election, revolving loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest at either (a) a Base Rate per annum equal to the greatest of (1) JPMorgan’s prime rate, (2) 0.50% in excess of the federal funds effective rate, or (3) an adjusted LIBO rate plus 1%; or (b) such adjusted LIBO rate (for the interest period selected by the Company), in each case plus an applicable margin. For the initial period until the Company has delivered financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, the applicable margin will be 1.75% per annum for LIBOR loans and 0.75% per annum for Base Rate loans, and thereafter the applicable margin will vary depending on the Company’s leverage ratio, ranging from 1.00% per annum for Base Rate loans and 2.00% per annum for LIBOR loans if the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio is greater than 2.50 to 1.00,

15


down to 0.25% per annum for Base Rate loans and 1.25% per annum for LIBOR loans if the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio is equal to or less than 1.00 to 1.00.
The Company’s consolidated leverage ratio is the ratio of its total funded debt compared to its consolidated adjusted EBITDA. Consolidated adjusted EBITDA includes certain adjustments, including, without limitation, adjustments relating to extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring charges, certain restructuring charges, non-cash charges, certain transaction costs and expenses and certain pro forma adjustments in connection with material acquisitions and dispositions, all as set forth in detail in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA in the Credit Agreement.
Commitment fees will accrue on the daily unused amount of the credit facility. For the initial period until the Company has delivered financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, the commitment fee will be 0.20% per annum, and thereafter the commitment fee will vary depending on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio, ranging from 0.35% per annum if the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio is greater than 2.50 to 1.00, down to 0.20% per annum if the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio is equal to or less than 1.00 to 1.00.

Letter of credit participation fees are payable to each lender on the amount of such lender’s letter of credit exposure, during the period from the closing date of the Credit Agreement to but excluding the date which is the later of (i) the date on which such lender’s commitment terminates or (ii) the date on which such lender ceases to have any letter of credit exposure, at a rate per annum equal to the applicable margin for LIBOR loans. Additionally, the Company will pay a fronting fee to each issuing bank in amounts to be agreed to between the Company and the applicable issuing bank.
Interest on Base Rate loans is payable at the end of each calendar quarter. Interest on LIBOR loans is payable at the end of each interest rate period or at the end of each three-month interval within an interest rate period if the period is longer than three months. The Company may also prepay loans under the Credit Agreement at any time, without penalty, subject to certain notice requirements.
The loans and other obligations under the credit facility are (a) guaranteed by each of the Company’s wholly-owned material domestic restricted subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, and (b) are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors, including a pledge of all the capital stock of material subsidiaries held directly by the Company and the subsidiary guarantors (which pledge, in the case of any foreign subsidiary, is limited to 65% of the voting stock), subject to certain customary exceptions and limitations. The Credit Agreement generally prohibits any other liens on the assets of the Company and its restricted subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions as described in the Credit Agreement.
The Credit Agreement contains certain covenants applicable to the Company and its restricted subsidiaries, including, without limitation, limitations on additional indebtedness, liens, various fundamental changes, dividends and distributions, investments (including acquisitions), transactions with affiliates, asset sales, including sale-leaseback transactions, speculative hedge agreements, payment of junior financing, changes in business and other limitations customary in senior secured credit facilities. In addition, the Company is required to maintain certain consolidated leverage and interest coverage ratios. These covenants and limitations are more fully described in the Credit Agreement.
The Credit Agreement provides that events of default will exist in certain circumstances, including failure to make payment of principal or interest on the loans when required, failure to perform certain obligations under the Credit Agreement and related documents, defaults under certain other indebtedness, certain insolvency events, certain events arising under ERISA, a change of control and certain other events. Upon an event of default, the administrative agent with the consent of, or at the request of, the holders of more than 50% in principal amount of the loans and commitments may terminate the commitments and accelerate the maturity of the loans and enforce certain other remedies under the Credit Agreement and the other loan documents.
In connection with the Company’s revolving credit facility described above, effective as of the Closing Date, the Company terminated its existing term loan and revolving credit facility pursuant to the Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of November 22, 2011, by and among NetScout Systems, Inc., KeyBank National Association, as joint lead arranger, sole book runner and administrative agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as joint lead arranger and co-syndication agent, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as joint lead arranger, Bank of America, N.A., as co-syndication agent, and Silicon Valley Bank and Comerica Bank, as co-documentation agents, and the Lenders party thereto.

16


Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

In addition to historical information, the following discussion and other parts of this Quarterly Report contain forward-looking statements under Section 21E of the Exchange Act and other federal securities laws. These forward looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance and are identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “seeks,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential” or “continue,” or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual events or results may differ materially due to competitive factors and other factors referred to in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended March 31, 2015. These factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement.
Overview
We are an industry leader for advanced network, application and service assurance solutions, providing high-quality performance analytics and operational intelligence solutions that facilitate the evolution toward new computing paradigms, such as virtualization, mobility and cloud. We design, develop, manufacture, market, license, sell and support these products focused on assuring service delivery quality, performance and availability for some of the world’s largest, most demanding and complex internet protocol (IP) based service delivery environments. We manufacture and market these products in integrated hardware and software solutions that are used by commercial enterprises, large governmental agencies and telecommunication service providers worldwide. We have a single operating segment and substantially all of our identifiable assets are located in the United States.
We have been a technology innovator for three-plus decades since our founding in 1984. Our solutions continue to change how organizations manage and optimize the delivery of business applications and services and assure user experience across global IP networks. We have continually enhanced and expanded our product portfolio to meet the needs of organizations by providing solutions to manage dynamic network and application environments and by improving user experience by providing high-value analytics that help validate and assure service availability, quality and reliability.
Our solutions are intended to help users in various roles to: quickly analyze data, achieve real-time visibility into and intelligence about their organization's operations, identify service delivery issues early, improve service levels, reduce operational costs, mitigate security risks, and drive better business decisions. Our value proposition to our customers is helping them to achieve their objectives regarding return on investments and risk mitigation as they develop their IT infrastructure to support their business needs. Our proactive intelligence and analytics provides our customer with knowledge regarding potential issues before their users are impacted.
Our mission is to enable information technology (IT) and service providers to realize maximum benefit with minimal risk from technology advances, like IP convergence, network function virtualization (NFV), software defined networking (SDN), virtualization, cloud, mobility, bring your own device (BYOD), web, and the evolving Internet by managing the inherent complexity in a cost-effective manner. Our Adaptive Session Intelligence (ASI) technology, which we have developed in support of this mission, has the potential of not only expanding our leadership in the network performance management and application performance management (NPM+APM) space, but can also serve as a gateway for future intelligence solutions including cyber and business intelligence.
Our operating results are influenced by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the mix and quantity of products and services sold, pricing, costs of materials used in our products, growth in employee related costs, including commissions, and the expansion of our operations. Factors that affect our ability to maximize our operating results include, but are not limited to, our ability to introduce and enhance existing products, the marketplace acceptance of those new or enhanced products, continued expansion into international markets, development of strategic partnerships, competition, successful acquisition integration efforts, our ability to achieve expense reductions and make structural improvements and current economic conditions.

On July 14, 2015, we completed the acquisition of the Communications Business of Danaher Corporation (Danaher), which included certain assets, liabilities, technology and employees within Tektronix Communications, Arbor Networks and certain portions of the Fluke Networks Enterprise business. The acquisition was structured as a Reverse Morris Trust transaction (the Transaction) under which the total equity consideration was $2.3 billion based on issuing approximately 62.5 million new shares of NetScout common stock to the existing common unit holders of Potomac Holding LLC (Newco), based on the July 13, 2015 NetScout common stock closing share price of $36.89 per share.  The Transaction is expected to more than double NetScout's total addressable market to over $8 billion by extending its reach into growth-oriented adjacent markets, including cyber security, with a broader range of market-leading products and capabilities, strengthen its go-to-market

17


resources to better support a larger, more diverse and more global customer base, and increase NetScout's scale and elevate its strategic position within key accounts. For additional information regarding the Transaction, see Note 16 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Results Overview

Although there continued to be strong interest in our offerings from customers and prospects in our primary vertical markets during the quarter ended June 30, 2015, our product revenue declined 17%, or $10.8 million, compared to the same period in the prior year. This was due to the timing and magnitude of increased product orders received during the quarter ended June 30, 2014 from our service provider customers. The decline in product revenue during the three months ended June 30, 2015 was partially offset by an 8%, or $3.7 million, increase in service revenue when compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2014 reflecting an increase in our installed base and therefore our related maintenance contracts.

Our business has maintained strong gross profit margins. The gross profit percentage remained flat at 79% during the quarter ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2014.

Net income and net income per share decreased 33% and 32%, respectively compared to the same period in the prior year due to the decline in revenue, and higher expenses associated with the acquisition of Danaher's Communications Business.

We continue to maintain strong liquidity. At June 30, 2015, we had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $267.5 million. This represents an increase of $2.7 million from March 31, 2015.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We supplement the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) financial measures we report in quarterly and annual earnings announcements, investor presentations and other investor communications by reporting the following non-GAAP measures: non-GAAP revenue, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per diluted share. Non-GAAP revenue eliminates the GAAP effects of acquisitions by adding back revenue related to deferred revenue revaluation. Non-GAAP net income includes the foregoing adjustment and also removes expenses related to the amortization of acquired intangible assets, share-based compensation, certain expenses relating to acquisitions including compensation for post-combination services and business development charges, net of related income tax effects. Non-GAAP diluted net income per share also excludes these expenses as well as the related impact of all these adjustments on the provision for income taxes.
These non-GAAP measures are not in accordance with GAAP, should not be considered an alternative for measures prepared in accordance with GAAP (revenue, net income and diluted net income per share), and may have limitations in that they do not reflect all our results of operations as determined in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures should only be used to evaluate our results of operations in conjunction with the corresponding GAAP measures. The presentation of non-GAAP information is not meant to be considered superior to, in isolation from, or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures enhance the reader's overall understanding of our current financial performance and its prospects for the future by providing a higher degree of transparency for certain financial measures and providing a level of disclosure that helps investors understand how we plan and measure our business. We believe that providing these non-GAAP measures affords investors a view of our operating results that may be more easily compared to our peer companies and also enables investors to consider our operating results on both a GAAP and non-GAAP basis during and following the integration period of our acquisitions. Presenting the GAAP measures on their own may not be indicative of our core operating results. Furthermore, management believes that the presentation of non-GAAP measures when shown in conjunction with the corresponding GAAP measures provide useful information to management and investors regarding present and future business trends relating to our financial condition and results of operations.


18


The following table reconciles revenue, net income and net income per share on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis for the three months ended June 30, 2015 (in thousands, except for per share amounts):
 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
GAAP revenue
$
100,743

 
$
107,852

Deferred revenue fair value adjustment

 
18

Non-GAAP revenue
$
100,743

 
$
107,870

GAAP net income
$
7,669

 
$
11,476

Deferred revenue fair value adjustment

 
18

Share based compensation expense
4,595

 
3,302

Amortization of acquired intangible assets
1,567

 
1,796

Business development and integration expense
3,362

 

Compensation for post combination services
21

 
536

Income tax adjustments
(3,552
)
 
(1,910
)
Non-GAAP net income
$
13,662

 
$
15,218

GAAP diluted net income per share
$
0.19

 
$
0.27

Per share impact of non-GAAP adjustments identified above
0.14

 
0.09

Non-GAAP diluted net income per share
$
0.33

 
$
0.36

Critical Accounting Policies

 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 of America consistently applied. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make significant estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. These items are regularly monitored and analyzed by management for changes in facts and circumstances, and material changes in these estimates could occur in the future. Changes in estimates are recorded in the period in which they become known. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from our estimates.

While all of our accounting policies impact the consolidated financial statements, certain policies are viewed to be critical. Critical accounting policies are those that are both most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and that require management's most subjective or complex judgments and estimates. We consider the following accounting policies to be critical in fully understanding and evaluating our financial results:
marketable securities;
revenue recognition;
valuation of goodwill, intangible assets and other acquisition accounting items; and
share-based compensation.
Please refer to the critical accounting policies set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on May 20, 2015, for a description of all of our critical accounting policies.

19


Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014
Revenue
Product revenue consists of sales of our hardware products and licensing of our software products. Service revenue consists of customer support agreements, consulting and training. During the three months ended June 30, 2015, no direct customer or indirect channel partner accounted for more than 10% of our total revenue. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, two direct customers accounted for more than 10% of our total revenue, while no indirect channel partner accounted for more than 10% of our total revenue.

Three Months Ended

Change
 
June 30,


(Dollars in Thousands)

 
2015

2014

 
 

% of
Revenue

 

% of
Revenue

$

%
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product
$
53,593

 
53
%
 
$
64,366

 
60
%
 
$
(10,773
)
 
(17
)%
Service
47,150

 
47

 
43,486

 
40

 
3,664

 
8
 %
Total revenue
$
100,743

 
100
%
 
$
107,852

 
100
%
 
$
(7,109
)
 
(7
)%
Product. The 17%, or $10.8 million, decrease in product revenue was due to a $20.2 million decrease in revenue from our service provider sector which reflects the timing and magnitude of various projects with service providers. This decrease was partially offset by a $9.5 million increase from our general enterprise sector. Compared to the same period in the prior year, we realized a 13% decrease in units shipped, and a 7% decrease in the average selling price per unit of our products due to product mix.

Going forward, we expect that the revenue mix in future quarters will be oriented toward service provider customers since the revenue from Tektronics Communications is nearly 100% from the service provider sector and the majority of revenue at Arbor Networks also came from this sector. We expect that the service provider sector will be approximately 60% of total quarterly revenue, depending on the timing and magnitude of certain projects.
Service. The 8%, or $3.7 million, increase in service revenue was due to a $3.5 million increase in revenue from new maintenance contracts and renewals from a growing support base and a $224 thousand increase in revenue from premium support contracts. We expect continued service revenue growth to be generated by product revenue growth which increases our installed base and therefore our related maintenance contracts.
Total product and service revenue from direct and indirect channels are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Change
 
June 30,
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
% of
Revenue
 
 
 
% of
Revenue
 
$
 
%
Indirect
$
54,725

 
54
%
 
$
42,103

 
39
%
 
$
12,622

 
30
 %
Direct
46,018

 
46

 
65,749

 
61

 
(19,731
)
 
(30
)%
Total revenue
$
100,743

 
100
%
 
$
107,852

 
100
%
 
$
(7,109
)
 
(7
)%
The 30%, or $12.6 million, increase in indirect channel revenue is the result of the increase in sales to our general enterprise sector in the United States, as well as in our service provider sector internationally. Sales to customers outside the United States are export sales typically through channel partners, who are generally responsible for distributing our products and providing technical support and service to customers within their territories. Our reported international revenue does not include any revenue from sales to customers outside the United States that are shipped to our United States-based indirect channel partners. These domestic resellers fulfill customer orders based upon joint selling efforts in conjunction with our direct sales force and may subsequently ship our products to international locations; however, we report these shipments as United States revenue since we ship the products to a domestic location. The 30%, or $19.7 million, decrease in direct revenue is

20


primarily the result of decreased domestic revenue from our service provider sector, partially offset by increases in our general enterprise sector.
Total revenue by geography is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Change
 
June 30,
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
% of
Revenue
 
 
 
% of
Revenue
 
$
 
%
United States
$
78,273

 
78
%
 
$
86,018

 
80
%
 
$
(7,745
)
 
(9
)%
International:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Europe
12,607

 
13

 
9,046

 
8

 
3,561

 
39
 %
Asia
3,532

 
3

 
6,717

 
6

 
(3,185
)
 
(47
)%
Rest of the world
6,331

 
6

 
6,071

 
6

 
260

 
4
 %
Subtotal international
22,470

 
22

 
21,834

 
20

 
636

 
3
 %
Total revenue
$
100,743

 
100
%
 
$
107,852

 
100
%
 
$
(7,109
)
 
(7
)%
United States revenues decreased 9%, or $7.7 million, compared to the same period last year, primarily due to the aforementioned decrease in the service provider sector, offset by an increase within the general enterprise sector. The 3%, or $0.6 million, increase in international revenue is primarily due to an increase across the service provider sector, partially offset by a decrease in the general enterprise sector. We expect revenue from sales to customers outside the United States to continue to account for a significant portion of our total revenue in the future. In accordance with United States export control regulations we do not sell to, or do business with, countries subject to economic sanctions and export controls.
We expect that the combined company will have a more balanced geography mix with approximately one third of our revenue coming from outside of North America.
Cost of Revenue and Gross Profit
Cost of product revenue consists primarily of material components, manufacturing personnel expenses, manuals, packaging materials, overhead and amortization of capitalized software, acquired software and core technology. Cost of service revenue consists primarily of personnel, material, overhead and support costs.
 
Three Months Ended
 
Change
 
June 30,
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
% of
Revenue
 
 
 
% of
Revenue
 
$
 
%
Cost of revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product
$
12,498

 
12
%
 
$
13,766

 
13
%
 
$
(1,268
)
 
(9
)%
Service
8,798

 
9

 
8,830

 
8

 
(32
)
 
 %
Total cost of revenue
$
21,296

 
21
%
 
$
22,596

 
21
%
 
$
(1,300
)
 
(6
)%
Gross profit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product $
$
41,095

 
41
%
 
$
50,600

 
47
%
 
$
(9,505
)
 
(19
)%
Product gross profit %
77
%
 
 
 
79
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service $
$
38,352

 
38
%
 
$
34,656

 
32
%
 
$
3,696

 
11
 %
Service gross profit %
81
%
 
 
 
80
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total gross profit $
$
79,447

 
 
 
$
85,256

 
 
 
$
(5,809
)
 
(7
)%
Total gross profit %
79
%
 
 
 
79
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product. The 9%, or $1.3 million, decrease in cost of product revenue was primarily due to the 17%, or $10.8 million, decrease in product revenue during the three months ended June 30, 2015 when compared to the three months ended June 30,

21


2014. The product gross profit percentage decreased by two percentage points to 77% during the three months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2014. The 19%, or $9.5 million, decrease in product gross profit corresponds with the 17%, or $10.8 million, decrease in product revenue, offset by the 9%, or $1.3 million, decrease in cost of product revenue. Average headcount in manufacturing was 33 and 32 for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Service. There was a $32 thousand decrease in cost of service revenue during the three months ended June 30, 2015 when compared to the three months ended June 30, 2014. The service gross profit percentage increased by one percentage point to 81% for the three months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2014. The 11%, or $3.7 million, increase in service gross profit corresponds with the 8%, or $3.7 million, increase in service revenue. Average service headcount was 177 and 161 for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Gross profit. Our gross profit decreased 7%, or $5.8 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015 when compared to the three months ended June 30, 2014. This decrease is attributable to our decrease in revenue of 7%, or $7.1 million, partially offset by a 6%, or $1.3 million, decrease in cost of revenue. The gross profit percentage remained flat at 79% for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and the three months ended June 30, 2014.
Operating Expenses
 
Three Months Ended
 
Change
 
June 30,
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
% of
Revenue
 
 
 
% of
Revenue
 
$
 
%
Research and development
$
18,058

 
18
%
 
$
18,767

 
17
%
 
$
(709
)
 
(4
)%
Sales and marketing
38,092

 
38

 
37,272

 
35

 
820

 
2
 %
General and administrative
10,099

 
10

 
8,753

 
8

 
1,346

 
15
 %
Amortization of acquired intangible assets
809

 
1

 
862

 
1

 
(53
)
 
(6
)%
Total operating expenses
$
67,058

 
67
%
 
$
65,654

 
61
%
 
$
1,404

 
2
 %
Research and development. Research and development expenses consist primarily of personnel expenses, fees for outside consultants, overhead and related expenses associated with the development of new products and the enhancement of existing products.
The 4%, or $709 thousand, decrease in research and development expenses is due to a $304 thousand decrease in consulting expenses, a $203 thousand decrease in employee related expenses resulting from decreased compensation related items and other employee related costs, a $184 thousand decrease in compensation for post combination services, and a $298 thousand decrease in non-recurring engineering expenses. These decreases were partially offset by a $364 thousand increase in depreciation expense. Average headcount in research and development was 357 and 354 for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Sales and marketing. Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of personnel expenses and commissions, overhead and other expenses associated with selling activities and marketing programs such as trade shows, seminars, advertising, and new product launch activities.
The 2%, or $820 thousand, increase in total sales and marketing expenses was due to a $2.4 million increase in expenses related to the NetScout user conference and sales kickoff event due primarily to higher attendance and related rebranding activity, a $984 thousand increase in business development expenses related to the acquisition of the Danaher Communications Business as described in Note 16, an $852 thousand increase in trade show expenses, and a $198 thousand increase in depreciation expense. These increases were offset by a $1.9 million decrease in commission expense, and an $829 thousand decrease in employee related expenses resulting from decreased compensation related items and other employee related costs. In addition, there was a $530 thousand decrease in recruiting expenses, and a $427 thousand decrease in travel expenses. Average headcount in sales and marketing was 370 for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.
General and administrative. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel expenses for executive, financial, legal and human resource employees, overhead and other corporate expenditures.

22


The 15%, or $1.3 million, increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a $2.4 million increase in business development expenses due to the acquisition of the Danaher Communications Business. This increase was partially offset by a $661 thousand decrease in employee related expenses due to compensation related items and other employee related costs, and a $644 thousand decrease in consulting expenses. Average headcount in general and administrative was 126 and 117 for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Amortization of acquired intangible assets. Amortization of acquired intangible assets consists primarily of amortization of customer relationships related to the acquisitions of ONPATH Technologies, Inc. (ONPATH), Accanto, Simena, LLC (Simena), Fox Replay BV (Replay), Psytechnics, Ltd (Psytechnics) and Network General.
Interest and Other Expense, Net. Interest and other expense, net includes interest earned on our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, interest expense and other non-operating gains or losses.
 
Three Months Ended
 
Change
 
June 30,
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
% of
Revenue
 
 
 
% of
Revenue
 
$
 
%
Interest and other expense, net
$
(146
)
 
 %
 
$
(131
)
 
 %
 
$
(15
)
 
11
%
Income Tax Expense. Our effective income tax rates were 37.4% and 41.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Generally, the effective tax rates differ from statutory rates due to the impact of the domestic production activities deduction, research and development credits if enacted, the impact of state taxes, income generated in jurisdictions that have a different tax rate than the U.S. statutory rate, and losses not benefited in certain foreign jurisdictions. The effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2015 is lower than the comparable prior year period primarily due to interim accounting treatment of certain foreign losses for which the benefit was not previously realized.
 
Three Months Ended
 
Change
 
June 30,
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
% of
Revenue
 
 
 
% of
Revenue
 
$
 
%
Income tax expense
$
4,574

 
5
%
 
$
7,995

 
7
%
 
$
(3,421
)
 
(43
)%
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

At June 30, 2015 and 2014, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Regulation S-K, Item 303(a)(4)(ii).
Commitment and Contingencies

We account for claims and contingencies in accordance with authoritative guidance that requires us to record an estimated loss from a claim or loss contingency when information available prior to issuance of our consolidated financial statements indicates that it is probable that a liability has been incurred at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. If we determine that it is reasonably possible but not probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred or if the amount of a probable loss cannot be reasonably estimated, then in accordance with the authoritative guidance, we disclose the amount or range of estimated loss if the amount or range of estimated loss is material. Accounting for claims and contingencies requires us to use our judgment. We consult with legal counsel on those issues related to litigation and seek input from other experts and advisors with respect to matters in the ordinary course of business. For additional information with respect to legal proceedings, refer to Part II, Item 1 “Legal Proceedings.”

We have one contingent liability related to the acquisition of Simena in November 2011 for future consideration to be paid to the former seller which had an initial fair value of $8.0 million at the time of acquisition. At June 30, 2015, the fair value of the future consideration was $4.5 million.


23


Upon consummation of the Transaction, NetScout has agreed to pay RBC Capital Markets, LLC a transaction fee in the amount of $11.0 million, a portion of which was payable upon the delivery of RBC Capital Markets' opinion and $9.5 million of which was contingent upon consummation of the Mergers.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities consist of the following (in thousands):
 
June 30,
2015
 
March 31,
2015
Cash and cash equivalents
$
94,352

 
$
104,893

Short-term marketable securities
112,857

 
101,392

Long-term marketable securities
60,303

 
58,572

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities
$
267,512

 
$
264,857

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities

At June 30, 2015, cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled $267.5 million, up $2.6 million from $264.9 million at March 31, 2015 due primarily to cash flow from operations of $9.3 million, partially offset by $3.4 million of cash used for capital expenditures, and $3.2 million of cash used to repurchase shares of our common stock.

Substantially all of our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities are located in the United States. At June 30, 2015, cash and short-term and long-term investments in the United States was $265.2 million, while cash held outside the United States was approximately $2.3 million.
Cash and cash equivalents were impacted by the following:
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
9,290

 
$
28,200

Net cash used in investing activities
$
(16,758
)
 
$
(30,627
)
Net cash used in financing activities
$
(3,167
)
 
$
(10,748
)
Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash provided by operating activities was $9.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015, compared to $28.2 million of cash provided by operating activities during the three months ended June 30, 2014. This $18.9 million decrease was due in part to a $9.4 million increase in cash used from accrued compensation and other expenses. This was due largely to the timing of accruals and payments for compensation related items and legal and accounting related fees. There was also a $5.1 million increase in the cash used from deferred revenue, and a $3.8 million unfavorable impact from accounts receivable in the three months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2014. Cash collections on accounts receivable was strong with days sales outstanding of 51 days at June 30, 2015 compared to 61 days at March 31, 2015 and 26 days at June 30, 2014. In addition, there was a $3.8 million decrease from net income, and a $2.4 million decrease from inventories, a $1.2 million decrease from deferred income taxes. These decreases were offset by a $4.6 million increase from prepaid expenses and other assets, a $1.3 million increase from share-based compensation expense, and an $831 thousand increase from income taxes payable.

24


Net cash used in investing activities
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Cash used in investing activities included the following:
 
 
 
Purchase of marketable securities
$
(32,289
)
 
$
(42,506
)
Proceeds from maturity of marketable securities
19,034

 
13,798

Purchase of fixed assets
(3,415
)
 
(1,865
)
Purchase of intangible assets
(88
)
 
(71
)
Decrease in deposits

 
17

 
$
(16,758
)
 
$
(30,627
)

Cash used in investing activities was down $13.8 million to $16.8 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015, compared to $30.6 million of cash used in investing activities in the three months ended June 30, 2014.

Our investments in property and equipment consist primarily of computer equipment, demonstration units, office equipment and facility improvements. We plan to continue to invest in capital expenditures to support our infrastructure through the remainder of fiscal year 2016.

The overall decrease in cash outflow related to a net decrease in the purchase of investments of $15.5 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015 when compared to the three months ended June 30, 2014.
Net cash used in financing activities
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Cash used in financing activities included the following:
 
 
 
Issuance of common stock under stock plans
$

 
$
8

Treasury stock repurchases
(3,167
)
 
(12,187
)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation awards

 
1,431

 
$
(3,167
)
 
$
(10,748
)

Cash used in financing activities was down $7.5 million to $3.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015, compared to $10.7 million of cash used in financing activities in the three months ended June 30, 2014.
On April 22, 2014, our board of directors approved a stock repurchase program. This program authorizes management to make additional repurchases of our outstanding common stock of up to $100 million. The share repurchase authorization does not have an expiration date and the pace and timing of repurchases will depend on factors such as cash generation from operations, cash requirements for acquisitions, economic and market conditions, stock price and legal and regulatory requirements. Through June 30, 2015, we repurchased 824,452 shares totaling $34.3 million in the open market under this stock repurchase plan. At June 30, 2015, $65.7 million of common stock remained available to be purchased under the plan. The Company repurchased 67,752 shares for $2.8 million under the program during the three months ended June 30, 2015.
On May 19, 2015, the Company’s board of directors approved a new share repurchase program, conditional upon the completion of the Company's acquisition of Danaher Corporation's Communications Business, that will enable the Company to repurchase up to 20 million shares of its common stock. This plan became effective on July 14, 2015 upon the completion of the acquisition and replaces the Company's existing open market stock repurchase program.
Future repurchases of shares will reduce our cash balance. In addition, during the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, we had 8,709 and 62,228 shares transferred to us from employees for tax withholding at a cost of $381 thousand and $2.5 million, respectively.

We generated $1.4 million during the three months ended June 30, 2014 of excess tax benefits from share-based compensation awards.

25


Credit Facility
On November 22, 2011, we entered into a credit facility with a syndicate of lenders led by KeyBank National Association (KeyBank) which provides us with a $250 million revolving credit facility, which may be increased to $300 million at any time up to 90 days before maturity. The revolving credit facility includes a swing line loan sub-facility of up to $10 million and a letter of credit sub-facility of up to $10 million. The credit facility matures on November 21, 2016 and is secured by substantially all of our assets. At June 30, 2015, there were no amounts outstanding under the credit facility.
On July 14, 2015, we entered into a certain credit facility with a syndicate of lenders pursuant to a Credit Agreement (Credit Agreement), dated as of July 14, 2015, by and among: NetScout; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMorgan), as administrative agent and collateral agent; J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, KeyBanc Capital Markets, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, RBC Capital Markets and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners; Santander Bank, N.A., SunTrust Bank, N.A. and U.S. Bank National Association, as co-documentation agents; and the lenders party thereto. The Credit Agreement provides for a five-year $800,000,000 senior secured revolving credit facility, including a letter of credit sub-facility of up to $50,000,000. We may elect to use the new credit facility for working capital purpose or repurchase common stock under our 20 million share common stock repurchase plan. The commitments under the Credit Agreement will expire on July 14, 2020, and any outstanding loans will be due on that date.
At our election, revolving loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest at either (a) a Base Rate per annum equal to the greatest of (1) JPMorgan’s prime rate, (2) 0.50% in excess of the federal funds effective rate, or (3) an adjusted LIBO rate plus 1%; or (b) such adjusted LIBO rate (for the interest period selected by us), in each case plus an applicable margin. For the initial period until we have delivered financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, the applicable margin will be 1.75% per annum for LIBOR loans and 0.75% per annum for Base Rate loans, and thereafter the applicable margin will vary depending on its leverage ratio, ranging from 1.00% per annum for Base Rate loans and 2.00% per annum for LIBOR loans if our consolidated leverage ratio is greater than 2.50 to 1.00, down to 0.25% per annum for Base Rate loans and 1.25% per annum for LIBOR loans if our consolidated leverage ratio is equal to or less than 1.00 to 1.00.
Our consolidated leverage ratio is the ratio of its total funded debt compared to its consolidated adjusted EBITDA. Consolidated adjusted EBITDA includes certain adjustments, including, without limitation, adjustments relating to extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring charges, certain restructuring charges, non-cash charges, certain transaction costs and expenses and certain pro forma adjustments in connection with material acquisitions and dispositions, all as set forth in detail in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA in the Credit Agreement.
Commitment fees will accrue on the daily unused amount of the credit facility. For the initial period until we have delivered financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, the commitment fee will be 0.20% per annum, and thereafter the commitment fee will vary depending on our consolidated leverage ratio, ranging from 0.35% per annum if our consolidated leverage ratio is greater than 2.50 to 1.00, down to 0.20% per annum if our consolidated leverage ratio is equal to or less than 1.00 to 1.00.

Letter of credit participation fees are payable to each lender on the amount of such lender’s letter of credit exposure, during the period from the closing date of the Credit Agreement to but excluding the date which is the later of (i) the date on which such lender’s commitment terminates or (ii) the date on which such lender ceases to have any letter of credit exposure, at a rate per annum equal to the applicable margin for LIBOR loans. Additionally, we will pay a fronting fee to each issuing bank in amounts to be agreed to between NetScout and the applicable issuing bank.
Interest on Base Rate loans is payable at the end of each calendar quarter. Interest on LIBOR loans is payable at the end of each interest rate period or at the end of each three-month interval within an interest rate period if the period is longer than three months. NetScout may also prepay loans under the Credit Agreement at any time, without penalty, subject to certain notice requirements.
The loans and other obligations under the credit facility are (a) guaranteed by each of NetScout’s wholly-owned material domestic restricted subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, and (b) are secured by substantially all of the assets of NetScout and the subsidiary guarantors, including a pledge of all the capital stock of material subsidiaries held directly by the Borrower and the subsidiary guarantors (which pledge, in the case of any foreign subsidiary, is limited to 65% of the voting stock), subject to certain customary exceptions and limitations. The Credit Agreement generally prohibits any other liens on our assets and our restricted subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions as described in the Credit Agreement.
The Credit Agreement contains certain covenants applicable to us and our restricted subsidiaries, including, without limitation, limitations on additional indebtedness, liens, various fundamental changes, dividends and distributions, investments (including acquisitions), transactions with affiliates, asset sales, including sale-leaseback transactions, speculative hedge

26


agreements, payment of junior financing, changes in business and other limitations customary in senior secured credit facilities. In addition, we are required to maintain certain consolidated leverage and interest coverage ratios. These covenants and limitations are more fully described in the Credit Agreement.
The Credit Agreement provides that events of default will exist in certain circumstances, including failure to make payment of principal or interest on the loans when required, failure to perform certain obligations under the Credit Agreement and related documents, defaults under certain other indebtedness, certain insolvency events, certain events arising under ERISA, a change of control and certain other events. Upon an event of default, the administrative agent with the consent of, or at the request of, the holders of more than 50% in principal amount of the loans and commitments may terminate the commitments and accelerate the maturity of the loans and enforce certain other remedies under the Credit Agreement and the other loan documents.
In connection with our revolving credit facility described above, effective as of the Closing Date, we have terminated our existing term loan and revolving credit facility pursuant to the Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of November 22, 2011, by and among NetScout Systems, Inc., KeyBank National Association, as joint lead arranger, sole book runner and administrative agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as joint lead arranger and co-syndication agent, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as joint lead arranger, Bank of America, N.A., as co-syndication agent, and Silicon Valley Bank and Comerica Bank, as co-documentation agents, and the Lenders party thereto.
Subsequent to the credit facility closing, we drew down $250 million to support general working capital requirements as well as to help finance the repurchase of our common stock under our recently approved 20 million share common stock repurchase plan.
Expectations for Fiscal Year 2016
We believe that our cash balances, available debt, short-term marketable securities classified as available-for-sale and future cash flows generated by operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for working capital and capital expenditures for at least the next 12 months. In addition, we expect that cash provided by operating activities will continue to increase due to an expected increase in cash collections related to anticipated higher revenues, partially offset by an anticipated increase in operating expenses that require cash outlays such as salaries and commissions.
Additionally, a portion of our cash may be used to acquire or invest in complementary businesses or products or to obtain the right to use complementary technologies. From time to time, in the ordinary course of business, we evaluate potential acquisitions of such businesses, products or technologies. If our existing sources of liquidity are insufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements, we may seek to sell additional equity or debt securities. The sale of additional equity or debt securities could result in additional dilution to our stockholders.
NetScout's Liquidity and Capital Resources After the Acquisition of Danaher's Communications Business
We expect to incur approximately $9.6 million of investment banking fees in connection with the Transaction during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. Due to the ongoing nature of the integration planning, there is no estimate of costs associated with achieving any of the projected synergies or the consolidation of any operations and systems as well as professional fees associated with these activities. Additionally, as part of the Merger Agreement, NetScout and Newco entered into a Transition Services Agreement with Danaher on July 14, 2015 (Transition Services Agreement), under which Danaher will provide the Communications Business specified support services and other assistance for a limited time following the closing of the Transaction.
We anticipate that our primary sources of liquidity for working capital and operating activities will be cash provided by operations, as well as a new financing arrangement. We expect these sources of liquidity will be sufficient to fund working capital and capital expenditure requirements, including the significant one-time costs relating to the Transactions.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606 (ASU 2014-09), to supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, it is possible more judgment and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than required under existing U.S. GAAP, including identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. This ASU will be effective for us

27


in our first quarter of fiscal year 2019. Early adoption is not permitted. This ASU allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated financial statements.


28


Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk. We hold our cash, cash equivalents and investments for working capital purposes. Some of the securities we invest in are subject to market risk. This means that a change in prevailing interest rates may cause the principal amount of the investment to fluctuate. To minimize this risk, we maintain our portfolio of cash, cash equivalents and investments in a variety of securities, including money market funds and government debt securities. The risk associated with fluctuating interest rates is limited to our investment portfolio. Due to the short-term nature of these instruments, we believe that we do not have any material exposure to changes in the fair value of our investment portfolio as a result of changes in interest rates. Declines in interest rates, however, would reduce future interest income. The effect of a hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in overall interest rates would not have had a material impact on our operating results or the total fair value of the portfolio.
Any draws under our revolving credit facility bear interest at a variable rate. As of June 30, 2015, we had no balance outstanding under this agreement.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk. As a result of our foreign operations, we face exposure to movements in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily the Euro, British Pound, Canadian Dollar and Indian Rupee. The current exposures arise primarily from expenses denominated in foreign currencies. We currently engage in foreign currency hedging activities in order to limit these exposures. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.
As of June 30, 2015, we had foreign currency forward contracts with notional amounts totaling $19.0 million. The valuation of outstanding foreign currency forward contracts at June 30, 2015 resulted in an asset balance of $97 thousand, reflecting favorable rates in comparison to current market rates and a liability balance of $456 thousand, reflecting unfavorable contract rates in comparison to current market rates at this date. As of March 31, 2015, we had foreign currency forward contracts with notional amounts totaling $20.2 million. The valuation of outstanding foreign currency forward contracts at March 31, 2015 resulted in a liability balance of $1.7 million, reflecting unfavorable contract rates in comparison to current market rates at this date and an asset balance of $15 thousand reflecting favorable rates in comparison to current market rates. The effect of a hypothetical 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates applicable to our business would not have a material impact on our historical consolidated financial statements. As our international operations grow, we will continue to reassess our approach to manage our risk relating to fluctuations in currency rates.
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

At June 30, 2015, NetScout, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, at June 30, 2015, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that material information relating to NetScout, including its consolidated subsidiaries, required to be disclosed by NetScout in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, including ensuring that such material information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There were no changes in our internal controls that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

29


PART II: OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

From time to time, NetScout is subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate expense with respect to any current legal proceedings and claims, if determined adversely, will not have a significant adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Item 1A.  Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended March 31, 2015, and the risk factors listed below. The risks discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and below could materially affect our business, financial condition and future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and below are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results.

Risks related to the Combined Company’s Business Following the Acquisition of Danaher’s Communications Business

The Transaction may not be successful or achieve its anticipated benefits.
Following the completion of the acquisition of Danaher’s Communications Business we may not be able to successfully realize anticipated growth opportunities or integrate our business and operations with the Communications Business’ business and operations. Following the Transaction, we have significantly more revenue, expenses, assets and employees than we did prior to the Transaction. We may not successfully or cost-effectively integrate the Communications Business’ business and operations into our existing business and operations. Even if the combined company is able to integrate the combined businesses and operations successfully, this integration may not result in the realization of the full benefits of the growth and other opportunities that we currently expect from the Transaction within the anticipated time frame, or at all.

We will incur significant expenses and management will devote significant time in connection with the integration of the Communications Business.
We will incur significant expenses in connection with the integration of the Communications Business, including integrating products and technology, personnel, information technology systems, accounting systems, suppliers, and channel partners of each business and implementing consistent standards, policies, and procedures, and may possibly be subject to material write downs in assets and charges to earnings. Further our management team will devote significant time and attention to the integration efforts which may distract us from operating our ongoing business operations.

Risks related to the Company and its Operations

Foreign currency exchange rates may adversely affect our financial statements.
Sales and purchases in currencies other than the U.S. dollar expose us to fluctuations in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar and may adversely affect our financial statements. Increased strength of the U.S. dollar (such as the strengthening that has taken place in recent periods) increases the effective price of our products sold in U.S. dollars into other countries, which may require us to lower our prices or adversely affect sales to the extent we do not increase local currency prices. Decreased strength of the U.S. dollar could adversely affect the cost of materials, products and services we purchase overseas. Sales and expenses of our non-U.S. businesses are also translated into U.S. dollars for reporting purposes and the strengthening or weakening of the U.S. dollar could result in unfavorable translation effects. In addition, certain of our businesses may invoice customers in a currency other than the business' functional currency, and movements in the invoiced currency relative to the functional currency could also result in unfavorable translation effects. The Company also faces exchange rate risk from its investments in subsidiaries owned and operated in foreign countries.

Our indebtedness may limit our operations and our use of our cash flow, and any failure to comply with the covenants that apply to our indebtedness could adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition.
On July 14, 2015, we entered into a certain credit facility with a syndicate of lenders pursuant to a Credit Agreement (Credit Agreement). The Credit Agreement provides for a five-year $800 million senior secured revolving credit facility, including a letter of credit sub-facility of up to $50 million. We may elect to use the new credit facility for working capital purpose or repurchase common stock under our previously announced 20 million share common stock repurchase plan. The commitments under the Credit Agreement will expire on July 14, 2020, and any outstanding loans will be due on that date. As of the date of this report, we had approximately $250 million in outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Agreement. Our debt

30


level can have negative consequences, including exposing us to interest rate risk. We may incur significantly more debt in the future, and there can be no assurance that our cost of funding will not substantially increase. Our current revolving credit facility also imposes certain restrictions on us; for more information please refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”. Upon an event of default, the administrative agent with the consent of, or at the request of, the holders of more than 50% in principal amount of the loans and commitments may terminate the commitments and accelerate the maturity of the loans and enforce certain other remedies under the Credit Agreement and the other loan documents, which would adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition. If we take on additional indebtedness, the risks described above could increase.
Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.
Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities
The following table provides information about purchases we made during the quarter ended June 30, 2015 of equity securities that are registered by us pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act:
Period
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
 
Average Price
Paid per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May
Yet be Purchased
Under the Program
4/1/2015 - 4/30/2015

 
$

 

 
 
5/1/2015 - 5/31/2015
76,064

 
41.43

 
67,752

 
 
6/1/2015 - 6/30/2015
397

 
39.78

 

 
 
Total
76,461

 
$
41.42

 
67,752

 
$
65,721,313

(1)
We purchased an aggregate of 8,709 shares transferred to us from employees in satisfaction of minimum tax withholding obligations associated with the vesting of restricted stock units during the period. These purchases reflected in the table do not reduce the maximum number of shares that may be purchased under our previously announced stock repurchase program.
Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable.
Item 5.  Other Information
None.

31


Item 6. Exhibits
(a)
Exhibits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.1, 4.1
 
 
Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of NetScout (filed as Exhibit 3.3, 4.1 to NetScout’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, SEC File No. 333-76843, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
 
3.2, 4.2
 
 
Composite copy of Amended and Restated By-laws of NetScout (filed as Exhibits 3.1, 4.1 to NetScout’s current Report on Form 8-K, SEC File No. 000-26251, filed on July 17, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
 
4.3
 
 
Specimen Certificate for shares of NetScout’s Common Stock (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to NetScout’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001, SEC File No. 000-26251, filed on June 29, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
 
31.1
+
 
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
31.2
+
 
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
32.1
++
 
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
32.2
++
 
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
101.INS
**
 
XBRL Instance Document.
 
 
 
 
101.SCH
**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
 
 
 
 
101.CAL
**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase document.
 
 
 
 
101.DEF
**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase document.
 
 
 
 
101.LAB
**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase document.
 
 
 
 
101.PRE
**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase document.
+
Filed herewith.
++
Exhibit has been furnished, is not deemed filed and is not to be incorporated by reference into any of the Company's filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in any such filing.
**
XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.


32


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC.
 
 
 
Date: August 6, 2015
 
/s/ Anil K. Singhal
 
 
Anil K. Singhal
 
 
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
Date: August 6, 2015
 
/s/ Jean Bua
 
 
Jean Bua
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)

33


EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit No.
 
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.1, 4.1
 
 
Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of NetScout (filed as Exhibit 3.3, 4.1 to NetScout’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, SEC File No. 333-76843, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
 
3.2,4.2
 
 
Composite copy of Amended and Restated By-laws of NetScout (filed as Exhibits 3.1, 4.1 to NetScout’s current Report on Form 8-K, SEC File No. 000-26251, filed on July 17, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
 
4.3
 
 
Specimen Certificate for shares of NetScout’s Common Stock (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to NetScout’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001, SEC File No. 000-26251, filed on June 29, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
 
31.1
+
 
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
31.2
+
 
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
32.1
++
 
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
32.2
++
 
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
101.INS
**
 
XBRL Instance Document.
 
 
 
 
101.SCH
**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
 
 
 
 
101.CAL
**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase document.
 
 
 
 
101.DEF
**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase document.
 
 
 
 
101.LAB
**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase document.
 
 
 
 
101.PRE
**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase document.
+
Filed herewith.
++
Exhibit has been furnished, is not deemed filed and is not to be incorporated by reference into any of the Company's filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in any such filing.
**
XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.


34