Symantec Corporation (SYMC) reported earnings per share of 39 cents in the second quarter of 2012, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 34 cents.
Revenue
Symantec reported second quarter 2012 GAAP revenue of $1.68 billion, up 14.0% from $1.48 billion reported in the year-ago quarter. However, reported revenue improved 9.0% on a constant currency basis.
The results for the quarter were mainly driven by growth in enterprise security and backup, while the consumer business of the company continues to perform well. The company continues to effectively integrate and grow its acquired assets, thereby advancing the growth prospects of the company.
In the reported quarter, Symantec's Content, Subscription and Maintenance revenue of $1.46 billion up 15.0% from $1.27 billion reported in the year ago quarter. Whereas, the License revenue for the quarter was $221.0 million up 5.0% from $210.0 million reported in the year ago quarter.
International revenues represented 52.0% of the total revenue in the second quarter of fiscal year 2012 and increased 17.0% year over year. Europe, Middle East and Africa region represented 27.0% of revenues and increased 11.0% year over year. Asia Pacific/Japan represented 19.0% of total revenue and shot up 26.0% year over year. The Americas, including the United States, Latin America and Canada, represented 54.0% of the total revenue and jumped 11.0% year over year on an actual as well as currency-adjusted basis.
Operating Results
Gross margin in the quarter was 84.2%, up 80 basis points (bps) from 83.4% in the year-ago period. Non-GAAP operating margin in the reported quarter was 25.5% compared with 17.0% in the year-ago quarter.
GAAP operating margin in the second quarter of fiscal year 2012 was 17.0% compared with 14.7% in the prior-year quarter. Operating margin improved as operating expense increased at a lower rate than revenue.
GAAP net income in the reported quarter was $182.0 million compared with $136.0 million in the year-ago period. GAAP diluted earnings per share increased 41.2% year over year to 24 cents from 17 cents reported in the year-ago quarter.
Excluding special items like operating expense adjustment, non-cash interest expense and related tax adjustments, non-GAAP net income in the second quarter was $295.0 million or 39 cents compared with $266.0 million or 34 cents for the year-ago period.
Balance Sheet
The company registered cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $2.25 billion in the recently concluded quarter, compared with $2.96 billion during the reported quarter. Long-term debt for the company stood at $2.01 billion, up from $1.98 billion reported in the previous quarter.
In the second quarter, the Clearwell acquisition completed its first full quarter as part of Symantec, and contributed more than $20.0 million of revenue.
Guidance
For the third quarter of fiscal year 2012, the revenue is estimated be in the range of $1.700 billion and $1.715 billion, improving 6.0% to 7.0% year-over-year as reported. GAAP diluted earnings per share are estimated between 25 cents and 26 cents, up 47.0% to 53.0 % year-over-year as reported. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share are estimated between 40 and 41 cents, up 14.0% to 17.0% year-over-year as reported.
Our Take
Given its significant share in the fast-growing security market and the acquisition of VeriSign’s identity/authentication business, we believe Symantec will be able to capitalize on the vast opportunities in the security market. On the other hand, the reduction in tech spending and by different government and private organization makes us a bit apprehensive. Moreover, the current economic turmoil in Europe may also dampen the company’s business prospect in that region.
This apart, intense competition from big and small players as well as the threat from Microsoft Corp.’s (MSFT) new Windows operating systems may hamper margin expansion to a certain extent.
Currently, Symantec has a Zacks #4 Rank, implying a short-term Sell rating.
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