AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 25, 1998
REGISTRATION NO. 333-65075
================================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
--------------
AMENDMENT NO. 2
TO
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
--------------
AUTODESK, INC./DISCREET LOGIC INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
--------------
DELAWARE/QUEBEC 7372 94-2819853/98-0150790
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) CLASSIFICATION CODE NO.) IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
111 MCINNIS PARKWAY
SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903
(415) 507-5000
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
--------------
CAROL A. BARTZ CT CORPORATION SYSTEM
CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 2 OLIVER STREET
AUTODESK, INC. BOSTON, MA 02109
111 MCINNIS PARKWAY (617) 482-1868
SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903
(415) 507-5000
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
--------------
COPIES TO:
MARK A. BERTELSEN, ESQ. MARCIA K. STERLING, ESQ. RICHARD J. SZALWINSKI MARK J. MACENKA, ESQ.
HERBERT P. FOCKLER, ESQ. VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND JOCELYN M. AREL, ESQ.
DON S. WILLIAMS, ESQ. DEVELOPMENT, GENERAL COUNSEL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MICHAEL D. HOCHBERG, ESQ.
WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & AND SECRETARY DISCREET LOGIC INC. TESTA, HURWITZ &
ROSATI AUTODESK, INC. 10 DUKE STREET THIBEAULT, LLP
PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION 111 MCINNIS PARKWAY MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA HIGH STREET TOWER
650 PAGE MILL ROAD SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903 H3C 2L7 BOSTON, MA 02110
PALO ALTO, CA 94304-1050 (415) 507-5000 (514) 393-1616 (617) 248-7000
(650) 493-9300
--------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement and the
satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions under the Acquisition Agreement
described herein.
If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance
with General Instruction G, check the following box. [_]
--------------
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID
SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
================================================================================
[LOGO OF AUTODESK]
December , 1998
Dear Autodesk Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend an important Special Meeting of
Stockholders to be held on January , 1999, at .m., local time, at The
Executive Briefing Center, Autodesk, Inc., 111 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael,
California. Because of the importance of the business of the Autodesk meeting,
we hope as many of you as possible will attend in person or be represented by
sending in your proxies.
The business of the Autodesk meeting is to consider and vote on the issuance
of shares of Autodesk Common Stock in connection with a strategic business
combination with Discreet Logic Inc. ("Discreet"), a leader in the development
and marketing of digital systems and software for creating, editing and
compositing imagery and special effects for film, video, HDTV, broadcast and
the web. We believe the business combination with Discreet will position us to
create together the premier total solutions provider of digital content
design, creation and manipulation tools for the creation of moving images. The
acquisition will be effected principally by way of an amalgamation under the
laws of the Canadian province of Quebec (the "Amalgamation") whereby Discreet
will be combined with certain subsidiaries of Autodesk, resulting in the
formation of a new Autodesk subsidiary which will carry on the business of
Discreet.
The details of the Amalgamation and the subsequent transactions are included
in the attached Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Also included is a form of
proxy for you to complete and return no later than January , 1999, as
specified in the enclosed Notice of Special Meeting. After careful
consideration, your Board of Directors has unanimously approved the proposed
combination with Discreet and has determined that the transaction is fair and
in the best interests of Autodesk and its stockholders, and recommends that
you vote FOR the resolution concerning the issuance of Autodesk Common Stock
in connection with the Amalgamation and subsequent transactions. The Autodesk
Board believes that the business combination with Discreet will enhance
Autodesk's position as a leading technology supplier to the entertainment and
design industries and will further Autodesk's strategy of diversification into
complementary high-growth businesses and markets. Based on the capitalization
of each of Autodesk and Discreet as of October 31, 1998, Autodesk will issue
approximately 14.4 million new shares of Autodesk Common Stock to shareholders
of Discreet (including shares of Autodesk Common Stock issuable upon exchange
of exchangeable shares to be issued pursuant to the transactions), which
shares will represent approximately 22.4% of the Autodesk Common Stock
outstanding upon consummation of the transactions (assuming exchange of all
exchangeable shares issued in the transactions and assuming the issuance by
Autodesk of 3 million additional shares of Autodesk Common Stock prior to the
closing of the transactions).
Yours very truly,
/s/ CAROL A. BARTZ
Carol A. Bartz
Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer
WE HOPE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE AUTODESK MEETING. WHETHER OR NOT
YOU ARE ABLE TO ATTEND THE MEETING, IT IS STILL IMPORTANT THAT YOU BE
REPRESENTED AT THE AUTODESK MEETING. WE URGE YOU TO COMPLETE THE ENCLOSED
FORM OF PROXY (ON BLUE PAPER) AND RETURN IT IN THE POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE
PROVIDED NOT LATER THAN JANUARY [ ], 1999, AS SPECIFIED IN THE NOTICE OF
AUTODESK SPECIAL MEETING. REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES YOU OWN, YOUR
VOTE IS IMPORTANT.
AUTODESK, INC.
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting of the stockholders of
Autodesk, Inc. (the "Autodesk Meeting") will be held at The Executive Briefing
Center, Autodesk, Inc., 111 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, California, on
January [ ], 1999 at . .m (local time) for the purposes described below:
(i) to consider and vote upon the proposed issuance of shares of Common
Stock, $0.01 par value, of Autodesk, Inc. ("Autodesk Common Stock"),
pursuant to the Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of
Acquisition and Amalgamation by and among Autodesk, Inc., 9066-9771 Quebec
Inc., 9066-9854 Quebec Inc., Autodesk Canada Inc., Autodesk Development
B.V. and Discreet Logic Inc. dated as of November 18, 1998 (the
"Acquisition Agreement"), the full text of which is set out in Appendix A
to the accompanying Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus (the "Proxy
Circular"); and
(ii) to transact such other business as may properly come before the
Autodesk Meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, including a
proposal to adjourn the Autodesk Meeting, if necessary, to permit further
solicitation of proxies in the event sufficient votes are not obtained to
approve the proposed issuance of Autodesk Common Stock pursuant to the
Acquisition Agreement.
The foregoing proposal is described more fully in the accompanying Proxy
Circular.
Stockholders of record at the close of business on November 18, 1998 are
entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Autodesk Meeting and any
adjournments or postponements thereof, and are cordially invited to attend the
Autodesk Meeting in person.
FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
/s/ MARCIA K. STERLING
Marcia K. Sterling
Vice President, Business Development,
General Counsel and Secretary
San Rafael, California
December , 1998
WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE AUTODESK MEETING, PLEASE
COMPLETE, DATE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND MAIL IT PROMPTLY IN THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE IN ORDER TO ENSURE REPRESENTATION OF YOUR SHARES. NO
POSTAGE NEED BE AFFIXED IF THE BLUE PROXY CARD IS MAILED IN THE UNITED
STATES. PROXIES MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE 5:00 P.M. (PACIFIC TIME) ON THE
BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO THE DAY OF THE AUTODESK MEETING (OR ANY ADJOURNMENT
THEREOF) OR MAY BE DEPOSITED WITH THE AUTODESK SECRETARY PRIOR TO THE
COMMENCEMENT OF THE AUTODESK MEETING OR OF ANY ADJOURNMENT THEREOF.
[LOGO OF DISCREET LOGIC]
December , 1998
Dear Discreet Shareholder:
As most of you are aware, Discreet has entered into an agreement to combine
with Autodesk, Inc. ("Autodesk") in a strategic business combination. We are
pleased to invite you to attend an important Special General Meeting of
Shareholders (the "Discreet Meeting"), to be held on January , 1999 at :00
.m. (Montreal time) at [ ]. Because of the importance of the business of
the Discreet Meeting, we would like as many of you as possible either to
attend in person, or to be represented by sending in your proxies.
The business of the Discreet Meeting is to consider and vote on a proposal
to approve consummation of an amalgamation under the laws of Quebec (the
"Amalgamation") to implement the previously announced combination of Discreet
and Autodesk and to approve the Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan
of Acquisition and Amalgamation by and among Autodesk, 9066-9771 Quebec Inc.,
9066-9854 Quebec Inc., Autodesk Development Canada Inc., Autodesk Development
B.V. and Discreet dated as of November 18, 1998 (the "Acquisition Agreement").
The Amalgamation will result in the creation of a newly formed indirect
subsidiary of Autodesk which will carry on the business of Discreet ("New
Discreet").
After careful consideration, and based on the unanimous recommendation of a
special committee of the Discreet Board of Directors consisting of directors
who are not employees of Discreet and who do not own a significant number of
Discreet common shares, Discreet's Board of Directors has approved the
Acquisition Agreement by the unanimous vote of all non-interested directors
and believes that the Amalgamation and certain related transactions
(collectively, with the Amalgamation, the "Transactions") are fair and in the
best interests of Discreet and its shareholders, and recommends that you vote
FOR the proposal to approve consummation of the Amalgamation and to approve
the Acquisition Agreement. The Board of Directors of Discreet believes that
the Transactions offer Discreet and its shareholders a number of important
benefits, including the potential for the combined company to capitalize on
the expanded product offerings, the distribution, marketing and product
synergies, and the greater financial, product development, distribution, sales
and marketing resources that would result from combining the two companies.
The details of the Transactions are included in the attached Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus (the "Proxy Circular"). Also included are a form of proxy
(on YELLOW paper) and Letter of Transmittal and Election Form (on GREEN
paper). Please review the Proxy Circular--it has been prepared to help you
make an informed investment and voting decision.
If the Acquisition Agreement is approved and the Transactions are
consummated, then effectively Discreet shareholders will have two choices:
(i) to exchange each of their Discreet common shares for 0.48 shares of
Autodesk Common Stock; or
(ii) subject to possible pro ration, to exchange each of their Discreet
Common Shares for 0.48 of an exchangeable share of New Discreet (the
"New Discreet Exchangeable Shares"). New Discreet will be a Quebec
company. Each New Discreet Exchangeable Share may subsequently be
exchanged, at the option of the holder, for one share of Autodesk
Common Stock. Until such exchange, each New Discreet Exchangeable Share
will entitle its holder to receive dividends functionally equivalent to
any dividends paid on one share of Autodesk Common Stock and will carry
the right to direct the number of votes at meetings of the stockholders
of Autodesk equal to that number of votes to which such New Discreet
Exchangeable Share would be entitled if exchanged for Autodesk Common
Stock. This is an option which may appeal to certain of Discreet's
Canadian shareholders for Canadian tax reasons.
Please review the Proxy Circular carefully with respect to your choices and
their anticipated tax effects.
WE HOPE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE DISCREET MEETING. WHETHER OR NOT
YOU ARE ABLE TO ATTEND THE MEETING, IT IS STILL IMPORTANT THAT YOU BE
REPRESENTED AT THE DISCREET MEETING. WE URGE YOU TO COMPLETE THE ENCLOSED
FORM OF PROXY (ON YELLOW PAPER) AND RETURN IT IN THE POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE
PROVIDED NOT LATER THAN JANUARY [ ], 1999, AS SPECIFIED IN THE NOTICE OF
SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING. REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES YOU OWN, YOUR
VOTE IS IMPORTANT.
Yours very truly,
/s/ RICHARD J. SZALWINSKI
Richard J. Szalwinski
Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer
YOUR PROXY IS IMPORTANT--PLEASE VOTE PROMPTLY. IF YOU WISH TO RECEIVE NEW
DISCREET EXCHANGEABLE SHARES PURSUANT TO THE TRANSACTIONS, YOU MUST USE THE
GREEN LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND ELECTION FORM TO DEPOSIT YOUR DISCREET
COMMON SHARES, AND RETURN SUCH LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND ELECTION FORM,
TOGETHER WITH YOUR CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING DISCREET COMMON SHARES,
PROMPTLY, BUT IN NO EVENT LATER THAN IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE
TIME OF THE AMALGAMATION, AS INDICATED IN THE INSTRUCTIONS THERETO.
HOWEVER, IF YOU WISH TO RECEIVE AUTODESK COMMON STOCK, DO NOT SURRENDER
YOUR CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING DISCREET COMMON SHARES AT THE PRESENT TIME,
BUT RATHER WAIT UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO DO SO.
DISCREET LOGIC INC.
NOTICE OF SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special general meeting of the holders of
Common Shares of Discreet Logic Inc. (the "Discreet Meeting") will be held at
[ ] at [ ], on January [ ], 1999 at . .m. (Montreal time) for the
purposes described below:
(i) to consider and vote upon a proposal of the Board of Directors to
approve the Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Acquisition
and Amalgamation (the "Acquisition Agreement") by and among Autodesk, Inc.,
9066-9771 Quebec Inc. ("Amalgamation Sub"), 9066-9854 Quebec Inc.
("Autodesk Quebec"), Autodesk Canada Inc., Autodesk Development B.V. and
Discreet Logic Inc. ("Discreet") dated as of November 18, 1998, the full
text of which is set out in Appendix A to the accompanying Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus (the "Proxy Circular"), and the by-law giving effect
to the resulting amalgamation of Discreet, Autodesk Quebec and Amalgamation
Sub; and
(ii) to transact such other business as may properly come before the
Discreet Meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, including a
proposal to adjourn the Discreet Meeting, if necessary, to permit further
solicitation of proxies in the event there are not sufficient votes at the
time of the Discreet Meeting to approve and adopt the Acquisition Agreement
and/or approve the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby.
The Proxy Circular as well as a proxy form accompany this Notice of Special
General Meeting of Shareholders. Discreet Shareholders registered as of the
close of business on November 4, 1998 are entitled to receive notice of, and
to vote at, the Discreet Meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ FRANCOIS PLAMONDON
Francois Plamondon,
Executive Vice-President,
Chief Financial Officer,
Treasurer and Secretary
Montreal, Quebec
December , 1998
SHAREHOLDERS MAY EXERCISE THEIR VOTING RIGHTS BY ATTENDING THE DISCREET
MEETING OR BY COMPLETING A FORM OF PROXY. SHAREHOLDERS WHO ARE UNABLE TO BE
PRESENT IN PERSON AT THE DISCREET MEETING ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE, SIGN,
DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED FORM OF PROXY (ON YELLOW PAPER) PROMPTLY IN
THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PROXIES MUST
BE RECEIVED BEFORE 5:00 P.M. (MONTREAL TIME) ON THE BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO
THE DISCREET MEETING (OR ANY ADJOURNMENT THEREOF) OR MAY BE DEPOSITED WITH
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISCREET MEETING PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE
DISCREET MEETING (OR OF ANY ADJOURNMENT THEREOF).
[LOGO OF DISCREET LOGIC]
[LOGO OF AUTODESK]
JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
---------------
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus (this "Proxy Circular") is being
furnished to Autodesk Stockholders and Discreet Shareholders in connection
with the solicitation of proxies by management of Autodesk for use at the
Special Meeting of Autodesk Stockholders to be held at :00 .m., local time,
on January [ ], 1999, at The Executive Briefing Center, Autodesk, Inc., 111
McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, California (the "Autodesk Meeting"), and any
adjournment or postponement thereof, and by management of Discreet at the
Special General Meeting of Discreet Shareholders to be held at :00 .m.,
local time, on January [ ], 1999, at [ ] (the "Discreet Meeting"), and
at any adjournment or postponement thereof. Certain capitalized terms used in
this Proxy Circular without definition have the meanings given in the Glossary
of Terms found at page 1.
The Autodesk Meeting and Discreet Meeting each relates to a business
combination transaction involving Dutchco, Autodesk and Discreet. The business
combination will be completed by way of an amalgamation under the Quebec Act
and certain related transactions described below. Pursuant to the Articles of
Amalgamation, Discreet will be amalgamated with Autodesk Quebec and
Amalgamation Sub to form New Discreet, which will be a subsidiary of Dutchco
following the Transactions. Each holder of Discreet Common Shares will receive
upon the Amalgamation one New Discreet Class B Share for each Discreet Common
Share then held by such holder. Immediately following the Amalgamation, each
such New Discreet Class B Share will automatically, based upon the prior
election of the holder thereof, either (i) be redeemed by New Discreet for
0.48 New Discreet Exchangeable Shares, or (ii) be converted into one New
Discreet Unit, which will immediately thereafter be acquired by Dutchco in
exchange for 0.48 shares of Autodesk Common Stock, in either case without any
further required action on the part of the holder. Pursuant to the Acquisition
Agreement, the maximum number of Discreet Common Shares which ultimately may
be exchanged for New Discreet Exchangeable Shares may not exceed 19.99% of the
number of Discreet Common Shares outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time. If, based upon the elections of Discreet Shareholders, the
percentage of Discreet Common Shares to be exchanged for New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares would exceed 19.99% of the Discreet Common Shares
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, such electing Discreet
Shareholders will receive, pro rata, New Discreet Units in lieu of New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares in respect of such excess, which New Discreet
Units will immediately be acquired by Dutchco in exchange for 0.48 shares of
Autodesk Common Stock. The New Discreet Exchangeable Shares will be
exchangeable at any time at the option of the holder, and will be
automatically exchanged on the eleventh anniversary of the Effective Time (or
earlier upon the occurrence of certain events, including the liquidation,
dissolution or winding-up of Autodesk or New Discreet), for Autodesk Common
Stock on a one-for-one basis plus the Dividend Amount.
At the Autodesk Meeting, Autodesk Stockholders will be asked to consider and
vote upon the Autodesk Resolution and to transact such further or other
business as may properly come before the Autodesk Meeting or any adjournment
or postponement thereof. At the Discreet Meeting, Discreet Shareholders will
be asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the Discreet
Resolution and to transact such further or other business as may properly come
before the Discreet Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. This
Proxy Circular and the accompanying form of proxy and (in the case of Discreet
Shareholders only) the Letter of Transmittal and Election are first being
mailed to Autodesk Stockholders and Discreet Shareholders on or about December
[ ], 1998.
PURSUANT TO THE TRANSACTIONS, DISCREET SHAREHOLDERS MAY CHOOSE TO RECEIVE
EITHER SHARES OF AUTODESK COMMON STOCK OR NEW DISCREET EXCHANGEABLE SHARES. IT
IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT US HOLDERS (AS DEFINED HEREIN) WHO OWN DISCREET
COMMON SHARES DO NOT ELECT TO RECEIVE NEW DISCREET EXCHANGEABLE SHARES SINCE
THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF SUCH SHARES MAY HAVE CERTAIN ADVERSE TAX
CONSEQUENCES.
---------------
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING AT PAGE 26 FOR CERTAIN CONSIDERATIONS RELEVANT
TO APPROVAL OF THE MATTERS REFERRED TO ABOVE AND AN INVESTMENT IN THE
SECURITIES REFERRED TO HEREIN.
---------------
NEITHER THIS TRANSACTION NOR THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY HAVE BEEN
APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is December , 1998.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Autodesk and Discreet are subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act, and in accordance therewith file reports, proxy
statements and other information with the SEC. The reports, proxy statements
and other information filed by Autodesk and Discreet with the SEC can be
inspected and copied at or obtained at prescribed rates from the public
reference facilities maintained by the SEC at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and should be available for inspection at the
SEC's Regional Offices located at 7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York,
New York 10048 and Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60611. The SEC maintains a website (the "SEC Website") that
contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding Autodesk and Discreet. The address of the SEC Website is
http://www.sec.gov. Autodesk Common Stock and Discreet Common Shares are
quoted on the Nasdaq National Market. Reports and other information concerning
Autodesk and Discreet also can be inspected at the offices of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., Market Listing Section, 1735 K
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.
Autodesk and Discreet have filed with the SEC the Form S-4 under the
Securities Act registering the shares of Autodesk Common Stock, New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares, New Discreet Class B Shares, New Discreet Class E Shares
and New Discreet Class F Shares to be received by Discreet Shareholders in
connection with the Transactions. This Proxy Circular does not contain all of
the information set forth in the Form S-4, certain parts of which are omitted
from this Proxy Circular in accordance with the rules and regulations of the
SEC. For further information, reference is hereby made to the Form S-4. Copies
of the Form S-4 (including the exhibits and schedules thereto), may be
inspected, without charge, at the offices of the SEC, or obtained at
prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the SEC at Judiciary
Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, or accessed via the SEC
Website at http://www.sec.gov.
NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY CIRCULAR AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE,
SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED. THIS PROXY CIRCULAR DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO PURCHASE, ANY SECURITIES, OR THE SOLICITATION OF A
PROXY, BY ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH AN OFFER OR
SOLICITATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED OR IN WHICH THE PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER OR
SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL
TO MAKE SUCH AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER OR PROXY SOLICITATION.
NEITHER DELIVERY OF THIS PROXY CIRCULAR NOR ANY DISTRIBUTION OF THE SECURITIES
REFERRED TO IN THIS PROXY CIRCULAR SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE AN
IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN
SINCE THE DATE OF THIS PROXY CIRCULAR.
---------------
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY AUTODESK AND DISCREET
All information in this Proxy Circular relating to Discreet has been
supplied by Discreet. All information relating to Autodesk, ACI, Autodesk
Quebec, Amalgamation Sub or Dutchco has been supplied by Autodesk. The
unaudited pro forma combined condensed financial information contained in this
Proxy Circular was prepared by Autodesk with information furnished, in part,
by Discreet.
---------------
TRADEMARKS
This Proxy Circular contains trademarks of Autodesk and Discreet and also
may include other trademarks and trade names which are the property of their
respective owners.
---------------
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Proxy Circular contains forward-looking statements within the meaning
of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act. Any statements contained herein (including without limitation
statements to the effect that Autodesk, Discreet or their respective
managements "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "plans" and similar
expressions) that are not statements of historical fact should be considered
forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those
projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors,
including those set forth in the "Risk Factors" section below. Reference is
also made to the particular discussions set forth under "Autodesk Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
"Discreet Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations."
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
All documents and reports subsequently filed by Autodesk or Discreet
pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the
date of this Proxy Circular and prior to the Effective Time shall be deemed to
be incorporated by reference in this Proxy Circular and to be part hereof from
the dates of filing of such documents or reports. Any statement contained in a
document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall
be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Proxy Circular to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently
filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference
herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified
or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Proxy Circular.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
----
GLOSSARY OF TERMS......................................................... 1
AUTODESK AND DISCREET REPORTING CURRENCIES AND ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES...... 6
CANADIAN/US EXCHANGE RATES................................................ 6
SUMMARY................................................................... 7
Parties to the Acquisition Agreement...................................... 7
Special Meeting of Stockholders of Autodesk............................... 8
Special Meeting of Shareholders of Discreet............................... 9
Risk Factors.............................................................. 10
Reasons for the Transactions.............................................. 10
Piper Jaffray Fairness Opinion............................................ 10
Volpe Brown Whelan Fairness Opinion....................................... 10
The Transactions.......................................................... 10
Accounting Treatment...................................................... 15
Offering of Autodesk Common Stock......................................... 15
Stock Ownership Following Completion of the Transactions.................. 15
Material Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations....................... 16
Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.................. 17
Regulatory Matters........................................................ 18
MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION..................................... 19
Autodesk Common Stock..................................................... 19
Discreet Common Shares.................................................... 20
SELECTED HISTORICAL AND UNAUDITED SELECTED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL
DATA..................................................................... 21
UNAUDITED SELECTED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA............ 24
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA................................................ 25
RISK FACTORS.............................................................. 26
Risks Relating to the Transactions........................................ 26
Risks Relating to the Combined Company.................................... 29
AUTODESK SPECIAL MEETING.................................................. 38
Date, Time and Place of Autodesk Meeting.................................. 38
Purpose................................................................... 38
Record Date and Outstanding Shares........................................ 38
Vote Required............................................................. 38
Voting Agreements......................................................... 39
Solicitation of Proxies; Expenses......................................... 39
No Appraisal Rights....................................................... 39
Recommendation of the Autodesk Board...................................... 39
DISCREET SPECIAL MEETING.................................................. 40
Date, Time and Place of Discreet Meeting.................................. 40
Purpose................................................................... 40
Record Date and Outstanding Shares........................................ 40
Vote Required............................................................. 40
Proxies................................................................... 40
Voting Agreements......................................................... 41
Solicitation of Proxies; Expenses......................................... 41
No Appraisal Rights....................................................... 41
Recommendation of the Discreet Board...................................... 41
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TABLE OF CONTENTS--(CONTINUED)
PAGE
----
APPROVAL OF THE TRANSACTIONS.............................................. 42
Background of the Transactions............................................ 42
Joint Reasons for the Transactions........................................ 48
Discreet's Reasons for the Transactions .................................. 49
Autodesk's Reasons for the Transactions................................... 52
Interests of Certain Persons in the Transactions.......................... 54
Opinion of Autodesk's Financial Advisor................................... 55
Opinion of Discreet's Financial Advisor................................... 60
Proposed Market Purchases of Discreet Common Shares....................... 65
TERMS OF THE TRANSACTIONS................................................. 66
General................................................................... 66
Effective Time of the Amalgamation........................................ 67
Conversion of Discreet Common Shares...................................... 67
Treatment of Discreet Employee Plans...................................... 67
Procedures for Election and Exchange of Share Certificates by Discreet
Shareholders............................................................. 68
Operations of the Combined Company Following the Transactions............. 70
Transaction Mechanics..................................................... 70
Stock Ownership Following Completion of the Transactions.................. 71
Accounting Treatment...................................................... 72
Offering of Autodesk Common Stock......................................... 72
Description of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares........................... 72
Representations and Warranties............................................ 75
Business of Autodesk Pending Consummation of the Transactions............. 76
Business of Discreet Pending Consummation of the Transactions............. 76
Non-Solicitation by Discreet of Alternative Transactions.................. 77
Indemnification........................................................... 78
Conditions to the Transactions............................................ 79
Termination, Amendment and Waiver......................................... 80
Fees and Expenses......................................................... 81
Assignment................................................................ 82
Confidentiality Agreement................................................. 82
Agreements of Autodesk and Discreet Affiliates............................ 83
Autodesk and Discreet Voting Agreements................................... 83
Support Agreement......................................................... 83
Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement....................................... 84
Stock Exchange Listings................................................... 84
Eligibility for Investment in Canada...................................... 84
Regulatory Matters........................................................ 85
Resale of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares and Autodesk Common Stock
Received in connection with the Transactions............................. 85
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION.............. 87
MATERIAL CANADIAN FEDERAL AND UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX
CONSIDERATIONS TO DISCREET SHAREHOLDERS.................................. 96
Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations................................ 96
Discreet Shareholders Resident in Canada.................................. 96
Discreet Shareholders Not Resident in Canada.............................. 102
Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.................. 103
US Holders................................................................ 104
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS--(CONTINUED)
PAGE
----
Non-US Holders............................................................. 107
Backup Withholding......................................................... 107
AUTODESK................................................................... 109
BUSINESS................................................................... 109
Background................................................................. 109
Products................................................................... 109
Product Development and Enhancement........................................ 112
Marketing and Sales........................................................ 114
Customer and Dealer Support................................................ 114
Developer Programs......................................................... 115
Backlog.................................................................... 116
Competition................................................................ 116
Intellectual Property and Licenses......................................... 116
Production................................................................. 117
Employees.................................................................. 117
Properties................................................................. 117
Legal Proceedings.......................................................... 118
AUTODESK MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS..................................................... 119
Results of Operations...................................................... 119
Six Months Ended July 31, 1998 and 1997.................................... 119
Fiscal Years Ended January 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996......................... 123
Certain Risk Factors Which May Impact Future Operating Results............. 128
Liquidity and Capital Resources............................................ 133
AUTODESK MANAGEMENT, EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS..... 135
Autodesk Management........................................................ 135
Compensation of Directors.................................................. 137
Autodesk Executive Compensation............................................ 137
Option Grants.............................................................. 138
Option Exercises and Holdings.............................................. 138
Autodesk Principal Stockholders............................................ 139
Employment Contracts and Certain Transactions.............................. 140
Pro Forma Stock Ownership of Autodesk Principal Stockholders and Directors. 141
DISCREET................................................................... 143
BUSINESS................................................................... 143
Background................................................................. 143
Products................................................................... 144
Advanced Systems........................................................... 144
System Components.......................................................... 145
New Media Software......................................................... 146
Customers.................................................................. 147
Marketing and Sales........................................................ 147
Systems Integration, Service and Support................................... 148
Research and Development................................................... 148
Proprietary Rights......................................................... 149
Manufacturing and Suppliers................................................ 150
iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS--(CONTINUED)
PAGE
----
Competition............................................................... 151
Employees................................................................. 151
Properties................................................................ 151
Legal Proceedings......................................................... 152
Recent Acquisitions....................................................... 152
DISCREET MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.................................................... 154
Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results............................ 154
Overview.................................................................. 156
Results of Operations..................................................... 159
Quarterly Results of Operations........................................... 166
Liquidity and Capital Resources........................................... 167
DISCREET MANAGEMENT, EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS.... 169
Discreet Management....................................................... 169
Compensation and Other Information Concerning Discreet Officers........... 171
Employment Agreements and Severance Arrangements.......................... 173
Compensation Committee Interlocks Insider Participation................... 176
Compensation of Discreet Directors........................................ 176
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions............................ 176
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management of
Discreet................................................................. 177
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK.............................................. 179
Autodesk Capital Stock.................................................... 179
Discreet Share Capital.................................................... 180
Comparison of Shareholders' Rights........................................ 180
EXPERTS................................................................... 187
ATTENDANCE BY INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS AT THE AUTODESK MEETING AND THE
DISCREET MEETING......................................................... 187
LEGAL MATTERS............................................................. 188
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...................................................... F-1
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements................................ F-1
Discreet Logic Inc. and Subsidiaries...................................... F-2
Autodesk, Inc............................................................. F-33
APPENDIX A ACQUISITION AGREEMENT
APPENDIX B AMALGAMATION AGREEMENT
APPENDIX C FORM OF SUPPORT AGREEMENT
APPENDIX D FORM OF VOTING AND EXCHANGE TRUST AGREEMENT
APPENDIX E-1 AUTODESK RESOLUTION
APPENDIX E-2 DISCREET RESOLUTION
APPENDIX F OPINION OF AUTODESK FINANCIAL ADVISOR
APPENDIX G OPINION OF DISCREET FINANCIAL ADVISOR
iv
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
The following terms have the following meanings when used in this Proxy
Circular (including the summary). These defined terms are not used in the
consolidated financial statements contained herein. The * (asterisk) appearing
after the Discreet product names identifies the product as being from
Discreet.
"ACI" means Autodesk Canada Inc., an Ontario corporation and wholly owned
subsidiary of Autodesk.
"Acquisition Agreement" means the Second Amended and Restated Agreement and
Plan of Acquisition and Amalgamation by and among Autodesk, Dutchco,
Amalgamation Sub, Autodesk Quebec, ACI and Discreet dated as of November 18,
1998, a copy of which is attached as Appendix A to this Proxy Circular.
"Amalgamation" means the amalgamation of Amalgamation Sub, Autodesk Quebec
and Discreet pursuant to the Articles of Amalgamation.
"Amalgamation Agreement" means the Amended and Restated Amalgamation
Agreement dated as of November 18, 1998 by and among Discreet, Autodesk
Quebec, Amalgamation Sub and Autodesk, a copy of which is attached as
Appendix B to this Proxy Circular.
"Amalgamation Sub" means 9066-9771 Quebec Inc., a newly incorporated Quebec
company and wholly owned subsidiary of Dutchco.
"Antitrust Division" means the Antitrust Division of the United States
Department of Justice.
"Articles of Amalgamation" means the articles of amalgamation to be filed
with the Inspector General of Financial Institutions of the Province of Quebec
pursuant to Section 123.118 of the Quebec Act to give effect to the
Amalgamation.
"Autodesk" means Autodesk, Inc., a Delaware corporation, together with its
subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.
"Autodesk Board" means the Board of Directors of Autodesk.
"Autodesk Common Stock" means the common stock of Autodesk, par value $0.01
per share.
"Autodesk Meeting" means the special meeting of Autodesk Stockholders to be
held on January [ ], 1999 at [ ] .m, local time, at The Executive
Briefing Center, Autodesk, Inc., 111 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, California,
to consider and vote on the Autodesk Resolution.
"Autodesk Quebec" means 9066-9854 Quebec Inc., a newly incorporated Quebec
company, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of ACI and an indirect wholly
owned subsidiary of Autodesk.
"Autodesk Record Date" means November 18, 1998.
"Autodesk Resolution" means the special resolution for consideration at the
Autodesk Meeting by the Autodesk Stockholders concerning the issuance of
Autodesk Common Stock pursuant to the Transactions in the form set forth in
Appendix E-1 to this Proxy Circular.
"Autodesk Stockholder" means a holder of Autodesk Common Stock.
"Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which
banks are not open for business in either of San Francisco, California or
Montreal, Quebec.
"Call Rights" means the Liquidation Call Right, the Redemption Call Right
and the Retraction Call Right, collectively.
1
"Canadian Dollar Equivalent" means, with respect to an amount expressed in
US dollars (the "US Dollar Amount") at any date, the product obtained by
multiplying (i) the US Dollar Amount by (ii) the noon spot exchange rate on
such date for US dollars expressed in Canadian dollars as reported by the Bank
of Canada or, in the event such spot exchange rate is not available, such
exchange rate on such date for US dollars expressed in Canadian dollars as may
be deemed by the Board of Directors of New Discreet to be appropriate for such
purpose.
"Canadian dollars" and "Cdn$" mean the lawful currency of Canada.
"Canadian Tax Act" means the Income Tax Act (Canada), including all
regulations made thereunder, all amendments to such statute or regulations
from time to time, and any statute or regulation that supplements or
supersedes such statute or regulation.
"Code" means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Combined Company" means Autodesk, New Discreet and their respective
subsidiaries as a consolidated entity following the Amalgamation.
"Depositary" means Harris Trust & Savings Bank.
"DGCL" means the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, including
all regulations made thereunder, all amendments to such statute or regulations
from time to time, and any statute or regulation that supplements or
supersedes such statute or regulation.
"Discreet" means Discreet Logic Inc., a Quebec company, together with its
subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.
"Discreet Board" means the Board of Directors of Discreet.
"Discreet Common Shares" means the common shares of Discreet, no par value
per share.
"Discreet Employee Stock Purchase Plan" means Discreet's 1995 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan.
"Discreet Meeting" means the special general meeting of Discreet
Shareholders to be held on January [ ], 1999 at [ ] .m, local time, at
[ ], to consider and vote upon the Discreet Resolution.
"Discreet Record Date" means November 4, 1998.
"Discreet Resolution" means the special resolution for consideration by the
Discreet Shareholders at the Discreet Meeting concerning the Acquisition
Agreement and the Transactions, in the form set forth in Appendix E-2 to this
Proxy Circular.
"Discreet Share Option" means an option to purchase Discreet Common Shares
issued under a Discreet Stock Option Plan.
"Discreet Shareholder" means a holder of record of Discreet Common Shares.
"Discreet Special Committee" means the special committee of the Discreet
Board, consisting of three directors who are not employees of Discreet and who
do not own a significant number of Discreet Common Shares, formed to review
the proposed Transactions and to determine whether they are in the best
interests of Discreet and its shareholders, and make a recommendation with
respect thereto.
"Discreet Stock Option Plans" means Discreet's Amended and Restated 1994
Restricted Stock and Stock Option Plan, 1995 Non-Employee Director Stock
Option Plan and 1997 Special Limited Non-Employee Director Stock Plan.
2
"Dividend Amount" means an amount equivalent to the full amount of all
declared and unpaid dividends on the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares plus all
dividends declared on Autodesk Common Stock which have not been declared in an
economically equivalent amount on the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares in
accordance with the rights attaching to the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares.
"Dutchco" means Autodesk Development B.V., a Netherlands corporation and
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Autodesk.
"Effective Time" means 4:29 p.m. (Montreal time) on the date shown on the
Certificate of Amalgamation to be issued by the Inspector General of Financial
Institutions of the Province of Quebec confirming the Amalgamation pursuant to
Section 123.119 of the Quebec Act.
"Election Deadline" means 4:30 p.m. (Montreal time) on the date shown on the
Certificate of Amalgamation to be issued by the Inspector General of Financial
Institutions of the Province of Quebec confirming the Amalgamation pursuant to
Section 123.119 of the Quebec Act.
"Elected Amount" means the amount selected by a holder of New Discreet Class
B Shares to be the proceeds of disposition of the New Discreet Class B Shares
in the election made pursuant to the Canadian Tax Act.
"Eligible Holder" means a holder (i) who is a Canadian resident for purposes
of the Canadian Tax Act other than any such holder who is exempt from tax
under the Canadian Tax Act, or (ii) which is a partnership that owns New
Discreet Class B Shares if one or more of its members would be an Eligible
Holder if such member held directly such shares.
"Exchange Ratio" means 0.48 shares of Autodesk Common Stock or New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares, as the case may be, for each Discreet Common Share.
"Exchange Rights" means the rights of holders of New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares to require Dutchco to purchase their New Discreet Exchangeable Shares
using one share of Autodesk Common Stock for each New Discreet Exchangeable
Share in the circumstances described in Article 5 of the Voting and Exchange
Trust Agreement.
"Form S-3" means the Registration Statement on Form S-3 under the Securities
Act (together with all amendments and exhibits thereto) to be filed by
Autodesk to register the shares of Autodesk Common Stock issuable from time to
time upon exchange of the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares issued in
connection with the Transactions.
"Form S-4" means the Registration Statement on Form S-4 under the Securities
Act (together with all amendments and exhibits thereto) filed by Autodesk and
Discreet to register the issuance of shares of Autodesk Common Stock, New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares, New Discreet Class B Shares, New Discreet Class
E Shares and New Discreet Class F Shares in connection with the Transactions.
"FTC" means the United States Federal Trade Commission.
"HSR Act" means the United States Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements
Act of 1976, as amended.
"HSR Notice" means a Notification and Report Form filed with the Antitrust
Division and the FTC.
"Letter of Transmittal and Election Form" means the letter of transmittal
and election form (on green paper) for use by Discreet Shareholders. A copy is
enclosed with this Proxy Circular and additional copies are available upon
request from the Depositary.
"Liquidation Call Right" means the overriding right of Dutchco, in the event
of and notwithstanding the proposed liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of
New Discreet, to purchase from all but not less than all of the
3
holders of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares all but not less than all of the
New Discreet Exchangeable Shares held by each such holder, as more
particularly described in Article 5.4 of the provisions attaching to the New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares set forth in Appendix A to the Amalgamation
Agreement.
"Nasdaq National Market" means the Nasdaq National Market of The Nasdaq
Stock Market, Inc.
"New Discreet" means a new subsidiary of Dutchco and indirect subsidiary of
Autodesk resulting from the Amalgamation which will carry on, among other
things, the business of Discreet.
"New Discreet Class A Shares" means the Class A voting common shares in the
share capital of New Discreet having the rights, privileges, restrictions and
conditions set forth in Appendix A to the Amalgamation Agreement.
"New Discreet Class B Shares" means the Class B non-voting common shares in
the share capital of New Discreet having the rights, privileges, restrictions
and conditions set forth in Appendix A to the Amalgamation Agreement.
"New Discreet Class C Shares" means the Class C non-voting preferred shares
in the share capital of New Discreet having the rights, privileges,
restrictions and conditions set forth in Appendix A to the Amalgamation
Agreement.
"New Discreet Class D Shares" means the Class D non-voting preferred shares
in the share capital of New Discreet having the rights, privileges,
restrictions and conditions set forth in Appendix A to the Amalgamation
Agreement.
"New Discreet Class E Shares" means the Class E voting common shares in the
share capital of New Discreet having the rights, privileges, restrictions and
conditions set forth in Appendix A to the Amalgamation Agreement.
"New Discreet Class F Shares" means the Class F non-voting common shares in
the share capital of New Discreet having the rights, privileges, restrictions
and conditions set forth in Appendix A to the Amalgamation Agreement.
"New Discreet Exchangeable Shares" means the exchangeable non-voting shares
in the share capital of New Discreet having the rights, privileges,
restrictions and conditions set forth in Appendix A to the Amalgamation
Agreement.
"New Discreet Units" means the units, each consisting of one New Discreet
Class E Share and one New Discreet Class F Share.
"Original Agreement" means the Agreement and Plan of Acquisition and
Arrangement by and among Autodesk, Dutchco, Amalgamation Sub, ACI, Autodesk
Quebec and Discreet dated as of August 20, 1998.
"Piper Jaffray" means Piper Jaffray, Inc., financial advisor to Autodesk.
"Quebec Act" means the Companies Act (Quebec), including all regulations
made thereunder, all amendments to such statute or regulations from time to
time, and any statute or regulation that supplements or supersedes such
statute or regulation.
"Redemption Call Right" means the overriding right of Dutchco in the event
of and notwithstanding a proposed redemption of New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares by New Discreet, to purchase from all but not less than all of the
holders of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares all but not less than all of the
New Discreet Exchangeable Shares held by each such holder, as more
particularly described in the provisions attaching to the New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares set forth in Appendix A to the Amalgamation Agreement.
4
"Reissuance Offering" means the offering and sale by Autodesk of
approximately 3 million shares of Autodesk Common Stock prior to the Effective
Time in order to ensure that the Transactions may be accounted for as a
pooling-of-interests.
"Retraction Call Right" means the overriding right of Dutchco in the event
of and notwithstanding a request by a holder of New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares for New Discreet to redeem any or all of the New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares registered in the name of such holder, to purchase all but not less
than all of the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares that are the subject of such
request directly from such holder, as more particularly described in the
provisions attaching to the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares set forth in
Appendix A to the Amalgamation Agreement.
"SEC" means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Securities Act" means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
"Securities Exchange Act" means the United States Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
"Special Voting Share" means the one share of Series B Preferred Stock of
Autodesk to be issued to the Trustee by Autodesk upon consummation of the
Transactions and to be held by the Trustee pursuant to the terms of the Voting
and Exchange Trust Agreement.
"Support Agreement" means the agreement to be entered into by and among
Autodesk, Dutchco and New Discreet in connection with the Transactions,
substantially in the form attached as Appendix C to this Proxy Circular.
"Transactions" means the business combination of Autodesk and Discreet
effected by way of (i) the Amalgamation, (ii) the redemption of New Discreet
Class B Shares for Exchangeable Shares, (iii) the automatic conversion of New
Discreet Class B Shares into New Discreet Units and (iv) the acquisition by
Dutchco of New Discreet Units in exchange for shares of Autodesk Common Stock.
"Trustee" means Montreal Trust Company of Canada, as trustee under the
Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement.
"US dollars," "$" and "US$" mean the lawful currency of the United States.
"US GAAP" means the generally accepted accounting principles in effect in
the United States as of the date of the financial statements contained in this
Proxy Circular.
"Volpe Brown Whelan" means Volpe Brown Whelan & Company, LLC, financial
advisor to Discreet.
"Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement" means the agreement to be entered into
immediately after the Effective Time by and among Autodesk, New Discreet,
Dutchco and the Trustee in connection with the Transactions, substantially in
the form attached as Appendix D to this Proxy Circular.
"Voting Rights" means the voting rights attached to the Special Voting Share
exercisable by the Trustee at the direction of the holders of New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares, other than Autodesk, its subsidiaries and affiliates,
pursuant to the terms of the Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement.
"WSE" means The Winnipeg Stock Exchange.
5
AUTODESK AND DISCREET REPORTING CURRENCIES
AND ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
The financial statements and the pro forma financial statements of, and the
selected historical and pro forma financial data concerning, Autodesk and
Discreet, as the case may be, contained in this Proxy Circular are reported in
US dollars and have been prepared in accordance with US GAAP.
CANADIAN/US EXCHANGE RATES
According to Dow Jones Interactive, for Discreet's fiscal 1994 through
fiscal 1998, the high and low exchange rates (i.e., the rate at which Canadian
dollars were sold for US dollars), the average exchange rate (i.e., the
average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during the period)
and end-of-period exchange rates for one Canadian dollar expressed in US
dollars for the periods indicated are set forth below:
FISCAL YEAR ELEVEN MONTHS FISCAL YEAR
ENDED JULY 31, ENDED JUNE 30, ENDED JUNE 30,
-------------------- -------------- --------------
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
------ ------ ------ -------------- --------------
US$ US$ US$ US$ US$
High for period........... 0.7777 0.7455 0.7523 0.7514 0.7293
Low for period............ 0.7167 0.7096 0.7218 0.7150 0.6837
Average for period........ 0.7438 0.7260 0.7343 0.7322 0.7645
End of period............. 0.7236 0.7287 0.7276 0.7249 0.6800
On , 1998, the noon buying rate for Cdn$1.00 was US$ . .
6
SUMMARY
The following is a summary of certain information about Autodesk, Dutchco,
Discreet, the Acquisition Agreement and the Transactions, and is qualified in
its entirety by reference to the full text of this Proxy Circular and the
appendices hereto. Autodesk Stockholders and Discreet Shareholders are urged to
read this Proxy Circular and the accompanying appendices in their entirety.
References to "dollars" or "$" shall be to US dollars unless otherwise
specified herein. This Proxy Circular contains a number of forward-looking
statements which reflect the current view of Autodesk and/or Discreet with
respect to future events that are expected to have an effect on their future
individual or combined operations and financial performance, including, but not
limited to, forward-looking statements regarding the expected benefits and
synergies of the Transactions and regarding the reasons for the Transactions.
These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and
uncertainties, including those set forth under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere
herein, that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical
results or those currently anticipated. Readers are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
PARTIES TO THE ACQUISITION AGREEMENT
Autodesk. Autodesk develops, markets and supports personal computer software
for design drafting, visualization and multimedia content creation. Autodesk
has structured its internal marketing and development organizations around five
key market groups that most closely match Autodesk's customer base:
Architecture, Engineering and Construction ("AEC"), Mechanical Computer-Aided
Design ("MCAD"), Geographic Information Systems ("GIS"), Personal Solutions
Group ("PSG") and Multimedia ("Kinetix"). Autodesk's AEC Market Group provides
solutions from Autodesk and third-party developers to manage every phase of a
building's life cycle--from conceptual design through construction, maintenance
and renovation. Autodesk's MCAD Market Group provides mechanical engineers,
designers and drafters with advanced, value-based solutions designed to solve
their professional design challenges. Autodesk's GIS products provide easy-to-
use mapping and GIS technology to help businesses and governments manage their
assets and infrastructure. Autodesk's PSG Market Group develops easy-to-use,
affordable tools for professionals, occasional users and consumers who design,
draft, and diagram. The Kinetix division of Autodesk is devoted to bringing
powerful 3D content-creation software to computer-industry professionals
focused on two markets: entertainment (film, broadcast video and interactive
games) and design conceptualization and visualization. Kinetix provides two
core platform products--3D Studio MAX and 3D Studio VIZ--that specifically
focus on these markets.
Autodesk is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware.
Its principal executive offices are located at 111 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael,
California 94903, and its telephone number is (415) 507-5000.
Autodesk Development B.V. Dutchco is a Netherlands corporation and indirect
wholly owned subsidiary of Autodesk.
Autodesk Canada Inc. ACI is an Ontario corporation and wholly owned
subsidiary of Autodesk.
9066-9771 Quebec Inc. Amalgamation Sub is a company recently organized by
Dutchco under the laws of Quebec for the purpose of effecting the Amalgamation.
It has no material assets and has not engaged in any activities except in
connection with the Amalgamation.
9066-9854 Quebec Inc. Autodesk Quebec is a company recently organized by ACI
under the laws of Quebec for the purpose of effecting the Amalgamation. At
present, it has no material assets and has not engaged in any activities except
in connection with the Amalgamation. Prior to the Effective Time, ACI will
transfer substantially all of its assets and liabilities to Autodesk Quebec,
and ACI will be Autodesk Quebec's sole shareholder.
Discreet. Discreet develops, assembles, markets and supports non-linear, on-
line digital systems and software for creating, editing and compositing imagery
and special effects for film, video, HDTV, broadcast and
7
the Web. Discreet's systems and software are utilized by creative professionals
for a variety of applications, including feature films, television programs,
commercials, music and corporate videos, interactive game production, live
broadcasting as well as Web design. Discreet's systems have played key roles in
the creation of special visual effects for films such as Armageddon, Titanic,
Forrest Gump, Independence Day, The Fifth Element, Batman & Robin, Contact and
Air Force One; television programs and special events such as ABC's "World News
Tonight with Peter Jennings" and the 1996 United States Presidential elections
on ABC and CBS; music videos by artists including U2, REM, Rolling Stones and
The Beatles; and commercials for clients such as Nike, Pepsi, AT&T and
McDonald's. Discreet believes that creative professionals and designers require
tools that simplify their work, enabling them to devote more time to creative
activities and less time to technical tasks.
Discreet offers high-end turnkey systems and software focused towards three
markets: special effects, editing and broadcast production. Discreet's systems
include its inferno* and flame* systems (special effects), its fire* and smoke*
systems (editing) and its frost* system (broadcast production). Discreet's
flame* system is an uncompressed, on-line, resolution independent, non-linear,
digital system and is used to create, edit and composite special visual effects
in an on-line, real-time environment, providing instant feedback to the
creative professional. Discreet's inferno* system is an uncompressed, on-line,
resolution independent, non-linear, digital system providing all of the
features of flame* with film tools and increased film resolution and colour
control for digital film work. Discreet's fire* system is an uncompressed, on-
line, non-linear, digital video editing system with special effects
capabilities. Discreet's smoke* system is an uncompressed, on-line, non-linear,
digital video editing system with limited special effects capabilities. In the
broadcast production market, Discreet offers its frost* system, a computer-
based set of modeling, animation and rendering tools for the creation and
manipulation of 3D graphics, including virtual sets for broadcast companies.
Discreet's new media software products include its effect* and paint* products,
and its edit* and light* products. Discreet sells its systems and software
through a direct sales force as well as through distributors and resellers.
Discreet is a company organized under the laws of the province of Quebec. Its
principal executive offices are located at 10 Duke Street, Montreal, Quebec H3C
2L7, and its telephone number is (514) 393-1616.
SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF AUTODESK
Time, Date, Place and Purpose
The Autodesk Meeting will be held at The Executive Briefing Center, Autodesk,
Inc., 111 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, California on January [ ], 1999 at
:00 .m., local time. The purpose of the Autodesk Meeting is to approve the
Autodesk Resolution and to transact such further or other business as may
properly come before the Autodesk Meeting or any postponement or adjournment
thereof, including a proposal to adjourn the Autodesk Meeting, if necessary, to
permit further solicitation of proxies in the event there are not sufficient
votes at the time of the Autodesk Meeting to approve the Autodesk Resolution.
See "Autodesk Special Meeting--Date, Time and Place of Autodesk Meeting" and
"--Purpose."
Record Date; Vote Required and Voting Agreements
Only Autodesk Stockholders of record at the close of business on the Autodesk
Record Date are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Autodesk Meeting.
Under the DGCL and the rules of the Nasdaq National Market, the Autodesk
Resolution requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes cast
regarding such proposal at a meeting at which a quorum is present or
represented by proxy. See "Autodesk Special Meeting--Record Date and
Outstanding Shares" and "--Vote Required."
As of the Autodesk Record Date, there were 1,128 Autodesk Stockholders of
record and 46,774,198 shares of Autodesk Common Stock outstanding. Each
Autodesk Stockholder will be entitled to cast one vote per share on each matter
to be acted upon at the Autodesk Meeting. Autodesk's executive officers and
directors (who together beneficially own an aggregate of 99,659 shares of
Autodesk Common Stock as of the Autodesk Record
8
Date, representing approximately 0.2% of the votes entitled to be cast at the
Autodesk Meeting) have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the Autodesk
Resolution. In addition, such persons have granted irrevocable proxies to
Discreet's management to vote their shares of Autodesk Common Stock in
accordance with the voting agreements. See "Autodesk Special Meeting--Vote
Required," "--Voting Agreements" and "Terms of the Transactions--Autodesk and
Discreet Voting Agreements."
Recommendation of the Autodesk Board of Directors
The Autodesk Board has unanimously approved the Acquisition Agreement and the
Transactions and has determined that the Transactions are fair and in the best
interests of Autodesk and its stockholders. After careful consideration, the
Autodesk Board unanimously recommends that you vote FOR the Autodesk
Resolution. Autodesk Stockholders should read this Proxy Circular carefully
before voting. See "Approval of the Transactions--Background of the
Transactions," "--Joint Reasons for the Transactions," "--Autodesk's Reasons
for the Transactions," and "Autodesk Special Meeting--Recommendation of the
Autodesk Board."
No Appraisal Rights
Autodesk Stockholders will not be entitled to appraisal or similar rights
under the DGCL in connection with the Transactions. See "Autodesk Special
Meeting--No Appraisal Rights."
SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF DISCREET
Time, Date, Place and Purpose
The Discreet Meeting will be held at
[ ] on January [ ], 1999 at :00
.m. local time. The purpose of the Discreet Meeting is to consider and vote
upon the Discreet Resolution and to transact such further or other business as
may properly come before the Discreet Meeting or any adjournment thereof,
including a proposal to adjourn the Discreet Meeting, if necessary, to permit
further solicitation of proxies in the event there are not sufficient votes at
the time of the Discreet Meeting to approve the Discreet Resolution.
See "Discreet Special Meeting--Date, Time and Place of Discreet Meeting" and
"--Purpose."
Record Date; Vote Required and Voting Agreements
Only Discreet Shareholders of record at the close of business on the Discreet
Record Date are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Discreet Meeting. The
Discreet Resolution must be approved by the affirmative vote of not less than
sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the Discreet Common Shares
present or represented by proxy at the Discreet Meeting at which a quorum is
present. See "Discreet Special Meeting--Record Date and Outstanding Shares" and
"--Vote Required."
As of the Discreet Record Date, there were Discreet Shareholders of
record and Discreet Common Shares outstanding. Each Discreet
Shareholder will be entitled to cast one vote per share on each matter to be
acted upon at the Discreet Meeting. Discreet's executive officers and certain
of Discreet's directors (who own an aggregate of [ ] Discreet Common Shares
as of the Discreet Record Date, representing approximately [ ]% of the votes
entitled to be cast at the Discreet Meeting) have agreed to vote their shares
in favor of the Discreet Resolution. In addition, such persons have granted
irrevocable proxies to Autodesk's management to vote their Discreet Common
Shares in accordance with the voting agreements. See "Discreet Special
Meeting--Vote Required," "--Voting Agreements," "Approval of the Transactions--
Interests of Certain Persons in the Transactions" and "Terms of the
Transactions--Autodesk and Discreet Voting Agreements."
Recommendation of the Discreet Board of Directors
After careful consideration, based on the unanimous recommendation of the
Discreet Special Committee, Discreet's Board of Directors has approved the
Acquisition Agreement by the unanimous vote of all non-
9
interested directors and believes that the Transactions are in the best
interests of Discreet and its shareholders, and recommends that you vote FOR
the Discreet Resolution. Discreet Shareholders should read this Proxy Circular
carefully prior to voting. See "Approval of the Transactions--Background of the
Transactions," "--Joint Reasons for the Transactions," "--Discreet's Reasons
for the Transactions," and "Discreet Special Meeting--Recommendation of the
Discreet Board."
No Appraisal Rights
Discreet Shareholders are not entitled to appraisal or similar rights
pursuant to the Quebec Act in connection with the Transactions. See "Discreet
Special Meeting--No Appraisal Rights" and "Description of Capital Stock--
Comparison of Shareholders' Rights--Dissenters' Rights."
RISK FACTORS
IN CONSIDERING WHETHER TO APPROVE THE AUTODESK RESOLUTION AND THE DISCREET
RESOLUTION, AUTODESK STOCKHOLDERS AND DISCREET SHAREHOLDERS, RESPECTIVELY,
SHOULD CAREFULLY REVIEW AND CONSIDER THE INFORMATION CONTAINED BELOW UNDER THE
CAPTION "RISK FACTORS."
REASONS FOR THE TRANSACTIONS
Autodesk and Discreet have identified several potential benefits of the
Transactions that they believe will contribute to the success of the Combined
Company. The parties believe that the business combination with Discreet will
position the Combined Company to create the premier total solutions provider of
digital content design, creation and manipulation tools for the creation of
moving images. See "Approval of the Transactions--Background of the
Transactions," "--Joint Reasons for the Transactions," "-- Autodesk's Reasons
for the Transactions" and "Discreet's Reasons for the Transactions."
PIPER JAFFRAY FAIRNESS OPINION
Piper Jaffray has delivered to the Autodesk Board its written opinion, dated
November 17, 1998, to the effect that, as of such date, the Exchange Ratio was
fair from a financial point of view to Autodesk. The full text of the opinion
of Piper Jaffray, which sets forth assumptions made and matters considered, is
attached as Appendix F to this Proxy Circular and is incorporated herein by
reference. AUTODESK STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO, AND SHOULD, READ SUCH OPINION IN
ITS ENTIRETY. See "Approval of the Transactions--Opinion of Autodesk's
Financial Advisor" and Appendix F attached hereto.
VOLPE BROWN WHELAN FAIRNESS OPINION
Volpe Brown Whelan has delivered to the Discreet Board its written opinion,
dated November 18, 1998, to the effect that, as of such date, the consideration
to be received by Discreet Shareholders in connection with the Transactions was
fair from a financial point of view to the Discreet Shareholders. The full text
of the opinion of Volpe Brown Whelan, which sets forth assumptions made and
matters considered, is attached as Appendix G to this Proxy Circular and is
incorporated herein by reference. DISCREET SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO, AND
SHOULD, READ SUCH OPINION IN ITS ENTIRETY. See "Approval of the Transactions--
Opinion of Discreet's Financial Advisor" and Appendix G attached hereto.
THE TRANSACTIONS
The Amalgamation and Share Exchanges
The Transactions will be completed by way of an Amalgamation under the Quebec
Act and certain related transactions described below. Pursuant to the Articles
of Amalgamation, Discreet will be amalgamated with Autodesk Quebec and
Amalgamation Sub to form New Discreet. Each holder of Discreet Common Shares
will
10
receive upon the Amalgamation one New Discreet Class B Share for each Discreet
Common Share then held by such holder. Immediately following the Amalgamation,
each such New Discreet Class B Share will automatically, based upon the prior
election of the holder thereof, either (i) be redeemed by New Discreet for 0.48
New Discreet Exchangeable Shares or (ii) be converted into one New Discreet
Unit, which will immediately thereafter be acquired by Dutchco in exchange for
0.48 shares of Autodesk Common Stock, in either case without any further
required action on the part of the holder. The New Discreet Exchangeable Shares
will be exchangeable at any time at the option of the holder, and will
automatically be exchanged on the eleventh anniversary of the Effective Time
(or earlier upon the occurrence of certain events, including the liquidation,
dissolution or winding-up of Autodesk or New Discreet), for Autodesk Common
Stock on a one-for-one basis plus the Dividend Amount.
Election to Receive Exchangeable Shares; Limitation on Number of Exchangeable
Shares
If the Transactions are approved, Discreet Shareholders may elect ultimately
to receive either Autodesk Common Stock or New Discreet Exchangeable Shares
upon consummation of the Transactions. Certain eligible persons who are
Canadian residents for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act, to the extent they
receive New Discreet Exchangeable Shares pursuant to the Transactions, will be
permitted to elect with New Discreet in prescribed form pursuant to Section 85
of the Canadian Tax Act so as generally to be treated as having engaged in a
tax-free rollover for Canadian federal income tax purposes (a "Rollover
Election"). See "Material Canadian Federal and United States Federal Income Tax
Considerations to Discreet Shareholders--Discreet Shareholders Resident in
Canada." However, pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement, the maximum number of
Discreet Common Shares which ultimately may be exchanged for New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares may not exceed 19.99% of the number of Discreet Common
Shares outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, based upon the
elections of Discreet Shareholders, the percentage of Discreet Common Shares to
be exchanged for New Discreet Exchangeable Shares would exceed 19.99% of the
Discreet Common Shares outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time,
such electing Discreet Shareholders will receive, pro rata, New Discreet Units
in lieu of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares in respect of such excess, which
New Discreet Units will immediately be acquired by Dutchco in exchange for 0.48
shares of Autodesk Common Stock. Thus, for example, if the holders of 35% of
the Discreet Common Shares outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
elect to receive New Discreet Exchangeable Shares in the Transactions, then
each such electing holder would ultimately receive (i) New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares in respect of approximately 57.11% of such holder's
Discreet Common Shares, and (ii) shares of Autodesk Common Stock in respect of
the remaining approximately 42.89% of such holder's Discreet Common Shares.
Because of the limitation on the number of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares
issuable pursuant to the Transactions, Discreet Shareholders who elect to
receive New Discreet Exchangeable Shares may nevertheless receive shares of
Autodesk Common Stock in respect of some of their Discreet Common Shares. To
the extent they ultimately receive shares of Autodesk Common Stock in lieu of
New Discreet Exchangeable Shares, Discreet Shareholders will be precluded from
engaging in a tax-free rollover for Canadian federal income tax purposes and
may be taxable in Canada in respect of such exchange as described below under
"Material Canadian Federal and United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
to Discreet Shareholders--Discreet Shareholders Resident in Canada--Exchange of
New Discreet Units for Autodesk Common Stock." Such holders will, however, be
permitted to make Rollover Elections with respect to any New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares actually received pursuant to the Transactions. While there
can be no assurance that any of such persons will elect to receive New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares, as of October 31, 1998, the number of Discreet Common
Shares held by directors, officers and 5% shareholders of Discreet who are
known to Discreet to be Canadian residents was , or % of the
Discreet Common Shares outstanding as of such date.
Discreet Shareholders who receive New Discreet Exchangeable Shares in the
Transactions may not be able to determine at the time they request to receive
Autodesk Common Stock in exchange for their New Discreet Exchangeable Shares
(referred to as a "Retraction Request") what the value of the Autodesk Common
Stock they receive in such exchange will be. See "Risk Factors--Risks Relating
to Timing of Exchange of New
11
Discreet Exchangeable Shares for Autodesk Common Stock". However, a holder of
New Discreet Exchangeable Shares may be able to sell the Autodesk Common Stock
underlying his New Discreet Exchangeable Shares on the date of the Retraction
Request, and thereby be fully aware of the value of the consideration to be
received on exchange of the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares as of such date,
provided that such holder (i) specifies a Retraction Date which is three
Business Days after the date of such holder's Retraction Request, (ii) ensures
that the Retraction Request is received by New Discreet on the date it is made,
and (iii) sells through a broker who is able to ensure that the Autodesk Common
Stock received on the exchange is delivered to the buyer on the settlement
date.
Effective Time
As promptly as practicable after satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set
forth in the Acquisition Agreement, the parties thereto will cause Discreet to
be amalgamated with Autodesk Quebec and Amalgamation Sub to form New Discreet
by filing Articles of Amalgamation and related documents as contemplated by
Section 123.118 of the Quebec Act with the Inspector General of Financial
Institutions of the Province of Quebec. As permitted by the Quebec Act, the
parties will request that the Certificate of Amalgamation be dated on the date
on which the Articles of Amalgamation are filed. The Amalgamation will become
effective at 4:29 p.m. (Montreal time) on the date shown on the Certificate of
Amalgamation (the "Effective Time"). See "Terms of the Transactions--Effective
Time of the Amalgamation."
Exchange of Discreet Share Certificates
A Letter of Transmittal and Election Form is enclosed with this Proxy
Circular (on green paper) for use by Discreet Shareholders (i) to elect to
receive New Discreet Exchangeable Shares and (ii) to transmit certificates
representing Discreet Common Shares should such Discreet Shareholder wish to
receive New Discreet Exchangeable Shares. DISCREET SHAREHOLDERS WHO WISH TO
RECEIVE NEW DISCREET EXCHANGEABLE SHARES SHOULD USE THE GREEN LETTER OF
TRANSMITTAL AND ELECTION FORM TO DEPOSIT THEIR DISCREET COMMON SHARES ON OR
BEFORE THE ELECTION DEADLINE. If the Transactions are not consummated, all
deposited share certificates will be returned by the Depositary forthwith to
the shareholders entitled thereto.
As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, New Discreet will send
additional letters of transmittal to former Discreet Shareholders who did not
elect to receive New Discreet Exchangeable Shares and who did not deposit their
certificates prior to the Election Deadline. DISCREET SHAREHOLDERS WISHING TO
RECEIVE AUTODESK COMMON STOCK ARE ADVISED NOT TO SURRENDER THEIR CERTIFICATES
REPRESENTING DISCREET COMMON SHARES AT THE PRESENT TIME, BUT RATHER TO WAIT
UNTIL THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY AUTODESK TO DO SO. See "Terms of the
Transactions--Procedures for Election and Exchange of Shares Certificates by
Discreet Shareholders."
Treatment of Discreet Employee Plans
In connection with the Transactions, (i) each Discreet Share Option
outstanding as of the Effective Time under the Discreet Stock Option Plans will
be assumed by Autodesk and will become an option to purchase shares of Autodesk
Common Stock, with appropriate adjustments to the number of shares issuable
thereunder and the exercise price thereof based on the Exchange Ratio and (ii)
each outstanding purchase right under the Discreet Employee Stock Purchase Plan
will be assumed by Autodesk and will become a purchase right to acquire shares
of Autodesk Common Stock, with certain adjustments to the purchase price of
such shares based on the Exchange Ratio. Autodesk has agreed to file a
registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act covering the shares
of Autodesk Common Stock issuable upon exercise of Discreet Share Options to be
assumed by Autodesk and assumed rights under the Discreet Employee Stock
Purchase Plan. See "Terms of the Transactions--Treatment of Discreet Employee
Plans."
12
No Solicitation
Discreet has agreed that from and after the date of the Acquisition Agreement
until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of the Acquisition
Agreement, Discreet will not, directly or indirectly, through any officer,
director, employee, representative or agent of Discreet or any of its
subsidiaries, take any action to initiate, solicit, encourage or participate in
any discussions or negotiations with any persons who are considering or who
have made any inquiries or proposals regarding an acquisition of Discreet or
similar transaction involving Discreet or any of its subsidiaries (an
"Acquisition Proposal"), provided, however, that Discreet may, to the extent
the Discreet Board determines, in good faith, after consultation with outside
legal counsel, that the Discreet Board's fiduciary duties under applicable law
require it to do so, participate in discussions or negotiations with, and
furnish information to, any person, entity or group after such person, entity
or group has delivered to Discreet an unsolicited bona fide Acquisition
Proposal which the Discreet Board in its good faith and reasonable judgment
determines, after consultation with its independent financial advisors, would
result in a transaction more favorable to the Discreet Shareholders than the
Transactions (a "Superior Proposal"). In addition, in connection with a
possible Acquisition Proposal, Discreet may refer any third party to the no
solicitation provisions of the Acquisition Agreement or make a copy of such
provisions available to a third party. The Discreet Board may accept, approve
or recommend a Superior Proposal to the Discreet Shareholders if the Discreet
Board determines in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel,
that such action is required by its fiduciary duties under applicable law. In
such case, the Discreet Board may withdraw, modify or refrain from making its
recommendation of the Transactions, and, to the extent it does so, Discreet may
refrain from soliciting proxies and taking such other action as may be
necessary to secure the vote of the Discreet Shareholders, provided, however,
that Discreet shall not accept, approve or recommend to the Discreet
Shareholders, or enter into any agreement concerning, a Superior Proposal for a
period of not less than three Business Days after Autodesk's receipt of a copy
of the Superior Proposal (or a reasonably detailed written description of the
significant terms and conditions thereof, if such proposal is not in writing).
See "Terms of the Transactions--Non-Solicitation by Discreet of Alternative
Transactions."
Conditions to the Transactions
Consummation of the Transactions is subject to the satisfaction of a number
of conditions, including but not limited to: (i) the passage of the Autodesk
Resolution and the Discreet Resolution by the Autodesk Stockholders and the
Discreet Shareholders, respectively; (ii) the absence of any restrictive court
orders or any other legal restraints or prohibitions preventing or making
illegal the consummation of the Transactions; (iii) the truth and accuracy of
the representations and warranties made by each of Discreet and Autodesk in the
Acquisition Agreement on and as of the Effective Time, subject to certain
exceptions; (iv) the performance or compliance with all agreements and
covenants required by the Acquisition Agreement by each of Autodesk, Discreet
and Dutchco; and (v) the receipt by Autodesk and Discreet of certain opinions
and letters regarding tax and accounting matters. See "Terms of the
Transactions--Conditions to the Transactions."
Termination; Fees and Expenses
Notwithstanding approval of the Discreet Resolution by the Discreet
Shareholders, the Acquisition Agreement may be terminated and the Transactions
may be abandoned prior to the Effective Time under certain circumstances
specified in the Acquisition Agreement, including, without limitation, (i) by
mutual written agreement of Autodesk and Discreet, and (ii) by either party, if
the Transactions are not consummated by December 31, 1998 (provided that such
date may be extended on a day-for-day basis in the event of certain
governmental delays or if agreed to by Autodesk Dutchco and Discreet). See
"Terms of the Transactions--Termination, Amendment and Waiver."
Generally, each party to the Acquisition Agreement will bear its own expenses
in the event the Acquisition Agreement is terminated without consummation of
the Transactions. However, Discreet has agreed that, if the
13
Acquisition Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, it will pay to
Dutchco an amount equal to $5 million, and, if Discreet then consummates an
Acquisition Proposal within 9 months after the time of payment of such fees and
expenses, it will pay Dutchco a termination fee of $15 million, less any
amounts already paid to Dutchco in connection with the termination of the
Acquisition Agreement. Discreet has also agreed that, if the Acquisition
Agreement is terminated under certain other circumstances and there is not at
that time a Superior Proposal outstanding with respect to Discreet, it will pay
to Dutchco a termination fee of $15 million. Similarly, Dutchco has agreed
that, if the Acquisition Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances,
it will pay to Discreet an amount equal to $5 million, or, if the Autodesk
Board shall have withheld, withdrawn or modified in a manner adverse to
Discreet its recommendation in favor of the Autodesk Resolution and at or prior
to such time there has not been a Material Adverse Effect on Discreet (as
defined in the Acquisition Agreement), Dutchco will pay to Discreet a
termination fee of $15 million. See "Terms of the Transactions--Fees and
Expenses."
Affiliate Agreements
To help ensure that the Transactions will be accounted for as a pooling of
interests and to help ensure compliance with Rule 145 under the Securities Act,
the affiliates of Autodesk and Discreet have executed agreements which, subject
to certain limited exceptions, prohibit such persons from disposing of their
Discreet Common Shares or Autodesk Common Stock, as the case may be, until
Autodesk publicly releases financial results covering at least 30 days of
combined operations of the Combined Company after the Transactions. See "Terms
of the Transactions--Agreements of Autodesk and Discreet Affiliates."
Interests of Certain Persons in the Transactions
In considering the recommendation of the Discreet Board with respect to the
Discreet Resolution and the Transactions, Discreet Shareholders should be aware
that certain officers and directors of Discreet have interests in the
Transactions that present them with potential conflicts of interest. As of
October 31, 1998, directors and executive officers of Discreet and their
affiliates beneficially owned an aggregate of (i) [ ] Discreet Common
Shares, for which they will receive the same consideration as other Discreet
Shareholders, and (ii) unexercised Discreet Share Options to acquire [ ]
Discreet Common Shares, which will be treated as described above under "--
Treatment of Discreet Employee Plans," and some of which options will be
subject to full acceleration of vesting restrictions as described below. Based
upon $ , which represents the last reported sales price of the Autodesk
Common Stock on December , 1998, the aggregate dollar value of the shares of
Autodesk Common Stock to be received in connection with the Transactions by the
directors and executive officers of Discreet and their affiliates (assuming no
New Discreet Exchangeable Shares are issued) is approximately $ . The
vesting of shares pursuant to Discreet Share Options granted to certain non-
employee directors is subject to full acceleration as a result of the
Transactions. In addition, pursuant to their current employment agreements with
Discreet, the vesting of Discreet Share Options to purchase 450,000 and 150,000
Discreet Common Shares held by Richard Szalwinski and Francois Plamondon,
respectively, will accelerate upon consummation of the Transactions.
Messrs. Szalwinski and Plamondon have each entered into agreements with
Autodesk pursuant to which such persons reconfirmed their current employment
arrangements with Discreet and agreed, subject to consummation of the
Transactions, to a minimum one year term of employment with the Combined
Company following the Effective Time and, subject to certain exceptions, to
refrain from competing with the Combined Company or soliciting its customers
and employees. In addition, Autodesk and Dutchco have agreed to maintain or to
cause New Discreet to maintain in effect the policies of directors' and
officers' liability insurance maintained by Discreet and its subsidiaries (or
similar policies) for a period of five years following the Effective Time, and
to provide indemnification to the directors and officers of Discreet against
certain liabilities incurred prior to the Effective Time. See "Approval of the
Transactions--Interests of Certain Persons in the Transactions."
14
Operations of the Combined Company Following the Transactions
Following completion of the Transactions, Autodesk plans to combine the
businesses of Discreet and its Kinetix division into a new organization headed
by Discreet's current Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
Officer Richard Szalwinski, who will report to Autodesk's President, Eric Herr
and will be part of Autodesk's executive staff. The new organization, the
Discreet business unit of Autodesk, will be headquartered in Montreal, Quebec.
Autodesk's Discreet business unit will focus on developing and marketing tools
for the creation of digital content in the entertainment and creative design
industries. The combined organization will continue to develop and deliver the
existing Discreet and Kinetix product lines to a wide range of creative
professionals including those in the entertainment, design and visualization
industries.
The engineering organizations of Discreet and Kinetix will be combined in
Autodesk's Discreet business unit, and certain general and administrative
functions will be integrated with similar functions at Autodesk. Discreet's
advanced editing and effects systems will continue to be sold by Discreet's
existing direct sales force. These products will be marketed and supported by
the Combined Company's Discreet Advanced Systems division. Discreet's new media
software products and Kinetix products will be sold through Autodesk's
distribution channel and will be marketed and supported by the Combined
Company's New Media division. See "Terms of the Transactions--Operations of the
Combined Company Following the Transactions."
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
The Transactions are intended to qualify as a pooling-of-interests for
financial reporting purposes in accordance with US GAAP. Consummation of the
Transactions is conditioned upon (i) receipt by Discreet of a letter from its
independent auditors to the effect that Discreet qualifies as an entity that
may be a party to a business combination for which the pooling-of-interests
method of accounting would be available and (ii) receipt by Autodesk of a
letter from its independent auditors regarding concurrence with Autodesk
management's conclusion as to the appropriateness of pooling-of-interests
accounting treatment for the Transactions under Accounting Principles Board
Opinion No. 16, if consummated in accordance with the Acquisition Agreement.
OFFERING OF AUTODESK COMMON STOCK
In order to qualify the Transactions for pooling-of-interests accounting
treatment, Autodesk must reissue in one or more transactions certain shares of
Autodesk Common Stock previously repurchased by Autodesk and currently held in
its treasury. Accordingly, Autodesk expects to issue approximately 3 million
shares of Autodesk Common Stock through either a public offering or private
placement to be completed prior to the Effective Time (the "Reissuance
Offering"). If the Reissuance Offering is effected by a public offering, the
offering will be made only by means of a prospectus satisfying the requirements
of the Securities Act. If the Reissuance Offering is effected by a private
placement exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, the
offered shares may not be resold in the United States absent registration or an
applicable exemption from registration under the Securities Act. See "Terms of
the Transactions--Offering of Autodesk Common Stock."
STOCK OWNERSHIP FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF THE TRANSACTIONS
Based upon the number of Discreet Common Shares outstanding and the number of
Discreet Common Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding Discreet Share
Options as of October 31, 1998, an aggregate of approximately 14.4 million
shares of Autodesk Common Stock will be issued to Discreet Shareholders in the
Transactions (assuming that no New Discreet Exchangeable Shares are issued),
and Autodesk will assume options exerciseable for up to approximately
[ ] additional shares of Autodesk Common Stock. Based upon the number
of shares of Autodesk Common Stock issued and outstanding as of October 31,
1998, and after giving effect to the issuance of Autodesk Common Stock as
described in the previous sentence and the issuance of 3 million shares of
Autodesk Common Stock pursuant to the Reissuance Offering, the former holders
of Discreet Common Shares would hold approximately 22.4% of Autodesk's total
issued and outstanding Common
15
Stock after completion of the Transactions, and holders of former Discreet
Share Options would hold options to purchase an additional approximately [ ]%
of Autodesk's total issued and outstanding Common Stock (assuming the exercise
of such assumed options, but not others). The foregoing numbers of shares and
percentages are subject to change in the event that the capitalization of
either Autodesk or Discreet changes subsequent to October 31, 1998 and prior to
the Effective Time, and there can be no assurance as to the actual
capitalization of Autodesk or Discreet at the Effective Time or of the Combined
Company at any time following the Effective Time. See "Terms of the
Transactions--Offering of Autodesk Common Stock" and "--Stock Ownership
Following Completion of the Transactions."
MATERIAL CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Discreet Shareholders should read carefully the detailed information under
"Material Canadian Federal and United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
to Discreet Shareholders--Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations," which
qualifies the information set forth below. The following summary of Canadian
federal income tax considerations is intended as a general summary and does not
discuss all of the facts and circumstances that may affect the tax liability of
particular Discreet Shareholders. Therefore, Discreet Shareholders are urged to
consult their own tax advisers.
Residents of Canada. A holder of Discreet Common Shares will receive New
Discreet Class B Shares upon the Amalgamation. Unless such holder has elected
to have such New Discreet Class B Shares redeemed in exchange for New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares, such New Discreet Class B Shares will automatically be
converted into New Discreet Units, which will be acquired by Dutchco for shares
of Autodesk Common Stock immediately following such conversion. The holder will
generally realize, in respect of the latter exchange, a capital gain (or
capital loss).
Immediately following the Amalgamation, the New Discreet Class B Shares
received by a Discreet Shareholder who elects to have such New Discreet Class B
Shares redeemed in exchange for New Discreet Exchangeable Shares will be
redeemed by New Discreet in exchange for New Discreet Exchangeable Shares. A
holder who is an Eligible Holder and whose New Discreet Class B Shares are
redeemed for New Discreet Exchangeable Shares will be permitted to elect with
New Discreet in prescribed form pursuant to Section 85 of the Canadian Tax Act
so as generally to be treated as having engaged in a tax-free rollover for
Canadian federal income tax purposes. See "Material Canadian Federal and United
States Federal Income Tax Considerations to Discreet Shareholders--Discreet
Shareholders Resident in Canada." The terms and conditions of the New Discreet
Class B Shares provide that the maximum number of New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares issuable pursuant to the Transactions may not exceed 19.99% of the
number of Discreet Common Shares outstanding immediately prior to the
Amalgamation, multiplied by the Exchange Ratio. In the event the number of New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares otherwise issuable pursuant to the Transactions
exceeds this maximum number, the electing holders of New Discreet Class B
Shares will receive, pro rata, New Discreet Units in lieu of New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares in respect of such excess. Accordingly, holders of New
Discreet Class B Shares may be precluded from engaging in a tax-free rollover
for Canadian federal income tax purposes in respect of some of their New
Discreet Class B Shares. As a result, holders of New Discreet Class B Shares
may be taxable in Canada in respect of the disposition of some of their New
Discreet Class B Shares.
Dividends received on the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares will be treated
for Canadian income tax purposes as ordinary taxable dividends received from a
taxable Canadian corporation. Shareholders that are corporations, other than
specified financial institutions, will be entitled to deduct such dividends in
computing taxable income, subject to certain limitations. Such dividends will
not be subject to tax under Part IV.1 of the Canadian Tax Act, but may be
subject to tax under Part IV.
A holder of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares who receives shares of Autodesk
Common Stock from New Discreet upon a redemption (including a retraction) by
New Discreet of the holder's New Discreet Exchangeable Shares will be deemed to
have received a dividend as a result of such redemption.
16
A holder of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares who exchanges New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares with Dutchco for shares of Autodesk Common Stock upon the
exercise of the Call Rights or the Exchange Rights generally will realize a
capital gain (or capital loss) as a result of such exchange.
Non-Residents of Canada. The New Discreet Class B Shares, Class E Shares and
Class F Shares generally should not be taxable Canadian property to a holder at
any time, provided such shares are listed on a prescribed stock exchange (which
includes the Nasdaq National Market).
A non-resident holder of Discreet Common Shares, New Discreet Class B Shares
and New Discreet Units generally should not be subject to tax under the
Canadian Tax Act on the Amalgamation, the redemption of the New Discreet Class
B Shares, the exchange of New Discreet Units for Autodesk Common Stock or the
automatic conversion of New Discreet Class B Shares into New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares.
Dividends paid (or deemed to be paid) to non-residents on the New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares will be subject to non-resident withholding tax under the
Canadian Tax Act at the rate of 25%, subject to reduction under the provisions
of an applicable income tax treaty. Under the Canada-United States Income Tax
Convention, the rate is generally reduced to 15%. A non-resident holder of New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares who receives Shares of Autodesk Common Stock from
New Discreet upon a redemption (including a retraction) of the holder's New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares will be deemed to have received a dividend as a
result of such redemption, which will be subject to non-resident withholding
tax under the Canadian Tax Act as described above.
A non-resident holder of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares who receives shares
of Autodesk Common Stock from Dutchco generally will realize a capital gain (or
a capital loss) as a result of such exchange. In circumstances where a capital
gain arises, such gain will be subject to tax under the Canadian Tax Act.
Relief may be available under the provisions of an applicable income tax
convention.
MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Discreet Shareholders should read carefully the detailed information under
"Material Canadian Federal and United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
to Discreet Shareholders--Material United States Federal Income Tax
Considerations," which qualifies the information set forth below. The following
disclosure of United States federal income tax considerations is intended as a
general summary and does not discuss all of the facts and circumstances that
may affect the tax liability of particular Discreet Shareholders. Therefore,
Discreet Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers. This summary
discusses United States federal income tax considerations only, and does not
address any United States state or local tax consequences of the Transactions.
The following discussion applies to Discreet Shareholders who are "United
States persons" for United States federal income tax purposes ("US Holders"),
including United States citizens or residents, corporations organized under the
laws of the United States or of any state thereof, any estate the income of
which is includible in its gross income for United States federal income tax
purposes without regard to its source, and any trust if a United States court
is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust
and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all
substantial decisions of the trust.
US Holders. The exchange of Discreet Common Shares pursuant to the
Transactions generally should constitute a taxable transaction for United
States federal income tax purposes.
US Holders who receive New Discreet Class B Shares, thereafter automatically
converted into New Discreet Units which will be exchanged with Dutchco for
shares of Autodesk Common Stock, generally should recognize a taxable gain or
loss in an amount equal to the difference between (i) the sum of the fair
market value of Autodesk Common Stock received and cash received in lieu of
fractional shares and (ii) the adjusted tax basis of
17
the Discreet Common Shares surrendered. Such gain or loss will be a capital
gain or loss if the Discreet Common Shares exchanged were held as capital
assets, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the Discreet Common
Shares exchanged have been held for more than one year at the Effective Time.
IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT US HOLDERS WHO OWN DISCREET COMMON SHARES DO
NOT ELECT TO RECEIVE NEW DISCREET EXCHANGEABLE SHARES SINCE THE OWNERSHIP AND
DISPOSITION OF SUCH SHARES MAY HAVE CERTAIN ADVERSE TAX CONSEQUENCES. Although
the issue cannot be free from doubt, the likely United States federal income
tax considerations of such an election are as follows: US Holders who receive
New Discreet Exchangeable Shares generally should recognize gain or loss in an
amount equal to the difference between (i) the sum of the fair market value of
New Discreet Exchangeable Shares received (including for this purpose the fair
market value of the Voting Rights and the Exchange Rights, if any) and cash
received in lieu of fractional shares and (ii) the adjusted tax basis of the
Discreet Common Shares surrendered. A US Holder of New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares who disposes of such stock pursuant to the exercise of rights granted
under the Articles of Amalgamation (see "Terms of the Transactions--Description
of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares"), including the exercise of rights by New
Discreet and Dutchco, should generally recognize a taxable gain or loss on that
disposition. For Canadian federal income tax purposes, such disposition may be
treated as a deemed distribution on the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares.
Generally, distributions (or deemed distributions) on the New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares will be subject to a Canadian withholding tax at the
current treaty rate of 15%. Subject to certain limitations, a US Holder will be
entitled to claim either a credit against United States federal income tax
liability or a deduction in computing United States taxable income for such
Canadian taxes withheld.
Non-US Holders. The following summary is applicable to holders of Discreet
Common Shares who are not "United States persons" for United States federal
income tax purposes ("Non-US Holders").
A Non-US Holder of Discreet Common Shares generally will not be subject to
United States federal income tax on the gain realized on the receipt of New
Discreet Class B Shares, New Discreet Units, New Discreet Exchangeable Shares,
or Autodesk Common Stock, or upon a subsequent exchange (or sale) of New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares or Autodesk Common Stock, unless such gain is
effectively connected with a United States trade or business or certain other
conditions are satisfied.
Dividends received by a Non-US Holder with respect to Autodesk Common Stock
generally will be subject to United States withholding tax at the rate of 30%,
which rate may be subject to reduction by an applicable income tax treaty in
effect between the United States and the Non-US Holder's country of residence.
Under the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention, the rate is generally
reduced to 15%. Provided that the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares are not
treated for United States federal income tax purposes as shares of Autodesk
Common Stock, dividends received by a Non-US Holder on the New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares should not be subject to United States withholding tax.
REGULATORY MATTERS
Under the HSR Act and the rules promulgated thereunder, the Transactions may
not be consummated until notifications have been given and certain information
has been furnished to the FTC and the Antitrust Division, and specified waiting
period requirements have been satisfied or early termination has been granted.
The waiting period for the Transactions will expire at 11:59 pm. on the
thirtieth day following acceptance of the required notifications and
information by the FTC and Antitrust Division, unless such time is extended by
a request for additional information. Expiration of the applicable waiting
periods will not preclude the FTC or the Antitrust Division from taking such
action under the antitrust laws as it deems necessary or desirable in the
public interest, including seeking to enjoin the Transactions or seeking the
divestiture of Discreet by Autodesk, in whole or in part, or the divestiture or
compulsory licensing of substantial assets of Autodesk, Discreet or their
respective subsidiaries. See "Terms of the Transactions--Regulatory Matters."
18
MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
AUTODESK COMMON STOCK
Autodesk Common Stock has been traded on the Nasdaq National Market under
the symbol "ADSK" since May 1996, and was traded on the Nasdaq National Market
under the symbol "ACAD" from Autodesk's initial public offering in 1985 until
that time. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high
and low closing sale prices as reported on the Nasdaq National Market for
Autodesk Common Stock for the fiscal periods indicated.
HIGH LOW
---- ----
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, 1997
First Quarter............................................. $43 1/4 $29 3/4
Second Quarter............................................ 42 21
Third Quarter............................................. 27 19 5/8
Fourth Quarter............................................ 34 1/8 21 3/8
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, 1998
First Quarter............................................. $36 1/8 $28 3/4
Second Quarter............................................ 42 35
Third Quarter............................................. 50 32 3/4
Fourth Quarter............................................ 41 1/4 32 1/2
FISCAL YEAR ENDING JANUARY 31, 1999
First Quarter............................................. $49 7/8 $39
Second Quarter............................................ 48 7/8 31 1/8
Third Quarter............................................. 35 23
Fourth Quarter (through December , 1998)................ [ ] [ ]
The closing price for a share of Autodesk Common Stock as reported on the
Nasdaq National Market on August 20, 1998, the last trading day prior to the
public announcement of the execution of the Original Agreement, was $32.625.
The closing price per share of the Autodesk Common Stock on November 18, 1998,
the last trading day prior to the public announcement of the execution of the
Acquisition Agreement, was $30.625 and on November [ ] , 1998, the latest
practicable trading day for which information was available before the
printing of this Proxy Circular, was $ .
Autodesk paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.06 per share with respect to
fiscal 1997 and 1998 and the first three quarters of fiscal 1999, and
currently intends to continue paying such cash dividends on a quarterly basis.
19
DISCREET COMMON SHARES
Discreet Common Shares have been traded on the Nasdaq National Market under
the symbol "DSLGF" since Discreet's initial public offering in July 1995. The
following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the range of high and
low closing sale prices reported on the Nasdaq National Market for Discreet
Common Shares (Discreet changed its fiscal year end from July 31 to June 30,
effective beginning with Discreet's second fiscal quarter of 1997 which ended
December 31, 1996).
HIGH LOW
---- ----
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
First Quarter (August 1, 1996 through October
31, 1996)..................................... $8 $ 3 5/8
Second Quarter (November 1, 1996 through
December 31, 1996)............................ 8 1/8 5 3/4
Third Quarter (January 1, 1997 through March
31, 1997)..................................... 9 1/2 5 7/8
Fourth Quarter (April 1, 1997 through June 30,
1997)......................................... 18 6 1/2
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
First Quarter.................................. $27 7/8 $ 16
Second Quarter................................. 26 3/8 15 3/4
Third Quarter.................................. 25 3/4 16 1/4
Fourth Quarter................................. 21 9/16 10 19/64
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1999
First Quarter.................................. 15 5/8 10 7/8
Second Quarter (through December , 1998)...... [ ] [ ]
The closing price for one Discreet Common Share as reported on the Nasdaq
National Market on August 20, 1998, the last trading day prior to the public
announcement of the execution of the Original Agreement, was $15.625. The
closing price for one Discreet Common Share on November 18, 1998, the last
trading day prior to the public announcement of the execution of the
Acquisition Agreement, was $12.675 and on December [ ], 1998, the latest
practicable trading day for which information was available before the
printing of this Proxy Circular, was $ . The market value of the fractional
share of Autodesk Common Stock issuable in exchange for one Discreet Common
Share, based upon the closing Autodesk Common Stock price multiplied by the
Exchange Ratio, was $17.128 on August 20, 1998 and $[ ] on December [ ],
1998.
Discreet has never declared or paid any cash dividends and, if the
Transactions are not consummated, does not anticipate paying any cash
dividends in the foreseeable future.
Because the Exchange Ratio is fixed, fluctuations in the market price of the
Autodesk Common Stock will affect the implied value of the consideration to be
received by Discreet Shareholders in connection with the Transactions. Based
on the average closing price of the Autodesk Common Stock for the ten trading
days prior to and including August 20, 1998, the date that the companies
announced the execution of the Original Agreement, the implied value of the
per share consideration to be received by Discreet Shareholders in the
Transactions was equal to $16.10. As of December , 1998, the latest
practicable date prior to the printing of this Proxy Circular, this implied
value was equal to $ . As the Effective Time approaches and the
consummation of the Transactions becomes more likely, the difference between
the trading price of the Discreet Common Shares and the implied value of the
per share consideration to be received by Discreet Shareholders in the
Transactions is expected to converge. Discreet Shareholders are encouraged to
obtain current market quotations for Autodesk Common Stock and Discreet Common
Shares prior to the Discreet Meeting. See "Risk Factors--Risks Relating to the
Transactions--Fixed Exchange Ratio Despite Change in Relative Stock Prices;
Risks Relating to Exchangeable Share Election."
20
SELECTED HISTORICAL AND UNAUDITED SELECTED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected historical financial information of Autodesk and
Discreet has been derived from their respective audited historical
consolidated financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with such
audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto. The unaudited
selected pro forma financial information of Autodesk and Discreet are derived
from the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements, which
give effect to the Transactions as a pooling-of-interests, and should be read
in conjunction with such unaudited pro forma statements and notes thereto,
which are included elsewhere in this Proxy Circular.
For Autodesk and Discreet pro forma purposes, Autodesk's historical
condensed consolidated statements of income for the three fiscal years ended
January 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, and Autodesk's unaudited condensed
consolidated statement of income for the six months ended July 31, 1998 have
been combined with the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of
operations of Discreet for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1996, the eleven
months ended June 30, 1997, the twelve months ended December 31, 1997, and the
unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations of Discreet for the
six months ended June 30, 1998, respectively. The unaudited pro forma combined
condensed balance sheet assumes the Transactions took place on July 31, 1998
and combines Autodesk's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at that
date with Discreet's historical condensed consolidated balance sheet at June
30, 1998. The unaudited selected pro forma combined financial data should be
read in conjunction with the unaudited pro forma financial statements included
elsewhere in this Proxy Circular.
Autodesk paid quarterly dividends of $0.06 per share with respect to fiscal
1996, 1997 and 1998, and in each of the first three quarters of fiscal 1999,
and currently intends to continue paying such cash dividends on a quarterly
basis. Discreet has not paid any cash dividends on the Discreet Common Shares.
Discreet currently intends to retain any earnings for future growth and
therefore does not anticipate paying any cash dividends on the Discreet Common
Shares in the foreseeable future.
The pro forma information is presented for illustrative purposes only and is
not necessarily indicative of the operating results or financial position that
would have occurred if the Transactions had been consummated at the times
indicated, nor is it necessarily indicative of future operating results or
financial position.
AUTODESK SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
SIX MONTHS
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, ENDED JULY 31,
-------------------------------------------- ------------------
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1997 1998
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(UNAUDITED)
HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
DATA:
Net revenues............ $405,596 $454,612 $534,167 $496,693 $617,126 $273,080 $373,844
Income (loss) from
operations (1)(2)...... 89,703 81,911 129,027 59,817 45,355 (28,327) 59,695
Net income (loss)
(1)(2)................. 62,166 56,606 87,788 41,571 15,364 (34,910) 36,753
Basic net income (loss)
per share.............. $ 1.30 $ 1.20 $ 1.86 $ 0.91 $ 0.33 $ (0.78) $ 0.79
Diluted net income
(loss) per share....... $ 1.25 $ 1.14 $ 1.76 $ 0.88 $ 0.31 $ (0.78) $ 0.74
Shares used in computing
basic net income (loss)
per share.............. 47,770 47,320 47,090 45,540 46,760 45,045 46,500
Shares used in computing
diluted net income
(loss) per share....... 49,740 49,840 49,800 47,190 49,860 45,045 49,670
Dividends paid per
share.................. $ 0.24 $ 0.24 $ 0.24 $ 0.24 $ 0.24 $ 0.12 $ 0.12
AS OF JANUARY 31, AS OF
-------------------------------------------- JULY 31,
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1998
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -----------
(UNAUDITED)
HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital......... $177,241 $205,735 $190,718 $147,500 $108,215 $215,400
Total assets............ 404,874 482,076 517,929 492,233 533,683 565,666
Long term liabilities... 5,679 3,602 31,306 33,948 31,064 2,499
Put warrants............ -- -- -- 64,500 -- --
Total stockholders'
equity................. 296,879 323,484 342,328 243,614 303,132 349,193
21
- --------
(1) Includes the effect of nonrecurring charges of $25.5 million, $4.7
million, $58.5 million and $37.7 million recorded in fiscal 1995, 1997,
1998 and for the six months ended July 31, 1998, respectively. The fiscal
1995 amount represents a federal district court judgment against Autodesk
in a trade secret lawsuit. The charges for fiscal 1997 and 1998 consist of
charges relating to the write off of purchased in-process research and
development that had not reached technological feasibility and had no
alternate future use. Nonrecurring charges for the six months ended July
31, 1998 consist primarily of a charge relating to the write off of
purchased in-process research and development that had not reached
technological feasibility and had no alternate future use ($28.8 million),
restructuring charges for the consolidation of certain development centers
($1.5 million), the write-off of purchased technologies associated with
these operations ($2.2 million), staff reductions in the Asia Pacific
region ($1.7 million), costs in relation to potential legal settlements
($2.5 million) and the write-down to fair market value of older computer
equipment which Autodesk plans to dispose of ($1.0 million). The
restructurings noted above are expected to be completed during the last
half of Autodesk's fiscal year ended January 31, 1999. See Note 8 of
"Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements."
(2) Income from operations for the six months ended July 31, 1998 includes a
reversal of a portion of the litigation reserve in the amount of $18.2
million as a result of a favorable decision on appeal of the trade secret
lawsuit (see footnote 1, above). In addition to the $18.2 million, $2.7
million of interest associated with the litigation reserve was reversed
and is reflected in net income for the six months ended July 31, 1998.
SEE AUTODESK FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND THE NOTES THERETO FOR THE YEAR ENDED
JANUARY 31, 1998 AND THE UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE SIX-
MONTH PERIOD ENDED JULY 31, 1998, INCLUDED ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROXY CIRCULAR.
22
DISCREET SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
ELEVEN FISCAL
MONTHS YEAR
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JULY 31, ENDED ENDED
--------------------------- JUNE 30, JUNE 30,
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues...................... $ 15,392 $ 64,549 $ 83,997 $101,924 $151,558
Operating income (loss)(1).... 944 13,460 (44,914) (1,257) 8,177
Net income (loss)(1).......... 483 7,785 (44,141) (6,756) (611)
Basic net income (loss) per
share........................ $ 0.02 $ 0.34 $ (1.64) $ (0.24) $ (0.02)
Diluted net income (loss) per
share........................ $ 0.02 $ 0.31 $ (1.64) $ (0.24) $ (0.02)
Shares used in computing basic
net income (loss) per share.. 22,954 23,017 26,837 27,948 29,029
Shares used in computing
diluted net income (loss) per
share........................ 23,094 24,886 26,837 27,948 29,029
Dividends paid per share...... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
AS OF JULY 31, AS OF JUNE 30,
--------------------------- ------------------
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital (deficit)..... $ (382) $ 41,847 $ 24,030 $ 18,536 $ 40,409
Total assets.................. 9,431 76,858 80,148 95,945 114,610
Long term liabilities......... 317 1,261 1,442 713 2,229
Total shareholders' equity.... 934 50,124 42,343 36,948 59,566
- --------
(1) Operating income includes the effect of nonrecurring charges of $1.4
million, $28.5 million, $16.3 million and $24.1 million recorded in fiscal
1994, 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively. The fiscal 1994 amount represents
a legal settlement by Discreet and related fees. The fiscal 1996 charges
consist of the write-off of purchased in-process research and development
($8.5 million) related to the COSS/IMP Acquisition, restructuring charges
($15.0 million), the write down of an investment ($2.5 million), and costs
relating to litigation ($2.5 million). Fiscal 1997 charges consist of the
write-off of amounts relating to purchased in-process research and
development ($9.8 million) related to the Denim Acquisitions and a class
action legal settlement ($6.5 million). The fiscal 1998 charge consists of
amounts for the write-off of purchased in-process research and development
($26.8 million) related to the D-Vision and Lightscope Acquisitions, costs
related to a terminated merger agreement ($1.7 million), a gain on the
sale of an investment ($2.5 million), and the reversal of provisions for
restructuring charges ($1.5 million) and legal accruals no longer required
($0.4 million).
SEE DISCREET FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE
30, 1998, INCLUDED ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROXY CIRCULAR.
23
UNAUDITED SELECTED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
SIX MONTHS ENDED
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, JULY 31,
-------------------------------- ------------------
1996 1997 1998 1997 1998
---------- ---------- ---------- -------- --------
PRO FORMA CONDENSED
COMBINED STATEMENT OF
OPERATIONS DATA:
Net revenues............ $ 618,164 $ 598,617 $ 754,627 $334,908 $449,729
Income (loss) from
operations............. 84,113 58,560 32,773 (31,805) 76,975
Net income (loss)....... 43,647 34,815 (6,856) (42,818) 50,454
Basic net income (loss)
per share.............. $ 0.73 $ 0.59 $ (0.11) $ (0.73) $ 0.83
Diluted net income
(loss) per share....... $ 0.69 $ 0.57 $ (0.11) $ (0.73) $ 0.78
Shares used in computing
basic net income (loss)
per share.............. 59,972 58,955 60,260 58,498 60,576
Shares used in computing
diluted net income
(loss) per share....... 63,663 61,059 60,260 58,498 64,525
Dividends paid per
share.................. $ 0.24 $ 0.24 $ 0.24 $ 0.12 $ 0.12
JULY 31, 1998
--------------------------------------
AUTODESK DISCREET ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED
-------- -------- ----------- --------
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE
SHEET DATA:
Working capital...................... $215,400 $ 40,409 $(13,000) $242,809
Total assets......................... 565,666 114,610 -- 680,276
Long term liabilities................ 2,499 2,229 -- 4,728
Stockholders' equity................. 349,193 59,566 (13,000) 395,759
SEE UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND
ACCOMPANYING NOTES THERETO INCLUDED ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROXY CIRCULAR.
24
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA
The following table sets forth certain historical per share data of Autodesk
and Discreet and combined basic and diluted per share data on an unaudited pro
forma basis after giving effect to the Transactions on a pooling-of-interests
basis under US GAAP, assuming the application of the Exchange Ratio. This data
should be read in conjunction with selected historical financial data, the
unaudited pro forma combined condensed financial statements and the separate
historical financial statements of Autodesk and Discreet and the notes thereto
included elsewhere in this Proxy Circular. The unaudited pro forma combined
financial data are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that
would have been achieved had the Transactions been consummated as of the
beginning of the periods presented and should not be construed as
representative of future operations.
YEAR ENDED
JANUARY 31,
-----------------
SIX MONTHS
ENDED
JULY 31,
1996 1997 1998 1998
----- ----- ----- ----------
HISTORICAL--AUTODESK:
Basic net income per share....................... $1.86 $0.91 $0.33 $0.79
Diluted net income per share..................... $1.76 $0.88 $0.31 $0.74
Book value per share(1).......................... $7.39 $5.40 $6.67 $7.53
Dividends paid per share......................... $0.24 $0.24 $0.24 $0.12
FISCAL YEAR ELEVEN MONTHS FISCAL YEAR
ENDED ENDED ENDED
JULY 31, JUNE 30, JUNE 30,
1996 1997 1998
----------- ------------- -----------
HISTORICAL--DISCREET:
Basic net loss per share................ $(1.64) $(0.24) $(0.02)
Diluted net loss per share.............. $(1.64) $(0.24) $(0.02)
Book value per share(1)................. $ 1.53 $ 1.31 $ 2.01
Dividends paid per share................ $ -- $ -- $ --
SIX MONTHS
ENDED
YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, JULY 31,
------------------------ -------------
1996 1997 1998 1997 1998
------- ------- -------- ------ -----
AUTODESK PRO FORMA(2):
Basic net income (loss) per share..... $0.73 $0.59 $(0.11) $(0.73) $0.83
Diluted net income (loss) per share... $0.69 $0.57 $(0.11) $(0.73) $0.78
Book value per share(1)............... $ 5.45 $ 5.30 $6.53
Dividends paid per share.............. $ 0.24 $0.24 $ 0.24 $ 0.12 $0.12
DISCREET EQUIVALENT PRO FORMA(3):
Basic net income (loss) per share..... $0.35 $0.28 $(0.05) $(0.35) $0.40
Diluted net income (loss) per share... $0.33 $0.27 $(0.05) $(0.35) $0.37
Book value per share(1)............... $ 2.61 $ 2.54 $3.13
Dividends paid per share.............. $0.12 $0.12 $ 0.12 $ 0.06 $0.06
- --------
(1) Historical book value per share is computed by dividing stockholders'
equity by the number of shares of Autodesk Common Stock outstanding at the
end of each period. Pro forma book value per share is computed by dividing
pro forma stockholders' equity by the pro forma number of shares of
Autodesk Common Stock outstanding at the end of each period.
(2) Refer to Note 1 of Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined
Financial Statements.
(3) The Discreet equivalent pro forma per share amounts are calculated by
multiplying the Autodesk combined pro forma share amounts by the Exchange
Ratio.
25
RISK FACTORS
The following risk factors should be considered by holders of Discreet
Common Shares in evaluating whether to approve the Discreet Resolution and
thereby become holders of Autodesk Common Stock or of New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares, which are exchangeable for shares of Autodesk Common
Stock, and by holders of Autodesk Common Stock in evaluating whether to
approve the Autodesk Resolution. These factors should be considered in
conjunction with the other information included in this Proxy Circular. This
Proxy Circular contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange
Act. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in these
forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including
those set forth below and elsewhere in this Proxy Circular. Some of these
factors relate directly to the Transactions, while others are present in
Autodesk's, Discreet's and the Combined Company's general business environment
independent of the Transactions.
RISKS RELATING TO THE TRANSACTIONS
Failure to Achieve Beneficial Synergies. Autodesk and Discreet have entered
into the Acquisition Agreement with the expectation that the Transactions will
result in beneficial synergies. See "Approval of the Transactions -- Joint
Reasons for the Transactions," "-- Autodesk's Reasons for the Transactions,"
"-- Discreet's Reasons for the Transactions," "Autodesk Special Meeting --
Recommendation of the Autodesk Board," and "Discreet Special Meeting --
Recommendation of the Discreet Board." These include mutual benefits from
complementary strengths in the 3D modeling and animation tools markets, the
competitive advantages resulting from offering a comprehensive suite of
integrated product offerings, combined industry experience and market
knowledge and shared distribution channels. Achieving these anticipated
synergies will depend on a number of factors including, without limitation,
the successful integration of Autodesk's and Discreet's operations and general
and industry-specific economic factors. Even if Autodesk and Discreet are able
to integrate their operations and economic conditions remain unchanged, there
can be no assurance that the anticipated synergies will be achieved. The
failure to achieve such synergies could have a material adverse effect on the
business, results of operations and financial condition of the Combined
Company.
Integration of Operations and Technologies. Achieving the anticipated
benefits of the Transactions will depend in part upon whether the integration
of the two companies' businesses is accomplished in an efficient and effective
manner, and there can be no assurance as to the extent to which this will
occur, if at all. The combination of the two companies will require, among
other things, integration of the companies' respective operations, products,
technologies, management information systems, distribution channels and key
personnel and the coordination of their sales, marketing and research and
development efforts. In particular, the Combined Company will be required to
integrate Autodesk's sales channel, which consists principally of independent
resellers, with Discreet's sales force, which typically sells product directly
to customers. As a result of these and other factors, the integration may not
be accomplished smoothly or successfully, if at all. If significant
difficulties are encountered in the integration of the existing operations,
products or technologies or the development of new products and technologies,
resources could be diverted from new product development, and delays in new
product introductions could occur. Compared to Autodesk's products, Discreet's
products have traditionally experienced longer, more complex sales cycles.
There can be no assurance that the Combined Company will be able to take full
advantage of the combined sales efforts. In addition, the difficulties of
integrating Autodesk and Discreet may be increased by the necessity of
coordinating organizations with distinct corporate cultures and widely
dispersed operations in two different countries. See "-- Integration of
Operations of a non-US Company." The consummation of the Transactions and the
integration of operations and technologies following the consummation of the
Transactions will constitute a significant challenge to Autodesk's, Discreet's
and the Combined Company's managements and will require substantial effort and
dedication of management and other personnel, which may distract their
attention from the day-to-day business of these entities, the development or
acquisition of new technologies, and the pursuit of other business
opportunities. In addition, certain Discreet systems currently include
computer hardware, which may present business issues as to which Autodesk
management has limited experience. See "--Risks Relating to the Combined
Company--Dependence on Single Workstation Vendor" and "--Reliance on Sole
Source Suppliers." Failure to successfully accomplish the
26
integration of the two companies' operations, technologies and personnel would
likely have a material adverse effect on the Combined Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations. In addition, during the pre-
acquisition and integration phases, aggressive competitors may undertake
initiatives to attract customers or employees through various incentives,
which could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of
operations and financial conditions of Autodesk, Discreet and/or the Combined
Company.
Customers. The present and potential customers of Discreet and Autodesk may
not continue their current buying patterns in light of the Transactions.
Certain customers may defer purchasing decisions as they evaluate the proposed
Transactions, other recent acquisitions and product announcements in the
multimedia and design software industries, the Combined Company's future
product strategy, current and anticipated product offerings of competitors,
and any other outside forces which may affect customer buying patterns.
Customers may ultimately decide to purchase competitors' products in lieu of
the Combined Company's products. Historically, Discreet and Autodesk have had
significantly different types of customers. These different customer types may
evaluate the Combined Company differently. The decision of customers to defer
their purchasing decisions or to purchase products elsewhere could have a
material adverse effect on the business, results of operations and financial
condition of the Combined Company.
Dependence on Retention and Integration of Key Employees. The success of the
Combined Company is dependent on the retention and integration of the key
management, sales, marketing, engineering and other technical employees of
Autodesk and Discreet. Competition for qualified personnel in the multimedia
and design software industries is very intense, and competitors often use
aggressive tactics to recruit key employees during the period leading up to an
acquisition and during the integration phase following an acquisition. Stock
options, which generally become exercisable only over a period of several
years of employment, serve as an important incentive for retaining key
employees. In accordance with their original terms, certain stock options held
by several key Discreet employees will be fully exercisable or the vesting
thereof will accelerate upon the consummation of the Transactions, thus
potentially reducing the retention incentive provided by these options. While
the Combined Company will endeavor to retain key Discreet employees, there can
be no assurance that key employees will remain with the Combined Company. The
loss of services of any of the key employees of the Combined Company could
materially and adversely affect the Combined Company's business, financial
condition and results of operation. See "Approval of the Transactions--
Interests of Certain Persons in the Transactions."
Integration of Operations of a non-US Company. Cross-border acquisitions
entail certain special risks in addition to those normally encountered in a
domestic acquisition. These include the difficulty of integrating employees
from a different corporate culture into the acquiring organization; the need
to understand different incentives that motivate employees in a non-US
company; the greater difficulty of transplanting the acquiring company's
corporate culture to an organization that is physically distant; and the
difficulty and expense of relocating employees from one country to another in
the event of an internal group restructuring following an acquisition. These
factors can reduce the likelihood of the long-term success of a cross-border
acquisition. Although Autodesk derives the majority of its revenues from non-
US sales and has significant operations outside the United States, it has
limited experience integrating the management, sales, product development and
marketing organizations of a significant non-US business with its existing
operations. Although Discreet has sales and marketing operations in the United
States and derives a significant portion of its revenue from US sales, its
management and product development personnel are predominantly based in
Canada. There can be no assurance that Autodesk will be able to successfully
integrate the personnel and operations of Discreet into the existing Autodesk
organization.
Potential Dilutive Effect to Stockholders. Although Autodesk and Discreet
believe that beneficial synergies will result from the Transactions, combining
the two companies' businesses, even if the combination is achieved in an
efficient, effective and timely manner, may not result in combined results of
operations and financial condition superior to what would have been achieved
by each company independently, and may in any event require a longer period
than management of Autodesk or Discreet anticipates. In addition, based on the
capitalization of each of Autodesk and Discreet as of October 31, 1998,
Autodesk will issue approximately
27
14.4 million new shares of Autodesk Common Stock (assuming that no New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares are issued in the Transactions). Autodesk will
also issue approximately 3 million shares of Autodesk Common Stock in the
Reissuance Offering. The issuance of new shares of Autodesk Common Stock in
connection with the Transactions and the Reissuance Offering will have the
initial effect of reducing Autodesk's net income per share and could reduce
the market price of the Autodesk Common Stock unless and until revenue growth,
cost savings or other business synergies sufficient to offset the effect of
such issuance can be achieved. There can be no assurance that Autodesk
Stockholders and Discreet Shareholders would not achieve greater returns on
investment if Autodesk and Discreet were to remain independent of each other.
See "Terms of the Transactions--Stock Ownership Following Completion of the
Transactions" and "--Offering of Autodesk Common Stock."
Fixed Exchange Ratio Despite Change in Relative Stock Prices; Risks Relating
to Exchangeable Share Election. Pursuant to the Transactions, Discreet
Shareholders effectively will receive either 0.48 New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares or 0.48 shares of Autodesk Common Stock for each Discreet Common Share.
In turn, each New Discreet Exchangeable Share will be exchangeable after the
Effective Time at the option of the holder into one share of Autodesk Common
Stock. This Exchange Ratio is fixed and will not be adjusted in the event of
any increase or decrease in the market price of either the Autodesk Common
Stock or the Discreet Common Shares. Consequently, the implied value of the
exchange to Discreet Shareholders will change as the market price of the
Autodesk Common Stock fluctuates. The Autodesk Common Stock and Discreet
Common Shares historically have been subject to substantial price volatility.
Variations in the market price of the Autodesk Common Stock may be the result
of changes in the business, operations or prospects of Autodesk or Discreet,
market assessments of the synergistic value of the Transactions or likelihood
that the Transactions will be consummated and the timing thereof, dilutive
issuances of additional shares of Autodesk Common Stock (including the shares
to be issued in the Reissuance Offering), general market and economic
conditions or other factors. No assurance can be given as to the market prices
of Autodesk Common Stock or Discreet Common Shares at any time before the
Effective Time or as to the market price of Autodesk Common Stock at any time
thereafter. The specific dollar value of the consideration to be received by
Discreet Shareholders upon consummation of the Transactions will depend on the
market price of Autodesk Common Stock at the Effective Time. In the event that
the market price of Autodesk Common Stock decreases or increases prior to the
Effective Time, the market value at the Effective Time of the Autodesk Common
Stock to be received by Discreet Shareholders upon consummation of the
Transactions would correspondingly decrease or increase. Discreet Shareholders
are therefore encouraged to obtain current market quotations for the Autodesk
Common Stock and the Discreet Common Shares. As of December , 1998, the
market value of the fraction of a share of Autodesk Common Stock to be
received in the Transactions by Discreet Shareholders in exchange for each
Discreet Common Share was equal to $ . In addition, Discreet Shareholders
who hold New Discreet Exchangeable Shares may not be able to determine at the
time they make a request to exchange such New Discreet Exchangeable Shares for
Autodesk Common Stock the implied value of the consideration they will receive
upon exchange. See "Risk Factors--Risks Relating to Timing of Exchange of New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares for Autodesk Common Stock," "Market Price and
Dividend Information" and "Terms of the Transactions--Description of New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares."
Risks Relating to Timing of Exchange of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares for
Autodesk Common Stock. Discreet Shareholders who receive New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares in the Transactions may not be able to determine at the
time they request to receive Autodesk Common Stock in exchange for their New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares (referred to as a "Retraction Request") what the
value of the Autodesk Common Stock they receive in such exchange will be. This
is because it will typically take between three and ten Business Days after
the applicable Retraction Request for persons who hold New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares to receive their Autodesk Common Stock, depending on the
period specified by such holders in their Retraction Request. During this
three to ten Business Day period between the date of the Retraction Request
and the date of actual receipt of Autodesk Common Stock (referred to as the
"Retraction Date"), the market price of Autodesk Common Stock may increase or
decrease. Any such increase or decrease would affect the value of the
consideration to be received by the holder of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares
on the Retraction Date. However, a holder of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares
may be able to sell the Autodesk Common Stock underlying his New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares on the date of his Retraction Request, and thereby be
fully aware of the value of the
28
consideration to be received on exchange of the New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares as of such date, provided that such holder (i) specifies a Retraction
Date which is three Business Days after the date of such holder's Retraction
Request, (ii) ensures that the Retraction Request is received by New Discreet
on the date it is made, (iii) sells through a broker who is able to ensure
that the Autodesk Common Stock received on the exchange is delivered to the
buyer on the settlement date. Any holder of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares
who fails to satisfy all of the three steps outlined in the prior sentence,
including by failing to specify a particular Retraction Date and therefore
receiving Autodesk Common Stock as late as the tenth Business Day after the
Retraction Request, likely will not be able to effect such a sale, and
therefore will not be able to determine at the time he makes a Retraction
Request the value of the consideration to be received upon the exchange. See
"Terms of the Transactions--Description of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares--
Retraction Rights of Holder and Dutchco Retraction Call Rights."
Volatility Of Stock Prices. The markets for the Autodesk Common Stock and
Discreet Common Shares are highly volatile. The trading price of the Autodesk
Common Stock has in the past been and could in the future be subject to wide
fluctuations in response to quarterly variations in operating results,
announcements following the development or acquisition of technological
innovations or new products by Autodesk or Discreet or their competitors,
changes in prices of Autodesk's or Discreet's or their competitors' products
and services, changes in product mix, changes in revenue and revenue growth
rates for Autodesk or Discreet as a whole or for geographic areas or business
units, and other events or factors. Statements or changes in opinions, ratings
or earnings estimates made by brokerage firms or industry analysts relating to
the markets in which Autodesk does business or relating to Autodesk or
Discreet specifically have resulted, and could in the future result, in an
immediate and adverse effect on the market price of the Autodesk Common Stock.
Statements by financial or industry analysts regarding the impact on
Autodesk's net income per share resulting from the Transactions and the extent
to which such analysts expect potential business synergies to affect reported
results in future periods can be expected to contribute to volatility in the
market price of the Autodesk Common Stock. Moreover, the issuance of
significant numbers of additional shares by Autodesk, including the issuance
of approximately 3 million shares in the Reissuance Offering, may have the
effect of reducing the market price of the Autodesk Common Stock. In addition,
the stock market has from time to time experienced extreme price and volume
fluctuations which have particularly affected the market price for the
securities of many high-technology companies and which often have been
unrelated to the operating performance of these companies. These broad market
fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of the Autodesk Common
Stock.
Substantial Expenses Resulting from the Transactions. Autodesk, Dutchco and
Discreet estimate they will incur direct transaction costs, relating primarily
to regulatory filing costs, and the fees of financial advisors, attorneys,
accountants, financial printers and proxy solicitors, of approximately $13
million associated with the Transactions, which will be charged to operations
upon consummation of the Transactions. Autodesk and Discreet expect the
Combined Company to incur an additional significant charge to operations,
currently estimated at $6-8 million, to reflect costs associated with
integrating the two companies which will be expensed as incurred. The Combined
Company may also incur additional material charges in subsequent quarters to
reflect additional costs associated with the Transactions.
RISKS RELATING TO THE COMBINED COMPANY
As is true for technology companies generally, Autodesk, Dutchco and
Discreet currently operate, and, following consummation of the Transactions,
the Combined Company will operate, in a rapidly changing environment that
involves a number of risks, some of which are beyond their control.
Competition. The software industry has limited barriers to entry, and the
availability of desktop computers with continually expanding capabilities at
progressively lower prices contributes to the ease of market entry. Because of
these and other factors, competitive conditions in the industry are likely to
intensify in the future. Increased competition could result in price
reductions, reduced revenues and profit margins, and loss of market share, any
of which could adversely affect Autodesk's business, consolidated results of
operations, and financial
29
condition. The design software market, in particular, is characterized by
vigorous competition in each of the vertical markets in which Autodesk
competes. This competition includes the entry of competitors with innovative
technologies and the consolidation of companies with complementary products
and technologies. Autodesk believes that the principal factors affecting
competition in its markets are product reliability, performance, ease of use,
range of useful features, continuing product enhancements, reputation, price,
and training. In addition, the availability of third-party application
software is a competitive factor within the multimedia and design software
markets. Autodesk believes that it competes favorably in these areas and that
its competitive position will depend, in part, upon its continued ability to
enhance existing products, and to develop and market new products.
The digital imaging software market in which Discreet competes is extremely
competitive and characterized by frequent and rapid changes in technology and
customer preferences. Discreet competes with other software vendors for access
to distribution channels and customers. Competition is generally based on
product features and functionality, ease of use, quality of customer support,
timeliness of product upgrades and price, among other factors. As the market
for the software products of Discreet continues to develop and other software
vendors expand their product lines to include products that compete with those
of Discreet, competition may intensify. A number of Discreet's competitors and
potential competitors possess significantly greater financial, technical,
marketing and sales and other resources than Discreet or the Combined Company.
In addition, as desktop computers become more powerful and less expensive, a
broader group of software developers may be able to introduce products for
personal computers that would be competitive with Discreet's products in terms
of price and performance. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the
future products produced by the Combined Company will be successful or gain
market acceptance.
The ability of the Combined Company to compete will depend on factors both
within and outside its control, including the success and timing of new
product development and product introductions by the Combined Company and its
competitors, product performance and price, distribution and customer support.
There can be no assurance that the Combined Company will be able to compete
successfully with respect to these factors. Although Autodesk and Discreet
believe that the Combined Company will have certain technological and other
advantages over its competitors, maintaining such advantages will require
continued investment by the Combined Company in research and development,
sales and marketing and customer service and support. There can be no
assurance that the Combined Company will have sufficient resources to make
such investment or that the Combined Company will be able to make the
technological advances necessary to maintain such competitive advantages. In
addition, as the Combined Company enters new markets, distribution channels,
technical requirements and levels and bases of competition may be different
from those in the Combined Company's current markets and there can be no
assurance that the Combined Company will be able to compete favorably.
The future financial performance of Autodesk's Discreet business unit as
part of the Combined Company will depend in part on the successful
development, introduction and customer acceptance of existing and new or
enhanced products. In addition, in order for the unit to achieve sustained
growth as part of the Combined Company, the market for its systems and
software must continue to develop and the Combined Company must expand this
market to include additional applications within the film and video industries
and develop or acquire new products for use in related markets. There can be
no assurance that the Combined Company will be successful in marketing its
existing or new or enhanced products. In addition, as the Combined Company
enters new markets, distribution channels, technical requirements and levels
and bases of competition may be different from those in Discreet's current
markets; there can be no assurance that the Combined Company will be able to
compete favorably.
In April 1998, Autodesk received notice that the FTC had undertaken a
nonpublic investigation to determine whether Autodesk or others have engaged
in or are engaging in unfair methods of competition. The FTC has not made any
claims or allegations regarding Autodesk's current business practices or
policies, nor have any charges been filed. Autodesk intends to cooperate fully
with the FTC in its inquiry. Autodesk does not believe that the investigation
will have a material adverse effect on its business or consolidated results of
operations.
30
Fluctuations in Quarterly Operating Results. From time to time, Autodesk
experiences fluctuations in its quarterly operations as a result of periodic
release cycles, competitive factors and general economic conditions, among
other things. For example, Autodesk's net revenues in the first quarter of
fiscal year 1998 were $119 million as compared to $182 million in the fourth
quarter of fiscal year 1998, with the increase attributable in part to the
introduction of AutoCAD Release 14 in the second fiscal quarter as well as
increased revenues from Autodesk's geographic information systems and AEC
product offerings. In addition, Autodesk has experienced fluctuations in
operating results in interim periods in certain geographic regions due to
seasonality. In particular, Autodesk's operating results in Europe during its
third fiscal quarter are usually impacted by a slow summer period while the
Asia/Pacific region typically experiences seasonal slowing in Autodesk's third
and fourth fiscal quarters.
Autodesk receives and fulfils a majority of its orders within a particular
quarter, with the majority of the sales to distributors and dealers (value-
added resellers or "VARs"). These resellers typically carry inventory of
Autodesk's products and place volume orders equivalent to a few days or a few
weeks of sales. The timing of these orders could have a material impact on
quarterly operating results. Additionally, Autodesk's operating expenses are
based in part on its expectations of future revenues and are relatively fixed
in the short term. Accordingly, any revenue shortfall below expectations could
have an immediate and significant adverse effect on the Combined Company's
consolidated results of operations and financial conditions.
Similarly, shortfalls in Autodesk's and Discreet's revenues or earnings from
levels expected by securities analysts have in the past had an immediate and
significant adverse effect on the trading price of each company's common
stock, and any such shortfalls can be expected to have a similar effect on
Autodesk's stock price following consummation of the Transactions. Moreover,
each of Autodesk's and Discreet's stock price is, and Autodesk's stock price
will be, subject to the volatility generally associated with technology stocks
and may also be affected by broader market trends unrelated to performance.
A variety of factors have caused period-to-period fluctuations in Discreet
and Autodesk's operating results, including the integration of operations
resulting from acquisitions of companies, products or technologies, revenues
and expenses related to the introduction of new products or new versions of
existing products, changes in selling prices, delays in purchase in
anticipation of upgrades to existing products, or introduction of new products
(including products of third parties), currency fluctuations, dealer and
distributor order patterns or general economic trends. In addition, in the
future, the Combined Company is more likely to recognize a disproportionate
amount of its revenue for a given fiscal quarter or fiscal year at the end of
such fiscal quarter or fiscal year.
Autodesk and Discreet believe that the operating results of Autodesk's
Discreet business unit could vary significantly from quarter to quarter. A
limited number of system sales may account for a substantial percentage of
Discreet's quarterly revenue because of the high average sales price of such
systems and the timing of purchase orders. Historically, Discreet has
generally experienced greater revenues during the period following the
completion of the NAB trade show, which typically is held in April. In
addition, the timing of revenue is influenced by a number of other factors,
including the timing of individual orders and shipments, other industry trade
shows, competition, seasonal customer buying patterns, changes in customer
buying patterns in response to platform changes and changes in product
development, and sales and marketing expenditures. Because Discreet's
operating expenses are based on anticipated revenue levels and a high
percentage of Discreet's expenses are relatively fixed in the short term,
variations in the timing of recognition of revenue could cause significant
fluctuations in operating results from quarter to quarter and may result in
unanticipated quarterly earnings shortfalls or losses.
Product Concentration. Autodesk derives, and after consummation of the
Transactions is expected to continue to derive, a substantial portion of its
revenues from sales of AutoCAD software, AutoCAD upgrades, and adjacent
products which are interoperable with AutoCAD. As such, any factor adversely
affecting sales of AutoCAD and AutoCAD upgrades, including such factors as
product life cycle, market acceptance, product performance and reliability,
reputation, price competition, the availability of third-party applications or
the
31
introduction of products which substitute for AutoCAD, could have a material
adverse effect on the Combined Company's business and consolidated results of
operations.
Rapidly Changing Industry. The multimedia and design software industries are
characterized by rapid growth and technological change and changes in customer
requirements. The success of the Combined Company in this industry will depend
on many factors, including the continued acceptance of Discreet's current
products, its ability to enhance and support those products, its ability to
create an effective, integrated organization to develop and introduce new
products that address changing customer needs and technological advances by
competitors on a timely basis, and its ability to establish and maintain
effective distribution channels for its products. The Combined Company may not
be successful in these efforts. The future growth of the Combined Company's
revenues for its new media products also depends in part on sustained growth
in the demand for interactive media applications, which in turn depends on a
number of factors including product acceptance, price-point sensitivities,
consumer demand for film and video content and the proliferation of high
definition television. The demand for these applications may not develop at
the pace or in the direction anticipated by the Combined Company.
Product Development and Introduction. The multimedia and design software
industries are characterized by rapid technological change as well as changes
in customer requirements and preferences. The software products offered by
Autodesk and Discreet are complex and, despite extensive testing and quality
control, may contain errors or defects ("bugs"), especially when first
introduced. For example, in fiscal year 1996, Autodesk experienced quality and
performance issues associated with the release of AutoCAD Release 13 which
were satisfactorily addressed, but did result in a high rate of product
returns in fiscal year 1996. There can be no assurance that defects or errors
will not occur in future releases of AutoCAD, Discreet's products, or other
software products offered by the Combined Company. Such defects or errors
could result in corrective releases to the Combined Company's software
products, damage to the Combined Company's reputation, loss of revenues, an
increase in product returns, or lack of market acceptance of its products, any
of which could have a material and adverse effect on the Combined Company's
business and consolidated results of operations.
Autodesk and Discreet believe that the Combined Company's future results
will depend largely upon its ability to offer products that compete favorably
with respect to, reliability, performance, range of useful features,
continuing product enhancements, reputation, price and training. The discovery
of product defects could result in the delay or cancellation of planned
development projects, and could have a material and adverse effect on the
Combined Company's business and consolidated results of operations. Further,
increased competition in design, mapping or multimedia software products could
also have a negative impact on the Combined Company's business and
consolidated results of operations. More specifically, gross margins may be
adversely affected if customers purchase low-end CAD products, which
historically have had lower margins, instead of the Combined Company's higher-
margin products.
Certain of Autodesk's historical product development activities have been
performed by independent firms and contractors, while other technologies are
licensed from third parties. Autodesk generally either owns or licenses the
software developed by third parties. Because talented development personnel
are in high demand, there can be no assurance that independent developers,
including those who have developed products for Autodesk in the past, will be
able to provide development support to the Combined Company in the future.
Similarly, there can be no assurance that the Combined Company will be able to
obtain and renew license agreements on favorable terms, if at all, and any
failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on the Combined
Company's business and consolidated results of operations.
The success of Autodesk's Discreet business unit will depend in part upon
the Combined Company's ability to enhance Discreet's existing systems and
software and to develop and introduce new products and features which meet
changing customer requirements and emerging industry standards on a timely
basis. In addition, in connection with Discreet's recent acquisitions, the
Combined Company must fully integrate the edit*, effect*, paint* and light*
products into its product line and operations. Discreet and Autodesk have from
time to time experienced delays in introducing new products and product
enhancements and there can be no assurance that
32
the Combined Company will not experience difficulties that could delay or
prevent the successful development, introduction and marketing of new products
or product enhancements. In addition, there can be no assurance that such new
products or product enhancements will meet the requirements of the marketplace
and achieve market acceptance. Any such failure could have a material adverse
effect on the Combined Company's business and consolidated results of
operations. For example, during fiscal 1996, Discreet experienced delays in
introducing new products aimed at new market segments and such delay
contributed to revenue shortfall experienced by Discreet during such period.
From time to time the Combined Company or others may announce products,
features or technologies which have the potential to shorten the life cycle of
or replace the Combined Company's then existing products. Such announcements
could cause customers to defer the decision to buy or determine not to buy the
Combined Company's products or cause the Combined Company's distributors to
seek to return products to the Combined Company, any of which could have
material adverse effect on the Combined Company's business and consolidated
results of operations. In addition, product announcements by Silicon Graphics,
Inc. ("SGI") and others in the past have caused customers to defer their
decision to buy or determine not to buy Discreet's products. In addition,
there can be no assurance that products or technologies developed by others
will not render the Combined Company's products or technology noncompetitive
or obsolete.
Single Market for Discreet's Systems; Risks Associated with Expansion into
New Markets. To date, Discreet's products have been purchased primarily by
creative professionals for use in production and post-production in the film
and video industries. In order for Autodesk's Discreet business unit, to
achieve sustained growth, the market for Discreet's systems and software must
continue to develop and the Combined Company must expand this market to
include additional applications within the film and video industries and
develop new products for use in related markets. Discreet recently announced
its multi-platform software initiative to develop and market software across
Apple Macintosh, Microsoft Windows NT and UNIX operating systems, in addition
to its existing real time turnkey systems solutions, targeted at two new
market segments: institutional customers and prosumer (professional
consumers). While Autodesk and Discreet believe that the market recognition
which Discreet has achieved through sales of flame*, smoke*, effect*, inferno*
and fire* systems to creative professionals will facilitate the Combined
Company's marketing efforts in new markets, there can be no assurance that
Autodesk's Discreet business unit will be able to successfully develop and
market systems and software for other markets, or, if it does so, that such
systems and software will be accepted at a rate, and in levels, sufficient to
maintain growth. Further, the distribution channels, technical requirements
and levels and bases of competition in other markets are different than those
in Discreet's current market and there can be no assurance that the Combined
Company will be able to compete favorably in those markets.
International Operations. Revenue from international operations currently
accounts for a significant portion of the consolidated revenues of Autodesk
and Discreet, and such revenue is expected to continue to account for a
significant portion of the Combined Company's consolidated revenues. Risks
inherent in Autodesk's and Discreet's international operations include the
following: unexpected changes in regulatory practices and tariffs;
difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations; longer collection
cycles; potential changes in tax laws; greater difficulty in protecting
intellectual property; and the impact of fluctuating exchange rates between
the US dollar and foreign currencies in the markets where Autodesk and
Discreet conduct business. In particular, during the first six months of
Autodesk's fiscal 1999, changes in exchange rates from the same period of the
prior fiscal year adversely impacted Autodesk's revenues by $8.7 million when
compared to the same period in the prior year, principally due to changes in
the rate of exchange between the US dollar and the Japanese yen and the
Australian dollar.
Autodesk's international results have been recently impacted by unfavorable
economic and political conditions in the Asian markets, and Autodesk believes
such conditions will continue over the forseeable period to negatively impact
its business. See "Autodesk Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations." There can be no assurance that the
economic crisis and currency issues currently being experienced in the Asian
markets will not have a material adverse effect on the Combined Company's
future international sales and, consequently, on the Combined Company's
business and consolidated results of operations.
33
Dependence on Distribution Channels. Autodesk sells its software products
primarily to VARs. Autodesk's ability to effectively distribute products
depends in part upon the financial and business condition of its VAR network.
Although Autodesk has not currently experienced any material problems with its
VAR network, computer software dealers and distributors are typically not
highly capitalized and have experienced difficulties during times of economic
contraction and may do so in the future. The loss of or a significant
reduction in business with any one of Autodesk's major international
distributors or large US resellers could have a material adverse effect on the
Combined Company's business and consolidated results of operations in future
periods.
Product Returns. With the exception of certain European distributors,
agreements with Autodesk's VARs do not contain specific product-return
privileges. However, Autodesk permits its VARs to return product in certain
instances, generally during periods of product transition and during update
cycles. Although product returns, comparing the first quarter of fiscal 1999
to the same period in the prior year, decreased as a percentage of
consolidated revenues, management anticipates that product returns in future
periods will continue to be impacted by the timing of new product releases, as
well as the quality and market acceptance of new products.
Autodesk establishes reserves, including reserves for stock balancing and
product rotation, based on estimated future returns of product and after
taking into account channel inventory levels, the timing of new product
introductions, and other factors. While Autodesk maintains strict measures to
monitor channel inventories and to provide appropriate reserves, actual
product returns may differ from Autodesk's reserve estimates, and such
differences could be material to the Combined Company's consolidated financial
statements.
Intellectual Property. Each of Autodesk's and Discreet's success is
dependent on its proprietary technology. Autodesk and Discreet rely on a
combination of patent, copyright and trademark laws, trade secrets,
confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions to protect its
proprietary rights. Despite such efforts to protect proprietary rights,
unauthorized parties may attempt to copy aspects of the Combined Company's
software products or to obtain and use information that the Combined Company
regards as proprietary. Policing unauthorized use of Autodesk's and Discreet's
software products is time-consuming and costly. Although neither company is
able to measure accurately the extent to which piracy of its software products
exists, software piracy can be expected to be a persistent problem. There can
be no assurance that the Combined Company's means of protecting its
proprietary rights will be adequate or that its competitors will not
independently develop similar technology.
Autodesk and Discreet expect that software product developers will be
increasingly subject to infringement claims as the number of products and
competitors in its market grows and the functionality of products in different
market segments overlap. From time to time, infringement claims have been
asserted against Autodesk and Discreet, and there can be no assurance that
infringement or invalidity claims (or claims for indemnification resulting
from infringement claims) will not be asserted against the Combined Company in
the future or that any such assertions will not have a material adverse effect
on the Combined Company's business and consolidated results of operations. Any
such claims, whether with or without merit, could be time-consuming, result in
costly litigation and diversion of resources, cause product shipment delays,
or require the Combined Company to enter into royalty or licensing agreements.
Such royalty or license agreements, if required, may not be available on
acceptable terms, if at all, which could have a material adverse effect on the
Combined Company's business and consolidated results of operations. If
infringement is alleged by any third party, the Combined Company may be
required to discontinue the use of certain software codes or processes, to
cease the manufacture, use and sale of infringing products, to incur
significant litigation costs and expenses and to develop non-infringing
technology or to obtain licenses to use the allegedly infringed technology.
There can be no assurance that the Combined Company would be able to develop
alternative technologies or to obtain such licenses or, if a license were
obtainable, that the terms would be commercially reasonable or acceptable to
the Combined Company.
In addition, Autodesk, and in some cases Discreet, also relies on certain
software that is licensed from third parties, including software that is
integrated with internally developed software and used in its products to
perform key functions. There can be no assurance that these third-party
software licenses will continue to be
34
available on commercially reasonable terms, or that the software will be
appropriately supported, maintained, or enhanced by the licensors. The loss of
licenses, or inability to support, maintain, and enhance any such software,
could result in increased costs, or in delays or reductions in product
shipments until equivalent software could be developed, identified, licensed,
and integrated, which could have a material adverse effect on the Combined
Company's business and consolidated results of operations.
Discreet generally seeks to enter into confidentiality agreements with its
employees and license agreements with its distributors and to limit access to
and distribution of its systems, software, documentation and other proprietary
information. Until fiscal 1996, substantially all of Discreet's systems were
sold without written license agreements. There can be no assurance that the
Combined Company will not be involved in litigation with respect thereto or
that the outcome of any such litigation might not be more unfavorable to the
Combined Company as a result of such omissions. Discreet uses both software
and hardware keys with respect to its systems and software but otherwise does
not copy-protect its systems and software. It may be possible for unauthorized
third parties to copy Discreet's products or to reverse engineer or obtain and
use information that Discreet regards as proprietary. There can be no
assurance that the Combined Company's competitors will not independently
develop technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to
Discreet's technologies.
Risks Associated with Recent Acquisitions and Investments. Each of Autodesk
and Discreet periodically acquires or invests in businesses, software products
and technologies which are complementary to its business through acquisitions,
strategic alliances, debt and equity investments, joint ventures and the like.
The risks associated with such acquisitions or investments include, among
others, the difficulty of integrating the operations and personnel of the
companies, the failure to realize anticipated synergies and the diversion of
management's time and attention. In addition, such investments and
acquisitions may involve significant transaction-related costs. There can be
no assurance that Autodesk or Discreet will be successful in overcoming such
risks or that such investments and acquisitions will not have a material
adverse impact upon the Combined Company's business, financial condition or
consolidated results of operations. In addition, such investments and
acquisitions may contribute to potential fluctuations in quarterly results of
operations due to acquisition-related costs and charges associated with
eliminating redundant expenses or write-offs of impaired assets recorded in
connection with acquisitions, any of which could negatively impact results of
operations for a given period or cause lack of linearity quarter to quarter in
the Combined Company's operating results or financial condition.
On May 4, 1998, Autodesk acquired the mechanical applications business of
Genius CAD Software GmbH ("Genius"), a German limited liability company, for
approximately $69 million in cash, which includes fees and expenses. In
addition, Discreet in fiscal 1997 and 1998 completed three acquisitions: the
assets of Denim Software L.L.C., D-Vision Systems, Inc. and Lightscape
Technologies, Inc. There can be no assurance that the anticipated benefits of
these acquisitions or any future acquisitions will be realized.
Attraction and Retention of Employees. The continued growth and success of
the Combined Company depends significantly on the continued service of highly
skilled employees. In particular, Discreet's success to date has depended to a
significant extent upon a number of key management and technical employees,
the loss of any of whom could have a material adverse effect on Discreet's
business and results of operations. Competition for these employees in today's
marketplace, especially in the technology industries, is intense. The Combined
Company's ability to attract and retain employees is dependent on a number of
factors including its continued ability to grant stock incentive awards. There
can be no assurance that the Combined Company will be successful in continuing
to recruit new personnel and to retain existing personnel. The loss of one or
more key employees or the Combined Company's inability to maintain existing
employees or recruit new employees could have a material adverse impact on the
Combined Company. In addition, the Combined Company may experience increased
compensation costs to attract and retain skilled personnel.
Impact of Year 2000. Some of the computer programs used by Autodesk and
Discreet in their internal operations rely on time-sensitive software that was
written using two digits rather than four to identify the applicable year.
These programs may recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than
the year 2000. This could result in a system failure or miscalculations
causing disruptions of operations, including, among other
35
things, a temporary inability to process transactions, send invoices, or
engage in similar normal business activities. Additionally, as Autodesk and
Discreet are in the business of software production, year 2000 issues may
affect each company's products which are being sold externally. Autodesk
expects to successfully implement a six-phase year 2000 compliance program and
does not believe that the cost of such procedures will have a material effect
on Autodesk's results of operations or financial condition. There can be no
assurance, however, that there will not be a delay in the completion of these
procedures or that the cost of such procedures will not exceed original
estimates, either of which could have a material adverse effect on future
results of operations.
In addition to correcting the business and operating systems used by
Autodesk in the ordinary course of business as described above, Autodesk has
also reviewed all products it produces internally for sale to third parties to
determine compliance of its products. Products either have been found to be
compliant or are currently being tested for compliance. However, many Autodesk
products run on computer hardware and operating systems produced and sold by
third-party vendors. There can be no assurance that these application systems
will be converted in a timely manner, and any failure in this regard may cause
Autodesk products not to function as designed. Discreet has made preliminary
assessments of its products and information systems and has determined that
they are Year 2000 compliant, or that only a limited effort will be required
to achieve compliance. Discreet is currently proceeding with detailed reviews
of every application used. It is expected that some will have to be upgraded
to Year 2000 compliant applications. It is expected that some customers may
experience some difficulties related to non-Discreet products, which may
affect the performance of Discreet products and, therefore, lead to an
unusually high number of calls to the Discreet technical support department.
Any future costs associated with ensuring that Autodesk's products or the
products of Autodesk's Discreet business unit are compliant with the Year 2000
are not expected to have a material impact on Autodesk's results of operations
or financial position.
Dependence on Single Workstation Vendor. Discreet's flame*, effect*,
inferno*, fire*, smoke* and frost* systems currently include workstations
manufactured by Silicon Graphics, Inc. ("SGI"). There are significant risks
associated with this reliance on SGI, and the Combined Company may be impacted
by the timing of the development and release of products by SGI, as was the
case during fiscal 1996 when the announcement by SGI of a new Onyx workstation
caused Discreet to offer substantial discounts and other favorable terms
regarding its then current inventory of SGI workstations. In addition, there
may be unforeseen difficulties associated with adapting Discreet's products to
future SGI products. Discreet is an authorized master VAR of workstations
manufactured by SGI. Discreet's agreement with SGI is subject to annual
renewal in May of each year and termination by SGI for cause. The agreement
with SGI has been extended through December 31, 1998 and Discreet has no
reason to believe that SGI will not renew such agreement. In addition,
although Discreet has no reason to believe that it will be unable to obtain
sufficient quantities of SGI workstations on a timely basis or that its status
as a master VAR will be changed, there can be no assurance that the Combined
Company will continue to be able to procure such workstations in sufficient
quantities or on a timely basis or that SGI will continue to recognize the
Combined Company as a master VAR. The success of Autodesk's Discreet business
unit also depends, in part, on the continued market acceptance of SGI
workstations by consumers in general, and by the professional film and video
industries, in particular. Although the Combined Company intends to continue
to evaluate new hardware platforms and may adapt its products as technological
advances and market demands dictate, Discreet and Autodesk believe that
Autodesk's Discreet business unit will continue to derive a substantial
portion of its revenue for the foreseeable future from the sale and
maintenance of systems designed to include SGI workstations. As a result,
financial, market and other developments adversely affecting SGI or the sales
of workstations, the introduction or acquisition by SGI of products which are
competitive with those of Discreet, or the unanticipated timing or pricing of
SGI products that could cause customers to defer the decision to buy or
determine not to buy the Autodesk Discreet business unit's then available
products or systems, could have an adverse effect upon the Combined Company's
business and results of operations, as was the case with respect to Discreet
for the three month period ended January 31, 1996. As a master VAR, Discreet
also obtains certain advance access to SGI technology in order to develop
compatible systems and to modify and improve existing products. If the
Combined Company were unable to obtain such advance access, it could have an
adverse impact on the Combined Company's business and results of operations.
36
Reliance on Sole Source Suppliers. Discreet is dependent on SGI as
Discreet's sole source for video input/output cards used in Discreet's
systems. Discreet is also dependent on a single workstation vendor. See "--
Dependence on Single Workstation Vendor." Discreet also purchases electronic
tablets manufactured by Wacom Technology Corporation and believes that while
alternative suppliers are available, there can be no assurance that
alternative electronic tablets would be functionally equivalent or be
available on a timely basis or on similar terms. Discreet generally purchases
sole source or other components pursuant to purchase orders placed from time
to time in the ordinary course of business and has no written agreements or
guaranteed supply arrangements with its sole source suppliers. Discreet has
experienced quality control problems and supply shortages for sole source
components in the past and there can be no assurance that the Combined Company
will not experience significant quality control problems or supply shortages
for these components in the future. Discreet does not maintain an extensive
inventory of these components, and an interruption in supply could have a
material adverse effect on Discreet's business and results of operations.
Because of Discreet's reliance on these suppliers, Discreet may also be
subject to increases in component costs which could adversely affect the
Combined Company's business and results of operations.
37
AUTODESK SPECIAL MEETING
DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF AUTODESK MEETING
The Autodesk Meeting will be held at The Executive Briefing Center,
Autodesk, Inc., 111 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, California, on January [ ],
1999 at :00 .m. local time.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Autodesk Meeting is consider and vote on the Autodesk
Resolution and to transact such further or other business as may properly come
before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, including a
proposal to adjourn the Autodesk Meeting, if necessary, to permit further
solicitation of proxies in the event there are not sufficient votes at the
time of the Autodesk Meeting to approve the Autodesk Resolution.
RECORD DATE AND OUTSTANDING SHARES
Only Autodesk Stockholders of record at the close of business on the
Autodesk Record Date are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Autodesk
Meeting. As of the Autodesk Record Date, there were 1,128 Autodesk
Stockholders of record holding an aggregate of 46,774,198 shares of Autodesk
Common Stock.
On or about December , 1998, a notice meeting the requirements of Delaware
law was mailed to all Autodesk Stockholders of record as of the Autodesk
Record Date.
VOTE REQUIRED
Under Delaware law and Nasdaq National Market rules, approval of the
Autodesk Resolution requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the total
votes cast regarding such proposal at a meeting at which a quorum is present
or represented by proxy. Each Autodesk Stockholder of record on the Autodesk
Record Date is entitled to cast one vote per share, exercisable in person or
by properly executed proxy, on each matter properly submitted for the vote of
the Autodesk Stockholders at the Autodesk Meeting.
The required quorum for the transaction of business at the Autodesk Meeting
is a majority of the shares of Autodesk Common Stock outstanding on the
Autodesk Record Date. Shares of Autodesk Common Stock that are voted "FOR,"
"AGAINST" or "WITHHELD" from a matter are treated as being present at the
meeting for purposes of establishing a quorum and are also treated as being
entitled to vote on the subject matter (the "Votes Cast") with respect to such
matter.
While abstentions (votes "withheld") will be counted for purposes of
determining both the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of
business and the total number of Votes Cast with respect to a particular
matter, broker non-votes with respect to proposals set forth in this Proxy
Circular will not be considered Votes Cast and, accordingly, will not affect
the determination as to whether the requisite majority of Votes Cast has been
obtained with respect to a particular matter once a quorum is present.
Proxies. Each of the persons named as proxies in the proxy is an officer of
Autodesk. All shares of Autodesk Common Stock that are entitled to vote and
are represented at the Autodesk Meeting either in person or by properly
executed proxies received prior to or at the Autodesk Meeting and not duly and
timely revoked will be voted at the Autodesk Meeting in accordance with the
instructions indicated on such proxies. If no such instructions are indicated,
such proxies will be voted for the approval of the Autodesk Resolution.
The Autodesk Board knows of no other matter to be presented at the Autodesk
Meeting. If any other matters are properly presented for consideration at the
Autodesk Meeting (or any adjournments or postponements thereof) including,
among other things, consideration of a motion to adjourn or postpone the
Autodesk Meeting to another time and/or place (including, without limitation,
for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies), the persons named in the
enclosed forms of proxy and voting thereunder will have the discretion to vote
on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.
38
Any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the person
giving it at any time before it is voted. Proxies may be revoked by (i) filing
with the Secretary of Autodesk at or before the taking of the vote at the
Autodesk Meeting, a written notice of revocation bearing a later date than the
proxy; (ii) duly executing a later-dated proxy relating to the same shares and
delivering it to the Secretary of Autodesk before the taking of the vote at
the Autodesk Meeting or (iii) attending the Autodesk Meeting and voting in
person. Any written notice of revocation or subsequent proxy should be sent so
as to be delivered to Autodesk, Inc. at 111 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael,
California 94903, Attention: Secretary, or hand-delivered to the Secretary of
Autodesk, in each case at or before the taking of the vote at the Autodesk
Meeting.
VOTING AGREEMENTS
All executive officers and directors of Autodesk have entered into voting
agreements with Discreet (each an "Autodesk Voting Agreement"), pursuant to
which each such holder has agreed to vote in favor of the Autodesk Resolution.
In addition, each such holder has agreed, pursuant to the Autodesk Voting
Agreement, to grant to Discreet's management an irrevocable proxy to vote such
holder's shares as aforesaid. The Autodesk Voting Agreements will terminate
upon termination of the Acquisition Agreement or the Effective Time, whichever
occurs earlier. The outstanding shares of Autodesk Common Stock held by
parties to the Autodesk Voting Agreements represent approximately 0.2% of the
votes entitled to be cast at the Autodesk Meeting. The following members of
the Autodesk Board, comprising the entire Autodesk Board, have entered into
Autodesk Voting Agreements: Carol A. Bartz, Mark A. Bertelsen, Crawford W.
Beveridge, J. Hallam Dawson, Paul S. Otellini, Mary Alice Taylor and Morton
Topfer. The following Autodesk executive officers have entered into Autodesk
Voting Agreements: Eric B. Herr, Joseph H. Astroth, Carl Bass, Steve
Cakebread, Dominic J. Gallello, Stephen McMahon, Marcia K. Sterling, Godfrey
R. Sullivan and Michael E. Sutton.
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES; EXPENSES
The cost of the solicitation of proxies from Autodesk Stockholders will be
borne by Autodesk. In addition, Autodesk may reimburse brokerage firms and
other persons representing beneficial owners of shares for their expenses in
forwarding solicitation materials to such beneficial owners. Proxies may also
be solicited by certain Autodesk directors, officers and regular employees
personally or by telephone, telegram, letter, e-mail or facsimile. Such
persons will not receive additional compensation, but may be reimbursed for
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with such
solicitation. Autodesk has retained Georgeson & Company, Inc. to assist in the
solicitation of proxies at an estimated fee of $10,000 plus reimbursement of
reasonable expenses.
NO APPRAISAL RIGHTS
Autodesk Stockholders are not entitled to appraisal or similar rights under
the DGCL in connection with the Transactions.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE AUTODESK BOARD
THE AUTODESK BOARD HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE ACQUISITION AGREEMENT AND
THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY AND HAS DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSACTIONS
ARE FAIR AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF AUTODESK AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS. AFTER
CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, THE AUTODESK BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR
THE AUTODESK RESOLUTION. SEE "APPROVAL OF THE TRANSACTIONS--JOINT REASONS FOR
THE TRANSACTIONS," "--AUTODESK'S REASONS FOR THE TRANSACTIONS" AND "--
DISCREET'S REASONS FOR THE TRANSACTIONS."
39
DISCREET SPECIAL MEETING
DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF DISCREET MEETING
The Discreet Meeting will be held at [ ], on January ,
1999 at :00 .m. local time.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Discreet Meeting is to consider and vote upon the
Discreet Resolution and to transact such further or other business as may
properly come before the Discreet Meeting or at any adjournment or
postponement thereof, including a proposal to adjourn the Discreet Meeting, if
necessary, to permit further solicitation of proxies in the event there are
not sufficient votes at the Discreet Meeting to approve the Discreet
Resolution.
RECORD DATE AND OUTSTANDING SHARES
Only Discreet Shareholders at the close of business on the Discreet Record
Date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Discreet Meeting. As of
the Discreet Record Date, there were Discreet Shareholders of record
holding an aggregate of approximately Discreet Common Shares.
On or about December , 1998, a notice satisfying the requirements of Quebec
law was mailed to all Discreet Shareholders of record as of the Discreet
Record Date.
VOTE REQUIRED
Pursuant to the Quebec Act and the articles of incorporation of Discreet, as
amended, the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than sixty-six and
two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the votes cast by holders of the Discreet
Common Shares present or represented by proxy at the Discreet Meeting is
required to approve the Discreet Resolution. Each Discreet Shareholder of
record on the Discreet Record Date will be entitled to cast one vote per share
on each matter to be acted upon at the Discreet Meeting.
The required quorum for the transaction of business at the Discreet Meeting
is two persons present in person, each being a shareholder entitled to vote
thereat or a duly appointed proxyholder for an absent shareholder so entitled,
and together holding or representing by proxy not less than a majority of the
outstanding Discreet Common Shares entitled to vote at the Discreet Meeting. A
Discreet Shareholder who attends or is represented by proxy at the Discreet
Meeting and who abstains from voting on any or all proposals will be included
in the number of shareholders present at the Discreet Meeting for the purpose
of determining the presence of a quorum. However, such an abstention will not
be taken into account in the votes cast at the Discreet Meeting. Under the
rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., brokers holding
shares for the accounts of their clients may not vote their clients' proxies
for the Discreet Resolution without specific voting instructions. Any shares
not so instructed will be counted for determining the presence of a quorum but
will not be counted for any other purposes.
PROXIES
Unless another person is identified on the form of proxy by the Discreet
Shareholder, each of the persons named as proxies in the form of proxy is an
officer of Discreet. All Discreet Common Shares that are entitled to vote and
are represented at the Discreet Meeting either in person or by properly
executed proxies received prior to or at the Discreet Meeting and not duly and
timely revoked will be voted at the Discreet Meeting in accordance with the
instructions indicated on such proxies. If no such instructions are indicated,
such proxies will be voted for the approval and adoption of the Discreet
Resolution.
The Discreet Board knows of no other matter to be presented at the Discreet
Meeting. If any other matter upon which a vote may properly be taken should be
presented at the Discreet Meeting, including, among other
40
matters, consideration of a motion to adjourn the Discreet Meeting (including
without limitation for purposes of soliciting additional proxies) to another
time and/or place, shares represented by all proxies received by Discreet will
be voted with respect thereto in accordance with the judgment of the persons
named as proxies in the proxies.
Execution of a proxy does not in any way affect a shareholder's right to
attend the Discreet Meeting and vote in person. Any proxy may be revoked by a
shareholder at any time before it is exercised by delivering a written
revocation or a later-dated proxy to the Chairman of the Discreet Board, or by
attending the meeting and voting in person. Any written notice of revocation
or subsequent proxy should be sent so as to be delivered to Discreet Logic
Inc. at 10 Duke Street, Montreal, Quebec H3C 2L7, Attention: Chairman, or
hand-delivered to the Chairman of the Discreet Board, in each case at or
before the taking of the vote at the Discreet Meeting.
VOTING AGREEMENTS
The executive officers and certain directors of Discreet have entered into
voting agreements with Autodesk and Dutchco (each, a "Discreet Voting
Agreement"), pursuant to which each such person has agreed to vote his
Discreet Common Shares in favor of the Discreet Resolution. In addition, each
such holder has agreed pursuant to the Discreet Voting Agreements to grant to
Autodesk's management an irrevocable proxy to vote such holder's shares as
aforesaid. The Discreet Voting Agreements will terminate upon termination of
the Acquisition Agreement or the Effective Time, whichever occurs earlier. The
outstanding Discreet Common Shares subject to the Discreet Voting Agreements
represent approximately % of the votes entitled to be cast at the Discreet
Meeting. The following members of the Discreet Board have entered into
Discreet Voting Agreements: Richard J. Szalwinski, Gary G. Tregaskis and
Thomas Cantwell. The following Discreet executive officers have entered into
Discreet Voting Agreements: Francois Plamondon and Winston Rodrigues.
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES; EXPENSES
The cost of the solicitation of proxies from Discreet Shareholders will be
borne by Discreet. Brokers, custodians and fiduciaries will be requested to
forward proxy soliciting material to the owners of shares held in their names,
and Discreet will reimburse them for their reasonable out-of-pocket costs. In
addition, proxies may also be solicited by certain directors, officers and
employees of Discreet personally or by mail, telephone, telegraph, facsimile
or e-mail following the original solicitation. Such persons will not receive
additional compensation for such solicitation. Discreet has retained
to assist in soliciting proxies at an estimated fee of $ plus
reimbursement of reasonable expenses.
NO APPRAISAL RIGHTS
Discreet Shareholders are not entitled to appraisal or similar rights
pursuant to the Quebec Act in connection with the Transactions. See
"Description of Capital Stock--Comparison of Shareholders' Rights--Dissenters'
Rights."
RECOMMENDATION OF THE DISCREET BOARD
AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, BASED ON THE UNANIMOUS RECOMMENDATION OF THE
DISCREET SPECIAL COMMITTEE, THE DISCREET BOARD HAS APPROVED THE ACQUISITION
AGREEMENT BY THE UNANIMOUS VOTE OF ALL NON-INTERESTED DIRECTORS AND BELIEVES
THAT THE TRANSACTIONS ARE FAIR AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF DISCREET AND ITS
SHAREHOLDERS AND RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE DISCREET RESOLUTION. SEE "APPROVAL
OF THE TRANSACTIONS--JOINT REASONS FOR THE TRANSACTIONS," "--AUTODESK'S
REASONS FOR THE TRANSACTIONS" AND "--DISCREET'S REASONS FOR THE TRANSACTIONS."
41
APPROVAL OF THE TRANSACTIONS
The terms of the Acquisition Agreement and the Transactions are the result
of arm's length negotiations between representatives of Discreet, Autodesk and
Dutchco. The following is a summary of the background of these negotiations
and the review of the Transactions undertaken by the Discreet Special
Committee, the Discreet Board, the Autodesk Board and the Dutchco Board and
the parties' reasons for the Transactions. The following discussion of the
background of the Transactions and the parties' reasons for the Transactions
and the potential benefits that could result from the Transactions contains
forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. Readers are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The
actual results of Autodesk, Discreet and the Combined Company could differ
materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a
result of certain factors, including those set forth under "Risk Factors" and
elsewhere in this Proxy Circular.
BACKGROUND OF THE TRANSACTIONS
As a public company, from time to time, Discreet has received inquiries from
third parties relating to potential strategic transactions, including certain
preliminary discussions and exchanges of information conducted in June and
July 1998 which did not lead to any formal acquisition proposal.
During the summer and the fall of 1997, the management of Discreet and of
Kinetix, a division of Autodesk, had meetings and telephone conversations
during which they explored the possibility of a cooperative business
relationship to pursue joint marketing opportunities.
Beginning in February 1998, pursuant to a mutual nondisclosure and
confidentiality agreement, the companies began sharing certain product
development information in an effort to determine the feasibility of enhancing
the interoperability of Kinetix's 3D Studio Max product with Discreet's
effect* and paint* products for future releases of these products.
On March 6, 1998, the senior management of Autodesk and Kinetix met with the
senior management of Discreet to discuss the ongoing relationship between
Discreet and Kinetix and explore the possibility of creating a formal joint
venture or other form of strategic alliance between Autodesk and Discreet
which would combine certain activities and products of both Kinetix and
Discreet.
On March 23, 1998, Discreet and Autodesk announced a cooperative
relationship whereby 3D Studio MAX would be integrated with Discreet's paint*
and effect* products. The first integrated versions of the products were
demonstrated at the NAB trade show in April 1998.
During the month of April 1998, various telephone conversations occurred
between management of Discreet and Kinetix, and on May 1, 1998, members of the
senior management of Kinetix and Steve Cakebread, Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of Autodesk, met with Timothy Getz, Vice President-Corporate
Development, and Francois Plamondon, Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of Discreet, to review possible structures of a formalized
joint venture between the parties and related business issues. Subsequent
conversations were held between Kinetix and Discreet management during May.
During the week of May 26, 1998, and later on June 10, 1998, Mr. Cakebread
and Mr. Plamondon held discussions to further explore the joint venture
proposal and ultimately determined not to pursue a formal joint venture at
such time, but to continue joint development efforts pursuant to the March 23
agreement.
On June 29, 1998, at the request of Autodesk, Autodesk's financial advisor,
Piper Jaffray, called Discreet suggesting a meeting with Autodesk to explore
the possibility of a strategic combination between the two companies. Shortly
thereafter, this discussion was followed up by a conversation between Carol
Bartz, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Autodesk, and
Richard Szalwinski, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Discreet.
42
On July 8, 1998, Eric Herr, President and Chief Operating Officer of
Autodesk, Mr. Cakebread and a representative from Piper Jaffray met in
Montreal, Quebec with Mr. Szalwinski, Mr. Plamondon, Mr. Getz and a
representative from Volpe Brown Whelan, financial advisor to Discreet, to
discuss the possibility of a strategic transaction or strategic combination
between the two companies.
On July 10, 1998, Discreet and Autodesk executed a new mutual nondisclosure
and confidentiality agreement in anticipation of further discussions and
mutual exchange of information in connection with a possible business
transaction or strategic relationship. At this time, each party commenced its
due diligence investigation of the other party, which continued until the
execution of the Acquisition Agreement.
Between July 10 and July 27, 1998, the financial advisors of both companies
reviewed the confidential material exchanged by the parties and various
discussions occurred between management of both companies regarding such
information.
During the last two weeks of July 1998, Volpe Brown Whelan conferred with
Piper Jaffray regarding the preliminary discussions between Discreet and
Autodesk and appropriate transaction valuation ranges and potential deal
terms.
On July 28, 1998, representatives from Piper Jaffray met with Ms. Bartz, Mr.
Herr and other members of Autodesk's management to present the preliminary
results of their due diligence and to discuss valuation, deal structure and
related issues.
Between July 27, 1998 and July 31, 1998, telephone conversations were held
among Ms. Bartz, Mr. Herr, Mr. Szalwinski and Mr. Plamondon and on July 31,
1998, such individuals met in Chicago, Illinois along with Mr. Getz of
Discreet and discussed various aspects of the possible business combination,
including how the combined entity might be structured following a transaction,
the growth objectives of Autodesk, the role of the Discreet business unit in a
combined organization, the growth potential of Discreet as part of the
combined entity, the management structure of the combined entity, the
potential roles of certain key management personnel and potential deal terms.
On August 4, 1998, the Autodesk Board met by teleconference to discuss,
among other matters, the potential business combination with Discreet, which
meeting was also attended by Mr. Herr, Marcia Sterling, Autodesk's Vice
President of Business Development and General Counsel, Christine Tsingos,
Autodesk's Vice President and Treasurer, as well as representatives from Piper
Jaffray. The representatives from Autodesk's management described the then
current relationship between the Kinetix division and Discreet and the
potential for synergies from the combination of Discreet's high-end and mid-
range new media software product offerings with Kinetix's products.
Representatives from Piper Jaffray provided information concerning Discreet's
products and target markets, and reviewed the written documentation containing
preliminary valuation analyses and related financial information which had
been provided to the Autodesk Board prior to the meeting. The Autodesk Board
asked questions and discussed the strategy underlying the proposed
transaction, the risks inherent in the proposed transaction, and the
implications of the proposed transaction with regard to long term Autodesk
Stockholder value. Following significant discussion and review, the Autodesk
Board authorized management to continue its discussions and to undertake in-
depth due diligence to determine whether the proposed transaction was in the
best interests of Autodesk and its stockholders, and whether the proposed
combination could be effectively integrated and managed.
On August 4 and 5, 1998, the Discreet Board met to discuss, among other
matters, a potential transaction with Autodesk. Representatives of Volpe Brown
Whelan were also present and made a presentation to the Discreet Board, which
included materials outlining economic and other issues for consideration in
weighing the attractiveness of the potential combination with Autodesk. The
Discreet Board reviewed the qualifications and expertise of Volpe Brown Whelan
and its representatives. The Discreet Board reviewed the industry in which
Autodesk operates, and the relative strengths, weaknesses and operating
history of Autodesk in such industry. The Discreet Board reviewed with Volpe
Brown Whelan a preliminary analysis of the relevant costs, benefits and risks
of the proposed transaction and a preliminary analysis of acceptable pricing
models. The Discreet Board
43
discussed the state of the industry in which Discreet operates, including
recent consolidations and other matters. The Discreet Board, following
significant discussion and review, decided that discussions with Autodesk
should be pursued. The Discreet Board determined that a special committee of
the Discreet Board should be constituted to review the proposed transaction
and to make an appropriate recommendation with regard thereto.
Between August 5 and 7, 1998, members of Autodesk's and Dutchco's executive
management, legal, financial and technical staffs and representatives from
Piper Jaffray conducted legal, financial, business and technical due diligence
in Montreal, Quebec. Autodesk conducted a detailed review of Discreet's
operations, financial outlook, legal agreements and commitments, technical
processes and development efforts and met with senior management and members
of Discreet's legal, financial and technical staff.
Commencing at this time, Discreet's outside United States legal counsel,
Testa, Hurwitz & Thibeault, LLP, conducted legal due diligence on Autodesk.
On August 8, 9 and 10, 1998, Volpe Brown Whelan conferred with Piper Jaffray
regarding appropriate transaction valuation.
On August 9, 1998, Ms. Sterling and Mr. Cakebread of Autodesk, Mr. Plamondon
of Discreet and Mark J. Macenka of Testa, Hurwitz and Thibeault, LLP held a
telephonic meeting during which a number of general and specific terms of the
proposed transaction were proposed and discussed, including the various
structural alternatives for any transaction and the tax and accounting aspects
of such alternatives.
On August 11, 1998, a draft acquisition agreement and other transaction
documents were circulated by Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, outside United
States legal counsel to Autodesk and Dutchco, and Aird & Berlis, outside
Canadian legal counsel to Autodesk and Dutchco.
During the period between August 11 and 14, 1998, members of Discreet's
senior management, financial and technical staff, along with representatives
from Discreet's financial advisor, Volpe Brown Whelan, and attorneys from
Discreet's outside United States legal counsel, Testa, Hurwitz & Thibeault,
LLP, conducted a due diligence investigation of Autodesk in San Rafael,
California. In addition, Discreet's internal legal staff continued their due
diligence investigation of Autodesk. Discreet's due diligence team performed a
detailed review of Autodesk's operations and financial outlook, reviewed
Autodesk's legal documents and met with members of Autodesk's senior
management, financial, technical and legal staff. Additionally, discussions
continued regarding the transaction terms, possible integration plans and
transaction communication strategy. Discreet's legal, financial, technical and
business due diligence of Autodesk continued until August 20, 1998.
During the period between August 11 and 20, 1998, management of Autodesk,
Dutchco and Discreet, together with their respective legal and financial
advisers, continued their extensive negotiations of the terms and conditions
of the definitive agreements relating to the transaction.
On August 18, 1998, Autodesk held a meeting of the Autodesk Board, which was
also attended by Mr. Herr, Ms. Sterling, Mr. Cakebread, Jim Guerard,
Autodesk's Vice President of Kinetix, and representatives from Piper Jaffray.
The Autodesk Board reviewed the material terms of the draft acquisition
agreement and related agreements in detail. Representatives from Piper Jaffray
made a presentation to the Autodesk Board, which included an in-depth analysis
of the financial implications of the transaction, historical financial data,
comparable industry combinations and the potential effect of achieving all,
some or none of the expected synergies from the proposed business combination
with Discreet. The Autodesk Board asked a number of questions, and there was
extensive discussion concerning: (i) the results of legal, financial and
technical due diligence, (ii) the potential for achieving synergies from the
proposed business combination, (iii) the material terms of the agreement,
including financial disincentives for termination of the transaction by
Discreet after signing of a definitive agreement, (iv) the future strategic
direction of Autodesk's Kinetix division absent the proposed business
combination with Discreet, (v) historical information concerning the
businesses, prospects, financial performance
44
and condition, operations, technology management and competitive position of
both Autodesk and Discreet, including most recent quarterly and annual filings
with the SEC, (vi) the financial condition and results of operations for
Autodesk and Discreet before and after the proposed business combination,
(vii) current financial market conditions and historical market prices,
volatility and trading information with respect to the Discreet Common Shares
and Autodesk Common Stock, (viii) the potential for other third parties to
propose or enter into strategic relationships with Discreet or Autodesk's
Kinetix division, (ix) trends within the multimedia and design software
industries which might impact the decision to proceed with the proposed
business combination with Discreet, (x) the impact of the proposed business
combination upon Autodesk's customers, partners and employees, and (xi) the
opinion of Piper Jaffray as to the fairness, from a financial point of view,
of the proposed exchange ratio to Autodesk. At the conclusion of the meeting,
the Autodesk Board unanimously approved the proposed transaction with
Discreet, authorized management to execute and deliver the acquisition
agreement, and adopted several other resolutions necessary to enable the
mechanics of the transaction.
On the evening of August 18, 1998, the Discreet Board held a special meeting
with all directors participating by telephone. At such meeting, members of
Discreet's senior management and representatives from Volpe Brown Whelan and
Testa, Hurwitz & Thibeault, LLP discussed with the Discreet Board, and
responded to numerous questions from the Discreet Board members about, (i) the
status of the ongoing negotiations with Autodesk, (ii) the strategic rationale
for the transaction, potential synergies and benefits to Discreet and the
competitive landscape facing Discreet on a stand-alone basis, (iii) the then-
currently proposed principal terms of the acquisition agreement, the Voting
and Exchange Trust Agreement, the Autodesk Affiliate Agreement and related
documents, including the continued desire of Autodesk and Dutchco to have an
option to purchase a certain amount of Discreet Common Shares (the "Discreet
Stock Option"), the nonsolicitation provisions, the termination rights
relating to the transaction, the conditions upon which any break-up fees would
be payable and the amount of such fees, and the representations, warranties
and covenants to be made, (iv) the results of the business, financial and
legal due diligence conducted on Autodesk, (v) the financial condition and
results of operations of both Autodesk and Discreet, (vi) the future prospects
of Autodesk after consummation of the proposed Transactions, (vii) current
financial market conditions and historical market prices, volatility and
trading information with respect to the Autodesk Common Stock and Discreet
Common Shares, and (viii) the financial analyses performed by management.
Volpe Brown Whelan then reviewed, among other things, the strategic rationale
for, and certain financial analyses related to the proposed transaction. The
presentation covered a number of matters relating to both Discreet's and
Autodesk's businesses and potential business combination of Discreet and
Autodesk and the fairness opinion to be delivered by Volpe Brown Whelan,
including various financial analyses performed by them and reviewed the
financial due diligence conducted by them concerning Autodesk. Testa, Hurwitz
& Thibeault, LLP and Stikeman, Elliott, outside Canadian legal counsel to
Discreet, discussed the Discreet Board's fiduciary duties in considering a
strategic combination. After careful consideration, the Discreet Board
determined that, because of, among other things, the terms proposed by
Autodesk (including the course of discussions concerning the proposed exchange
ratio) and the perceived strategic advantages to such a combination, senior
management should pursue a combination between Discreet and Autodesk, and the
Discreet Board authorized and instructed senior management to continue
negotiations and due diligence review of Autodesk. Additionally, the Discreet
Board established a committee of independent directors of the Discreet Board
(the "Discreet Special Committee") to review the proposed business combination
and to determine whether it would be in the best interests of Discreet and the
Discreet Shareholders.
On August 18, 1998, following the meeting of the full Discreet Board, the
Discreet Special Committee held a meeting to review the status of negotiations
with Autodesk regarding the proposed business combination with Autodesk. The
Discreet Special Committee discussed the proposed terms of the transaction and
their fiduciary duties in relation to the proposed business combination with
Autodesk.
On the evening of August 19, 1998, the Discreet Special Committee held a
telephonic meeting with Discreet's US legal counsel to discuss the status of
negotiations with Autodesk regarding the proposed business combination. The
Discreet Special Committee reviewed and discussed various issues in relation
to the proposed business combination, including certain legal aspects of the
proposed combination, the fairness opinion to be rendered by Volpe Brown
Whelan, the business, financial and legal due diligence performed by Discreet
and its
45
advisors, and the principal terms of the draft acquisition agreement and
related documents, including their continued concerns with regard to the
Discreet lock-up stock option proposed by Autodesk and Dutchco.
On the morning of August 20, 1998, the Discreet Special Committee held a
telephonic meeting, with Discreet's US and Canadian legal counsel joining
after the meeting had commenced. The Discreet Special Committee discussed the
withdrawal by Autodesk and Dutchco of the Discreet Stock Option and reviewed
with counsel the specific terms of the proposed acquisition agreement between
the parties, including the nonsolicitation provisions, the termination rights
relating to the agreement, the conditions upon which any break-up fees would
be payable to Dutchco, and the amount of such fees. Discreet's Canadian legal
counsel, Stikeman, Elliott, discussed the Discreet Special Committee's and the
Discreet Board's fiduciary duties in considering a strategic combination.
On the afternoon of August 20, 1998, the Discreet Special Committee held a
telephonic meeting with legal counsel and representatives of Volpe Brown
Whelan to discuss the status of negotiations with Autodesk and Dutchco
regarding the proposed business combination with Autodesk and to further
review and discuss the fairness opinion to be delivered by Volpe Brown Whelan
and the related analyses in connection with the proposed business combination.
Volpe Brown Whelan presented a review of the proposed exchange ratio,
financial analysis and pro forma and other information regarding the two
companies and then discussed with the Discreet Special Committee the opinion
of Volpe Brown Whelan to be delivered to the Discreet Special Committee and
the Discreet Board that the consideration to be received in the transaction by
the Discreet Shareholders was fair from a financial point of view to the
Discreet Shareholders as of such date. At the conclusion of the presentation
by Volpe Brown Whelan, the Discreet Special Committee agreed that, based on
the fairness opinion and all other relevant factors in relation to the
proposed business combination with Autodesk, it would recommend that the Board
of Directors approve the transaction as in the best interests of Discreet and
the Discreet Shareholders.
On the afternoon of August 20, 1998, the Discreet Board held a special
meeting with all directors participating by telephone, with members of
Discreet's senior management and representatives from Volpe Brown Whelan and
Discreet's United States legal counsel participating. The Discreet Special
Committee informed the Discreet Board that Autodesk and Dutchco had withdrawn
the Discreet Stock Option. The Discreet Special Committee presented to the
Discreet Board its review of the terms and conditions of the business
combination with Autodesk and the related agreements, and discussed the
results of due diligence and negotiations conducted by and on behalf of
Discreet. At the conclusion of the presentation, the Discreet Special
Committee recommended that the Discreet Board approve the business combination
proposal as presented. Legal counsel then reviewed the terms of the various
agreements, particularly the proposed acquisition agreement, and discussed the
Discreet Board's fiduciary duties in reviewing and approving the business
combination. Then, Volpe Brown Whelan summarized the presentation it had
delivered to the Discreet Special Committee preceding the meeting of the full
Discreet Board regarding the proposed exchange ratio and the financial
analysis and pro forma and other information regarding the two companies and
then delivered to the Discreet Special Committee and the Discreet Board the
opinion, stating that the consideration to be received in the transaction by
Discreet Shareholders was fair from a financial point of view to the Discreet
Shareholders as of such date. Senior management of Discreet then reviewed with
the Discreet Board a summary describing the due diligence investigation that
had been conducted by management and on behalf of Discreet in relation to the
proposed transaction. At the conclusion to these discussions and upon
recommendation of the Discreet Special Committee, the Discreet Board voted to
approve the acquisition agreement and related transaction documents (with
Mr. Szalwinski abstaining in order to avoid the appearance of a conflict of
interest in light of his interests in the proposed business combination,
including future employment with the Combined Company and the acceleration of
the vesting of certain of his options upon consummation of the Transactions).
Following the Discreet Board meeting, Autodesk's and Discreet's senior
management and US and Canadian legal counsel continued the final negotiations
of the transaction documents. The Original Agreement, which contemplated an
exchange ratio of 0.525 shares of Autodesk Common Stock for each Discreet
Common Share, was executed in the afternoon of August 20, 1998, and a joint
press release was issued by the parties announcing the proposed business
combination.
46
On September 23, 1998, in order to implement certain technical amendments to
the proposed transaction structure, the parties executed an Amended and
Restated Agreement of Acquisition and Amalgamation, which superseded in its
entirety the Original Agreement. The changes effected by the September 23,
1998 agreement did not amend the then-current 0.525 exchange ratio or
otherwise affect the economic terms of the transaction to either Autodesk's or
Discreet's respective stockholders. Further, on such date, Autodesk's and
Discreet's respective financial advisors confirmed that such changes would not
have affected their respective opinions.
On Wednesday, October 7, 1998, Mr. Szalwinski notified Ms. Bartz that
Discreet was in the process of completing a preliminary review of its
financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 1998, and that it
appeared likely that such results would fall short of analysts' consensus
expectations.
On Tuesday, October 13, 1998, Discreet issued a press release announcing
preliminary results for the quarter ended September 30, 1998 of revenues in
the range of $25 million to $27 million and earnings per share between $0.03
and $0.08.
During the last two weeks of October, Autodesk obtained additional
information about Discreet's preliminary financial results and business
outlook, including due diligence inquiries by telephone, a meeting in Montreal
on October 15, 1998, which included Mr. Herr and Mr. Szalwinski, as well as
other Discreet personnel, and meetings in Montreal on October 21 and 22, 1998,
which included Ms. Bartz, Mr. Herr and Mr. Cakebread and Mr. Szalwinski, Mr.
Plamondon and Mr. Getz.
On October 29, 1998, Discreet announced actual results for the quarter ended
September 30, 1998 of $27.4 million in revenue and earnings per share of
$0.05.
During the first two weeks of November 1998, financial due diligence
continued, including meetings at Autodesk's headquarters in San Rafael,
California on November 10 and 11 that included Mr. Plamondon and Mr. Getz of
Discreet and Mr. Herr, Mr. Cakebread and Ms. Sterling of Autodesk.
Representatives of Piper Jaffray and Volpe Brown Whelan participated in the
financial due diligence meetings and discussed the reasons underlying
Discreet's first quarter results and their impact on Discreet's business
outlook. Ms. Bartz and Mr. Szalwinski held several telephone conferences
during this period to discuss these matters.
On November 11, 1998, two members of the Discreet Special Committee held a
telephone conference call with representatives from Volpe Brown Whelan and
with Discreet's legal counsel to discuss the reasons underlying Discreet's
first quarter results and their impact on Discreet's business outlook, and
requested that Discreet's management, with the assistance of Volpe Brown
Whelan, continue to conduct further financial due diligence on Autodesk.
Later on November 11, 1998, Mr. Szalwinski arrived in San Francisco and,
with Mr. Plamondon and Volpe Brown Whelan, met with Ms. Bartz, Mr. Herr and
Mr. Cakebread at Autodesk's headquarters. At this meeting, Autodesk proposed
revising the exchange ratio in light of the recent developments.
On November 16, 1998, the Discreet Board met throughout the day and into the
early evening to discuss the transaction and its fiduciary duties in
considering the revised terms proposed by Autodesk, review the additional
financial due diligence of Autodesk and weigh the merits of the combination
under the revised terms proposed by Autodesk. The Discreet Board directed Mr.
Szalwinski to continue negotiations with Autodesk and indicated its
willingness under certain terms and conditions to consider an exchange ratio
below 0.525. During an adjournment of this meeting, the Discreet Special
Committee met separately to discuss the transaction and weigh the merits of
the combination under the revised terms proposed by Autodesk.
On the night of November 16, 1998, Mr. Szalwinski called Ms. Bartz to
discuss the updated financial information regarding each of the companies and
the results of each party's due diligence regarding the other. Ms. Bartz and
Mr. Szalwinski discussed possible revised financial and other terms of the
transaction. After considerable discussion of the financial impact of the
proposed transaction on the shareholders of both
47
companies, Ms. Bartz and Mr. Szalwinski agreed that each would present to
their respective boards of directors a proposal that the acquisition agreement
between the parties be amended in order to reduce the exchange ratio from
0.525 to 0.48 and to make reciprocal increases in certain termination fees.
On November 17, 1998, the Autodesk Board held a meeting to consider the
proposed amendments, which was also attended by Mr. Herr, Ms. Sterling, Mr.
Cakebread and representatives from Piper Jaffray. At the meeting, the Autodesk
Board reviewed and asked questions of management relating to the proposed
revisions to the acquisition agreement among the parties. Representatives from
Piper Jaffray made a presentation to the Autodesk Board, which included an
analysis of the financial implications of the revised 0.48 exchange ratio.
Piper Jaffray then delivered to the Autodesk Board its oral opinion, which
opinion subsequently was confirmed in writing, that, as of November 17, 1998,
the revised 0.48 Exchange Ratio was fair from a financial point of view to
Autodesk. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Autodesk Board unanimously
approved the proposed revisions to the Transactions and authorized management
to execute and deliver the Acquisition Agreement.
On November 18, 1998, the Discreet Special Committee held a telephonic
meeting to discuss the proposed revision of the Exchange Ratio from 0.525 to
0.48 and an increase in certain reciprocal termination fees. Representatives
of Volpe Brown Whelan and Discreet's legal counsel also participated in such
meeting. Volpe Brown Whelan presented a review of the proposed exchange ratio,
financial analysis and pro forma and other information regarding the two
companies and then discussed with the Discreet Special Committee the opinion
of Volpe Brown Whelan to be delivered to the Discreet Special Committee and
the Discreet Board that the consideration to be received under the revised
terms of the Transactions by Discreet Shareholders was fair from a financial
point of view to the Discreet Shareholders as of such date. At the conclusion
of the presentation by Volpe Brown Whelan, the Discreet Special Committee
agreed that, based on all relevant factors, it would recommend that the
Discreet Board approve the revised terms of the Transactions as in the best
interests of Discreet and the Discreet Shareholders.
On the afternoon of November 18, 1998, the Discreet Board held a telephonic
special meeting with all directors participating, with members of Discreet's
senior management and representatives from Volpe Brown Whelan and Discreet's
United States legal counsel also participating. The Discreet Special Committee
presented to the Discreet Board its review of the proposed revised terms and
the results of the negotiations conducted by and on behalf of Discreet. At the
conclusion of the presentation, the Discreet Special Committee recommended
that the Discreet Board approve the revised terms of the Transactions as
proposed. Legal counsel then reviewed the proposed amendment to the
acquisition agreement. Then, Volpe Brown Whelan summarized the presentation it
had delivered to the Discreet Special Committee preceding the meeting of the
full Discreet Board regarding the proposed exchange ratio and the financial
analysis and pro forma and other information regarding the two companies and
then delivered to the Discreet Special Committee and the Discreet Board their
opinion, stating that the consideration to be received under the revised terms
of the Transactions by Discreet Shareholders was fair from a financial point
of view to the Discreet Shareholders as of such date. Senior management of
Discreet then reviewed with the Discreet Board the updated Autodesk financial
due diligence conducted by management. At the conclusion of these discussions
and upon recommendation of the Discreet Special Committee, the Discreet Board
voted to approve the Acquisition Agreement and related transaction documents
(with Mr. Szalwinski abstaining from the vote in order to avoid the appearance
of a conflict of interest in light of his interests in the proposed business
combination, including future employment with the Combined Company and the
acceleration of the vesting of certain of his options upon consummation of the
Transactions).
On November 18, 1998, the Acquisition Agreement was executed in its revised
form and Autodesk and Discreet issued a joint press release announcing the
revised terms of the Transactions.
JOINT REASONS FOR THE TRANSACTIONS
In reaching their decision to approve the Acquisition Agreement and the
Transactions, the Autodesk Board and the Discreet Board consulted with their
respective management teams and advisors and independently considered the
proposed Acquisition Agreement and the Transactions. Based upon their
respective independent
48
reviews of the proposed Transactions and the business and operations of the
other party, the Autodesk Board and the Discreet Board each approved the
Acquisition Agreement and the Transactions. The Boards of Directors of
Autodesk and Discreet each believe that the Combined Company has the potential
to realize long-term improved operating and financial results and to achieve a
competitive position which is stronger than each company on a standalone
basis. There can be no assurance, however, that these results or any of the
efficiencies or opportunities described in the sections "--Autodesk's Reasons
for the Transactions" and "--Discreet's Reasons for the Transactions," will be
achieved through the consummation of the Transactions. See "Risk Factors--
Risks Relating to the Transactions."
Autodesk and Discreet also believe that the Transactions will provide
greater opportunities to develop business relationships, license technology
and engage in other strategic combinations and transactions involving their
respective products and technologies than would be the case if the companies
otherwise independently engaged in these activities. In this way, the
Transactions could provide the Combined Company with the range of products and
services required to play a defining role in the market for multimedia content
creation and manipulation software products for the entertainment and design
conceptualization and visualization industries.
The Autodesk Board and the Discreet Board have both identified several
potential benefits of the Transactions which they believe will contribute to
the success of the Combined Company. These potential benefits include the
following:
. Shared Strategic Vision. The management teams of Autodesk and Discreet
share a common strategic vision for the Combined Company: to be the premier
total solutions provider of digital content design, creation and
manipulation tools for the creation of imagery to customers within the
multimedia industry by offering a comprehensive suite of products at a
variety of price points and configurations.
. Complementary Markets and Distribution Channels. Autodesk and Discreet each
have a strong presence in a different but complementary market. Autodesk's
Kinetix division is a leading provider of PC-based 3D modeling and
animation tools, including its award winning product 3D Studio Max, which
are delivered through a well established network of distribution partners
throughout the world. Discreet is a leading supplier of turnkey systems for
creating, editing and compositing imagery for film, video, the Web, HDTV,
broadcast and interactive games, which systems are sold through Discreet's
high-end direct sales channel. Moreover, Discreet and Autodesk believe that
the Combined Company will be able to successfully distribute Discreet's
mid-range new media software products through the Kinetix distribution
channel.
. Improved Ability to Compete. Autodesk and Discreet believe that the
Combined Company will be able to offer its customers a comprehensive suite
of integrated product offerings, including digital content design, creation
and manipulation tools for the creation of moving images, and to bring to
bear a substantial amount of industry experience, sales and marketing
capability and financial and other resources, which will allow the Combined
Company to compete more effectively in a rapidly evolving and highly
competitive market, as well as to respond more effectively to technological
change and evolving customer needs.
. Complementary Technology. The strength of the combined development teams,
and the presence of substantial industry experience, as well as technical
and product vision which has been exhibited by the technical personnel and
management of Discreet and Autodesk's Kinetix division, may allow the
Combined Company to develop higher quality products containing features and
functionality which should allow the Combined Company to address customer
needs more quickly and effectively than each company on a stand-alone
basis. The breadth of technical expertise and market knowledge of the
Combined Company may allow the Combined Company to compete more effectively
in the multimedia marketplace.
DISCREET'S REASONS FOR THE TRANSACTIONS
In addition to the anticipated joint benefits described above, the Discreet
Board (i) believes that the following are additional reasons why the
Transactions will be beneficial to Discreet and the Discreet Shareholders
and/or (ii) considered such factors in reaching its decision to approve the
transaction documents and to recommend the Transactions to the Discreet
Shareholders:
49
. The Transactions are expected to result in an ability to expand the
research and development resources of Discreet by combining, where
appropriate, its research and development programs and personnel with those
of Autodesk to improve and increase product development and introduction.
. The combination will afford Discreet access to a respected and experienced
executive leadership team and better enable current Discreet management to
focus on the design, development, marketing and sale of content creation
and manipulation tools.
. Autodesk's extensive distribution network and expertise is expected to aid
efforts already underway at Discreet to develop a worldwide distribution
channel for its new media software products.
. The resources of the Combined Company are expected to enable it to respond
more effectively to technological change and increased competition.
. The Combined Company is expected to have an improved competitive position
when compared to that of either company standing alone in the content
creation and manipulation tools market, which Discreet believes will be
characterized by increased competition, industry consolidation, rapid
technological change and increasingly larger competitors with substantially
greater resources.
. Autodesk products now exclusively address Windows/NT operating
environments. Access to Autodesk's research and development expertise in
Windows/NT operating environment is expected to benefit Discreet's research
and development efforts as Discreet continues to broaden its product and
customer base by expanding its product portfolio to Windows/NT
environments.
. The Transactions are expected to increase the ability of the Combined
Company to support the extension of new product development efforts, in
particular as a result of the integration of Autodesk's Kinetix unit into
ongoing operations of Discreet. The expanded 3-D featuring of current and
future Discreet products is expected to provide greater benefits to
customers and may enable the Combined Company to respond more effectively
to increased competition in an industry increasingly characterized by
consolidation.
. The Kinetix installed base of customers may provide an additional market
opportunity for certain of Discreet's products.
. The premium cited by Volpe Brown Whelan in its premium analysis presented
to the Discreet Board with respect to the per share consideration for the
Discreet Common Shares to be acquired by Autodesk in connection with the
Transactions; however, because the Exchange Ratio is fixed, the implied
value of the exchange to Discreet Shareholders will change as the market
price of the Autodesk Common Stock fluctuates. For example, as of December
, 1998, the implied value of a Discreet Common Share was equal to
$ , based on the closing price of the Autodesk Common Stock as of
such date.
. Discreet Shareholders are expected to have the opportunity to participate
in the potential growth of the Combined Company after the Transactions and
the increased investment liquidity that the Transactions will provide
through the larger market capitalization of the Combined Company.
The Discreet Board also considered the following information in concluding
that the Transactions are fair and in the best interests of Discreet and its
shareholders: (i) the effect on shareholder value of a combination, in light
of the business, operations, property, assets, financial condition, operating
results and prospects of Discreet and Autodesk and other possible strategic
alternatives for Discreet, including potential business combinations with
companies other than Autodesk, and in light of Discreet management's view as
to the prospects of Discreet as an independent company; (ii) current industry,
economic and market conditions and trends and its informed expectations of the
future of the industry in which Discreet operates; (iii) the results of the
due diligence investigations by Discreet's management and its legal, financial
and accounting advisors; (iv) the terms and conditions of the Acquisition
Agreement including the termination fees, nonsolicitation provisions,
conditions to closing and termination provisions, which terms were arrived at
through extensive arm's-length negotiations, and
50
the Discreet Board's conclusion that these provisions were reasonable under
the circumstances and provided the ability for the Discreet Board to exercise
its fiduciary duties; (v) the impact of the structure and accounting and tax
treatment of the Transactions; (vi) the compatibility of the business
philosophies and strategies of Discreet and Autodesk, which the Discreet Board
believes is important for the successful integration of the companies; (vii)
historical information concerning Discreet's and Autodesk's respective
businesses, prospects, financial performance and condition, operations,
technology, management and competitive position, including public reports
concerning results of operations during the most recent fiscal year and fiscal
quarter for each company; (viii) the opinion of Volpe Brown Whelan rendered at
the November 18, 1998 meeting of the Discreet Board (and subsequently
confirmed in writing) that, as of the date of such opinion, the consideration
to be received by Discreet Shareholders pursuant to the Transactions is fair
to such holders from a financial point of view; (ix) current financial market
conditions and historical market prices, volatility and trading information
with respect to Autodesk Common Stock and Discreet Common Shares; (x) the
consideration to be received by Discreet Shareholders in connection with the
Transactions and the relationship between the market value of the Autodesk
Common Stock to be issued in exchange for each Discreet Common Share and a
comparison of comparable merger transactions; and (xi) the impact of the
Transactions on Discreet's customers, suppliers and employees.
In addition, the Discreet Board noted that the Transactions are expected to
be accounted for as a pooling-of-interests and that no goodwill is expected to
be created on the books of the Combined Company as a result thereof.
The Discreet Board also identified and considered a number of potentially
negative factors in its deliberations concerning the Transactions, including,
but not limited to:
(i) the risk that the potential benefits sought in the Transactions might
not be realized fully, if at all;
(ii) the possibility that the Transactions would not be consummated and
the effect of the public announcement of the Transactions on (a) Discreet's
sales and operating results and (b) Discreet's ability to attract and
retain key management, sales, marketing and technical personnel;
(iii) the risk that, despite the efforts of the Combined Company, key
technical, marketing and management personnel might choose not to remain
employed by the Combined Company;
(iv) the difficulty of managing separate operations at different
geographic locations;
(v) the potential dilutive effect of the issuance of Autodesk Common
Stock in connection with the Transactions;
(vi) the substantial charges to be incurred, primarily in the quarter in
which the Transactions are consummated, including costs of integrating the
business and transaction expenses arising from the Transactions; and
(vii) the other risks associated with Discreet's, Autodesk's and the
Combined Company's business and the Transactions described under "Risk
Factors" herein.
The Discreet Board believes that the potential benefits of the Transactions
outweigh these risks.
The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the
Discreet Board is not intended to be exhaustive but is believed to include all
material factors considered by the Discreet Board. In view of the variety of
factors considered in connection with its evaluation of the Transactions, the
Discreet Board did not find it practicable to and did not quantify or
otherwise assign relative weight to the specific factors considered in
reaching its determination. In addition, individual members of the Discreet
Board may have given different weight to different factors.
51
AUTODESK'S REASONS FOR THE TRANSACTIONS
Autodesk believes that the business combination with Discreet will enhance
its position as a leading technology supplier to the entertainment and design
industries. The entertainment industry, encompassing movies, film, animation,
music, and interactive games, represents a significant opportunity for
increased growth and diversification. Autodesk believes that the growth of
this industry is likely to accelerate in the coming years with the increasing
availability of powerful, cost-effective digital solutions. Integrated, high-
performance digital media authoring solutions will be a key enabler for this
growth. The design industry, encompassing architecture, civil engineering,
mechanical engineering, geographic information systems, industrial design, and
graphic design represents a large market adjacent to Discreet's in which
Autodesk has a significant presence. As this market increasingly adopts
digital media, significant opportunities exist for Autodesk to sell new
digital design tools to this industry. Integrated, cost-effective desktop
digital content production tools will be a key enabler for this growth.
The strategy of the Combined Company will be to deliver complete,
integrated, solutions that allow filmmakers, entertainment professionals and
other authors to create multimedia content in less time, at lower costs, and
in a format that can easily be deployed to other interactive media such as CD-
ROM. Autodesk also expects to deliver significant benefits for design users.
The objective of the combined business is to deliver cost-effective, desktop
content creation tools, integrated with design tools, which enable design
users to create compelling presentations and digital content. Discreet, with
its established technical expertise, products and distribution channel is well
positioned to provide customer solutions that complement Autodesk's
multimedia, design, and visualization products.
Specific factors the Autodesk Board considered in determining that the
combination will be beneficial to Autodesk and its stockholders include the
following:
. The combination is expected to further Autodesk's strategy of
diversification into high-growth businesses and markets that are
complementary to its core design markets. Further, it is expected to
provide Autodesk with a significant new revenue stream that is not
dependent upon the AutoCAD-based family of products.
. The combination is expected to enhance Autodesk's technical leadership in
the design and multimedia markets. Discreet's products and development
staff are recognized for their technical excellence and are expected to
strengthen Autodesk's product portfolio, presence and reputation in the
multimedia and design markets.
. Discreet's direct sales force is expected to complement Autodesk's indirect
sales channels and help diversify Autodesk's sales and distribution model.
. The product lines of Discreet and Autodesk are complementary. The
combination is expected to allow Autodesk to market an integrated family of
multimedia and design visualization products that provide customers with a
more complete solution. The combined product lines are also expected to
enable Autodesk to offer customer solutions at a variety of price points
and levels of functionality.
. The Combined Company is expected to have an improved competitive position
when compared to that of either company standing alone in the multimedia
and design markets, which Autodesk believes will be characterized by
increased competition, industry consolidation, rapid technological change
and increasingly larger companies with substantially greater resources
seeking to meet customer needs by providing an extensive integrated set of
products and features.
. Certain of Discreet's products can address customer needs in Autodesk's
core design markets. Autodesk anticipates being able to market certain
Discreet products, either in their current form or with modifications, to
address the needs of a particular market segment, into its existing core
design markets.
. The Transactions are expected to allow the Combined Company to keep pace
with changes in the multimedia industry in general, which has been
characterized by increased competition, industry
52
consolidation, rapid technological change and increasingly larger companies
with substantially greater resources than those of the Combined Company.
. The combination allows Autodesk to combine Kinetix and Discreet's strong
and complementary research and development organizations, which is expected
to expand and extend its capacity to develop innovative products.
. Discreet's new media software products are well situated to be sold through
Autodesk's established indirect distribution channel.
The Autodesk Board also considered the following information in concluding
that the Transactions are fair to Autodesk and its stockholders: (i) the
anticipated effect of the combination on short and long term stockholder
value, taking into account the business, operations, property, assets,
financial condition, operating results and prospects of Autodesk and Discreet,
trends in the design and multimedia industries, including the consolidation
occurring therein, other potential business combinations in the multimedia
industry and in other markets addressed by Autodesk, as well as the
alternative prospects of continuing to address the multimedia industry solely
through the product offerings of Kinetix; (ii) current industry, economic and
market conditions and trends and the Autodesk Board's informed expectations of
the future of the industry in which Autodesk operates; (iii) the results of
the due diligence investigations by Autodesk's management and its legal,
financial and accounting advisors; (iv) the terms and conditions of the
Acquisition Agreement and related agreements, including the fact that two
members of Discreet's executive management, Richard Szalwinski and Francois
Plamondon, have agreed to modify their current employment agreements with
Discreet to provide that each will remain with New Discreet for a period of
not less then one year following consummation of the Transactions, thereby
ensuring continuity of management during the integration period following the
consummation of the Transactions; (v) the impact of the structure, tax
treatment and accounting treatment of the Transactions; (vi) factors which
affect the potential for success in integration of the Combined Company,
including continuity of management and senior technical staff, the cultural
compatibility of the organizations, and the minimal level of redundancy in
personnel, products and functions; (vii) historical information concerning
Autodesk's and Discreet's respective businesses, prospects, financial
performance and condition, operations, technology, management and competitive
position, including public reports concerning result of operations during the
most recent fiscal year and fiscal quarter for each company; (viii) the
opinion of Piper Jaffray, rendered at the November 17, 1998 meeting of the
Autodesk Board, and subsequently confirmed in writing, that the Exchange Ratio
is fair to Autodesk from a financial point of view; (ix) current financial
market conditions and historical market prices, volatility and trading
information with respect to Autodesk Common Stock and Discreet Common Shares;
(x) the consideration to be paid to the Discreet Shareholders in connection
with the Transactions and the relationship between the market value of the
Autodesk Common Stock to be issued in exchange for each Discreet Common Share
and a comparison of comparable merger transactions; (xi) the impact of the
Transactions on Autodesk's customers, suppliers and employees.
The Autodesk Board also identified and considered the following potentially
negative factors in its deliberations concerning the Transactions, including
the following:
(i) the risk that the potential benefits sought in the Transactions might
not be fully realized, if at all;
(ii) the greater volatility of the multimedia industry as compared to the
traditional design industry, which heretofore has been the primary focus of
Autodesk's business;
(iii) the risk that financial analysts, investment bankers and other
industry analysts who provide commentary and advice concerning Autodesk's
business will react negatively to the Transactions as constituting an
extension of the Autodesk's business outside of its traditional focus on
the design industry;
(iv) the risk represented by Discreet's direct sales model, including the
heavy concentration of sales which occur at the end of each fiscal quarter
and the end of each fiscal year;
(v) the difficulties inherent in the management and integration of
geographically diverse locations and development sites, particularly in a
cross border, multi-lingual transaction;
53
(vi) the potential difficulty in attracting additional software
development personnel to Montreal;
(vii) the potentially dilutive effect of the transaction of the issuance
of Autodesk Common Stock pursuant to the Transactions;
(viii) the risk that the majority of software licensed to end users by
Discreet is licensed for operation with SGI hardware on the Unix platform,
and that SGI is a key sole source supplier for Discreet's business but also
sells products which compete with certain of Discreet's product offerings.
In addition, many industry analysts believe that the industry trend is away
from Unix and towards the Windows and Windows NT operating systems. If this
trend were to accelerate, there would be a risk that the market for
Discreet's high-end Unix-based software products would shrink dramatically,
particularly if such products were not migrated to Windows NT in a timely
way, and that Discreet's high-end Unix based software products would
experience more intense competition;
(ix) the risk that the rapid pace of technological innovation in the
multimedia industry may serve to render some or all of Discreet's product
offerings obsolete in a short period of time;
(x) the risk that despite the efforts of the Combined Company, key
technical, marketing and management personnel may choose not to remain with
the Combined Company;
(xi) the risk that consolidation in the multimedia industry may result in
competitors which have significantly greater revenue and resources than the
Combined Company; and
(xii) the other risks associated the Combined Company, Discreet and
Autodesk as described under "Risk Factors" herein.
The Autodesk Board believed that these risks were outweighed by the
potential benefits of the Transactions.
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE TRANSACTIONS
In considering the recommendation of the Discreet Board with respect to the
Transactions, Discreet Shareholders should be aware that certain officers and
directors of Discreet have potential conflicts of interests with respect to
the Transactions. The Discreet Board and the Discreet Special Committee were
aware of these potential conflicts and considered them along with the other
matters described in "--Discreet's Reasons for the Transactions."
As of October 31, 1998, directors and executive officers of Discreet and
their affiliates beneficially owned an aggregate of (i) [ ] Discreet
Common Shares, for which they will receive the same consideration as other
Discreet Shareholders, and (ii) unexercised Discreet Share Options to acquire
[ ] Discreet Common Shares, which will be treated as described below
under "Terms of the Transactions--Treatment of Discreet Employee Plans--
Discreet Stock Option Plans." Based upon $ , which represents the last
reported sales price of the Autodesk Common Stock on December , 1998, the
aggregate dollar value of the shares of Autodesk Common Stock to be received
in connection with the Transactions by the directors and executive officers of
Discreet and their affiliates (assuming no New Discreet Exchangeable Shares
are issued) is approximately $ .
The vesting of shares pursuant to options issued to certain non-employee
directors under the Discreet 1995 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan and
1997 Special Limited Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan is subject,
pursuant to the terms of such plans and the option agreements issued pursuant
thereto, to full acceleration as a result of the Transactions. In addition,
Messrs. Szalwinski and Plamondon are each parties to separate employment
agreements with Discreet. Each of these employment agreements provides for the
acceleration of vesting of certain of such executive officer's outstanding
Discreet Share Options upon a change in control. Upon consummation of the
Transactions, the vesting of Discreet Share Options to purchase 450,000 and
150,000 Discreet Common Shares held by Messrs. Szalwinski and Plamondon,
respectively, will accelerate. None of such provisions were amended in
connection with the negotiation of the Original Agreement or the Acquisition
Agreement.
54
The executive officers and certain directors of Autodesk holding in the
aggregate approximately 0.2% of the Autodesk Common Stock outstanding as of
the Autodesk Record Date have entered into Voting Agreements with Discreet,
pursuant to which each has agreed to vote his or her shares of Autodesk Common
Stock in favor of the Autodesk Resolution and related matters. The executive
officers and certain directors of Discreet holding in the aggregate
approximately % of the Discreet Common Shares outstanding as of the Discreet
Record Date have entered into Voting Agreements pursuant to which each has
agreed to vote his or her Discreet Common Shares in favor of the Discreet
Resolution and related matters. See "Terms of the Transactions--Autodesk and
Discreet Voting Agreements."
Following the consummation of the Transactions, Mr. Szalwinski will become a
vice president of Autodesk. Messrs. Szalwinski and Plamondon have each entered
into agreements with Autodesk in which such individuals reconfirmed their
current employment arrangements with Discreet and agreed, subject to
consummation of the Transactions, to a minimum one year term of employment
with the Combined Company following the Effective Time and, in the event their
employment relationship with the Combined Company is terminated, to refrain
(subject to certain limited exceptions) from competing with the Combined
Company and from soliciting customers and employees of the Combined Company
for a specified period after such termination.
Pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement, Autodesk and Dutchco are required to
continue to provide, for an indefinite period of time, indemnification to the
directors and officers of Discreet against certain liabilities. In addition,
Autodesk has agreed to maintain or cause New Discreet to maintain in effect
the policies of directors' and officers' liability insurance maintained by
Discreet and its subsidiaries, or policies with at least the same coverage and
amounts and terms no less advantageous to the insured parties, for a period of
five years following the Effective Time. See "Terms of the Transactions--
Indemnification."
As a result of the foregoing transactions and agreements, certain directors
and executive officers of Autodesk and Discreet may have personal interests in
the Transactions which are not identical to the interests of other Autodesk
Stockholders and Discreet Shareholders.
OPINION OF AUTODESK'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR
On June 30, 1998, Autodesk and Piper Jaffray executed an engagement letter
(the "Piper Jaffray Engagement Letter") pursuant to which Piper Jaffray was
engaged to act as Autodesk's financial advisor in connection with the proposed
business combination with Discreet. Pursuant to the Piper Jaffray Engagement
Letter, Autodesk retained Piper Jaffray to provide financial advisory and
investment banking services in connection with a possible acquisition of
Discreet and to render an opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point
of view, of any such transaction to Autodesk. See "--Background of the
Transactions."
On August 4, 1998, the Autodesk Board met (with certain directors
participating by telephone) to evaluate the proposed transaction with
Discreet, at which time representatives from Piper Jaffray provided
information concerning Discreet's products and target markets, and reviewed
the written documentation containing preliminary valuation analyses and
related financial information which had been provided to the Autodesk Board
prior to the meeting. On August 18, 1998, the Autodesk Board met (with certain
directors participating by telephone) again and approved the proposed business
combination with Discreet. At this meeting, Piper Jaffray delivered to the
Autodesk Board its oral opinion, which opinion was subsequently confirmed in
writing, that, as of August 18, 1998 and based on the matters described
therein, the original 0.525 exchange ratio was fair, from a financial point of
view, to Autodesk. On November 17, 1998, the Autodesk Board met again and
approved the proposed business combination with Discreet under the revised
transaction terms, including the amended 0.48 Exchange Ratio. At this meeting,
Piper Jaffray delivered to the Autodesk Board its oral opinion, which opinion
was subsequently confirmed in writing (the "Piper Jaffray Opinion"), that, as
of November 17, 1998, and based on the matters described therein, the 0.48
Exchange Ratio was fair from a financial point of view to Autodesk. The
Exchange Ratio was determined through negotiations between the respective
members of management of Autodesk and Discreet. Although Piper Jaffray did
assist the management of Autodesk in the negotiations, Piper Jaffray was not
asked by, and did not recommend to, Autodesk that any specific exchange ratio
constituted the appropriate
55
exchange ratio for Autodesk in connection with the proposed business
combination with Discreet. In furnishing the Piper Jaffray Opinion, Piper
Jaffray was not engaged as an agent or fiduciary of Autodesk's stockholders or
any other third party.
The Piper Jaffray Opinion was one of a number of factors considered by the
Autodesk Board in reaching its determination that the proposed combination
with Discreet is in the best interests of the Autodesk Stockholders. See
"Autodesk's Reasons for the Transactions" above.
The full text of the Piper Jaffray Opinion, which sets forth, among other
things, assumptions made, matters considered and limitations on the review
undertaken, is attached hereto as Appendix F and is incorporated herein by
reference. Autodesk Stockholders are urged to read the Piper Jaffray Opinion
in its entirety. The Piper Jaffray Opinion was prepared for the benefit and
use of the Autodesk Board in its consideration of the proposed business
combination with Discreet and does not constitute a recommendation to Autodesk
Stockholders as to how they should vote at the Autodesk Meeting on the
Autodesk Resolution. The Piper Jaffray Opinion does not address the relative
merits of the proposed business combination with Discreet or any other
transactions or business strategies discussed by the Autodesk Board as
alternatives to the proposed business combination with Discreet or the
underlying business decision of the Autodesk Board to proceed with or effect
the proposed business combination with Discreet. The summary of the Piper
Jaffray Opinion set forth in this Proxy Circular is qualified in its entirety
by reference to the full text of the Piper Jaffray Opinion.
In connection with the preparation of the Piper Jaffray Opinion, Piper
Jaffray, among other things, (i) reviewed the Amended and Restated Agreement
and Plan of Acquisition and Amalgamation among the parties dated September 23,
1998, (ii) reviewed financial and other information, including business plans,
budgetary and other data, that was publicly available or furnished to Piper
Jaffray by Autodesk and Discreet, (iii) met with the respective members of
management of Autodesk and Discreet to discuss the business and prospects of
Autodesk and Discreet, (iv) considered certain publicly available financial
and stock market data of Discreet and compared those data with similar data
for other publicly held companies in businesses similar to Discreet,
(v) considered the financial terms of certain other business combinations and
other transactions which have recently been effected, and (vi) performed such
other analyses and considered such other information as Piper Jaffray deemed
necessary and appropriate under the circumstances.
In conducting its review and arriving at the Piper Jaffray Opinion, Piper
Jaffray relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of the
information it reviewed for purposes of its opinion and did not assume
responsibility for independently verifying such information. Piper Jaffray
further relied upon the assurances of Autodesk's and Discreet's management
that the information provided was prepared on a reasonable basis in accordance
with industry practice and, with respect to financial planning data, reflected
the good faith judgments of Autodesk's and Discreet's management, and that
such parties were not aware of any information or facts that would make the
information provided to Piper Jaffray incomplete or misleading. Piper Jaffray
also relied upon, without independent verification, the assessment by the
management of each of Autodesk and Discreet of the strategic and other
benefits expected to result from the proposed business combination with
Discreet, as well as the assessment by Autodesk's management of Discreet's
products and the timing and risks associated with the integration of Discreet
with Autodesk. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, for the
purpose of the Piper Jaffray Opinion, Piper Jaffray assumed that neither
Autodesk nor Discreet was a party to any pending transaction, including
external financing, recapitalizations, acquisitions or merger discussions,
other than the Transactions or in the ordinary course of business. Piper
Jaffray also assumed that the proposed business combination with Discreet
would result in certain United States federal tax income benefits to Autodesk,
would be taxable to certain holders of Discreet Common Shares and would be
accounted for as a pooling of interests under US GAAP. In arriving at the
Piper Jaffray Opinion, Piper Jaffray assumed that all the necessary regulatory
approvals and consents required for the proposed business combination with
Discreet would be obtained in a manner that would not change the purchase
price for Discreet.
In arriving at the Piper Jaffray Opinion, Piper Jaffray did not perform any
appraisals or valuations of specific assets or liabilities of Autodesk or
Discreet and was not furnished with any such appraisals or valuations. Without
56
limiting the generality of the foregoing, Piper Jaffray did not undertake any
independent analysis of any pending or threatened litigation, possible
unasserted claims or other contingent liabilities, to which Autodesk, Discreet
or any of their respective affiliates was a party or may be subject, and, at
Autodesk's direction and with its consent, the Piper Jaffray Opinion made no
assumption concerning, and therefore did not consider, the possible assertion
of claims, outcomes or damages arising out of any such matters. Although
developments following the date of the Piper Jaffray Opinion may affect the
Piper Jaffray Opinion, Piper Jaffray assumed no obligation to update, revise
or reaffirm the Piper Jaffray Opinion.
The following is a summary of the material financial analyses performed by
Piper Jaffray in connection with rendering the Piper Jaffray Opinion:
Comparable Company Analysis. Piper Jaffray compared certain financial
information and valuation ratios relating to Discreet to corresponding
publicly-available data and ratios from a group of selected publicly traded
companies deemed comparable to Discreet. The comparable companies selected
included five publicly traded companies in the computer graphics imaging
market with market capitalizations greater than $75 million which Piper
Jaffray deemed comparable to Discreet: Adobe Systems, Avid Technology,
Macromedia, Metacreations Corp. and Pinnacle Systems.
The analysis with respect to Discreet produced multiples of selected
valuation data based upon closing stock prices of the comparable companies as
of November 16, 1998, which were then compared to the equity value of Discreet
of $15.33 per share implied by the Exchange Ratio. The multiples included in
the analysis were: (i) market price per share to earnings per share recorded
over the latest twelve months of the comparable companies ranging from
negative to 26.8x, with a mean and median of 23.4x and 24.5x, respectively,
and a ratio of 23.4x for Discreet; (ii) market price per share to 1998
calendar earnings per share estimates of the comparable companies ranging from
negative to 78.5x, with a mean and median of 37.3x and 24.2x, respectively,
and a ratio of 29.3x for Discreet; (iii) market price per share to 1999
calendar earnings per share estimates of the comparable companies ranging from
17.6x to 41.9x, with a mean and median of 23.6x and 19.6x, respectively, and a
ratio of 18.1x for Discreet; (iv) market capitalization of the selected
company, plus such company's debt, less such company's cash ("Company Value"),
to revenue recorded over the latest twelve months for comparable companies
ranging from 0.9x to 7.3x, with a mean and median of 2.8x and 1.9x,
respectively, and a ratio of 3.1x for Discreet; (v) Company Value to calendar
1998 revenue estimates for comparable companies ranging from 1.0x to 6.6x,
with a mean and median of 2.7x and 1.9x, respectively, and a ratio for
Discreet of 3.3x; and (vi) Company Value to calendar 1999 revenue estimates
for comparable companies ranging from 0.7x to 5.3x, with a mean and median of
2.2x and 1.3x, respectively, and a ratio for Discreet of 2.6x. Company Value
for Discreet was based upon the implied purchase price per share multiplied by
the number of fully-diluted shares outstanding, plus outstanding debt, less
cash held. Earnings estimates for comparable companies were based on consensus
earnings per share estimates taken from First Call, an investor service that
monitors earnings estimates for publicly traded companies and for Discreet
from Piper Jaffray research analyst reports. Piper Jaffray noted that, in
every case, the multiples for the Transactions implied by the Per Share
Consideration of $15.33 fell within the range of the respective multiples of
the Comparable Companies. In performing this analysis, Piper Jaffray also
considered operating margins over the last twelve months and the estimated
five-year earnings per share compound growth rates from First Call and Piper
Jaffray research analyst reports.
Comparable Transactions Analysis. Using publicly available information,
Piper Jaffray analyzed the ratio of Company Value to revenue recorded over the
last twelve months, and the ratio of the product of the total number of
Discreet Common Shares outstanding, on a fully diluted basis, multiplied by
the implied value of $15.33 per share (the "Equity Value") to net income over
the last twelve months, in 34 selected transactions involving companies in the
software industry and in a focus group of five selected transactions involving
publicly traded computer graphics imaging software companies which Piper
Jaffray deemed comparable to the Transactions. The five selected transactions
analyzed by Piper Jaffray were the following: (i) the acquisition by Avid
Technology, Inc. ("Avid") from Microsoft Corporation ("Microsoft") of
Softimage Inc. ("Softimage"), effected on August 3, 1998; (ii) the acquisition
by Silicon Graphics, Inc. ("SGI") of Wavefront Technologies, Inc., effected on
June 15, 1995; (iii) the acquisition by SGI of Alias Research, Inc., effected
on June 15, 1995;
57
(iv) the acquisition by Avid of DigiDesign Inc., effected on January 5, 1995;
(v) and the acquisition by Microsoft of Softimage, effected on February 28,
1994. An analysis of the comparable transactions produced multiples of
selected valuation data with respect to the 34 purchased companies in the
larger group as follows: Company Value to revenues recorded over the last
twelve months ranging from 1.1x to 16.2x, with a mean and a median of 5.2x and
4.5x, respectively, and a multiple for the Transactions of 3.1x, and Equity
Value to net income over the last twelve months ranging from negative to
83.5x, with a mean and median of 41.1x and 38.2x, respectively, and a multiple
for the Transactions of 23.7x. An analysis of the comparable transactions
produced multiples of selected valuation data with respect to the five
purchased companies in the focus group as follows: Company Value to revenues
recorded over the last twelve months ranging from 4.0x to 7.0x, with a mean
and a median of 5.2x and 5.2x, respectively, and a multiple for the
Transactions of 3.1x and Equity Value to net income over the last twelve
months ranging from negative to 46.0x, with a mean and median of 26.8x and
35.6x, respectively, and a multiple for the Transactions of 23.7x. Piper
Jaffray noted that, in every case, the multiples for the Transactions implied
by the Per Share Consideration of $15.33 fell below both the respective mean
and median multiples of the Comparable Transactions. Piper Jaffray also noted
that the acquisition of Softimage by Avid Technology, which Piper Jaffray
deemed to be the most comparable transaction, was completed at a Company Value
to revenues recorded over the latest 12 months multiple of 7.0x, which is
above the 3.1x multiple for the Transactions. Estimated multiples paid in the
comparable transactions were based on information obtained from public
filings, public company disclosures, press releases, industry and popular
press reports, databases and other sources.
No company, transaction or business used in the Comparable Company Analysis
or Comparable Transactions Analysis as a comparison is identical to Discreet
or the Transactions. Accordingly, an analysis of the results of the foregoing
is not entirely mathematical; rather it involves complex considerations and
judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics
and other factors that could affect the acquisition, public trading and other
values of the comparable companies, comparable transactions or the business
segment, company or transactions to which they are being compared.
Premiums Paid Analysis. Piper Jaffray reviewed the comparable transactions
described above, as well as certain other transactions to determine the
premiums paid, represented by the difference between the transaction values
and the market prices for the target companies one day, one week and one month
prior to the announcement (each, an "Announcement") of such comparable
transaction. This analysis indicated premiums as follows: (i) one day before
the Announcement, premiums ranging from -2.8% to 92.0%, with a mean and a
median of 33.2% and 27.7%, respectively, and a premium for the Transactions of
12.5%. Piper Jaffray noted that the premium for the Transactions is within the
range of values for such one day premiums, and below the mean and median one
day premiums; (ii) one week before the Announcement, premiums ranging from -
5.8% to 93.6%, with a mean and a median of 38.5% and 37.2%, respectively, and
a premium for the Transactions of 37.8% Piper Jaffray noted that the premium
for the Transactions is within the range of values for such one week premiums,
and below the mean and above the median one week premiums; and (iii) one month
before the Announcement, premiums ranging from 1.0% to 117.1%, with a mean and
a median of 48.0% and 42.3%, respectively and a premium for the Transactions
of 36.3%. Piper Jaffray noted that the premium for the Transactions is within
the range of values for such one month premiums, and below the mean and median
one month premiums. Estimated premiums paid in the comparable transactions
were based on information obtained from public filings, public company
disclosures, press releases, industry and popular press reports, databases and
other sources.
Pro Forma Earnings Analysis. Piper Jaffray analyzed pro forma effects
resulting from the impact of the Transactions on the estimated earnings per
share ("EPS") of the Combined Company. This Analysis was based on publicly
available equity research analyst estimates and included the dilutive effect
of a three million share public offering and a range of assumed pre-tax
synergies. The results of the pro forma earnings analysis suggested that,
assuming $7 million of pre-tax synergies, the Transactions could be
approximately 7.8% dilutive for fiscal 2000, the first full fiscal year of
Combined Company results. The actual results achieved by the Combined Company
after the Transactions may vary from estimated results, and the variations may
be material.
58
Contribution Analysis. Piper Jaffray analyzed the respective contributions
of Autodesk and Discreet to the estimated total sales, operating income,
pretax income and net income of the Combined Company for the fiscal years
2000. The analysis indicated that, in fiscal year 2000, Autodesk would
contribute approximately 84.3% of total sales, approximately 84.0% of
operating income, approximately 83.8% of pretax income and approximately 83.8%
of net income of the Combined Company, and Discreet would contribute
approximately 15.7% of total sales, approximately 16.0% of operating income,
approximately 16.2% of pretax income and approximately 16.2% of net income of
the Combined Company. Based on capitalizations of Autodesk and Discreet as of
November 16, 1998, stockholders of Autodesk and Discreet would own
approximately 77.2% and 22.8%, respectively, of the Combined Company upon
consummation of the Transactions. Piper Jaffray noted that, based on the
Exchange Ratio, Discreet Shareholders' approximately 22.8% ownership in the
Combined Company will be above Discreet's percentage contribution to fiscal
year 2000 total sales, operating income, pretax income and net income.
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Piper Jaffray estimated the present value of
the estimated future cash flows of Discreet on a stand-alone basis for the
fiscal years ending June 30, 1999 through June 30, 2002. Piper Jaffray applied
terminal value multiples of forecasted 2002 operating income of 11.0x, 12.0x
and 13.0x. In all cases, Piper Jaffray used a range of discount rates from
16% to 20%. This analysis yielded a range of estimated present values of
Discreet's equity value from $17.73 per share to $22.70 per share, compared to
the Discreet's equity value of $15.33 per share implied by the Exchange Ratio
based on the closing price of Autodesk Common Stock on November 16, 1998.
Piper Jaffray noted that the equity value per share implied by the Exchange
Ratio is below the estimated range derived from the discounted cash flow
analysis.
Historical Exchange Ratio Analysis. Piper Jaffray reviewed the ratios of
closing stock prices per share of the Autodesk Common Stock and Discreet
Common Shares over various periods ending August 20, 1998, one day prior to
the Announcement. Piper Jaffray observed that the average of the ratios of
closing stock prices of the Autodesk Common Stock and Discreet Common Shares
for the various periods ending August 20, 1998 were 0.379x for the previous
180 days, 0.3322x for the previous 90 days, 0.3638x for the previous 30 days
and 0.3585x for the previous ten days. Piper Jaffray also observed that the
implied exchange ratio based on the closing market prices of Autodesk Common
Stock and Discreet Common Shares on November 16, 1998 of $31.94 and $12.94,
respectively, was approximately 0.405x.
Other Factors and Comparative Analyses. In rendering its opinion, Piper
Jaffray considered certain other factors and conducted certain other
comparative analyses, including, among other things, a review of: (i) the
history of trading prices and volume for the Discreet Common Shares and
Autodesk Common Stock from November 14, 1997 through November 16, 1998; and
(ii) selected published analysts' reports on each of Discreet and Autodesk,
including analysts' estimates as to the earnings growth potential of Discreet
and Autodesk.
While the foregoing summary describes certain analyses and factors that
Piper Jaffray deemed material in its presentation to the Autodesk Board, it is
not a comprehensive description of all analyses and factors considered by
Piper Jaffray. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process that
involves various determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant
methods of financial analysis and the application of these methods to the
particular circumstances, and, therefore, such an opinion is not readily
susceptible to a summary description. Piper Jaffray believes that its analyses
must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses and
of the factors considered by it, without considering all analyses and factors,
would create an incomplete view of the evaluation process underlying the Piper
Jaffray Opinion. Several analytical methodologies were employed, and no one
method of analysis should be regarded as critical to the overall conclusion
reached by Piper Jaffray. Each analytical technique has inherent strengths and
weaknesses, and the nature of the available information may further affect the
value of particular techniques. The conclusions reached by Piper Jaffray are
based on all analyses and factors taken as a whole and also on application of
Piper Jaffray's own experience and judgment. Such conclusions may involve
significant elements of subjective judgment and qualitative analysis. Piper
Jaffray therefore gives no opinion as to the value or merit of any one or more
parts of the analysis it performed standing alone. In performing its analyses,
Piper Jaffray considered general economic, market and financial conditions and
other matters, many of which are beyond the control of Autodesk and Discreet.
The analyses performed by Piper Jaffray are not necessarily indicative of
actual values or future results, which may
59
be significantly more or less favorable than those suggested by such analyses.
Accordingly, analyses relating to the value of a business do not purport to be
appraisals or to reflect the prices at which the business actually may be
purchased. Furthermore, no opinion is being expressed as to the prices at
which shares of Autodesk Common Stock may trade at any future time.
Autodesk engaged Piper Jaffray pursuant to the Piper Jaffray Engagement
Letter. The Piper Jaffray Engagement Letter provides that, for its services,
Piper Jaffray is entitled to receive a non-refundable retainer of $100,000
and, contingent upon consummation of the Transactions, an amount equal to
0.75% of the total transaction value (less the amounts paid as a retainer and
for the opinion described below) (the "Piper Jaffray Fee"). A payment of
$750,000 (which constitutes part of the Piper Jaffray Fee) became due and
payable to Piper Jaffray upon delivery of its August 18, 1998 fairness opinion
to the Autodesk Board. The remainder of the Piper Jaffray Fee is due and
payable upon consummation of the Transactions. Based on the closing price of
the Autodesk Common Stock and the capitalization of Discreet on August 20,
1998, the last trading day prior to announcement of the execution of the
Original Agreement, and assuming the Transactions were consummated as of such
date at the original 0.525 exchange ratio, the Piper Jaffray Fee would have
been $4,030,473. Based on the closing price of the Autodesk Common Stock on
December , 1998, the latest practicable date prior to the printing of this
Proxy Circular, and assuming the Transactions were consummated as of such date
at the current 0.48 Exchange Ratio, the Piper Jaffray Fee would have been
$ . Autodesk also agreed to reimburse Piper Jaffray, regardless of
whether the Transactions are consummated, for its out of pocket expenses and
to indemnify and hold harmless Piper Jaffray and its affiliates and any
person, director, employee or agent acting on behalf of Piper Jaffray or any
of its affiliates, or any person controlling Piper Jaffray or its affiliates,
for certain losses, claims, damages, expenses and liabilities relating to or
arising out of services provided by Piper Jaffray as financial advisor to
Autodesk. In addition, following consummation of the Transactions, Autodesk
and Dutchco will cause New Discreet to issue 112,500 New Discreet Class D
Shares to Piper Jaffray in payment of a portion of the fees incurred by a
predecessor of New Discreet in connection with the Transactions. The terms of
the fee arrangement with Piper Jaffray, which Autodesk and Piper Jaffray
believe are customary in transactions of this nature, were negotiated at arm's
length between Autodesk and Piper Jaffray, and the Autodesk Board was aware of
such fee arrangements.
Piper Jaffray was retained based on Piper Jaffray's experience as a
financial advisor in connection with mergers and acquisitions and in
securities valuations generally, as well as Piper Jaffray's investment banking
relationship and familiarity with Autodesk. Piper Jaffray has provided certain
financial advisory and investment banking services to Autodesk and Discreet
from time to time.
Piper Jaffray is a nationally recognized investment banking firm. As part of
its investment banking business, Piper Jaffray is frequently engaged in the
valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and
acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, secondary distributions of securities,
private placements and other purposes. Piper Jaffray may actively trade the
equity securities of Autodesk and Discreet for its own account and for the
accounts of its customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or
short position in such securities. Piper Jaffray maintains a market in
Autodesk Common Stock and Discreet Common Shares and regularly publishes
research reports regarding the business and securities of Autodesk, Discreet
and other publicly traded companies in the industry.
OPINION OF DISCREET'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Discreet retained Volpe Brown Whelan to render an opinion to the Discreet
Special Committee and the Discreet Board as to the fairness, from a financial
point of view, of the consideration to be received in connection with the
proposed business combination by the Discreet Shareholders. On August 20,
1998, Volpe Brown Whelan rendered its opinion to the Discreet Special
Committee and the Discreet Board to the effect that, as of such date and based
on and subject to the matters stated in the opinion, the original
consideration to be received by the Discreet Shareholders in connection with
the Transactions is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Discreet
Shareholders. On November 18, 1998, Volpe Brown Whelan rendered its opinion to
the Discreet Special
60
Committee and the Discreet Board to the effect that, as of such date and based
on and subject to the matters stated in the opinion, the revised consideration
to be received by the Discreet Shareholders in connection with the
Transactions is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Discreet
Shareholders.
THE FULL TEXT OF VOLPE BROWN WHELAN'S WRITTEN OPINION, DATED NOVEMBER 18,
1998, WHICH SETS FORTH THE ASSUMPTIONS MADE, MATTERS CONSIDERED AND
LIMITATIONS ON THE REVIEW UNDERTAKEN, IS ATTACHED TO THIS PROXY CIRCULAR AS
APPENDIX G AND IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. This summary is qualified
in its entirety by reference to the full text of such opinion. Discreet
Shareholders are encouraged to, and should, read this opinion carefully in its
entirety. The engagement of Volpe Brown Whelan and its opinion are for the
benefit of the Discreet Special Committee and the Discreet Board. Volpe Brown
Whelan's opinion addresses only the fairness of the consideration to be
received by the Discreet Shareholders from a financial point of view to the
Discreet Shareholders and does not address any other aspect of the
Transactions, nor does it constitute a recommendation to any Discreet
Shareholder as to how to vote their shares with respect to the Discreet
Resolution.
In arriving at its opinion, Volpe Brown Whelan: (i) reviewed the Acquisition
Agreement; (ii) interviewed management of Discreet and Autodesk concerning
their respective business prospects, financial outlook and operating plans as
stand-alone concerns and as a combined enterprise; (iii) reviewed certain
Discreet and Autodesk financial statements and other relevant financial and
operating data of Discreet and Autodesk provided to Volpe Brown Whelan by
Discreet and Autodesk management teams respectively; (iv) reviewed the
historical stock trading patterns of both Autodesk and Discreet and analyzed
implied historical exchange ratios; (v) reviewed the premium of the per share
consideration (which, for purposes of the written analysis, was based on the
closing price of Autodesk Common Stock on August 14, 1998) in relation to
selected merger and acquisition transactions that Volpe Brown Whelan deemed
relevant and comparable to the Transactions; (vi) reviewed the valuation of
selected publicly traded companies Volpe Brown Whelan deemed comparable and
relevant to Discreet; (vii) reviewed, to the extent publicly available, the
financial terms of selected merger and acquisition transactions that Volpe
Brown Whelan deemed comparable and relevant to the Transactions;
(viii) performed a valuation based upon Discreet's relative contribution,
adjusted to reflect the difference in capital structures of the two companies,
to Autodesk in terms of revenue, profitability and book value; (ix) performed
a discounted cash flow analysis of Discreet as a stand-alone entity based upon
the preliminary financial information regarding business prospects provided by
Discreet management through December 1999, and as extrapolated by Volpe Brown
Whelan thereafter; (x) performed a pro forma financial impact analysis of the
combined entity, based upon, in the case of Discreet, preliminary financial
information regarding business prospects (including with respect to both
potential financial performance and potential cost savings resulting from the
proposed business combination) provided by Discreet management through
December 1999 and as extrapolated by Volpe Brown Whelan thereafter, and, in
the case of Autodesk, preliminary financial information regarding business
prospects provided by Autodesk management through January 2000 and as
extrapolated by Volpe Brown Whelan thereafter; and (xi) performed such other
studies, analyses and inquiries and considered such other information as Volpe
Brown Whelan deemed relevant.
In rendering its opinion, Volpe Brown Whelan relied without independent
verification upon the accuracy and completeness of all of the information it
reviewed for purposes of its opinion and relied upon the assurances of
Discreet that, to the best of its knowledge, all such information is complete
and accurate in all material respects and that there is no additional material
information known to Discreet that would make any of the information made
available to Volpe Brown Whelan either incomplete or misleading. Discreet
retained outside legal, accounting and tax advisors to advise on matters
relating to the proposed business combination. Accordingly, Volpe Brown Whelan
relied on their advice and did not review and expressed no opinion on such
matters. Volpe Brown Whelan was not asked to, and did not, conduct a market
survey to determine the interest of other potential acquirors in the Company.
With respect to data and discussions relating to business prospects,
financial outlook and operating plans of Discreet and Autodesk, Volpe Brown
Whelan relied upon the assurances of Discreet and Autodesk that such
61
data, including the preliminary financial information regarding business
prospects, were prepared in good faith on a reasonable basis reflecting the
best currently available estimates and judgments of Discreet and Autodesk
management as to the prospects of Discreet and Autodesk separately and as a
combined enterprise, and assumed that it was reasonable to extrapolate such
estimates for periods after those periods for which estimates were provided.
Volpe Brown Whelan expressed no opinion and made no investigation with respect
to the validity, accuracy or completeness of the information provided to it
and did not and does not warrant any forecasts included in such information.
Actual results that Discreet or Autodesk might achieve in the future as stand-
alone entities or as a combined company may vary materially from those used in
Volpe Brown Whelan's analysis. Volpe Brown Whelan, furthermore, did not make
any independent appraisals or valuations of any assets of Discreet or
Autodesk, nor was Volpe Brown Whelan furnished with any such appraisals or
valuations. Volpe Brown Whelan's opinion is necessarily based upon market,
economic and other conditions that exist and can be evaluated as of the date
of the opinion.
For purposes of its analysis, Volpe Brown Whelan assumed that the proposed
business combination will be consummated in accordance with the terms of the
Acquisition Agreement without waiver of any of the conditions to the parties'
obligations thereunder, that there will be no material changes to the
Acquisition Agreement and that the ratio of shares of Autodesk Common Stock to
be received for each Discreet Common Share will be 0.48. Although developments
following the date of the Volpe Brown Whelan opinion may affect the opinion,
Volpe Brown Whelan assumed no obligation to update, revise or reaffirm the
opinion.
The following is a brief summary of the material analyses performed by Volpe
Brown Whelan in rendering its opinion to the Discreet Board:
Stock Trading and Exchange Ratio Analysis. Volpe Brown Whelan analyzed the
stock trading patterns of both Discreet and Autodesk over various periods of
time and compared them historically to one another. For purposes of this
analysis Volpe Brown Whelan assumed that the per share consideration to be
received by Discreet Shareholders in connection with the Transactions would be
$15.33 (the "Per Share Consideration") which was based on the closing price of
Autodesk Common Stock of $31.94 on November 16, 1998 (two days prior to the
announcement of the repricing of the exchange ratio) and the Exchange Ratio of
0.48. On November 18, 1998, Volpe Brown Whelan confirmed that the changes in
the per share consideration between November 16 and November 18 did not affect
its opinion as to the fairness of the consideration to be received by Discreet
Shareholders. From June 30, 1995 to August 14, 1998, the closing price of
Discreet Common Shares ranged from $32.00 during the week of November 6, 1995
to $3.63 on September 11, 1996, with a median daily closing price of $16.00.
The last time the stock price exceeded the level of the Per Share
Consideration was June 5, 1998. On a volume basis, 52.9% of Discreet's trades
from June 30, 1995 to August 14, 1998 were below the Per Share Consideration,
and 39.8% of trades from January 2, 1998 to August 14, 1998 were below the Per
Share Consideration. The exchange ratio implied from dividing historical
Discreet share prices by Autodesk share prices was below the Exchange Ratio
prior to June 9, 1997, was generally above the Exchange Ratio between June 9,
1997 and April 9, 1998, and was below the Exchange Ratio thereafter. From
January 2, 1997 to August 14, 1998, the implied exchange ratio ranged from
0.1761 to 0.6688 with a mean of 0.4123. The implied exchange ratio was 0.3740
and 0.3644 on August 14, 1998 and one month prior to that date, respectively.
The Exchange Ratio is within the range of the implied exchange ratios and
above the mean. Volpe Brown Whelan, however, placed greater weight on the more
recent implied exchange ratios on August 14, 1998 and one month prior to that
date, and noted that the Exchange Ratio is above these levels.
Premium Analysis. Volpe Brown Whelan analyzed the premiums paid in select
digital media transactions and in merger and acquisition transactions
generally, and compared them to the premium represented by the Per Share
Consideration. The Per Share Consideration represents a premium of 29.1%
compared to Discreet's share price on August 14, 1998. For digital media
transactions deemed comparable by Volpe Brown Whelan, one day premiums ranged
from 9.7% to 45.9% with a median of 26.1%, and one month premiums ranged from
22.8% to 58.1% with a median of 38.0%. These values would imply share prices
based on one day premiums ranging from $13.03 to $17.33 with a median of
$14.98, and share prices based on one month premiums ranging from $14.58 to
$18.78 as with a median of $16.39. Volpe Brown Whelan noted that the premium
represented by the
62
Per Share Consideration is above the median of one day premiums, below the
median of one month premiums, and within both ranges. For merger and
acquisition transactions between $200 million and $1 billion in value that
involved premiums and that were announced from January 1, 1997 through
November 16, 1998, one day premiums ranged from 0.7% to 173.7% with a median
of 22.8%, and one month premiums ranged from 0.2% to 185.9% with a median of
31.8%. These values would imply share prices based on one day premiums ranging
from $11.96 to $32.50 with a median of $14.59, and share prices based on one
month premiums ranging from $11.89 to $33.95 with a median of $15.65. Volpe
Brown Whelan noted that the premium represented by the Per Share Consideration
is above the median of one day premiums, below the median of one month
premiums, and within both ranges.
Comparable Publicly-Traded Company Analysis. Volpe Brown Whelan prepared a
range of values of selected publicly-traded companies it deemed comparable to
Discreet. As few companies are perfectly comparable to Discreet, the range of
comparable companies was somewhat broad and included Adobe Systems, Inc., Avid
Technology, Inc., Macromedia, Inc., Engineering Animation, Inc., Pinnacle
Systems, Inc., MetaCreations Corporation, Chyron Corporation, Media 100 Inc.,
Videonics, Inc. and Accom, Inc. Volpe Brown Whelan noted that it is difficult
to apply revenue multiples for valuation purposes in industries where the
hardware and software revenue mixes are inconsistent. Volpe Brown Whelan
indicated that in these instances it believes that it is more relevant to use
gross profit as the key "topline" value indicator. The analysis of comparable
companies yielded a wide range of per share values for Discreet of $0.61 to
$61.61 with a median of $14.65. Volpe Brown Whelan noted that the Per Share
Consideration is within this range of values and above the median. An analysis
of Avid Technology, Inc. ("Avid"), which Volpe Brown Whelan deemed to be the
most comparable company in the digital media sector, yielded a range of per
share values from $6.41 to $19.98 with a median of $10.36. Volpe Brown Whelan
noted that the Per Share Consideration is within this range of values and
above the median.
Comparable Merger and Acquisition Transaction Analysis. Volpe Brown Whelan
prepared a valuation of Discreet based upon merger and acquisition
transactions of target companies in the digital media industry. Volpe Brown
Whelan also prepared a valuation of Discreet based upon merger and acquisition
transactions of target companies in the digital media industry that, in the
view of Volpe Brown Whelan, are most directly comparable to Discreet. These
transactions included Microsoft's acquisition of SOFTIMAGE, Silicon Graphics'
acquisitions of Alias Research and Wavefront Technologies, and Avid's recent
acquisition of SOFTIMAGE. The analysis of target companies involved in the
Digital Media industry yielded a wide range of per share values for Discreet
of $2.25 to $196.15 with a median of $21.44. Volpe Brown Whelan noted that the
Per Share Consideration is within this range of values but below the median.
When Discreet is compared to those target companies Volpe Brown Whelan
believes are most comparable, the analysis yields a range of per share values
for Discreet of $8.92 to $82.99 with a median of $22.27. Volpe Brown Whelan
noted that the Per Share Consideration is within this range of values but
below the median. Volpe Brown Whelan observed that this analysis is skewed
toward applying a high valuation to profitability metrics such as earnings
before income tax, depreciation and amortization, and net income, since the
applied multiples are derived from targets that had very small profitability
margins. Volpe Brown Whelan placed less weight on this analysis because
Discreet is a more mature, profitable company than the comparable targets. In
addition, Volpe Brown Whelan noted that many of the transactions analyzed
occurred in 1995 or earlier when market values in the digital media industry
were particularly high, and placed less weight on this analysis in light of
such market timing differences.
Relative Contribution Analysis. Volpe Brown Whelan performed a valuation
analysis of Discreet based on Autodesk's and Discreet's relative contributions
to various measures of operational activity. This analysis was based on
historical financial data as well as the preliminary financial information
regarding business prospects for each respective business as if each were
operating independently. Volpe Brown Whelan also calculated certain
contribution percentages on an adjusted basis to reflect the differences in
the capital structures of the two companies. The analysis generated a range of
implied values for Discreet as well as a range of implied Discreet ownership
levels of the combined company. The analysis yielded a range of per share
values for Discreet of $5.44 to $14.18 with a median of $9.27. Volpe Brown
Whelan noted that the Per Share Consideration is above
63
this range of values. The analysis also yields a range of implied Discreet
ownership levels of the Combined Company from 9.8% to 20.2% with a median of
15.6%. Volpe Brown Whelan noted that, based on the Exchange Ratio, Discreet
Shareholders' approximately 23% ownership in the Combined Company will be
above this range of ownership levels.
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Volpe Brown Whelan prepared a valuation of
Discreet based on the value of its projected future cash flows, discounted to
the present ("DCF"). The DCF analysis was prepared using preliminary financial
information regarding business prospects provided by Discreet management
through December 1999 and extrapolated by Volpe Brown Whelan thereafter. Using
the capital asset pricing model, Volpe Brown Whelan calculated a weighted
average cost of capital ("WACC") for Discreet of 16.2%. Volpe Brown Whelan
believes that this WACC is in the middle of a range of relevant WACCs given
Discreet's historical and projected profitability. As such, Volpe Brown Whelan
used a range of discount rates from 14.2% to 18.2%. Given that Discreet's
current 1998 price/earnings multiple before it was affected by news of the
transaction was 14.3x, Volpe Brown Whelan employed a range of exit multiples
of 12.3x to 16.3x. The DCF analysis yielded a range of per share values for
Discreet from $19.08 to $27.33. Volpe Brown Whelan noted that the Per Share
Consideration is below this range. Volpe Brown Whelan placed less weight on
this analysis because it assumes Discreet's preliminary financial information
regarding business prospects through December 1999, and Volpe Brown Whelan's
extrapolations thereafter, will be achieved.
Price Payable No Dilution. Volpe Brown Whelan analyzed the maximum price it
estimated Autodesk could pay without diluting its estimated 1999 and 2000 EPS.
Based on this analysis, Volpe Brown Whelan estimated that Autodesk could pay
up to $11.18 per share without diluting 1999 EPS if no synergies were factored
into the analysis, and up to $13.19 per share if synergies are factored into
the analysis. Also based on this analysis, Autodesk could pay up to $12.47 per
share without diluting 2000 EPS if no synergies were factored into the
analysis, and up to $14.41 per share if synergies are factored into the
analysis. Volpe Brown Whelan noted that the Per Share Consideration is above
these levels.
Pro Forma Financial Impact Analysis. Volpe Brown Whelan performed a pro
forma financial impact analysis of the combined entity, based upon, in the
case of Discreet, preliminary financial information regarding business
prospects (including with respect to both potential financial performance and
potential cost savings resulting from the proposed business combination)
provided by Discreet management through December 1999 and as extrapolated by
Volpe Brown Whelan thereafter, and, in the case of Autodesk, preliminary
financial information regarding business prospects provided by Autodesk
management through January 2000 and as extrapolated by Volpe Brown Whelan
thereafter. Estimates of projected cost savings resulting from the
Transactions were provided by the management team of Discreet. Volpe Brown
Whelan expressed no opinion as the whether the potential financial performance
and cost savings would actually be obtained. Volpe Brown Whelan noted that,
based on preliminary financial information regarding business prospects, the
Transactions would negatively impact Autodesk's overall EPS.
The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not
necessarily susceptible to a partial analysis or summary description. In
arriving at its opinion, Volpe Brown Whelan considered the results of all of
its analyses as a whole and did not attribute any particular weight to any
analysis or factor considered by it. Furthermore, selecting portions of the
analysis, without considering all of the analyses, would create an incomplete
view of the process underlying its opinion. In addition, Volpe Brown Whelan
may have given various analyses and factors more or less weight than other
analyses and factors, and may have deemed various assumptions more of less
probable than other assumptions, so that the ranges of valuations resulting
from any particular analysis described above should not be taken to be Volpe
Brown Whelan's view of the actual value of Discreet.
The analyses performed by Volpe Brown Whelan are not necessarily indicative
of actual value, which may be significantly more or less favorable than
suggested by such analyses. Such analyses were prepared solely as part of
Volpe Brown Whelan's analysis of the fairness of the consideration from a
financial point of view to Discreet. The analyses do not purport to be
appraisals or to reflect the prices at which Discreet might actually be
64
sold. Because such estimates are inherently subject to uncertainty, there can
be no assurances or guarantees as to their accuracy. Consequently, the Volpe
Brown Whelan analyses described herein should not be viewed as determinative
of the opinion of the Discreet Board with respect to the value of Discreet or
of whether the Autodesk Board or the Discreet Board would have been willing to
agree to a different level of consideration.
Volpe Brown Whelan is a nationally recognized investment banking firm and
was selected by Discreet based on Volpe Brown Whelan's experience and
expertise. Volpe Brown Whelan, as a customary part of its investment banking
business, engages in the valuation of businesses and their securities in
connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, secondary
distributions of securities, private placements and valuations for corporate
and other purposes. In the ordinary course of its business, Volpe Brown Whelan
and its affiliates may actively trade the equity securities of Autodesk or
Discreet for its and their own account and for the accounts of customers and,
accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities.
The engagement letter between Volpe Brown Whelan and Discreet pursuant to
which Volpe Brown Whelan was engaged provides that, for its services, Volpe
Brown Whelan is entitled to receive, contingent upon consummation of the
proposed business combination, an amount equal to 0.75% of the total
transaction value (less the amounts for the opinion described below) (the
"Volpe Brown Whelan Fee"). A payment of $250,000 (which constitutes part of
the Volpe Brown Whelan Fee) became due and payable to Volpe Brown Whelan upon
delivery of its initial fairness opinion dated August 20, 1998 to the Discreet
Special Committee and the Discreet Board. A payment of an additional $250,000
(which does not constitute part of the Volpe Brown Whelan fee) became due and
payable to Volpe Brown Whelan upon delivery of its fairness opinion dated
November 18, 1998 to the Discreet Special Committee and the Discreet Board.
The remainder of the Volpe Brown Whelan Fee is due and payable upon
consummation of the proposed business combination. Based on the closing price
of the Autodesk Common Stock and the capitalization of Discreet on August 20,
1998, the last trading day prior to announcement of the execution of the
Original Agreement, and assuming the Transactions were consummated as of such
date at the original 0.525 exchange ratio, the Volpe Brown Whelan Fee would
have been $3,670,832. Based on the closing price of the Autodesk Common Stock
and the Discreet Common Shares on December , 1998, the latest practicable
date prior to the printing of this Proxy Circular, and assuming the
Transactions were consummated as of such date at the current 0.48 Exchange
Ratio, the Volpe Brown Whelan Fee would have been $ . Discreet has
also agreed to reimburse Volpe Brown Whelan, regardless of whether the
proposed business combination are consummated, for its out-of-pocket expenses,
and to indemnify and hold harmless Volpe Brown Whelan and its affiliates and
any person, director, employee or agent acting on behalf of Volpe Brown Whelan
or any of its affiliates, or any person controlling Volpe Brown Whelan or its
affiliates for certain losses, claims, damages, expenses and liabilities
relating to or arising out of services provided by Volpe Brown Whelan as
financial advisor to Discreet. The terms of the fee arrangement with Volpe
Brown Whelan, which Discreet and Volpe Brown Whelan believe are customary in
transactions of this nature, were negotiated at arm's length between Discreet
and Volpe Brown Whelan, and the Discreet Board was aware of such fee
arrangements. Volpe Brown Whelan and its affiliates have provided financial
advisory services to Discreet during the past two years and have received fees
of approximately $1,106,825 from Discreet for the rendering of such services.
PROPOSED MARKET PURCHASES OF DISCREET COMMON SHARES
Each of Autodesk and Dutchco currently intend to purchase for cash a limited
number of Discreet Common Shares (having an aggregate value in no event
greater than $1,000) prior to the Effective Time, but are under no obligation
to do so.
65
TERMS OF THE TRANSACTIONS
The following is a brief summary of the material terms of the Acquisition
Agreement and the various agreements related thereto. This summary is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the Acquisition Agreement. Discreet
Shareholders and Autodesk Stockholders are urged to read the Acquisition
Agreement in its entirety for a more complete description of the Transactions.
A copy of the Acquisition Agreement is attached as Appendix A to this Proxy
Circular. Capitalized terms used, but not otherwise defined, herein shall have
the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Acquisition Agreement. In the case
of any conflict between the Acquisition Agreement and the summary set forth
herein, the Acquisition Agreement will control.
GENERAL
Upon consummation of the Transactions, Discreet Shareholders will have
received, depending upon the prior election of each Discreet Shareholder and
subject to proration, for each of their Discreet Common Shares, either 0.48
shares of Autodesk Common Stock or 0.48 New Discreet Exchangeable Shares. IT
IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT US HOLDERS (AS DEFINED BELOW) WHO OWN DISCREET
COMMON SHARES DO NOT ELECT TO RECEIVE NEW DISCREET EXCHANGEABLE SHARES SINCE
THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF SUCH SHARES MAY HAVE CERTAIN ADVERSE TAX
CONSEQUENCES. SEE "MATERIAL CANADIAN FEDERAL AND UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME
TAX CONSIDERATIONS TO DISCREET SHAREHOLDERS."
Holders of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares will have economic and voting
rights substantially identical to those possessed by holders of Autodesk
Common Stock. New Discreet Exchangeable Shares generally may be received by
Canadian residents on a tax-deferred rollover basis (provided appropriate
elections are filed with the relevant tax authorities), will be qualified
investments, and will be "foreign property" under the Canadian Tax Act. See
"Material Canadian Federal and United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
to Discreet Shareholders--Discreet Shareholders Resident in Canada--Redemption
of New Discreet Class B Shares in Exchange for New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares--Rollover Transaction."
The Transactions will be completed by way of an amalgamation under the
Quebec Act and certain related transactions described below. Pursuant to the
Articles of Amalgamation, Discreet will be amalgamated with Autodesk Quebec
and Amalgamation Sub, both Quebec companies and indirect wholly owned
subsidiaries of Autodesk, to form New Discreet. Each holder of Discreet Common
Shares will receive upon the Amalgamation one New Discreet Class B Share for
each Discreet Common Share then held by such holder. Immediately following the
Amalgamation, each such New Discreet Class B Share will automatically, based
upon the prior election of the holder thereof, either (i) be converted into
one New Discreet Unit, which will immediately thereafter be acquired by
Dutchco in exchange for 0.48 shares of Autodesk Common Stock, or (ii) be
redeemed by New Discreet for 0.48 New Discreet Exchangeable Shares, in either
case without any further required action on the part of the holder. Pursuant
to the Acquisition Agreement, the maximum number of Discreet Common Shares
which ultimately may be exchanged for New Discreet Exchangeable Shares may not
exceed 19.99% of the number of Discreet Common Shares outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time. If, based upon the elections of Discreet
Shareholders, the percentage of Discreet Common Shares to be exchanged for New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares would exceed 19.99% of the Discreet Common Shares
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, such electing Discreet
Shareholders will receive, pro rata, New Discreet Units in lieu of New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares in respect of such excess, which New Discreet
Units will immediately be acquired by Dutchco in exchange for 0.48 shares of
Autodesk Common Stock.
The New Discreet Exchangeable Shares will be exchangeable at any time at the
option of the holder for Autodesk Common Stock on a one-for-one basis plus the
Dividend Amount, and will be automatically exchanged on the eleventh
anniversary of the Effective Time or earlier upon the occurrence of certain
events, including the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Autodesk or
New Discreet. Dividends will be payable on New Discreet Exchangeable Shares at
the same time and in the economically equivalent amounts per share as
dividends on Autodesk Common Stock. See "--Description of New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares."
66
EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE AMALGAMATION
As promptly as practicable after the satisfaction or waiver of the
conditions set forth in the Acquisition Agreement, the parties thereto will
cause Discreet to be amalgamated with Autodesk Quebec and Amalgamation Sub to
form New Discreet by filing Articles of Amalgamation and related documents as
contemplated by Section 123.118 of the Quebec Act with the Inspector General
of Financial Institutions of the Province of Quebec. The Amalgamation will
become effective at the Effective Time. New Discreet will continue as the
surviving entity following the Amalgamation and will become a subsidiary of
Dutchco and an indirect subsidiary of Autodesk.
CONVERSION OF DISCREET COMMON SHARES; FRACTIONAL SHARES
Upon consummation of the Transactions, Discreet Shareholders will receive,
depending upon the election of each Discreet Shareholder and the effects of
proration, that number of shares of Autodesk Common Stock or New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares equal to the Exchange Ratio in exchange for each of their
Discreet Common Shares. If any holder of Discreet Common Shares would be
entitled to receive a number of shares of Autodesk Common Stock or New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares that includes a fraction, then, in lieu of a
fractional share, such holder will be entitled to receive an amount of cash
equal to the product of (i) such fraction, multiplied by (ii) the average of
the closing price for the Autodesk Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market
for the 30 consecutive trading days immediately preceding the Effective Time.
See "--Procedures for Election and Exchange of Share Certificates by Discreet
Shareholders--Fractional Shares."
TREATMENT OF DISCREET EMPLOYEE PLANS
Discreet Stock Option Plans. At the Effective Time, each outstanding
Discreet Share Option under the Discreet Stock Option Plans, whether vested or
unvested, will be assumed by Autodesk, and, on such assumption, the rights to
acquire Discreet Common Shares under the Discreet Stock Option Plans shall be
exchanged for the right to acquire Autodesk Common Stock under such plans.
Each Discreet Share Option assumed by Autodesk under the Acquisition Agreement
will continue to have, and be subject to, the same terms and conditions set
forth in the Discreet Stock Option Plan pursuant to which such option was
granted immediately prior to the Effective Time, except with respect to the
number of shares of Autodesk Common Stock for which such option is exercisable
and the per share exercise price of such option, as discussed below. Each
Discreet Share Option will be exercisable for that number of shares of
Autodesk Common Stock that the holder of such Discreet Share Option would have
been entitled to receive had such holder exercised such Discreet Share Option
in full immediately prior to the Effective Time, multiplied by the Exchange
Ratio and rounded down to the nearest whole number of shares of Autodesk
Common Stock. The per share exercise price for the shares of Autodesk Common
Stock issuable upon exercise of such assumed Discreet Share Option will be
equal to the quotient determined by dividing the exercise price per share at
which such option was exercisable immediately prior to the Effective Time by
the Exchange Ratio and rounding the resulting exercise price up to the nearest
whole cent.
After the Effective Time, Autodesk will issue to each holder of an
outstanding Discreet Share Option a document evidencing Autodesk's assumption
of such Discreet Share Option. It is the intention of Autodesk and Discreet
that the Discreet Share Options assumed by Autodesk qualify following the
Effective Time as incentive stock options as defined in Section 422 of the
Code to the extent (and only to the extent) such Discreet Share Options
qualified as incentive stock options prior to the Effective Time.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan. At the Effective Time, each outstanding
purchase right (each, an "Assumed Purchase Right" and, collectively, the
"Assumed Purchase Rights") under the Discreet Employee Stock Purchase Plan
will be deemed to constitute a purchase right to acquire, on the same terms
and conditions as were applicable under the Discreet Employee Stock Purchase
Plan immediately prior to the Effective Time, a number of shares of Autodesk
Common Stock determined as provided in the Discreet Employee Stock Purchase
Plan, except that the per share purchase price of such shares of Autodesk
Common Stock under each Assumed Purchase Right will be the lower of (i) the
quotient determined by dividing 85% of the fair market value of a Discreet
Common Share on the first day of the current offering period by the Exchange
Ratio and (ii) 85% of the
67
fair market value of a share of Autodesk Common Stock on the last day of the
current offering period. This adjustment to the per share purchase price is
designed to preserve the economic rights of participants under the Discreet
Employee Stock Purchase Plan following the Transactions after giving effect to
the Exchange Ratio. Employees of Discreet as of the Effective Time will be
eligible to participate in Autodesk's Employee Qualified Stock Purchase Plan
commencing on the first enrollment date following the Effective Time, subject
to compliance with the eligibility requirements of Autodesk's Employee
Qualified Stock Purchase Plan (with Discreet employees receiving credit, for
purposes of such eligibility, for service with Discreet).
Registration Statement on Form S-8. Autodesk has agreed to file with the SEC
a registration statement on Form S-8 to register shares of Autodesk Common
Stock issuable as the result of the assumption of the Discreet Share Options
and Assumed Purchase Rights.
PROCEDURES FOR ELECTION AND EXCHANGE OF SHARE CERTIFICATES BY DISCREET
SHAREHOLDERS
The Letter of Transmittal and Election Form (on green paper) is enclosed
with this Proxy Circular for use by Discreet Shareholders (a) who wish to
receive New Discreet Exchangeable Shares (for which New Discreet Class B
Shares held by such electing Discreet Shareholders will immediately be
redeemed) and (b) for transmittal of certificates representing Discreet Common
Shares, regardless of whether they wish to receive Autodesk Common Stock or
New Discreet Exchangeable Shares. Additional copies of the green Letter of
Transmittal and Election Form may be obtained from the Depositary. The details
of the procedures for the making of elections, the exchange of certificates
representing Discreet Common Shares and the deposit of such certificates with
the Depositary and the addresses of the offices of the Depositary are set out
in the Letter of Transmittal and Election Form.
The procedures for receiving certificates representing New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares and shares of Autodesk Common Stock are described
immediately below.
If the Transactions are completed, no certificates will be issued
representing New Discreet Class B Shares or the New Discreet Class E Shares or
New Discreet Class F Shares comprising New Discreet Units, all of which shares
will be exchanged for Autodesk Common Stock or New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares, as the case may be, immediately after issuance.
Receipt of Autodesk Common Stock. Discreet Shareholders who wish to receive
New Discreet Units (which will be immediately acquired by Dutchco for 0.48
shares of Autodesk Common Stock) are not required to make any formal election,
since they will be deemed to have elected to receive New Discreet Units unless
they affirmatively elect to receive New Discreet Exchangeable Shares in
respect of the New Discreet Class B Shares into which their Discreet Common
Shares will be automatically converted upon the Amalgamation. However,
following the Effective Time, holders wishing to receive Autodesk Common Stock
rather than Exchangeable Shares must nonetheless surrender their certificates
representing Discreet Common Shares to the Depositary in order to obtain
certificates representing the appropriate number of shares of Autodesk Common
Stock. The Letter of Transmittal and Election Form enclosed herewith (on green
paper) specifies the terms of the exchange effected by the Transactions and
the procedure for surrendering certificates formerly representing Discreet
Common Shares to the Depositary.
DISCREET SHAREHOLDERS WISHING TO RECEIVE AUTODESK COMMON STOCK RATHER THAN
EXCHANGEABLE SHARES ARE ADVISED NOT TO SURRENDER THEIR CERTIFICATES
REPRESENTING DISCREET COMMON SHARES UNTIL THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY AUTODESK
TO DO SO.
DISCREET SHAREHOLDERS WHO WISH TO RECEIVE NEW DISCREET EXCHANGEABLE SHARES
(FOR WHICH NEW DISCREET CLASS B SHARES HELD BY SUCH ELECTING DISCREET
SHAREHOLDERS WILL IMMEDIATELY BE REDEEMED) MUST USE THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
AND ELECTION FORM (ON GREEN PAPER) TO DEPOSIT THEIR DISCREET COMMON SHARES
WITH THE DEPOSITARY ON OR BEFORE THE ELECTION DEADLINE. SEE "--ELECTION TO
RECEIVE NEW DISCREET EXCHANGEABLE SHARES," BELOW.
As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, Autodesk will send
additional letters of transmittal to former Discreet Shareholders who did not
elect to receive New Discreet Exchangeable Shares and who did not
68
deposit their certificates prior to the Election Deadline, in order to allow
them to exchange their Discreet Common Share certificates for certificates
representing shares of Autodesk Common Stock.
As soon as practicable after the surrender of certificates representing
Discreet Common Shares, the Depositary will deliver certificates for Autodesk
Common Stock in accordance with the instructions set forth in the Letter of
Transmittal and Election Form or the additional letter of transmittal, as the
case may be. Pending the surrender of certificates formerly representing
Discreet Common Shares and in respect of which the election to receive New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares was not duly made, such certificates will,
subject to the provisions set out under "--Failure to Deliver Certificates
Representing Discreet Common Shares" below, be deemed to represent the right
to receive the number of shares of Autodesk Common Stock to which the holder
of such certificates is entitled pursuant to the Transactions.
Election to Receive New Discreet Exchangeable Shares. Discreet Shareholders
who wish to receive New Discreet Exchangeable Shares following conversion of
their Discreet Common Shares into New Discreet Class B Shares must complete
the green Letter of Transmittal and Election Form, indicate their election to
receive New Discreet Exchangeable Shares in paragraph [.] thereof and return
it, together with the certificate(s) representing the Discreet Common Shares
in respect of which the election is made, to the Depositary prior to the
Election Deadline. The maximum number of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares
issuable in the Transactions may not exceed a number equal to 19.99% of the
number of Discreet Common Shares outstanding immediately prior to the
Amalgamation, multiplied by the Exchange Ratio. In the event that the number
of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares otherwise issuable to holders of Discreet
Common Shares pursuant to the Transactions exceeds this maximum number, such
Discreet Shareholders will receive, pro rata, New Discreet Units in lieu of
New Discreet Exchangeable Shares in respect of such excess. Holders of former
Discreet Common Shares in respect of which an election to receive New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares has not been duly made (which shares, at the Effective
Time, will have been automatically converted into New Discreet Class B Shares)
will be deemed to have elected to receive New Discreet Units.
Each Discreet Shareholder may elect to receive New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares in respect of all or any portion of the Discreet Common Shares held.
Where a shareholder desires to receive New Discreet Exchangeable Shares in
respect of only a part of the Discreet Common Shares represented by a single
share certificate, he or she must deposit such certificate with a Depositary
upon making such election, and the Depositary will, after the consummation of
the Transactions, forward to such shareholder certificates representing the
appropriate number of shares of Autodesk Common Stock which such shareholder
is entitled to receive by virtue of not electing to receive New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares for part of the shares represented by the deposited
certificate. See "Material Canadian Federal and United States Federal Income
Tax Considerations to Discreet Shareholders" for a description of the material
Canadian federal and United States federal income tax consequences of electing
to receive New Discreet Exchangeable Shares.
Fractional Shares. No certificates or scrip representing fractional New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares or shares of Autodesk Common Stock will be
issued. In lieu of any such fractional interests, each person entitled to a
fractional interest in New Discreet Exchangeable Shares or Autodesk Common
Stock will receive an amount in cash from New Discreet or Dutchco, as the case
may be, equal to the product of (i) such fraction, multiplied by (ii) the
average of the closing price for the Autodesk Common Stock on the Nasdaq
National Market for each of the thirty (30) consecutive trading days
immediately preceding the Effective Time.
If the Transactions are not consummated, all deposited share certificates
will be returned forthwith to the shareholders entitled thereto.
Failure to Deliver Certificates Representing Discreet Common Shares. Any
certificate formerly representing Discreet Common Shares not delivered with
all other necessary documents to the Depositary prior to the seventh
anniversary of the Effective Time shall cease to represent a claim or interest
of any kind or nature against New Discreet, Dutchco or Autodesk. On such date,
the Autodesk Common Stock to which the former registered holder of such
certificate was entitled shall be deemed to have been surrendered to Autodesk
together with all dividends, distributions and interests held for such former
registered holder.
69
OPERATIONS OF THE COMBINED COMPANY FOLLOWING THE TRANSACTIONS
Following consummation of the Transactions, Autodesk plans to combine the
businesses of Discreet and its Kinetix division into a new organization headed
by Discreet's current Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
Officer Richard Szalwinski who will report to Autodesk's President, Eric Herr,
and will be part of Autodesk's executive staff. The new organization, the
Discreet business unit of Autodesk, will be headquartered in Montreal, Quebec.
Autodesk's Discreet business unit will focus on developing and marketing tools
for the creation of digital content in the entertainment and creative design
industries. The combined organization will continue to develop and deliver the
existing Discreet and Kinetix product lines to a wide range of creative
professionals including those in the entertainment, and design and
visualization industries.
The engineering organizations of Discreet and Kinetix will be combined in
Autodesk's Discreet business unit, and certain general and administrative
functions will be integrated with similar functions at Autodesk. Discreet's
advanced editing and effects systems will continue to be sold by Discreet's
existing direct sales force. These products will be marketed and supported by
the Combined Company's Discreet Advanced Systems division. Discreet's New
Media Software products and Kinetix products will be sold through Autodesk's
distribution channel and will be marketed and supported by the Combined
Company's Discreet New Media Division.
TRANSACTION MECHANICS
The Amalgamation and Resulting Share Exchanges. Pursuant to the terms of the
Acquisition Agreement, the Amalgamation Agreement and the provisions attaching
to the shares in the share capital of New Discreet, the following events will
occur:
(a) Discreet, Autodesk Quebec and Amalgamation Sub will amalgamate to
form New Discreet by filing Articles of Amalgamation;
(b) Each holder of Discreet Common Shares will receive upon the
Amalgamation one New Discreet Class B Share for each Discreet Common Share
then held by such holder;
(c) Immediately following the Effective Time of the Amalgamation, the New
Discreet Class B Shares held by persons who have elected to receive New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares will be redeemed by New Discreet for 0.48 New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares, without any required action on the part of
the holder, provided that if the aggregate percentage of New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares otherwise issuable pursuant to the Transactions exceeds
19.99% of the number of Discreet Common Shares outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time, multiplied by the Exchange Ratio, the holders
of such New Discreet Class B Shares will receive, pro rata, New Discreet
Units in respect of such excess in lieu of New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares;
(d) Immediately following the redemption by New Discreet of New Discreet
Class B Shares for New Discreet Exchangeable Shares, the New Discreet
Class B Shares held by persons who have not elected to receive New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares will be converted into one New Discreet Unit which will
immediately thereafter be acquired by Dutchco (pursuant to the exercise of
its right to purchase such units) in exchange for 0.48 shares of Autodesk
Common Stock, without any required action on the part of the holder;
(e) Dutchco will receive one New Discreet Class A Share for each
outstanding common share of Amalgamation Sub it holds prior to the
Effective Time. Such New Discreet Class A Shares will not be further
converted or exchanged after the Effective Time; and
(f) ACI will receive one New Discreet Class C Share for each outstanding
common share of Autodesk Quebec it holds prior to the Effective Time.
Pursuant to the Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement, (i) New Discreet has
made a covenant in favor of the holders of New Discreet Units, enforceable by
the Trustee, that it will redeem the New Discreet Class E
70
Shares and New Discreet Class F Shares, and (ii) Dutchco has made a covenant
in favor of the holders of New Discreet Units, enforceable by the Trustee,
that, upon the proposed exercise by New Discreet of its redemption right with
respect to the New Discreet Units, Dutchco will exercise its right to purchase
the New Discreet Units.
Former Discreet Shareholders will not receive separate share certificates in
respect of the New Discreet Class B Shares, or of the New Discreet Class E
Shares and New Discreet Class F Shares which comprise New Discreet Units.
Share certificates receivable by former Discreet Shareholders will, on the
shareholder's election and subject to proration, be for either (i) shares of
Autodesk Common Stock or (ii) New Discreet Exchangeable Shares.
The Exchange Ratio will be proportionally adjusted to reflect fully the
effect of any stock split, reverse split, stock dividend (including any
dividend or distribution of securities convertible into Autodesk Common Stock
or Discreet Common Shares), reorganization, recapitalization or other change
with respect to Autodesk Common Stock or Discreet Common Shares prior to the
Effective Time. Following the Effective Time, the rate at which New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares may be exchanged for Autodesk Common Stock is subject to
adjustment or modification in the event of stock splits or other changes to
the capital structure of Autodesk so as to maintain the initial relationship
between the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares and the Autodesk Common Stock.
Immediately following consummation of the Transactions and pursuant to pre-
existing binding obligations, New Discreet will issue 150,000 New Discreet
Class D Shares in payment of a portion of the fees incurred by a predecessor
of New Discreet in connection with the Transactions. 112,500 of such shares
will be issued to Piper Jaffray, Autodesk's financial advisor, and the
remaining 37,500 shares will be issued to Aird & Berlis, Canadian legal
counsel to Autodesk and Dutchco.
In addition, immediately after the Effective Time, Autodesk, Dutchco (or a
subsidiary to which Dutchco may assign its rights under the Acquisition
Agreement) and New Discreet will enter into the Support Agreement and
(together with the Trustee) the Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement. See
"Terms of the Transactions--Support Agreement" and "--Voting and Exchange
Trust Agreement."
STOCK OWNERSHIP FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF THE TRANSACTIONS
Upon completion of the Transactions, Dutchco will be the beneficial owner of
all of the issued and outstanding New Discreet Class A Shares, New Discreet
Class E Shares and New Discreet Class F Shares, and ACI will be the beneficial
owner of all of the issued and outstanding New Discreet Class C Shares. The
New Discreet Class A Shares and the New Discreet Class E Shares will be the
only classes of voting securities of New Discreet. Based upon the number of
Discreet Common Shares outstanding and the number of Discreet Common Shares
issuable upon exercise of outstanding Discreet Share Options as of October 31,
1998, an aggregate of approximately 14.4 million shares of Autodesk Common
Stock will be issued to Discreet Shareholders in the Transactions (assuming
that no New Discreet Exchangeable Shares are issued), and Autodesk will assume
options exerciseable for up to approximately [ ] additional shares of
Autodesk Common Stock. Based upon the number of shares of Autodesk Common
Stock issued and outstanding as of October 31, 1998, and after giving effect
to the issuance of Autodesk Common Stock as described in the previous sentence
and the issuance of 3 million shares of Autodesk Common Stock pursuant to the
Reissuance Offering, the former holders of Discreet Common Shares would hold
approximately 22.4% of Autodesk's total issued and outstanding Common Stock
after completion of the Transactions, and holders of former Discreet Share
Options would hold options to purchase an additional approximately [ ]% of
Autodesk's total issued and outstanding Common Stock (assuming the exercise of
such assumed options, but not others). The foregoing numbers of shares and
percentages are subject to change in the event that the capitalization of
either Autodesk or Discreet changes subsequent to October 31, 1998 and prior
to the Effective Time, and there can be no assurance as to the actual
capitalization of Autodesk or Discreet at the Effective Time or of the
Combined Company at any time following the Effective Time. See "--Offering of
Autodesk Common Stock."
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ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
The Transactions are expected to be treated by Autodesk as a "pooling-of-
interests" for accounting purposes under US GAAP. This accounting method
permits the recorded assets and liabilities of both Autodesk and Discreet to
be carried forward on a consolidated basis to Autodesk, after giving effect to
the Transactions, at their recorded historical amounts. No recognition of
goodwill will be required as a result of the Transactions and consequently,
there will be no amortization of goodwill from the Transactions reflected in
Autodesk's future financial periods.
Consummation of the Transactions is conditioned upon (i) receipt by Discreet
of a letter from its independent auditors to the effect that Discreet
qualifies as an entity that may be a party to a business combination for which
the pooling-of-interests method of accounting would be available and (ii)
receipt by Autodesk of a letter from its independent auditors regarding
concurrence with Autodesk management's conclusion as to the appropriateness of
pooling-of-interests accounting treatment for the Transactions under
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 16, if consummated in accordance with
the Acquisition Agreement.
OFFERING OF AUTODESK COMMON STOCK
In order to qualify the Transactions for pooling-of-interests accounting
treatment, Autodesk must reissue in one or more transactions certain shares of
Autodesk Common Stock previously repurchased by Autodesk and currently held in
its treasury. Accordingly, Autodesk expects to issue approximately 3 million
shares of Autodesk Common Stock through the Reissuance Offering. If the
Reissuance Offering is effected by a public offering, the offering will be
made only by means of a prospectus satisfying the requirements of the
Securities Act. If the Reissuance Offering is effected by a private placement
exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, the offered
shares may not be resold in the United States absent registration or an
applicable exemption from registration under the Securities Act.
DESCRIPTION OF NEW DISCREET EXCHANGEABLE SHARES
Voting Rights. Holders of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares will generally
not be permitted to vote at meetings of the shareholders of New Discreet
(except, where required by law, as a separate class). Autodesk (or a
subsidiary of Autodesk) and Dutchco will be the only voting shareholders of
New Discreet.
As of the Effective Time, Autodesk, New Discreet, Dutchco and the Trustee
will enter into the Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement under which Autodesk
will issue the Special Voting Share to the Trustee for the benefit of the
holders of the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares (the "Beneficiaries"). The
Special Voting Share will carry the number of votes, exercisable at any
meeting at which Autodesk Stockholders are entitled to vote, equal to the
number of votes that the outstanding New Discreet Exchangeable Shares not
owned by Autodesk or its subsidiaries and affiliates would be entitled to vote
if exchanged for Autodesk Common Stock. The Voting Rights attaching to Special
Voting Share will be similarly exercisable with respect to any written consent
sought from the Autodesk Stockholders.
Each Beneficiary on the record date for any meeting at which Autodesk
Stockholders are entitled to vote will be entitled to instruct the Trustee to
exercise that number of the votes attached to the Special Voting Share for
each New Discreet Exchangeable Share held by such Beneficiary equal to the
number of votes that such New Discreet Exchangeable Share would be entitled to
if exchanged for Autodesk Common Stock. The Trustee will exercise each vote
attached to the Special Voting Share only as directed by the relevant
Beneficiary and, in the absence of instructions from a Beneficiary as to
voting, will not exercise such votes. Each Beneficiary may, upon instructing
the Trustee, obtain a proxy from the Trustee entitling the Beneficiary to vote
directly at the relevant meeting the votes attached to the Special Voting
Share to which the Beneficiary is entitled.
The Trustee will send to the Beneficiaries the notice of each meeting at
which Autodesk Stockholders are entitled to vote, together with the related
meeting materials and a statement as to the manner in which the Beneficiary
may instruct the Trustee to exercise the votes attaching to the Special Voting
Share, at the same time
72
as Autodesk sends such notice and materials to the Autodesk Stockholders. The
Trustee will also send to the Beneficiaries copies of all information
statements, interim and annual financial statements, reports and other
materials sent by Autodesk to the Autodesk Stockholders at the same time as
such materials are sent to the Autodesk Stockholders. To the extent such
materials are provided to the Trustee by Autodesk, the Trustee will also send
to the Beneficiaries all materials sent by third parties to Autodesk
Stockholders, including dissident proxy circulars and tender and exchange
offer circulars, as soon as possible after such materials are first sent to
Autodesk Stockholders or received by Autodesk.
All rights of a Beneficiary to exercise or cause to be exercised votes
attached to the Special Voting Share will cease upon the exchange, redemption
or other cancellation of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares for Autodesk Common
Stock.
Dividend Rights. Under the share provisions of the New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares, holders of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares will be entitled to
receive dividends which are intended, so far as possible, to be functionally
and economically equivalent to those declared on Autodesk Common Stock as
follows:
(i) in the case of a cash dividend declared on Autodesk Common Stock,
holders of each New Discreet Exchangeable Share will be entitled to receive
the Canadian Dollar Equivalent of the dividend declared on each share of
Autodesk Common Stock;
(ii) in the case of a stock dividend declared on Autodesk Common Stock
which is payable in Autodesk Common Stock, holders of each New Discreet
Exchangeable Share will be entitled to receive such number of New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares as is equal to the number of shares of Autodesk Common
Stock to be paid as a dividend on each share of Autodesk Common Stock; and
(iii) in the case of a dividend declared on Autodesk Common Stock in
property other than in cash or Autodesk Common Stock, holders of each New
Discreet Exchangeable Share will be entitled to receive such type and
amount of property as is the same or economically equivalent to (as
determined by the board of directors of New Discreet) the type and amount
of property declared as a dividend on each share of Autodesk Common Stock.
The record date for the determination of the holders of New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares entitled to receive payment of, and the payment date for,
any dividend declared on New Discreet Exchangeable Shares shall be the same
dates as the record date and payment date, respectively, for the corresponding
dividend on Autodesk Common Stock.
Retraction Rights of Holder and Dutchco Retraction Call Rights. Pursuant to
the share provisions of the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares, subject to
applicable law and the overriding Retraction Call Right of Dutchco described
below, holders of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares shall be entitled at any
time to require New Discreet to retract any or all such New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares and to receive, for each New Discreet Exchangeable Share,
an amount equal to the market price of a share of Autodesk Common Stock as of
the last Business Day immediately preceding the Retraction Date (as defined
below), plus an additional amount equal to the Dividend Amount, which shall be
satisfied by New Discreet causing to be delivered to such holder one share of
Autodesk Common Stock for each such New Discreet Exchangeable Share and paying
to such holder the Dividend Amount.
Holders of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares may effect such retraction by
presenting a certificate or certificates to New Discreet or its transfer agent
representing the number of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares the holder desires
to retract, together with a written request (a "Retraction Request")
specifying the number of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares the holder wishes
New Discreet to retract and the date upon which the holder desires to receive
shares of Autodesk Common Stock (which date shall be not less than three
Business Days nor more than ten Business Days after the date on which such
Retraction Request is received by New Discreet, provided that in the event
that no such Business Day is specified in the Retraction Request, the
Retraction Date shall be the tenth Business Day after receipt of the
Retraction Request by New Discreet) (the "Retraction Date"), and such other
documents as may be required to effect the retraction of the New Discreet
Exchangeable
73
Shares. As a result, holders of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares should be
aware that they may not know the value of the shares of Autodesk Common Stock
they will receive in fulfillment of their Retraction Request in the event they
specify a Retraction Date which falls later than three business days after
they make the Retraction Request, fail to specify a Retraction Date or fail to
ensure that their Retraction Request is received by New Discreet on the date
it is made. This is because such holders may not be able to sell the Autodesk
Common Stock underlying their New Discreet Exchangeable Shares on the date of
their Retraction Request, since they will not be able to ensure that shares of
Autodesk Common Stock will be available for delivery to the buyer on the
settlement date. The value of the shares of Autodesk Common Stock delivered to
such holders on the Retraction Date may be higher or lower than the value of
such shares on the date of their Retraction Request.
Upon receipt of a Retraction Request, New Discreet shall immediately notify
Autodesk and Dutchco of such request. Autodesk or Dutchco shall thereafter
have two Business Days in which to notify New Discreet that Dutchco intends to
exercise its overriding Retraction Call Right to purchase all, but not less
than all, of the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares submitted by the holder
thereof for retraction. The purchase price for each such New Discreet
Exchangeable Share purchased by Dutchco shall be the amount equal to the
market price of a share of Autodesk Common Stock as of the last Business Day
immediately preceding the Retraction Date, plus an additional amount equal to
the Dividend Amount, and shall be satisfied by Dutchco causing to be delivered
to such holder one share of Autodesk Common Stock for each such New Discreet
Exchangeable Share and paying to such holder the Dividend Amount.
Redemption Rights of New Discreet and Dutchco Redemption Call
Rights. Pursuant to the share provisions of the New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares, subject to applicable law, certain limited exceptions and the
overriding Redemption Call Right of Dutchco described below, on a date eleven
years from the Effective Time (the "Final Redemption Date"), New Discreet
shall redeem all, but not less than all, of the then outstanding New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares by payment of an amount equal to the market price of a
share of Autodesk Common Stock as of the last Business Day immediately
preceding the Final Redemption Date, plus an additional amount equal to the
Dividend Amount for each New Discreet Exchangeable Share so redeemed, which
shall be satisfied by New Discreet causing to be delivered to such holder one
share of Autodesk Common Stock for each such New Discreet Exchangeable Share
and paying to such holder the Dividend Amount.
Dutchco shall have the overriding redemption call right, notwithstanding any
proposed redemption of the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares by New Discreet as
outlined above, to purchase on the Final Redemption Date all, but not less
than all, of the outstanding New Discreet Exchangeable Shares by payment of an
amount equal to the market price of a share of Autodesk Common Stock as of the
last Business Day immediately preceding the Final Redemption Date, plus an
additional amount equal to the Dividend Amount for each New Discreet
Exchangeable Share so redeemed, which shall be satisfied by Dutchco causing to
be delivered to such holder one share of Autodesk Common Stock for each such
New Discreet Exchangeable Share and paying to such holder the Dividend Amount.
New Discreet shall, at least 120 days before the Final Redemption Date,
provide Autodesk, Dutchco and each holder of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares
with written notice of New Discreet's intended redemption of the New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares and/or Dutchco's exercise of Dutchco's Redemption Call
Right, as the case may be.
Liquidation Exchange Rights of Holders and Dutchco Liquidation Call
Rights. Pursuant to the Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement, upon the
occurrence and during the continuance of an "Insolvency Event" with respect to
New Discreet, a Beneficiary may instruct the Trustee to require Dutchco to
purchase any or all of the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares held by the
Beneficiary. "Insolvency Event" will be defined to include (i) any insolvency
or bankruptcy proceeding instituted by or against New Discreet, including any
such proceeding under the Companies Creditors' Arrangement Act (Canada) and
the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada), (ii) the admission in writing by
New Discreet of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due
and (iii) the inability of New Discreet, as a result of solvency requirements
of applicable law, to redeem any New Discreet Exchangeable Shares tendered for
retraction. Immediately upon the occurrence of an Insolvency Event or any
event which may, with the passage of time or the giving of notice, become an
Insolvency Event,
74
New Discreet, Autodesk and/or Dutchco, will give written notice thereof to the
Trustee. As soon as practicable thereafter, the Trustee will then notify each
Beneficiary of such event or potential event and will advise the Beneficiary
of its rights as described above.
Under the terms of the Articles of Amalgamation, Dutchco will be granted the
overriding right, in the event of and notwithstanding the proposed voluntary
or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of New Discreet, to
purchase all, but not less than all, of the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares
then outstanding and, upon the exercise by Dutchco of such right, the holders
of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares will be obligated to sell such shares to
Dutchco. The purchase by Dutchco of all the outstanding New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares upon the exercise of such right will occur on the
effective time of the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding-up of New Discreet. The purchase price payable by Dutchco for each New
Discreet Exchangeable Share will be equal to the market price of a share of
Autodesk Common Stock as of the last Business Day immediately prior to the
effective time of such voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of New Discreet, plus an additional amount equal to the Dividend
Amount, and shall be satisfied by Dutchco causing to be delivered to such
holder one share of Autodesk Common Stock for each such New Discreet
Exchangeable Share and paying to such holder the Dividend Amount.
If, as a result of solvency provisions of applicable law, New Discreet is
unable to redeem all New Discreet Exchangeable Shares specified in a
Retraction Request and provided that Dutchco has not exercised its Retraction
Call Right with respect to such shares and the Beneficiary has not revoked the
Retraction Request, the Beneficiary will be deemed to have exercised its right
to instruct the Trustee to require Dutchco to purchase the unredeemed New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares and Dutchco will be required to purchase such
shares from the Beneficiary in the manner set forth above.
Automatic Exchange Rights in the Event of the Insolvency of Autodesk. Under
the Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement, in the event of the voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Autodesk, Dutchco will
be required to purchase each outstanding New Discreet Exchangeable Share for a
purchase price equal to the market price of a share of Autodesk Common Stock
as of the last Business Day immediately prior to the effectiveness of such
voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Autodesk,
plus an additional amount equal to the Dividend Amount, which shall be
satisfied by Dutchco causing to be delivered to such holder one share of
Autodesk Common Stock for each such New Discreet Exchangeable Share and paying
to such holder the Dividend Amount.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
In the Acquisition Agreement, Discreet, on the one hand, and each of
Autodesk, Dutchco, ACI, Autodesk Quebec and Amalgamation Sub, on the other
hand, have made customary representations and warranties to the other
regarding, among other things, (i) its due incorporation and qualification and
the due incorporation and qualification of each of its subsidiaries; (ii) its
capitalization; (iii) its articles of incorporation and by-laws; (iv) its
corporate power and authority to enter into, and its due authorization,
execution and delivery of, the Acquisition Agreement; (v) receipt of required
governmental approvals; (vi) the absence of any material adverse changes in
its business or condition; (vii) its securities laws filings; (viii) the
performance of its obligations under the Acquisition Agreement and the
consummation of the Transactions not violating its articles and by-laws,
applicable law and certain material agreements (and the current compliance
therewith); (ix) its financial statements; (x) its intellectual property; (xi)
its insurance; (xii) absence of material litigation; (xiii) its tax returns
and the payment of certain taxes; (xiv) the possession of and compliance with
certain governmental licenses; (xv) the material accuracy of this Proxy
Circular and the Form S-3 and Form S-4; (xvi) the absence of certain
restrictions on material business practices; (xvii) the absence of undisclosed
brokers; (xviii) the absence of certain transactions with officers and
directors; (xix) the absence of any actions taken which would affect the
treatment of the Transactions as a pooling transaction for accounting
purposes; and (xx) the votes required to approve the Transactions. In
addition, Discreet has made representations and warranties to Autodesk with
respect to title to its properties and assets, labor and employment relations,
employee benefit plans, the binding nature of its material contracts and
certain environmental matters. Autodesk has additionally made representations
and warranties to Discreet with respect to the Autodesk Board's recommendation
to the Autodesk Stockholders with respect to the Autodesk Resolution. Each of
the parties has also agreed to give the other prompt notice of any
75
inaccuracies in its representations and warranties, as well as notice of any
events that may result in the failure of any conditions or covenants under the
Acquisition Agreement to be satisfied. Such representations and warranties
will not survive consummation of the Transactions.
BUSINESS OF AUTODESK PENDING CONSUMMATION OF THE TRANSACTIONS
During the period from the date of the Original Agreement until the
termination of the Acquisition Agreement or the Effective Time, except as
otherwise consented to by Discreet in writing, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld, Autodesk has agreed that Autodesk will, among other
things, operate its business in accordance in the ordinary course, pay debts
and Taxes when due subject to good faith disputes over such debts or Taxes and
perform other obligations when due, except to the extent failure to do any of
the foregoing would not have a Material Adverse Effect (as such term is
defined in the Acquisition Agreement and in "--Conditions to the
Transactions," below).
BUSINESS OF DISCREET PENDING CONSUMMATION OF THE TRANSACTIONS
Under the terms of the Acquisition Agreement, for a period from the date of
the Original Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination of
the Acquisition Agreement or the Effective Time, and except for certain
disclosed actions and otherwise agreed to by Dutchco in writing, Discreet has
agreed that Discreet and its subsidiaries will, among other things, conduct
their businesses in accordance with their ordinary course of business or in
accordance with the provisions of the Acquisition Agreement and in a manner
consistent with past practices, and use commercially reasonable efforts to
preserve substantially intact their respective business organizations, to keep
available the services of their present officers, employees and consultants,
to take all commercially reasonable action necessary to prevent the loss,
cancellation, abandonment, forfeiture or expiration of any Discreet
intellectual property and to preserve their present relationships with
customers, suppliers and other persons with whom they have significant
business relations, except in each case where the failure to do so could not
reasonably be expected to have a "Material Adverse Effect" (as such term is
defined in the Acquisition Agreement and in "--Conditions to the
Transactions," below) on the business of Discreet or its subsidiaries.
In particular, subject to certain exceptions set forth in a disclosure
schedule provided by Discreet to Autodesk and Dutchco, Discreet and its
subsidiaries have agreed, among other things, not to take any of the following
actions without the prior written consent of Dutchco, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld: (i) amend or otherwise change Discreet's articles of
incorporation (the "Discreet Articles") or by-laws (the "Discreet By-laws");
(ii) issue, sell, pledge, dispose of or encumber, or authorized the issuance,
sale, pledge, disposition or encumbrance of any class of shares in the share
capital of Discreet, or any options, warrants convertible securities or other
rights of any kind to acquire any shares of Discreet's share capital, or any
other ownership interest of Discreet, subject to certain exceptions;
(iii) sell, pledge, dispose of or encumber material assets except in the
ordinary course of business and in a manner consistent with past practice and
dispositions of obsolete or worthless assets; (iv) amend or change the period
(or permit any acceleration, amendment or change) of exercisability of options
or restricted stock granted under the Discreet Stock Option Plans or the
Discreet Employee Stock Purchase Plan or authorize cash payments in exchange
for any options granted under such plans; (v) declare, set aside, make or pay
any dividend or other distribution with respect to any shares in the share
capital of Discreet, except that a wholly owned subsidiary may declare and pay
a dividend to its parent; (vi) split, combine or reclassify any of its capital
stock or issue or authorize or propose the issuance of any other securities in
respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for shares of its capital stock;
(vii) amend the terms of, repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its
securities; (viii) dispose of any intellectual property of Discreet or its
subsidiaries, or amend or modify any existing agreements with respect to any
such intellectual property or third party intellectual property rights, other
than nonexclusive object and source code licenses in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice or industry standards for such
licensing or distribution; (ix) acquire any business organization or material
amount of assets; (x) incur any material indebtedness or liability for
indebtedness except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice; (xi) authorize any capital expenditures or purchase of fixed assets
which are, in the aggregate, in excess of US$6,000,000 for Discreet and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole; (xii) increase the compensation payable to its
officers or
76
employees, except for increases in accordance with past practice, or grant
severance or termination pay to, or enter into any employment or severance
agreement with, any director, officer or other Discreet employee, or
establish, adopt, enter into or amend any employee plan of Discreet or its
subsidiaries, except as may be required by applicable law; (xiii) take any
action to change material Tax or accounting policies or procedures, other than
as required by law or US GAAP; (xiv) make any material Tax election
inconsistent with past practices or settle or compromise a material federal,
state, local or foreign Tax liability or agree to an extension of a statute of
limitations, except to the extent the amount of any such settlement has been
reserved for on the Discreet balance sheet; (xv) pay, discharge or satisfy any
material claims, liabilities or obligations, other than the payment, discharge
or satisfaction of liabilities reflected or reserved against in the Discreet
financial statements or incurred in the ordinary course of business and
consistent with past practice; (xvi) take any action to amend or terminate any
of its employee plans, except as may be required by law (xvii) take or allow
to be taken or fail to take any act or omission which would jeopardize the
treatment of the Transactions as a pooling of interests for accounting
purposes under US GAAP; (xviii) modify, amend or terminate any Covered
Agreement, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice; or (xix) take, or agree in writing or otherwise to take, any of the
actions described in clauses (i) through (xviii) above, or that would make any
of the representations or warranties of Discreet contained in the Acquisition
Agreement untrue or incorrect or prevent Discreet from performing or cause
Discreet not to perform its covenants thereunder or result in any of the
conditions to the Transactions not being satisfied.
NON-SOLICITATION BY DISCREET OF ALTERNATIVE TRANSACTIONS
Discreet has agreed that from and after the date of the Original Agreement
until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of the Acquisition
Agreement, Discreet shall not, directly or indirectly, through any officer,
director, employee, representative or agent of Discreet or any of its
subsidiaries, take any action to initiate, solicit or encourage (including by
way of furnishing any person any non-public information, except as permitted
in Section 4.2(e) of the Acquisition Agreement) or, subject to the terms of
the immediately following sentence, participate in any discussions or
negotiations with any persons who are considering or who have made any
inquiries or proposals regarding any merger, amalgamation, take-over bid, sale
of substantial assets, sale of shares of capital stock (including without
limitation by way of a tender offer) or similar transactions involving
Discreet or any of its subsidiaries (any of the foregoing inquiries or
proposals being referred to herein as an "Acquisition Proposal").
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 4.2(a) of the
Acquisition Agreement or in any other provision of the Acquisition Agreement,
Discreet may, to the extent the Discreet Board determines, in good faith,
after consultation with outside legal counsel, that the Discreet Board's
fiduciary duties under applicable law require it to do so, participate in
discussions or negotiations with, and, subject to the requirements of Section
4.2(d) of the Acquisition Agreement furnish information to any person, entity
or group after such person, entity or group has delivered to Discreet an
unsolicited bona fide Acquisition Proposal which the Discreet Board in its
good faith and reasonable judgment determines, after consultation with its
independent financial advisors, would result in a transaction more favorable
to the Discreet Shareholders than the transactions contemplated by the
Acquisition Agreement (a "Superior Proposal"). In addition, notwithstanding
any other provision of the Acquisition Agreement, in connection with a
possible Acquisition Proposal, Discreet may refer to any third party to
Section 4.2 of the Acquisition Agreement or make a copy of the No Solicitation
provisions of the Acquisition Agreement available to a third party. In the
event Discreet receives a Superior Proposal, nothing contained in the
Acquisition Agreement (but subject to the terms of the No Solicitation
provisions of the Acquisition Agreement) will prevent the Discreet Board from
accepting, approving or recommending such Superior Proposal to the Discreet
Shareholders, if the Discreet Board determines in good faith, after
consultation with outside legal counsel, that such action is required by its
fiduciary duties under applicable law. In such case, the Discreet Board may
withdraw, modify or refrain from making its recommendation of the Transactions
and, to the extent it does so, Discreet may refrain from making soliciting
proxies and taking such other action necessary to secure the vote of the
Discreet Shareholders; provided, however, that Discreet shall not accept,
approve or recommend to the Discreet Shareholders, or enter into any agreement
concerning, a Superior Proposal for a period of not less than three Business
Days after Autodesk's receipt of a copy of the Superior Proposal (or a
reasonably detailed written description of the significant terms and
conditions thereof, if such proposal is not in writing).
77
Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained in the Acquisition
Agreement will prohibit Discreet from complying with Rules 14d-9 and 14e-2
under the Securities Exchange Act; provided, however, that, in complying with
such rules, Discreet has agreed that it will not make or authorize any
recommendation of any Acquisition Proposal unless such proposal constitutes a
Superior Proposal.
Discreet has agreed that it will immediately (and no later than 24 hours)
notify Autodesk and Dutchco after receipt of any written Acquisition Proposal
or any request for nonpublic information relating to Discreet in connection
with an Acquisition Proposal or for access to the properties, books or records
of Discreet or any subsidiary by any person or entity that informs the
Discreet Board of such subsidiary that it is considering making, or has made,
an Acquisition Proposal. Such notice to Autodesk and Dutchco must be made
orally and in writing and must indicate in reasonable detail the terms and
conditions of such proposal, inquiry or contact.
If the Discreet Board receives a request for material nonpublic information
by a party who makes a bona fide Acquisition Proposal and the Discreet Board
determines that such proposal is a Superior Proposal, then, and only in such
case, Discreet may, subject to the execution of a confidentiality agreement
substantially similar to that then in effect between Discreet and Autodesk,
provide such party with access to information regarding Discreet, which access
shall be no more extensive than that provided to Autodesk.
Discreet has agreed to immediately cease and cause to be terminated any
existing discussions or negotiations with any parties (other than Autodesk,
Dutchco, and Amalgamation Sub) conducted prior to execution of the Acquisition
Agreement with respect to any of the foregoing. Discreet agrees not to release
any third party from any confidentiality or standstill agreement with respect
to any of the foregoing to which Discreet is a party.
Discreet has agreed to ensure that the officers, directors, employees and
agents of Discreet and its subsidiaries, and any investment bankers or other
agents, advisors, or representatives retained by Discreet, are aware of the no
solicitation restrictions, and shall be responsible for any breach of Section
4.2 of the Acquisition Agreement by such bankers, officers, directors,
employees, agents, advisors or representatives.
INDEMNIFICATION
From and after the Effective Time, (i) New Discreet and Autodesk will
fulfill and honor in all respects the obligations of Discreet and its
subsidiaries pursuant to the indemnification provisions in the Discreet
Articles and the Discreet By-laws existing as in effect on the date of the
Acquisition Agreement with respect to Discreet's directors and officers
(including without limitation advancement of legal and other expenses to the
extent provided for in the Discreet Articles and Discreet By-Laws), and (ii)
in the event any of Discreet's directors or officers is or becomes involved in
any capacity in any action, proceeding or investigation in connection with any
matter relating to the Acquisition Agreement or the transactions contemplated
thereby occurring on or prior to the Effective Time, Autodesk will, or will
cause New Discreet to, pay as incurred such reasonable legal and other
expenses (including the cost of any investigation and preparation) incurred in
connection therewith, subject to an undertaking to repay such amounts as
required by applicable law.
Autodesk and New Discreet will indemnify each present director, officer,
employee, fiduciary and agent of Discreet or any of its subsidiaries
(collectively, the "Indemnified Parties"), to the fullest extent permitted
under applicable law or under Autodesk's or New Discreet's, as the case may
be, Bylaws, against any costs or expenses (including attorneys' fees),
judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages, liabilities and amounts paid in
settlement in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or
investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative,
arising out of or pertaining to any action or omission occurring at or prior
to the Effective Time (including, without limitation, the transactions
contemplated by the Acquisition Agreement), and to pay as incurred such legal
and other expenses (including the costs of any investigation and preparation)
incurred in connection therewith, subject to an undertaking to repay such
amounts as required by applicable law.
For a period of five years after the Effective Time, Autodesk and Dutchco
will, or will cause New Discreet to, provide officers' and directors'
liability insurance in respect of acts or omissions occurring on or prior to
the
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Effective Time covering each person covered by Discreet's officers' and
directors' liability insurance policy prior to the Effective Time on terms
substantially similar to those of the policy in effect as of the date of the
Acquisition Agreement.
CONDITIONS TO THE TRANSACTIONS
General Conditions to the Transactions. Consummation of the Transactions is
subject to the satisfaction of various conditions, including (i) the
effectiveness of the Form S-4, (ii) if no exemption from registration under
the Securities Act is available, the effectiveness of the Form S-3 (iii) the
absence of any stop order or proceedings seeking a stop order initiated or
threatened by the SEC or any provincial securities regulatory authority in
Canada or any similar proceedings relating to the Form S-4 or Form S-3, if
any, or this Proxy Circular; (iv) the approval and adoption of theAutodesk
Resolution and the Discreet Resolution by the requisite affirmative vote of
the Autodesk Stockholders and the Discreet Shareholders, respectively; (v) the
waiting period under the HSR Act applicable to the consummation of the
Transactions having expired or having been terminated; (vi) the receipt by
each of Autodesk, Dutchco and Discreet of a notice (if required) from the
responsible Minister under the Investment Canada Act (Canada) that he is
satisfied or deemed to be satisfied that the Transactions are likely to be of
net benefit to Canada; (vii) the filing by Autodesk, Dutchco and Discreet of a
notice and information (if required) under the Competition Act (Canada) and
the expiration of the applicable waiting period; (viii) the absence of any
temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other
legal restraints, or prohibitions, statutes, rules, regulations or orders
preventing consummation of the Transactions, and the absence of any
proceedings brought by any governmental authority making consummation of the
Transactions illegal; (ix) the approval for listing, subject to notice of
issuance, of the Autodesk Common Stock to be issued in the Transactions and
any additional shares of Autodesk Common Stock to be issued as a result of the
exercise of rights attaching to the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares; (x) the
receipt by Autodesk, Dutchco and Discreet of written opinions of their
respective Canadian tax counsel to the effect that, provided that (i) the
adjusted cost base to a holder of New Discreet Class B Shares that are
redeemed by New Discreet for New Discreet Exchangeable Shares in connection
with the Transactions exceeds the aggregate of (A) the fair market value of
the Voting Rights and Exchange Rights received by the holder in respect of
such holder's New Discreet Exchangeable Shares and (B) any cash received by
such holder in lieu of a fraction of a New Discreet Exchangeable Share and
(ii) the holder files the appropriate elections with the relevant tax
authorities within the required time such that the holder's proceeds of
disposition do not exceed the adjusted cost base to the holder of such New
Discreet Class B Shares, such holder will not realize a capital gain or a
capital loss for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act on the Amalgamation or on
the redemption of such New Discreet Class B Shares; (xi) New Discreet being a
"public corporation" under the Canadian Tax Act; (xii) the receipt by
Autodesk, Dutchco and Discreet of the Affiliate Agreements (as defined below)
(xiii) Autodesk shall have received a letter from Autodesk's independent
auditors regarding concurrence with Autodesk management's conclusion as to the
appropriateness of pooling-of-interests accounting treatment for the
Transactions and Discreet shall have received a letter from Discreet's
independent auditors to the effect that Discreet qualifies as an entity that
may be a party to a business combination for which the pooling-of-interests
method of accounting would be available (xiv) the representations and
warranties made by each of Autodesk and Discreet being true and correct in all
respects on and as of the Effective Time, except (A) for changes contemplated
in the Acquisition Agreement, (B) for those representations and warranties
which address matters only as of a particular date (which shall remain true as
of that date), or (C) where the failure to be true and correct would not have
and could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect (as
defined below) on the party making such representation, and each of Autodesk,
Dutchco and Discreet have received of an officer's certificate from the other
party to this effect; (xv) all agreements and covenants required by the
Acquisition Agreement to have been performed or complied with prior to or on
the Effective Date having been so performed or complied with in all material
respects, and each of Autodesk, Dutchco and Discreet having received an
officer's certificate from the other party to this effect; (xvi) the obtaining
by Autodesk, Dutchco and Discreet of all material consents, waivers,
approvals, authorizations or orders required to be obtained and filings
required to be made for the authorization, execution and delivery of the
Acquisition Agreement and the Ancillary Documents (to the extent they are
parties thereto) and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
thereby; and (xvii) the absence of any
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temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other
order issued by any court of competent jurisdiction or other legal regulatory
restraint provision, materially limiting or restricting Autodesk's conduct or
operation of the business of Discreet following consummation of the
Transactions or any of the other transactions contemplated by the Acquisition
Agreement, the absence of any investigation or other inquiry that is
reasonably likely to result in the foregoing and the absence of any pending or
threatened proceeding of an administrative agency or commission or other
governmental entity, domestic, or foreign, seek the foregoing.
Any of the conditions in the Acquisition Agreement may be waived by the
party benefitted thereby.
Definition of Material Adverse Effect. The term Material Adverse Effect is
defined in the Acquisition Agreement to mean any change or effect that,
individually or when taken together with all other such changes or effects
that have occurred prior to the date of determination of the occurrence of the
Material Adverse Effect, is or is reasonably likely to be materially adverse
to the business, assets (including intangible assets), financial condition or
results of operations of Discreet and its subsidiaries or Autodesk and its
subsidiaries, as the case may be, in each case taken as a whole. None of the
following shall be deemed to constitute a Material Adverse Effect with respect
to either party: (a) any change in the market price or trading volume of the
Discreet Common Shares or Autodesk Common Stock, as appropriate; (b) any
adverse effect on the bookings, revenues or earnings of Discreet or Autodesk,
or any delay in or reduction or cancellation of such party's product orders,
following the execution of the Original Agreement or the Acquisition Agreement
which is reasonably attributable to the announcement of the execution of the
Original Agreement or the Acquisition Agreement and the transactions
contemplated thereby; (c) any change arising out of conditions affecting the
economy or industry of such party in general; (d) the failure, in and of
itself, to meet analysts' expectations (it being understood that the
underlying causes of such failure will not be excluded from the definition of
Material Adverse Effect except as otherwise provided in this definition); or
(e) employee attrition under certain circumstances.
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
The Acquisition Agreement may be terminated and the Transactions may be
abandoned prior to the Effective Time, notwithstanding the obtaining of
requisite approval by the Autodesk Stockholders and the Discreet Shareholders,
under the following circumstances: (i) by mutual written consent duly
authorized by the boards of directors of Autodesk, Discreet and Dutchco (ii)
by any of Autodesk, Discreet or Dutchco, if the Transactions shall not have
been consummated by December 31, 1998 (such date to be extended (x) on a day-
by-day basis due to certain governmental delays, or (y) by mutual agreement of
Discreet, Autodesk and Dutchco) (the "Final Date") and if the terminating
party has not caused the failure of the Transactions to be consummated by its
own failure to fulfill any of its obligations under the Acquisition Agreement
and the Amalgamation Agreement to occur on or before such date; (iii) by any
of Autodesk, Discreet or Dutchco if a court of competent jurisdiction or a
governmental, regulatory or administrative agency or commission shall have
issued a non-appealable final order, decree, ruling or any other action
permanently prohibiting the Transactions, provided that the terminating party
has complied with its obligations regarding access to information and
confidentiality under the Acquisition Agreement; (iv) by any of Autodesk,
Discreet or Dutchco, if the Discreet Stockholders or the Autodesk Shareholders
fail to approve the Autodesk Resolution or the Discreet Resolution,
respectively, provided that the terminating party has complied with its
obligations regarding this Proxy Circular and such party's shareholders'
meeting; (v) by Autodesk or Dutchco if the Discreet Board withdraws, modifies
or changes its recommendation of the Transactions in a manner adverse to
Autodesk or Dutchco, or has recommended to the Discreet Shareholders or
publicly announced a "neutral" position with respect to an Acquisition
Proposal or shall have failed to reject as inadequate or shall have failed to
reaffirm its recommendation of the Acquisition Agreement and the Transactions
within ten Business Days of announcement or commencement of an Acquisition
Proposal; (vi) by Discreet, if the Autodesk Board or the Board of Directors of
Dutchco withdraws, modifies or changes its recommendation in favor of issuance
of the Autodesk Resolution or shall have resolved to do so; (vii) by Autodesk,
Dutchco or Discreet, as the case may be, in the event of a breach by Discreet,
on the one hand, or Autodesk, Amalgamation Sub, ACI, Autodesk Quebec and/or
Dutchco, on the other hand, respectively, of any representation or warranty,
or failure to perform any covenant, term or provision of the Acquisition
Agreement (provided that if such breach or failure to perform is curable prior
to the expiration of 30 days from
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its occurrence (but in no event later than December 31, 1998), Autodesk,
Dutchco and Discreet may not terminate the Acquisition Agreement on this basis
as long as Discreet, on the one hand, or Autodesk, Amalgamation Sub, ACI,
Autodesk Quebec and/or Dutchco, on the other hand, respectively, continue to
exercise reasonable efforts to cure such breach or failure unless and until
the earlier of December 31, 1998 and the date such 30 day period expires
without such breach having been cured); and (viii) by any of Autodesk,
Discreet or Dutchco if the Discreet Board shall have recommended, resolved to
accept or accepted a Superior Proposal.
The Acquisition Agreement may be amended by an agreement in writing among
the parties thereto at any time prior to the Effective Time; provided,
however, that, after approval of the Discreet Resolution, no amendment may be
made which by law requires further approval of the Discreet Shareholders,
without such further approval. At any time prior to the Effective Time, any
party to the Acquisition Agreement may with respect to any other party
thereto, (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or
other acts, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties
contained in the Acquisition Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant
thereto and (c) waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions
contained in the Acquisition Agreement. Any such extension or waiver shall be
valid if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the party or parties
to be bound thereby.
FEES AND EXPENSES
Except as set forth below, all fees and expenses incurred in connection with
the Acquisition Agreement and the Amalgamation Agreement and the transactions
contemplated thereby shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses,
whether or not the Transactions are consummated.
Payments by Discreet to Dutchco. Discreet has agreed to pay Dutchco (i) an
amount equal to $5,000,000 within one Business Day of the earlier to occur of
termination of the Acquisition Agreement under Section 7.1(b) of the
Acquisition Agreement, as a result of Discreet's failure to consummate the
Transactions by the Final Date, Section 7.1(e) of the Acquisition Agreement,
as a result of the Discreet Board withdrawing, modifying or changing its
recommendation of the Transactions, recommending to the Discreet Shareholders,
or taking a "neutral" position with respect to, an Acquisition Proposal or
failing to reject as inadequate, or failing to reaffirm its recommendation of
the Transactions, within ten Business Days after public announcement or
commencement of such Acquisition Proposal or Section 7.1(h), as a result of
the Discreet Board's recommendation, resolution to accept, or acceptance of a
Superior Proposal, or a Discreet Negative Vote (as defined below), plus
(ii) $15,000,000 less any termination fees paid pursuant to the preceding
clause (i), in the event any Acquisition Proposal is consummated within nine
months of the payment referred to in clause (i), if the Acquisition Agreement
is terminated because: (a) the Discreet Board shall have withheld, withdrawn
or modified in a manner adverse to Autodesk its recommendation in favor of
adoption and approval of the Acquisition Agreement and approval of the
Transactions, and at or prior to the time of such action by the Discreet Board
(x) there shall not have occurred a Material Adverse Effect on Autodesk and
(y) there shall have occurred a Superior Proposal which shall have been
publicly disclosed and not withdrawn; (b) the Discreet Board shall have
recommended a Superior Proposal (other than Autodesk's) to the Discreet
Shareholders; (c) Discreet shall have failed to convene the Discreet Meeting
by December 24, 1998 and there is an Acquisition Proposal outstanding at such
time; or (d) the vote of the Discreet Shareholders approving and adopting the
Discreet Resolution shall not have been obtained by reason of the failure to
obtain the required vote at the Discreet Meeting (a "Discreet Negative Vote"),
and prior to such Discreet Negative Vote there shall have occurred an
Acquisition Proposal with respect to Discreet which shall have been publicly
disclosed and not withdrawn.
If no payment shall have been required by the circumstances described in the
previous paragraph and the Discreet Board shall have withheld, withdrawn or
modified in a manner adverse to Autodesk its recommendation in favor of
adoption and approval of the Acquisition Agreement and approval of the
Transactions, and at or prior to the time of such action by the Discreet Board
there shall not have occurred a Material Adverse Effect on Autodesk and there
shall not be a Superior Proposal at that time outstanding, then Discreet shall
pay to Dutchco
81
$15,000,000 following the earlier of termination of the Acquisition Agreement
pursuant to Section 7.1(e) of the Acquisition Agreement, as a result of the
Discreet Board withdrawing, modifying or changing its recommendation of the
Transactions, recommending to the Discreet Shareholders, or taking a "neutral"
position with respect to, an Acquisition Proposal or failing to reject as
inadequate, or failing to reaffirm its recommendation of the Transactions,
within ten Business Days after public announcement or commencement of such
Acquisition Proposal, or a Discreet Negative Vote.
If no payment shall have been required by the circumstances described in the
previous two paragraphs and (i) there shall be a Discreet Negative Vote and at
or prior to the time of such vote there shall not have occurred a Material
Adverse Effect with respect to Autodesk or (ii) the Acquisition Agreement is
terminated by Dutchco pursuant to Section 7.1(g) of the Acquisition Agreement
upon a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement by
Discreet, and such breach is not cured within the earlier of 30 days or
December 31, 1998, then Discreet shall pay to Dutchco an amount equal to
$5,000,000 within one Business Day following the earlier to occur of
termination of the Acquisition Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(g) of the
Acquisition Agreement or a Discreet Negative Vote.
Payments by Dutchco to Discreet. If the Autodesk Board shall have withheld,
withdrawn or adversely modified its recommendation in favor of the Autodesk
Resolution, and at or prior to the time of such action by Autodesk there shall
not have occurred a Material Adverse Effect on Discreet, then Dutchco shall
pay Discreet $15,000,000 within one Business Day following the earlier of (i)
the date of termination of the Acquisition Agreement pursuant to Section
7.1(f) of the Acquisition Agreement due to such withholding, withdrawal or
adverse modification or (ii) the failure to obtain the required vote of
Autodesk Stockholders in favor of the Autodesk Resolution upon a vote taken at
the Autodesk Meeting (an "Autodesk Negative Vote").
If (i) at or prior to the time of the Autodesk Negative Vote there shall not
have occurred a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Discreet, (ii) the
Acquisition Agreement is terminated by Discreet pursuant to Section 7.1(f) of
the Acquisition Agreement upon a breach of any representation, warranty,
covenant or agreement on the part of any of Autodesk, Dutchco, ACI, Autodesk
Quebec or Amalgamation Sub, and such breach is not cured within the earlier of
30 days or December 31, 1998 or (iii) Autodesk shall have failed to convene
the Autodesk Meeting by December 24, 1998, then Dutchco shall pay to Discreet
an amount equal to $5,000,000 within one Business Day following the earlier to
occur of termination of the Acquisition Agreement or an Autodesk Negative
Vote.
Payment of the amounts described above shall not be in lieu of damages
incurred by a party for breach of the Acquisition Agreement.
ASSIGNMENT
Each of Autodesk, ACI, Amalgamation Sub, Autodesk Quebec and Dutchco may
assign any of its respective rights under the Acquisition Agreement to any
other subsidiary of Autodesk, provided that no such assignment will relieve
the assigning party of its obligations under the Acquisition Agreement.
Accordingly, Dutchco may assign certain of its rights under the Acquisition
Agreement to an existing or newly formed subsidiary of Autodesk.
CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT
Autodesk and Discreet has each agreed to keep confidential, pursuant to the
confidentiality agreement between the two parties dated July 10, 1998 (the
"Confidentiality Agreement"), information provided to the other party with
respect to the business, properties and personnel of the party furnishing such
information. The Confidentiality Agreement contains terms restricting the
disclosure and use of confidential information exchanged between the two
parties in evaluating the Transactions and otherwise.
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AGREEMENTS OF AUTODESK AND DISCREET AFFILIATES
Discreet Affiliate Agreements. Rule 145 promulgated under the Securities Act
regulates the disposition of securities of "affiliates" of Discreet in
connection with the Transactions. Discreet has delivered to Autodesk a letter
(the "Affiliate Letter") identifying all persons who are or may be deemed to
be, at the time of the Discreet Meeting, "affiliates" of Discreet for purposes
of Rule 145 under the Securities Act (each such person, a "Discreet
Affiliate"). Discreet has also agreed to use its best efforts to cause each
person who is identified as a Discreet Affiliate in the Affiliate Letter to
deliver to Autodesk, as promptly as possible but in no event later than the
date of this Proxy Circular, a written agreement (a "Discreet Affiliate
Agreement"). Under such Discreet Affiliate Agreements, each Discreet Affiliate
will represent that he or she has been advised that he or she may not sell,
transfer or otherwise dispose of Autodesk Common Stock or New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares issued to the Discreet Affiliate in connection with the
Transactions unless such sale, transfer or other disposition (i) has been
registered under the Securities Act, (ii) is made in compliance with the
requirements of Rule 145 under the Securities Act, or (iii) in the opinion of
counsel reasonably acceptable to Autodesk, is otherwise exempt from
registration under the Securities Act. Every Discreet Affiliate will also
agree to restrict sales of such shares prior to and following the consummation
of the Transactions to comply with the requirements of pooling-of-interests
accounting treatment.
Autodesk Affiliate Agreements. Autodesk has also agreed to use its best
efforts to cause each of its affiliates ("Autodesk Affiliates"), as promptly
as possible but in no event later than the date of this Proxy Circular, an
agreement in which each Autodesk Affiliate will agree to restrict sales of
shares of Autodesk Common Stock held by such Autodesk Affiliate prior to and
following the consummation of the Transactions to comply with the requirements
of pooling-of-interests accounting treatment.
AUTODESK AND DISCREET VOTING AGREEMENTS
Certain directors and executive officers of Autodesk and Discreet, subject
to such directors' and executive officers' fiduciary duties and
responsibilities to their respective corporation, have agreed to vote or cause
to be voted all of their shares of Autodesk Common Stock or Discreet Common
Shares in favor of the adoption of the Autodesk Resolution and the Discreet
Resolution, respectively, and in favor of any other matter that could
reasonably be expected to facilitate the transaction contemplated by the
Acquisition Agreement and have granted proxies to certain officers of the
other corporation to vote their shares as aforesaid.
SUPPORT AGREEMENT
In connection with the Transactions, Autodesk, Dutchco and New Discreet will
enter into the Support Agreement. The Support Agreement provides that no
dividends will be declared or paid on the Autodesk Common Stock unless New
Discreet simultaneously declares and pays an economically equivalent dividend
(after appropriate adjustments for currency translations) on the New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares. The Support Agreement also provides that Autodesk and
Dutchco will do all things necessary to ensure that New Discreet will be able
to make all payments on the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares required in the
event of (a) the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of New Discreet, (b)
the retraction of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares by a holder or (c) the
redemption of the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares by New Discreet.
The Support Agreement also provides that, without the prior approval of New
Discreet and the holders of the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares, Autodesk
will not distribute additional Autodesk Common Stock or rights to subscribe
therefor or other assets or evidences of indebtedness to all or substantially
all holders of Autodesk Common Stock nor change the Autodesk Common Stock nor
effect any reorganization or other transaction affecting the Autodesk Common
Stock, unless the same or an economically equivalent distribution on, or
change to, the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares (or in the rights of the
holders thereof) is made simultaneously. The Board of Directors of New
Discreet is conclusively empowered to determine in good faith and in its sole
discretion whether any corresponding distribution on or change to the New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares is the same as or economically equivalent to any
proposed distribution on or change to the Autodesk Common Stock.
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The Support Agreement also provides that so long as there remain outstanding
any New Discreet Exchangeable Shares not owned by Autodesk or any of its
Affiliates, Autodesk will be and remain the direct or indirect beneficial
owner of all outstanding shares of New Discreet other than New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares and the New Discreet Class D Shares.
With the exception of administrative changes for the purposes of adding
covenants for the protection of the holders of the New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares, making certain necessary amendments or curing ambiguities or clerical
errors (in each case provided that the board of directors of each of Autodesk,
Dutchco and New Discreet is of the opinion that such amendments are not
prejudicial to the interests of the holders of the New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares), the Support Agreement may not be amended without the approval of the
holders of the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares.
Autodesk has agreed that it will not, and it will cause its subsidiaries and
affiliates not to, exercise any voting rights attached to New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares owned by it or any of its subsidiaries or Affiliates on
any matter considered at meetings of holders of New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares (including any approval sought from such holders in respect of matters
arising under the Support Agreement.)
VOTING AND EXCHANGE TRUST AGREEMENT
In connection with the Acquisition Agreement, Autodesk, Dutchco, New
Discreet and the Trustee will enter into the Voting and Exchange Trust
Agreement, pursuant to which the Trustee will be granted, for and on behalf
of, and for the use and benefit of, the holders of New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares (i) voting rights with respect to matters presented to Autodesk
Stockholders and (ii) rights relating to the exchange of New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares for shares of Autodesk Common Stock. See "--Description of
New Discreet Exchangeable Shares." The Trustee will also be granted, for and
on behalf of the holders of New Discreet Units, the right to enforce New
Discreet's covenant to redeem such units following the Amalgamation and the
right to enforce Dutchco's covenant to purchase such units following the
Amalgamation for shares of Autodesk Common Stock. See "--Transaction
Mechanics."
STOCK EXCHANGE LISTINGS
New Discreet Securities. Autodesk has made application to the WSE to list
the New Discreet Class B Shares, the New Discreet Class E Shares and the New
Discreet Class F Shares, subject to notice of issuance. Such shares will be
delisted immediately upon consummation of the Transactions.
There is no current intention to list the New Discreet Class B Shares, the
New Discreet Class E Shares, New Discreet Class F Shares or the New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares on any other stock exchange in Canada or the United
States.
Autodesk Common Stock. The Nasdaq National Market has indicated that it will
approve the listing of the additional shares of Autodesk Common Stock issuable
in connection with the Transactions and upon the exchange of New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares in the future, subject to notice of issuance.
There is no current intention to list the shares of Autodesk Common Stock on
any other stock exchange in Canada or the United States.
ELIGIBILITY FOR INVESTMENT IN CANADA
New Discreet Exchangeable Shares, Voting Rights and Exchange Rights. So long
as New Discreet remains a "public corporation" for purposes of the Canada Tax
Act, the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares will be a qualified investment for
trusts governed by registered retirement savings plans, registered retirement
income funds and deferred profit sharing plans. The New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares will be foreign property to such trusts and certain other tax exempt
persons. Such holders should consult their own tax advisors as to the timing
of including the cost of the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares in the holder's
cost of foreign property. The
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Voting Rights and the Exchange Rights will not be qualified investments and
will be foreign property under the Canadian Tax Act. However, as indicated
under "Material Canadian Federal and United States Federal Income Tax
Considerations to Discreet Shareholders--Canadian Federal Income Tax
Considerations--Discreet Shareholders Resident in Canada--Redemption of New
Discreet Class B Shares in exchange for New Discreet Exchangeable Shares,"
Autodesk and Discreet are of the view that the fair market value of these
rights is nominal.
Autodesk Common Stock. The Autodesk Common Stock will be a qualified
investment under the Canadian Tax Act for trusts governed by registered
retirement savings plans, registered retirement income funds and deferred
profit sharing plans so long as such shares remain listed on the Nasdaq
National Market or another prescribed stock exchange. The Autodesk Common
Stock will be foreign property under the Canadian Tax Act.
REGULATORY MATTERS
Under the HSR Act and the rules promulgated thereunder by the FTC, certain
acquisition transactions may not be consummated unless notice has been given
and certain information has been furnished to the Antitrust Division and to
the FTC and specified waiting period requirements have been satisfied.
Autodesk and Discreet each filed with the Antitrust Division and the FTC an
HSR Notice with respect to the Transactions on August 26, 1998. The waiting
periods for the Transactions expired at 11:59 p.m. on the thirtieth day
following the day on which Autodesk's and Discreet's HSR Notices were accepted
by the Antitrust Division and the FTC. Expiration of the applicable waiting
periods will not preclude the FTC or the Antitrust Division from taking such
action under the antitrust laws as it deems necessary or desirable in the
public interest, including seeking to enjoin the Transactions or seeking the
divestiture of Discreet by Autodesk, in whole or in part, or the divestiture
or compulsory licensing of substantial assets of Autodesk, Discreet or their
respective subsidiaries. State attorneys general and private parties may also
bring legal actions under the federal or state antitrust laws under certain
circumstances.
RESALE OF AUTODESK COMMON STOCK RECEIVED IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTIONS
Canada. Autodesk and Discreet have applied for a ruling of certain
provincial securities regulatory authorities in Canada (the "Commissions")
permitting Canadian residents who are recipients of Autodesk Common Stock
(including those issuable upon exchange of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares),
to resell such securities without being required to file a prospectus with the
Commissions if any such first trade is executed (i) through the facilities of
a stock exchange outside of their province of residence or (ii) on the Nasdaq
National Market. The resale of the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares or the
Autodesk Common Stock within these provinces of Canada is subject to certain
restrictions. Canadian residents who are holders of such securities should
refer to applicable provisions of the securities legislation of their
respective province or consult with their legal advisor.
United States. The Autodesk Common Stock issued upon exchange of the New
Discreet Units will be registered under the Securities Act on the Form S-4.
The shares of Autodesk Common Stock issued from time to time upon exchange of
New Discreet Exchangeable Shares will be registered on the Form S-3 pursuant
to Rule 415 under the Securities Act.
All Autodesk Common Stock received by Discreet Shareholders in connection
with the Transactions and from time to time upon exchange of the New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares will be freely transferable under the United States
federal securities laws, except as set forth below. Autodesk Common Stock
received by persons who are deemed to be "affiliates" (as such term is defined
under the Securities Act) of Discreet may be resold by such affiliates only in
transactions permitted by the resale provisions of Rule 145(d)(1), (2) or (3)
promulgated under the Securities Act (or Rule 145(d)(1) alone in the case of
such persons who become affiliates of Autodesk upon the completion of the
Transactions) or as otherwise permitted under the Securities Act. Rule
145(d)(1) generally provides that the "affiliates" of a combining company may
not sell securities of the issuer unless pursuant to an effective registration
statement or unless pursuant to the volume, current public information,
85
manner of sale and timing limitations of Rule 144 (excluding the holding
period requirements of Rule 144). These limitations generally require that (a)
any sales made by an affiliate in any three month period not exceed the
greater of (i) 1% of the outstanding shares of the issuer or (ii) the average
weekly reported volume of trading in such shares on all national securities
exchanges and/or reported through an automated quotation system of a
registered securities association over a four week period and (b) that such
sales be made in unsolicited, open market "brokers transactions" or in
transactions directly with a market maker. Rules 145(d)(2) and (3) generally
provide that the foregoing limitations lapse for non-affiliates of the issuer
after a period of one or two years has elapsed since the date the securities
were acquired from the issuer, respectively. Persons who may be deemed to be
affiliates of an issuer generally include individuals or entities that
directly or indirectly control, are controlled by, or are under common control
with, such issuer and generally include certain officers and directors of such
issuer as well as principal stockholders of such issuer. See "Terms of the
Transactions--Agreements of Autodesk and Discreet Affiliates." Autodesk Common
Stock received by persons who become affiliates of Autodesk upon completion of
the Transactions will also be subject to the requirements of Rule 144, which
as to such stock, will include the requirements of Rule 145(d)(1) listed above
in addition to the requirement of delivery of a Notice of Proposed Sale as set
forth in paragraph (h) of Rule 144. The Form S-4 does not cover any resales of
Autodesk Common Stock received by Discreet affiliates in the Transactions.
86
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following unaudited pro forma combined condensed financial statements
give effect to the combination of Autodesk and Discreet on a pooling of
interests basis. The unaudited pro forma combined condensed balance sheet
assumes the Transactions took place on July 31, 1998 and combines Autodesk's
unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at that date with Discreet's
historical condensed consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 1998. The
unaudited pro forma combined condensed statements of operations assume that
the Transactions took place as of the beginning of each of the periods
presented and combine Autodesk's unaudited condensed statements of operations
for the six months ended July 31, 1998 and 1997 and the historical
consolidated statements of income for the three fiscal years ended January 31,
1998, 1997 and 1996 and Discreet's unaudited condensed statements of
operations for the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997 and the twelve
months ended December 31, 1997 and the historical condensed statements of
operations for the eleven months ended June 30, 1997, and the fiscal year
ended July 31, 1996, respectively. Autodesk has not yet determined which
period will be combined for inclusion in its audited consolidated statement of
income after consummation of the Transactions.
The unaudited pro forma combined condensed statements of operations are not
necessarily indicative of operating results which would have been achieved had
the Transactions been consummated as of the beginning of such periods and
should not be construed as representative of future operations.
Autodesk paid quarterly dividends of $0.06 per share with respect to fiscal
years 1996, 1997 and 1998, and in each of the first two quarters of fiscal
year 1999, and currently intends to continue paying such cash dividends on a
quarterly basis. Discreet has never paid any cash dividends on its Common
Shares. Discreet currently intends to retain any earnings for future growth
and therefore does not anticipate paying any cash dividends on its Common
Shares in the foreseeable future.
These unaudited pro forma combined condensed financial statements should be
read in conjunction with the respective audited historical consolidated
financial statements, the unaudited interim financial statements and the notes
thereto of Autodesk and Discreet which are included elsewhere in this Proxy
Circular.
Following the Transactions, the Combined Company will have cash, cash
equivalents, and marketable securities, consisting primarily of high-quality
municipal bonds, tax-advantaged money market instruments, and US treasury
bills, totaling $337.1 million, based on the pro forma combined balance sheets
of Autodesk and Discreet as at July 31, 1998. Autodesk believes that existing
cash and cash from operations will be sufficient to meet present and
anticipated working capital requirements and other cash needs of the Combined
Company for the next twelve months.
87
AUTODESK, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
JULY 31, 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
AUTODESK DISCREET PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
JULY 31, 1998 JUNE 30, 1998 ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED
------------- ------------- ----------- ---------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents.. $ 43,402 $ 43,746 $ -- $ 87,148
Marketable securities...... 249,998 -- -- 249,998
Accounts receivable, net... 84,079 32,102 -- 116,181
Inventories................ 6,358 12,657 -- 19,015
Deferred income taxes...... 28,486 -- -- 28,486
Prepaid expenses and other
current assets............ 17,051 4,719 -- 21,770
-------- -------- ------- --------
Total current assets..... 429,374 93,224 -- 522,598
Computer equipment,
furniture, and leasehold
improvements, net........... 39,302 9,576 -- 48,878
Purchased technologies and
capitalized software, net... 36,241 5,042 -- 41,283
Goodwill, net................ 36,751 902 -- 37,653
Deferred income taxes........ 7,086 878 -- 7,964
Other assets................. 16,912 4,988 -- 21,900
-------- -------- ------- --------
$565,666 $114,610 $ -- 680,276
======== ======== ======= ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'
EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable........... $ 27,500 $ 23,266 $ -- $ 50,766
Accrued compensation....... 30,054 6,857 -- 36,911
Accrued income taxes....... 84,575 9,883 -- 94,458
Deferred revenues.......... 17,747 6,545 -- 24,292
Other accrued liabilities.. 54,098 6,264 13,000 73,362
-------- -------- ------- --------
Total current
liabilities............. 213,974 52,815 13,000 279,789
Deferred income taxes........ 492 2,229 -- 2,721
Other liabilities............ 2,007 -- -- 2,007
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock............... 337,284 106,841 -- 444,125
Retained earnings
(deficit)................. 30,612 (43,251) (13,000) (25,639)
Foreign currency
translation adjustment.... (18,703) (4,024) -- (22,727)
-------- -------- ------- --------
Total stockholders'
equity.................. 349,193 59,566 (13,000) 395,759
-------- -------- ------- --------
$565,666 $114,610 $ -- $680,276
======== ======== ======= ========
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
statements.
88
AUTODESK, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
AUTODESK
FISCAL DISCREET
YEAR ENDED TWELVE MONTHS
JANUARY ENDED PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
31, 1998 DECEMBER 31, 1997 ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED
---------- ----------------- ----------- ---------
Net revenues................ $617,126 $137,501 $ -- $754,627
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues.......... 70,858 58,109 -- 128,967
Marketing and sales....... 237,107 28,419 -- 265,526
Research and development.. 122,432 12,868 -- 135,300
General and
administrative........... 83,287 7,587 -- 90,874
Nonrecurring charges, net. 58,087 43,100 -- 101,187
-------- -------- ----- --------
Total costs and
expenses............... 571,771 150,083 -- 721,854
-------- -------- ----- --------
Income (loss) from
operations................. 45,355 (12,582) -- 32,773
Interest and other income,
net........................ 9,644 761 -- 10,405
-------- -------- ----- --------
Income (loss) before income
taxes...................... 54,999 (11,821) -- 43,178
Provision for income taxes.. 39,635 10,399 -- 50,034
-------- -------- ----- --------
Net income (loss)........... $ 15,364 $(22,220) $ -- $ (6,856)
======== ======== ===== ========
Basic net income (loss) per
share...................... $ 0.33 $ (0.79) $ -- $ (0.11)
======== ======== ===== ========
Diluted net income (loss)
per share.................. $ 0.31 $ (0.79) $ -- $ (0.11)
======== ======== ===== ========
Shares used in computing
basic net income (loss) per
share...................... 46,760 28,125 60,260
======== ======== ========
Shares used in computing
diluted net income (loss)
per share.................. 49,860 28,125 60,260
======== ======== ========
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
statements.
89
AUTODESK, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
DISCREET
AUTODESK ELEVEN MONTHS
FISCAL YEAR ENDED ENDED PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
JANUARY 31, 1997 JUNE 30, 1997 ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED
----------------- ------------- ----------- ---------
Net revenues............. $496,693 $101,924 $ -- $598,617
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues....... 64,217 47,571 -- 111,788
Marketing and sales.... 199,939 23,206 -- 223,145
Research and
development........... 93,702 9,708 -- 103,410
General and
administrative........ 74,280 6,396 -- 80,676
Nonrecurring charges... 4,738 16,300 -- 21,038
-------- -------- ----- --------
Total costs and
expenses............ 436,876 103,181 -- 540,057
-------- -------- ----- --------
Income (loss) from
operations.............. 59,817 (1,257) -- 58,560
Interest and other
income, net............. 6,695 990 -- 7,685
-------- -------- ----- --------
Income (loss) before
income taxes............ 66,512 (267) -- 66,245
Provision for income
taxes................... 24,941 6,489 -- 31,430
-------- -------- ----- --------
Net income (loss)........ $ 41,571 $ (6,756) $ -- $ 34,815
======== ======== ===== ========
Basic net income (loss)
per share............... $ 0.91 $ (0.24) $ -- $ 0.59
======== ======== ===== ========
Diluted net income (loss)
per share............... $ 0.88 $ (0.24) $ -- $ 0.57
======== ======== ===== ========
Shares used in computing
basic net income (loss)
per share............... 45,540 27,948 58,955
======== ======== ========
Shares used in computing
diluted net income
(loss) per share........ 47,190 27,948 61,059
======== ======== ========
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
statements.
90
AUTODESK, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
AUTODESK DISCREET PRO
FISCAL YEAR ENDED FISCAL YEAR ENDED PRO FORMA FORMA
JANUARY 31, 1996 JULY 31, 1996 ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED
----------------- ----------------- ----------- --------
Net revenues............ $534,167 $ 83,997 $ -- $618,164
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues....... 66,812 49,333 -- 116,145
Marketing and sales.... 183,550 26,088 -- 209,638
Research and
development........... 78,678 14,402 -- 93,080
General and
administrative........ 76,100 10,582 -- 86,682
Nonrecurring charges... -- 28,506 -- 28,506
-------- -------- ----- --------
Total costs and
expenses............. 405,140 128,911 -- 534,051
-------- -------- ----- --------
Income (loss) from
operations............. 129,027 (44,914) -- 84,113
Interest and other
income, net............ 9,253 2,208 -- 11,461
-------- -------- ----- --------
Income (loss) before
income taxes........... 138,280 (42,706) -- 95,574
Provision for income
taxes.................. 50,492 1,435 -- 51,927
-------- -------- ----- --------
Net income (loss)....... $ 87,788 $(44,141) $ -- $ 43,647
======== ======== ===== ========
Basic net income (loss)
per share.............. $ 1.86 $ (1.64) $ -- $ 0.73
======== ======== ===== ========
Diluted net income
(loss) per share....... $ 1.76 $ (1.64) $ -- $ 0.69
======== ======== ===== ========
Shares used in computing
basic net income (loss)
per share.............. 47,090 26,837 59,972
======== ======== ========
Shares used in computing
diluted net income
(loss) per share....... 49,800 26,837 63,663
======== ======== ========
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
statements.
91
AUTODESK, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
AUTODESK DISCREET
SIX MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
JULY 31, 1998 JUNE 30, 1998 ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED
---------------- ---------------- ----------- ---------
Net revenues............ $373,844 $75,885 $ -- $449,729
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues...... 37,983 31,206 -- 69,189
Marketing and sales... 130,698 18,480 -- 149,178
Research and
development.......... 70,510 7,434 -- 77,944
General and
administrative....... 55,466 4,181 -- 59,647
Nonrecurring charges.. 37,692 (2,696) -- 34,996
Litigation accrual
reversal............. (18,200) -- -- (18,200)
-------- ------- ----- --------
Total costs and
expenses........... 314,149 58,605 -- 372,754
-------- ------- ----- --------
Income from operations.. 59,695 17,280 -- 76,975
Interest and other
income, net............ 8,646 1,403 -- 10,049
-------- ------- ----- --------
Income before income
taxes.................. 68,341 18,683 -- 87,024
Provision for income
taxes.................. 31,588 4,982 -- 36,570
-------- ------- ----- --------
Net income.............. $ 36,753 $13,701 $ -- $ 50,454
======== ======= ===== ========
Basic net income per
share.................. $ 0.79 $ 0.47 $ -- $ 0.83
======== ======= ===== ========
Diluted net income per
share.................. $ 0.74 $ 0.44 $ -- $ 0.78
======== ======= ===== ========
Shares used in computing
basic net income per
share.................. 46,500 29,324 60,576
======== ======= ========
Shares used in computing
diluted net income per
share.................. 49,670 30,947 64,525
======== ======= ========
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
statements.
92
AUTODESK, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
AUTODESK, INC. DISCREET
SIX MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
JULY 31, 1997 JUNE 30, 1997 ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED
----------------- ----------------- ----------- ---------
Net revenues............ $273,080 $61,828 $ -- $334,908
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues...... 34,766 27,281 -- 62,047
Marketing and sales... 111,356 12,579 -- 123,935
Research and
development.......... 58,035 5,455 -- 63,490
General and
administrative....... 39,163 3,691 -- 42,854
Nonrecurring charges.. 58,087 16,300 -- 74,387
Gain on litigation
settlement........... -- -- -- --
-------- ------- ----- --------
Total costs and
expenses........... 301,407 65,306 -- 366,713
-------- ------- ----- --------
Income (loss) from
operations............. (28,327) (3,478) -- (31,805)
Interest and other
income, net............ 4,774 97 -- 4,871
-------- ------- ----- --------
Income (loss) before
income taxes........... (23,553) (3,381) -- (26,934)
Provision for income
taxes.................. 11,357 4,527 -- 15,884
-------- ------- ----- --------
Net income (loss)....... $(34,910) $(7,908) $ -- $(42,818)
======== ======= ===== ========
Basic net income (loss)
per share.............. $ (0.78) $ (0.28) $ -- $ (0.73)
======== ======= ===== ========
Diluted net income
(loss) per share....... $ (0.78) $ (0.28) $ -- $ (0.73)
======== ======= ===== ========
Shares used in computing
basic net income (loss)
per share.............. 45,045 28,028 58,498
======== ======= ========
Shares used in computing
diluted net income
(loss) per share....... 45,045 28,028 58,498
======== ======= ========
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
statements.
93
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1)PERIODS COMBINED
The Autodesk condensed consolidated statements of income for the three years
ended January 31, 1998 have been combined with the Discreet condensed
consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1996,
the eleven months ended June 30, 1997 and the unaudited twelve months ended
December 31, 1997, respectively. Additionally, the Autodesk unaudited
condensed consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended July
31, 1998 and 1997 have been combined with the Discreet unaudited condensed
consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 1998
and 1997.
Autodesk's July 31, 1998 unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet has
been combined with Discreet's June 30, 1998 condensed consolidated balance
sheet.
Operating results for the period from January 1, 1997 to June 30, 1997 for
Discreet are duplicated in the pro forma condensed consolidated statement of
income of the Combined Company for the years ended January 31, 1998 and 1997.
Net revenues, net loss and basic and diluted net loss per share for the six
month period January 1, 1997 through June 30, 1997 for Discreet were $61.8
million, $7.9 million and $0.28, respectively.
(2)PRO FORMA BASIS OF PRESENTATION
These unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements reflect
the issuance of 14,217,000 shares of Autodesk Common Stock in exchange for an
aggregate of 29,618,000 of Discreet Common Shares (outstanding as of June 30,
1998) in connection with the Transactions, assuming an Exchange Ratio of 0.48
as set forth in the following table (in thousands, except Exchange Ratio):
Discreet Common Shares outstanding as of June 30, 1998............... 29,618
Exchange Ratio....................................................... 0.48
------
Number of shares of Autodesk Common Stock exchanged.................. 14,217
Number of shares of Autodesk Common Stock outstanding as of July 31,
1998................................................................ 46,348
------
Number of shares of Autodesk Common Stock outstanding upon
consummation of the Transactions.................................... 60,565
======
The actual number of shares of Autodesk Common Stock to be issued (including
shares issuable upon exchange of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares) will be
determined at the Effective Time by multiplying the Exchange Ratio (0.48) by
the number of Discreet Common Shares outstanding on that date.
(3)TRANSACTION COSTS AND RELATED EXPENSES
Autodesk and Discreet estimate they will incur direct transaction costs of
approximately $6-$8 million and $5-$7 million, respectively, associated with
the Transactions consisting of transaction fees for investment bankers,
attorneys, accountants, financial printing and other related charges. These
nonrecurring transaction costs will be charged to operations in the quarter in
which they are incurred.
It is expected that following consummation of the Transactions, the Combined
Company will incur an additional charge to operations, currently estimated at
$6-$8 million, to reflect costs associated with integrating the two companies,
which will be expensed as incurred. There can be no assurance that the
Combined Company will not incur additional charges to reflect costs associated
with the Transactions, or that management will be successful in its efforts to
integrate the two companies.
94
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--
(CONTINUED)
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet gives effect to
estimated direct transaction costs totaling $13 million, as if such costs and
expenses had been incurred as of July 31, 1998. These costs and expenses are
not reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of
income.
(4)CONFORMING ADJUSTMENTS
No adjustments have been made to conform the accounting policies of the
combined companies. The nature and extent of such adjustments, if any, will be
based upon further study and analysis and are not expected to be significant.
(5)NON-RECURRING TRANSACTIONS
(a) Nonrecurring Transactions of Autodesk
Included in Net Income for Autodesk are nonrecurring charges of $4.7
million, $58.5 million and $37.7 million recorded in fiscal years 1997 and
1998 and for the six months ended July 31, 1998, respectively. The charges for
fiscal years 1998 and 1997 consist of charges relating to the write off of
purchased in-process research and development that had not reached
technological feasibility and had no alternative future use. The nonrecurring
charges for the six months ended July 31, 1998 consist of:
(1) a write-off of purchased in-process technology that had not yet reached
technological feasibility and had no alternative future use; and
(2) expenses relating to the restructuring charges associated with the
consolidation of certain development centers, the write-off of
purchased technologies associated with these operations, staff
reductions in Asia Pacific and costs in relation to potential legal
settlements.
(b) Nonrecurring Transactions of Discreet
Included in net income for Discreet are nonrecurring charges of $43.1
million, $16.3 million and $28.5 million for the twelve month period ended
December 31, 1997, eleven month period ended June 30, 1997 and fiscal year
ended July 31, 1996, respectively. These charges consist primarily of charges
relating to the write-off of purchased in-process research and development
that had not yet reached technological feasibility and had no alternative use,
the write-down of an investment, restructuring charges and legal settlements.
Included in nonrecurring charges for the six month period ended June 30,
1998 is a net credit relating to the gain on sale of an investment, costs
related to a terminated merger transaction and the reversal of restructuring
and litigation provisions which were no longer required.
95
MATERIAL CANADIAN FEDERAL AND UNITED STATES FEDERAL
INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS TO DISCREET SHAREHOLDERS
CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
In the opinion of Stikeman, Elliott, Canadian legal counsel to Discreet, the
following are the material Canadian federal income tax considerations
generally applicable to Discreet Shareholders who deal at arm's length with
Discreet, Autodesk, Dutchco, Autodesk Quebec and Amalgamation Sub, and hold
their Discreet Common Shares and will hold their New Discreet Exchangeable
shares and/or Autodesk Common Stock as capital property. Discreet Common
Shares will generally be considered to be capital property to a holder unless
the holder holds the shares in the course of carrying on a business or
acquired them in a transaction or transactions considered to be an adventure
in the nature of trade. Certain holders whose Discreet Common Shares might not
otherwise qualify as capital property may be able to qualify them as such by
making the irrevocable election permitted by subsection 39(4) of the Canadian
Tax Act. This summary does not apply to a Discreet Shareholder with respect to
whom Autodesk is or will be a foreign affiliate within the meaning of the
Canadian Tax Act nor does it apply to a Discreet Shareholder that is a
"financial institution" within the meaning of subsection 142.2(1) of the
Canadian Tax Act as such definition is proposed to be amended by the federal
budget dated February 24, 1998.
This summary is based upon the current provisions of the Canadian Tax Act,
the regulations thereunder and counsel's understanding of the current
published administrative practices and policies of Revenue Canada Customs,
Excise and Taxation ("Revenue Canada"). The summary also takes into account
all specific proposals to amend the Canadian Tax Act publicly announced prior
to the date hereof (the "Proposed Amendments"), and assumes that the Proposed
Amendments will be enacted substantially as proposed. This summary does not
otherwise take into account or anticipate any changes in law, whether by way
of legislative, judicial or governmental action or interpretation, nor does it
address any provincial or foreign income tax considerations.
For purposes of the Canadian Tax Act, all amounts must be expressed in
Canadian dollars, including dividends, adjusted cost base and proceeds of
disposition; amounts denominated in US dollars must be converted into Canadian
dollars based on the prevailing United States dollar exchange rate generally
at the time such amounts arise.
THIS SUMMARY IS NOT INTENDED TO BE, NOR SHOULD IT BE CONSTRUED TO BE, LEGAL
OR TAX ADVICE TO ANY PARTICULAR DISCREET SHAREHOLDER. DISCREET SHAREHOLDERS
ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS CONCERNING THE INCOME TAX
CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE TRANSACTIONS.
DISCREET SHAREHOLDERS RESIDENT IN CANADA
The following portion of the summary is applicable to a Discreet Shareholder
who is a Canadian resident and who will continue to be a Canadian resident for
purposes of the Canadian Tax Act at all times while such Shareholder holds New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares or Autodesk Common Stock.
Amalgamation of Discreet, Autodesk Quebec and Amalgamation Sub. On the
Amalgamation, Discreet Shareholders will be deemed to dispose of their
Discreet Common Shares for proceeds of disposition equal to their adjusted
cost base to the holder and to have acquired New Discreet Class B Shares for a
cost equal to such proceeds of disposition.
Redemption of New Discreet Class B Shares in exchange for New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares
Non-Rollover Transaction. A holder of New Discreet Class B Shares whose
Class B Shares are redeemed by New Discreet in exchange for New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares, Voting Rights and Exchange Rights may, unless such holder
makes a joint election under subsection 85(1) or 85(2) of the Canadian Tax Act
as discussed
96
below, be considered to have disposed of such New Discreet Class B Shares for
proceeds of disposition equal to the sum of (i) any cash received by such
holder in respect of a fractional New Discreet Exchangeable Share, (ii) the
fair market value of the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares acquired by such
holder on the redemption, and (iii) the fair market value of the Voting Rights
and Exchange Rights acquired by such holder on the redemption and, as a
result, the holder will in general realize a capital gain (or capital loss) to
the extent that such proceeds of disposition, less any reasonable costs of
disposition, exceed (or are less than) the adjusted cost base to the holder of
such New Discreet Class B Shares. The cost to a holder of New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares, Voting Rights and Exchange Rights acquired on the
redemption will be equal to the fair market value of such shares and rights at
the time of the redemption. Holders of New Discreet Class B Shares who do not
make a joint election under section 85 of the Canadian Tax Act should consult
with their own tax advisors as to the possible application of other rollover
provisions contained in the Canadian Tax Act.
Rollover Transaction. An Eligible Holder of New Discreet Class B Shares
whose Class B Shares are redeemed by New Discreet in exchange for New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares, Voting Rights and Exchange Rights may make a joint
election with New Discreet pursuant to subsection 85(1) of the Canadian Tax
Act (or, in the case of an Eligible Holder that is a partnership, pursuant to
subsection 85(2) of the Canadian Tax Act) and thereby obtain a full or partial
tax deferred "rollover" for Canadian income tax purposes, depending on the
Elected Amount and the adjusted cost base to the Eligible Holder of its New
Discreet Class B Shares at the time of the redemption. So long as, at the time
of the redemption, the adjusted cost base to the Eligible Holder of the
Eligible Holder's New Discreet Class B Shares equals or exceeds the sum of (i)
any cash received in respect of a fractional New Discreet Exchangeable Share
and (ii) the fair market value of the Voting Rights and the Exchange Rights
acquired by such holder on the redemption, the Eligible Holder may elect so as
to not realize a capital gain for the purposes of the Canadian Tax Act on the
redemption. The terms and conditions of the New Discreet Class B Shares
provide that the maximum number of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares issuable
upon redemption of the New Discreet Class B Shares is equal to 19.99% of the
Discreet Common Shares outstanding immediately prior to the Amalgamation,
multiplied by the Exchange Ratio. Accordingly, holders of New Discreet Class B
Shares may be precluded from engaging in a tax-free rollover for Canadian
federal income tax purposes in respect of some of their New Discreet Class B
Shares.
IN ORDER TO MAKE AN ELECTION, AN ELIGIBLE HOLDER MUST PROVIDE TO MONTREAL
TRUST COMPANY OF CANADA, ON BEHALF OF NEW DISCREET, AT 6TH FLOOR, 1800 MCGILL
COLLEGE AVENUE, MONTREAL, QUEBEC, H3A 3K9, TWO SIGNED COPIES OF THE NECESSARY
ELECTION FORMS ON OR BEFORE 90 DAYS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE TIME, DULY COMPLETED
WITH THE DETAILS OF THE NUMBER OF NEW DISCREET CLASS B SHARES TRANSFERRED AND
THE APPLICABLE ELECTED AMOUNT FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE ELECTION. Subject to the
election forms complying with the provisions of the Canadian Tax Act (or
applicable provincial income tax law), the forms will be returned to such
holders, signed by New Discreet, for filing by the Eligible Holder with
Revenue Canada (or the applicable provincial tax authority).
The relevant tax election form is Revenue Canada form T2057 (or, in the
event that the New Discreet Class B Shares are held as partnership property,
Revenue Canada form T2058). For Eligible Holders required to file in Quebec,
Quebec form TP-518V (or, in the event that the New Discreet Class B Shares are
held as partnership property, Quebec form TP-529V) will also be required. A
tax election package, consisting of the relevant tax election forms and a
letter of instructions, may be obtained from New Discreet. AN ELIGIBLE HOLDER
INTERESTED IN MAKING AN ELECTION SHOULD SO INDICATE ON THE LETTER OF
TRANSMITTAL AND ELECTION FORM ACCOMPANYING THIS PROXY CIRCULAR IN THE SPACE
PROVIDED THEREIN AND A TAX ELECTION PACKAGE WILL BE SENT TO SUCH HOLDER.
Where New Discreet Class B Shares are held in joint ownership and two or
more of the co-owners wish to elect, one of the co-owners designated for such
purpose should file the designation and a copy of the Revenue Canada election
form T2057 (and where applicable, the corresponding Quebec form) for each co-
owner along with a list of all co-owners electing, which list should contain
the address and social insurance number or tax account number of each co-
owner. Where the New Discreet Class B Shares are held as partnership property,
a partner designated by the partnership must file one copy of Revenue Canada
election form T2058 on behalf of all members of the partnership (and where
applicable, the corresponding form in duplicate with the Quebec
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taxation authorities). Such Revenue Canada election form T2058 (and Quebec
form, if applicable) must be accompanied by a list containing the name,
address, social insurance number or tax account number of each partner as well
as the letter signed by each partner authorizing the designated partner to
complete and file the form.
In general, where an election is made, the Elected Amount must comply with
the following rules:
1. The Elected Amount may not be less than the sum of (i) any cash received
in respect of a fractional New Discreet Exchangeable Share and (ii) the fair
market value of the Voting Rights and the Exchange Rights acquired on the
redemption.
2. The Elected Amount may not be less than the lesser of the adjusted cost
base to the Eligible Holder of the Eligible Holder's New Discreet Class B
Shares redeemed, determined immediately before the time of the redemption, and
the fair market value of the New Discreet Class B Shares at that time.
3. The Elected Amount may not exceed the fair market value of the New
Discreet Class B Shares at the time of the redemption.
Where an Eligible Holder and New Discreet make an election, the tax
treatment to the Eligible Holder generally will be as follows:
1. The Eligible Holder's New Discreet Class B Shares will be deemed to have
been disposed of for proceeds of disposition equal to the Elected Amount.
2. If the proceeds of disposition of the New Discreet Class B Shares are
equal to the aggregate of the adjusted cost base to the Eligible Holder of the
Eligible Holder's shares, determined immediately before the redemption, and
any costs of disposition, no capital gain or capital loss will be realized by
the Eligible Holder.
3. To the extent that the proceeds of disposition of the New Discreet Class
B Shares exceed (or are less than) the aggregate of the adjusted cost base
thereof to the Eligible Holder and any costs of disposition, the Eligible
Holder will in general realize a capital gain (or capital loss).
4. The cost to an Eligible Holder of the Voting Rights and the Exchange
Rights received on the redemption will be equal to the fair market value
thereof at that time and the cost to an Eligible Holder of New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares received on the redemption will be equal to the amount by
which the proceeds of disposition of the New Discreet Class B Shares redeemed
from the Eligible Holder exceeds the amount of any cash received in respect of
a fractional New Discreet Exchangeable Share and the fair market value of the
Voting Rights and the Exchange Rights received on the redemption.
New Discreet will make an election under Section 85 of the Canadian Tax Act
(and the corresponding provisions of any provincial tax legislation) at the
amount selected by the Eligible Holder subject to the limitations set out in
the Canadian Tax Act (and any applicable provincial tax legislation). New
Discreet will not be responsible for the proper completion or filing of any
election and the Eligible Holder will be solely responsible for the payment of
any late filing penalty. New Discreet agrees only to execute any properly
completed election and to forward such election by mail (within 60 days after
the receipt thereof) to the Eligible Holder. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF EXECUTION
OF THE ELECTION BY NEW DISCREET, COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A VALID
ELECTION WILL BE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ELIGIBLE HOLDER MAKING THE
ELECTION. ACCORDINGLY, NEW DISCREET WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR
TAXES, INTEREST, PENALTIES, DAMAGES OR EXPENSES RESULTING FROM THE FAILURE BY
ANYONE TO PROPERLY COMPLETE ANY ELECTION OR TO PROPERLY FILE IT WITHIN THE
TIME PRESCRIBED AND IN THE FORM PRESCRIBED UNDER THE CANADIAN TAX ACT (OR THE
CORRESPONDING PROVISIONS OF ANY APPLICABLE PROVINCIAL LEGISLATION).
In order for Revenue Canada (and where applicable, the Ministere du Revenu
du Quebec) to accept a tax election without a late filing penalty being paid
by an Eligible Holder, the election must be received by such revenue
authorities on or before the day that is the earliest of the days on or before
which either New Discreet or the Eligible Holder is required to file an income
tax return for the taxation year in which the redemption occurs.
98
New Discreet's taxation year is scheduled to end on January 31, 1999. Thus,
where the redemption occurs in 1998, the tax election will, in the case of an
Eligible Holder who is an individual, generally have to be received by the
revenue authorities by April 30, 1999 (being generally the last day for filing
the tax returns for the 1998 taxation year of individuals). Eligible Holders
other than individuals are urged to consult their own advisers as soon as
possible respecting the deadlines applicable to their own particular
circumstances. However, regardless of such deadline, the tax election forms of
an Eligible Holder must be received by New Discreet no later than the 90th day
after the Effective Time. Because New Discreet has agreed to execute and
return the election to the Eligible Holder within 60 days of its receipt, to
avoid late filing penalties certain Eligible Holders may be required to
forward their tax election forms to New Discreet earlier than the 90th day
after the Effective Time.
Any Eligible Holder who does not ensure that New Discreet has received a
duly completed election on or before the 90th day after the Effective Time,
will not be able to benefit from the rollover provisions contained in Section
85 of the Canadian Tax Act. Accordingly, all Eligible Holders who wish to
enter into an election with New Discreet should give their immediate attention
to this matter. The instructions for requesting a tax election package are set
out in the Letter of Transmittal and Election Form. Eligible Holders are
referred to Information Circular 76-19R3 and Interpretation Bulletin IT-291R2
issued by Revenue Canada for further information respecting the election.
Eligible Holders wishing to make the election should consult their own tax
advisers. The comments herein with respect to such election are provided for
general assistance only. The law in this area is complex and contains numerous
technical requirements.
A Discreet Shareholder who receives New Discreet Class B Shares that are
redeemed in exchange for New Discreet Exchangeable Shares will be required to
determine the fair market value of the Voting Rights and Exchange Rights on a
reasonable basis for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act. Autodesk and Discreet
are of the view and have advised counsel that the Voting Rights and Exchange
Rights have only nominal value. The tax election forms will be executed by New
Discreet on the basis that the fair market value of the Voting Rights and
Exchange Rights is a nominal amount per New Discreet Exchangeable Share issued
on the redemption of the New Discreet Class B Shares. Such amount will be
provided to Eligible Holders in the letter of instructions included in the tax
election package. Such determination of value is not binding on Revenue
Canada, and counsel can express no opinion on matters of factual determination
such as this.
Exchange of New Discreet Units for Autodesk Common Stock. A holder who, in
connection with the Transactions, receives New Discreet Units upon the
conversion of New Discreet Class B Shares which Units are acquired by Dutchco
for Autodesk Common Stock will be considered to have disposed of the New
Discreet Class E Shares and New Discreet Class F Shares comprising such New
Discreet Units for total proceeds of disposition equal to the fair market
value of the Autodesk Common Stock plus any cash received by such holder in
respect of a fractional interest in Autodesk Common Stock, and will realize a
capital gain (or capital loss) equal to the amount by which such proceeds of
disposition exceed (or are less than) the aggregate adjusted cost base to the
holder of the New Discreet Class E Shares and New Discreet Class F Shares
comprising such New Discreet Units. Generally, the aggregate adjusted cost
base to the holder of New Discreet Class E Shares and New Discreet Class F
Shares comprising such New Discreet Units will be equal to the adjusted cost
base of the holder's New Discreet Class B Shares that were converted into such
New Discreet Units pursuant to the Transactions. The cost to a holder of
Autodesk Common Stock acquired on the exchange will be equal to the fair
market value of such shares at the time of the exchange, and will be averaged
with the adjusted cost base of any other Autodesk Common Stock held by the
holder as capital property.
Call Rights. Autodesk and Discreet are of the view and have advised counsel
that no amount has been allocated to the value of the Call Rights. In
particular, Autodesk and Discreet are of the view that the Liquidation Call
Right, the Redemption Call Rights and the Retraction Call Right and the call
rights contained in the New Discreet Class E Share Provisions and the New
Discreet Class F Share Provisions have nominal value. On this basis, no
Discreet Shareholder or New Discreet Shareholder should realize a capital gain
at the time that any of such rights are granted to Dutchco. Such determination
of value is not binding on Revenue Canada and counsel can express no opinion
on matters of factual determination such as this.
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Dividends on New Discreet Exchangeable Shares. In the case of a holder who
is an individual, dividends received or deemed to be received on the New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares will be included in computing the holder's
income, and will be subject to the gross-up and dividend tax credit rules
normally applicable to taxable dividends received from taxable Canadian
corporations.
The New Discreet Exchangeable Shares will be "taxable preferred shares" and
"short-term preferred shares" for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act. Dividends
received or deemed to be received on New Discreet Exchangeable Shares will not
be subject to the 10% tax under Part IV.1 of the Canadian Tax Act applicable
to certain corporations.
In the case of a holder that is a corporation, other than a "specified
financial institution" as defined in the Canadian Tax Act, dividends received
or deemed to be received on the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares will normally
be deductible in computing the holder's taxable income.
In the case of a holder that is a specified financial institution, such
dividends will be deductible in computing the holder's taxable income only if
either:
(a) the holder did not acquire the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares in
the ordinary course of its business; or
(b) at the time of the receipt of the dividend by the holder, the New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares are listed on a prescribed stock exchange in
Canada and the holder, either alone or together with persons with whom it
does not deal at arm's length, does not receive (and is not deemed to
receive) dividends in respect of more than 10% of the issued and
outstanding New Discreet Exchangeable Shares. At the present time, there is
no intention to list the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares on a prescribed
stock exchange in Canada.
A holder that is a "private corporation" (as defined in the Canadian Tax
Act) or any other corporation resident in Canada and controlled by or for the
benefit of an individual or a related group of individuals may be liable under
Part IV of the Canadian Tax Act to pay a refundable tax of 33 1/3% on
dividends received or deemed to be received on the New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares to the extent such dividends are deductible in computing the holder's
taxable income. A holder that is a Canadian-controlled private corporation may
be liable to pay an additional refundable tax of 6 2/3% on dividends or deemed
dividends that are not deductible in computing taxable income.
Dividends on Autodesk Common Stock. Dividends on Autodesk Common Stock will
be included in the recipient's income for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act.
Such dividends received by an individual holder will not be subject to the
gross-up and dividend tax credit rules in the Canadian Tax Act. A holder that
is a corporation will include such dividends in computing its income and
generally will not be entitled to deduct the amount of such dividends in
computing its taxable income. A holder that is a Canadian-controlled private
corporation may be liable to pay an additional refundable tax of 6 2/3% on
such dividends. United States non-resident withholding tax on such dividends
will be eligible for foreign tax credit or deduction treatment where
applicable under the Canadian Tax Act.
Redemption or Exchange of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares. Because of the
existence of the Retraction Call Right, a holder exercising the right of
retraction in respect of a New Discreet Exchangeable Share cannot control
whether such holder will receive a share of Autodesk Common Stock by way of
redemption of the New Discreet Exchangeable Share by New Discreet or by way of
purchase of the New Discreet Exchangeable Share by Dutchco. As described
below, the Canadian federal income tax consequences of a redemption differ
from those of a purchase. A holder who exercises the right of retraction will
be notified if the Retraction Call Right will not be exercised by Dutchco, and
if such holder does not wish to proceed, such holder may cancel the notice of
retraction and retain such holder's New Discreet Exchangeable Share.
100
On the redemption (including a retraction) of a New Discreet Exchangeable
Share by New Discreet (as described under "Terms of the Transactions--
Description of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares"), the holder will be deemed
to have received a dividend equal to the amount by which the redemption
proceeds (i.e. the fair market value at the time of the redemption of the
Autodesk Common Stock received by the holder from New Discreet on the
redemption plus the Dividend Amount) exceeds the paid-up capital (for purposes
of the Canadian Tax Act) at that time of the New Discreet Exchangeable Share
so redeemed. The amount of any such deemed dividend will be subject to the
normal tax treatment accorded to dividends described above under "--Dividends
on New Discreet Exchangeable Shares." In the case of a holder that is a
corporation, the amount of any such deemed dividend, in certain circumstances,
may be required to be treated as proceeds of disposition in computing a
capital gain from the disposition of the New Discreet Exchangeable Share, and
not as a dividend.
On the redemption, the holder will also be considered to have disposed of
the New Discreet Exchangeable Share for proceeds of disposition equal to the
redemption proceeds less the amount of such deemed dividend, and will realize
a capital gain (or capital loss) equal to the amount by which such proceeds of
disposition exceed (or are less than) the adjusted cost base of such New
Discreet Exchangeable Share to the holder.
On the exchange of a New Discreet Exchangeable Share by the holder thereof
with Dutchco for a share of Autodesk Common Stock as described under "Terms of
the Transactions--Description of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares," the holder
generally will realize a capital gain (or capital loss) equal to the amount by
which the holder's proceeds of disposition (i.e., the fair market value at the
time of the exchange of the Autodesk Common Stock received by the holder plus
the Dividend Amount received by the holder as part of the exchange
consideration), net of any reasonable costs of disposition, exceed (or are
less than) the adjusted cost base of the New Discreet Exchangeable Share to
the holder.
Any capital gain or capital loss realized by the holder on the redemption
(including a retraction) or exchange of a New Discreet Exchangeable Share will
be subject to the tax treatment described below under "--Taxation of Capital
Gains and Capital Losses."
The cost of a share of Autodesk Common Stock received on the redemption
(including a retraction) or exchange of a New Discreet Exchangeable Share will
be equal to the fair market value of such share of Autodesk Common Stock at
the time of such event and will be averaged with the adjusted cost base of any
other Autodesk Common Stock held at that time by the holder as capital
property.
A disposition or deemed disposition of Autodesk Common Stock by a holder
will generally result in a capital gain (or capital loss) to the extent that
the proceeds of disposition, net of reasonable costs of disposition, exceed
(or are less than) the adjusted cost base to the holder of Autodesk Common
Stock immediately before the disposition. Any such capital gain or capital
loss will be subject to the tax treatment described below under "--Taxation of
Capital Gains and Capital Losses."
Taxation of Capital Gains and Capital Losses. In general, three-quarters of
any capital gain (the "taxable capital gain") must be included in the holder's
income for the year in which the disposition occurs and three-quarters of any
capital loss (the "allowable capital loss") may be deducted by the holder from
taxable capital gains realized in that taxation year. Any excess of allowable
capital losses over taxable capital gains of the holder for the year of
disposition may be carried back up to three taxation years or forward
indefinitely and deducted against net taxable capital gains in those other
taxation years to the extent and in the circumstances described in the
Canadian Tax Act. A holder that is a "Canadian-controlled private corporation"
(as defined in the Tax Act) may be liable to pay an additional refundable tax
of 6 2/3% on taxable capital gains.
Capital gains realized by an individual or a trust other than certain
specified trusts, may give rise to alternative minimum tax under the Canadian
Tax Act.
In the case of a holder that is a corporation, any capital loss realized on
the disposition of a New Discreet Class E Share, a New Discreet Class F Share
or a New Discreet Exchangeable Share will be reduced by the
101
amount of dividends received or deemed to have been received by the holder on
such shares to the extent and under the circumstances prescribed by the
Canadian Tax Act. Similar rules may apply where a corporation is a member of a
partnership or a beneficiary of a trust that owns any such shares or where a
trust or partnership of which a corporation is a beneficiary or a member is a
member of a partnership or a beneficiary of a trust that owns any such shares.
Foreign Property. The New Discreet Exchangeable Shares and Autodesk Common
Stock will be foreign property under the Canadian Tax Act for trusts governed
by registered pension plans, registered retirement savings plans, registered
retirement income funds and deferred profit sharing plans or for certain other
tax-exempt persons. Such holders should consult their own tax advisors as to
the timing of including the cost of the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares in
the holder's cost of foreign property. The Voting Rights and Exchange Rights
will also be foreign property under the Canadian Tax Act. However, as
indicated above, Discreet is of the view that the fair market value of these
rights is nominal.
Qualified Investments. So long as New Discreet remains a "public
corporation" for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act, the New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares will be qualified investments under the Canadian Tax Act
for trusts governed by registered retirement savings plans, registered
retirement income funds and deferred profit sharing plans. Autodesk Common
Stock will be qualified investments under the Canadian Tax Act for such plans
so long as such shares remain listed on the Nasdaq National Market (or are
listed on certain other exchanges). The Voting Rights and Exchange Rights will
not be qualified investments under the Canadian Tax Act. However, as indicated
above, Discreet is of the view that the fair market value of these rights is
nominal.
DISCREET SHAREHOLDERS NOT RESIDENT IN CANADA
The following summary is applicable to Discreet Shareholders who, for
purposes of the Canadian Tax Act, have not been and will not be resident or
deemed to be resident in Canada at any time while they have held Discreet
Common Shares or will hold Autodesk Common Stock and to whom such shares are
not "taxable Canadian property" (as defined in the Canadian Tax Act) and who
do not use or hold and are not deemed to use or hold such shares in carrying
on a business in Canada. The Discreet Common Shares will not constitute
taxable Canadian property to a holder at any time provided the holder does not
use or hold, and is not deemed to use or hold, such shares in carrying on a
business in Canada and the holder, persons with whom the holder does not deal
at arm's length, or the holder and such persons, has not owned (or had under
option) 25% or more of the issued shares of any class or series of the capital
stock of Discreet or New Discreet at any time within the five years preceding
that time.
The New Discreet Class B Shares, New Discreet Class E Shares and the New
Discreet Class F Shares generally should not be taxable Canadian property to a
holder at any time provided such shares are listed on a prescribed stock
exchange (which includes the Nasdaq National Market).
As a result, a holder of Discreet Common Shares, New Discreet Class B shares
and New Discreet Units generally should not be subject to tax under the
Canadian Tax Act on the Amalgamation, the conversion of New Discreet Class B
Shares into New Discreet Units, the exchange of New Discreet Units with
Dutchco for Autodesk Common Stock or the redemption of New Discreet Class B
Shares for New Discreet Exchangeable Shares.
Dividends paid or deemed to be paid on the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares
to non-residents will be subject to non-resident withholding tax under the
Canadian Tax Act at the rate of 25%, subject to reduction under the provisions
of an applicable income tax treaty. Under the Canada-United States Income Tax
Convention, the rate is generally reduced to 15% in respect of dividends paid
to a person who is a beneficial owner thereof and who is a resident of the
United States for the purposes of the Convention.
A holder whose New Discreet Exchangeable Shares are redeemed by New Discreet
(including pursuant to the exercise by the holder of the retraction right)
will be deemed to receive a dividend as described above under "--Discreet
Shareholders Resident in Canada--Redemption or Exchange of New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares," which deemed dividend will be subject to withholding tax
as described in the preceding paragraph.
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A holder whose New Discreet Exchangeable Shares are redeemed by New Discreet
(including pursuant to the exercise by the holder of the retraction right) or
exchanged with Dutchco for Autodesk Common Stock may realize a capital gain as
described above under "--Discreet Shareholders Resident in Canada--Redemption
or Exchange of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares." The New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares will constitute taxable Canadian property and, therefore,
any capital gain so realized will be subject to tax under the Canadian Tax Act
subject to the availability of an exemption under the provisions of an
applicable income tax treaty.
Under the provisions of the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (the
"Treaty"), holders resident in the United States would be exempt from Canadian
tax provided that the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares do not derive their
value principally from real property situated in Canada. However, whether or
not the holder is entitled to relief under the provisions of an applicable
income tax convention, the holder is required to provide the acquiror of the
New Discreet Exchangeable Shares (either New Discreet or Dutchco) with a
certificate under section 116 of the Canadian Tax Act on or prior to the time
of the disposition with a certificate limit at least equal to the proceeds of
disposition of the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares. If a holder does not
provide the acquiror with such a certificate at or prior to the time of
disposition, the acquiror will withhold 33 1/3% of the cost to the acquiror of
the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares and will remit such amount to the
Government of Canada on behalf of the holder.
In order to obtain a certificate pursuant to Section 116 of the Canadian Tax
Act, the holder will be required to provide notice of the disposition of the
New Discreet Exchangeable Shares to Revenue Canada either prior to, or within
ten days following, the disposition of such shares. The notice must set out
the name and address of the person to whom the holder proposes to dispose, or
disposed of, the shares, a description of the shares, the estimated amount of
the proceeds of disposition to be received by the holder or, if the
disposition has already occurred, a statement of the proceeds of disposition
of the shares and the amount of the adjusted cost base to the holder of the
shares. A pre-printed form of a notice (referred to as Form T2062) which
contains the necessary information may be obtained from Revenue Canada. In
order to obtain the certificate, the holder must also provide Revenue Canada
with payment of an amount equal to 33 1/3% of the difference between the
holder's proceeds of disposition and the adjusted cost base to the holder of
the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares or acceptable security for such payment.
If any gain realized by a holder resident in the United States is exempt from
Canadian tax under the provisions of the Treaty, such holder may not be
required to make a payment to Revenue Canada or provide Revenue Canada with
security for such payment if the holder provides evidence satisfactory to
Revenue Canada of its entitlement to the exemption.
MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
In the opinion of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, US legal counsel for
Autodesk, the following are the material United States federal income tax
consequences of the Transactions to Discreet Shareholders ("Holders"). This
summary does not discuss all US federal income tax considerations that may be
relevant to Holders in light of their particular circumstances (including but
not limited to Holders who own or have owned 10% or more of the Discreet
Common Shares, directly, indirectly or by attribution) or to Holders that may
be subject to special treatment under US federal income tax laws (for example,
insurance companies, regulated investment companies, real estate investment
trusts, tax-exempt entities, financial institutions, dealers in securities,
persons who hold Discreet Common Shares as part of a straddle, hedging,
constructive sale or conversion transaction, persons whose functional currency
is not the US dollar, Holders who are subject to the alternative minimum tax
provisions of the Code, and Holders who acquired such shares through exercise
of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for services).
Furthermore, this summary does not discuss aspects of United States federal
income taxation that may be applicable to holders of Discreet Options as a
result of the Transactions, nor does it address any aspects of foreign, state
or local taxation. Furthermore, this summary does not address certain of the
United States federal income tax consequences of the receipt of Autodesk
Rights or of owning Autodesk Common Stock or Autodesk Rights, including but
not limited to the United States federal income tax consequences of selling or
otherwise disposing of shares of Autodesk Common Stock or Autodesk Rights.
This summary is based on interpretations of current provisions of the Code,
existing, temporary and proposed regulations promulgated thereunder and
administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, all of which
103
are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. No advance income tax
ruling has been sought or obtained from the United States Internal Revenue
Service ("IRS") regarding the tax consequences of the transactions described
herein and the IRS is not precluded from successfully asserting a contrary
result.
For purposes of this discussion, it is assumed that: (i) Holders hold
Discreet Common Shares as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of
the Code; (ii) stock received by Discreet Holders pursuant to the Transactions
(including New Discreet Class E Shares, New Discreet Class F Shares, New
Discreet Class B Shares, Autodesk Common Stock and New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares) will be held as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of
the Code; (iii) some Holders will choose to receive New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares; (iv) the exchange of New Discreet Class B Shares for New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares will occur immediately following the Effective Time; (v)
the exchange of New Discreet Units for Autodesk Common Stock will occur
immediately following the Effective Time; (vi) neither Autodesk nor Discreet
are or will be United States real property holding corporations, as defined in
the Code; (vii) the fair market value of the New Discreet Units equals the
fair market value of the Autodesk Common Stock and any cash for which they are
exchanged; (viii) the fair market value of the New Discreet Class B Shares
equals the fair market value of the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares and any
cash for which they are exchanged; (ix) Discreet is not and has not been, and
New Discreet will not be, a "passive foreign investment company," as defined
in Section 1297 of the Code; (x) Discreet is not and has not been, and New
Discreet will not be, a "controlled foreign corporation," as defined in
Section 957 of the Code; (xi) Discreet is not and has not been, and New
Discreet will not be, a "foreign personal holding company," as defined in
Section 552 of the Code; (xii) Discreet is not and has not been, and New
Discreet will not be, a "foreign investment company," as defined in Section
1246 of the Code; and (xiii) Discreet is not and has not been, and New
Discreet will not be, a "collapsible corporation," as defined in Section 341
of the Code.
THIS SUMMARY IS NOT INTENDED TO ADDRESS ALL OF THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL
INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS THAT MAY APPLY TO A PARTICULAR DISCREET SHAREHOLDER.
DISCREET SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE
UNITED STATES FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE
TRANSACTIONS.
US HOLDERS
The following discussion summarizes the material US federal income tax
consequences of the Transactions to Holders who are US persons ("US Holders").
For purposes of this discussion, a "US Holder" is a beneficial owner of
Discreet Common Shares who is (a) citizen or resident of the United States,
(b) a corporation or other entity taxable as a corporation created or
organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political
subdivision thereof, (c) an estate the income of which is includible in its
gross income for US federal income tax purposes without regard to its source,
or (d) a trust if a US court is able to exercise primary supervision over the
administration of the trust and one or more US persons have the authority to
control all the substantial decisions of the trust.
The exchange of Discreet Common Shares pursuant to the Transactions should
constitute a taxable transaction for United States federal income tax
purposes. As a result, US Holders should recognize income, gain or loss as
described below.
Discreet Shareholders Who Receive New Discreet Units. Discreet Shareholders
who do not choose to receive New Discreet Exchangeable Shares will receive one
New Discreet Unit for each Discreet Common Share. Immediately thereafter, each
New Discreet Unit owned by a Discreet Shareholder will be exchanged for a
number of shares of Autodesk Common Stock determined according to the Exchange
Ratio; cash will be paid in lieu of fractional shares. A US Holder who
receives New Discreet Units and exchanges such units for shares of Autodesk
Common Stock should recognize taxable gain or loss in an amount equal to the
difference between (i) the sum of the fair market value of Autodesk Common
Stock received and the amount of cash received in lieu of fractional shares of
Autodesk Common Stock, and (ii) the adjusted tax basis of the Discreet Common
Shares
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surrendered in the exchange. Such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss
and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the Discreet Common Shares
exchanged have been held for more than one year at the time of the
Transactions.
A US Holder who receives Autodesk Common Stock in exchange for New Discreet
Units will take a tax basis in such Autodesk Common Stock equal to the fair
market value of the Autodesk Common Stock at the Effective Time. The holding
period of the Autodesk Common Stock will begin on the day after the time of
the Transactions.
Cash distributions on the shares of Autodesk Common Stock paid out of
current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined under United States
federal income tax principles will be subject to tax as ordinary dividend
income. Cash distributions paid by Autodesk in excess of its current or
accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a tax-free return of
capital to the extent of the US Holder's adjusted tax basis in the US Holder's
shares of Autodesk Common Stock, and thereafter as gain from the sale or
exchange of a capital asset.
On the sale or other disposition of Autodesk Common Stock, a US Holder will
recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on
such sale and the US Holder's adjusted tax basis in such Autodesk Common
Stock. Gain or loss will be capital gain or loss if the Autodesk Common Stock
were held by such US Holder as a capital asset, and will be long-term capital
gain or loss if the US Holder had held the Autodesk Common Stock for more than
one year.
Discreet Shareholders Who Receive New Discreet Exchangeable Shares. There
may be Canadian federal income tax disadvantages for a US Holder who receives
New Discreet Exchangeable Shares in that Canadian withholding tax will be
imposed at the rate of 15% on dividends distributed to US Holders with respect
to the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares. In addition, as more fully described
above, a U.S. Holder may be subject to Canadian withholding tax on the
redemption of such New Discreet Exchangeable Shares by New Discreet. See
"Material Canadian Federal and United States Federal Income Tax Consideration
to Discreet Shareholders--Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations" and "--
Discreet Shareholders Not Resident in Canada." IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT
US HOLDERS WHO OWN DISCREET COMMON SHARES DO NOT ELECT TO RECEIVE NEW DISCREET
EXCHANGEABLE SHARES SINCE THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF SUCH SHARES MAY
HAVE CERTAIN ADVERSE TAX CONSEQUENCES. Although the issue is not free from
doubt, if a US Holder receives New Discreet Exchangeable Shares, the likely
United States federal income tax consequences should be as described below.
Receipt of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares. US Holders who wish to receive
New Discreet Exchangeable Shares will elect to do so with respect to their New
Discreet Class B Shares. Immediately thereafter, each Electing Discreet Class
B Share owned by a Discreet Shareholder will be exchanged for a number of New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares determined according to the Exchange Ratio; cash
will be paid in lieu of fractional shares. Although the issue cannot be free
from doubt, a US Holder who receives New Discreet Class B Shares and exchanges
such shares for New Discreet Exchangeable Shares should recognize gain or loss
in an amount equal to the difference between (i) the sum of the fair market
value of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares received and the amount of cash
received in lieu of fractional New Discreet Exchangeable Shares, and (ii) the
adjusted tax basis of Discreet Common Shares surrendered in the exchange. Such
gain or loss should be capital gain or loss and should be long-term capital
gain or loss if the Discreet Common Shares exchanged are held as capital
assets and have been held for more than one year at the time of the
Transactions.
US Holders who receive New Discreet Exchangeable Shares will be entitled to
the benefit of certain rights granted pursuant to the provisions of the
Transactions (including, but not limited to, rights under the Voting and
Exchange Trust Agreement). Autodesk and Discreet believe that the value of
such rights is nominal. If such rights are determined to have value in excess
of a nominal value, such value will constitute additional consideration that a
US Holder will be required to take into account in determining gain or loss
upon the receipt of New Discreet Class B Shares and the exchange of such
shares into New Discreet Exchangeable Shares.
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Although the issue is not free from doubt, a US Holder who receives New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares should take as its tax basis in such shares the
fair market value of the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares at the time of the
Transactions. The holding period of the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares
should begin on the day after the time of the Transactions.
Distributions on the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares. A US Holder of New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares generally will be required to include in gross
income as ordinary dividend income the amount of distributions received on the
New Discreet Exchangeable Shares to the extent paid out of current or
accumulated earnings and profits of New Discreet, as determined under United
States federal income tax principles. Distributions in excess of current or
accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a tax-free return of
capital to the extent of the US Holder's adjusted tax basis, and thereafter as
gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset. If a US Holder receives a
dividend in Canadian dollars, the amount of the dividend for US federal income
tax purposes will be the US dollar value of the dividend (determined at the
spot rate on the date of such payment) regardless of whether the payment is
later converted into US dollars. In such case, US Holders may recognize
ordinary income or loss as a result of currency fluctuations between the date
on which the dividend is paid and the date the dividend amount is converted
into US dollars. Such dividends generally will be treated as foreign source
dividend income and generally will be either "passive" or "financial services"
income, depending on the US Holder's particular circumstances. Under the
current United States-Canada Income Tax Convention, such distributions
generally will be subject to a Canadian withholding tax at a rate of 15%.
Subject to certain limitations of United States federal income tax law, a US
Holder will be entitled to claim either a credit against United States federal
income tax liability or a deduction in computing United States taxable income
for Canadian taxes withheld from distributions with respect to the New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares. Dividends on New Discreet Exchangeable Shares
generally will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to
corporations.
Exchange or Redemption of the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares. Although the
issue is not free from doubt, upon the disposition by a US Holder of New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares pursuant to the exercise of rights described
under "Terms of the Transactions--Description of New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares" (including the exercise of rights granted to New Discreet and
Dutchco), such US Holder generally should recognize taxable gain or loss in an
amount equal to the difference between (i) the sum of the fair market value of
Autodesk Common Stock received and cash received, if any, and (ii) such US
Holder's adjusted tax basis in the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares
surrendered. Any such gain or loss should be long-term capital gain or loss if
the holding period of the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares is more than one
year at the date such shares are exchanged for shares of Autodesk Common
Stock. The US Holder should take as its tax basis in the Autodesk Common Stock
the fair market value of the Autodesk Common Stock at the time of the
exchange. The holding period for the Autodesk Common Stock received should
begin on the day after the date on which the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares
are exchanged for Autodesk Common Stock.
If the disposition of the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares results in a
deemed dividend for Canadian tax purposes, such deemed dividend generally will
be subject to a Canadian withholding tax at the current United States-Canada
Income Tax Convention rate of 15%. The amount of the deemed dividend will be
treated as United States source gain to a US Holder. A US Holder may be
entitled to claim a credit against United States federal income tax liability
for Canadian taxes withheld on the deemed dividend. The use of such a credit
may be limited or precluded entirely if the US Holder has no income which is
treated as non-US source income for United States federal income tax purposes.
In lieu of claiming a tax credit, a US Holder may claim a deduction for
Canadian taxes paid in computing United States taxable income.
HOLDERS WHO ARE CONSIDERING MAKING AN ELECTION TO RECEIVE NEW DISCREET
EXCHANGEABLE SHARES ARE URGED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ALL APPLICABLE TAX
CONSIDERATIONS PRIOR TO MAKING SUCH ELECTION.
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NON-US HOLDERS
The following summary is applicable to holders of Discreet Common Shares who
are not US Holders ("Non-US Holders").
A Non-US Holder of Discreet Common Shares generally will not be subject to
United States federal income tax on gain realized on the receipt of the New
Discreet Units, the New Discreet Class B Shares, the New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares, the Autodesk Common Stock or upon a subsequent exchange (or sale) of
the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares or the Autodesk Common Stock, unless such
gain is effectively connected with a United States trade or business; or, in
the case of gain recognized by an individual Non-US Holder, such individual is
present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and
certain other conditions are satisfied.
Dividends received by a Non-US Holder with respect to Autodesk Common Stock
generally will be subject to United States withholding tax at the rate of 30%,
which rate may be subject to reduction by an applicable income tax treaty in
effect between the United States and the Non-US Holder's country of residence
unless the dividend is (i) effectively connected with the conduct of a trade
or business of the Non-US Holder within the United States or (ii) if a tax
treaty applies that is attributable to a United States permanent establishment
of the Non-US Holder, in which case the dividend will be taxed at ordinary US
Federal income tax rates. If the Non-US Holder is a corporation, such
effectively connected dividend may also be subject to an additional "branch
profits tax." Under the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention, the rate
of withholding tax is generally reduced to 15% in respect of dividends paid to
a person who is the beneficial owner thereof and who is a resident of Canada
for the purposes of the Convention. A Non-US Holder may be required to satisfy
certain certification requirements to claim treaty benefits or otherwise claim
a reduction of, or exemption from, the withholding obligation described above.
Provided that the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares are not treated as
Autodesk Common Stock for US federal income tax purposes, dividends received
by a Non-US Holder with respect to the New Discreet Exchangeable Shares should
not be subject to United States withholding tax and Discreet and Autodesk do
not intend that New Discreet will withhold any United States withholding tax
from such dividends. The possibility remains, however, that the IRS may assert
that United States withholding tax is payable with respect to dividends paid
on New Discreet Exchangeable Shares to Non-US Holders, in which case Non-US
Holders of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares could be subject to United States
withholding tax at a rate of 30%, subject to reduction by an applicable income
tax treaty.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING
United States federal backup withholding may apply to amounts received by a
Holder in the Transactions, amounts received by a Holder on the disposition of
New Discreet Exchangeable Shares or shares of Autodesk Common Stock, or
dividends paid to a Holder on New Discreet Exchangeable Shares (if the New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares are treated as Autodesk Common Stock for United
States federal income tax purposes) or the shares of Autodesk Common Stock.
Backup withholding will apply to a US Holder only if the US Holder fails to
furnish its taxpayer identification number or otherwise fails to comply with
the applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. Backup
withholding will apply to a Non-US Holder only if the Non-US Holder fails to
certify that it is not subject to backup withholding or otherwise fails to
comply with the applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. Any
amounts withheld under these backup withholding rules will be creditable
against the Holder's United States federal income tax liability.
In 1997, the IRS issued final regulations relating to withholding,
information reporting and backup withholding that unify certain certification
procedures and forms and clarify reliance standards (the "Final Regulations").
The Final Regulations will be effective with respect to payments made after
December 31, 1999. The Final Regulations eliminate the general prior legal
presumption that dividends paid to an address in a foreign country are paid to
a resident of that country. In addition, the Final Regulations impose certain
certification and
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documentation requirements on Non-US Holders claiming the benefit of a reduced
withholding tax rate with respect to dividends under a tax treaty or otherwise
claiming a reduction of, or exemption from, the withholding obligations
described above. Non-US Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors as
to the effect, if any, of the Final Regulations on their ownership and
disposition of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares and Autodesk Common Stock.
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AUTODESK
BUSINESS
BACKGROUND
Autodesk was incorporated in California in April 1982 and was reincorporated
in Delaware in May 1994. Its principal executive offices are located at 111
McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, California 94903 and its telephone number is
(415) 507-5000. Autodesk's two-dimensional ("2D") and three-dimensional ("3D")
products are used across industries and in the home for architectural design,
mechanical design, spatial data management and mapping, animation, and
visualization applications. Autodesk's flagship product, AutoCAD, is one of
the world's leading computer-aided design ("CAD") tools, with an installed
base of more than 2 million units worldwide. Autodesk's software products are
sold worldwide, primarily through a network of dealers and distributors.
In February 1995, Autodesk realigned its internal marketing and development
organizations around key market groups that most closely match Autodesk's
customer base. During fiscal year 1998, Autodesk defined a new market group,
the Personal Solutions Group ("PSG"), whose products are targeted to
individual users as well as professionals. Each market group incorporates
product development, quality assurance, technical publications, and product
industry marketing. Autodesk's market groups are discussed below.
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction ("AEC"). The architecture,
engineering, construction, and facilities management industries utilize
software from Autodesk and third-party developers to manage every phase of a
building's life cycle--from conceptual design through construction,
maintenance, and renovation. During fiscal year 1998, Autodesk expanded its
product offerings for the AEC Market Group by acquiring Softdesk, Inc. in
March 1997. AEC products include AutoCAD + S8 Architectural Suite, Softdesk 8
AEC Tools, and AEC Professional Suite.
Mechanical Computer-Aided Design ("MCAD"). Autodesk's Mechanical CAD Market
Group is dedicated to providing mechanical engineers, designers, and drafters
with advanced, value-based software solutions that are designed to solve their
professional design challenges. Autodesk's premier MCAD product is Mechanical
Desktop. In May 1998, Autodesk expanded its mechanical CAD products through
the purchase of various software technologies and applications from Genius CAD
Software GmbH, a German limited liability company.
Geographic Information Systems ("GIS"). Autodesk's GIS Market Group strategy
is to provide easy-to-use mapping and GIS technology to help businesses and
governments manage their assets and infrastructure. The GIS Market Group is
assisting automated mapping/facilities managers, as well as GIS and CAD users,
to share mapping, GIS, and associated information in a corporate environment.
Autodesk's current GIS products include AutoCAD Map, Autodesk MapGuide, and
Autodesk World.
Personal Solutions Group ("PSG"). The PSG Market Group develops easy-to-use,
affordable tools for professionals, occasional users, or consumers who design,
draft, and diagram, thus expanding Autodesk's traditional customer base of
architects and engineers. PSG products include AutoCAD LT and AutoSketch.
Kinetix. The Kinetix division of Autodesk is devoted to bringing powerful 3D
content-creation software to computer-industry professionals focused on two
markets: entertainment (film, broadcast video, and interactive games) and
design conceptualization and visualization. Kinetix provides two core platform
products--3D Studio MAX and 3D Studio VIZ, that specifically focus on these
markets.
PRODUCTS
Autodesk has aligned its market groups into three segments: the Design
Solutions segment (which includes the AEC, MCAD, and GIS market groups, as
well as AutoCAD products), the Personal Solutions segment, and Kinetix (the
multimedia segment). Autodesk's Design Solutions segment includes the
following products:
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AutoCAD
AutoCAD software is a general-purpose CAD tool used independently and in
conjunction with specific applications designed to work with AutoCAD in fields
ranging from architecture and mechanical design to plant design and mapping.
Professionals utilize AutoCAD for design, modeling, drafting, mapping,
rendering, and management tasks. AutoCAD runs on Windows 95, Windows 98, and
Windows 3.1. Because AutoCAD software's DWG files are portable across many
platforms and operating systems, it is a viable solution for customers with
multiple computer systems who need to exchange drawing files in such an
environment.
The most current version, AutoCAD Release 14, was introduced in May 1997.
Built for speed and efficiency, AutoCAD Release 14 includes enhancements in
areas that most influence productivity, including: precision drawing tools
such as AutoSnap, data-sharing features like raster image and reference file
clipping, photorealistic rendering, solid fills, and TrueType fonts.
AutoCAD software's open-system architecture allows users to adapt AutoCAD to
unique professional requirements with any of more than 5,000 independently
developed add-on applications. Many of these applications are based on
ObjectARX technology, a new generation of C++-based application programming
interfaces ("APIs"). ObjectARX-based applications utilize AutoCAD software's
object-oriented capabilities.
Sales of AutoCAD and AutoCAD upgrades accounted for approximately 70 percent
of Autodesk's revenues in fiscal years 1998 and 1997 as compared to
approximately 80 percent in fiscal year 1996. During fiscal year 1998,
approximately 244,000 new AutoCAD licenses were added worldwide, compared to
207,000 licenses and 233,000 licenses added during fiscal years 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
AutoCAD OEM
AutoCAD OEM ("Original Equipment Manufacturer") for Windows-based operating
systems is a selectively licensed CAD engine offering a complete application-
development environment for creating and delivering targeted or niche
solutions with scaled feature sets. It is for developers, system integrators,
and commercial software developers who require an embeddable CAD system which
gives them the ability to scale and control the application feature set.
AutoCAD OEM provides developers with a complete toolkit of AutoCAD features
and APIs including ObjectARX capabilities, a full suite of drawing and editing
functions as well as AutoLISP, a LISP API, and the AutoCAD Development System,
a C programming interface. These capabilities enable development of new
products for new markets untapped by traditional CAD products and solutions.
Mechanical Desktop
Mechanical Desktop software is an integrated software application that
unites advanced 2D and 3D mechanical design capabilities for PCs. The
Mechanical Desktop contains integrated modules for fully parametric feature-
based solid modeling, surface modeling, and assembly modeling; 2D
design/drafting and bidirectional associative drafting; as well as a built-in
Autodesk IGES Translator, which enables users to accurately exchange IGES
(Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) data with other systems. Mechanical
Desktop Release 2.0, which was released in December 1997, includes an Express
User Interface, Edit-in-Place assembly functionality, and improved integration
with Autodesk's AutoCAD Release 14 for mechanical drafting, and 3D Studio MAX
for 3D photorealistic rendering and animation. Advanced ordinate dimensioning,
editing and display of crosshatch patterns, surface scaling, section view, and
associative bill-of-materials generation are among the features included in
the latest release of Mechanical Desktop software.
AutoCAD Map
AutoCAD Map software is the first AutoCAD-based automated-mapping product
for professional planners, utility managers, and technicians who create and
maintain their own maps and use their data for engineering-
based analysis and planning. Built with AutoCAD software, AutoCAD Map focuses
on five key areas: digital map creation, analysis, maintenance of up-to-date
maps, data exchange, and publishing. The API in AutoCAD
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Map lets developers build vertical applications for industries such as
telecommunications, utilities, oil and gas, state and local government, and
natural resource and environmental engineering. AutoCAD Map also contains
ObjectARX capabilities.
Autodesk MapGuide
MapGuide is a Web-based GIS technology that is designed to allow corporate
customers and developers to use the Internet and business intranets to rapidly
deploy decision support systems with a geographic component. Suited for a wide
range of users--from GIS professionals to the casual computer user--MapGuide
software enables users to access and query digital maps and permits users to
display and analyze geographic data for applications that include tracking
customers, allocating resources, and managing facilities infrastructure.
Autodesk World
Autodesk World allows for the management of geographic-based data. It offers
capture, edit, analysis, integration, and presentation functionality for
spatial data, including raster, vector (CAD and GIS), and attributes. It also
includes Object Linking and Embedding ("OLE"), which allows users to link
drawings to other Windows applications such as Microsoft Word or Excel,
application programming interfaces, and an integrated Visual Basic for
Applications 5.0 scripting environment for easy customization and application
development.
AEC Professional Suite
Autodesk AEC Professional Suite 2.0, introduced in June 1997, is an
integrated set of design tools created for professionals in the fields of
Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Facility Management, and Plant Design
and Management. It includes AutoCAD Release 14 software, specialized AEC
AutoCAD enhancements, Architectural Symbols, Autodesk WalkThrough,
DesignBlocks, and Autodesk View. The AEC Professional Suite Release 2.0 serves
a variety of needs of the AEC professional via improved customization and
ease-of-use, integration of visualization tools into the design process and
CAD applications, access to standard manufacturer data, and a lower cost for
the overall design solution. Enhancements to the Suite enable the user to
detect and mend lines and arcs that are coincident or overlapping, create and
control perspective view with Camera Object, and provide access to more than
300 ready-made textures from multiple AEC-specific materials libraries.
Softdesk 8 Civil/ Survey Special Edition
The Softdesk 8 Civil/Survey Special Edition is a focused set of programs for
professionals in the Civil Engineering, Land Planning, and Surveying
industries. These products extend AutoCAD Release 14 or AutoCAD Map 2.0 by
addressing common surveying requirements such as Surface Modeling and
Contouring, Point Manipulation, Data Input and Analysis, Base Map Creation,
and the incorporation of raster imagery. The solution also offers design and
analysis capabilities for site and transportation, storm and sanitary drain
systems, grading, parking, and landscape design.
AutoCAD + S8 Architectural Suite
The AutoCAD + S8 Architectural Suite includes other AEC products such as S8
Architectural Professional Special Edition, AEC Tools, and Auto-Architect.
Auto-Architect includes landscape tools and utilities to generate structural
foundation/framing plans and elevations in addition to space planning, walls,
doors and windows, roofs and stairs. In this suite, AEC Tools is used to
manage project and office standards and to create and manage details and other
productive utilities.
Autodesk's Personal Solutions segment includes the following products:
AutoCAD LT
AutoCAD LT 97 is a low-cost 2D CAD application intended for CAD managers,
designers, and engineers who need a powerful, stand-alone CAD tool, but who do
not require the advanced feature set in AutoCAD.
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AutoCAD LT 97 software contains an extensive 2D drafting toolset as well as 3D
lines and polylines with quick shading and hidden-line removal. Other features
include a Start-Up dialog box and Drawing Set-Up wizards to help the user
create or open a drawing quickly; real-time pan and zoom; a Drag-and-Drop
Content Explorer featuring hundreds of industry-standard symbols; and
Integrated Internet Tools to open or save drawings directly to the Internet.
AutoCAD LT operates in the Windows environment with pull-down menus,
customizable toolbar, toolbox, menus, and scripts, as well as dialog boxes and
icons. It supports the Windows Clipboard, as well as OLE. AutoCAD LT 97 is
fully compatible with Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0 and has built-in Microsoft
Office 97 compatibility.
AutoSketch
AutoSketch Release 95 is a precision drawing program that can be used for
creating technical diagrams, architectural layouts, electrical drawings,
mechanical plans, information graphics, and presentations. The Application
Wizards customize their interfaces based on the type of drawing to allow for
the creation of drawings, diagrams, and sketches.
The principal product offerings from the Kinetix segment are discussed
below:
3D Studio MAX
3D Studio MAX R2 software, which began shipping in the third quarter of
fiscal year 1998, is a 3D modeling and animation software package specifically
written to take advantage of advanced features offered by the Windows NT
operating system. With a real-time interface, multiple-processor support, and
3D graphics acceleration capabilities, 3D Studio MAX delivers workstation-
class performance and functionality to PCs.
The intuitive interface eliminates many of the commonly accepted boundaries
between modeling, rendering, and animation, and offers instant feedback; users
can see the results of their actions in real time, as they are applied. Shaded
views with real-time feedback allows users to visualize natural, real-world
environments in which they can directly manipulate objects, regardless of
scene complexity. Because 3D Studio MAX software maintains a data history of
geometry creation and modification, users can return to and change any step,
at any time, without having to redo prior work. 3D Studio MAX is also the only
environment that can run Character Studio, a powerful character-animation and
skinning plug-in software product offered by Kinetix.
3D Studio VIZ
3D Studio VIZ, introduced in May 1997, is a design tool that enables users
to express ideas on-screen, in full 3D. Architectural models, engineering
samples, and construction-site previews all become a quick reality with this
new Kinetix software tool. Real-world feedback can be incorporated into the
design, and users can explore more options with their customers more cost-
effectively. 3D Studio VIZ and AutoCAD files are easily exchanged and allow
for the development of advanced engineering or architectural visualizations.
3D Studio VIZ animates, so clients can take a simulated walkthrough of a site,
understand a structure, or view a part as it will operate in the final
assembly. The VIZ user interface employs CAD-like creation tools including
fillets, trims, and chamfers.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND ENHANCEMENT
The computer industry is characterized by rapid technological change in
computer hardware, operating systems, and software. To keep pace with this
change, Autodesk maintains an aggressive program of new product development.
Autodesk dedicates considerable resources to research and development to
further enhance its existing products and to create new products and
technologies. During fiscal years 1998, 1997, and 1996, Autodesk incurred
$122,432,000, $93,702,000, and $78,678,000, respectively, for software design,
development, product localization, and project-management activities
(excluding capitalized software development costs of
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approximately $2,200,000 in fiscal year 1998; no software development costs
were capitalized during fiscal years 1997 and 1996).
The majority of Autodesk's basic research and product development has been
performed in the United States, while translation and localization of foreign-
market versions are generally performed by development teams or contractors in
the local markets. Autodesk's product-related functions in Europe, including
software development, localization, quality assurance, and technical
publications, are centralized in Neuchatel, Switzerland. Production in Europe
is centralized in Ireland, and production in Asia Pacific is centralized in
Singapore.
Autodesk intends to continue recruiting and hiring experienced software
developers and to consider the licensing and acquisition of complementary
software technologies and businesses. In addition, Autodesk will continue to
actively collaborate with and support independent software developers who
offer products that enhance and complement AutoCAD software and other products
offered by Autodesk.
The software products offered by Autodesk are internally complex. Despite
extensive testing and quality control, these products may contain errors or
defects ("bugs"), especially when first introduced. In fiscal year 1996,
Autodesk experienced quality and performance issues associated with AutoCAD
Release 13, including issues related to compatibility with certain hardware
platforms and peripheral equipment, interoperability problems with products
designed to work in conjunction with AutoCAD Release 13, and other issues
associated with the software's object-oriented design. These factors resulted
in a high rate of product returns in fiscal year 1996. There can be no
assurance that defects or errors will not occur in future releases of AutoCAD
or other software products offered by Autodesk. Such defects or errors could
result in corrective releases to Autodesk's software products, damage to
Autodesk's reputation, loss of revenues, an increase in product returns, or
lack of market acceptance of its products, any of which could have a material
and adverse effect on Autodesk's business and consolidated results of
operations.
Autodesk believes that its future results will depend largely upon its
ability to offer products that compete favorably with respect to price,
reliability, performance, range of useful features, continuing product
enhancements, reputation, and training. Delays or difficulties may result in
the delay or cancellation of planned development projects, and could have a
material and adverse effect on Autodesk's business and consolidated results of
operations. Further, increased competition in the market for design, mapping,
or multimedia software products could also have a negative impact on
Autodesk's business and consolidated results of operations. More specifically,
gross margins may be adversely affected if sales of low-end CAD products,
which historically have had lower margins, grow at a faster rate than
Autodesk's higher-margin products.
Certain of Autodesk's historical product development activities have been
performed by independent firms and contractors, while other technologies are
licensed from third parties. Autodesk generally either owns or licenses the
software developed by third parties. Because talented development personnel
are in high demand, there can be no assurance that independent developers,
including those who have developed products for Autodesk in the past, will be
able to provide development support to Autodesk in the future. Similarly,
there can be no assurance that Autodesk will be able to obtain and renew
existing license agreements on favorable terms, if at all, which could have a
material and adverse effect on Autodesk's business and consolidated results of
operations.
Autodesk's business strategy has historically depended in large part on its
relationships with third-party developers, who provide products that expand
the functionality of Autodesk's design software. There can be no assurance
that certain developers will not elect to support other products or otherwise
experience disruption in product development and delivery cycles. Such
disruption in particular markets could negatively impact these third-party
developers and end users, which could have a material adverse effect on
Autodesk's business and
consolidated results of operations. Further, increased merger and acquisition
activity currently experienced in the technology industry could affect
relationships with other third-party developers, and thus adversely affect
operating results.
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Additionally, there can be no assurance that Autodesk's development efforts
will result in the timely introduction of new products or that such new
products will be commercially successful. Failure to successfully develop new
products, delays in the introduction of these new products, or lower-than-
anticipated demand for these products could have a material and adverse effect
on Autodesk's business and consolidated results of operations.
MARKETING AND SALES
Autodesk's customer-related operations are divided into three geographic
regions: the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Autodesk's products are
marketed worldwide through a network of domestic and foreign offices. Autodesk
sells its software products primarily through distributors and dealers (value-
added resellers or "VARs") who distribute Autodesk's products to end-users in
more than 150 countries. VARs, including both independent owners and computer
store franchisees, are supported by Autodesk and its subsidiaries through
technical training, periodic publications, and Autodesk's Home Page on the
Internet.
In addition, Autodesk works directly with dealer and distributor sales
organizations, computer manufacturers, other software developers, and
peripherals manufacturers through cooperative advertising, promotions, and
trade-show presentations. Autodesk also holds annual "Expos" throughout the
world. These dedicated trade shows, incorporated within major industry trade
shows, highlight Autodesk's products, as well as a number of third-party
products. Autodesk also employs mass-marketing techniques such as direct
mailings and advertising in business and trade journals. Further, Autodesk
supports user groups dedicated to the exchange of information related to the
use of Autodesk's products.
Domestically, Autodesk distributes its products primarily through its
authorized dealer network. Other domestic sales are made principally to large
corporations, governmental agencies, educational institutions, and, for
certain low-end CAD products, to end users. Substantially all of Autodesk's
international sales are made to dealers and distributors, which are supported
by Autodesk's foreign subsidiaries and international sales organizations.
Certain international sales result from direct exports from the United States.
Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, specifically the stronger value of the
dollar, relative to certain international currencies, negatively impacted
foreign revenues during fiscal year 1998. These foreign currency fluctuations,
as well as any slowdowns in any of Autodesk's geographical markets, including
the recent economic instability experienced in certain Asia Pacific countries,
could have a material adverse effect on Autodesk's business and future
consolidated results of operations.
Autodesk's ability to effectively distribute its products depends in part
upon the financial and business condition of its VAR network. Although
Autodesk has not to date experienced any material problems with its VAR
network, computer software dealers and distributors are typically not highly
capitalized, have tended to experience difficulties during times of economic
contraction and during periods of technology-market price pressure, and may do
so in the future. While no single customer accounted for more than 10 percent
of Autodesk's consolidated revenues in fiscal years 1998, 1997, or 1996, the
loss of, or a significant reduction in, business with any one of Autodesk's
major international distributors or large U.S. resellers could have a material
adverse effect on Autodesk's business and consolidated results of operations.
Autodesk intends to continue to make its products available in foreign
languages and expects that foreign sales will continue to contribute a
significant portion of its consolidated revenues. Foreign revenues, including
export sales from the United States to foreign customers, accounted for
approximately 58 percent, 65 percent, and 64 percent of revenues in fiscal
years 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively.
CUSTOMER AND DEALER SUPPORT
During fiscal year 1998, Autodesk realigned its customer and dealer support
network around its market groups to better provide services related to
specific industry segments. Autodesk requires each authorized dealer and
distributor to provide a professional level of technical support to customers
by employing full-time, trained,
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technical-support personnel. Autodesk supports its dealers and distributors
through technical product training, sales training classes, and direct
telephone support. During fiscal year 1998, Autodesk began to offer more end-
user support in addition to services which had historically been offered such
as the online support available through the Autodesk Home Page on the
Internet. These new support services include the Web-Based Learning program, a
fee-based distance learning program that provides lessons and tutorials that
highlight critical components of Autodesk's products, and the Multimedia
Learning Assistance program, which provides lessons related to design projects
through an interactive multimedia tool.
Autodesk offers phone support through authorized Autodesk dealers under two
programs: the Autodesk Premier Support Program ("APSP") and the Autodesk
Systems Center Program ("ASCP"). Under the APSP, participating dealers act as
dedicated account managers to Autodesk customers that have technical questions
related to a specific vertical industry. The ASCP requires dealers to provide
superior industry-specific application training to end users of Autodesk's
products. In addition, Autodesk provides direct phone support to end users
under the new Safety Net Program ("SNP"). Under the SNP, Autodesk support
staff provide technical support for customers with questions about AutoCAD and
products offered by Autodesk's market groups.
As of January 31, 1998, Autodesk had authorized more than 900 independent
Autodesk Training Centers ("ATCs") throughout the world. These accredited
training centers offer in-depth education and training in computer-aided
design skills on AutoCAD and other Autodesk products, as well as on related,
independently developed software.
Customers have formed Autodesk user groups as forums for education and to
suggest product enhancements and development of new products. The Autodesk
User Group International ("AUGI"), officially recognized by Autodesk, sponsors
an annual meeting held concurrently with the Autodesk University user show;
publishes a quarterly newsletter; independently evaluates Autodesk products;
compiles user feature and functionality requirements; and offers telecourses
taught by its membership on CompuServe. In addition, there are local user
groups in Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Americas focused on expanding the use
of Autodesk products.
DEVELOPER PROGRAMS
One of Autodesk's key strategies is to maintain an open-architecture design
of its software products to facilitate third-party development of peripheral
and complementary products which enhance sales of Autodesk products. This
approach enables customers and third parties to customize Autodesk's products
for a wide variety of highly specific uses. The Autodesk Developer Network
program offers several programs that provide marketing, sales, and technical
support and programming tools to nearly 3,000 participating developers
worldwide, who have, to date, developed more than 5,000 commercially available
add-on applications for Autodesk products. Although Autodesk derives no direct
revenue from these application developers, Autodesk believes that the
availability and use of their add-on products enhance sales opportunities for
Autodesk's core products.
Under the Autodesk Developer Channel, Autodesk offers three programs to
third-party developers that are interested in licensing Autodesk software and
technology. The Unique Application Reseller program ("UAR") allows software
developer partners the ability to sell and support Autodesk software when
bundled with specifically defined vertical applications. The OEM program
provides the technology for qualified developers to create and deliver suites
of scalable products that focus on solving customer needs in specialized
markets. The Solution Integrator ("SI") allows solution provider partners the
ability to sell and support Autodesk software when bundled with specifically
defined vertical solutions.
To support the growth of third-party developers, whose applications extend
and enhance the functionality of Autodesk's products worldwide, Autodesk
established the Virtual Corporation Partner Program ("VCPP") during fiscal
year 1995. The VCPP is a business network comprised of dealers, independent
application developers, Autodesk Training Centers, and customers. This program
provides sales, marketing, technical, product, management, and financial
support to Autodesk Strategic Developers and dealers.
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During fiscal year 1998, Autodesk continued to expand the Mechanical
Applications Initiative ("MAI") by adding new partners. This program, which
was introduced in fiscal year 1996, is aimed at the development and marketing
of products which can be integrated with Autodesk's MCAD products. MAI
partners participate with Autodesk in product marketing and development
activities.
BACKLOG
Autodesk typically ships products within one to two weeks after receipt of
an order, which is common in the computer software industry. Accordingly,
Autodesk does not maintain significant backlog, and backlog as of any
particular date gives no indication of actual sales for any succeeding period.
COMPETITION
The software industry has limited barriers to entry, and the availability of
desktop computers with continually expanding capabilities at progressively
lower prices contributes to the ease of market entry. Because of these and
other factors, competitive conditions in the industry are likely to intensify
in the future. Increased competition could result in price reductions, reduced
revenues and profit margins, and loss of market share, any of which could
adversely affect Autodesk's business, consolidated results of operations and
financial condition. The design software market in particular is characterized
by vigorous competition in each of the vertical markets in which Autodesk
competes, both by entry of competitors with innovative technologies and by
consolidation of companies with complementary products and technologies.
The AEC family of products competes directly with software offered by
companies such as Bentley Systems, Inc. ("Bentley"); Computervision
Corporation (a subsidiary of Parametric Technologies, Inc.); CADAM Systems
Company, Inc.; Diehl Graphsoft, Inc.; EaglePoint Software; International
Microcomputer Software, Inc. ("IMSI"); Intergraph Corporation; Ketiv
Technologies; Nemetschek Systems, Inc.; and Visio Corporation ("Visio").
Autodesk's MCAD products compete with products offered by a number of
competitors, including Bentley; Visionary Design Systems; Hewlett-Packard
Corporation; Parametric Technologies, Inc.; Structural Dynamics Research
Corporation; Unigraphics; Computervision Corporation (a subsidiary of
Parametric Technologies); Dassault Systemes; SolidWorks Corporation (a
subsidiary of Dassault); and Baystate Technologies, Inc. Autodesk's GIS Market
Group faces competition from companies such as Bentley; Intergraph
Corporation; MapInfo Corporation; Earth Sciences Research Institute; and MCI
Systemhouse. Kinetix product offerings compete with products offered by other
multimedia companies such as Adobe Systems Inc.; Macromedia, Inc.; and Silicon
Graphics, Inc. The Personal Solutions Group family of products competes with
IMSI; The Learning Company; Visio; Micrografx Inc. and others. Certain of the
competitors of Autodesk have greater financial, technical, sales and
marketing, and other resources than Autodesk.
Autodesk believes that the principal factors affecting competition in its
markets are product reliability, performance, ease of use, range of useful
features, continuing product enhancements, reputation, price and training. In
addition, the availability of third-party application software is a
competitive factor within the CAD market. Autodesk believes that it competes
favorably in these areas and that its competitive position will depend, in
part, upon its continued ability to enhance existing products, and to develop
and market new products.
In April 1998, Autodesk received notice that the FTC has undertaken a
nonpublic investigation of its business practices. The FTC had not made any
claims or allegations regarding Autodesk's current business practices or
policies, nor have any charges been filed. Autodesk intends to cooperate fully
with the FTC in its inquiry. Autodesk does not believe that the investigation
will have a material impact on its business or consolidated results of
operations.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND LICENSES
Autodesk protects its intellectual property through copyright, trade secret,
patent, and trademark laws. For substantially all AutoCAD sales outside of
North America, Autodesk uses software protection locks to inhibit unauthorized
copying. Nonetheless, there can be no assurance that Autodesk's intellectual
property rights can be
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successfully asserted in the future or will not be invalidated, circumvented,
or challenged. In addition, the laws of certain foreign countries where
Autodesk's products are distributed do not protect Autodesk's intellectual
property rights to the same extent as U.S. laws. The inability of Autodesk to
protect its proprietary information could have a material adverse effect on
Autodesk's business and consolidated results of operations.
From time to time, Autodesk receives claims alleging infringement of a third
party's intellectual property rights, including patents. Any disputes
involving Autodesk's intellectual property rights or those of another party
could lead to costly litigation which could have a material adverse effect on
Autodesk's business and consolidated results of operations.
Autodesk retains ownership of software it develops. All software is licensed
to users and provided in object code pursuant to either shrink-wrap, embedded
or on-line licenses, or executed license agreements. These agreements contain
restrictions on duplication, disclosure, and transfer.
Autodesk believes that because of the limitations of laws protecting its
intellectual property and the rapid, ongoing technological changes in both the
computer hardware and software industries, it must rely principally upon
software engineering and marketing skills to maintain and enhance its
competitive market position.
Autodesk has an in-house antipiracy program focused on pursuing companies
and individuals who illegally duplicate, sell, or install Autodesk's software
products. Software piracy is in some cases a felony under U.S. federal law,
which allows copyright and patent holders to protect and enforce their rights
as owners of intellectual property. Additionally, Autodesk is a member and co-
founder of the Business Software Alliance ("BSA"), an organization comprised
of member software companies whose purpose is to advance favorable public
policy for the technology industry and promote the importance of honoring
software copyrights.
PRODUCTION
Production of Autodesk's software products involves duplication of the
software media and the printing of user manuals. The purchase of media and the
transfer of the software programs onto media for distribution to customers are
performed by Autodesk and by licensed subcontractors. Media for Autodesk's
products include CD-ROMs and disks which are available from multiple sources.
User manuals for Autodesk's products and packaging materials are produced to
Autodesk specifications by outside sources. Domestic production is performed
in leased facilities operated by Autodesk. Certain product assembly is also
performed by independent third-party contractors. International production is
performed by independent third-party contractors in Ireland and Singapore. To
date, Autodesk has not experienced any material difficulties or delays in the
production of its software and documentation.
EMPLOYEES
As of July 31, 1998, Autodesk had 2,587 full-time employees, of which 1,981
were based in the Americas, 390 in Europe, and 216 in Asia Pacific. The
continued growth and success of Autodesk depends significantly on the
continued service of highly skilled employees. Competition for these employees
in today's marketplace, especially in the technology industries, is intense.
Autodesk's ability to attract and retain employees is dependent on a number of
factors, including its continued ability to grant stock incentive awards.
There can be no assurance that Autodesk will be successful in continuing to
recruit new personnel and to retain existing personnel. The loss of one or
more key employees or Autodesk's inability to maintain existing employees or
recruit new employees could have a material adverse impact on Autodesk. None
of Autodesk's employees in the United States is subject to a collective
bargaining agreement, and Autodesk has never experienced a work stoppage.
Management believes that its relations with its employees are good.
PROPERTIES
Autodesk's executive offices and those related to product development,
domestic marketing and sales, and production are located in leased office
space in northern California. Autodesk also leases office space in various
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locations throughout the United States for local sales, development, and
technical support personnel. Autodesk's foreign subsidiaries lease office
space for their operations. Autodesk owns substantially all equipment used in
its facilities.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In May 1997, Autodesk settled a lawsuit filed by Tektronix, Inc. alleging a
patent infringement, pursuant to which all of Tektronix's claims have been
dismissed.
In December 1994, Autodesk recorded a $25.5 million litigation charge as a
result of a judgment against Autodesk on a claim of a trade secret
misappropriation brought by Vermont Microsystems, Inc. ("VMI"). Autodesk
appealed that judgment and, upon remand to the Federal District Court, a
reduced judgment was entered against Autodesk in the amount of $14.2 million
plus interest. On February 23, 1998, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second
Circuit reduced the judgment to $7.8 million.
In May 1998, final judgment was entered in the Vermont Microsystems, Inc.
("VMI") trade secret litigation in the amount of $7.8 million plus accrued
interest. Final payment of approximately $8.4 million was made to VMI and
charged against a previously recorded litigation accrual. During the quarter
ended July 31, 1998, Autodesk credited $18.2 million and $2.7 million to
operating income and interest income, respectively, to record the gain on the
litigation settlement and remaining unutilized interest accruals.
Autodesk is a party to various legal proceedings arising from the normal
course of business activities. While the outcome of these matters cannot be
predicted with certainty, in management's opinion, resolution of these matters
is not expected to have a material adverse impact on Autodesk's consolidated
results of operations or its financial position. However, depending on the
amount and timing, an unfavorable resolution of a matter could materially
affect Autodesk's future results of operations or cash flows in a particular
period.
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AUTODESK MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION
AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The discussion in "Autodesk Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contains trend analysis and
other forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Actual results could
differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements as a
result of the factors set forth elsewhere herein, including "--Certain Risk
Factors Which May Impact Future Operating Results" and "Risk Factors."
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth, as a percentage of net revenues,
consolidated statement of income data for the periods indicated. These
operating results are not necessarily indicative of results for any future
periods.
FISCAL YEAR SIX MONTHS
ENDED ENDED
JANUARY 31, JULY 31,
----------------- -------------
1998 1997 1996 1998 1997
---- ---- ---- ----- -----
Net revenues................................ 100% 100 % 100% 100% 100 %
Costs and expenses:
Costs of revenues......................... 12 13 13 10 13
Marketing and sales....................... 38 40 34 35 41
Research and development.................. 20 19 15 19 21
General and administrative................ 14 15 14 14 14
Nonrecurring charges...................... 9 1 -- 5 21
--- --- --- ----- -----
Total costs and expenses................ 93 88 76 83 110
--- --- --- ----- -----
Income (loss) from operations............... 7 12 24 17 (10)
Interest and other income, net.............. 2 1 2 2 2
--- --- --- ----- -----
Income (loss) before income taxes........... 9 13 26 19 (8)
Provision for income taxes.................. 6 5 9 8 4
--- --- --- ----- -----
Net income (loss)....................... 3% 8% 17% 11% (12)%
=== === === ===== =====
SIX MONTHS ENDED JULY 31, 1998 AND 1997
Net revenues. Autodesk's net revenues for the six months ended July 31, 1998
were $373.8 million, which represented a 37 percent increase from the same
period of the prior fiscal year. Autodesk achieved significant net revenue
growth in the Americas and Europe when compared to the same period in the
prior fiscal year, while net revenues decreased in Asia Pacific. This net
revenue growth was the result of strong demand for products offered by
Autodesk's Design Solutions and Personal Solutions operating segments such as
AutoCAD Mechanical Desktop 2.0, AutoCAD LT97, AutoCAD Map 2.0, and incremental
revenues associated with the May 1998 acquisition of Genius CAD Software GmbH
(see Note 2 to the Autodesk Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial
Statements). Sales of AutoCAD and AutoCAD upgrades accounted for approximately
71 percent and 81 percent of Autodesk's consolidated net revenues for the six
months ended July 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The stronger value of the
US dollar, relative to certain international currencies, primarily the
Japanese yen and the Australian dollar, negatively impacted net revenues in
the first six months of fiscal year 1999 by $8.7 million when compared to the
same period in the prior fiscal year. International sales, including exports
from the U.S., accounted for approximately 57 percent of Autodesk's revenues
in the first six months of fiscal year 1999 as compared to 60 percent in the
same period of the prior fiscal year.
Autodesk experienced a decline in Asia Pacific net revenues during the first
six months of fiscal year 1999 compared to the corresponding period of the
prior year due to weak economic conditions in the region, most
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notably Japan and South Korea. Autodesk expects that these adverse conditions
in Asia Pacific will continue in the short term, and that they may continue to
adversely affect Autodesk's revenue and earnings.
Autodesk derives a substantial portion of its revenues from sales of AutoCAD
software, AutoCAD upgrades, and adjacent products which are interoperable with
AutoCAD. As such, any factor adversely affecting sales of AutoCAD and AutoCAD
upgrades, including such factors as product life cycle, market acceptance,
product performance and reliability, reputation, price competition, and the
availability of third-party applications, could have a material adverse effect
on Autodesk's business and consolidated results of operations. Additionally,
slowdowns in any of Autodesk's geographical markets could also have a material
adverse impact on Autodesk's business and consolidated results of operations.
Product returns, consisting principally of stock rotation, are recorded as a
reduction of revenues and represented approximately 4 percent and 6 percent of
consolidated revenues in the first six months of fiscal years 1999 and 1998,
respectively. The decrease in product returns as a percentage of revenues is
primarily due to Autodesk's continued focus on channel inventory management
and sell through sales activities and programs. Although product returns
decreased as a percentage of consolidated revenues, comparing the first half
of fiscal year 1999 to the same period in the prior fiscal year, management
anticipates that the level of product returns in future periods will continue
to be impacted by the timing of new product releases, as well as the quality
and market acceptance of new products.
Cost of revenues. Cost of revenues as a percentage of net revenues for the
six months ended July 31, 1998 was 10 percent, compared to 13 percent in the
same period in the prior fiscal year. This reduction is largely due to
efficiencies in production and distribution activities. Cost of revenues as a
percentage of net revenues has been and may continue to be impacted by the mix
of product sales, software amortization, royalty rates for licensed technology
embedded in Autodesk's products, and the geographic distribution of sales.
Marketing and sales. As a percentage of net revenues, marketing and sales
expenses decreased from 41 percent in the six months ended July 31, 1997 to 35
percent in the corresponding period of the current fiscal year. Actual
spending for this period increased 17 percent as a result of higher employee
costs as well as increased marketing costs associated with the launch of
products acquired from Genius and other new and enhanced product offerings.
Research and development. Research and development expenses as a percentage
of net revenues for the six months ended July 31, 1998 decreased to 19 percent
from 21 percent for the same period in the prior fiscal year. Actual research
and development spending (including capitalized software costs of $2,184,000
recorded during the first six months of fiscal year 1998) increased 17 percent
as compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. The absolute dollar
increase is due primarily to the addition of software engineers, expenses
associated with the development and translation of new products including
AutoCAD Release 14, and incremental research and development personnel
expenses associated with the acquisition of certain assets from Genius during
May, 1998. Autodesk anticipates that research and development expenses will
increase in future periods as a result of product development efforts by
Autodesk's market groups and incremental personnel costs. Additionally,
Autodesk intends to continue recruiting and hiring experienced software
developers and to consider the licensing and acquisition of complementary
software technologies and businesses.
General and administrative. General and administrative expenses were 15
percent of net revenues for the six months ended July 31, 1998, and 14 percent
of net revenues in the same period of the prior fiscal year. In absolute
dollar terms, general and administrative expenses increased 42 percent for the
six months ended July 31, 1998 from the same period of the prior fiscal year.
The most significant factor contributing to this increase was a $7 million
increase in employee-related costs including expenses for salaries, bonuses,
contract and temporary workers in order to support the increased level of
activity generated by the Company in fiscal year 1998. Other factors
contributing to the increase were a $3 million increase in depreciation and
amortization, costs incurred to ensure that the Company's infrastructure is
Year 2000 compliant ($2 million), and costs in the ongoing nonpublic FTC
investigation ($1 million). Autodesk currently expects that general and
administrative expenses will increase
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in future periods to support spending on infrastructure, including continued
investment in Autodesk's worldwide information systems and making any
additional corrections to Autodesk's infrastructure in connection with its
Year 2000 compliance program; and to amortize goodwill and other intangible
assets related primarily to recent business combinations (approximately $2.5
million per quarter).
Nonrecurring charges--Genius acquisition. On May 4, 1998, Autodesk entered
into an agreement with Genius CAD Software GmbH ("Genius"), a German limited
liability company to purchase various mechanical computer-aided-design ("CAD")
software applications and technologies (the "acquisition"). In consideration
for this acquisition, Autodesk paid Genius approximately $69 million in cash.
The acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting.
In connection with the acquisition, Autodesk recorded a charge for in-
process research and development of $29 million, all of which was recorded
during the six months ended July 31, 1998. The value was computed using a
discounted cash flow analysis on the anticipated income stream of the related
product sales. The discounted cash flow analysis was based on management's
forecast of future revenues, costs of revenues and operating expenses related
to the products and technologies purchased from Genius which represent the
process and expertise employed to develop mechanical design application
software designed to work in conjunction with Autodesk's mechanical CAD
products. The Genius technology and product families identified includes
Genius Desktop, Genius AutoCAD and Genius AutoCAD LT.
Revenues and related expenses for the in-process technology were estimated
from the acquisition date through the end of Autodesk's fiscal year 2004.
Management's analysis considered anticipated product release dates for
Autodesk's mechanical CAD products, as well as release dates for the various
acquired Genius products and technologies which are interoperable with
Autodesk's mechanical CAD products. The overall technology life was estimated
to be approximately three years for the Genius Desktop products, and
approximately six years for all other Genius products and technologies
purchased by Autodesk. Management's aggregate projections reflect moderate
revenue growth. The growth rates contained in the first five years of the
projections are greater than those historically experienced by Autodesk and
result in large part from the expansion of the Genius products into Autodesk's
existing worldwide sales channels, particularly in North America and Asia
Pacific, which historically have not contributed significant revenues to
Genius. Revenue growth rates thereafter are assumed to be approximately 20
percent. Management's revenue growth rates for the projection period also
considered the anticipated growth expected in the overall mechanical CAD
market.
The cost to complete the in-process technology was also based on
management's estimates, which considered the number of man-months required to
reach technological feasibility for each of the Genius projects classified as
"in-process," the type of professional and engineering staff involved in the
completion process and their fully burdened monthly salaries. Management
estimated the direct costs to achieve technological feasibility to be
approximately $2.5 million, covering a period of time extending into the first
half of Autodesk's fiscal year 2000. Beyond this period, management estimates
significantly less expense in supporting and maintaining active products
identified at the acquisition date to be in-process technology. Management's
projections for related operating expenses (expressed as a percentage of
revenues), are considerably less than that historically experienced by
Autodesk. The estimates used in management's projections considered the cost
structure of Genius and the ability to leverage much of Autodesk's existing
worldwide infrastructure to support the non-development operations of Genius
which resulted in projected operating margins in excess of 60 percent. The
effective tax rate utilized in the analysis of in-process technology was 34
percent, which reflects Autodesk's current combined federal and state
statutory tax rate, exclusive of nonrecurring charges.
Management discounted the net cash flows of the in-process technology to its
present value using a discount rate of 20 percent, which was determined to be
higher than Autodesk's weighted average cost of capital ("WACC") due to the
fact that the technology had not yet reached technological feasibility as of
the date of valuation. In utilizing a discount rate greater than Autodesk's
WACC, management has reflected the risk premium associated with achieving the
forecasted cash flows associated with these projects.
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To date, revenues and operating expenses attributable to in-process
technology associated with the assets acquired from Genius are consistent with
management's projections. Based upon factors currently known, management
believes the revenues and operating expense associated with these in-process
technologies will favorably impact Autodesk's consolidated results of
operations and financial position. If the in-process projects contemplated in
management's forecast are not successfully developed, future revenue and
profitability of Autodesk may be adversely affected. Additionally, the value
of other intangible assets acquired from Genius may become impaired.
Revenues for developed technology were estimated by management for the
remainder of fiscal year 1999 through fiscal year 2004. Management's estimates
reflect a gradual decline in revenues from developed technologies after
considering historical product life cycles and anticipated product release
dates. While revenues
derived from both developed and in-process technologies are estimated to
decline over the next several fiscal years, overall revenues attributable to
the Genius products and technologies are anticipated to grow in absolute
dollars and as a percentage of aggregate revenue to reflect the growth of
future (yet-to-be-developed) technologies. Operating expenses, including
general and administrative, marketing and sales, were based on anticipated
costs after the Genius operations were merged into Autodesk's operating
structure. Because Autodesk and Genius share the same marketing and
distribution channel, operating expenses related to the developed technology
were estimated to be lower than the historical operating expense structure of
Autodesk.
Management discounted the net cash flows for developed technology to its
present value using a discount rate of 15 percent which reflects Autodesk's
current weighted average cost of capital.
If the projects contemplated in management's forecast are not successfully
developed, future revenue and profitability of Autodesk may be adversely
affected. Additionally, the value of other intangible assets acquired from
Genius may become impaired.
Nonrecurring charges--Other. During the three months ended July 31, 1998,
Autodesk recorded charges of approximately $8.9 million relating primarily to
restructuring charges associated with the consolidation of certain development
centers ($1.5 million); the write-off of purchased technologies associated
with these operations ($2.2 million); staff reduction in Asia Pacific in
response to current economic conditions in the region ($1.7 million); costs in
relation to potential legal settlements ($2.5 million); and the write-down to
fair market value of older computer equipment that the Company plans to
dispose of ($1.0 million). These charges reduced consolidated net income by
approximately $5.9 million ($0.12 per share on a diluted basis). The
restructurings noted above are expected to be completed during the last half
of Autodesk's fiscal year ending January 31, 1999. See Note 8 of "Notes to
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements."
On March 31, 1997, Autodesk exchanged 2.9 million shares of Autodesk Common
Stock for all of the outstanding stock of Softdesk, Inc. Based on the value of
the Autodesk Common Stock and options exchanged, the transaction, including
transaction costs, was valued at approximately $94 million. This transaction
was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting with the purchase
price being principally allocated to capitalized software, purchased
technologies, and intangible assets. Approximately $55.1 million of the total
purchase price represented the value of in-process research and development
that had not yet reached technological feasibility and had no alternative
future use. Approximately $3.0 million of technology acquired from 3D/Eye
during the first quarter of fiscal year 1998 also represented the value of in-
process research and development that had not yet reached technological
feasibility and had no alternative future use. The $55.1 million and the $3.0
million were charged to operations in the first quarter of fiscal year 1998.
These charges reduced net income for the period by approximately $57 million
($1.26 per share on a diluted basis) and reflect the fact the one-time charge
for acquired in-process research and development recorded in connection with
the Softdesk transaction was not deductible for income tax purposes.
Litigation accrual reversal. Autodesk recorded a $25.5 million nonrecurring
charge during fiscal year 1995 on a claim of trade-secret misappropriation
brought by Vermont Microsystems, Inc. ("VMI"). As of the end of the first
quarter of fiscal year 1999, the total amount accrued related to the initial
judgment plus accrued
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interest was approximately $29.3 million. Autodesk appealed this decision, and
in May 1998, final judgment was entered in the VMI litigation and a
corresponding final payment of approximately $8.4 million was made to VMI.
During the quarter ended July 31, 1998, Autodesk recognized $18.2 million and
$2.7 million to operating income and interest income, respectively, to reflect
the remaining unutilized litigation and related interest accruals.
Interest and other income. Interest and other income for the six months
ended July 31, 1998 was $8.6 million as compared to $4.8 million for the same
period in the prior fiscal year. The increase is largely due to the interest
portion of the VMI settlement (see Note 3 to the Autodesk Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements) and the net gain on the disposition of one
of Autodesk's business units.
Provision for income taxes. Autodesk's effective income tax rate, excluding
the one-time charge for acquired in-process research and development, was 34.0
percent for the first half of fiscal year 1999 as compared to 36.0 percent for
the same period in the prior fiscal year. The decrease in the effective income
tax rate was due to incremental tax benefits associated with Autodesk's
foreign sales corporation and foreign earnings that are taxed at rates
different than the US statutory rate. The $1.6 million benefit from the $29
million charge for in-process research and development associated with the
acquisition of certain assets from Genius is less than the U.S. statutory rate
as a portion of it will not be deductible for US tax purposes. Additionally, a
valuation allowance has been established for a portion of the deferred tax
asset which is deductible for US tax purposes over an extended period of time.
Autodesk's United States income tax returns for fiscal years ended January
31, 1992 through 1996, are under examination by the IRS. On August 27, 1997,
the IRS issued a Notice of Deficiency proposing increases to the amount of
Autodesk's federal income taxes for fiscal years 1992 and 1993. On November
25, 1997, Autodesk filed a petition with the United States Tax Court to
contest these alleged tax deficiencies. Resolution of these alleged tax
deficiencies and any adjustments that may ultimately result from these
examinations are not expected to have a material adverse impact on the
Autodesk's consolidated results of operations or its financial position.
FISCAL YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
Net Revenues. Autodesk's consolidated net revenues in fiscal year 1998 were
$617.1 million, which represented a 24.2 percent increase from fiscal year
1997 net revenues of $496.7 million. Revenues in the Americas and Europe
increased $101.0 million or 54 percent and $19.3 million or 10 percent,
respectively, from the prior fiscal year, while remaining flat in Asia
Pacific. These increases were due largely to higher sales of AutoCAD software,
Autodesk's flagship product, and significant growth in Autodesk's market group
revenues. The most recent release of AutoCAD software, AutoCAD Release 14
("AutoCAD R14"), was released in the United States in May 1997 and in most
other regions shortly thereafter. Also contributing to the increased revenues
in fiscal year 1998 were revenues contributed by Softdesk, Inc., which was
acquired by Autodesk in March 1997. Net revenues in fiscal year 1997 decreased
7 percent from the $534.2 million posted in fiscal year 1996, reflecting
primarily slowdowns in the US dealer channel, Germany, Switzerland, and
France. The lower fiscal 1997 revenues reflected slowing sales of AutoCAD and
AutoCAD update software as the then most recent version of the product,
Release 13, entered the end of its product life cycle.
AutoCAD and AutoCAD updates represented approximately 70 percent, 70
percent, and 80 percent of total consolidated revenues in fiscal years 1998,
1997, and 1996, respectively. During fiscal year 1998, approximately 244,000
new AutoCAD licenses were added worldwide, compared to 207,000 and 233,000
licenses added during fiscal years 1997 and 1996, respectively. AutoCAD
upgrade revenues were $108 million, $45 million, and $49 million in fiscal
years 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively.
Foreign revenues, including exports from the United States, accounted for
approximately 58 percent, 65 percent, and 64 percent of consolidated revenues
in fiscal years 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively. The stronger value of the
US dollar, relative to international currencies, primarily the Japanese yen
and German mark, negatively affected international revenues by approximately
$30 million in fiscal year 1998 compared to fiscal
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year 1997 and $17 million in fiscal year 1997 compared to fiscal year 1996.
Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates positively impacted international
operating expenses by $11 million in fiscal year 1998, and did not materially
impact operating expenses in fiscal years 1997 and 1996. A summary of revenues
by geographic area is presented in Note 9 to the Autodesk Consolidated
Financial Statements.
Autodesk records product returns as a reduction of revenues. In fiscal years
1998, 1997, and 1996, product returns, consisting principally of stock
rotation, totaled $35.4 million, $44.3 million, and $51.2 million (or
6 percent, 9 percent, and 9 percent of total consolidated revenues,
respectively). Total product returns decreased $8.9 million from fiscal year
1997 to fiscal year 1998 due largely to continued management focus on the
level of inventories with Autodesk's resellers, sell-through sales activities
and programs in Autodesk's distribution channel, and fewer returns associated
with AutoCAD R14 compared to the prior version. Returns of AutoCAD products
accounted for 40 percent, 61 percent, and 79 percent of total product returns
in fiscal years 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively. The lower level of product
returns in fiscal year 1998 compared to fiscal years 1997 and 1996 reflected a
lower level of product rotation that had previously been associated with
performance issues relating to AutoCAD Release 13 and customers' perception
issues associated with this product.
The nature and technical complexity of Autodesk's software is such that
defect corrections have occurred in the past and may occur in future releases
of AutoCAD and other products offered by Autodesk. As is the case with most
complex software, Autodesk has experienced performance issues with previous
releases of its AutoCAD software, and performance issues could occur in future
releases of AutoCAD and other products offered by Autodesk.
Delays in the introduction of planned future product releases, or failure to
achieve significant customer acceptance of these new products, may have a
material adverse effect on Autodesk's revenues and consolidated results of
operations in future periods. Additionally, slowdowns in any of Autodesk's
geographical markets, including the recent economic instability in certain
countries of the Asia Pacific region, could also have a material adverse
effect on Autodesk's business and consolidated results of operations. The
foregoing forward-looking information is based upon Autodesk's current
expectations. Actual results could differ materially for the reasons noted and
due to other risks, including, but not limited to, those mentioned above and
otherwise discussed under "--Certain Risk Factors Which May Impact Future
Operating Results."
Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues includes the purchase of disks and
compact disks (CD-ROMs), costs associated with transferring Autodesk's
software to electronic media, printing of user manuals and packaging
materials, freight, royalties, amortization of purchased technology and
capitalized software, and, in certain foreign markets, software protection
locks. When expressed as a percentage of net revenues, cost of revenues
decreased approximately 1 percent in fiscal year 1998 as compared to the prior
fiscal year. Gross margins in fiscal year 1998 were positively impacted by
continued operational efficiencies, lower royalties for licensed technology
embedded in Autodesk's products, and the geographic distribution of sales. The
one-half of 1 percent decrease in gross margins between fiscal year 1996 and
1997 was largely due to the mix of product sales, particularly the fact that a
smaller portion of revenues was contributed by AutoCAD and a larger portion
was contributed by AutoCAD LT, and, to a lesser extent, the impact of
increased fixed costs on a lower net revenue base. In the future, cost of
revenues as a percentage of net revenues may be impacted by the mix of product
sales, royalty rates for licensed technology embedded in Autodesk's products,
and the geographic distribution of sales.
Marketing and Sales. Marketing and sales expenses include salaries, sales
commissions, travel, and facility costs for Autodesk's marketing, sales,
dealer training, and support personnel. These expenses also include programs
aimed at increasing revenues, such as advertising, trade shows, and
expositions, as well as various sales and promotional programs designed for
specific sales channels and end users. When expressed as a percentage of net
revenues, marketing and sales expenses decreased from 40 percent in fiscal
year 1997 to 38 percent in fiscal year 1998. Actual fiscal year 1998 marketing
and sales expenses of $237.1 million increased by 19 percent from the $199.9
million of expense incurred in the prior fiscal year. The increase in spending
was largely due to higher employee costs and increases in advertising and
promotional costs associated with the launch of AutoCAD
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Release 14 during the second quarter and other new and enhanced products
released throughout the year. Fiscal year 1997 marketing and sales expenses of
$199.9 million increased 9 percent over fiscal year 1996 expenses of $183.6
million due to higher employee costs as well as marketing and sales costs
associated with the launch of certain new products introduced by Autodesk's
market groups during fiscal year 1997. Autodesk expects to continue to invest
in marketing and sales of its products, to develop market opportunities, and
to promote Autodesk's competitive position. Accordingly, Autodesk expects
marketing and sales expenses to continue to be significant, both in absolute
dollars and as a percentage of net revenues.
Research and Development. Research and development expenses consist
primarily of salaries and benefits for software engineers, contract
development fees, expenses associated with product translations, costs of
computer equipment used in software development, and facilities expenses.
During fiscal years 1998, 1997, and 1996, Autodesk incurred $122.4 million,
$93.7 million, and $78.7 million, respectively, of research and development
expenses (excluding capitalized software development costs of $2.2 million
during fiscal year 1998; no software development costs were capitalized during
fiscal years 1997 and 1996). Research and development expenses increased both
in absolute dollars and as a percentage of net revenues in fiscal year 1998
due to the addition of software engineers, expenses associated with the
development of new and enhanced products, and incremental research and
development personnel expenses associated with the March 1997 business
combination with Softdesk. The increase in research and development expenses
between fiscal years 1996 and 1997 was due to the addition of software
engineers and fiscal year 1997 business combinations. Autodesk anticipates
that research and development expenses will increase in fiscal year 1999 as a
result of product development efforts by Autodesk's market groups and
incremental personnel costs. Additionally, Autodesk intends to continue
recruiting and hiring experienced software developers and to consider the
licensing and acquisition of complementary software technologies and
businesses.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses include
Autodesk's information systems, finance, human resources, legal, purchasing,
and other administrative operations. Fiscal year 1998 general and
administrative expenses of $83.3 million increased 12 percent from the $74.3
million recorded in the prior fiscal year, primarily due to higher employee-
related costs and amortization expense associated with intangible assets
recorded in connection with the acquisition of Softdesk, Inc. Fiscal year 1997
general and administrative expenses decreased 2 percent from fiscal year 1996
spending of $76.1 million reflecting lower professional fees, partially offset
by increased expenses to maintain and expand Autodesk's worldwide information
systems. Autodesk currently expects that general and administrative expenses
in the coming year will increase to support spending on infrastructure,
including continued investment in Autodesk's worldwide information systems and
making any additional corrections to Autodesk's hardware, software, and
products for compliance in the year 2000.
Nonrecurring Charges. On March 31, 1997, Autodesk issued approximately 2.9
million shares of its common stock for all outstanding shares of Softdesk.
Based upon the value of Autodesk stock and options exchanged, the transaction,
including transaction costs, was valued at approximately $94 million.
In connection with the acquisition, the Company recorded a charge for in-
process research and development of $55.1 million, all of which was recorded
as a nonrecurring charge in the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 1997. The value
was computed using a discounted cash flow analysis on the anticipated income
stream of the related product sales. The discounted cash flow analysis was
based on management's forecast of future revenues, costs of revenues and
operating expenses related to the products and technologies purchased from
Softdesk which represent the process and expertise employed to develop
computer aided design application software in the architecture, engineering
and construction ("AEC") market. The majority of Softdesk's products are
designed to be used in conjunction with Autodesk's AutoCAD software.
Revenues and related expenses for the in-process technology were estimated
from the acquisition date through the end of Autodesk's fiscal year 2007.
Management's analysis considered anticipated product release dates for
AutoCAD, penetration rates of future sales to the existing user base, as well
as release dates for the various acquired Softdesk products designed to be run
on other programs as well as Softdesk's own proprietary
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Drafix CAD software. The overall technology life was estimated to be
approximately two to three years for the Softdesk products and technologies
purchased by Autodesk. Management's aggregate projections reflect revenue
growth slightly below Autodesk's historical revenue growth rate which took
into account revenue growth projected in the AEC market place as well as
increased competition in the AEC software products industry.
The cost to complete the in-process technology was also based on
management's estimates, which considered the number of man-months required to
reach technological feasibility for each of the Softdesk projects classified
as "in-process" the type of professional and engineering staff involved in the
completion process and their fully burdened monthly salaries. Management
estimated the direct costs to achieve technological feasibility to be
approximately $5.1 million, covering a period of time extending through
January 31, 1998. Beyond this period, management estimated significantly less
expense in supporting and maintaining active products identified at the
acquisition date to be in-process technology. The effective tax rate utilized
in the analysis of in-process technology was 36 percent, which reflected the
Company's combined federal and state statutory tax rate at the time, exclusive
of nonrecurring charges.
Management discounted the net cash flows of the in-process technology to its
present value using a discount rate of 20 percent, which was determined to be
higher than Autodesk's weighted average cost of capital ("WACC") due to the
fact that the technology had not yet reached technological feasibility as of
the date of valuation. In utilizing a discount rate greater than Autodesk's
WACC, management has reflected the risk premium associated with achieving the
forecasted cash flows associated with these projects.
To date, Autodesk's revenues attributable to in-process technologies have
been adversely impacted by increased global competition for products in the
architecture, engineering, and construction software market. However,
partially offsetting the shortfalls have been lower-than-projected operating
expenses such that there is not an unfavorable impact to Autodesk's
consolidated results of operations and financial position. There can be no
assurance that operating results from the in-process technologies identified
in management's projections will not be negatively impacted by such factors as
competition, delays in product introductions or the reliability of the related
software products.
Revenues for developed technology were estimated by management for the
remainder of fiscal year 1998 through fiscal year 2007. Management's estimates
reflect a reasonable decline in revenues from developed technologies after
considering historical product life cycles and anticipated product release
dates. Revenues derived from in-process technologies were projected to
increase in excess of 100 percent in the initial year and reflect accelerated
growth associated with the introduction by Autodesk of AutoCAD Release 14. For
the subsequent two years, revenue growth was projected to drop to levels more
consistent with Autodesk's historical experience, and gradually decreasing
thereafter. Overall revenues attributable to the Softdesk products and
technologies are anticipated to grow in absolute dollars and as a percentage
of aggregate revenue to reflect the growth of future (yet-to-be-developed)
technologies. Operating expenses, including general and administrative, and
marketing and sales, were based on anticipated costs after the Softdesk
operations were merged into Autodesk's operating structure. Operating profit
projections remained relatively flat throughout the projection period at
approximately 50 percent and higher than Autodesk principally due to overlap
in sales and marketing of Autodesk and Softdesk products. Because Autodesk and
Softdesk share the same marketing and distribution channel, operating expenses
related to the developed technology were estimated to be lower than the
historical operating expense structure of Autodesk.
Management discounted the net cash flows for developed technology to its
present value using a discount rate of 15 percent which reflected Autodesk's
weighted average cost of capital.
Nonrecurring charges in fiscal year 1998 also included charges for purchased
in-process research and development associated with Autodesk's licensing of
3D/Eye technology ($3.0 million) in fiscal year 1998 and Autodesk's
acquisitions of Teleos Research ($3.2 million) and Argus Technologies, Inc.
($1.5 million) in fiscal year 1997. For additional information, see "Business
Combinations" in Note 1 of the Autodesk Consolidated Financial Statements.
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As discussed in Note 4 to the Autodesk Consolidated Financial Statements, a
$25.5 million judgment was entered against Autodesk in fiscal year 1995 on a
claim of trade secret misappropriation brought by Vermont Microsystems, Inc.
("VMI"). Autodesk recorded this nonrecurring charge in the fourth quarter of
fiscal year 1995. Autodesk appealed and a reduced judgment was entered against
Autodesk in February 1998 in the amount of $7.8 million. In May 1998, final
judgment was entered in the VMI litigation. See Notes to the Autodesk Interim
Unaudited Financial Statements as of July 31, 1998.
Interest and Other Income. Interest income was $9.8 million, $8.8 million,
and $10.6 million for fiscal years 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively. The
increase in fiscal year 1998 interest income over fiscal year 1997 interest
income was largely due to an increase in average cash, cash equivalents, and
marketable securities balances. The decrease in fiscal year 1997 interest
income from the prior fiscal year resulted from a lower average balance of
cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, partially offset by higher
interest rates on Autodesk's international investment portfolio when compared
to the same period in the prior fiscal year. Interest and other income for
fiscal years 1998, 1997, and 1996 was net of interest expense of $0.2 million,
$1.8 million, and $1.8 million, respectively.
Autodesk has a hedging program to minimize foreign exchange gains or losses,
where possible, from recorded foreign-denominated assets and liabilities. This
program involves the use of forward foreign exchange contracts in the primary
European and Asian currencies. Autodesk does not hedge anticipated foreign-
denominated revenues and expenses not yet incurred. Gains (losses) resulting
from foreign currency transactions primarily in Europe and Asia Pacific, which
are included in interest and other income, were ($68,000), ($197,000), and
$554,000 in fiscal years 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively.
Provision for Income Taxes. Autodesk's effective income tax rate, excluding
one-time charges for acquired in-process research and development associated
with the March 1997 acquisition of Softdesk, Inc. and fiscal year 1997
acquisitions, was 36.0 percent in fiscal year 1998 compared to 35.5 percent
and 36.5 percent in fiscal years 1997 and 1996, respectively. The increase in
the effective income tax rate in fiscal year 1998 compared to fiscal year 1997
was principally due to the amortization of certain intangible assets not
deductible for tax purposes and foreign earnings which are taxed at rates
different from the US statutory rate. The decrease in the tax rate between
fiscal years 1997 and 1996 was due largely to a decrease in Autodesk's
effective state income tax rate. See Note 3 to the Autodesk Consolidated
Financial Statements for an analysis of the differences between the US
statutory and the effective income tax rates.
Autodesk's United States income tax returns for fiscal years ended January
31, 1992 through 1996 are under examination by the Internal Revenue Service.
On August 27, 1997, the Internal Revenue Service issued a Notice of Deficiency
proposing increases to the amount of Autodesk's United States income taxes for
fiscal years 1992 and 1993. On November 25, 1997, Autodesk filed a petition
with the United States Tax Court to contest these alleged tax deficiencies.
Management believes that adequate amounts have been provided for any
adjustments that may ultimately result from these examinations.
Comprehensive Income. As of February 1, 1998, the Company adopted Financial
Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income," which establishes new rules for the reporting and display of
comprehensive income and its components; however, the adoption of this
Statement had no impact on the Company's net income or stockholders' equity.
Statement 130 requires unrealized gains or losses on the Company's available-
for-sale securities and the foreign currency translation adjustments, which
prior to adoption were reported separately in stockholders' equity, to be
included in other comprehensive income. Prior year financial statements have
been reclassified to conform to the requirements of Statement 130. For further
discussion, see Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards. In June 1997, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131,
"Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" ("SFAS
131"), which establishes standards for the way public business enterprises
report information in annual statements and interim financial reports
regarding operating segments, products and
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services, geographic areas, and major customers. SFAS 131 will first be
reflected in Autodesk's fiscal year 1999 Annual Report and will apply to both
annual and interim financial reporting subsequent to this date. Autodesk is
currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 131 on its financial disclosures.
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No.
133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The
Statement requires Autodesk to recognize all derivatives on the balance sheet
at fair value. Derivatives that are not hedges must be adjusted to fair value
through income. If the derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the
hedge, changes in the fair value of derivatives are either offset against the
change in fair value of assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through
earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is
recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative's change in
fair value will be immediately recognized in earnings. SFAS 133 is effective
as of the beginning of Autodesk's fiscal year 2001. Autodesk is currently
evaluating the impact of SFAS 133 on its financial statements and related
disclosures.
In October 1997, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
("AICPA") issued Statement of Position 97-2, "Software Revenue Recognition"
("SOP 97-2"), which supersedes SOP 91-1. SOP 97-2 will be effective beginning
in fiscal year 1999. In March 1998, the AICPA issued Statement of Position 98-
4 ("SOP 98-4"), which amends certain provisions of SOP 97-2. Autodesk believes
it is in compliance with the provisions of SOP 97-2 as amended by SOP 98-4.
However, detailed implementation guidelines for this standard have not been
issued. Once issued, such guidance could lead to unanticipated changes in
Autodesk's current revenue recognition practices and such changes could be
material to Autodesk's results of operations.
In March 1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued Statement
of Position 98-1 ("SOP 98-1"), "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software
Developed or Obtained for Internal Use." This standard requires companies to
capitalize qualifying computer software costs which are incurred during the
application development stage and amortize them over the software's estimated
useful life. Autodesk is required to adopt this standard in fiscal year 2000
and is currently evaluating the impact that its adoption will have on the
consolidated financial position and results of operations of Autodesk.
CERTAIN RISK FACTORS WHICH MAY IMPACT FUTURE OPERATING RESULTS
Autodesk operates in a rapidly changing environment that involves a number
of risks, some of which are beyond Autodesk's control. The following
discussion highlights some of these risks and the possible impact of these
factors on future results of operations.
Competition. The software industry has limited barriers to entry, and the
availability of desktop computers with continually expanding capabilities at
progressively lower prices contributes to the ease of market entry. Because of
these and other factors, competitive conditions in the industry are likely to
intensify in the future. Increased competition could result in price
reductions, reduced revenues and profit margins, and loss of market share, any
of which could adversely affect Autodesk's business, consolidated results of
operations, and financial condition. The design software market in particular
is characterized by vigorous competition in each of the vertical markets in
which Autodesk competes, both by entry of competitors with innovative
technologies and by consolidation of companies with complementary products and
technologies.
The AEC family of products competes directly with software offered by
companies such as Bentley Systems, Inc. ("Bentley"); Computervision
Corporation (a subsidiary of Parametric Technologies, Inc.)
("Computervision"); CADAM Systems Company, Inc.; Diehl Graphsoft, Inc.;
EaglePoint Software; International Microcomputer Software, Inc. ("IMSI");
Intergraph Corporation; Ketiv Technologies; Nemetschek Systems, Inc.; and
Visio Corporation ("Visio"). Autodesk's MCAD products compete with products
offered by Bentley; Visionary Design Systems; Hewlett-Packard Corporation;
Parametric Technologies, Inc.; Structural Dynamics Research Corporation;
Unigraphics; Computervision; Dassault Systemes ("Dassault"); Solidworks
Corporation (a subsidiary of Dassault); and Baystate Technologies, Inc.
Autodesk's GIS Market Group faces competition from Bentley; Intergraph;
MapInfo Corporation; Earth Sciences Research Institute ("ESRI"); and MCI
Systemhouse.
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Kinetix product offerings compete with products offered by other multimedia
companies such as Adobe Systems Inc.; Macromedia, Inc.; and Silicon Graphics,
Inc. The Personal Solutions Group family of products competes with; IMSI; The
Learning Company; Visio; Micrografx Inc. and others. Certain of the
competitors of Autodesk have greater financial, technical, sales and
marketing, and other resources than Autodesk.
Autodesk believes that the principal factors affecting competition in its
markets are product reliability, performance, ease of use, range of useful
features, continuing product enhancements, reputation, price and training. In
addition, the availability of third-party application software is a
competitive factor within the CAD market. Autodesk believes that it competes
favorably in these areas and that its competitive position will depend, in
part, upon its continued ability to enhance existing products, and to develop
and market new products.
In April 1998, Autodesk received notice that the FTC has undertaken a
nonpublic investigation to determine whether Autodesk or others have engaged
in or are engaging in unfair methods of competition. The FTC has not made any
claims or allegations regarding Autodesk's current business practices or
policies, nor have any charges been filed. Autodesk intends to cooperate fully
with the FTC in its inquiry. Autodesk does not believe that the investigation
will have a material impact on its business or consolidated results of
operations.
Fluctuations in Quarterly Operating Results. Autodesk has experienced
fluctuations in operating results in interim periods in certain geographic
regions due to seasonality. Autodesk's operating results in Europe during the
third fiscal quarter are usually impacted by a slow summer period while the
Asia Pacific operations typically experience seasonal slowing in the third and
fourth fiscal quarters.
The technology industry is particularly susceptible to fluctuations in
operating results within a quarter. While Autodesk experienced more linear
operating results within fiscal year 1998 compared to prior years,
historically the majority of Autodesk's orders within a fiscal quarter have
frequently been concentrated within the last weeks or days of that quarter.
These fluctuations are caused by a number of factors, including the relatively
long sales cycle of some of Autodesk's products, the timing of the
introduction of new products by Autodesk or its competitors, and other
economic factors experienced by Autodesk's customers and the geographic
regions in which Autodesk does business. Additionally, Autodesk's operating
expenses are based in part on its expectations for future revenues and are
relatively fixed in the short term. Accordingly, any revenue shortfall below
expectations could have an immediate and significant adverse effect on
Autodesk's consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
Similarly, shortfalls in Autodesk's revenues or earnings from levels
expected by securities analysts could have an immediate and significant
adverse effect on the trading price of Autodesk's common stock. Moreover,
Autodesk's stock price is subject to the volatility generally associated with
technology stocks and may also be affected by broader market trends unrelated
to performance.
Product Concentration. Autodesk derives a substantial portion of its
revenues from sales of AutoCAD software, AutoCAD updates, and adjacent
products which are interoperable with AutoCAD. As such, any factor adversely
affecting sales of AutoCAD and AutoCAD updates, including such factors as
product life cycle, market acceptance, product performance and reliability,
reputation, price competition, and the availability of third-party
applications, could have a material adverse effect on Autodesk's business and
consolidated results of operations.
In April 1998, Autodesk received notice that the FTC has undertaken a
nonpublic investigation to determine whether Autodesk or others have engaged
in or are engaging in unfair methods of competition. The FTC has not made any
claims or allegations regarding Autodesk's current business practices or
policies, nor have any charges been filed. Autodesk intends to cooperate fully
with the FTC in its inquiry. Autodesk does not believe that the investigation
will have a material impact on its business or consolidated results of
operations.
Product Development and Introduction. The software industry is characterized
by rapid technological change as well as changes in customer requirements and
preferences. The software products offered by Autodesk are internally complex
and, despite extensive testing and quality control, may contain errors or
defects ("bugs"),
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especially when first introduced. In fiscal year 1996, Autodesk experienced
quality and performance issues associated with AutoCAD Release 13, including
issues related to compatibility with certain hardware platforms and peripheral
equipment, interoperability problems with products designed to work in
conjunction with AutoCAD Release 13, and other issues associated with the
software's object-oriented design. These factors resulted in a high rate of
product returns in fiscal year 1996. There can be no assurance that defects or
errors will not occur in future releases of AutoCAD or other software products
offered by Autodesk. Such defects or errors could result in corrective
releases to Autodesk's software products, damage to Autodesk's reputation,
loss of revenues, an increase in product returns, or lack of market acceptance
of its products, any of which could have a material and adverse effect on
Autodesk's business and consolidated results of operations.
Autodesk believes that its future results will depend largely upon its
ability to offer products that compete favorably with respect to reliability,
performance, ease of use, range of useful features, continuing product
enhancements, reputation, price and training. Delays or difficulties may
result in the delay or cancellation of planned development projects, and could
have a material and adverse effect on Autodesk's business and consolidated
results of operations. Further, increased competition in the market for
design, mapping, or multimedia software products could also have a negative
impact on Autodesk's business and consolidated results of operations. More
specifically, gross margins may be adversely affected if sales of low-end CAD
products, which historically have had lower margins, grow at a faster rate
than Autodesk's higher-margin products.
Certain of Autodesk's historical product development activities have been
performed by independent firms and contractors, while other technologies are
licensed from third parties. Autodesk generally either owns or licenses the
software developed by third parties. Because talented development personnel
are in high demand, there can be no assurance that independent developers,
including those who have developed products for Autodesk in the past, will be
able to provide development support to Autodesk in the future. Similarly,
there can be no assurance that Autodesk will be able to obtain and renew
license agreements on favorable terms, if at all, and any failure to do so
could have a material adverse effect on Autodesk's business and consolidated
results of operations.
Autodesk's business strategy has historically depended in large part on its
relationships with third-party developers, who provide products that expand
the functionality of Autodesk's design software. There can be no assurance
that certain developers will not elect to support other products or otherwise
experience disruption in product development and delivery cycles. Such
disruption in particular markets could negatively impact these third-party
developers and end users, which could have a material adverse effect on
Autodesk's business and consolidated results of operations. Further, increased
merger and acquisition activity currently experienced in the technology
industry could affect relationships with other third-party developers, and
thus adversely affect operating results.
International Operations. Autodesk anticipates that international operations
will continue to account for a significant portion of its consolidated
revenues. Risks inherent in Autodesk's international operations include the
following: unexpected changes in regulatory practices and tariffs;
difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations; longer collection
cycles; potential changes in tax laws; greater difficulty in protecting
intellectual property; and the impact of fluctuating exchange rates between
the US dollar and foreign currencies in markets where Autodesk does business.
During fiscal year 1998, changes in exchange rates from the same period of the
prior fiscal year adversely impacted revenues, principally due to changes in
the Japanese yen and the German mark. As more fully described in Note 2 to the
Autodesk consolidated financial statements, Autodesk's risk management
strategy uses derivative financial instruments in the form of forward foreign
exchange contracts for the purpose of hedging foreign currency market
exposures of underlying assets, liabilities, and other obligations which exist
as a part of its ongoing business operations. Autodesk does not enter into
derivative contracts for the purpose of trading or speculative transactions.
Autodesk's international results may also be impacted by general economic and
political conditions in these foreign markets. Autodesk's international
results have been impacted by recent unfavorable economic and political
conditions in the Asian markets. There can be no assurance that the economic
crisis and currency issues currently being experienced will not have a
material adverse effect on
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Autodesk's future international operations and, consequently, on Autodesk's
business and consolidated results of operations.
Dependence on Distribution Channels. Autodesk sells its software products
primarily to distributors and resellers (value-added resellers, or "VARs").
Autodesk's ability to effectively distribute products depends in part upon the
financial and business condition of its VAR network. Although Autodesk has not
to date experienced any material problems with its VAR network, computer
software dealers and distributors are typically not highly capitalized and
have experienced difficulties during times of economic contraction and may do
so in the future. While no single customer accounted for more than 10 percent
of Autodesk's consolidated revenues in fiscal years 1998, 1997, or 1996, the
loss of or a significant reduction in business with any one of Autodesk's
major international distributors or large US resellers could have a material
adverse effect on Autodesk's business and consolidated results of operations
in future periods. Autodesk's largest international distributor is Computer
2000 AG in Germany. Autodesk's largest resellers in the United States are
Avatech, Advanced Enterprise Solutions and Integrated Systems Technologies.
Product Returns. With the exception of certain European distributors,
agreements with Autodesk's VARs do not contain specific product-return
privileges. However, Autodesk permits its VARs to return product in certain
instances, generally during periods of product transition and during update
cycles. While Autodesk experienced a decrease in the overall level of product
returns in fiscal year 1998 compared to fiscal years 1997 and 1996, management
anticipates that product returns in future periods will continue to be
impacted by product update cycles, new product releases, and software quality.
Autodesk establishes reserves, including reserves for stock balancing and
product rotation, based on estimated future returns of product and after
taking into account channel inventory levels, the timing of new product
introductions, and other factors. While Autodesk maintains strict measures to
monitor channel inventories and to provide appropriate reserves, actual
product returns may differ from Autodesk's reserve estimates, and such
differences could be material to Autodesk's consolidated financial statements.
Intellectual Property. Autodesk relies on a combination of patent, copyright
and trademark laws, trade secrets, confidentiality procedures, and contractual
provisions to protect its proprietary rights. Despite such efforts to protect
Autodesk's proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy
aspects of Autodesk's software products or to obtain and use information that
Autodesk regards as proprietary. Policing unauthorized use of Autodesk's
software products is time-consuming and costly. Although Autodesk is unable to
measure the extent to which piracy of its software products exists, software
piracy can be expected to be a persistent problem. There can be no assurance
that Autodesk's means of protecting its proprietary rights will be adequate or
that its competitors will not independently develop similar technology.
Autodesk expects that software product developers will be increasingly subject
to infringement claims as the number of products and competitors in its
industry segments grows and the functionality of products in different
industry segments overlaps. There can be no assurance that infringement or
invalidity claims (or claims for indemnification resulting from infringement
claims) will not be asserted against Autodesk or that any such assertions will
not have a material adverse effect on its business. Any such claims, whether
with or without merit, could be time-consuming, result in costly litigation
and diversion of resources, cause product shipment delays, or require Autodesk
to enter into royalty or licensing agreements. In addition, such royalty or
license agreements, if required, may not be available on acceptable terms, if
at all, which could have a material adverse effect on Autodesk's business and
consolidated results of operations.
Autodesk also relies on certain software that it licenses from third
parties, including software that is integrated with internally developed
software and used in its products to perform key functions. There can be no
assurance that these third-party software licenses will continue to be
available on commercially reasonable terms, or that the software will be
appropriately supported, maintained, or enhanced by the licensors. The loss of
licenses to, or inability to support, maintain, and enhance any such software,
could result in increased costs, or in delays or reductions in product
shipments until equivalent software could be developed, identified, licensed,
and integrated, which could have a material adverse effect on Autodesk's
business and consolidated results of operations.
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Risks Associated with Acquisitions and Investments. Autodesk periodically
acquires or invests in businesses, software products, and technologies which
are complementary to Autodesk's business through strategic alliances, debt and
equity investments, joint ventures, and the like. The risks associated with
such acquisitions or investments include, among others, the difficulty of
assimilating the operations and personnel of the companies, the failure to
realize anticipated synergies, and the diversion of management's time and
attention. In addition, such investments and acquisitions may involve
significant transaction-related costs. There can be no assurance that Autodesk
will be successful in overcoming such risks or that such investments and
acquisitions will not have a material adverse impact on Autodesk's business,
financial condition, or results of operations. In addition, such investments
and acquisitions may contribute to potential fluctuations in quarterly results
of operations due to merger-related costs and charges associated with
eliminating redundant expenses or write-offs of impaired assets recorded in
connection with acquisitions, any of which could negatively impact results of
operations for a given period or cause lack of linearity quarter to quarter in
Autodesk's operating results or financial condition.
During the first quarter of fiscal year 1998, Autodesk completed its
acquisition of all of the outstanding stock of Softdesk, Inc. Autodesk
continues to integrate the operations acquired in the Softdesk merger with its
own. There can be no assurance that the anticipated benefits of the Softdesk
merger and any future mergers or acquisitions will be realized.
Attraction and Retention of Employees. The continued growth and success of
Autodesk depends significantly on the continued service of highly skilled
employees. Competition for these employees in today's marketplace, especially
in the technology industries, is intense. Autodesk's ability to attract and
retain employees
is dependent on a number of factors including its continued ability to grant
stock incentive awards, which are described in more detail in Note 6 to the
Autodesk consolidated financial statements. There can be no assurance that
Autodesk will be successful in continuing to recruit new personnel and to
retain existing personnel. The loss of one or more key employees or Autodesk's
inability to maintain existing employees or recruit new employees could have a
material adverse impact on Autodesk. In addition, Autodesk may experience
increased compensation costs to attract and retain skilled personnel.
Impact of Year 2000. Some of the computer programs used by Autodesk in its
internal operations rely on time-sensitive software that was written using two
digits rather than four to identify the applicable year. These programs may
recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. This
could result in a system failure or miscalculations causing disruptions of
operations, including, among other things, a temporary inability to process
transactions, send invoices, or engage in similar normal business activities.
Additionally, as Autodesk is in the business of software production, year 2000
issues may affect Autodesk's products which are being sold externally.
Autodesk launched a six-phase year 2000 compliance program in the third
quarter of fiscal year 1998. The first and second phases, respectively,
included conducting preliminary and detailed assessments of vendor hardware
and software to determine Autodesk's overall exposure to the year 2000 issue.
The third phase included implementing a year 2000-compliant procurement
process and testing the current desktop operating environment. These three
phases were complete as of the end of fiscal year 1998 and cost approximately
$500,000. These costs have been charged to expense as incurred.
The fourth phase of the compliance program involves determining a working
plan, including defining the future analyses needed, the scope, and total
budget for required compliance actions. The fifth phase involves the repair or
replacement of any noncompliant hardware or software currently purchased or
developed internally. The sixth and final phase will involve a final systems
check to ensure that all hardware and software in use by Autodesk is
compliant. Autodesk expects to spend between $5 million and $6 million during
fiscal year 1999 to complete phases four, five, and six. Of the total cost,
Autodesk plans to capitalize up to $1.7 million as it relates primarily to the
purchase of new software. The remaining $3.3 million to $4.3 million relates
to modifying existing software and will be expensed as incurred in accordance
with EITF 96-14, "Accounting for the Costs Associated with Modifying Computer
Software for the Year 2000." There can be no assurance, however, that
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there will not be a delay in the completion of these procedures or that the
cost of such procedures will not exceed original estimates, either of which
could have a material adverse effect on future results of operations.
In addition to correcting the business and operating systems used by
Autodesk in the ordinary course of business as described above, Autodesk has
also reviewed all products it produces internally for sale to third parties to
determine compliance of its products. Products either have been found to be
compliant or are currently being tested for compliance. However, many Autodesk
products run on computer hardware and operating systems produced and sold by
third-party vendors. There can be no assurance that these computer hardware
and operating systems will be converted in a timely manner, and any failure in
this regard may cause Autodesk products not to function as designed. Any
future costs associated with ensuring that Autodesk's products are compliant
with the year 2000 are not expected to have a material impact on Autodesk's
results of operations or financial position. Autodesk anticipates that all
compliance procedures will be completed before the beginning of Autodesk's
fiscal year 2000, which begins February 1, 1999.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, which consist primarily
of high-quality municipal bonds, tax-advantaged money market instruments, and
US treasury bills, totaled $301.3 million at January 31, 1998, compared to
$286.3 million at January 31, 1997. The $15.0 million increase in cash, cash
equivalents, and marketable securities was due primarily to cash generated
from operations ($158.6 million) and cash proceeds from the issuance of shares
through employee stock option and stock purchase programs ($80.1 million).
This increase was primarily offset by cash used to repurchase shares of
Autodesk's common stock ($174.9 million), to acquire complementary software
technologies and businesses ($19.8 million), to purchase computer equipment,
furniture, and leasehold improvements ($15.0 million), and to pay dividends on
Autodesk's common stock ($11.3 million).
During fiscal years 1998, 1997, and 1996, Autodesk repurchased and retired a
total of 2,332,500, 1,659,500, and 2,671,000 shares of its common stock at
average repurchase prices of $38.39, $32.44, and $40.43, respectively,
pursuant to an ongoing and systematic repurchase plan ("Systematic Plan")
approved by Autodesk's Board of Directors to reduce the dilutive effect of
common shares to be issued under Autodesk's employee stock plans. In December
1997, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of an additional
4 million shares under the Systematic Plan.
In August 1996, Autodesk announced another stock repurchase program under
which Autodesk may purchase up to 5 million shares of common stock in open
market transactions as market and business conditions warrant--the
"Supplemental Plan." In December 1997, the Board authorized the purchase of an
additional 5 million shares under the Supplemental Plan. Autodesk may also
utilize equity options as part of the Supplemental Plan.
In connection with the Supplemental Plan, Autodesk sold put warrants to an
independent third party in September 1996 and purchased call options from the
same independent third party. The premiums received with respect to the equity
options equaled the premiums paid. Consequently, there was no exchange of
cash. Autodesk exercised the call options, repurchasing 2,000,000 shares of
its common stock during the third quarter of fiscal year 1998 for $51 million.
The put warrants expired unexercised in September 1997 and were reclassified
from put warrants to stockholders' equity during the third quarter of fiscal
year 1998. For additional information, see Note 7 to the consolidated
financial statements. In addition to the exercise of the call options in
fiscal year 1998, Autodesk repurchased an additional 1,000,000 shares in the
open market at an average per share repurchase price of $34.37. During fiscal
year 1997, Autodesk repurchased 557,500 shares at an average per share
repurchase price of $24.09 subject to the Supplemental Plan.
In December 1997, Autodesk sold put warrants to an independent third party
that entitle the holder of the warrants to sell 1.5 million shares of common
stock to Autodesk at $38.12 per share. Additionally, Autodesk purchased call
options from the same independent third party that entitle Autodesk to buy 1
million shares at
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$39.88 per share. The premiums received with respect to the equity options
totaled $4.5 million and equaled the premiums paid. Consequently, there was no
exchange of cash. The outstanding put warrants at January 31, 1998, permitted
a net share settlement at Autodesk's option. As a result, the transaction did
not result in a put warrant liability on the consolidated balance sheet.
In August 1998, the Autodesk Board rescinded its authorization of the
Systematic Plan and the Supplemental Plan, both of which have been terminated.
Autodesk has an unsecured $40 million bank line of credit, of which $20
million is guaranteed, that may be used from time to time to facilitate short-
term cash flow. At January 31, 1998, there were no borrowings outstanding
under this credit agreement, which expires in January 1999.
Autodesk's principal commitments at January 31, 1998, consisted of
obligations under operating leases for facilities. For additional information,
see Note 5 to the Autodesk Consolidated Financial Statements. Autodesk
believes that its existing cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities,
available line of credit, and cash generated from operations will be
sufficient to satisfy its currently anticipated cash requirements for fiscal
year 1999.
Longer-term cash requirements, other than normal operating expenses, are
anticipated for development of new software products and enhancement of
existing products; financing anticipated growth; dividend payments;
repurchases of Autodesk Common Stock; and the acquisition of businesses,
software products or technologies complementary to Autodesk's business.
Autodesk believes its existing cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities,
available line of credit and cash generated from operations will be sufficient
to satisfy its currently anticipated longer-term cash requirements.
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AUTODESK MANAGEMENT, EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION AND PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
AUTODESK MANAGEMENT
The following sets forth certain information regarding the executive
officers and directors of Autodesk as of October 31, 1998:
NAME AGE POSITION
---- --- --------
Carol A. Bartz (1)...... 50 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Eric B. Herr............ 50 President and Chief Operating Officer
Joseph H. Astroth, 43 Vice President, GIS Market Group
Ph.D...................
Carl Bass............... 41 Vice President, Engineering and Chief Technical Officer
Steve Cakebread......... 47 Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Dominic J. Gallello..... 43 Vice President, Mechanical CAD Market Group
Stephen McMahon......... 57 Vice President, Human Resources and Facilities
Tom Norring............. 52 Vice President, Asia Pacific
Marcia K. Sterling...... 54 Vice President, Business Development and General Counsel
Godfrey R. Sullivan..... 45 Vice President, Personal Solutions Group
Michael E. Sutton....... 53 Vice President, Worldwide Field Operations
Mark A. Bertelsen (3)... 54 Director
Crawford W. Beveridge 52 Director
(1)(2).................
J. Hallam Dawson (3).... 62 Director
Paul S. Otellini (2).... 48 Director
Mary Alice Taylor (3)... 48 Director
Morton Topfer (1)(2).... 62 Director
- --------
(1) Member of the Nominating Committee.
(2) Member of the Compensation Committee.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee.
CAROL A. BARTZ joined Autodesk in April 1992 and has served as Chief
Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board since May 1992. Ms. Bartz served
as President from May 1992 through September 1996. Ms. Bartz is a director of
AirTouch Communications, Inc., Network Appliance, Inc., and BEA Systems, Inc.
ERIC B. HERR has been Autodesk's President and Chief Operating Officer since
September 1996, having also served as the Acting Vice President, AEC Market
Group, from September 1996 through March 1997. Mr. Herr served as the Chief
Financial Officer from the time he joined Autodesk in May 1992 until September
1996. From December 1992 through January 1995, Mr. Herr served as Vice
President, Emerging Businesses. From January 1995 to May 1995, Mr. Herr served
as Vice President, Finance and Administration.
DR. JOSEPH H. ASTROTH has served as Vice President, GIS Market Group, since
joining Autodesk in January 1996. From September 1989 through December 1995,
Dr. Astroth held various positions with Graphic Data Systems Corporation
including Director, Environmental Market Group, from January 1993 to June
1994, and Vice President of Product Management, Engineering, from June 1994 to
December 1995.
CARL BASS was named Vice President of Engineering in October 1997. He was
named Chief Technical Officer in December 1996. From November 1995 to December
1996, Mr. Bass served as a Senior Technical Fellow for the AutoCAD family of
products. Mr. Bass served as Chief Architect for AutoCAD from September 1993
to October 1995. Before joining Autodesk, Mr. Bass was cofounder and Chief
Technical Officer of Ithaca Software from May 1986 to August 1993.
STEVE CAKEBREAD joined Autodesk in April 1997 as Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer. From April 1993 through March 1997 he served as Vice
President, Finance World Trade Corporation at Silicon Graphics.
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Mr. Cakebread held various finance and general management positions at
Hewlett-Packard from January 1972 through March 1993.
DOMINIC J. GALLELLO has served as Vice President, MCAD Market Group, since
January 1995. Mr. Gallello served as Vice President, Asia Pacific, from the
time he joined Autodesk in October 1992 until July 1996. From February 1995 to
August 1995, Mr. Gallello served as Acting Vice President, MCAD Market Group.
STEPHEN MCMAHON has served as Vice President, Human Resources, since joining
Autodesk in July 1992. From July 1987 to July 1992, Mr. McMahon served as
Senior Director, Human Resources, for Apple Computer, Inc.
TOM NORRING has served as Vice President, Asia Pacific, since joining
Autodesk in June 1996. Prior to joining Autodesk, Mr. Norring served as Vice
President of Asia Pacific and Latin America and in a variety of international
management positions for Hitachi Data Systems from 1978 to 1996.
MARCIA K. STERLING joined Autodesk in October 1995 as Vice President,
Business Development and General Counsel. From September 1982 to October 1995,
she practiced corporate and securities law at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich &
Rosati, where she was a member.
GODFREY R. SULLIVAN was named Vice President, Personal Solutions Group, in
September 1997. Mr. Sullivan served as Vice President, the Americas, since
joining Autodesk in October 1992 and as Acting Vice President, AEC/FM Market
Group, from February 1995 to September 1995.
MICHAEL E. SUTTON has served as Vice President, Worldwide Field Operations,
since October 1998. Mr. Sutton joined Autodesk in October 1987 as a sales and
marketing director in the United Kingdom. Mr. Sutton was the Managing Director
of Autodesk's United Kingdom subsidiary from January 1990 to January 1992.
From January 1992 to February 1993, Mr. Sutton served as Northern Region
Manager, Europe; from February 1993 to May 1993, he served as Acting Vice
President, Europe; and from June 1993 to October 1998, he served as Vice
President, Europe/Middle East/Africa.
MARK A. BERTELSEN has been a director of Autodesk since 1992. Mr. Bertelsen
joined the law firm of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, outside legal counsel
to Autodesk, in January 1972 and became a member of the firm in January 1977.
CRAWFORD W. BEVERIDGE has been a director of Autodesk since 1993. Mr.
Beveridge served as the Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Enterprise, an
economic development company, since January 1991. Mr. Beveridge is a director
of U.S. Smaller Companies Investment Trust and Clydeport plc.
J. HALLAM DAWSON has been a director of Autodesk since 1988. Mr. Dawson has
served since September 1986 as Chairman of IDI Associates, a private
investment bank specializing in Latin America.
PAUL S. OTELLINI has been a director of Autodesk since 1997. Mr. Otellini
has served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Intel
Architecture Business Group at Intel Corporation since January 1998. Mr.
Otellini was promoted to Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing of
Intel Corporation in April 1996 and served as Senior Vice President of Sales
and Marketing of Intel Corporation from May 1993 to May 1996. Mr. Otellini is
a director of Fritz Companies.
MARY ALICE TAYLOR has been a director of Autodesk since 1995. Ms. Taylor has
served as Executive Vice President of Global Operations and Technology for
CitiCorp since January 1997. Ms. Taylor served as Senior Vice President of
Federal Express Corporation from September 1991 until December 1996. Ms.
Taylor is a director of Perrigo, Inc. and Allstate Insurance, Inc.
MORTON TOPFER has been a director of Autodesk since 1995. Mr. Topfer has
served as Vice Chairman of Dell Computer Corporation since June 1994. From
March 1971 to June 1994, Mr. Topfer was the Executive Vice President of
Motorola, Inc.
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COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Autodesk pays an annual fee of $25,000 to each director who is not an
employee of or consultant to Autodesk (currently six persons), of which not
more than fifty percent can be cash and the balance must be restricted stock
issued at the rate of $1.20 worth of stock for each $1.00 of cash compensation
foregone. Directors do not receive fees for Board or Board Committee meetings
attended.
Autodesk's 1990 Directors' Option Plan provides for the automatic grant of
nonstatutory options to outside directors of Autodesk. Upon being elected or
appointed to the Autodesk Board, each outside director is granted an option to
purchase 20,000 shares of Autodesk Common Stock, with subsequent annual grants
of 10,000 shares. Each option granted under the 1990 Directors' Option Plan
vests cumulatively as to one-third of the shares subject to the option on each
anniversary of the date of grant, for a total vesting period of three years.
The exercise price of options granted under the 1990 Directors' Option Plan is
equal to the fair market value of the Autodesk Common Stock on the date of
grant.
AUTODESK EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the compensation paid to or earned by
Autodesk's Chief Executive Officer and Autodesk's four other most highly
compensated officers whose salary plus bonus exceeded $100,000 during the last
fiscal year (collectively the "Autodesk Named Officers") for services rendered
to Autodesk during the fiscal years ended January 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
LONG TERM
ANNUAL COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION AWARDS
----------------- ------------
SECURITIES
NAME AND PRINCIPAL FISCAL UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS(1) OPTIONS(#) COMPENSATION(2)
------------------ ------ -------- -------- ------------ ---------------
Carol A. Bartz........... 1998 $515,000 $490,125 -- $ 39,000
Chairman of the Board 1997 515,000 -- 560,000 39,000
and Chief Executive
Officer 1996 475,000 229,284 -- 38,500
Eric B. Herr............. 1998 $320,000 $260,000 -- $ 3,000
President and Chief
Operating Officer 1997 320,000 -- 280,000 3,000
1996 310,000 124,926 -- 2,500
Dominic J. Gallello...... 1998 $275,000 $173,125 -- $ 13,576
Vice President,
Mechanical CAD 1997 275,000 -- 210,000 3,000
Market Group 1996 250,000 125,500 20,000 2,500
Godfrey R. Sullivan...... 1998 $260,000 $173,750 -- $ 3,000
Vice President, Personal
Solutions 1997 260,000 -- 191,000 3,000
Group 1996 260,000 104,858 20,000 2,500
Michael E. Sutton........ 1998 $250,000 $160,000 -- $139,135
Vice President,
Worldwide Field
Operations 1997 250,000 -- 70,000 179,241
1996 222,500 89,806 20,000 99,000
- --------
(1) Represents incentive bonuses for achievement of corporate, individual and
organizational objectives in fiscal years 1996 and 1998.
137
(2) Amounts reported for fiscal year 1998 consist of: (i) matching
contributions by Autodesk to one of Autodesk's pre-tax savings plans (Ms.
Bartz $2,500, Mr. Herr $2,500, Mr. Gallello $2,500 and Mr. Sullivan
$2,500); (ii) Autodesk contributions to one of Autodesk's pre-tax plans
(Ms. Bartz $500, Mr. Herr $500, Mr. Gallello $500 and Mr. Sullivan $500);
(iii) $36,000 paid to Ms. Bartz for the purpose of reimbursing her for
certain transportation expenses; (iv) $10,576 paid to Mr. Gallello for
vacation cashout; (v) $100,000 paid to Mr. Sutton as a cost of living
adjustment related to his location in Switzerland; (vi) $3,621 paid by
Autodesk for health insurance premiums on behalf of Mr. Sutton; and (vii)
$35,514 paid by Autodesk into an employee retirement fund on behalf of Mr.
Sutton. Amounts reported for fiscal year 1997 consist of: (i) matching
contributions by Autodesk to one of Autodesk's pre-tax savings plans (Ms.
Bartz $2,500, Mr. Herr $2,500, Mr. Gallello $2,500 and Mr. Sullivan
$2,500); (ii) Autodesk contributions to one of Autodesk's pre-tax plans
(Ms. Bartz $500, Mr. Herr $500, Mr. Gallello $500 and Mr. Sullivan $500);
(iii) $36,000 paid to Ms. Bartz for the purpose of reimbursing her for
certain transportation expenses; (iv) $100,000 paid to Mr. Sutton as a
cost of living adjustment related to his location in Switzerland;
(v) $3,104 paid by Autodesk for health insurance premiums on behalf of Mr.
Sutton; and (vi) $76,137 paid by Autodesk into an employee retirement fund
on behalf of Mr. Sutton. Amounts reported for fiscal year 1996 consist of:
(i) matching contributions by Autodesk to one of Autodesk's pre-tax
savings plans (Ms. Bartz $2,000, Mr. Herr $2,000, Mr. Gallello $2,000 and
Mr. Sullivan $2,000; (ii) Autodesk contributions to one of Autodesk's pre-
tax plans (Ms. Bartz $500, Mr. Herr $500, Mr. Gallello $500 and Mr.
Sullivan $500); (iii) $36,000 paid to Ms. Bartz for the purpose of
reimbursing her for certain transportation expenses; and (iv) $99,000 paid
to Mr. Sutton as a cost of living adjustment related to his location in
Switzerland.
OPTION GRANTS
Autodesk did not grant any options to purchase shares of Autodesk Common
Stock to the Autodesk Named Officers during the fiscal year ended January 31,
1998. The total number of options granted to all employees during fiscal year
1998 was 3,227,808.
OPTION EXERCISES AND HOLDINGS
The following table sets forth, for each of the Autodesk Named Officers,
certain information concerning stock options exercised during Autodesk's 1998
fiscal year, and the number of shares of Autodesk Common Stock subject to both
exercisable and unexercisable stock options as of January 31, 1998. Also
reported are values for "in-the-money" options that represent the positive
spread between the respective exercise prices of outstanding stock options and
the fair market value of Autodesk Common Stock as of January 31, 1998.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION
VALUES
NUMBER OF SECURITIES
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
OPTIONS AT FISCAL IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
SHARES YEAR END(#) FISCAL YEAR END
ACQUIRED ON VALUE ------------------------- -------------------------
NAME EXERCISE(#) REALIZED EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ------------------------ ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
Carol A. Bartz.......... 300,000 $7,217,376 1,080,000 440,000 $24,032,500 $6,285,000
Eric B. Herr............ 225,000 $5,937,344 199,000 206,000 $ 3,190,125 $1,320,500
Dominic J. Gallello..... -- -- 203,334 206,666 $ 2,431,251 $2,169,999
Godfrey R. Sullivan..... 120,000 $2,077,877 150,334 190,666 $ 1,924,876 $2,002,249
Michael E. Sutton....... 30,000 $ 382,500 86,694 97,786 $ 885,771 $1,087,339
138
AUTODESK PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial
ownership of Autodesk Common Stock as of October 31, 1998 (i) by each person
who is known by Autodesk to own beneficially more than five percent (5%) of
Autodesk Common Stock ("Autodesk Principal Stockholders"), (ii) by each of
Autodesk's directors, (iii) by each of the Autodesk Named Officers and (iv) by
all directors and executive officers who served as directors or executive
officers at October 31, 1998 as a group.
SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED
----------------------------
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND FIVE PERCENT (5%) NUMBER(1) PERCENT(2)
STOCKHOLDERS -------------- -------------
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS:(3)
J.P. Morgan & Co. Incorporated................... 5,316,268 11.37%
525 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036
J. & W. Seligman & Co., Inc...................... 2,981,000 6.37%
125 University Ave.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Fidelity Management & Research................... 2,937,000 6.28%
82 Devonshire St.
Boston, MA 02109
DIRECTORS:
Carol A. Bartz(4)................................ 1,205,873 2.51%
Mark A. Bertelsen(5)............................. 46,477 *
Crawford W. Beveridge(6)......................... 51,269 *
J. Hallam Dawson(7).............................. 63,243 *
Paul S. Otellini(8).............................. 30,766 *
Mary Alice Taylor(9)............................. 46,808 *
Morton Topfer(10)................................ 59,043 *
OTHER AUTODESK NAMED OFFICERS:
Eric B. Herr(11)................................. 162,873 *
Dominic J. Gallello(12).......................... 265,951 *
Godfrey R. Sullivan(13).......................... 221,289 *
Michael E. Sutton(14)............................ 149,795 *
ALL DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AS A GROUP
(19 PERSONS)(15):................................ 2,841,158 5.74%
- --------
* Represents less than 1% of the outstanding shares.
(1) The number and percentage of shares beneficially owned is determined
under the rules of the SEC, and the information is not necessarily
indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under such
rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares as to which the
individual has sole or shared voting power or investment power and also
any shares which the individual has the right to acquire within sixty
days of October 31, 1998, through the exercise of any stock option or
other right.
(2) Number of shares deemed outstanding includes 46,774,198 outstanding as of
October 31, 1998, plus any shares subject to stock options held by the
person or persons in question that are exercisable within 60 days of
October 31, 1998.
(3) This information was obtained from filings made with the SEC pursuant to
Sections 13(d) or 13(g) of the Exchange Act.
(4) Includes options to purchase 1,200,000 shares of Autodesk Common Stock
exercisable within 60 days of October 31, 1998.
(5) Includes options to purchase 43,332 shares of Autodesk Common Stock
exercisable within 60 days of October 31, 1998.
139
(6) Includes options to purchase 50,000 shares of Autodesk Common Stock
exercisable within 60 days of October 31, 1998.
(7) Includes options to purchase 60,000 shares of Autodesk Common Stock
exercisable within 60 days of October 31, 1998.
(8) Includes options to purchase 30,000 shares of Autodesk Common Stock
exercisable within 60 days of October 31, 1998.
(9) Includes options to purchase 45,000 shares of Autodesk Common Stock
exercisable within 60 days of October 31, 1998.
(10) Includes options to purchase 45,000 shares of Autodesk Common Stock
exercisable within 60 days of October 31, 1998.
(11) Includes options to purchase 147,000 shares of Autodesk Common Stock
exercisable within 60 days of October 31, 1998.
(12) Includes options to purchase 260,200 shares of Autodesk Common Stock
exercisable within 60 days of October 31, 1998.
(13) Includes options to purchase 200,800 shares of Autodesk Common Stock
exercisable within 60 days of October 31, 1998.
(14) Includes options to purchase 148,080 shares of Autodesk Common Stock
exercisable within 60 days of October 31, 1998.
(15) Includes options to purchase 2,740,459 shares of Autodesk Common Stock
exercisable within 60 days of October 31, 1998.
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
In April 1992, Autodesk entered into an agreement with Carol A. Bartz,
Autodesk's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, which provides,
among other things, for a severance payment equal to two years' base salary
and incentive compensation in the event Ms. Bartz's employment is terminated
without cause within two years after commencement of employment or one year
after a change of control of Autodesk not approved by the Autodesk Board or
two years' base compensation in the event Ms. Bartz's employment is terminated
without cause under any other circumstances.
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PRO FORMA STOCK OWNERSHIP OF AUTODESK PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AND DIRECTORS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of Autodesk Common Stock on a pro forma basis for the Autodesk
Principal Stockholders, each of Autodesk's directors and all directors and
executive officers of Autodesk as a group. This table is based on the
capitalizations of Autodesk and Discreet as of October 31, 1998 and assumes
that (i) 14,336,938 shares of Autodesk Common Stock are issued in connection
with the Transactions and (ii) 3,000,000 shares of Autodesk Common Stock are
issued in the Reissuance Offering. Because the actual number of shares of
Autodesk Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Transactions will not be
fixed until the Effective Time, the beneficial ownership at the Effective Time
of the persons and entities listed in the following table may differ from the
information presented in the table:
SHARES BENEFICIALLY PERCENTAGE BENEFICIALLY
OWNED AFTER OWNED AFTER
CONSUMMATION OF CONSUMMATION OF
NAME THE TRANSACTIONS(1) THE TRANSACTIONS(2)
---- -------------------- -----------------------
AUTODESK PRINCIPAL
STOCKHOLDERS:(3)
J.P. Morgan & Co. Incorporated.. 5,316,268 8.29%
525 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036
J. & W. Seligman & Co., Inc..... 2,981,000 4.65%
125 University Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Fidelity Management & Research.. 2,937,000 4.58%
82 Devonshire St.
Boston, MA 02109
DIRECTORS:
Carol A. Bartz(4)............... 1,205,873 1.88%
Mark A. Bertelsen(5)............ 46,477 *
Crawford W. Beveridge(6)........ 51,269 *
J. Hallam Dawson(7)............. 63,243 *
Paul S. Otellini(8)............. 30,766 *
Mary Alice Taylor(9)............ 46,808 *
Morton Topfer(10)............... 59,043 *
ALL DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE
OFFICERS AS A GROUP (19 PERSONS)
(11)............................. 2,841,158 4.43%
- --------
* Represents less than 1% of the outstanding shares.
(1) The number and percentage of shares beneficially owned is determined
under rules of the SEC, and the information is not necessarily indicative
of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under such rules,
beneficial ownership includes any shares as to which the individual has
sole or shared voting power or investment power and also any shares which
the individual has the right to acquire within sixty days of October 31,
1998, through the exercise of any stock option or other right.
(2) Number of shares deemed outstanding includes 64,111,136 shares that would
be outstanding after consummation of the Transactions, assuming (i) the
issuance of 14,336,938 shares of Autodesk Common Stock in the
Transactions, plus any shares subject to stock options held by the person
or persons in question that are exercisable within 60 days of October 31,
1998 and (ii) the issuance of 3,000,000 shares in the Reissuance
Offering.
(3) This information was obtained from filings made with the SEC pursuant to
Sections 13(d) or 13(g) of the Exchange Act.
(4) Includes options to purchase 1,200,000 shares of Autodesk Common Stock
exercisable within 60 days of October 31, 1998.
(5) Includes options to purchase 43,332 shares of Autodesk Common Stock
exercisable within 60 days of October 31, 1998.
(6) Includes options to purchase 50,000 shares of Autodesk Common Stock
exercisable within 60 days of October 31, 1998.
141
(7) Includes options to purchase 60,000 shares of Autodesk Common Stock
exercisable within 60 days of October 31, 1998.
(8) Includes options to purchase 30,000 shares of Autodesk Common Stock
exercisable within 60 days of October 31, 1998.
(9) Includes options to purchase 45,000 shares of Autodesk Common Stock
exercisable within 60 days of October 31, 1998.
(10) Includes options to purchase 45,000 shares of Autodesk Common Stock
exercisable within 60 days of October 31, 1998.
(11) Includes options to purchase 2,740,459 shares of Autodesk Common Stock
exercisable within 60 days of October 31, 1998.
142
DISCREET
In this section, "Discreet" refers to, depending on the context, Discreet,
its subsidiaries and its ventures collectively, or Discreet and its
subsidiaries.
BUSINESS
BACKGROUND
Discreet develops, assembles, markets and supports non-linear, on-line
digital systems and software for creating, editing and compositing imagery and
special effects for film, video, HDTV, broadcast and the Web. Discreet's
systems and software are utilized by creative professionals for a variety of
applications, including feature films, television programs, commercials, music
and corporate videos, interactive game production, live broadcasting, as well
as Web design. Discreet's systems have played key roles in the creation of
special visual effects for films such as Armageddon, Titanic, Forrest Gump,
Independence Day, The Fifth Element, Batman & Robin, Contact and Air Force
One; television programs and special events such as ABC's "World News Tonight
with Peter Jennings" and the 1996 United States Presidential elections on ABC
and CBS; music videos by artists including U2, REM, Rolling Stones and The
Beatles; and commercials for clients such as Nike, Pepsi, AT&T and McDonald's.
Discreet believes that creative professionals and designers require tools that
simplify their work, enabling them to devote more time to creative activities
and less time to technical tasks.
Discreet offers turnkey systems for high end post production and broadcast
facilities focused towards three markets: special effects, editing and
broadcast production (its "Advanced Systems"). Discreet's Advanced Systems are
comprised of proprietary software utilizing workstations manufactured by SGI,
scalable disk arrays and other peripherals. These can be networked together to
enable users to manage data more efficiently and collaborate in an integrated
production environment. Discreet's systems include its inferno* and flame*
systems (special effects), its fire* and smoke* systems (editing), and its
frost* system (broadcast production). Discreet's special effects and editing
Advanced Systems are used to manipulate digital media in an on-line, real-time
environment, providing instant feedback to the creative professional. These
systems are currently or are currently being designed to be resolution
independent and to allow users to work on uncompressed images from a variety
of media sources in the full range of resolutions necessary for film, video
and HDTV. In the broadcast production market, Discreet offers its frost*
system, a set of modeling, animation and rendering tools for the creation and
manipulation of 3D environments, including virtual sets, for broadcast
companies. Discreet sells its Advanced Systems worldwide through a direct
sales force as well as through high-end, sophisticated distributors.
During the last 18 months, Discreet has entered the new media marketplace
through a series of acquisitions and now offers editing and special effects
software which runs on the Microsoft Windows NT, the Apple Macintosh and/or
the Unix operating systems. The new media market is characterized by
institutional and educational customers, designers and prosumers. Discreet's
desktop or new media software (its "New Media Software") products include its
edit* software (formerly D-Vision OnLine) (video editing), its effect*
software (formerly Flint and Illuminaire Composition) (special effects), its
paint* software (formerly Illuminaire Paint) (special effects), and its light*
software (formerly Lightscape) (radiosity). Discreet's New Media Software is
primarily used to create, manipulate, and finish computer graphics images,
interactive and on-line content. effect* provides 3D video composition, clip
animation, and visual effects enabling artists to combine, enhance and modify
video frames or sequences of frames with a very high level of efficiency and
interactivity. paint* is a vector-based, object-oriented painting and
animation system for the manipulation and enhancement of both multi-frame
clips and single-frame graphic images. edit* is a real-time non-linear,
compressed editing software solution which performs compositing, keying and
visual effects on the desktop. light* is a 3D rendering solution that uses
advanced radiosity techniques to significantly enhance realism and lighting
accuracy in 3D environments created for virtual sets, film and video effects,
interactive games and architectural design projects.
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Discreet's goal is to become a leading supplier of digital tools used to
manipulate still and moving pictures to the high-end professional, post-
production and broadcast markets, the desktop or new media market, and the
consumer markets. To achieve this goal, Discreet plans to further expand and
leverage its technology base, customer relationships and existing reputation,
extend its product line to include other aspects of the content creation
process, and expand its worldwide sales and distribution organization.
Discreet is a company incorporated by Articles of Incorporation on September
10, 1991 under Part IA of the Quebec Act whose head office is located at 10
Duke Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3C 2L7. Discreet has sales offices in
the United States in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;
London, England; Paris, France; Munich, Germany; Singapore; Bombay, India;
Hong Kong, China; Madrid, Spain; and Tokyo, Japan. As of August 31, 1998,
Discreet had 405 employees.
PRODUCTS
The following table sets forth the Discreet products, their market, the date
of first shipment by Discreet, and their platform or operating system.
DATE OF FIRST
SHIPMENT BY
PRODUCT MARKET DISCREET PLATFORM/OPERATING SYSTEM
------- -------------------- ------------- --------------------------------
ADVANCED SYSTEMS
inferno*................ Special effects October 1995 SGI Onyx2/Unix
flame*.................. Special effects January 1993 SGI Octane/Unix
fire*................... Editing October 1996 SGI Onyx2/Unix
smoke*.................. Editing October 1997 SGI Octane/Unix
frost*(includes product
formerly sold as
Vapour)................ Broadcast Production October 1995 SGI Onyx2 and SGI Octane/Unix
NEW MEDIA SOFTWARE
effect* (formerly
Flint)................. Special effects December 1993 SGI O2/Unix
effect* (formerly
Illuminaire
Composition)........... Special effects June 1997 Microsoft NT and Apple Macintosh
paint* (formerly
Illuminaire Paint)..... Special effects June 1997 Microsoft NT and Apple Macintosh
edit* (formerly D-Vision
OnLine)................ Editing July 1997 Microsoft NT
light* (formerly
Lightscape)............ Radiosity December 1997 Microsoft NT
ADVANCED SYSTEMS
Discreet's systems are designed to be intuitive and easy to use. Discreet's
systems provide the speed and operational flexibility demanded by the
professional film and video industries. The systems use a consistent interface
through which operations are controlled via on-screen menus (which users can
organize to fit their preferences) and a pressure-sensitive stylus. Discreet's
systems include a Sparks developers kit, which allows customers to integrate
their own proprietary software or third party software into Discreet's
systems' environments. Discreet's systems also offer comprehensive image
input/output ("I/O") functions, allowing image or object data to be captured
and exchanged between workstations in a studio environment in a variety of
formats. For sites with multiple systems, work generated on other platforms
can be imported and placed directly onto Discreet's systems' local disk array
for integration into the current production. In addition, Discreet's image
files can be transferred among local disk arrays. For example, if a user
prepares a production on an effect* system, the user can transfer video or
film data to the flame* or inferno* systems or video data to the fire* system,
for finishing with the client. The flexible systems architecture can result in
different system configurations and enables clients to differentiate
themselves from their competitors by allowing them to customize their systems.
144
Special Effects Systems
flame*--flame* is an on-line, resolution-independent, non-linear,
uncompressed digital system. The system is used by creative professionals to
create, edit and composite special visual effects in an on-line, real-time
environment. Easily integrated into a suite environment and possessing the
power and features necessary to serve as the core of a fully digital suite,
flame* is designed to allow the operator to create desired effects with near
instantaneous feedback. A complete flame* system includes the flame* software,
an SGI Octane workstation, a stone* disk array and various I/O devices.
inferno*--inferno* is an on-line, non-linear, resolution-independent,
uncompressed digital system providing all the features of flame* with film
tools, and increased image resolution and color control for digital film work.
The system also features tools for grain management, wire and scratch removal
and colour calibration. A complete inferno* system includes the inferno*
software, an SGI Onyx2 workstation, a stone* disk array and various I/O
devices.
Editing Systems
fire*--fire* is an uncompressed, on-line, non-linear, digital video editing
system with special effects capabilities. fire* includes a sophisticated
toolset and a gestural, picture-based editing interface, which Discreet
believes specifically address the new and expanding requirements needed for
on-line finishing. In the fourth fiscal quarter of 1998, Discreet released a
resolution independent (including HDTV resolution) fire* system. A complete
fire* system includes the fire* software, an SGI Onyx2 workstation, stone*
disk arrays and various I/O devices.
smoke*--smoke*, like fire*, is an uncompressed, on-line, non-linear, digital
video editing system with more limited special effects capabilities. smoke*
uses the same gestural, picture-based editing interface as fire*. The primary
difference in the two systems is the greater speed of interactivity and
processing of fire* as well as greater special effects capabilities than those
of smoke*. However, smoke*'s special effects capabilities are modular; effects
modules may be purchased separately by the customer to augment the special
effects capabilities of the baseline smoke* system. A complete smoke* system
includes the smoke* software, an SGI Octane workstation, a stone* disk array
and various I/O devices.
Broadcast Production Systems
frost*--frost* is a computer-based set of modeling, animation and rendering
tools for the creation and manipulation of 3D graphics, including virtual
sets, for broadcast. Virtual sets are computer generated locales typically
used for news, sports and entertainment programming. frost* is designed to
operate on the SGI Onyx2 or SGI Octane workstation and allows the user to work
completely in real-time or through a combination of real-time and post-
produced components.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
The Workstation
inferno*, fire*, and frost* run on SGI Onyx2 workstations, typically
configured with four or eight processors. flame*, smoke* and frost* run on the
SGI Octane workstation. The SGI hardware platforms are scaleable and
upgradeable (within the same machine) to fit the price and performance
criteria of the customer. Each system can be connected to other Discreet
systems and to numerous third party software, systems and devices.
Disk Arrays
Discreet offers stone*, a disk-based storage system for use with its video
and high-performance film applications, which is targeted at the production,
post-production and broadcast markets. stone* is designed to allow real-time
playback of uncompressed video frames in any order, efficiently store any mix
of resolutions and
145
ensure image integrity by remaining operational in the event of disk or power
supply failure. A disk array is comprised of a number of disks working co-
operatively to handle high speed data flows. flame*, inferno*, fire*, smoke*,
and frost* must be used with Discreet's stone* disk arrays.
Networking
Discreet offers wire*, a high-performance transport system for digital film
and video for use with multiple stone* disk arrays. wire* builds on Discreet's
disk technology and is designed, if the network provides sufficient bandwidth,
to provide real-time CCIR-601 instant access to images located on a disk
anywhere within a post-production facility. wire* can be configured as a
centralized or distributed network, or both.
I/O
Third party video tape recorders can be controlled with flame*, inferno*,
fire* and smoke*'s stylus and tablet. I/O edits can be implemented
sequentially using the EDL capabilities of the flame*, inferno*, fire* and
smoke* systems. Other third party devices, such as film scanners and
recorders, can also be used with Discreet systems for HDTV and film transfers.
NEW MEDIA SOFTWARE
Through acquisitions made in fiscal years 1997 and 1998, Discreet now offers
software-only solutions which run on the Windows NT and the Apple Macintosh
platforms. These acquisitions are part of Discreet's strategy to expand the
range of creative professionals served by Discreet and to extend its product
line to include other aspects of the content creation process. See "--Recent
Acquisitions." Discreet's New Media Software is primarily used to create,
manipulate, and finish computer graphics images, interactive and on-line
content.
Special Effects Software
effect*--Discreet offers two versions of its effect* software: effect* on
the SGI O2 workstation (formerly Flint) and effect* on the Apple Macintosh and
Microsoft Windows NT operating systems (formerly Illuminaire Composition).
effect* is a resolution-independent, non-linear, uncompressed digital system
used by creative professionals to create, edit and composite special visual
effects. effect* provides 3D video composition, clip animation, and visual
effects enabling artists to combine, enhance and modify video frames or
sequences of frames with a very high of level of efficiency and interactivity.
Discreet acquired the Illuminaire product line as part of Discreet's
acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Denim Software L.L.C.
("Denim") in June 1997 (the "Denim Acquisition").
paint* (formerly Illuminaire Paint)--paint* is an Apple Macintosh and
Microsoft Windows NT-based paint software for effects, interactive content and
graphic design creation. paint* is resolution-independent, vector-based,
object-oriented painting and animation system for the manipulation and
enhancement of both multi-frame clips and single-frame graphic images.
Discreet acquired the Illuminaire product line as part of the Denim
Acquisition.
Editing Software
edit* (formerly D-Vision OnLine)--edit* is a real-time non-linear,
compressed editing software solution which performs compositing, keying and
visual effects on the desktop and runs on the Microsoft Windows NT operating
system. Discreet acquired edit* as part of the acquisition of all the
outstanding shares of capital stock of D-Vision Systems, Inc. ("D-Vision") in
July 1997 (the "D-Vision Acquisition").
Radiosity Software
light* (formerly Lightscape)--light* is a 3D rendering solution that uses
advanced radiosity techniques to significantly enhance realism and lighting
accuracy in 3D environments created for virtual sets, film and video
146
effects, interactive games and architectural design projects. light* runs on
the Microsoft Windows NT operating system. Discreet acquired light* as part of
the acquisition of all the outstanding shares of capital stock of Lightscape
Technologies, Inc. in December 1997 (the "Lightscape Acquisition").
CUSTOMERS
Discreet's Advanced Systems are sold primarily to film and video production,
post-production and broadcast companies. Discreet's New Media Software
products are sold in these markets as well as to institutional and educational
customers, designers and professional consumers.
No customer accounted for 10% or more of Discreet's total revenues in fiscal
1996, 1997 or 1998.
MARKETING AND SALES
Marketing Strategy. To date, Discreet has marketed its Advanced Systems
products primarily to production and post-production companies in the film,
video, and broadcast industries. Discreet's principal marketing strategy has
been to create awareness of its systems and software through appearances at
major international computer graphics and broadcasting tradeshows, such as
NAB, ACM SIGGRAPH (U.S.), International Broadcasters Convention ("IBC")
(Europe), INTERBEE (Japan) and Montreaux (Europe). Discreet has supported this
marketing strategy with direct-mail advertising and advertisements in trade
publications. In addition, Discreet believes that the high quality of computer
images generated using its products results in significant industry awareness.
With permission from its customers, Discreet creates promotional materials
utilizing content created using Discreet's products.
Discreet is marketing its New Media Software products primarily through
direct mail advertising, advertising in trade publications, seminars and
roadshows, as well as at both international and local tradeshows. In addition,
Discreet provides co-operative advertising funding to a number of its
distributors who locally advertise its products. As Discreet broadens the
markets for these products, Discreet intends to expand its marketing efforts
accordingly.
Sales and Distribution. In North America, sales activities are conducted
from Discreet's Montreal headquarters, sales offices in Los Angeles, Chicago
and New York and field representatives based in Boston, San Francisco, and
Atlanta. In markets outside of North America, sales activities are conducted
from sales offices located in the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Germany,
Japan, Singapore, India, Hong Kong and Brazil. Discreet's headquarters and
each of its sales offices have sales and demonstration capabilities. Since the
beginning of fiscal 1997, Discreet has pursued a strategy of increasing the
number of distributors and resellers qualified to sell its products.
Distributors and resellers may sell Advanced Systems products, New Media
Software products, or both. Generally, customers purchasing Discreet's
products and/or peripherals from the distributors will also purchase the
workstation hardware from the distributors. Discreet currently has
distribution relationships with over 340 distributors and resellers in over 80
countries. As of August 31, 1998, Discreet employed 51 Advanced Systems and 13
New Media Software sales and sales support personnel and 34 demonstration
artists worldwide.
Discreet's Advanced Systems products are sold through its direct sales
organization in its primary markets. In the United States, Discreet maintains
a direct sales presence in its primary markets including New York, Chicago and
Los Angeles. Outside of the United States, Discreet maintains a direct sales
presence in its primary markets, including London, Paris, Munich, Singapore
and Tokyo. In geographic areas generally not served by Discreet's direct sales
organization, Discreet's Advanced Systems products are sold through high-end
distributors and resellers, who are managed by Discreet's sales managers.
Discreet's strategy of marketing its products directly to customers and
indirectly through distributors may result in distribution channel conflicts
as Discreet's direct sales efforts may compete with those of its indirect
channels. Some of these distributors or resellers may receive a finder's fee
for customer system purchases from Discreet's direct sales organization.
Discreet's New Media Software products are sold through distributors and
resellers, who are managed by Discreet's sales managers.
147
International Revenues. For fiscal 1996, 1997 and 1998, revenues from
customers outside North America accounted for approximately 57%, 57% and 53%,
respectively, of Discreet's total revenues. Discreet expects that revenues
from customers outside North America will continue to account for a
substantial portion of its revenues.
Reseller Arrangements. Discreet is a master value added reseller ("VAR") of
SGI workstations. There are significant risks associated with this reliance on
SGI and Discreet may be impacted by the timing of the development and release
of products by SGI, as was the case during fiscal 1996. In addition, Discreet
has faced and may in the future face unforeseen difficulties associated with
adapting Discreet's products to future SGI products. In May 1994, Discreet
entered into a Value-Added Reseller Agreement with SGI. The agreement grants
to Discreet a non-exclusive right to purchase and license certain hardware
products from SGI, including the SGI Onyx2, Octane, and O2 workstations for
remarketing by Discreet in the United States. Although the agreement contains
no minimum purchase requirements, the volume of systems purchased from SGI
affects the percentage discount received by Discreet. The agreement is subject
to annual renewal in May of each year and may be terminated by SGI for cause.
The agreement with SGI has been extended through December 31, 1998, and
Discreet has no reason to believe that SGI will not renew such agreement.
Discreet also acts as a reseller and systems integrator of certain peripheral
devices used in Discreet's systems, including audio and video I/O cards and
electronic tablets. Discreet receives discounts for the purchase price of
these products.
Backlog. Discreet has no significant backlog and does not believe that its
backlog at any particular point in time is indicative of future sales levels.
SYSTEMS INTEGRATION, SERVICE AND SUPPORT
Discreet provides its customers with a variety of systems integration,
support and training services including on-site and telephone support, and in-
house and on-site training in the use of Discreet's products. These services
are generally provided under separately priced arrangements with Discreet's
customers. In some markets, these services are provided by Discreet's
distributors who are compensated for such services directly by the customer.
Discreet maintains a staff of persons dedicated to training its distributors
in the performance of these services. Discreet believes that its focus on
customer service provides it with important information about the evolving
needs of its customers. Discreet derived revenues of approximately
$11,713,000, $13,606,000 and $14,050,000 from these services in fiscal 1996,
1997 and 1998, respectively.
Discreet supports its customers in North and South America from Discreet's
Montreal and other North American offices, and through its distributors.
Customers in Europe and the Pacific Rim are supported from the offices of
Discreet's European and Asian subsidiaries and by distributors. As of August
31, 1998, Discreet employed a total of 104 persons worldwide in its customer
support organization.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Discreet's research and product development efforts are focused on the
continued enhancement of its Advanced Systems and its New Media Software
products and the development of new products. Discreet employs a modular
development approach which it believes allows it to bring innovative
technology to market more rapidly than traditional analog or proprietary
hardware-based digital solutions and enables it to take advantage of advances
in general purpose workstation technology as they become available. Discreet
intends to continue to enhance and upgrade these products on a regular basis.
In fiscal 1996, 1997 and 1998, Discreet spent approximately $14,402,000,
$9,708,000 and $14,847,000 (net of tax credits), respectively, on research
and development, representing 17%, 10% and 10%, respectively, of total
revenues. Discreet's research and development staff consisted of 113 persons
as of August 31, 1998.
The markets for Discreet's systems and software are characterized by
evolving industry standards, changing technologies and frequent new product
introductions. Discreet believes that its future success will depend in part
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on its ability to enhance its existing systems and software and to develop and
introduce new products and features which meet changing customer requirements
and emerging industry standards on a timely basis. In addition, as a master
VAR of SGI workstations, Discreet obtains certain advance access to SGI
technology which facilitates its efforts to develop compatible systems and to
modify and improve existing products. If Discreet were unable to obtain such
advance access, it could have an adverse impact on Discreet's business and
results of operations.
On March 4, 1998, Discreet entered into a Strategic Development Agreement
with Intel to develop a new high-end special effects product. Discreet Logic
plans to develop new visual effects software for demanding real-time
compositing and image processing functions. The software will be designed to
run on multi-processor workstations based on the IA-64 processors and is
expected to deliver powerful performance capabilities for the visual effects
industry. Intel will provide access to IA-64 technology, aid in optimization
of the software, and design components of Merced processor-based workstations
to run the software optimally.
PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
Discreet's success is dependent upon its proprietary technology. Although
Discreet currently has seven patents and has 78 patent applications on its
technology, it relies principally on unregistered copyrights and trade secrets
to protect its intellectual property. Discreet generally seeks to enter into
confidentiality agreements with its employees and license agreements with its
distributors and to limit access to and distribution of its systems, software,
documentation and other proprietary information. Until fiscal 1996,
substantially all of Discreet's systems were sold without written license
agreements. There can be no assurance that Discreet will not be involved in
litigation with respect thereto or that the outcome of any such litigation
might not be more unfavorable to Discreet as a result of such omissions. Any
such litigation could have a material adverse effect on Discreet's business
and results of operations. Discreet licenses its New Media Software products
under "shrink-wrap" licenses (i.e., licenses included as part of the product
packaging). Shrink-wrap licenses are not negotiated with or signed by
individual licensees, and purport to take effect upon the opening of the
product package. Certain provisions of such licenses, including provisions
protecting against unauthorized use, copying, transfer and disclosure of the
licensed program, may be unenforceable under the laws of many jurisdictions.
Discreet uses both software and hardware keys with respect to its systems and
software but otherwise does not copy-protect its systems and software. It may
be possible for unauthorized third parties to copy Discreet's products or to
reverse engineer or obtain and use information that Discreet regards as
proprietary. There can be no assurance that Discreet's competitors will not
independently develop technologies that are substantially equivalent or
superior to Discreet's technologies. In addition, the laws of certain
countries in which Discreet's products are or may be distributed do not
protect Discreet's products and intellectual property rights to the same
extent as the laws of Canada or the United States. As the number of software
products in the industry increases and the functionality of these products
further overlaps, Discreet believes that software products generally may
increasingly become the subject of claims that such software products infringe
the rights of others.
Significant and protracted litigation may be necessary to protect Discreet's
intellectual property rights, to determine the scope of the proprietary rights
of others or to defend against claims of infringement. Discreet is not
currently involved in any litigation with respect to intellectual property
rights. Discreet receives letters from third parties, from time to time,
inquiring about Discreet's products and discussing intellectual property
matters, which Discreet reviews to determine the appropriate response, if any.
There can be no assurance that third-party claims alleging infringements will
not be asserted against Discreet in the future. For example, Discreet received
a letter from Avid Technology, Inc. ("Avid") stating its belief that certain
of Discreet's acquired products in connection with the acquisition of the
outstanding shares of the share capital of D-Vision practice inventions
claimed in a patent on a media editing system. Discreet has responded to
Avid's letter stating Discreet's belief that it is not infringing upon any
valid claim of Avid's patent. To Discreet's knowledge, Avid has not initiated
any suit, action, or other proceeding alleging any infringement by Discreet of
such patent. If infringement is alleged by Avid, or any other holder of
protected intellectual property rights, Discreet could be required to
discontinue the use of certain software code or processes, to cease the
manufacture, use and sale of infringing products, to incur significant
litigation costs and expenses, to develop non-infringing technology or to
obtain licenses to use the allegedly infringed technology. There can be no
assurance that Discreet would be able to
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develop alternative technologies or to obtain such licenses or, if a license
were obtainable, that the terms would be commercially reasonable or acceptable
to Discreet. Moreover, there may be pending or issued patents that extend to
Discreet's products, which, together with the growing use of patents to
protect technology, increase the risk that third parties may assert
infringement claims against Discreet in the future. There can be no assurance
that a court to which any infringement claims are submitted would not find
that Discreet's products infringe any third party's intellectual property
rights. Further, such litigation, regardless of its outcome, could result in
substantial costs to and diversion of efforts by Discreet. Litigation may also
be necessary to enforce Discreet's intellectual property rights. Any
infringement claim or other litigation against or by Discreet could have a
material adverse effect on Discreet's business and results of operations.
MANUFACTURING AND SUPPLIERS
Discreet has historically relied on third-party vendors to manufacture and
supply all of the hardware components used in Discreet's systems.
Manufacturing at Discreet consists of assembly (including disk array
assembly), testing, and value added systems integration. Discreet's
manufacturing staff consisted of 15 persons as of August 31, 1998.
Discreet's flame*, effect*, inferno*, fire*, smoke* and frost* software
currently run on workstations manufactured by SGI. There are significant risks
associated with this reliance on SGI and Discreet may be impacted by the
timing of the development and release of products by SGI, as was the case
during fiscal 1996. In addition, there may be unforeseen difficulties
associated with adapting Discreet's products to future SGI products. Discreet
is an authorized master VAR of workstations manufactured by SGI. Discreet's
agreement with SGI is subject to annual renewal in May of each year and
termination by SGI for cause. The agreement with SGI has been extended through
December 31, 1998 and Discreet has no reason to believe that SGI will not
renew such agreement. In addition, although Discreet has no reason to believe
that it will be unable to obtain sufficient quantities of SGI workstations on
a timely basis or that its status as a master VAR will be changed, there can
be no assurance that Discreet will continue to be able to procure such
workstations in sufficient quantities on a timely basis or that SGI will
continue to recognize Discreet as a master VAR. The success of Discreet also
depends, in part, on the continued market acceptance of SGI workstations, in
general, and by the professional film and video industries, in particular.
Although Discreet intends to continue to evaluate new hardware platforms and
may adapt its products as technological advances and market demands dictate,
and although Discreet has now entered the market for content creation software
which runs on the Apple Macintosh and Windows NT operating systems, Discreet
believes that it will continue to derive substantially all of its revenue for
the foreseeable future from the sale and maintenance of systems designed to
include SGI workstations. As a result, financial, market and other
developments adversely affecting SGI or the sales of workstations, the
introduction or acquisition by SGI of products which are competitive with
those of Discreet, or the unanticipated timing or pricing of SGI products that
could cause customers to defer the decision to buy or determine not to buy
Discreet's then available products or systems, could have an adverse effect
upon Discreet's business and results of operations. As a master VAR, Discreet
also obtains certain advance access to SGI technology in order to develop
compatible systems and to modify and improve existing products. If Discreet
were unable to obtain such advance access, it could have an adverse impact on
Discreet's business and results of operations.
Discreet is dependent on SGI as Discreet's sole source for video I/O cards
used in Discreet's systems. Discreet also purchases electronic tablets
manufactured by Wacom Technology Corporation and believes that, while
alternative suppliers are available, there can be no assurance that
alternative electronic tablets would be functionally equivalent or be
available on a timely basis or on similar terms. Discreet generally purchases
sole source or other components pursuant to purchase orders placed from time
to time in the ordinary course of business and has no written agreements or
guaranteed supply arrangements with its sole source suppliers. Discreet has
experienced quality control problems and supply shortages for sole source
components in the past and there can be no assurance that Discreet will not
experience significant quality control problems or supply shortages for these
components in the future. Discreet does not maintain an extensive inventory of
these components, and an interruption in supply could have a material adverse
effect on Discreet's business and results
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of operations. Because of Discreet's reliance on these vendors, Discreet may
also be subject to increases in component costs which could adversely affect
Discreet's business and results of operations.
COMPETITION
The market in which Discreet competes is characterized by intense
competition. In the high-end of the special effects market, Discreet's flame*
system competes with Quantel Limited's ("Quantel") Henry product. In certain
applications in the non-real-time segment of the market, Discreet's effect* on
the SGI O2 workstation competes with Avid's Illusion product. Discreet's
inferno* system competes with Quantel's Domino product. Discreet's fire* and
smoke* systems competes with Quantel's Editbox product and Sony Corporation's
("Sony") range of proprietary editing equipment. In addition, the products
gained from the Denim Acquisition and the D-Vision Acquisition compete with
Adobe Systems Incorporated's ("Adobe") special effects products and Avid's and
Media 100 Inc.'s ("Media 100") range of editing products. Many of Discreet's
current and prospective competitors, including Quantel, Avid, Sony, and Adobe,
have significantly greater financial, technical, manufacturing and marketing
resources than Discreet. Moreover, these companies may introduce additional
products that are competitive with those of Discreet, and there can be no
assurance that Discreet's products would compete effectively with such
products. In addition, as personal computers become more powerful, software
suppliers may be able to introduce products for personal computers that would
be competitive with Discreet's products in terms of price and performance for
professional users.
Discreet believes that its ability to compete depends on elements both
within and outside its control, including the success and timing of new
product development and introduction by Discreet and its competitors, product
performance and price, distribution and customer support. There can be no
assurance that Discreet will be able to compete successfully with respect to
these factors. Although Discreet believes that it has certain technological
and other advantages over its competitors, maintaining such advantages will
require continued investment by Discreet in research and development, sales
and marketing and customer service and support. There can be no assurance that
Discreet will have sufficient resources to make such investments or that
Discreet will be able to make the technological advances necessary to maintain
such competitive advantages. In addition, as Discreet enters new markets,
distribution channels, technical requirements and levels and bases of
competition may be different than those in Discreet's current markets and
there can be no assurance that Discreet will be able to compete favorably.
Furthermore, competitive pressures or other factors, including Discreet's
entry into new markets, may result in significant price erosion that could
have a material adverse effect on Discreet's business and results of
operations.
EMPLOYEES
As of August 31, 1998, Discreet had 405 full-time employees. Of such
employees, 113 were employed in research and development, 98 in sales, 18 in
marketing, 104 in customer support, 15 in manufacturing and 57 in
administration and finance. Discreet believes that its future success will
depend in large part upon its ability to attract and retain highly skilled
technical, management and sales and marketing personnel. Moreover, because the
development and marketing of Discreet's Advanced Systems and New Media
Software requires knowledge of film and video production and post-production,
key technical personnel must be proficient in a number of disciplines.
Competition for such technical personnel is intense, and the failure of
Discreet to hire and retain talented technical personnel or the loss of one or
more key employees could have an adverse effect on Discreet's business and
results of operations. Discreet's employees are not represented by a labor
union, and Discreet considers its employee relations to be good.
PROPERTIES
In July 1997, Discreet signed an agreement to rent space for its new
headquarters in Montreal from TGR Zone Corporation ("TGR Zone"), a company
indirectly owned by Discreet's Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer. As part of this agreement, TGR Zone assumed Discreet's lease
commitment at its previous Montreal location. The agreement provides that
Discreet leases approximately 55,000 square feet of space at
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approximately Cdn$13.00 (or approximately $8.86 at June 30, 1998) per square
foot per annum subject to normal escalation clauses. The lease is set to
expire in July 2007. The lease was signed in October 1997. As of August 31,
1998, Discreet leased sales offices, research and development facilities
and/or warehouse space in the United States, Brazil, France, the United
Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Singapore, India, Hong Kong and Japan, pursuant to
leases which expire from September 1998 through February 2003. Discreet's
current aggregate annual rental expense for these additional facilities is
approximately $1,175,000.
In August 1995, Discreet purchased an approximately 10,000 square foot
office building in London, England for use as a sales facility for
approximately (Pounds)1,148,000 (or approximately $1,916,000 at June 30,
1998). Subsequently, in December 1995, Discreet purchased an approximately
50,000 square foot office building in Montreal, Quebec for Cdn$1,730,000
(approximately $1,250,000 at June 30, 1997). The carrying values of the
Montreal building and the London building were written down to their estimated
fair market values and the buildings were classified as assets held for resale
in fiscal 1996. In September 1997, Discreet sold the Montreal office building
for a price not materially different from its carrying value.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On May 29, 1996, June 13, 1996 and April 29, 1997, certain of Discreet's
shareholders filed class action lawsuits alleging violations of federal
securities laws and other claims against Discreet and certain of its officers
and directors, among others. The three lawsuits were filed in the Superior
Court of the State of California, the United States District Court, District
of Massachusetts and the United States District Court, Northern District of
California, respectively. On or about November 25, 1997, a settlement of all
three shareholder class actions received final court approval. Under the
$10,800,000 settlement, Discreet contributed approximately $7,400,000 from its
own funds, with the remainder provided by insurance.
On June 2, 1998, Discreet was named as a defendant in a breach of warranty
action filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York for the County of
New York entitled Griffith & Tekushan, Inc. v. Discreet Logic, Inc. (Index No.
602684/98) (the "Action"). The complaint alleges, among other things, that
Discreet breached certain warranties arising out of a software licensing
agreement and seeks damages of $1 million. On July 10, 1998, the Action was
removed from state court to the United States District Court for the Southern
District of New York (Case No. 98 Civ. 4909 (BSJ)). On July 17, 1998, Discreet
filed a motion to dismiss the Action in its entirety. The motion to dismiss is
currently pending. Discreet intends to contest this case vigorously; however,
the ultimate outcome of the case cannot be predicted at this point.
On August 28, 1998 a complaint was filed in the Marin County, California,
Superior Court, entitled Jerry Krim, on Behalf of Himself and All Others
Similarly Situated, vs. Discreet Logic Inc., et al., case No. 174792. The
lawsuit relates to the proposed Transactions and names as defendants certain
of Discreet's directors and certain unidentified "John Does." The complaint
alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders in
connection with the proposed Transactions. The complaint asks the court to
enjoin the consummation of the Transactions or, alternatively, seeks to
rescind the Transactions or an award of unspecified damages from the
defendants in the event the Transactions are consummated. Discreet believes
the claims asserted in the complaint are without merit and intends to
vigorously contest them.
RECENT ACQUISITIONS
On July 15, 1997, Discreet acquired all of the outstanding shares of capital
stock of D-Vision pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of July 10,
1997, among Discreet, D-Vision, the former stockholders of D-Vision and
certain other individuals. As a result of the D-Vision acquisition, Discreet
acquired the D-Vision OnLINE and PRO software products for non-linear video
and digital media editing solutions including related know-how and goodwill.
The purchase price was paid in a combination of 555,000 newly issued Discreet
Common Shares and approximately $10,750,000 in cash. In addition,
approximately $4,000,000 of the cash consideration is being held in escrow
until September 30, 1999, subject to (i) earlier release from escrow of up
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to $1,900,000 on September 30, 1998, pending satisfactory resolution of a
dispute regarding an indemnification claim against such escrow, and (ii) the
resolution of any indemnification claims made by Discreet pursuant to the
Stock Purchase Agreement. The D-Vision acquisition was accounted for as a
purchase. The cash used by Discreet to fund the acquisition was derived
primarily from cash flow from operations. A substantial portion of the
purchase price, net liabilities of D-Vision and transaction costs was
allocated to purchased in-process research and development, that had not yet
reached technical feasibility and had no alternative use, for which Discreet
incurred a one-time charge against earnings in the amount of $21,000,000
($0.72 per share), in the quarter ending September 30, 1997, based on an
independent appraisal. The terms of the transaction and the consideration
received by the D-Vision stockholders were the result of arms-length
negotiations between the representatives of Discreet and D-Vision. D-Vision
develops Microsoft Windows NT-based non-linear, digital editing solutions.
On December 2, 1997, Discreet entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger
and Reorganization (the "Merger Agreement") with Lantern Acquisition Corp., a
Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Discreet ("Merger Sub"),
and Lightscape Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Lightscape"). On
December 30, 1997, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, and upon the satisfaction
of certain closing conditions, Merger Sub merged (the "Lightscape Merger")
with and into Lightscape with Lightscape as the surviving corporation and a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Discreet. As a result of the Lightscape Merger,
Discreet acquired, among other products, the Lightscape product, a software
application which integrates radiosity and raytracing with physically based
lighting, including related know-how and goodwill. The aggregate purchase
price for Lightscape includes the assumption of approximately $5,700,000 of
net liabilities (of which approximately $3,400,000 was paid at the closing),
not including costs associated with the transaction, and up to $6,800,000 in
contingent consideration to be paid only if certain revenue objectives are
achieved by Lightscape in calendar 1998 and 1999. The Lightscape Merger has
been accounted for as a purchase. A substantial portion of the purchase price
and transaction costs was allocated to purchased in-process research and
development, that had not yet reached technical feasibility and had no
alternative use, for which Discreet incurred a one-time charge against
earnings in the amount of $5,800,000 ($0.20 per share), based on an
independent appraisal, in the quarter ended December 31, 1997 and
approximately $1,087,000 was allocated to intangible assets, which include
goodwill and acquired technology, and is being amortized on a straight-line
basis over their estimated useful lives of three to five years. The terms of
the transaction were the result of arm's-length negotiations between the
representatives of Discreet and Lightscape.
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DISCREET MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND
ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere herein.
CERTAIN FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS
The success of Discreet is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties,
including, without limitation, Discreet's ability to successfully develop,
introduce and gain customer acceptance of existing and new or enhanced
products; the need for the continued development of the market for Discreet's
systems; the ability of Discreet to expand its current market to include
additional applications and develop new products for related markets; the risk
that as Discreet enters new markets, the distribution channels, technical
requirements and levels and basis of competition may be different from those
in Discreet's current markets; the presence of competitors with greater
financial, technical, manufacturing, marketing and distribution resources; the
risk that the products and technologies acquired by Discreet through
acquisitions will not be successful, achieve market acceptance or be
successfully integrated with Discreet's existing products and business; the
risk of quarterly fluctuations in Discreet's operating results; the risk of
Discreet's reliance on SGI for the workstations included in Discreet's systems
including the impact of the timing of the development and release of SGI
products as well as unforeseen difficulties associated with adapting
Discreet's products to future SGI products; the risk that Discreet derives a
significant portion of its revenues from foreign sales; Discreet's reliance
principally on unregistered copyrights and trade secrets to protect its
intellectual property; the risk that Discreet's direct sales efforts may
compete with those of its indirect channels; the risk of Discreet's reliance
on SGI as the sole source for video input/output cards used in Discreet's
systems; Discreet's dependence on key management and technical employees;
market price fluctuations due to quarter-to-quarter variations in Discreet's
operating results, announcements of technological innovations or new products
by Discreet or its competitors and the historical fluctuations in market
prices of technology companies generally; and other risks detailed from time
to time in Discreet's filings with the SEC, including this Proxy Circular.
Information provided by Discreet from time to time including statements in
this Proxy Circular which are not historical facts, are so-called forward-
looking statements, and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and releases of the SEC. In
particular, statements contained in the section entitled "Discreet
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" which are not historical facts (including, but not limited to,
statements regarding Discreet's anticipated cost of revenues, statements
concerning anticipated expense levels and such expenses as a percentage of
revenues, statements about the portion of revenues from customers outside
North America and statements regarding the adequacy of cash to meet cash
operations and capital expenditures), as well as statements contained in
"Discreet--Business--Background," "--Marketing and Sales," "--Research and
Development," "--Proprietary Rights," "--Manufacturing and Suppliers," "--
Competition," "--Employees" and "--Legal Proceedings" which are not historical
facts, may constitute forward-looking statements. Discreet's actual future
results may differ significantly from those stated in any forward-looking
statements. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not
limited to, the factors discussed immediately above and below under the
heading "--Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results," and elsewhere in
this Proxy Circular, as well as from time to time in Discreet's other filings
with the SEC.
Discreet's future results are subject to substantial risks and
uncertainties. Discreet's future financial performance will depend in part on
the successful development, introduction and customer acceptance of its
existing and new or enhanced products. In addition, in order for Discreet to
achieve sustained growth, the market for Discreet's systems and software must
continue to develop and Discreet must expand this market to include additional
applications within the film and video industries and develop or acquire new
products for use in related markets. There can be no assurance that Discreet
will be successful in marketing its existing or any new or enhanced products.
In addition, as Discreet enters new markets, distribution channels, technical
requirements
154
and levels and bases of competition may be different from those in Discreet's
current markets and there can be no assurance that Discreet will be able to
compete favorably. The markets in which Discreet competes are characterized by
intense competition and many of Discreet's current and prospective competitors
have significantly greater financial, technical, manufacturing and marketing
resources than Discreet. These companies may introduce additional products
that are competitive with those of Discreet, and there can be no assurance
that Discreet's products would compete effectively with such products.
Furthermore, competitive pressures or other factors, including Discreet's
entry into new markets, may result in significant price erosion that could
have a material adverse effect on Discreet's business and results of
operations. Discreet has recently completed the purchase of certain products
and technology through acquisitions. There can be no assurance that the
products and technologies acquired from these companies will be successful or
will achieve market acceptance, or that Discreet will not incur disruptions
and unexpected expenses in integrating the operations of the acquired
businesses with those of Discreet.
Discreet's flame*, effect*, inferno*, fire*, smoke* and frost* systems
currently include workstations manufactured by SGI. There are significant
risks associated with this reliance on SGI and Discreet may be impacted by the
timing of the development and release of products by SGI, as was the case
during fiscal 1996. In addition, there may be unforeseen difficulties
associated with adapting Discreet's products to future SGI products. Discreet
derives a significant portion of its total revenues from foreign sales.
Foreign sales are subject to significant risks, including unexpected legal,
tax and exchange rate changes (including the recent currency volatility in
Asia) and other barriers. In addition, foreign customers may have longer
payment cycles and the protection of intellectual property in foreign
countries may be more difficult to enforce. Discreet currently relies
principally on unregistered copyrights and trade secrets to protect its
intellectual property. Any invalidation of Discreet's intellectual property
rights or lengthy and expensive defense of those rights could have a material
adverse effect on Discreet. Discreet receives letters from third parties, from
time to time, inquiring about Discreet's products and discussing intellectual
property matters, which Discreet reviews to determine the appropriate
response, if any. For example, Discreet received a letter from Avid stating
its belief that certain of Discreet's recently acquired D-Vision products
practice inventions claimed in a patent on a media editing system. Discreet
has responded to Avid's letter stating Discreet's belief that Discreet is not
infringing any valid claim of Avid's patent. To Discreet's knowledge, Avid has
not initiated any suit, action or other proceeding alleging any infringement
by Discreet of such patent. Discreet currently markets its systems through its
direct sales organization and through distributors. This marketing strategy
may result in distribution channel conflicts as Discreet's direct sales
efforts may compete with those of its indirect channels. Discreet currently
relies on SGI as the sole source for video input/output cards used in
Discreet's systems. An interruption of the supply or increase in the price of
these components could have a material adverse effect on Discreet's business
and results of operations. To date, Discreet has depended to a significant
extent upon a number of key management and technical employees and Discreet's
ability to manage its operations will require it to continue to recruit and
retain senior management personnel and to motivate and effectively manage its
employee base. The loss of the services of one or more of these key employees
could have a material adverse effect on Discreet's business and results of
operations. There can be no assurance that these factors will not have a
material adverse effect on Discreet's future international sales and
consequently, on Discreet's business and results of operations.
The market price of Discreet Common Shares could be subject to significant
fluctuations in response to quarter-to-quarter variations in Discreet's
operating results, announcements of technological innovations or new products
by Discreet, its competitors or suppliers and other events or factors. In
addition, the stock market in recent years has experienced extreme price and
volume fluctuations that have particularly affected the market prices of many
technology companies and that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to
the operational performance of these companies. These fluctuations, as well as
general economic and market conditions, may materially and adversely affect
the market price of Discreet Common Shares.
Discreet believes that its operating results could vary significantly from
quarter to quarter. A limited number of systems sales may account for a
substantial percentage of Discreet's quarterly revenue because of the high
average sales price of such systems and the timing of purchase orders.
Historically, Discreet has generally experienced greater revenues during the
period following the completion of the annual conference of the NAB,
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which is typically held in April. Discreet's expense levels are based, in
part, on its expectations of future revenues. Therefore, if revenue levels are
below expectations, particularly following NAB, Discreet's operating results
are likely to be adversely affected as was the case for the three-month
periods ended April 30, 1996 and July 31, 1996. In addition, the timing of
revenue is influenced by a number of other factors, including: the timing of
individual orders and shipments, other industry trade shows, competition,
seasonal customer buying patterns, changes to customer buying patterns in
response to platform changes and changes in product development and sales and
marketing expenditures. Because Discreet's operating expenses are based on
anticipated revenue levels and a high percentage of Discreet's expenses are
relatively fixed in the short term, variations in the timing of recognition of
revenue could cause significant fluctuations in operating results from quarter
to quarter and may result in unanticipated quarterly earnings shortfalls or
losses. There can be no assurance that Discreet will be successful in
maintaining or improving its profitability or avoiding losses in any future
period. Discreet believes that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of its financial
results are not necessarily meaningful and should not be relied upon as an
indication of future performance.
OVERVIEW
General
Discreet develops, assembles, markets and supports non-linear, on-line
digital systems and software for creating, editing and compositing imagery and
special effects for film, video, HDTV, broadcast and the Web. Discreet's
systems and software are utilized by creative professionals for a variety of
applications, including feature films, television programs, commercials, music
and corporate videos, interactive game production, live broadcasting as well
as Web design. Discreet's revenues consist of product revenues (including
licensing of its software, sales of Discreet's proprietary hardware, and
resale of third party hardware) and revenues from maintenance and other
services (including consulting and training). Effective January 1, 1998,
Discreet has recognized revenue in accordance with Statement of Position (SOP)
97-2, entitled "Software Revenue Recognition," issued by the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The adoption of SOP 97-2 has not
had a material impact on revenue recognition.
Proposed Transaction with Autodesk
On August 20, 1998, Discreet announced that it has entered into a definitive
agreement providing for the acquisition of Discreet by Autodesk. Under the
terms of the agreement, Autodesk will exchange 0.525 shares of its common
stock for each outstanding share of Discreet. The transaction is intended to
be accounted for as a pooling of interests. Subject to several conditions,
including regulatory approvals and approval of the shareholders of both
companies, the transaction is expected to close by December 31, 1998. Until
this transaction is finalized, both companies will operate as separate
entities.
Private Placement of Shares to Intel Corporation
On March 4, 1998, Discreet completed a private placement sale to Intel
Corporation of 645,000 Discreet Common Shares for proceeds to Discreet of
approximately $13,527,000, net of issuance costs.
Legal Proceedings
On May 29, 1996, June 13, 1996 and April 29, 1997 certain of Discreet's
shareholders filed class action lawsuits alleging violations of federal
securities laws and other claims against Discreet and certain of its officers
and directors, among others. The three lawsuits were filed in the Superior
Court of the State of California, the United States District Court, District
of Massachusetts and the United States District Court, Northern District of
California, respectively. On or about November 25, 1997, a settlement of all
three shareholder class actions received final court approval. Under the
$10,800,000 settlement, Discreet contributed approximately $7,400,000 from its
own funds, with the remainder provided by insurance.
156
On June 2, 1998, Discreet was named as a defendant in a breach of warranty
action filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York for the County of
New York entitled Griffith & Tekushan, Inc. v. Discreet Logic Inc. (Index No.
602684/98) (the "Action"). The complaint alleges, among other things, that
Discreet breached certain warranties arising out of a software licensing
agreement and seeks damages of $1 million. On July 10, 1998, the Action was
removed from state court to the United States District Court for the Southern
District of New York (Case No. 98 Civ. 4909 (BSJ)). On July 17, 1998, Discreet
filed a motion to dismiss the Action in its entirety. The motion to dismiss is
currently pending. Discreet intends to contest this case vigorously; however,
the ultimate outcome of the case cannot be predicted at this point.
On August 28, 1998, a complaint was filed in the Marin County, California,
Superior Court, entitled Jerry Krim, on Behalf of Himself and All Others
Similarly Situated, vs. Discreet Logic Inc., et al., case No. 174792. The
lawsuit relates to the proposed Transactions and names as defendants certain
of Discreet's directors and certain unidentified "John Does." The complaint
alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders in
connection with the proposed Transactions. The complaint asks the court to
enjoin the consummation of the Transactions or, alternatively, seeks to
rescind the Transactions or an award of unspecified damages from the
defendants in the event the Transactions are consummated. Discreet believes
the claims asserted in the complaint are without merit and intends to
vigorously contest them.
Recent Acquisitions
On July 15, 1997, Discreet acquired all of the outstanding shares of capital
stock of D-Vision pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of July 10,
1997, among Discreet, D-Vision, the former stockholders of D-Vision and
certain other individuals. As a result of the D-Vision acquisition, Discreet
acquired the D-Vision OnLINE and PRO software products for non-linear video
and digital media editing solutions including related know-how and goodwill.
The purchase price was paid in a combination of 555,000 newly issued Discreet
Common Shares and approximately $10,750,000 in cash. In addition,
approximately $4,000,000 of the cash consideration is being held in escrow
until September 30, 1999, subject to (i) earlier release from escrow of up to
$1,900,000 on September 30, 1998, pending satisfactory resolution of a dispute
regarding an indemnification claim against such escrow, and (ii) the
resolution of any indemnification claims made by Discreet pursuant to the
Stock Purchase Agreement. The D-Vision acquisition was accounted for as a
purchase. The cash used by Discreet to fund the acquisition was derived
primarily from cash flow from operations. A substantial portion of the
purchase price, net liabilities of D-Vision and transaction costs was
allocated to purchased in-process research and development that had not yet
reached technical feasibility and had no alternative use for which Discreet
incurred a one-time charge against earnings in the amount of $21,000,000
($0.72 per share), in the quarter ending September 30, 1997, based on an
independent appraisal. The terms of the transaction and the consideration
received by the D-Vision stockholders were the result of arms-length
negotiations between the representatives of Discreet Logic and D-Vision. D-
Vision develops Microsoft Windows NT-based non-linear, digital editing
solutions.
On December 2, 1997, Discreet entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger
and Reorganization (the "Merger Agreement") with Lantern Acquisition Corp., a
Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Discreet Logic ("Merger
Sub"), and Lightscape Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("Lightscape"). On December 30, 1997, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, and
upon the satisfaction of certain closing conditions, Merger Sub merged (the
"Lightscape Merger") with and into Lightscape with Lightscape as the surviving
corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Discreet. As a result of the
Lightscape Merger, Discreet acquired, among other products, the Lightscape TM
product, a software application which integrates radiosity and raytracing with
physically based lighting, including related know-how and goodwill. The
aggregate purchase price for Lightscape includes the assumption of
approximately $5,700,000 of net liabilities (of which approximately $3,400,000
was paid at the closing), not including costs associated with the transaction,
and up to $6,800,000 in contingent consideration to be paid only if certain
revenue objectives are achieved by Lightscape in calendar 1998 and 1999. The
Lightscape Merger has been accounted for as a purchase. A substantial portion
of the purchase price and transaction costs was allocated to purchased in-
process research and development that
157
had not yet reached technical feasibility and had no alternative use for which
Discreet incurred a one-time charge against earnings in the amount of
$5,800,000 ($0.20 per share), based on an independent appraisal, in the
quarter ended December 31, 1997 and approximately $1,087,000 was allocated to
intangible assets, which include goodwill and acquired technology, and is
being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of
three to five years. The terms of the transaction were the result of arms'-
length negotiations between the representatives of Discreet and Lightscape.
Restructurings
During the fiscal year ended July 31, 1996, excluding a restructuring charge
of $15,000,000 and its related tax effects, Discreet incurred a net loss of
approximately $31,000,000 on revenues of approximately $83,997,000. In
response to the financial results and other developments facing the business,
Discreet developed a restructuring plan during the fourth fiscal quarter of
1996. Discreet began implementation of its restructuring plan in the fourth
fiscal quarter of 1996 and had substantially completed the implementation of
the plan at the end of fiscal 1997. During the fourth fiscal quarter of 1998,
Discreet revised its estimates of remaining costs to be incurred and reversed
approximately $2,333,000 of reserves no longer considered to be necessary.
Discreet still has approximately $775,000 in restructuring reserves primarily
for the estimated cost of terminating leases, and the legal and taxation
winding down of several subsidiaries.
Discreet also recorded an unrelated restructuring charge in the fourth
fiscal quarter of 1998 in the amount of $829,000 for the estimated costs of
closing its U.K. research and development facility. As of June 30, 1998, the
closure was substantially complete and Discreet still has approximately
$50,000 in restructuring reserves primarily for the estimated cost of
professional fees associated with the winding down of this subsidiary. See
Note 19 of Notes to Discreet's Consolidated Financial Statements.
Change in Fiscal Year
On January 9, 1997, the Discreet Board approved the change of Discreet's
fiscal year end from July 31 to June 30. This change was effective beginning
with Discreet's second fiscal quarter of 1997. The consolidated financial
statements are presented for the year ended June 30, 1998, the eleven-month
period ended June 30, 1997 and the year ended July 31, 1996. Discreet prepares
consolidated financial statements, remeasures accounts in foreign currencies
to reflect changes in exchange rates and examines and adjusts certain reserve
accounts at the end of each quarter. Therefore, it is not practicable to
recast the 1996 fiscal year's results to reflect a June 30 fiscal year end.
Consequently, the results for the twelve-month period ended June 30, 1998 are
not directly comparable with those for the eleven-month period ended June 30,
1997, or the twelve-month period ended July 31, 1996.
Year 2000
Discreet has made preliminary assessments of its products and information
systems and has determined that they are Year 2000 compliant, or that only a
limited effort will be required to achieve compliance. Discreet is currently
proceeding with detailed reviews of every application used. It is expected
that some will have to be upgraded to Year 2000 compliant applications. Some
Discreet products run on platforms, or work with peripherals that are
currently not Year 2000 compliant. Accordingly, it is expected that some
customers may experience some difficulties related to non-Discreet products,
which may affect the performance of Discreet products and, therefore, lead to
an unusually high number of calls to Discreet's technical support department.
Discreet anticipates that the costs related to the detailed assessments,
application upgrades, and responding to the increased volume of support calls
will not be material to its results of operations, liquidity and capital
resources. Although management does not expect Year 2000 issues to have a
material impact on its business or future results of operations, there can be
no assurance that the potential problems described above, related to the
platforms and peripherals on and with which Discreet's products operate, will
be resolved in a timely manner, and that Discreet will not experience
significant costs or delays in developing versions of its products that are
compatible with Year 2000 compliant versions of these platforms and
peripherals.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth the percentages of total revenues represented
by certain line items in the statement of operations:
YEAR ELEVEN MONTHS YEAR
ENDED JULY 31, ENDED ENDED JUNE 30,
1996 JUNE 30, 1997 1998
-------------- ------------- --------------
Total revenues................. 100 % 100 % 100 %
Cost of revenues............... 59 47 41
--- --- ---
Gross profit............. 41 53 59
--- --- ---
Operating expenses:
Research and development... 17 10 10
Sales and marketing........ 31 23 23
General and
administrative............ 13 6 5
Write-down of investment... 3 -- --
Gain on sale of
investment................ -- -- (2)
Costs related to terminated
transaction............... -- -- 1
Write-off of purchased
research and development.. 10 10 18
Restructuring expense...... 18 -- (1)
Litigation and related
settlement expense........ 3 6 0
--- --- ---
Total operating
expenses................ 95 55 54
--- --- ---
Operating income (loss).. (54) (2) 5
Other income (expense)......... 3 1 2
--- --- ---
Income (loss) before income
taxes......................... (51) (1) 7
Provision for income taxes..... 2 6 7
--- --- ---
Net loss................. (53)% (7)% (0)%
=== === ===
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 AND ELEVEN MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
As discussed above, it is not practicable to recast prior quarterly results
to reflect new fiscal periodic reporting resulting from Discreet's previously
announced change in fiscal year end. Therefore, the results for the twelve-
month period ended June 30, 1998 are not directly comparable to the results of
the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997.
Total Revenues. Discreet's revenues consist of product revenues (including
licensing of its software, sales of Discreet's proprietary hardware, and
resale of third party hardware) and, to a lesser extent, revenues from
maintenance and other services (including consulting and training). Effective
January 1, 1998, Discreet has recognized revenue in accordance with Statement
of Position (SOP) 97-2, entitled Software Revenue Recognition, issued by the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The implementation of this
new standard did not have a material impact on the consolidated results of
operations. See Note 2(c) of Notes to Discreet's Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Total revenues were $151,558,000 and $101,924,000 for the twelve-month
period ended June 30, 1998, and the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997,
respectively. The increase in total revenues is primarily due to:
(1) increased penetration of inferno*; (2) increased penetration of flame* due
in part to the introduction of flame* on the SGI Octane platform resulting in
a significantly reduced system cost to customers; (3) the introduction of
smoke*; (4) the introduction of the New Media Software products acquired
through the Denim, D-Vision, and Lightscape acquisitions; and (5) the
additional month in the fiscal 1998 period. These increases were partially
offset by a decrease in revenues from Discreet's Broadcast Production
products.
159
Revenues from customers outside of North America were $80,691,000 (53% of
total revenues) and $58,171,000 (57% of total revenues) for the twelve-month
period ended June 30, 1998, and the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997,
respectively. Revenues from customers outside North America increased due to
the increased penetration of Discreet's products in Discreet's European and
Asian markets as well as the additional month in the fiscal 1998 period.
Discreet expects that revenues from customers outside of North America will
continue to account for a substantial portion of its revenues and should, as a
percentage of total revenues, increase slightly from current levels.
Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues consists primarily of the cost of
hardware sold (mainly workstations manufactured by SGI), cost of hardware
service contracts, cost of integration and hardware assembly, cost of service
personnel and the facilities, computing, benefits and other administrative
costs allocated to such personnel and the provision for inventory reserves.
Cost of revenues was $62,033,000 (41% of total revenues) and $47,571,000 (47%
of total revenues) for the twelve-month period ended June 30, 1998, and the
eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997, respectively. The decrease in cost of
revenues, as a percentage of total revenues, was primarily due to: (1) an
increase in sales to Discreet's indirect channel partners, whose purchases
from Discreet are predominantly software only and software and storage media
bundles since these indirect channel partners are themselves hardware
resellers; (2) porting certain of Discreet's software products to recently
available, lower priced workstations, resulting in a lower cost to Discreet
for the hardware component of system sales; and (3) the increased penetration
of Discreet's products in the Asian market where customers typically purchase
from Discreet only software or software and storage media bundles.
Additionally, in order to reflect inventory at its estimated net realizable
value, the Company recorded inventory reserves of $3,232,000 during the
eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997. No additional provision for inventory
was recorded in fiscal 1998. The decrease in cost of revenues, as a percentage
of total revenues, is also attributable to lower margins realized on systems
sold in the three-month period ended October 31, 1996 under an aggressive
sales program, including product discounts, designed to reduce the inventory
on hand at the end of the fourth fiscal quarter of 1996. Discreet expects that
cost of revenues, as a percentage of total revenues, should decrease slightly
from its current levels. However, cost of revenues remains difficult to
predict and is subject to fluctuations due to a number of factors including
product and product configuration mix and the proportion of direct and
indirect sales.
Research and Development. Research and development expenses consist
primarily of the cost of research and development personnel and the
facilities, depreciation on research and development equipment, computing,
benefits and other administrative costs allocated to such personnel, and
consulting fees. Expenditures for research and development, after deducting
Canadian federal and provincial tax credits, were $14,847,000 (10% of total
revenues) and $9,708,000 (10% of total revenues) for the twelve-month period
ended June 30, 1998, and the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997,
respectively. The increase in research and development expenses was primarily
due to: (1) an increase in the number of software engineers (including the
engineers joining Discreet as a result of the Denim, D-Vision and Lightscape
Acquisitions) to develop and enhance Discreet's existing and newly acquired
products and to develop new products, (2) an increase in depreciation charges
on the additional research and development equipment required for the
additional personnel, and (3) the additional month in the fiscal 1998 period.
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Software development
costs are considered for capitalization once technical feasibility has been
established. Discreet has not capitalized any software development costs to
date. Certain research and development expenditures are incurred substantially
in advance of related revenue and in some cases do not generate revenues.
Discreet expects that research and development expenses will increase from
current levels. Should revenues increase, Discreet expects that research and
development expenses, as a percentage of total revenues, should remain
approximately the same as current levels.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of
salaries, commissions and related benefits, facilities and administrative
costs allocated to Discreet's sales and marketing personnel, tradeshow
expenses, and dealer commissions. Sales and marketing expenses were
$34,321,000 (23% of total revenues) and $23,206,000 (23% of total revenues)
for the twelve-month period ended June 30, 1998, and the eleven-month period
ended June 30, 1997, respectively. The increase in sales and marketing
expenses, was primarily due
160
to: (1) the continued expansion of Discreet's direct and indirect sales
organization, including the operating costs of domestic sales offices and
foreign subsidiaries, (2) an increase in tradeshow activities, (3) the launch
of a corporate branding initiative in the fourth fiscal quarter of 1998, and
(4) the additional month in the fiscal 1998 period. Discreet expects that
sales and marketing expenses will increase from their current levels. Should
revenues increase, Discreet expects that sales and marketing expenses, as a
percentage of total revenues, should remain approximately the same as current
levels.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses include the
costs of finance and accounting, human resources, facilities, corporate
information systems, legal and other administrative functions of Discreet and
reserves for doubtful accounts receivable. General and administrative expenses
were $8,077,000 (5% of total revenues) and $6,396,000 (6% of total revenues)
for the twelve-month period ended June 30, 1998, and the eleven-month period
ended June 30, 1997, respectively. The increase in general and administrative
expenses is explained by an increase in personnel, as well as the additional
month in the fiscal 1998 period. Discreet expects that general and
administrative expenses will increase from their current levels. Should
revenues increase, Discreet expects that general and administrative expenses,
as a percentage of total revenues, should remain approximately the same as
current levels.
Gain on Sale of Investment. In the fourth fiscal quarter of 1998, Essential
Communications Corporation, a company in which Discreet held a minority
interest investment of preferred shares, was sold. As a result of this sale,
Discreet received proceeds of $2,500,000 in exchange for the preferred shares
held by it. Previously, in fiscal 1996, Discreet had taken a charge to
operations due to the uncertainty regarding the realizability of this
investment. Upon receipt of the proceeds, Discreet realized a gain of
$2,500,000.
Costs related to Terminated Transaction. In the fourth fiscal quarter of
1998, Discreet incurred $1,713,000 of costs related to the terminated
agreement to acquire MGI Software Corp.
Restructuring expense. In the fourth fiscal quarter of 1998, Discreet
reversed $2,333,000 of restructuring reserves. These reserves were for the
estimated cost of buying out the lease for the previous Montreal headquarters
and were no longer considered necessary as an assignment of this lease was
negotiated during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998. This reversal was
offset by an additional accrual of $829,000 to accrue the cost of closing
Discreet's U.K. research and development facility. The closure of this
facility substantially was completed by June 30, 1998. See Note 19 of Notes to
Discreet's Consolidated Financial Statements.
Charge for Purchased Research and Development. In connection with the
Lightscape acquisition, Discreet expensed $5,800,000, based on an independent
appraisal, of in-process research and development that had not yet reached
technological feasibility and had no alternative use, in the three-month
period ended December 31, 1997. In connection with the D-Vision acquisition,
Discreet expensed $21,000,000, based on an independent appraisal, of in-
process research and development, that had not yet reached technological
feasibility and had no alternative use, in the three-month period ended
September 30, 1997. During the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997,
Discreet expensed $9,800,000, based on an independent appraisal, of in-process
and development related to the Denim Acquisition, that had not yet reached
technical feasibility and had no alternative use. See Note 15 of Notes to
Discreet's Consolidated Financial Statements.
Litigation and Related Settlement Expenses. In the third fiscal quarter of
1998, Discreet reversed $405,000 of litigation and related settlement expenses
in order to adjust previously estimated legal costs to the actual amount of
costs incurred to settle the class action litigations. During the eleven-month
period ended June 30, 1997, Discreet recorded a provision of $6,500,000 to
accrue the additional estimated settlement costs to be borne by Discreet. See
Note 5 of Notes to Discreet's Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other Income (Expense). Other Income (Expense) primarily consists of foreign
currency gains and losses and interest income and expense. Foreign currency
translation resulted in gains of $1,083,000 and losses of $188,000 for the
twelve-month period ended June 30, 1998, and the eleven-month period ended
June 30, 1997, respectively. Included in the gains of $1,083,000 are the
following significant items: a gain of approximately
161
$320,000 realized on the dissolution of Discreet's Barbados subsidiary and the
legal transfer of its assets and liabilities to Discreet (this subsidiary's
functional currency was the US dollar whereas Discreet's functional currency
is the CDN dollar), realized gains, in the amounts of $354,000 and $251,000
from the receipt of payment against notes receivable, denominated in
currencies other than the CDN dollar, from Discreet's subsidiaries in the
United States and United Kingdom, respectively, and other unrealized gains and
losses which were primarily the result of Discreet and each subsidiary
remeasuring monetary asset or liability balances (primarily intercompany
balances) denominated in a currency other than its own functional currency.
These balances are remeasured into the functional currency of each company
every reporting period.
Provision for Income Taxes. Discreet's provision for income taxes was
$10,854,000 and $6,489,000 for the twelve-month period ended June 30, 1998,
and the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997, respectively. The provision
for all periods is based upon the Canadian federal statutory rate of 38% and
reflects the impact of various tax credits and foreign taxes. The effective
tax rate for the twelve-month period ended June 30, 1998 differed from the
statutory rate primarily as a result of Discreet recording charges for
purchased in-process research and development for which no benefit was
recorded due to the uncertainty of realizing any future tax benefit associated
with these charges, offset by the realization of the benefit for some prior
year tax losses for which no benefit was previously recorded. The effective
tax rate for the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997 differed from the
statutory rate primarily as a result of Discreet not recording benefits
related to losses, and charges for purchased in-process research and
development and the settlement of the class action litigation, where the
realization of the benefits were uncertain. Discreet has foreign net operating
loss carry forwards of approximately $13,841,000 which may be available to
reduce future income tax liabilities.
ELEVEN MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND TWELVE MONTHS ENDED JULY 31, 1996
As discussed above, it is not practicable to recast prior quarterly results
to reflect new fiscal periodic reporting resulting from Discreet's previously
announced change in fiscal year end. Therefore, the results for the eleven-
month period ended June 30, 1997, are not directly comparable to the results
of the twelve-month period ended July 31, 1996.
Total Revenues. Total revenues were $101,924,000 and $83,997,000 for the
eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997 and the twelve-month period ended July
31, 1996, respectively. Despite the fact that fiscal 1997 was an eleven-month
period, total revenues increased in fiscal 1997 over total revenues for fiscal
1996 due to new product offerings during the year, namely FIRE and FLINT RT,
as well as wider acceptance of Discreet's premier resolution-independent
effects system, INFERNO, and a growing installed base. Revenues from FLAME
systems, including software and hardware, were $26,159,000 (26% of total
revenues) and $44,745,000 (53% of total revenues) for the eleven-month period
ended June 30, 1997 and the twelve-month period ended July 31, 1996,
respectively. The decline in FLAME revenues, both in amount and as a
percentage of total revenues, was primarily a result of an aggressive program
in the three months ended October 31, 1996 which included significant
discounting designed to reduce inventory on hand at the end of fiscal 1996,
and the wider acceptance of Discreet's premier resolution-independent effects
system, INFERNO, which began to ship commercially in October 1995. Revenues
from INFERNO systems, including software and hardware, were $16,161,000 (16%
of total revenues) and $8,887,000 (11% of total revenues) for the eleven-month
period ended June 30, 1997 and the twelve-month period ended July 31, 1996,
respectively. The decline in FLAME revenues was also offset by an increase in
FLINT revenues due to the initial commercial shipment of FLINT RT. Revenues
from FLINT (including FLINT RT) systems, including software and hardware, were
$17,263,000 (17% of total revenues) and $14,068,000 (17% of total revenues)
for the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997 and the twelve-month period
ended July 31, 1996, respectively. Revenues from FIRE systems, including
software and hardware, were $26,482,000 (26% of total revenues) during the
eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997, the first period it was commercially
available. Revenues from VAPOUR and FROST systems, including software and
hardware, were $2,253,000 (2% of total revenues) and $4,784,000 (6% of total
revenues) for the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997 and the twelve-month
period ended July 31, 1996, respectively. Due to the high average sales price,
the timing of purchase orders and the lengthy sales cycle of VAPOUR and FROST
systems, a limited
162
number of sales of these systems could account for a significant amount of
revenues. The decline in VAPOUR and FROST revenues is attributable to the fact
that the 1996 revenues include the sale of several large systems.
Software-only revenues were $7,495,000 (7% of total revenues) and $4,564,000
(5% of total revenues) for the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997 and the
twelve-month period ended July 31, 1996, respectively. Hardware-only revenues,
consisting primarily of the sale of disk arrays and other peripherals, were
$6,639,000 (7% of total revenues) and $4,938,000 (6% of total revenues) for
the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997 and the twelve-month period ended
July 31, 1996, respectively. System revenues, which include software and
hardware, were $74,183,000 (73% of total revenues) and $63,183,000 (75% of
total revenues) for the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997 and the
twelve-month period ended July 31, 1996, respectively. The fluctuations in
software-only, hardware-only and system revenues are primarily due to the high
average sales price of Discreet's products, such that a limited number of
sales can account for a substantial portion of total revenues. The increase in
software-only revenues as a percentage of total revenues resulted from more
revenues in fiscal 1997 being derived from Discreet's indirect sales channel
which primarily purchases only software from Discreet.
Maintenance revenues were $9,728,000 (10% of total revenues) and $6,483,000
(8% of total revenues) for the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997 and the
twelve-month period ended July 31, 1996, respectively. Maintenance revenues
increased due to the increased installed base of Discreet's FLAME, INFERNO and
FLINT systems as well as the development of an installed base for Discreet's
FIRE systems. Other revenues were $3,878,000 (4% of total revenues) and
$4,829,000 (6% of total revenues) for the eleven-month period ended June 30,
1997 and the twelve-month period ended July 31, 1996, respectively. Other
revenues for all periods consisted primarily of rentals, systems integration,
and training services provided to customers. Other revenues decreased in the
eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997 as compared to the twelve-month period
ended July 31, 1996, due to the decrease in rentals of Discreet's FLAME
systems.
Revenues from customers outside of North America were $58,171,000 (57% of
total revenues) and $47,711,000 (57% of total revenues) for the eleven-month
period ended June 30, 1997 and the twelve-month period ended July 31, 1996,
respectively. Discreet is continuing to develop its direct and indirect
distribution channels in North America, Asia and Europe. Discreet expects that
revenues from customers outside of North America will continue to account for
a substantial portion of its revenues and, as a percentage of total revenues,
remain approximately the same.
Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues was $47,571,000 (47% of total revenues)
and $49,333,000 (59% of total revenues) for the eleven-month period ended June
30, 1997 and the twelve-month period ended July 31, 1996, respectively. The
decrease in cost of revenues as a percentage of total revenues was a result of
the following factors: (1) Discreet's growing penetration into the Asian
market where customers typically purchase only software or software and
storage media bundles, (2) the SGI workstation component of cost of revenues
declined as Discreet's installed base purchased additional software and
storage media to add on to existing workstations, and (3) provision to write
inventories down to their net realizable values, in the amount of $3,232,000,
was lower for the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997 as compared to the
provision of $5,663,000 for the twelve-month period ended July 31, 1996. These
provisions were recorded, on a specific item basis, as a result of excess
inventories.
Research and Development. Expenditures for research and development, after
deducting Canadian federal and provincial tax credits, were $9,708,000 (10% of
total revenues) and $14,402,000 (17% of total revenues) for the eleven-month
period ended June 30, 1997 and the twelve-month period ended July 31, 1996,
respectively. The decrease in research and development expenses, after
deducting tax credits, was a result of the implementation of Discreet's
restructuring plan which included the reduction of personnel, closure of
certain research and development offices, and consolidation of software
research and development in its Montreal headquarters during the fourth fiscal
quarter of 1996 and the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997. See Note
163
19 to Notes to Discreet's Consolidated Financial Statements. These decreases
were partially offset by general salary increases. Research and development
costs are expensed as incurred. Software development costs are considered for
capitalization once technical feasibility has been established. Discreet has
not capitalized any software development costs to date. See Note 2(e) of Notes
to Discreet's consolidated financial statements. Certain research and
development expenditures are incurred substantially in advance of related
revenue and in some cases do not generate revenues.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses were $23,206,000 (23% of
total revenues) and $26,088,000 (31% of total revenues) for the eleven-month
period ended June 30, 1997 and the twelve-month period ended July 31, 1996,
respectively. The decrease in sales and marketing expenses resulted primarily
from the implementation of Discreet's restructuring plan, which included a
reduction of personnel and the closure of the Florida sales office and the
relocation of the New York demonstration center during the fourth fiscal
quarter of 1996. These decreases were partially offset by the continued
expansion of Discreet's direct and indirect sales organization, including the
operating costs of domestic sales offices and foreign subsidiaries.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses were
$6,396,000 (6% of total revenues) and $10,582,000 (13% of total revenues) for
the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997 and the twelve-month period ended
July 31, 1996, respectively. The decrease in general and administrative
expenses resulted primarily from the implementation of Discreet's
restructuring plan which included a reduction of administrative personnel as
well as the closure of administrative offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Additionally, in fiscal 1996, Discreet provided approximately $3,300,000 in
reserves for potentially uncollectible accounts receivable and provided
$830,000 to reflect certain recourse provisions associated with third party
financing arrangements, and reduced the carrying value of a building purchased
in Montreal by CDN$500,000 (approximately $365,000) to reflect the value
expected to be realized upon sale.
Charge for Purchased Research and Development. In connection with the
acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Denim Software L.L.C.,
Discreet expensed $9,800,000 (10% of total revenues) of in-process research
and development, that had not yet reached technical feasibility and had no
alternative use, during the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997. During
fiscal 1996, in connection with the COSS/IMP acquisition, Discreet expensed
$8,500,000 (10% of total revenues) of in-process research and development. See
Note 15 of Notes to Discreet's Consolidated Financial Statements.
Write-down of Investment. During the quarter ended April 30, 1996, Discreet
recorded a write-down of its investment in the preferred shares of Essential
Communications Corporation ("Essential"); in the amount of $2,500,000, to
reflect the uncertainty regarding the realizability of this investment.
Discreet made the investment in Essential in anticipation of realizing
benefits from the networking technology that Essential was developing. When it
became doubtful that Essential would be able to realize its development
efforts, due to financial constraints, and that the technological benefits may
not be achieved on time to meet market demand, the investment was written down
to reflect the other than temporary impairment in its value.
Restructuring Expense. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996, Discreet
recorded a restructuring expense of $15,000,000 (18% of total fiscal 1996
revenues). The restructuring charge included amounts for asset write-downs
relating to the goodwill, and acquired technology related to discontinued
product initiatives, and the write-down of other assets including the UK
building, and leasehold improvements and office equipment of closed offices.
These assets were written down to their estimated net realizable values. The
focus of Discreet's restructuring plan was to solidify its senior management
team, reduce operating expenses through workforce reductions and office
closings, consolidate software research and development activities in
Montreal, discontinue certain product lines, and restructure its sales force
to emphasize indirect sales channels. While Discreet began implementation of
its restructuring plan in the fourth fiscal quarter of 1996 and had
substantially completed the implementation of the plan at the end of fiscal
1997, as of June 30, 1997, Discreet had $4,272,000 in restructuring reserves
primarily for the estimated cost of terminating leases, resolving outstanding
severance issues, and the legal and taxation winding down of several
subsidiaries. See Note 19 of Notes to Discreet's Consolidated Financial
Statements.
164
Litigation and Settlement. In August 1997, Discreet announced an agreement-
in-principle to settle all three of the class action shareholder lawsuits
outstanding against it for $10,800,000. In the fiscal year ended July 31,
1996, Discreet had provided a $2,506,000 (3% of total revenues) litigation
reserve for legal costs associated with defending the class action lawsuits.
During the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997, Discreet recorded a
provision of $6,500,000 (6% of total revenues) to accrue the additional
estimated settlement costs to be borne by Discreet. See Note 5 of Notes to
Discreet's Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other Income (Expense). Foreign currency translation losses were $188,000
during the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997 compared to gains of
$179,000 during the year ended July 31, 1996.
Provision for Income Taxes. Discreet's provision for income taxes was
approximately $6,489,000 and $1,435,000 for the eleven-month period ended June
30, 1997 and the twelve-month period ended July 31, 1996, respectively. The
provision for all periods was based on the Canadian federal statutory rate of
38% and reflects the impact of various tax credits and foreign taxes. The tax
provision for these periods resulted from taxable earnings in jurisdictions
where Discreet did not have available tax loss carryforwards partially offset
by the realization of the benefit for some prior year tax losses for which no
benefit was previously recorded. In both fiscal years, Discreet recorded
charges for acquired in-process research and development for which no benefit
was recorded due to the uncertainty of realizing any future tax benefit
associated with these charges. In addition, in fiscal 1997, Discreet recorded
a provision for estimated litigation settlement costs for which no tax benefit
was recorded because of the uncertainty of realizing any tax benefit
associated with this charge.
165
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following tables set forth certain quarterly financial data for each of
the eight most recent quarters in the period ended June 30, 1998, together
with such data as a percentage of total revenues. The quarterly information
presented is unaudited. In the opinion of management, the unaudited quarterly
information has been prepared on the same basis as the annual audited
consolidated financial statements and includes all adjustments (consisting
only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the
information for the periods presented. Operating results for any quarter are
not necessarily indicative of results for any future period.
TWO
QUARTER MONTHS QUARTERS ENDED
ENDED ENDED -----------------------------------------------------------
OCT.31, DEC.31, MAR. 31, JUNE 30, SEPT.30, DEC.31, MARCH31, JUNE30,
1996 1996 1997 1997 1997 1997 1998 1998
------- ------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Total revenues.......... $23,263 $16,833 $27,044 $ 34,784 $ 38,405 $37,268 $35,712 $40,173
Cost of revenues........ 12,287 8,003 11,255 16,026 17,280 13,548 14,191 17,015
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Gross profit........ 10,976 8,830 15,789 18,758 21,125 23,720 21,521 23,158
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Operating expenses:
Research and
development.......... 2,678 1,575 2,746 2,709 3,512 3,901 4,032 3,402
Sales and marketing... 6,017 4,610 6,534 6,045 7,433 8,407 8,610 9,870
General and
administrative....... 1,516 1,189 1,842 1,849 1,884 2,012 2,137 2,044
Gain on sale of
investment........... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- (2,500)
Costs related to
terminated
transaction.......... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 1,713
Write-off of purchased
research and
development.......... -- -- -- 9,800 21,000 5,800 -- --
Restructuring expense. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- (1,504)
Litigation and related
settlement expenses.. -- -- -- 6,500 -- -- (405) --
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Total operating
expenses........... 10,211 7,374 11,122 26,903 33,829 20,120 14,374 13,025
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Operating income
(loss)............. 765 1,456 4,667 (8,145) (12,704) 3,600 7,147 10,133
Total other income
(expense).............. (925) 1,819 46 51 377 287 (205) 1,608
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Income (loss) before
income taxes........... (160) 3,275 4,713 (8,094) (12,327) 3,887 6,942 11,741
Provision for income
taxes.................. 652 1,310 1,674 2,853 2,775 3,097 1,739 3,243
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Net income (loss)... $ (812) $ 1,965 $ 3,039 $(10,947) $(15,102) $ 790 $ 5,203 $ 8,498
======= ======= ======= ======== ======== ======= ======= =======
Total revenues.......... 100 % 100% 100% 100 % 100 % 100% 100 % 100 %
Cost of revenues........ 53 48 42 46 45 36 40 42
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Gross profit......... 47 52 58 54 55 64 60 58
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Operating expenses:
Research and
development.......... 12 9 10 8 9 10 11 9
Sales and marketing... 26 27 24 17 19 23 24 25
General and
administrative....... 6 7 7 5 5 5 6 5
Gain on sale of
investment........... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- (6)
Costs related to
terminated
transaction.......... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 4
Write-off of purchased
research and
development.......... -- -- -- 28 55 16 -- --
Restructuring expense. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- (4)
Litigation and related
settlement expenses.. -- -- -- 19 -- -- (1) --
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Total operating
expenses............ 44 43 41 77 88 54 40 33
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Operating income
(loss).............. 3 9 17 (23) (33) 10 20 25
Total other income
(expense).............. (4) 11 -- -- 1 -- (1) 4
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Income (loss) before
income taxes........... (1) 20 17 (23) (32) 10 19 29
Provision for income
taxes.................. 3 8 6 8 7 8 5 8
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Net income (loss).... (4)% 12% 11% (31)% (39)% 2% 14 % 21 %
======= ======= ======= ======== ======== ======= ======= =======
166
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Discreet has funded its operations to date primarily through cash flow from
operations (including deferred revenue and customer deposits), borrowings
under its demand line of credit, capital leases, the private and public sales
of equity securities, and the receipt of research and development tax credits
from the Canadian federal government and the Quebec government. As of June 30,
1998, Discreet had cash of approximately $43,746,000. During fiscal 1998,
Discreet amended its revolving demand line of credit with its bank. The new
agreement provides for a revolving demand line of credit under which it may
borrow up to Cdn$7,000,000 (approximately $4,773,000 at June 30, 1998).
Advances under the line accrue interest monthly at the Canadian prime rate
(6.50% at June 30, 1998) plus 0.25%. Additionally, the agreement provides for
a Cdn$600,000 (approximately $409,000 at June 30, 1998) demand leasing
facility, and a Cdn$600,000 (approximately $409,000 at June 30, 1998) demand
research and development tax credit facility. Advances under these facilities
accrue interest monthly at the Canadian prime rate (6.50% at June 30, 1998)
plus 1%. The line and facilities are secured by essentially all of Discreet's
North American assets. As additional security, Discreet assigned to the bank
its insurance on these assets. Discreet is required to maintain certain
financial ratios, including minimum levels of working capital, debt service
coverage and equity to assets ratios. As of June 30, 1998, there were no
amounts outstanding under the demand leasing and demand research and
development tax credit facilities, however, the amount available to Discreet
under the line of credit was reduced by the letter of guarantee discussed
below.
During the year, Discreet's Japanese subsidiary entered into a line of
credit agreement with its bank. Under this agreement, the subsidiary can
borrow up to $3,000,000. Advances under this line accrue interest at the
prevailing overnight rate (approximately 2.1% at June 30, 1998) and are
secured by a letter of guarantee, in the amount of $3,000,000, issued by
Discreet in favour of the subsidiary's bank. As of June 30, 1998, the
subsidiary had borrowed (Yen)376,824,000 (approximately $2,725,000 at June 30,
1998).
Discreet's operating activities, including research and development tax
credits, provided cash of $17,107,000, $26,012,000 and used cash of
$24,425,000, in the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998, and in the eleven-month
period ended June 30, 1997, and the fiscal year ended July 31, 1996,
respectively. The principal sources of cash in the twelve-month period ended
June 30, 1998 were cash generated from operations, the decreases in inventory
and in income taxes receivable, and the increase in income taxes payable,
offset by an increase in accounts receivable, decreases in accounts payable
and accrued expenses, deferred revenue, and customer deposits, and the
disbursement of funds used to settle the class action litigation. Accounts
receivable increased during fiscal 1998 as a result of Discreet experiencing a
level of revenues greater than in the fourth fiscal quarter of 1997 and the
timing of those revenues being close to the end of the year. Inventory
decreased during fiscal 1998, as a result of close monitoring of inventory
throughout the year and the migration of some of Discreet's products to
hardware platforms that cost less than previous generations. Accrued expenses
decreased due to the settlement of the class action litigation and the
reduction of the accrued restructuring reserve. (See Note 19 of Notes to
Discreet's Consolidated Financial Statements). The primary sources of cash in
fiscal 1997 were cash generated from operations, reductions in inventory and
income taxes receivable, and increases in accounts payable, accrued expenses,
deferred revenue, income taxes payable, offset by uses of cash including the
increase in accounts receivable and the reduction of customer deposits. The
primary sources of cash in fiscal 1996 were the increases in accrued expenses,
deferred revenue and customer deposits, offset by decreases in cash including
the increases in accounts receivable, inventory, income taxes receivable and
other current assets and the reductions of accounts payable and income taxes
payable. Discreet's operating activities include $492,000, $309,000, and
$397,000 of research and development tax credits received from the Quebec
government, and $990,000, $583,000, and $827,000 of research and development
tax credits received from the federal government during the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1998, the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997, and the fiscal
year ended July 31, 1996, respectively.
Discreet's investing activities used cash of $16,526,000, $17,867,000 and
$24,223,000 in the twelve-month period ended June 30, 1998, the eleven-month
period ended June 30, 1997, and the fiscal year ended July 31, 1996,
respectively. The principal uses of cash in fiscal 1998 were the acquisition
of D-Vision and the purchase of computer equipment and software, general
office equipment, leasehold improvements and furniture and
167
fixtures used in the operation of Discreet's business, offset by the receipt
of the proceeds of sale of the Montreal building and the investment in
Essential Communications Corporation. The principal uses of cash in fiscal
1997 were the acquisition of Denim, and the purchase of computer equipment and
software, general office equipment, leasehold improvements and furniture and
fixtures used in the operation of Discreet's business. In fiscal 1996, the
principal uses of cash were the acquisition of COSS/IMP, the purchase of the
preferred shares of Essential Communications Corporation, the purchase of land
and an office building in London, England, the purchase of land and an office
building in Montreal, Quebec, and the purchase of computer equipment and
software, general office equipment, leasehold improvements, and furniture and
fixtures used in the operation of Discreet's business.
Financing activities provided cash of $15,188,000, $1,479,000 and
$30,310,000 during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998, the eleven-month
period ended June 30, 1997, and the fiscal year ended July 31, 1996,
respectively. In all three periods, cash was provided from common stock option
exercises and the issuance of shares under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
In fiscal 1998, Discreet issued 645,000 Discreet Common Shares under a private
placement sale to Intel Corporation for proceeds of approximately $13,527,000,
net of issuance costs. In fiscal 1996, cash was provided primarily from
proceeds from the issuance of approximately 971,000 common shares in a
secondary public offering which was completed in December 1995, proceeds from
the repayment of subscriptions receivable, and proceeds from common stock
option exercises less payment of capital lease obligations.
Discreet incurred $9,502,000, $6,265,000 and $15,871,000 of capital
expenditures during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998, the eleven-month
period ended June 30, 1997, and the fiscal year ended July 31, 1996,
respectively, consisting primarily of computer equipment, software and general
office equipment and leasehold improvements. In the fiscal year ended July 31,
1996, Discreet purchased an office building and related land in London,
England. Discreet incurred (Pounds)1,034,000 (or approximately $1,663,000),
and (Pounds)715,000 (or approximately $1,114,000) in capital expenditures
during the fiscal years ended June 30, 1997 and July 31, 1996, respectively,
for the refitting of the London property. In fiscal 1996, Discreet also
purchased an office building in Montreal, Quebec. The carrying values of the
Montreal building and the London building were written down to their estimated
fair market values and the buildings were classified as assets held for sale
in fiscal 1996. In September 1997, Discreet sold the Montreal office building
for proceeds of $818,000.
As of June 30, 1998, Discreet did not have any material commitments for
capital expenditures.
During the year, Discreet concluded a financing arrangement in relation to
the Lightscape Acquisition with the Societe de Developpement Industriel du
Quebec, an agency of the Quebec provincial government. This agreement provides
for an interest free (until July 2004) loan in the amount of Cdn$2,800,000
(approximately $1,909,000 at June 30, 1998). The funds were received in July
1998 and are repayable in four annual installments of Cdn$600,000
(approximately $409,000 at June 30, 1998) commencing in July 2004, and a final
installment of Cdn$400,000 (approximately $273,000 at June 30, 1998) in July
2008. The loan is subject to standard covenants for these arrangements,
including covenants that may require early repayment of the loan.
Discreet has never declared or paid cash dividends on its Common Shares and
does not anticipate paying any cash dividends on Discreet Common Shares in the
forseeable future. In the event cash dividends are declared or paid, Discreet
anticipates that they would be declared and paid in US dollars. Part 1A of the
Quebec Act prohibits Discreet from paying dividends that would prevent it from
discharging its liabilities when due or that would bring the book value of its
assets to an amount less than the sum of its liabilities and its issued and
paid-up share capital account. At June 30, 1998, Discreet could not distribute
any dividends.
Subject to the factors discussed in "--Certain Factors That May Affect
Future Results," Discreet believes that, with its current levels of working
capital together with funds generated from operations, it has adequate sources
of cash to meet its operations and capital expenditure requirements through
fiscal 1999.
168
DISCREET MANAGEMENT, EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
DISCREET MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth the directors and the executive officers of
Discreet, their ages, and the positions currently held by each such person
with Discreet. Discreet Common Shares beneficially owned by each director,
directly or indirectly, as of October 31, 1998, appears under the heading "--
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management of Discreet."
NAME AGE POSITION
---- --- --------
Richard J. Szalwinski(1)......... 47 President, Chief Executive Officer,
Chairman of the Board of Directors
and Director
Francois Plamondon............... 40 Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer, Treasurer and
Secretary
Winston Rodrigues................ 56 Senior Vice President, Advanced
Systems and Operations
Gary G. Tregaskis................ 39 Director
Thomas Cantwell(1)(2)............ 71 Director
Brian P. Drummond(1)(2).......... 67 Director
Perry M. Simon(1)................ 43 Director
Pierre Desjardins(2)............. 56 Director
- --------
(1) Member of Compensation Committee.
(2) Member of Audit Committee.
RICHARD J. SZALWINSKI, a founder of Discreet, has served as a Director since
May 1992 and as Chairman of the Board of Directors since March 1994. Mr.
Szalwinski served as acting President and Chief Executive Officer from
February 1996 and assumed that position officially in July 1996. From May 1992
to November 1994 Mr. Szalwinski served as Chief Executive Officer of Discreet
and served as President of Discreet from May 1992 to March 1994. Prior to
founding Discreet, he held several positions at Softimage Inc. from June 1988
to December 1991, most recently as a Director and Vice President of Sales. Mr.
Szalwinski also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Behaviour
Communications Inc., a public company.
FRANCOIS PLAMONDON joined Discreet in July 1996 and, since August 1996,
served as Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer, Treasurer and Secretary of Discreet. Prior to joining Discreet, Mr.
Plamondon was a partner at Ernst & Young, Chartered Accountants, from December
1990 to July 1996.
WINSTON RODRIGUES joined Discreet in October 1997 and currently serves as
Senior Vice President, Advanced Systems and Operations. Prior to joining
Discreet, Mr. Rodrigues was Vice President, Operations at Memotec
Communications Inc., a communications and networking company, from 1995 to
1997. From 1994 to 1995, Mr. Rodrigues was a Vice-President at Circo Craft Co.
Inc., a manufacturer of printed circuit boards; prior to that, he occupied
various positions at IBM Canada Ltd., most recently as a product manager.
GARY G. TREGASKIS has served as a Director of Discreet since July 1992. Mr.
Tregaskis has been an independent consultant to Discreet since December 1995.
Prior to that, Mr. Tregaskis served as Director of Advanced Products of
Discreet from February 1994 to December 1995. He has also served as Director
of Advanced Systems Division of Discreet from July 1992 to February 1994. Mr.
Tregaskis was the principal designer and architect of flame*. Prior to joining
Discreet, Mr. Tregaskis served as the Director of Research
169
and Development at D.A. Technology, an Australian software development
corporation, from 1985 to June 1992. Mr. Tregaskis also serves as a Director
of Behaviour Communications Inc., a public company.
THOMAS CANTWELL has served as a Director of Discreet since September 1992.
Dr. Cantwell has been an investor and venture capitalist since 1987. He has
served as President of Technical Computer Graphics, a computer distributor and
software development corporation, since November 1987. Dr. Cantwell also
serves as a Director of Supreme Industries, Inc., a public company and as
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Paradigm Entertainment Inc., a privately
held developer of computer and video games.
BRIAN P. DRUMMOND has served as a Director of Discreet since January 1996.
Mr. Drummond has served as President of Brican Investments Ltd., a private
holding company, since March 1979. Mr. Drummond was Vice Chairman and Director
of Richardson Greenshields of Canada Limited, an investment dealer, from 1982
to June 1997. Mr. Drummond also serves as a Director of Atco Ltd. and Canadian
Utilities Limited, both public companies.
PERRY M. SIMON has served as a Director of Discreet since January 1996. Mr.
Simon has been President, of Viacom Television for Viacom Entertainment,
Viacom, Inc., a television and film developer and producer, since September
1993. Prior to that, Mr. Simon held several positions with NBC Entertainment,
from 1985 to 1993, most recently as Executive Vice President-Prime-time
Programs.
PIERRE DESJARDINS has served as a Director of Discreet since January 1997.
Mr. Desjardins has been Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Total Containment, a manufacturer and distributor of underground systems and
products for the conveyance and containment of fuels, since September 1996.
Prior to that, Mr. Desjardins was President and Chief Executive Officer of
Domtar Inc., a producer of paper, pulp and forest products, from September
1990 to October 1994. Mr. Desjardins also served as President of Labatt
Breweries of Canada from 1988 to September 1990. Mr. Desjardins also serves as
a Director of Canam Manac Group Inc., a public company and Uniselect, Inc., a
public company.
Discreet's executive officers are elected by the Discreet Board on an annual
basis and serve until their successors have been duly elected and qualified or
until their earlier resignation or removal.
170
COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING DISCREET OFFICERS
Executive Compensation Summary
The following table sets forth summary information concerning the
compensation paid or earned for services rendered to Discreet in all
capacities during the fiscal years ended July 31, 1996, June 30, 1997 and June
30, 1998 to (i) Discreet's current Chief Executive Officer; and (ii) each of
the four most highly compensated executive officers of Discreet (other than
the Chief Executive Officer) who earned more than $100,000 in salary and bonus
in fiscal year 1998 (collectively, the "Discreet Named Executive Officers"):
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
------------
ANNUAL COMPENSATION(1)
------------------------- OPTION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION(1) YEAR SALARY BONUS AWARDS (#)
- ------------------------------ ---- -------- -------- ------------
Richard J. Szalwinski................... 1998 $264,562 $ 81,355 75,000
President, Chief Executive Officer, 1997 $192,724 $172,500 450,000
Chairman of the Board of Directors and
Director 1996 $154,557 -- --
Francois Plamondon...................... 1998 $176,875 $ 60,138 50,000
Executive Vice President, 1997 $133,833 $ 50,920 --
Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and
Treasurer 1996 -- -- 300,000
Winston Rodrigues(2).................... 1998 $ 84,923 $ 30,643 65,000
Senior Vice President, Advanced Systems
and Operations 1997 -- -- --
1996 -- -- --
Terrence Higgins(3)..................... 1998 $123,813 -- 40,000
Former Senior Vice President, Products 1997 $ 93,683 $ 25,550 --
1996 $121,549 -- 40,000
Graham Sharp............................ 1998 $176,881(4) -- --
Former Senior Vice President, 1997 $183,337(5) $ 25,000 300,000
Sales and Marketing 1996 $ 98,572(6) -- 10,000
- --------
(1) 1997 amounts represent salary and bonus actually paid or earned during the
eleven month period ended June 30, 1997.
(2) Mr. Rodrigues joined Discreet in October 1997. This amount includes his
salary for the nine months of fiscal 1998 during which he was employed by
Discreet.
(3) Mr. Higgins' employment with Discreet was terminated on July 2, 1998.
(4) This amount includes $60,000 of sales commissions earned by Mr. Sharp
during fiscal 1998. Mr. Sharp's employment with Discreet was terminated on
July 2, 1998.
(5) This amount includes $68,750 of sales commissions earned by Mr. Sharp
during fiscal 1997.
(6) Mr. Sharp joined Discreet in January 1996. This amount includes his salary
as well as $57,948 of sales commissions paid to Mr. Sharp for the seven
months of fiscal 1996 during which he was employed by Discreet.
171
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year
The following table sets forth each grant of stock options made during the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1998 to each of the Discreet Named Executive
Officers:
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
-------------------------------------------
POTENTIAL
REALIZABLE VALUE AT
% OF TOTAL ASSUMED ANNUAL
NUMBER OF OPTIONS RATES OF STOCK
SECURITIES GRANTED TO PRICE APPRECIATION
UNDERLYING EMPLOYEES FOR OPTION TERM
OPTIONS IN FISCAL PRICE EXPIRATION -------------------
NAME GRANTED (#) YEAR (1) ($/SHARE) DATE 5% ($) 10% ($)
- ---- ----------- ---------- -------- ---------- -------- ----------
Richard J. Szalwinski... 75,000 8.32% $15.75 11/20/07 $742,881 $1,882,608
Terrence Higgins(2)..... 40,000 4.44% $24.25 08/11/07 $610,027 $1,545,930
Francois Plamondon(3)... 50,000 5.54% $24.25 08/11/07 $762,534 $1,932,413
Graham Sharp............ -- -- -- -- -- --
Winston Rodrigues(4).... 45,000 4.99% $21.00 10/30/07 $594,305 $1,506,086
20,000 2.22% $22.63 03/02/08 $284,575 $ 721,168
- --------
(1) Percentages are based upon a total of 901,771 options granted to employees
in the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998.
(2) On July 2, 1998, Mr. Higgins' employment with Discreet was terminated and,
as a result, on that same day, the option to purchase 40,000 Discreet
Common Shares which was granted on August 11, 1997 was cancelled.
(3) On August 5, 1998, Mr. Plamondon was granted an option to purchase 60,000
Discreet Common Shares, at an exercise price per share of $11.00.
(4) On August 5, 1998, Mr. Rodrigues was granted an option to purchase 60,000
Discreet Common Shares, at an exercise price per share of $11.00.
Aggregate Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End Values
The following table sets forth, for each of the Discreet Named Executive
Officers, information with respect to the exercise of stock options during the
year ended June 30, 1998 and the year-end value of unexercised options:
SHARES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED IN-
ACQUIRED ON NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED THE-MONEY OPTIONS
EXERCISE VALUE OPTIONS AT YEAR-END AT YEAR-END(2)
NAME (#) REALIZED ($)(1) (EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE) (EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE)
- ---- ----------- --------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Richard J. Szalwinski... -- -- 0/525,000 --/$2,517,165
Terrence Higgins(3)..... -- -- 40,508/ 40,000 $389,285/--
Francois Plamondon...... -- -- 0/350,000 --/$1,837,500
Graham Sharp(4)......... -- -- 5,625/304,375 --/$2,137,500
Winston Rodrigues....... -- -- 0/ 65,000 --/--
- --------
(1) Amounts disclosed in this column are calculated based on the difference
between the fair market value of Discreet Common Shares on the date of
exercise and the exercise price of the options in accordance with
regulations promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act, and do not
reflect amounts actually received by the Discreet Named Executive
Officers.
(2) Value is based on the difference between the option exercise price and the
fair market value at June 30, 1998, the fiscal year-end ($11.625 per
share), multiplied by the number of shares underlying the option.
(3) Represents shares and amounts as of June 30, 1998. Mr. Higgins' employment
with Discreet was terminated on July 2, 1998 and, as a result, on that
same day, Mr. Higgins' option to purchase 40,000 Discreet Common Shares
was cancelled. On August 14, 1998, Mr. Higgins exercised options to
purchase 8,008 Discreet Common Shares at an exercise price of $0.0463
pursuant to an option granted on June 14, 1994 and
172
32,500 Discreet Common Shares at an exercise price of $2.50 pursuant to an
option granted on January 10, 1995. As of the Discreet Record Date, the
number of unexercised options held by Mr. Higgins and the value of such
options were 0 and $0.00 respectively.
(4) Represents shares and amounts as of June 30, 1998. Mr. Sharp's employment
with Discreet was terminated on July 2, 1998 and as a result, on that day
options to purchase an additional 150,000 Discreet Common Shares became
vested. On September 15, 1998, Mr. Sharp exercised options to purchase
30,000 Discreet Common Shares at an exercise price of $4.50 per share
pursuant to an option granted on August 12, 1996. On September 16, 1998,
Mr. Sharp exercised options to purchase 20,000 Discreet Common Shares at
an exercise price of $4.50 per share pursuant to an option granted on
August 12, 1996. On September 23, 1998, Mr. Sharp exercised options to
purchase 70,000 Discreet Common Shares at an exercise price of $4.50 per
share pursuant to an option granted on August 12, 1996. As of September
24, 1998, the number of unexercised options held by Mr. Sharp and the
value of such options were 36,250 and $255,000 respectively. Mr. Sharp's
remaining vested options to purchase 36,250 Discreet Common Shares will
expire if not exercised by September 30, 1998.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS AND SEVERANCE ARRANGEMENTS
Richard J. Szalwinski and Francois Plamondon have each entered into
agreements with Autodesk pursuant to which such individuals reconfirmed their
current employment arrangements with Discreet and agreed, subject to
consummation of the Transactions, to a minimum one year term of employment
with the Combined Company following the Effective Time and, in the event their
employment relationship with the Combined Company is terminated, to refrain
from competing with the Combined Company and from soliciting customers and
employees of the Combined Company for a specified period after such
termination.
In August 1997, Discreet entered into an agreement with Richard J.
Szalwinski, whereby Mr. Szalwinski agreed to serve as President and Chief
Executive Officer of Discreet. Mr. Szalwinski previously had no employment
agreement with Discreet. Pursuant to such agreement, Mr. Szalwinski's annual
base salary was increased from $200,000 to $230,000, effective March 1, 1997.
In addition, pursuant to such agreement, Mr. Szalwinski is eligible to receive
an annual bonus of up to 75% of his base annual salary, based on Discreet
meeting the consolidated budgets and forecasts approved by the Discreet Board.
In the event that Discreet does not meet such consolidated budgets and
forecasts, the Discreet Board may, at its sole discretion, approve the payment
of a bonus of up to 75% of his base annual salary to Mr. Szalwinski if the
Discreet Board determines that Mr. Szalwinski's performance of his duties was
outstanding and that Discreet's failure to meet such consolidated budgets and
forecasts was not attributable to factors within Mr. Szalwinski's control. In
August 1997, the Discreet Board increased Mr. Szalwinski's annual base salary
to $255,500, effective July 1, 1997. The agreement provides that Mr.
Szalwinski's employment with Discreet may be terminated by Mr. Szalwinski upon
three months written notice to Discreet, in which case Discreet must pay to
Mr. Szalwinski his salary and benefits for the remaining time period specified
in his notice of termination. The agreement further provides that Discreet may
terminate the agreement at any time with or without cause, upon written
notice. In the event Mr. Szalwinski's employment is terminated by Discreet,
without cause, Discreet must pay Mr. Szalwinski a lump sum amount equal to
twenty-four months base annual salary at the time of such termination. In
addition, Mr. Szalwinski was granted an incentive stock option to purchase
450,000 Discreet Common Shares under the Discreet's Amended and Restated 1994
Restricted Share and Option Plan (the "1994 Plan") at an exercise price of
$6.03 per share. In the event that Mr. Szalwinski's employment is terminated
without cause, then all options to purchase shares of Discreet which would
have next vested, shall immediately vest upon such termination. The agreement
further provides that in the event of a Reorganization, as defined in the 1994
Plan, then (i) the option to purchase the 450,000 Discreet Common Shares
granted to Mr. Szalwinski will become immediately vested or (ii) if the
Discreet Board elects, in accordance with the 1994 Plan, not to accelerate the
vesting of the options granted pursuant to the 1994 Plan, Mr. Szalwinski will
receive in substitution for all of his outstanding options to purchase
Discreet Common Shares, whether vested or not, such securities (excluding
options) of Discreet or of any merged, consolidated or otherwise reorganized
corporation or, only in the event of a merger of Discreet with one of its
subsidiaries, options of the merged company, all of which securities or
options shall be of equivalent value and liquidity.
173
In June 1996, Discreet entered into an agreement with Francois Plamondon,
whereby Mr. Plamondon became Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,
Secretary and Treasurer of Discreet, effective August 1, 1996. Pursuant to
such agreement, Mr. Plamondon received an annual base salary of Cdn$200,000,
and is eligible to receive an annual bonus of up to Cdn$70,000, based on
Discreet meeting the consolidated budgets and forecasts approved by the
Discreet Board. In the event that Discreet does not meet such consolidated
budgets and forecasts, the Discreet Board may, at its sole discretion, approve
the payment of a bonus of up to Cdn$70,000 to Mr. Plamondon if the Discreet
Board determines that Mr. Plamondon's performance of his duties was
outstanding and that Discreet's failure to meet such consolidated budgets and
forecasts was not attributable to factors within Mr. Plamondon's control. In
August 1997, the Discreet Board increased Mr. Plamondon's annual base salary
from Cdn$200,000 to Cdn$250,000, effective July 1, 1997 and increased his
eligible annual bonus from Cdn$70,000 to 50% of his annual base salary. The
agreement provides that Mr. Plamondon's employment with Discreet may be
terminated by Mr. Plamondon upon three months written notice to Discreet, in
which case Discreet must pay to Mr. Plamondon his salary and benefits for the
remaining time period specified in his notice of termination. The agreement
further provides that Discreet may terminate the agreement at any time with or
without cause, upon written notice. In the event Mr. Plamondon's employment is
terminated by Discreet, without cause, Discreet must pay Mr. Plamondon a lump
sum amount equal to twelve months base annual salary at the time of such
termination. In addition, Mr. Plamondon was granted an incentive stock option
to purchase 300,000 Discreet Common Shares under the 1994 Plan at an exercise
price of $5.50 per share (the "Initial Grant"). In the event that
Mr. Plamondon's employment is terminated without cause after August 1, 1997,
then all options to purchase Discreet Common Shares granted which would have
next vested following the effective date of such termination, will become
immediately vested upon such termination. The agreement further provides that
in the event of a Reorganization, as defined in the 1994 Plan, then (i) all
options to purchase Discreet Common Shares granted under the Initial Grant
will become immediately vested or (ii) if the Discreet Board elects, in
accordance with the 1994 Plan, not to accelerate the vesting of the options
granted pursuant to the 1994 Plan, Mr. Plamondon will receive in substitution
for all of his outstanding options to purchase Discreet Common Shares, whether
vested or not, such securities (excluding options) of Discreet or of any
merged, consolidated or otherwise reorganized corporation or, only in the
event of a merger of Discreet with one of its subsidiaries, options of the
merged company, all of which securities or options shall be of equivalent
value and liquidity.
In November 1996, Discreet entered into an agreement with Graham Sharp
related to Mr. Sharp's employment as Discreet's Senior Vice President-Sales &
Marketing, effective July 23, 1996. Pursuant to such agreement, Mr. Sharp
received an annual base salary of $125,000, and was eligible to receive sales
commissions of up to $75,000, based on Discreet meeting the sales and margin
contribution targets approved by the Discreet Board, and, in the event
Discreet exceeds such targets, an annual bonus of $25,000. The Discreet Board
could also, at its sole discretion, approve the payment of an additional bonus
to Mr. Sharp if Discreet exceeded the sales and margin contribution targets.
In addition, in the event Discreet did not meet such sales targets, the
Discreet Board could, at its sole discretion, approve the payment of a bonus
to Mr. Sharp if the Discreet Board determined that Mr. Sharp's performance of
his duties was outstanding and Discreet's failure to meet such targets was not
attributable to factors within Mr. Sharp's control. In August 1997, the
Discreet Board increased Mr. Sharp's annual base salary from $125,000 to
$150,000, effective July 1, 1997 and increased his eligible annual bonus from
$25,000 to up to 50% of his annual base salary. Under this agreement, Mr.
Sharp's eligibility to receive sales commissions remained unchanged. The
agreement provided that Mr. Sharp's employment with Discreet could be
terminated by Mr. Sharp upon three months written notice to Discreet, in which
case Discreet must pay to Mr. Sharp his salary and benefits for the remaining
time period specified in his notice of termination. The agreement further
provided that Discreet could terminate the agreement at any time, with or
without cause, upon written notice. In the event Mr. Sharp's employment was
terminated by Discreet, without cause, Discreet must pay Mr. Sharp a lump sum
amount equal to twelve months of his base annual salary at the time of such
termination. In addition, Mr. Sharp was granted an incentive stock option to
purchase 300,000 Discreet Common Shares under the Plan at an exercise price of
$4.50 per share. In the event that Mr. Sharp's employment was terminated
without cause after July 23, 1997, then all options to purchase shares of
Discreet which would have next vested, immediately vested upon such
termination. The agreement provided that in the event of a Reorganization, as
defined in the 1994 Plan, then (i) the option to purchase the 300,000 Discreet
Common Shares
174
granted to Mr. Sharp would become immediately vested or (ii) if the Discreet
Board elected, in accordance with the 1994 Plan, not to accelerate the vesting
of the options granted pursuant to the 1994 Plan, Mr. Sharp would receive in
substitution for all of his outstanding options to purchase Discreet Common
Shares, whether vested or not, such securities (excluding options) of Discreet
or, only in the event of a merger of Discreet with one of its subsidiaries,
options of the merged company, all of which securities or options would be of
equivalent value and liquidity. Also, Discreet agreed to reimburse Mr. Sharp's
documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with his relocation
from Montreal. On July 2, 1998, Mr. Sharp's employment with Discreet was
terminated. Pursuant to the terms of Mr. Sharp's employment agreement,
Discreet paid a lump sum amount equal to twelve months of his base annual
salary ($150,000) and agreed to reimburse Mr. Sharp for his documented out-of-
pocket expenses up to $20,000, incurred in connection with his relocation from
Montreal. Such payment was made on July 24, 1998. Additionally, all options to
purchase Discreet Common Shares, which would have next vested, became
immediately vested. Of those vested options to purchase Discreet Common Shares
which totalled 156,250, Mr. Sharp exercised options to purchase 50,000
Discreet Common Shares in September of 1998. The remaining options to purchase
106,250 Discreet Common Shares must be exercised by September 30, 1998 or they
will expire.
Discreet entered into an agreement with Winston Rodrigues dated as of
September 26, 1997 related to Mr. Rodrigues' employment as Discreet's Senior
Vice President, Operations. Pursuant to such agreement. Mr. Rodrigues received
an annual base salary of US$119,315 (Cdn. $175,000 converted as of June 30,
1998) and was eligible to receive an annual bonus in an amount determined by
the Compensation Committee of the Discreet Board, such amount not to exceed
40% of the annual base salary, if Discreet achieved certain budgets and
forecasts approved by the Discreet Board from time to time. In addition, in
the event Discreet did not meet such budgets and forecasts, the Discreet Board
could approve for Mr. Rodrigues an annual bonus not to exceed 40% of his
annual base salary if the Discreet Board was of the view that Mr. Rodrigues'
performance was outstanding and Discreet's failure to achieve its budgets and
forecasts was not attributable to factors within Mr. Rodrigues' control. In
addition, Discreet agreed to advance Mr. Rodrigues $23,000, interest free, if
Mr. Rodrigues left his former employer prior to December 31, 1997 and thereby
incurred a $23,000 resignation penalty. Discreet further agreed to forgive
such advance if Mr. Rodrigues remained at the employment of Discreet for at
least twelve consecutive months, provided Mr. Rodrigues complied with all
other terms and obligations under the agreement, failing which the advance
would become immediately due and payable upon Mr. Rodrigues' cessation of
employment. In August 1998, the Discreet Board increased Mr. Rodrigues' annual
base salary from Cdn. $175,000 to Cdn. $210,000, and increased his eligible
annual bonus from 40% to 50% of his annual base salary. The agreement provides
that Mr. Rodrigues' employment with Discreet may be terminated by Mr.
Rodrigues upon three months written notice to Discreet, in which case Discreet
must pay to Mr. Rodrigues his salary and benefits for the remaining time
period specified in his notice of termination. The agreement further provides
that Discreet may terminate the agreement at any time, with or without cause,
upon written notice. In the event Mr. Rodrigues' employment is terminated by
Discreet without cause, Discreet must pay Mr. Rodrigues a lump sum amount
equal to six months of his base annual salary at the time of such termination.
In addition, Mr. Rodrigues was granted an incentive stock option to purchase
45,000 Discreet Common Shares under the 1994 Plan at an exercise price of
$21.00 per share. In the event that Mr. Rodrigues' employment is terminated
without cause after October 27, 1998, then all options to purchase Discreet
Common Shares which would have next vested, shall immediately vest upon such
termination.
On July 17, 1998, Discreet entered into a severance agreement with Terrence
Higgins in connection with his termination as an executive officer of
Discreet. Pursuant to such agreement, Discreet agreed to pay Mr. Higgins
severance in the amount of $68,100 (Cdn $100,000 converted as of June 30,
1998) plus an additional $341 (Cdn $500 converted as of June 30, 1998) as a
reimbursement of related legal expenses. Discreet also agreed to provide Mr.
Higgins with outplacement counselling for six months. In addition, pursuant to
the terms of the 1994 Plan, Mr. Higgins had 90 days from July 2, 1998 to
exercise his vested options to purchase Discreet Common Shares. On August 14,
1998, Mr. Higgins exercised such options to purchase 40,508 Discreet Common
Shares.
175
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The Discreet Board has established a Compensation Committee consisting of
Messrs. Szalwinski, Cantwell, Drummond and Simon. During this period, Mr.
Szalwinski, Discreet's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, participated in
deliberations of Discreet's Compensation Committee concerning the compensation
of executive officers other than his own. No executive officer of Discreet
served as a member of the compensation committee of another entity (or other
committee of the Discreet Board performing equivalent functions or, in the
absence of any such committee, the entire Discreet Board), one of whose
executive officers served as a director of Discreet.
COMPENSATION OF DISCREET DIRECTORS
Employee directors of Discreet do not receive cash compensation for their
service as members of the Board of Directors. Non-Employee Directors (as
defined below) receive an annual fee of $10,000 for services on the Discreet
Board and an additional $2,500 for services on each committee of the Board of
Directors. Non-Employee Directors also receive reimbursement of their expenses
for each Discreet Board or committee meeting attended. Discreet may from time
to time, and at the discretion of the Discreet Board (or the Compensation
Committee), grant stock options to directors in addition to the options
specified in the 1995 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
During fiscal 1996, Richard Szalwinski, Discreet's Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer extended three loans to Smoke and Mirrors Productions
Limited ("Smoke and Mirrors") in an aggregate amount of (Pounds)1,077,975 (or
approximately $1,678,650 at July 31, 1996). As of June 1997, the loans had
been repaid by Smoke and Mirrors. Each loan was negotiated at arm's length and
bore interest at the Canadian prime borrowing rate as quoted by a Canadian
chartered bank. Discreet recorded revenue of $2,304,000 during fiscal 1996
from Smoke and Mirrors. Discreet had a trade account receivable of $836,000
from Smoke and Mirrors at July 31, 1996, which amount was subsequently
collected in full by Discreet in fiscal 1997.
During fiscal 1996, fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1998, Discreet paid Gary
Tregaskis, a director of Discreet, (Pounds)27,916 (approximately $45,000),
(Pounds)0, and (Pounds)75,000 (approximately $122,000), respectively for
services rendered to Discreet.
Thomas Cantwell, a director of Discreet, is a majority shareholder of
Radium, Inc. ("Radium"). The Corporation recorded revenue of $1,138,000 during
fiscal year 1996 from Radium. At July 31, 1996, the full amount of the sale
had been collected.
BHVR Communications Inc. ("BHVR"), an entity of which Richard Szalwinski
owns 84% of the voting securities, owns 100% of Behaviour Entertainment Inc.
("Behaviour"). During fiscal 1996, Discreet recorded revenue of $121,000 from
Behaviour and had trade receivables of $113,000 from Behaviour at July 31,
1996, which amount was subsequently collected in full during fiscal 1997.
During fiscal 1997, Discreet did not record revenue from sales, purchase
services or have trade receivables from Behaviour at June 30, 1997. During
fiscal 1998, Discreet purchased marketing services from Behaviour in the
amount of $223,090, recorded revenue from sales of an effect* (option 3)
system, and other hardware to Behaviour in the amount of $320,573 and had net
trade receivables of $97,483 from Behaviour at June 30, 1998.
BHVR owns 100% of TGR Zone Corporation ("TGR Zone"). In July 1997, Discreet
agreed to rent space for its headquarters in Montreal from TGR Zone and a
lease was subsequently executed whereby Discreet agreed to rent approximately
55,000 square feet of space at approximately Cdn $13.00 (or approximately
$8.86 converted as of June 30, 1998) per square foot per annum subject to
normal escalation clauses. The lease is set to expire in July 2007. As part of
this agreement, TGR Zone assumed Discreet's lease commitment at its previous
Montreal location. During fiscal 1998, Discreet made rental payment to TGR
Zone in the amount of $941,151.
Discreet purchased professional consulting services from BHVR in the amount
of $106,244 during fiscal 1998 and had a payable of $106,244 at June 30, 1998.
176
BHVR indirectly owns approximately 37.5% of Behaviour Design, Inc.
("Behaviour Design"), Discreet purchased marketing services from Behaviour
Design in the amount of $1,383,639 during fiscal 1998 and had a payable of
$1,383,639 to Behaviour Design at June 30, 1998.
BHVR indirectly owns approximately 37.5% of Behaviour Studios, Inc.
("Behaviour Studios"). Discreet recorded revenue from sales of fire* and
inferno* systems of Behaviour Studios in the amount of $1,837,077 during
fiscal 1998 and had trade receivables of $1,837,077 from Behaviour Studios at
June 30, 1998.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT OF DISCREET
The following table sets forth as of October 31, 1998, with respect to
beneficial ownership of Discreet Common Shares by: (i) the name of each person
who, to the knowledge of Discreet beneficially owned more than 5% of the
Discreet Common Shares outstanding as of such date; (ii) the name of each
director of Discreet; (iii) each Discreet Named Executive Officer and (iv) all
directors and executive officers of Discreet as a group.
AMOUNT AND NATURE PERCENT
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OF OWNERSHIP(1) OF CLASS
------------------------ ----------------- --------
Richard J. Szalwinski............................ 5,650,646(2) 18.92%
Terrence Higgins................................. 140,427(3) *
Thomas Cantwell.................................. 3,057,467(4) 10.24%
Gary G. Tregaskis................................ 3,123,700(5) 10.46%
Brian P. Drummond................................ 26,666(6) *
Perry M. Simon................................... 26,666(7) *
Francois Plamondon............................... 312,500(8) 1.05%
Graham Sharp..................................... -- *
Pierre Desjardins................................ 24,332(10) *
Winston Rodrigues................................ -- *
Putnam Investments Management, Inc............... 1,548,877(11) 5.19%
Pilgrim Baxter & Associates...................... 2,159,500(12) 7.23%
All current executive officers and directors as a
group (8 persons)............................... 12,221,977(13) 40.92%
- --------
* Less than 1%
(1) Applicable percentage of ownership as of October 31, 1998, is based upon
29,868,621 Discreet Common Shares outstanding. Beneficial ownership is
determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC, and includes voting
and investment power with respect to shares. Discreet Common Shares
subject to options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of
October 31, 1998, are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage
ownership of the person holding such options, but are not deemed
outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person.
(2) Includes 450,000 Discreet Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of
options, which options are exercisable upon the change of control of
Discreet effected by the Transactions, 18,750 Discreet Common Shares
issuable upon the exercise of options, which options are exercisable
within 60 days of October 31, 1998, and 5,181,896 Discreet Common Shares
held of record by BHVR Communications Inc., a holding corporation
controlled by Mr. Szalwinski.
(3) Mr. Higgins' employment with Discreet was terminated on July 2, 1998. See
"--Compensation and Other Information Concerning Discreet Directors and
Officers--Employment Agreements and Severance Arrangements."
(4) Consists of Discreet Common Shares owned by Cantwell Holdings, Ltd., a
Texas Limited Partnership of which Mr. Cantwell is the General Partner.
(5) Includes 723,700 Discreet Common Shares held of record by Nearco Trustee
Company (Jersey) Limited re: Gary Tregaskis Settlement, a trust
established for the benefit of Mr. Tregaskis.
(6) Consists of Discreet Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of options,
which options are exercisable within 60 days of October 31, 1998.
177
(7) Consists of Discreet Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of options,
which options are exercisable within 60 days of October 31, 1998.
(8) Consists of a total of (i) 162,500 Discreet Common Shares issuable upon
the exercise of options, which options are exercisable within 60 days of
October 31, 1998, and (ii) 150,000 Discreet Common Shares issuable upon
the exercise of options, which options are exercisable upon the change of
control of Discreet effected by the Transactions.
(9) Mr. Sharp's employment with Discreet was terminated on July 2, 1998. See
"--Compensation and Other Information Concerning Discreet Directors and
Officers--Employment Agreements and Severance Arrangements."
(10) Includes 13,332 Discreet Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of
options, which options are exercisable within 60 days of October 31,
1998 and 11,000 Discreet Common Shares beneficially owned by Mr.
Desjardins.
(11) Such information is based on a Form 13G dated January 16, 1998 and filed
with the SEC. Putnam Investment Management, Inc.'s address is: One Post
Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.
(12) Such information is based on a Form 13G/A dated February 12, 1998 and
filed with the SEC. Pilgrim Baxter & Associates' address is: 825
Duportail Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania, 19087.
(13) Includes 847,914 Discreet Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of
options, which options are exercisable within 60 days of October 31, 1998
or upon the change in control of Discreet effected by the Transactions.
178
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
AUTODESK CAPITAL STOCK
The authorized capital stock of Autodesk consists of 250,000,000 shares of
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share and 2,000,000 shares of Preferred
Stock, $0.01 par value per share
Autodesk Common Stock
As of October 31, 1998, there were approximately 46,774,198 shares of
Autodesk Common Stock outstanding, held of record by approximately 1,128
stockholders. Autodesk Common Stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market
under the symbol "ADSK." Autodesk Common Stock has no preemptive or conversion
rights or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund
provisions applicable to Autodesk Common Stock. Autodesk Stockholders are
entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared from
time to time by the Autodesk Board out of funds legally available therefor. In
the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Autodesk, each share
of Autodesk Common Stock is entitled to participate pro rata in the
distribution of all assets remaining after payment of liabilities. All
outstanding shares of Autodesk Common Stock are fully paid and non-assessable,
and the shares of Autodesk Common Stock to be outstanding upon completion of
the Transactions will be fully paid and non-assessable.
Autodesk Stockholders are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to
be voted upon by Autodesk Stockholders. Autodesk Stockholders do not have
cumulative voting rights in connection with the election of Directors. The By-
laws of Autodesk (the "Autodesk By-Laws") provide that any action required or
permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of Autodesk
Stockholders may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice, and without
a vote, if written consents are obtained from the holders of outstanding
Autodesk Common Stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that
would be necessary to take such action at a meeting at which all shares
entitled to vote were present and voted.
Preferred Stock
Autodesk has 2,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock authorized, of which, as of
October 31, 1998, no shares were outstanding. Under Autodesk's Restated
Certificate of Incorporation (the "Autodesk Certificate"), the Autodesk Board
has the authority to issue these shares of Preferred Stock in one or more
series and, subject to limitations prescribed by law, to fix the designations,
rights, powers, and preferences and the qualifications, limitations or
restrictions thereof, of each such series of Preferred Stock, including
without limitation authority to fix the dividend rights, dividend rate,
conversion rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption (including
sinking fund provisions), and liquidation preferences of any wholly unissued
series of Preferred Stock and the number of shares constituting any such
series and the designation thereof, or any of the foregoing, without any
further vote or action by the stockholders. Although it presently has no
intention to do so, the Autodesk Board, without Autodesk Stockholder approval,
can issue Preferred Stock with voting and conversion rights which could
adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of Autodesk
Common Stock and the issuance of Preferred Stock may have the effect of
delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of Autodesk.
In connection with the adoption of a stockholder rights plan in December
1995, the Autodesk Board of Directors designated a series of Preferred Stock
as "Series A Participating Stock," with a par value of $0.01 per share and
consisting of 100,000 shares. See "--Comparison of Shareholders' Rights--
Autodesk Rights Plan."
In connection with the Transactions, the Autodesk Board will also designate
one share of Preferred Stock as "Series B Preferred Stock," which share will
be issued to the Trustee pursuant to the Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement.
See "Terms of the Transactions--Description of New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares--Voting Rights."
Autodesk Transfer Agent and Registrar
The Transfer Agent and Registrar for the Autodesk Common Stock is Harris
Trust & Savings Bank, Chicago, Il.
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DISCREET SHARE CAPITAL
The authorized share capital of Discreet consists of an unlimited number of
Discreet Common Shares and an unlimited number of preferred shares. Discreet
Common Shares entitle their holder to one vote per share on all matters voted
on by the Discreet Shareholders (except for matters which require class or
series votes) and are entitled to receive such dividends as are declared by
the directors out of funds legally available therefor and to receive the
remaining properties of Discreet on dissolution. Discreet Common Shares do not
confer any pre-emptive, redemption or conversion rights.
As at October 31, 1998, 29,868,621 Discreet Common Shares were outstanding.
No preferred shares were outstanding.
Discreet Transfer Agent and Registrar
The Transfer Agent and Registrar for the Discreet Common Shares is Boston
EquiServe, Canton, MA.
COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDERS' RIGHTS
In the event the Transactions are consummated, shareholders of Discreet, a
Quebec company, will, immediately after the Effective Time, have the right to
receive either Autodesk Common Stock or New Discreet Exchangeable Shares,
exchangeable for Autodesk Common Stock. Holders of New Discreet Exchangeable
Shares have the right to exchange such shares for an equivalent number of
shares of Autodesk Common Stock. Moreover, pursuant to the Voting and Exchange
Trust Agreement, the Trustee may, at the direction of the holders of the New
Discreet Exchangeable Shares, exercise votes equivalent to those possessed by
holders of Autodesk Common Stock. Autodesk is a corporation organized under
the Delaware General Corporation Law. While the rights and privileges of
stockholders of a Delaware Corporation are, in many instances, comparable to
those of shareholders of a Quebec company, there are certain differences. The
following is a summary of the material differences between the rights of
holders of Discreet Common Shares at the date hereof and of New Discreet
Exchangeable Shares and Autodesk Common Stock after giving effect to the
Transactions. These differences arise from differences between United States
and Canadian securities laws, between the DGCL and the Quebec Act, and between
the Discreet Articles and Discreet By-laws, the New Discreet articles and the
New Discreet by-laws as proposed to be amended in connection with the
Transactions (the "New Discreet Articles" and the "New Discreet By-Laws,"
respectively), and the Autodesk Restated Certificate and Autodesk's by-laws
(the "Autodesk By-Laws"). For a description of the respective rights of the
holders of Autodesk Common Stock and Discreet Common Shares, see,
respectively, "--Autodesk Capital Stock" and "--Discreet Share Capital."
Vote Required for Extraordinary Transactions
Under the Quebec Act, certain extraordinary corporate actions, such as
certain amalgamations and continuances, are required to be approved by special
resolution. A special resolution is a resolution passed by not less than two-
thirds (2/3) of the votes cast by the shareholders at the special meeting
called for that purpose. An arrangement (if ordered by a court) must be
approved by a resolution passed by not less than three-fourths (3/4) of the
votes cast by the shareholders of each class represented at the special
meeting of shareholders called for that purpose. The dissolution or winding-up
of a Quebec company must be approved by a resolution passed by the vote of at
least two-thirds (2/3) in value of the shares represented at the meeting of
shareholders called for that purpose pursuant to the Winding-Up Act (Quebec).
Under the Quebec Act, a class or series of shares of a company is entitled to
vote as a class or series if any provision of a proposed amalgamation or
amendment would affect the rights, privileges, conditions or restrictions of
shares of a class or series as the case may be, or changes them in relation to
another class or series, as the case may be.
The DGCL requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding
stock entitled to vote thereon to authorize any merger, consolidation,
dissolution or sale of substantially all of the assets of a corporation,
except that, unless required by its certificate of incorporation, no
authorizing stockholder vote is required of a
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corporation surviving a merger if (a) such corporation's certificate of
incorporation is not amended in any respect by the merger, (b) each share of
stock of such corporation outstanding immediately prior to the effective time
of the merger will be an identical outstanding or treasury share of the
surviving corporation after the effective time of the merger, and (c) the
number of shares to be issued in the merger does not exceed 20% of such
corporation's outstanding common stock immediately prior to the effective time
of the merger. The Autodesk Restated Certificate does not require a greater
percentage vote for such actions. Stockholder approval is also not required
under the DGCL for mergers or consolidations in which a parent corporation
merges or consolidates with a subsidiary of which it owns at least 90% of the
outstanding shares of each class of stock.
Such matters as take-over bids, issuer bids or self tenders, going-private
transactions and transactions with directors, officers, significant
shareholders and other related parties to which New Discreet is a party will
be subject to regulation by Canadian provincial securities legislation and
administrative policies of Canadian securities administrators. Similar matters
to which Autodesk is a party will be subject to regulation under US securities
laws, regulations and policies.
Dissenters' Rights
Section 262 of the DGCL provides appraisal rights (sometimes referred to as
"dissenters' rights") to stockholders of Delaware corporations in certain
situations involving the acquisition of such corporations. The Quebec Act does
not provide appraisal or similar rights to shareholders of a Quebec company in
connection with an amalgamation or similar takeover transaction.
Cumulative Voting and Classification of Board of Directors
The Autodesk Restated Certificate and the Autodesk By-Laws do not provide
for cumulative voting in director elections or for a classified board of
directors. The Discreet Articles and the Discreet By-Laws do not provide for
cumulative voting in director elections and for a classified board of
directors.
Amendment to Governing Documents
Under the Quebec Act, any amendment to a company's articles generally
requires the approval by special resolution, which is a resolution passed by a
majority of not less than two-thirds of the votes cast by shareholders present
in person or by proxy at the meeting at which the resolution is considered.
Under the Quebec Act, unless the articles or by-laws of the company otherwise
provide, the directors may, by resolution, make, amend, repeal or re-enact any
by-laws that regulates the business or affairs of the company. Where the
directors make, amend, repeal or re-enact a by-law, they are required under
the Quebec Act to submit the by-law, amendment, repeal or re-enactment to the
shareholders at a special meeting of the shareholders of the company called
for that purpose or, at the next annual meeting of shareholders, and such
by-law, in default of confirmation thereat, shall at and from that time only
cease to be in force. The shareholders may confirm, reject or amend the by-
law, amendment, repeal or re-enactment by an ordinary resolution, which is a
resolution passed by a majority of the votes cast by shareholders present in
person or by proxy at the meeting at which the by-law is considered.
The DGCL requires a vote of the corporation's board of directors followed by
the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding stock of each class
entitled to vote for any amendment to the certificate of incorporation, unless
a greater level of approval is required by the certificate of incorporation.
The Autodesk Restated Certificate does not require a greater level of approval
for an amendment thereto. If an amendment alters the powers, preferences or
special rights of a particular class or series of stock so as to affect them
adversely, that class or series shall be given the power to vote as a class
notwithstanding the absence of any specifically enumerated power in the
certificate of incorporation. The Autodesk Series B Preferred Stock which will
be issued in connection with the Transactions has special voting powers. See
"Terms of the Transactions--Description of New Discreet Exchangeable Shares--
Voting Rights." The DGCL also states that the power to adopt, amend or repeal
the by-laws of a corporation shall be in the stockholders entitled to vote,
provided that the corporation in its certificate of incorporation may confer
such power on the board of directors in addition to the stockholders.
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The Autodesk Restated Certificate expressly authorizes each of the board of
directors and the stockholders to adopt, amend or repeal the Autodesk By-Laws.
Derivative Action
Derivative actions may be brought in Delaware by a stockholder on behalf of,
and for the benefit of, the corporation. The DGCL provides that a stockholder
must aver in the complaint that he or she was a stockholder of the corporation
at the time of the transaction of which he or she complaints. A stockholder
may not sue derivatively unless he or she first makes demand on the
corporation that it bring suit and such demand has been refused, unless it is
shown that such demand would have been futile.
Under the Civil Code of Quebec, in the case of fraud against a company, a
court may, on the application of a shareholder, hold the founders, directors,
other senior officers or shareholders of the company who have participated in
the alleged act or derived personal profit therefrom liable for any damage
suffered by the company.
Shareholder Consent in Lieu of Meeting
Under the DGCL, unless otherwise provided in the certificate of
incorporation, any action required to be taken or which may be taken at an
annual or special meeting of stockholders may be taken without a meeting if a
consent in writing is signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not
less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize
such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote were present and
voted. The Autodesk Restated Certificate does not contain any special
provision relating to action by written consent. Under the Quebec Act,
shareholder action without a meeting may only be taken by written resolution
signed by all shareholders who would be entitled to vote thereon at a meeting.
Director Qualifications
In the absence of qualifications in the articles of incorporation or by-
laws, directors of a Quebec company need not be residents of Quebec or Canada,
nor be shareholders of the company, in order to act as directors of the
company. Discreet's articles of incorporation and by-laws contain no such
limiting provisions. However, the Quebec Act requires that the board of
directors of a company that has made a distribution to the public of its
securities shall be composed of not fewer than three directors.
Fiduciary Duties of Directors
Directors of corporations incorporated or organized under the Quebec Act and
the DGCL have fiduciary obligations to the corporation and its shareholders.
Pursuant to these fiduciary obligations, the directors must act in accordance
with the so-called duties of "due care" and "loyalty." Under the DGCL, the
duty of care requires that the directors act in an informed and deliberative
manner and to inform themselves, prior to making a business decision, of all
material information reasonably available to them. The duty of loyalty may be
summarized as the duty to act in good faith, not out of self-interest, and in
a manner which the directors reasonably believe to be in the best interests of
the stockholders.
Pursuant to the Civil Code of Quebec, directors have a duty of care,
requiring that the directors of a company incorporated under the laws of
Quebec act with prudence and diligence, and a duty of loyalty, requiring the
directors to act with honesty and loyalty and in the best interests of the
company.
Indemnification of Officers and Directors
Under the Quebec Act and the Civil Code of Quebec, Discreet must assume the
defense of a director or officer if he or she is prosecuted by a third person
for an act done in the exercise of his or her duties and must pay for the
damages, if any, resulting from such act, as well as reasonable expenses
incurred in respect of any
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such prosecution, unless the director or officer has committed a grievous
offense or a personal offense separable from the exercise of his or her
duties. In a penal or criminal proceeding, however, Discreet must assume the
payment of the expenses of an officer or director only if he or she had
reasonable grounds to believe that his or her conduct was in conformity with
the law, or was freed or acquitted. In addition, Discreet must assume the
expenses of an officer or director if, having prosecuted him for an act done
in the exercise of his duties, Discreet loses its case and the court so
decides. If Discreet wins its case only in part, the court may determine the
amount of the expenses it shall assume.
The DGCL provides that a corporation may indemnify its present and former
directors, officers, employees and agents (each an "indemnitee") against all
reasonable expenses (including attorneys' fees) and, except in actions
initiated by or in the right of the corporation, against all judgments, fines
and amounts paid in settlement in actions brought against them, if such
indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and
with respect to a criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to be
believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. The corporation shall indemnify
an indemnitee to the extent that he or she is successful on the merits or
otherwise in the defense of any claim, issue or matter associated with an
action. In the case of actions brought against a present or former director,
officer, employee or agent by or in the right of the corporation, no
indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to
which such a person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation
unless and only to the extent that an appropriate court of law shall determine
upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability, but in view of
all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably
entitled to indemnity for such expenses which such court shall deem proper.
The Autodesk Restated Certificate provides for indemnification of directors
and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL.
The DGCL allows for the advance payment of an indemnitee's expenses prior to
the final disposition of an action, provided that the indemnitee undertakes to
repay any such amount advanced if it is later determined that the indemnitee
is not entitled to indemnification with regard to the action for which such
expenses were advanced. The Quebec Act does not expressly provide for such
advance payment.
Director Liability
The DGCL provides that the charter of the corporation may include a
provision which limits or eliminates the liability of directors to the
corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary
duty as a director, provided such liability does not arise from certain
proscribed conduct, including acts or omissions not in good faith or which
involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, breach of the
duty of loyalty, the payment of unlawful dividends or expenditure of funds for
unlawful stock purchases or redemptions or transactions from which such
director derived an improper personal benefit. The Autodesk Restated
Certificate contains a provision limiting the liability of its directors to
the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. The Quebec Act does not permit any
such limitation of a director's liability.
Anti-takeover Provisions and Interested Stockholder Transactions
The DGCL prohibits, in certain circumstances, a "business combination"
between corporation and an "interest stockholder" within three years of the
stockholder becoming an "interest stockholder". An "interested stockholder" is
a holder who, directly or indirectly, controls 15% or more of the outstanding
voting stock or is an affiliate of the corporation and was the owner of 15% or
more of the outstanding voting stock at any time within the prior three-year
period. A "business combination" includes a merger or consolidation, a sale or
other disposition of assets having an aggregate market value of 10% or more of
the consolidated assets of the corporation or the aggregate market value of
the outstanding stock of the corporation and certain transactions that would
increase the interested stockholder's proportionate share ownership in the
corporation. This provision does not apply where: (i) either the business
combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an
interested stockholder is approved by the corporation's board of directors
prior to the date to the interested stockholder acquired such 15% interest;
(ii) upon the consummation of the transaction which resulted in the
stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder
owned at least 85% of the
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outstanding voting stock of the corporation excluding, for the purpose of
determining the number of shares outstanding, shares held by persons who are
directors and also officers and by employee stock plans in which participants
do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject
to the plan will be tendered; (iii) the business combination is approved by a
majority of the board of directors and the affirmative vote of the two-thirds
of the outstanding votes entitled to be cast by disinterested stockholders at
an annual or special meeting; (iv) the corporation does not have a class of
voting stock that is listed on a national securities exchange, authorized for
quotation on an inter-dealer quotation system of a registered national
securities association, or held of record by more than 2,000 stockholders
unless any of the foregoing results from action taken, directly or indirectly,
by an interested stockholder or from a transaction in which a person becomes
an interested stockholder; or (v) the corporation has opted out of this
provision. Autodesk has not opted out of this provision.
The Quebec Act does not contain a comparable provision with respect to
"business combinations". However, policies of certain Canadian securities
regulatory authorities, including Policy Q-27 of the QSC ("Policy Q-27"),
contain requirements in connection with related party transactions. A related
party transaction means, generally, any transaction by which an issuer,
directly or indirectly, acquires or transfers an asset or acquires or issues
treasury securities or assumes or transfers a liability from or to, as the
case may be, a related party by any means in any one transaction or any
combination of transactions. "Related party" is defined in Policy Q-27 and
includes directors, senior officers and holders of at least 10% of the voting
securities of the issuer.
Policy Q-27 requires more detailed disclosures in the proxy material sent to
security holders in connection with a related party transaction and, subject
to certain exemptions, the preparation of a formal valuation of the subject
matter of the related party transaction and any non-cash consideration offered
therefor and the inclusion of a summary of the valuation in the proxy
material. Policy Q-27 also requires, subject to certain exemptions, that the
minority shareholders of the issuer approve the transaction, by either a
simple majority or two-thirds of the votes cast, depending upon the
circumstances.
Currently, Policy Q-27 does not apply to a going private transaction or to a
related party transaction involving Discreet since certain exemptions from the
requirements of Policy Q-27 are available.
Autodesk Rights Plan
In December 1995, pursuant to a Preferred Shares Rights Agreement (the
"Rights Agreement") between Autodesk and Harris Trust & Savings Bank, as
Rights Agent (the "Rights Agent"), the Autodesk Board declared a dividend of
one right (a "Right") to purchase one one-thousandth share of the Autodesk's
Series A Participating Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred") for each
outstanding share of Autodesk Common Stock. The dividend is payable on
December 29, 1995 (the "Record Date") to Autodesk Stockholders of record as of
the close of business on that date. Each Right entitles the registered holder
to purchase from Autodesk one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Preferred
at an exercise price of $200.00 (the "Purchase Price"), subject to adjustment.
The Rights will not be exercisable until the Distribution Date (defined
below). Prior to the Distribution Date, certificates for the Rights ("Rights
Certificates") will not be sent to Autodesk Stockholders and the Rights will
attach to and trade only together with the Autodesk Common Stock. Accordingly,
Autodesk Common Stock certificates outstanding on the Record Date will
evidence the Rights related thereto, and Autodesk Common Stock certificates
issued after the Record Date but prior to the Distribution Date will contain a
notation incorporating the Rights Agreement by reference. Until the
Distribution Date (or earlier redemption or expiration of the Rights), the
surrender or transfer of any certificates for Autodesk Common Stock, even
without notation or a copy of the Summary of Rights being attached thereto
(but as to certificates representing Autodesk Common Stock issued after the
Record Date, only if they bear the legend required by the Rights Agreement),
will also constitute the transfer of the Rights associated with the Autodesk
Common Stock represented by such certificate.
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The Rights will separate from the Autodesk Common Stock, Rights Certificates
will be issued and the Rights will become exercisable upon the earlier of: (i)
10 days (or such later date as may be determined by a majority of the Autodesk
Board, excluding directors affiliated with the Acquiring Person, as defined
below (the "Continuing Directors") following a public announcement that a
person or group of affiliated or associated persons (an "Acquiring Person")
has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 15% or
more of the outstanding Autodesk Common Stock, or (ii) 10 days (or such later
date as may be determined by a majority of the Continuing Directors) following
the commencement of, or announcement of an intention to make, a tender offer
or exchange offer the consummation of which would result in the beneficial
ownership by a person or group of 15% or more of the outstanding Autodesk
Common Stock. The earlier of such dates is referred to as the "Distribution
Date."
As soon as practicable following the Distribution Date, separate Rights
Certificates will be mailed to holders of record of the Autodesk Common Stock
as of the close of business on the Distribution Date and such separate Rights
Certificates alone will evidence the Rights from and after the Distribution
Date. All shares of Autodesk Common Stock issued prior to the Distribution
Date will be issued with Rights. Autodesk Common Stock issued after the
Distribution Date may be issued with Rights if such shares are issued (i) upon
the conversion of outstanding convertible debentures or any other convertible
securities issued after adoption of the Rights Agreement or (ii) pursuant to
the exercise of stock options or under employee benefit plans or arrangements
unless such issuance would result in (or create a risk that) such options,
plans or arrangements would not qualify for otherwise available special tax
treatment. Except as otherwise determined by the Autodesk Board, no other
shares of Autodesk Common Stock issued after the Distribution Date will be
issued with Rights. The Rights will expire on the earliest of (i) December 14,
2005 (the "Final Expiration Date"), (ii) redemption or exchange of the Rights
as described below, or (iii) consummation of an acquisition of Autodesk
satisfying certain conditions by a person who acquired shares pursuant to a
Permitted Offer as described below.
Following the Distribution Date, and until one of the further events
described below, holders of the Rights will be entitled to receive, upon
exercise and the payment of $200.00 per Right, one one-thousandth share of the
Series A Preferred.
Unless the Rights are earlier redeemed, in the event that an Acquiring
Person becomes the beneficial owner of 15% or more of Autodesk Common Stock
then outstanding (other than pursuant to a Permitted Offer), then proper
provision will be made so that each holder of a Right which has not
theretofore been exercised (other than Rights beneficially owned by the
Acquiring Person, which will thereafter be void) will thereafter have the
right to receive, upon exercise, Autodesk Common Stock having a value equal to
two times the Purchase Price. Rights are not exercisable following the
occurrence of an event as described above until such time as the Rights are no
longer redeemable by Autodesk as set forth below.
In the event that Autodesk does not have sufficient Autodesk Common Stock
available for all Rights to be exercised, or the Autodesk Board decides that
it is necessary and not contrary to the interests of Rights holders to do so,
Autodesk may instead substitute cash, assets or other securities for the
Autodesk Common Stock for which the Rights would have been exercisable under
this provision.
Similarly, unless the Rights are earlier redeemed, in the event that, after
the Shares Acquisition Date (as defined below), (i) Autodesk is acquired in a
merger or other business combination transaction, or (ii) 50% or more of
Autodesk's consolidated assets or earning power are sold (other than in
transactions in the ordinary course of business), proper provision must be
made so that each holder of a Right which has not theretofore been exercised
(other than Rights beneficially owned by the Acquiring Person, which will
thereafter be void) will thereafter have the right to receive, upon exercise,
shares of common stock of the acquiring company having a value equal to two
times the Purchase Price (unless the transaction satisfies certain conditions
and is consummated with a person who acquired shares pursuant to a Permitted
Offer, in which case the Rights will expire).
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A Permitted Offer means a tender offer for all outstanding shares of
Autodesk Common Stock that has been determined by a majority of the Continuing
Directors to be adequate and otherwise in the best interests of Autodesk and
its stockholders. Where the Autodesk Board has determined that a tender offer
constitutes a Permitted Offer, the Rights will not become exercisable to
purchase Autodesk Common Stock or shares of the acquiring company (as the case
may be) at the discounted price described above.
At any time after the acquisition by an Acquiring Person of 15% or more of
the then outstanding shares of Autodesk Common Stock and prior to the
acquisition by such Acquiring Person of 50% or more of the then outstanding
shares of Autodesk Common Stock, the Autodesk Board may exchange the Rights
(other than Rights owned by the Acquiring Person), in whole or in part, at an
exchange ratio of one share of Autodesk Common Stock per Right.
At any time on or prior to the close of business on the earlier of (i) the
10th day following the acquisition by an Acquiring Person (the "Share
Acquisition Date") or such later date as may be determined by a majority of
the Continuing Directors and publicly announced by Autodesk, or (ii) the Final
Expiration Date of the Rights, Autodesk may redeem the Rights in whole, but
not in part, at a price of $.01 per Right.
The Purchase Price payable, the number of Rights, and the number of Series A
Preferred or shares of Autodesk Common Stock or other securities or property
issuable upon exercise of the Rights are subject to adjustment from time to
time in connection with the dilutive issuances by Autodesk as set forth in the
Rights Agreement. With certain exceptions, no adjustment in the Purchase Price
will be required until cumulative adjustments require an adjustment of at
least 1% in such Purchase Price.
No fractional portion less than integral multiples of one share of Autodesk
Common Stock will be issued upon exercise of a Right and in lieu thereof, an
adjustment in cash will be made based on the market price of the Autodesk
Common Stock on the last trading date prior to the date of exercise.
Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights
as an Autodesk Stockholder (other than any rights resulting from such holder's
ownership of Autodesk Common Stock), including, without limitation, the right
to vote or to receive dividends.
The provisions of the Rights Agreement may be supplemented or amended by the
Autodesk Board in any manner prior to the close of business on the
Distribution Date without the approval of Rights holders. After the
Distribution Date, the provisions of the Rights Agreement may be amended by
the Autodesk Board in order to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, to
make changes which do not adversely affect the interests of holders of Rights
(excluding the interests of any Acquiring Person), or to shorten or lengthen
any time period under the Rights Agreement; provided, however, that no
amendment to adjust the time period governing redemption shall be made at such
time as the Rights are not redeemable.
Series A Preferred purchasable upon exercise of the Rights will not be
redeemable. Each share of Series A Preferred will be entitled to an aggregate
dividend of 1,000 times the dividend declared per share of Autodesk Common
Stock. In the event of liquidation, the holders of the Series A Preferred will
be entitled to a minimum preferential liquidation payment equal to the greater
of (i) $1,000 per share or (ii) 1,000 times the per share amount to be
distributed to the holders of Autodesk Common Stock. Each share of Series A
Preferred will have 1,000 votes, voting together with the Autodesk Common
Stock. In the event of any merger, consolidation or other transaction in which
the Autodesk Common Stock are changed or exchanged, each share of Series A
Preferred will be entitled to receive 1,000 times the amount received per
share of Autodesk Common Stock. These rights are protected by customary anti-
dilution provisions.
Because of the nature of the dividend, liquidation and voting rights of the
shares of Series A Preferred, the value of the one one-thousandth interest in
a share of Series A Preferred purchasable upon exercise of each Right should
approximate the value of one share of Autodesk Common Stock.
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The Rights approved by the Autodesk Board are designed to protect and
maximize the value of the outstanding equity interests in Autodesk in the
event of an unsolicited attempt by an acquiror to take over Autodesk, in a
manner or on terms not approved by the Autodesk Board. Takeover attempts
frequently include coercive tactics to deprive the Autodesk Board and Autodesk
Stockholders of any real opportunity to determine the destiny of Autodesk.
The Rights have been declared by the Autodesk Board in order to deter such
tactics, including a gradual accumulation in the open market of a 15% or
greater position to be followed by a merger or a partial or two-tier tender
offer that does not treat all stockholders equally. These tactics unfairly
pressure stockholders, squeeze them out of their investment without giving
them any real choice and deprive them of the full value of their shares.
The Rights are not intended to prevent a takeover of Autodesk and will not
do so. The Rights may be redeemed by Autodesk at $.01 per Right within ten
days (or on such later date as may be determined by a majority of the Autodesk
Board, excluding directors affiliated with an Acquiring Person) after the
accumulation of 15% or more of Autodesk's Common Stock by a single acquiror or
group.
Accordingly, the Rights should not interfere with any merger or business
combination approved by the Autodesk Board.
Issuance of the Rights does not in any way weaken the financial strength of
Autodesk or interfere with its business plans. The issuance of the Rights
themselves has no dilutive effect, will not affect reported earnings per
share, should not be taxable to Autodesk or to Autodesk Stockholders, and will
not change the way in which Autodesk's shares are presently traded. The
Autodesk Board believes that the Rights represent a sound and reasonable means
of addressing the complex issues of corporate policy created by the current
takeover environment.
However, the Rights may have the effect of rendering more difficult or
discouraging an acquisition of Autodesk deemed undesirable by the Autodesk
Board. The Rights may cause substantial dilution to a person or group that
attempts to acquire Autodesk on terms or in a manner not approved by the
Autodesk Board, except pursuant to an offer conditioned upon the negation,
purchase or redemption of the Rights.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Autodesk at January 31, 1998 and
1997, and for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 1998,
included in the Proxy Circular of Autodesk, Inc. which is referred to and made
a part of this Prospectus and Registration Statement have been audited by
Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon
appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such report
given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of Discreet as of June 30, 1997 and
1998, and for the year ended July 31, 1996, the eleven-month period ended
June 30, 1997, and the year ended June 30, 1998, appearing in this Proxy
Circular and in the Form S-4 have been audited by Arthur Andersen & Cie,
independent chartered accountants, as indicated in their report with respect
thereto, and are included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm
as experts in giving said reports.
ATTENDANCE BY INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS AT THE AUTODESK MEETING AND THE DISCREET
MEETING
It is expected that representatives of Ernst & Young LLP, Autodesk's
independent accountants, will be present at the Autodesk Meeting and that
representatives of Arthur Andersen & Cie, Discreet's independent chartered
accountants, will be present at the Discreet Meeting where such
representatives, in each case, will have an opportunity to respond to
appropriate questions of stockholders and to make a statement if they so
desire.
187
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters in connection with the Transactions will be passed on
by Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation, Palo Alto,
California and Aird & Berlis, Toronto, Ontario, on behalf of Autodesk. Mark A.
Bertelsen, a director of Autodesk, is also a member of Wilson Sonsini
Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation. Certain legal matters in
connection with the Transactions will be passed on by Testa, Hurwitz &
Thibeault, LLP, Boston, Massachusetts, and Stikeman, Elliott, Montreal,
Quebec, on behalf of Discreet.
188
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE
----
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Report of Arthur Andersen & Cie......................................... F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets............................................. F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations................................... F-4
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity......................... F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows................................... F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.............................. F-8
AUTODESK, INC.
ANNUAL AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors....................... F-33
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 31, 1998 and 1997.............. F-34
Consolidated Statement of Income for the Years ended January 31, 1998,
1997, and 1996......................................................... F-35
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Years ended January 31,
1998, 1997 and 1996.................................................... F-36
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years ended
January 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996....................................... F-37
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.............................. F-38
INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED):
Condensed Consolidated Balance sheet as of July 31, 1998 (Unaudited).... F-54
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Six Months ended
July 31, 1998 and 1997 (Unaudited)..................................... F-55
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Six Months ended
July 31, 1998 and 1997................................................. F-56
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.......... F-57
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
To Discreet Logic Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Discreet
Logic Inc. (a Quebec corporation) and subsidiaries at June 30, 1997 and 1998
and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity
and cash flows for the year ended July 31, 1996, the eleven-month period ended
June 30, 1997, and the year ended June 30, 1998. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards in Canada, which are in substantial agreement with those in the
United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position
of Discreet Logic Inc. and subsidiaries as at June 30, 1997 and 1998, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended July 31,
1996, the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997, and the year ended June 30,
1998, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States of America.
Arthur Andersen & Cie
Chartered Accountants
General Partnership
Montreal, Canada
July 31, 1998
(except with respect to the matters discussed in Note 22, as to which the date
is September 11, 1998.)
F-2
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(AMOUNTS IN U.S. DOLLARS)
JUNE 30, JUNE 30,
1997 1998
------------ ------------
ASSETS
------
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents........................ $ 31,668,128 $ 43,745,982
Accounts receivable (less reserves for
uncollectible accounts of $3,487,000 and
$3,654,000 respectively)........................ 26,893,405 32,102,444
Inventory--
Resale......................................... 10,867,176 7,880,378
Demonstration.................................. 3,053,752 4,776,387
Income taxes receivable.......................... 448,059 --
Other current assets............................. 3,888,689 4,718,671
------------ ------------
76,819,209 93,223,862
Property and equipment--less accumulated
depreciation and amortization..................... 7,728,248 9,576,129
Deferred income taxes.............................. 3,489,537 877,514
Other assets....................................... 2,659,964 6,548,313
Assets held for resale............................. 5,247,741 4,384,160
------------ ------------
$ 95,944,699 $114,609,978
============ ============
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
------------------------------------
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable................................. $ 23,687,070 $ 23,265,953
Accrued expenses................................. 20,398,720 12,833,320
Deferred revenue................................. 8,103,294 6,544,620
Customer deposits................................ 1,359,619 288,113
Income taxes payable............................. 4,734,484 9,882,485
------------ ------------
58,283,187 52,814,491
------------ ------------
Deferred income taxes.............................. 713,236 2,228,634
------------ ------------
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 5, 12, and 15)
Shareholders' Equity:
Preferred shares--no par value
Authorized--unlimited number of shares
Issued and outstanding--none
Common shares--no par value
Authorized--unlimited number of shares
Issued and outstanding--28,117,415 shares at
June 30, 1997 and 29,617,504 shares at June 30,
1998........................................... 80,401,669 106,841,218
Accumulated deficit.............................. (42,639,374) (43,250,587)
Cumulative translation adjustment................ (814,019) (4,023,778)
------------ ------------
Total shareholders' equity..................... 36,948,276 59,566,853
------------ ------------
$ 95,944,699 $114,609,978
============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-3
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(AMOUNTS IN U.S. DOLLARS)
ELEVEN
YEAR ENDED MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED
JULY 31, JUNE 30, JUNE 30,
1996 1997 1998
------------ ------------ ------------
Total revenues....................... $ 83,997,447 $101,923,931 $151,558,128
Cost of revenues..................... 49,333,071 47,571,342 62,033,320
------------ ------------ ------------
Gross profit..................... 34,664,376 54,352,589 89,524,808
------------ ------------ ------------
Operating expenses:
Research and development, net of
tax credits of $711,000, $696,000
and $1,108,000, respectively...... 14,402,432 9,707,890 14,847,019
Sales and marketing................ 26,088,163 23,206,070 34,320,612
General and administrative......... 10,581,670 6,396,024 8,077,175
Write-off of purchased research and
development (Note 15)............. 8,500,000 9,800,000 26,800,000
Write-down of investment (Note 16). 2,500,000 -- --
Gain on sale of investment (Note
16)............................... -- -- (2,500,000)
Costs of terminated agreement (Note
17)............................... -- -- 1,712,860
Restructuring expense (Note 19).... 15,000,000 -- (1,504,472)
Litigation and related settlement
expenses (Note 5)................. 2,506,203 6,500,000 (405,000)
------------ ------------ ------------
Total operating expenses......... 79,578,468 55,609,984 81,348,194
------------ ------------ ------------
Operating income (loss).......... (44,914,092) (1,257,395) 8,176,614
------------ ------------ ------------
Other income (expense):
Interest income.................... 2,258,705 1,233,924 1,118,343
Interest expense................... (229,579) (55,318) (135,625)
Foreign currency exchange gain
(loss)............................ 178,620 (187,843) 1,083,450
------------ ------------ ------------
Total other income (expense)..... 2,207,746 990,763 2,066,168
------------ ------------ ------------
Income (loss) before income taxes.. (42,706,346) (266,632) 10,242,782
Provision for income taxes........... 1,434,835 6,489,343 10,853,995
------------ ------------ ------------
Net loss........................... $(44,141,181) $ (6,755,975) $ (611,213)
============ ============ ============
Net loss per common share............ $ (1.64) $ (0.24) $ (0.02)
============ ============ ============
Weighted average common shares
outstanding......................... 26,836,834 27,947,807 29,029,147
============ ============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-4
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(AMOUNTS IN U.S. DOLLARS)
RETAINED SHARE CUMULATIVE TOTAL
COMMON EARNINGS SUBSCRIPTIONS TRANSLATION SHAREHOLDERS'
SHARES AMOUNT (DEFICIT) RECEIVABLE ADJUSTMENT EQUITY
---------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ----------- -------------
Balance, July 31, 1995.. 25,166,860 $ 43,232,545 $ 8,257,782 $(1,645,000) $ 279,126 $ 50,124,453
Issuance of common
shares net of issuance
costs of $1,988,202
and related tax effect
of $775,399........... 970,920 28,157,527 -- -- -- 28,157,527
Exercise of common
stock options......... 1,244,918 1,230,734 -- -- -- 1,230,734
Issuance of shares
through Employee Stock
Purchase Plan......... 16,728 302,108 -- -- -- 302,108
Issuance of shares to
COSS ................. 300,000 6,000,000 -- -- -- 6,000,000
Collection of share
subscriptions
receivable............ -- -- -- 1,645,000 -- 1,645,000
Net loss............... -- -- (44,141,181) -- -- (44,141,181)
Change in cumulative
translation
adjustment............ -- -- -- -- (975,625) (975,625)
---------- ------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------
Balance, July 31, 1996.. 27,699,426 78,922,914 (35,883,399) -- (696,499) 42,343,016
Exercise of common
stock options......... 321,577 1,128,256 -- -- -- 1,128,256
Issuance of shares
through Employee Stock
Purchase Plan......... 96,412 350,499 -- -- -- 350,499
Net loss............... -- -- (6,755,975) -- -- (6,755,975)
Change in cumulative
translation
adjustment............ -- -- -- -- (117,520) (117,520)
---------- ------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------
Balance, June 30, 1997.. 28,117,415 80,401,669 (42,639,374) -- (814,019) 36,948,276
Exercise of common
stock options......... 253,163 1,136,747 -- -- -- 1,136,747
Issuance of shares
through Employee Stock
Purchase Plan......... 46,926 524,165 -- -- -- 524,165
Issuance of shares to
D-Vision (Note 15(b)). 555,000 10,649,063 -- -- -- 10,649,063
Issuance of shares to
Intel, net of issuance
costs of $17,625 (Note
8(d))................. 645,000 13,527,375 -- -- -- 13,527,375
Compensation expense
related to stock
options............... -- 602,199 -- -- -- 602,199
Net loss............... -- -- (611,213) -- -- (611,213)
Change in cumulative
translation
adjustment............ -- -- -- -- (3,209,759) (3,209,759)
---------- ------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------
Balance, June 30, 1998.. 29,617,504 $106,841,218 $(43,250,587) $ -- $(4,023,778) $ 59,566,853
========== ============ ============ =========== =========== ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-5
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(AMOUNTS IN U.S. DOLLARS)
ELEVEN MONTHS YEAR ENDED
YEAR ENDED ENDED JUNE 30,
JULY 31, 1996 JUNE 30, 1997 1998
------------- ------------- ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING
ACTIVITIES:
Net loss......................... $(44,141,181) $ (6,755,975) $ (611,213)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss
to cash provided by operating
activities--
Depreciation and amortization.. 6,276,139 5,882,575 8,154,462
Deferred income taxes.......... (2,072,789) 503,699 3,769,945
Loss on sale of fixed assets... 31,819 -- --
Write-off of purchased research
& development................. 8,500,000 9,800,000 26,800,000
Write-off of assets for
restructuring................. 5,510,237 -- 610,472
Reversal of restructuring
reserve, net.................. -- -- (1,504,472)
Write-off of investment in
Essential Communications
Corporation................... 2,500,000 -- --
Gain on sale of investment in
Essential Communications
Corporation................... -- -- (2,500,000)
Compensation expense related to
stock options................. -- -- 602,199
Changes in assets and
liabilities (net of effect of
acquisitions)--
Settlement of class action
litigation.................. -- -- (10,800,000)
Insurance proceeds related to
class action litigation..... -- -- 3,459,000
Accounts receivable.......... (1,100,199) (10,819,617) (4,326,039)
Inventory.................... (6,088,107) 2,986,146 3,378,732
Income taxes receivable...... (2,718,204) 2,743,232 448,059
Other current assets......... (1,917,776) (248,546) (682,982)
Accounts payable............. (6,183,710) 14,336,101 (3,880,117)
Accrued expenses............. 16,865,069 799,643 (8,328,774)
Deferred revenue............. 961,399 3,333,788 (1,558,674)
Income taxes payable......... (2,578,994) 4,734,484 5,148,001
Customer deposits............ 1,807,254 (1,258,442) (1,071,506)
Due to related parties....... (75,778) (25,535) --
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by (used
in) operating activities... (24,424,821) 26,011,553 17,107,093
------------ ------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING
ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property and
equipment....................... (15,870,636) (6,265,405) (9,501,868)
Proceeds from disposal of
property and equipment.......... 212,719 4,885 818,000
Increase in other assets......... (519,841) (2,480,908) --
Cash paid for Denim acquisition
and related costs............... -- (9,125,611) --
Cash paid for D-Vision
acquisition and related costs... -- -- (10,342,000)
Cash paid for COSS/IMP
acquisition and related costs... (5,544,848) -- --
Cash paid for investment in
Essential Communications
Corporation..................... (2,500,000) -- --
Proceeds from sale of investment
in Essential Communications
Corporation..................... -- -- 2,500,000
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash used in investing
activities................. (24,222,606) (17,867,039) (16,525,868)
------------ ------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING
ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of common
shares, net of issuance costs... 27,382,128 -- 13,527,375
Proceeds from the exercise of
stock options................... 1,230,734 1,128,256 1,136,747
Proceeds from the employee stock
purchase plan................... 302,108 350,499 524,165
Payment of capital lease
obligations..................... (249,699) -- --
Proceeds from share subscriptions
receivable...................... 1,645,000 -- --
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by
financing activities....... 30,310,271 1,478,755 15,188,287
------------ ------------ ------------
Foreign exchange effect on cash... (991,874) 386,808 (3,691,658)
------------ ------------ ------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents................. (19,329,030) 10,010,077 12,077,854
Cash and cash equivalents,
beginning of year................ 40,987,081 21,658,051 31,668,128
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of
year............................. $ 21,658,051 $ 31,668,128 $ 43,745,982
============ ============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-6
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS--(CONTINUED)
ELEVEN MONTHS YEAR ENDED
YEAR ENDED ENDED JUNE 30,
JULY 31, 1996 JUNE 30, 1997 1998
------------- ------------- ------------
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow
information:
Interest paid during the year...... $ 229,610 $ 16,579 $ 150,243
Income taxes paid during the year.. 8,823,579 1,141,487 2,527,720
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash
financing and investing activities:
Issuance of common shares to COSS.. 6,000,000 -- --
Deferred tax asset recorded in
connection with share issuance
costs............................. 775,399 -- --
In connection with the acquisition
of Lightscape in December 1997, the
following non-cash transaction
occurred:
Fair value of assets acquired...... $ -- $ -- $ 7,614,322
Liabilities assumed................ -- -- (7,614,322)
---------- ---------- ------------
Cash paid for acquisition, net of
cash acquired...................... $ -- $ -- $ --
========== ========== ============
In connection with the acquisition
of D-Vision in July 1997, the
following non-cash transaction
occurred:
Fair value of assets acquired...... $ -- $ -- $ 27,210,063
Liabilities assumed................ -- -- (5,811,000)
Cash acquired...................... -- -- (408,000)
Issuance of 555,000 shares of
common stock...................... -- -- (10,649,063)
---------- ---------- ------------
Cash paid for acquisition, net of
cash acquired...................... $ -- $ -- $ 10,342,000
========== ========== ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-7
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS IN U.S. DOLLARS)
(1) OPERATIONS
Discreet Logic Inc. ("the Company") was incorporated under Part 1A of the
Quebec Companies Act on September 10, 1991. The Company and its subsidiaries
develop, assemble, market and support non-linear, digital systems and software
for creating, editing and compositing imagery and special effects for film,
video, HDTV, broadcast and the Web. The Company's systems and software are
utilized by creative professionals, for a variety of applications, including
feature films, television programs, commercials, music and corporate videos,
interactive game production, live broadcasting as well as Web design.
The Company sells its advanced systems and other products through its direct
sales force, as well as through distributors and resellers. The Company
markets and sells its systems directly in North America and in certain
European and Pacific Rim countries. Sales activities in North America are
conducted from the Company's Montreal headquarters, sales offices in Los
Angeles, New York and Chicago and field representatives based in Boston, San
Francisco and Atlanta. In fiscal 1996, the Company opened sales offices in
India, Hong Kong and Japan. The Company also markets its systems through sales
offices located in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Singapore, Spain and
Brazil and through a network of distributors and resellers in over 80
countries.
The success of the Company is subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties, including, without limitation, the Company's ability to
successfully develop, introduce and gain customer acceptance of existing and
new or enhanced products; the need for the continued development of the market
for the Company's systems; the ability of the Company to expand its current
market to include additional applications and develop new products for related
markets; the risk that as the Company enters new markets, the distribution
channels, technical requirements and levels and basis of competition may be
different from those in the Company's current markets; the presence of
competitors with greater financial, technical, manufacturing, marketing and
distribution resources; the risk that the products and technologies acquired
by the Company through acquisitions will not be successful, achieve market
acceptance or be successfully integrated with the Company's existing products
and business; the risk of quarterly fluctuations in the Company's operating
results; the risk of the Company's reliance on Silicon Graphics, Inc. ("SGI")
for the workstations included in the Company's systems including the impact of
the timing of the development and release of SGI products as well as
unforeseen difficulties associated with adapting the Company's products to
future SGI products; the risk that the Company derives a significant portion
of its revenues from foreign sales; the Company's reliance principally on
unregistered copyrights and trade secrets to protect its intellectual
property; the risk that the Company's direct sales efforts may compete with
those of its indirect channels; the risk of the Company's reliance on SGI as
the sole source for video input/output cards used in the Company's systems;
the Company's dependence on key management and technical employees; market
price fluctuations due to quarter-to-quarter variations in the Company's
operating results, announcements of technological innovations or new products
by the Company or its competitors and the historical fluctuations in market
prices of technology companies generally; and other risks detailed from time
to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Company believes that with its current level of working capital together
with funds generated from operations, it has adequate sources of cash to meet
its operational and capital expenditure requirements through fiscal 1999.
F-8
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(2) SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the application
of the following significant accounting policies, as described below and
elsewhere in the notes to consolidated financial statements. These
consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, and are
presented in United States dollars ("U.S. Dollars").
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may differ from these
estimates.
(a) Change of Fiscal Year
On January 9, 1997, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the
change of the Company's fiscal year end from July 31 to June 30. This change
was effective beginning with the Company's second fiscal quarter of 1997. The
consolidated financial statements are presented for the twelve-month period
ended June 30, 1998, the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997 and the
twelve-month period ended July 31, 1996.
The Company prepares consolidated financial statements, remeasures accounts
in foreign currencies to reflect changes in exchange rates, and examines and
adjusts certain reserve accounts at the end of each quarter. Therefore, it is
not practicable to recast the previous fiscal years' results to reflect the
current fiscal period. Consequently, the results for the twelve-month period
ended June 30, 1998 are not directly comparable with those for the eleven-
month period ended June 30, 1997, or with the twelve-month period ended July
31, 1996.
(b) Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its subsidiaries. All subsidiaries are wholly owned as of June 30, 1998.
All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated
upon consolidation.
(c) Revenue Recognition
In October 1997, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
(AICPA) issued Statement of Position (SOP) 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition.
The statement provides specific industry guidance and stipulates that revenue
recognized from software arrangements is to be allocated to each element of
the arrangement based on the relative fair values of the elements, such as
software products, upgrades, enhancements, postcontract customer support,
installation or training. Under SOP 97-2, the determination of fair value is
based on objective evidence that is specific to the vendor. If such evidence
of fair value for each element of the arrangement does not exist, all revenue
from the arrangement is deferred until such time that the evidence of fair
value does exist or until all elements of the arrangement are delivered.
Revenue allocated to software products, specified upgrades and enhancements is
generally recognized upon delivery of the related products, upgrades and
enhancements. Revenue allocated to postcontract customer support is generally
recognized ratably over the term of the support, and revenue allocated to
service elements is generally recognized as the services are performed. SOP
97-2 was adopted by the Company effective January 1, 1998 and has not had a
material effect on revenue recognition.
The Company recognizes revenue from software licenses, and the related
hardware and peripherals, upon shipment of the products. The Company
recognizes revenue from post contract customer support and other related
services ratably, as the obligations are fulfilled, or when the related
services are performed. Post contract
F-9
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
customer support, training, installation, systems integration and rental
services, are performed primarily under separately priced arrangements under
which the Company has recorded revenues of $11,713,000, $13,606,000 and
$14,050,000 for the year ended July 31, 1996, the eleven-month period ended
June 30, 1997, and for the year ended June 30, 1998, respectively.
Revenues from sales to Value Added Resellers (VARs) and distributors are
recognized on the shipment of product to these parties. The Company has
reserves for estimated returns. Actual returns have not differed materially
from these estimates and have not been significant.
(d) Net Income (Loss) per Common Share
In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128, Earnings per
Share. The new standard simplifies the computation of earnings per share (EPS)
and increases comparability to international standards. Under SFAS No. 128,
primary EPS is replaced by "Basic" EPS, which excludes dilution and is
computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding for the period. "Diluted" EPS,
which is computed similarly to fully diluted EPS, reflects the potential
dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common
stock were exercised or converted into common stock. The Company is required
to disclose both basic and diluted EPS. All prior period EPS data have been
restated to conform to SFAS No. 128.
The following table presents, in thousands (except for EPS amounts) a
reconciliation of Basic EPS to Diluted EPS as required by SFAS No. 128:
YEAR ENDED ELEVEN MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED
JULY 31, 1996 JUNE 30, 1997 JUNE 30, 1998
----------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------
INCOME SHARES EPS INCOME SHARES EPS INCOME SHARES EPS
-------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Basic EPS
Income available to
common shareholders.. $(44,141) 26,837 $(1.64) $(6,756) 27,948 $(0.24) $(612) 29,029 $(0.02)
====== ====== ======
Effect of Dilutive
Securities
Impact of exercise of
stock options under
treasury stock
method............... -- -- -- -- -- --
-------- ------ ------- ------ ----- ------
Diluted EPS
Income available to
common shareholders
and assumed
exercises............ $(44,141) 26,837 $(1.64) $(6,756) 27,948 $(0.24) $(612) 29,029 $(0.02)
======== ====== ====== ======= ====== ====== ===== ====== ======
In accordance with SFAS No. 128, in periods that the Company incurs a net
loss, all outstanding options are excluded from the calculation of diluted
EPS. Had the Company not been in a loss position, dilutive outstanding options
of 2,044,265, 945,845 and 1,763,785 for fiscal 1996, 1997, and 1998,
respectively, would have been added to compute diluted EPS.
F-10
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(e) Research and Development Expenses
The Company charges to operations research and development costs as incurred
and presents such expenses net of income tax credits from the Canadian federal
and Quebec provincial governments (see Note 7). Software development costs are
considered for capitalization when technological feasibility is established in
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 86,
Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased or Otherwise
Marketed. The Company sells software in a market that is subject to rapid
technological change, new product introductions and changing customer needs.
Accordingly, the Company has not capitalized software development costs due to
its inability to estimate the useful life of software under development.
(f) Translation of Foreign Currencies
The accounts of the Company are translated in accordance with SFAS No. 52,
Foreign Currency Translation. The Company's management has elected to present
these consolidated financial statements in U.S. dollars. The financial
statements of the Company and its subsidiaries are translated from their
functional currency into the reporting currency, the U.S. dollar, utilizing
the current rate method. Accordingly, assets and liabilities are translated at
exchange rates in effect at the end of the year, and revenues and expenses are
translated at the weighted average exchange rate during the year. All
cumulative translation gains or losses from the translation into the Company's
reporting currency are included as a separate component of shareholders'
equity in the consolidated balance sheets.
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) included in other income
(expense) in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations were
$178,620, $(187,843) and $1,083,450 for the year ended July 31, 1996, the
eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997, and the year ended June 30, 1998,
respectively.
(g) Concentration of Credit Risk
During fiscal 1998, the Company amended and restated its Maximum Liability
Agreement with a leasing company. The agreement provides that the Company is
contingently liable up to a maximum percentage of the remaining principal
payments outstanding related to the purchase of the Company's products by
customers financed by said leasing company. The maximum liability is
contingent on certain factors as defined in the agreement. As at June 30, 1997
and 1998, the Company had accrued $619,000 and $648,000, respectively, the
maximum amount of the contingent liability as a charge to general and
administrative expenses.
The Company has no other significant off-balance sheet concentration of
credit risk such as foreign exchange contracts, option contracts or other
foreign currency hedging arrangements. The Company maintains the majority of
cash balances with three financial institutions and its accounts receivable
credit risk is not concentrated within any geographic area. There were no
accounts receivable from a single customer which exceeded 10 percent of total
accounts receivable as of June 30, 1997 and 1998.
(h) Postemployment and Postretirement Benefits
The Company does not provide postemployment and postretirement benefits.
(i) Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates market value. Cash
equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities
of less than three months. Cash equivalents consist of commercial paper and
money market mutual funds at June 30, 1997 and 1998.
F-11
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(j) Inventory
Inventory consists of hardware purchased for resale and is valued at the
lower of cost (determined on a first-in, first-out basis) or net realizable
value. Demonstration inventory consists of hardware inventory used by the
Company and potential customers for product demonstrations which will be
subsequently sold.
(k) Property and Equipment
The Company provides for depreciation and amortization using the straight-
line and declining-balance methods over the estimated useful lives of the
assets as follows:
ESTIMATED JUNE 30, JUNE 30,
ASSET CLASSIFICATION USEFUL LIFE 1997 1998
-------------------- -------------------- ----------- ------------
Computer equipment,
video equipment and
software............... 2-5 Years $14,375,443 $ 19,775,508
Leasehold improvements.. Shorter of term of 1,222,478 1,735,401
lease or useful life
Furniture and fixtures.. 5 Years 1,797,891 2,503,772
----------- ------------
17,395,812 24,014,681
Less--Accumulated
depreciation and
amortization........... (9,667,564) (14,438,552)
----------- ------------
$ 7,728,248 $ 9,576,129
=========== ============
(l) Other Assets
Other assets include acquired technology, goodwill, and other deferred
charges, and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful
lives of the assets, which range from three to five years. The Company
evaluates the realizability and the related periods of amortization of these
assets on a regular basis.
Other assets included the following amounts at June 30:
ASSET CLASSIFICATION 1997 1998
-------------------- ----------- -----------
Acquired technology................................ $ 2,875,665 $ 6,938,137
Goodwill........................................... 2,437,789 3,451,542
Other deferred charges............................. -- 639,840
----------- -----------
5,313,454 11,029,519
Less--Accumulated amortization..................... (2,653,490) (4,481,206)
----------- -----------
$ 2,659,964 $ 6,548,313
=========== ===========
(m) Legal Costs
The Company accrues legal costs to be incurred when such amounts are
probable and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. Material assumptions
used to estimate the amounts accrued include, primarily, the advice of legal
counsel regarding the nature, length and estimated legal costs of each case.
These liabilities are not discounted to reflect their present values.
(n) Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income (SFAS
130), which establishes standards for reporting and displaying comprehensive
income and its components in a full set of general-purpose financial
statements and is
F-12
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
required to be adopted by the Company beginning in its fiscal year 1999.
Additionally, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information (SFAS 131), which establishes standards for
the way public business enterprises report information in annual statements
and interim financial reports regarding operating segments, products and
services, geographic areas, and major customers. SFAS 131 will first be
reflected in the Company's fiscal year 1999 Annual Report and will apply to
both annual and interim financial reporting subsequent to this date. The
Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 130 and SFAS 131 on its
financial disclosures.
In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities". This statement requires companies to
record derivatives on the balance sheet as assets or liabilities, measured at
fair value. Gains or losses resulting from changes in the values of those
derivatives would be accounted for depending on the use of the derivative and
whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. SFAS 133 will be effective for the
Company's fiscal year ending June 30, 2000. Management believes that this
statement will not have a significant impact on the Company.
In March 1998, the AICPA issued Statement of Position (SOP) 98-4, which
amends certain provisions of SOP 97-2. The Company believes it is in
compliance with the provisions of SOP 97-2 as amended by SOP 98-4. However,
detailed implementation guidelines for this standard have not been issued.
Once issued, such guidance could lead to unanticipated changes in the
Company's current revenue recognition practices, and such changes could be
material to the Company's results of operations.
In March 1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued Statement
of Position (SOP) 98-1, Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software
Developed or Obtained for Internal Use. This standard requires companies to
capitalize qualifying computer software costs which are incurred during the
application development stage and amortize them over the software's estimated
useful life. The Company is required to adopt this standard in fiscal year
2000 and is currently evaluating the impact that its adoption will have on the
consolidated financial position and results of operations of the Company.
(3) OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
Other current assets consist of the following:
JUNE 30, JUNE 30,
1997 1998
---------- ----------
Prepaid expenses..................................... $2,919,782 $2,754,321
Sales tax receivable................................. 787,515 1,147,833
Other receivables.................................... 181,392 816,517
---------- ----------
$3,888,689 $4,718,671
========== ==========
F-13
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(4) ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consist of the following:
JUNE 30, JUNE 30,
1997 1998
----------- -----------
Payroll and payroll related....................... $ 2,838,873 $ 4,180,410
Professional fees................................. 733,680 764,869
Commissions....................................... 2,187,178 2,676,242
Sales tax and VAT payable......................... 679,052 1,542,036
Accrued restructuring expenses.................... 4,272,438 825,000
Maximum liability accrual......................... 619,000 647,667
Accrued litigation and settlement expenses........ 8,186,969 --
Acquisition costs................................. -- 1,021,305
Other............................................. 881,530 1,175,791
----------- -----------
$20,398,720 $12,833,320
=========== ===========
(5) LITIGATION AND RELATED SETTLEMENT EXPENSES
(a) Class action securities litigation
On May 29, 1996, June 13, 1996 and April 29, 1997, certain of the Company's
shareholders filed class action lawsuits alleging violations of federal
securities laws and other claims against the Company and certain of its
officers and directors among others. The three lawsuits were filed in the
Superior Court of the State of California, the United States District Court,
District of Massachusetts and the United States District Court, Northern
District of California, respectively. On or about November 25, 1997, a
settlement of all three shareholder class actions received final court
approval. Under the $10,800,000 settlement, the Company contributed
approximately $7,400,000 from its own funds, with the remainder provided by
insurance.
In the year ended July 31, 1996, the Company had provided a $2,506,000
litigation reserve for legal costs associated with defending the class action
lawsuits based on consultations with its legal advisors. During the eleven-
month period ended June 30, 1997, the Company recorded a provision of
$6,500,000 to accrue the additional estimated settlement costs to be borne by
the Company, based on the agreement-in-principle, reached in August 1997, to
settle these lawsuits.
In the twelve-month period ended June 30, 1998, the Company reversed
$405,000 of litigation and related settlement expenses in order to adjust
previously estimated legal costs to the actual amount of costs incurred.
The Company had accrued litigation and settlement reserves in the amounts of
$2,506,000, $8,187,000, and $0 as of July 31, 1996, June 30, 1997, and June
30, 1998, respectively.
(b) Griffith & Tekushan, Inc.
On June 2, 1998, the Company was named as a defendant in a breach of
warranty action filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York for the
County of New York entitled Griffith & Tekushan, Inc. v. Discreet Logic, Inc.
(Index No. 602684/98) (the "Action"). The complaint alleges, among other
things, that the Company breached certain warranties arising out of a software
licensing agreement and seeks damages of $1 million. On July 10, 1998, the
Action was removed from state court to the United States District Court for
the Southern District of New York (Case No. 98 Civ. 4909 (BSJ)). On July 17,
1998, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the Action in its entirety. The
motion to dismiss is currently pending. The Company intends to contest
F-14
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
this case vigorously; however, the ultimate outcome of the case cannot be
predicted at this point.
(6) DEMAND LINE OF CREDIT, LEASING AND TAX CREDIT FACILITIES
During the year, the Company amended its revolving demand line of credit and
leasing facility with its bank. The new agreement provides for a revolving
demand line of credit under which it can borrow up to Cdn$7,000,000
(approximately $4,773,000 at June 30, 1998). Advances under the line accrue
interest monthly at the Canadian prime rate (6.50% at June 30, 1998) plus
0.25%. Additionally, the agreement provides for a Cdn$600,000 (approximately
$409,000 at June 30, 1998) demand leasing facility, and a Cdn$600,000
(approximately $409,000 at June 30, 1998) demand research and development tax
credit facility. Advances under these facilities accrue interest monthly at
the Canadian prime rate (6.50% at June 30, 1998) plus 1%. The line and
facilities are secured by essentially all of the Company's North American
assets. As additional security, the Company assigned to the bank its insurance
on these assets. The Company is required to maintain certain financial ratios,
including minimum levels of working capital, debt service coverage and equity
to asset ratios. As of June 30, 1998, there were no amounts outstanding under
the demand leasing and demand research and development tax credit facilities,
however, the amount available to the Company under the line of credit was
reduced by the letter of guarantee discussed below.
During the year, the Company's Japanese subsidiary entered into a line of
credit agreement with its bank. Under this agreement, the subsidiary can
borrow up to $3,000,000. Advances under this line accrue interest at the
prevailing overnight rate for the period (approximately 2.1% at June 30, 1998)
and are secured by a letter of guarantee, in the amount of $3,000,000, issued
by the Company in favor of the subsidiary's bank. As of June 30, 1998, the
subsidiary had borrowed (Yen)376,824,000 (approximately $2,725,000 at June 30,
1998).
(7) CANADIAN FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL INCOME TAX CREDITS
The Company is entitled to research and development incentives in the form
of income tax credits from the Canadian federal government ("Federal") and
from the Province of Quebec ("Provincial"). Federal income tax credits are
received on qualified Canadian research and development expenditures and
equipment purchases. Provincial income tax credits are received on qualified
research and development salaries in the Province of Quebec. The Federal and
Provincial income tax credits are earned at 20% of qualified research and
development expenditures. Additionally, the Federal credit may be limited to a
credit against income taxes payable.
The Company recorded $711,000, $696,000 and $1,108,000 of income tax credits
as a reduction of research and development expenses for the year ended July
31, 1996, the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997, and the year ended June
30, 1998, respectively. These income tax credits represent credits earned
based on qualifying research and development expenditures. In addition, the
Company recorded, $513,000, $196,000 and $374,000 of income tax credits as a
reduction in the carrying value of property and equipment for the year ended
July 31, 1996, the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997, and the year ended
June 30, 1998, respectively. These income tax credits represent credits earned
based on qualifying property and equipment purchases.
(8) SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(a) Secondary Offering
In December 1995, the Company completed a secondary offering of 970,920
common shares at $30.25 per share, resulting in proceeds of approximately
$28,158,000 net of issuance costs and their related tax effects.
F-15
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(b) Preferred Shares
The Board of Directors is authorized to issue preferred shares, in one or
more series, and to fix the rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, voting
rights, terms of redemption (including sinking fund provisions), redemption
price or prices, and the number of shares constituting any series or the
designations of such series, without further vote or action by the
shareholders.
(c) Share Subscriptions Receivable
In fiscal 1995, a share subscriptions receivable, in the amount of $148,148,
from the then and current Chairman of the Board of Directors and the former
president of the Company was reduced through the shares being repurchased or
repaid. On November 11, 1994, the former President and Chief Executive Officer
of the Company issued to the Company a $1,645,000 note in connection with the
exercise of nonqualified stock options which is included in share
subscriptions receivable at July 31, 1995. During the 1996 fiscal year, the
note was repaid in full together with interest in the amount of $134,000.
(d) Private Placement of Shares to Intel Corporation
On March 4, 1998, Discreet completed a private placement of 645,000 common
shares, no par value per share, for proceeds to the Company of approximately
$13,527,000, net of issuance costs.
Under a separate agreement, the Strategic Development Agreement (the
"Agreement") dated as of March 4, 1998 by and between Discreet and Intel
Corporation ("Intel") provides for the mutual collaboration of Intel and
Discreet regarding the possible development of real-time effects software
designed specifically to run on certain Intel products and to allow the free
flow of certain developmental information between the parties to facilitate
similar development efforts. The nature of the Agreement is preliminary and,
as such, the Agreement does not provide for extensive obligations or liability
on behalf of either party. Under the Agreement, Discreet agrees to provide a
perpetual, non-transferable, non-assignable, non-exclusive, world-wide,
royalty-free license, without the right to sublicense, to internally use, copy
and modify certain Discreet proprietary software and related material solely
for the purposes of performance analysis, optimization and design and sale of
certain Intel products.
Discreet retains sole ownership on all such software, even if such software
is modified by Intel. There are no "purchase rights' under the Agreement.
Under the Agreement, each party will bear its own costs associated with
performance of the agreement, which will generally entail training, travel and
related meeting expenses. Discreet believes that the agreement is not material
to Discreet's operations.
(e) Dividends
The Company has never declared or paid cash dividends and does not
anticipate paying any cash dividends on its capital stock in the foreseeable
future. In the event cash dividends are declared or paid, the Company
anticipates that they would be declared and paid in U.S. dollars. Part 1A of
the Quebec Companies Act prohibits the Company from paying dividends that
would prevent it from discharging its liabilities when due or that would bring
the book value of its assets to an amount less than the sum of its liabilities
and its issued and paid-up share capital account. At June 30, 1998, the
Company could not distribute any dividends.
(f) Capital Structure
In February 1997, the FASB also issued SFAS No. 129, Disclosure of
Information About Capital Structure. This statement is effective for financial
statements for periods ended after December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 129 establishes
standards for disclosing information about an entity's capital structure. The
implementation of this statement has not had a material impact on the
consolidated financial statements.
F-16
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(9) STOCK OPTION AND STOCK PURCHASE PLANS
The Company applies the Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25,
Accounting for Stock issued to Employees, in accounting for its stock-based
compensation plans. During the year ended June 30, 1997, the Company adopted
only the disclosure requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 123 (SFAS 123), Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. SFAS
No. 123 establishes financial accounting and reporting standards based on a
fair value concept for stock-based employee compensation plans. This statement
requires an employer that continues to apply the accounting provisions of APB
25 to disclose pro forma amounts reflecting the difference between
compensation costs, including tax effects, that would have been recognized in
the income statement, if the fair value based method had been used.
The table below presents pro forma net loss and EPS, had compensation cost
for the Company's stock-based employee compensation plans been determined
using the provisions of SFAS No. 123.
1996 1997 1998
------------ ----------- -------------
Net loss:
As Reported..................... $(44,141,181) $(6,755,975) $ (611,213)
Pro forma....................... $(46,118,158) $(8,414,957) $ (5,671,932)
Net loss per share:
As Reported..................... $ (1.64) $ (0.24) $ (0.02)
Pro forma....................... $ (1.72) $ (0.30) $ (0.20)
The fair value of each graded vesting option grant is estimated on the date
of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following
weighted average assumptions used for grants in 1996, 1997 and 1998: risk free
interest rates between 5.2% and 6.3%; expected dividend yields of 0%; expected
term after vest date of approximately .5 years; and expected volatility of
100%.
Because the fair value based method of accounting has not been applied to
options granted prior to August 1, 1995, the resulting pro forma compensation
cost may not be representative of that to be expected in future years.
(a) Restricted Stock and Stock Option Plan
On June 14, 1994, the Company's Board of Directors approved the
establishment of the 1994 Restricted Stock and Stock Option Plan (the "1994
Plan") for the Company's officers, employees, consultants and directors. Under
the 1994 Plan, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the
"Compensation Committee") may grant stock options for a maximum of 5,000,000
common shares. Under the terms of the 1994 Plan, the purchase price, which
approximates fair market value, and vesting schedule applicable to each option
grant is determined by the Compensation Committee.
On August 12, 1996, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the
repricing of 106,600 stock options previously granted under the 1994 Plan. The
repricing provided for the exercise price of the 106,600 options to be reduced
to $6.375 per share, representing the fair value per common share on the date
of repricing. Prior to the repricing, such options had exercise prices ranging
from $19.25 to $28.50 per share. In exchange for the repriced options, the
159,900 stock options remaining from these grants were forfeited.
On November 20, 1997, the shareholders approved an amendment to the
Company's 1994 Amended and Restated Restricted Stock and Stock Option Plan to
reserve an additional 2,000,000 shares of common stock for issuance under this
plan.
F-17
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(b) 1995 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan
On March 27, 1995, the Company's Board of Directors adopted, and in April
1995, the shareholders approved, the 1995 Non-Employee Director Stock Option
Plan (the "Director Plan"). Under the Director Plan, the Compensation
Committee may grant options to purchase up to 200,000 common shares to
nonemployee directors of the Company. The Director Plan authorizes the grant
(a) to each person who becomes a member of the Board of Directors and who is
not an employee, officer or direct and indirect owner of 5% or more of the
common shares of the Company (a "Non-Employee Director"), on the date such
person is first elected to the Board of Directors without further action by
the Compensation Committee, of an option to purchase 20,000 common shares and
(b) to each person receiving an option pursuant to clause (a) who is a Non-
Employee Director on the fifth anniversary of the date such person was first
elected to the Board of Directors, during the term of the Director Plan, of an
option to purchase 15,000 common shares, provided that such person has
continuously served as a Non-Employee Director during such 5-year period. The
exercise price will be the fair market value at the date of grant and the
options will expire 10 years from the date of grant. All options vest in three
equal annual installments, with the first vesting on the date of grant. As of
June 30, 1998, 60,000 options were granted and outstanding at fair market
value under the Director Plan.
(c) 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
On March 27, 1995, the Company's Board of Directors adopted, and in April
1995, the shareholders approved, the 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan,
whereby the Company has reserved and may issue to employees up to an aggregate
of 300,000 common shares in semiannual offerings over a ten year period.
Common shares are sold at 85% of fair market value. As of June 30, 1998,
160,066 shares had been issued under the plan.
(d) Non-Qualified Stock Option Outside the Plan
On November 4, 1994, the Company granted, outside the 1994 Plan, a
nonqualified stock option for the purchase of 1,012,308 common shares, at a
price of $1.63 per share, which approximated fair market value at date of
grant, to the former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
This option was exercised on November 4, 1994 through the issuance of a
$1,645,000 note. (See Note 8(c)).
(e) 1997 Special Limited Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan
On February 10, 1997, the Company's Board of Directors adopted the 1997
Special Limited Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the "1997 Plan").
Under the 1997 Plan, options to purchase 10,000 of the Company's common shares
were granted to each of two of the Company's non-employee directors at the
Fair Market Value (as defined in the 1997 Plan) of the shares on the date of
the grant, February 10, 1997. The total number of common shares originally
available for grant under the 1997 Plan was 20,000. The options granted
pursuant to the 1997 Plan expire 10 years from the date of grant and vest in
three equal annual installments. As of June 30, 1998, 20,000 options were
granted and outstanding under the 1997 Plan.
F-18
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(f) Stock Option Activity
The following is a summary of all stock option activity:
1996 1997 1998
-------------------- -------------------- -------------------
WEIGHTED WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE
SHARES PRICE SHARES PRICE SHARES PRICE
---------- -------- ---------- -------- --------- --------
Beginning Outstanding... 3,403,740 $ 2.97 2,744,646 $7.77 2,505,913 $ 5.64
Options Granted......... 973,000 16.53 1,689,638 5.41 901,771 19.03
Options Exercised....... (1,244,918) 1.27 (321,577) 3.51 (253,163) 4.49
Options Canceled........ (387,176) 10.67 (1,606,794) 9.63 (133,951) 10.31
---------- ---------- ---------
Ending Outstanding...... 2,744,646 7.77 2,505,913 5.64 3,020,570 9.53
========== ========== =========
Exercisable............. 513,714 $ 6.01 389,832 $4.71 469,122 $ 5.10
========== ========== =========
Weighted Average Fair
Value of Options
Granted During the
Year................... $10.43 $3.19 $13.87
The following table provides further detail on the options granted during
fiscal 1996, 1997, and 1998 in relation to their respective fair values as
calculated above:
1996 1997 1998
-------------------- -------------------- -------------------
WEIGHTED WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE
SHARES PRICE SHARES PRICE SHARES PRICE
---------- -------- ---------- -------- --------- --------
Exercise price equal to
fair value............. 928,000 $16.19 1,472,238 $5.18 424,198 $16.47
Exercise price greater
than fair value........ 45,000 23.72 147,400 6.48 386,000 24.25
Exercise price less than
fair value............. -- -- 70,000 7.88 91,573 8.94
---------- ------ ---------- ----- --------- ------
973,000 $16.53 1,689,638 $5.41 901,771 $19.03
========== ====== ========== ===== ========= ======
The following table summarizes the options outstanding and exercisable as at
June 30, 1998:
WEIGHTED WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
RANGE OF OPTIONS CONTRACTUAL EXERCISE NUMBER EXERCISE
EXERCISE PRICES OUTSTANDING LIFE PRICE EXERCISABLE PRICE
--------------- ----------- ----------- -------- ----------- --------
$0.05-$2.88......... 252,238 6.29 $ 1.39 229,246 $ 1.28
$4.50-$4.63......... 655,636 8.12 $ 4.50 56,002 $ 4.50
$5.50-$6.03......... 893,600 8.53 $ 5.85 27,750 $ 6.03
$6.38-$8.94......... 413,596 8.02 $ 7.35 103,687 $ 6.69
$15.75-$24.25....... 805,500 9.14 $21.36 52,437 $18.82
--------- ---- ------ ------- ------
$0.05-$24.25........ 3,020,570 8.34 $ 9.53 469,122 $ 5.10
========= ==== ====== ======= ======
(10) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
(a) Sales to Related Parties
During fiscal 1998, the Company recorded revenue from system sales made to
Behaviour Entertainment Inc. and Behaviour Studios, Inc., companies controlled
by the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
F-19
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
in the amounts of $320,573 and $1,837,077, respectively. At June 30, 1998,
approximately $445,000 remained outstanding and is included in other current
assets. During fiscal 1996, Discreet recorded revenue from system sales of
$121,000 to Behavior Entertainment Inc.
During fiscal 1996, the Company recorded revenue of $2,304,000, from a
company with which the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is
affiliated. At July 31, 1996, the Company had a trade accounts receivable of
$836,000 from such company. The balance was collected in six monthly
installments of $139,000. The Company also recorded revenue of $1,138,000
during fiscal 1996, from a company with which a member of the Company's board
of directors is affiliated. The sale was collected in full during fiscal 1996.
In accordance with the Company's policy, these sales were on terms no less
favorable to the Company than provided by the Company to unrelated third
parties.
(b) Purchases from Related Parties
During fiscal 1998, the Company purchased consulting services, in the amount
of $106,244, from BHVR Communications Inc., purchased marketing services in
the amount of $1,383,639 from Behaviour Design Inc., and purchased marketing
services in the amount of $223,090 from Behaviour Entertainment Inc. These
related parties are companies controlled by the Company's Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer.
During fiscal 1998, the Company made rental payments in the amount of
$941,151 to TGR Zone Corporation ("TGR Zone"), a company indirectly owned by
Discreet Logic's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, for space in its new
headquarters in Montreal. The commitments related to the lease on this
building are disclosed in Note 12.
In accordance with the Company's policy, the purchase of these services was
on terms no less favorable to the Company than could be obtained by the
Company from unrelated third parties.
(11) INCOME TAXES
The Company applies the provisions of SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income
Taxes. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 109, the Company recognizes a current
tax liability or asset for current taxes payable or refundable and a deferred
tax liability or asset for the estimated future tax effects of temporary
differences between the carrying value of assets and liabilities for financial
reporting and their tax basis and carryforwards to the extent they are
realizable.
F-20
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
The components of the deferred tax assets and the deferred tax liabilities
are as follows:
JUNE 30, JUNE 30,
1997 1998
----------- ----------
Deferred tax assets--
Foreign tax loss carryforwards..................... $ 5,150,000 $5,499,216
Litigation and related settlement expenses......... 1,650,000 --
Restructuring expenses............................. 1,400,000 278,009
Initial and secondary public offering issuance
costs............................................. 1,254,730 686,776
Other temporary differences........................ 834,807 2,005,176
----------- ----------
10,289,537 8,469,177
Less: Valuation allowance.......................... 6,800,000 7,591,663
----------- ----------
$ 3,489,537 $ 877,514
=========== ==========
Deferred tax liabilities--
Difference between book and tax basis of property
and equipment..................................... $ 544,745 $1,250,871
Federal research and development tax credits....... 168,491 330,568
Other temporary differences........................ -- 647,195
----------- ----------
$ 713,236 $2,228,634
=========== ==========
The Company provides deferred taxes for research and development tax credits
earned in the current year, which are included in taxable income in the
subsequent year. In accordance with Canadian tax laws, stock issuance costs
are deductible over a five year period.
The following table presents income (loss) before income taxes for the
entities incorporated in the following jurisdictions:
ELEVEN MONTHS
YEAR ENDED ENDED YEAR ENDED
JULY 31, 1996 JUNE 30, 1997 JUNE 30, 1998
------------- ------------- -------------
Canada......................... $ (2,470,805) $ 6,110,923 $ 19,215,124
United States.................. (12,587,746) 1,486,294 5,369,073
United Kingdom................. (5,191,695) (320,982) 3,261,899
European and Other............. (22,456,100) (7,542,867) (17,603,314)
------------- ----------- ------------
$(42,706,346) $ (266,632) $ 10,242,782
============= =========== ============
F-21
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
The income tax provision is composed of the following:
ELEVEN MONTHS
YEAR ENDED ENDED YEAR ENDED
JULY 31, 1996 JUNE 30, 1997 JUNE 30, 1998
------------- ------------- -------------
Current--
Federal........................ $ 2,060,380 $3,641,996 $ 1,131,398
Provincial..................... 375,087 930,323 248,972
Foreign........................ 1,072,157 1,979,000 5,703,680
----------- ---------- -----------
3,507,624 6,551,319 7,084,050
----------- ---------- -----------
Deferred--
Federal........................ (1,373,684) 229,580 2,683,103
Provincial..................... (228,379) 190,996 394,825
Foreign........................ (470,726) (482,552) 692,017
----------- ---------- -----------
(2,072,789) (61,976) 3,769,945
----------- ---------- -----------
Total provision.............. $ 1,434,835 $6,489,343 $10,853,995
=========== ========== ===========
The reconciliation between the Canadian federal statutory income tax rate
and the effective tax rate is as follows:
ELEVEN MONTHS
YEAR ENDED ENDED YEAR ENDED
JULY 31, 1996 JUNE 30, 1997 JUNE 30, 1998
------------- ------------- -------------
Provision (benefit) at the
Canadian federal statutory
rate........................... (38.0)% (38.0)% 38.0 %
Foreign taxes................... 17.2 122.1 5.5
Effect of not benefitting
foreign subsidiaries' tax
losses......................... 16.0 320.2 15.5
Effect of basis differences not
benefitted..................... 3.0 2,323.1 94.0
Provincial taxes, net of federal
tax abatements................. 0.2 72.3 3.0
Canadian federal incentives for
manufacturers and small
business....................... 0.2 0.0 0.0
Utilization of net operating
losses not previously
benefitted..................... -- (361.2) (47.3)
Other items..................... 4.8 (4.7) (2.7)
----- ------- -----
Tax provision................. 3.4 % 2,433.8 % 106.0 %
===== ======= =====
The Company has $13,841,000 of cumulative foreign net operating loss
carryforwards which may be available to reduce future income tax liabilities
in those jurisdictions. The loss carryforwards will expire beginning June 30,
2001.
The Company has recorded a valuation allowance against certain deferred tax
assets including the tax benefit of certain foreign net operating loss
carryforwards as the tax benefits do not meet the recognition criteria set
forth in SFAS 109 due to the uncertainty of realizability.
These net operating loss carryforwards are subject to review and adjustment
by the respective tax authorities and may be limited in certain cases upon a
significant ownership change of the corporation, as defined.
F-22
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(12) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
(a) Lease commitments
The Company has operating lease commitments for certain facilities and
equipment which expire, at various dates, through June 2007. The following
schedule outlines the future minimum rental payments under these leases at
June 30, 1998:
Year ended June 30,
1999........................................................ $ 2,243,871
2000........................................................ 1,837,957
2001........................................................ 1,279,230
2002........................................................ 1,130,401
2003 and thereafter......................................... 5,016,812
-----------
Total minimum lease payments................................ $11,508,271
===========
The above commitments include leases for locations which the Company plans
to close under the restructuring plan (see Note 19).
Rental expenses related to the operating leases were approximately
$1,348,000, $1,600,000 and $1,985,000 for the year ended July 31, 1996, the
eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997, and the year ended June 30, 1998,
respectively. Included in the minimum lease payment commitment is
approximately CDN $12,471,452 (approximately $8,503,036 at June 30, 1998)
representing future payment due to a related party from which the Company
leases office space in Montreal.
(b) Letters of Guarantee
The Company has provided letters of guarantee in the amount of $328,753 and
$3,000,000 as of June 30, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
(13) FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA
The Company operates in one industry segment primarily digital image
processing solution systems for creating, editing and compositing special
visual effects for film and video, including training and other services
incidental to these products.
F-23
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
Revenues by geographic destination and as a percentage of total revenues are
as follows:
YEAR ENDED ELEVEN MONTHS YEAR ENDED
GEOGRAPHIC AREA JULY 31, ENDED JUNE 30,
BY DESTINATION 1996 JUNE 30, 1997 1998
--------------- ----------- ------------- ------------
North America....................... $36,286,073 $ 43,752,904 $ 70,866,936
Europe.............................. 35,774,418 36,839,458 45,385,523
Pacific Rim......................... 8,717,015 15,396,131 26,745,421
Other............................... 3,219,941 5,935,438 8,560,248
----------- ------------ ------------
$83,997,447 $101,923,931 $151,558,128
=========== ============ ============
ELEVEN MONTHS
GEOGRAPHIC AREA YEAR ENDED ENDED YEAR ENDED
BY DESTINATION JULY 31, 1996 JUNE 30, 1997 JUNE 30, 1998
--------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
North America.................... 43.2% 42.9% 46.8%
Europe........................... 42.6 36.1 29.9
Pacific Rim...................... 10.4 15.2 17.6
Other............................ 3.8 5.8 5.7
----- ----- -----
100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
===== ===== =====
F-24
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
Revenues, net income and identifiable assets for the Company's Canadian,
U.S., U.K., German, French and other operations are as follows:
Intercompany transfers between geographic areas are at prices that
approximate arm's length transactions. Expenses incurred in one geographic
area that benefit other areas have been allocated based upon services
utilized.
CANADA U.S. U.K. FRANCE GERMANY OTHER ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------- ------------
1996--
Revenues......... $ 8,339,345 $ 33,090,335 $17,309,369 $ 7,696,297 $12,307,428 $ 5,254,673 $ -- $ 83,997,447
Transfers between
geographic
locations....... 20,211,614 29,090,504 -- -- -- 9,007,939 (58,310,057) --
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------- ------------
Total revenues.. $ 28,550,959 $ 62,180,839 $17,309,369 $ 7,696,297 $12,307,428 $ 14,262,612 $ (58,310,057) $ 83,997,447
============ ============ =========== =========== =========== ============ ============= ============
Net loss........ $ (1,398,871) $(11,532,447) $(5,210,577) $(2,409,595) $ (797,282) $(19,528,169) $ (3,264,240) $(44,141,181)
============ ============ =========== =========== =========== ============ ============= ============
Identifiable
assets......... $103,117,776 $ 48,995,740 $20,411,397 $ 6,583,316 $ 5,937,355 $ 21,037,113 $(125,934,955) $ 80,147,742
============ ============ =========== =========== =========== ============ ============= ============
1997--
Revenues......... $ 5,872,359 $ 42,135,249 $16,596,218 $10,298,958 $12,388,084 $ 14,633,063 $ -- $101,923,931
Transfers between
geographic
locations....... 28,279,123 16,531,229 3,293,329 1,539,298 -- 5,483,484 (55,126,463) --
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------- ------------
Total revenues.. $ 34,151,482 $ 58,666,478 $19,889,547 $11,838,256 $12,388,084 $ 20,116,547 $ (55,126,463) $101,923,931
============ ============ =========== =========== =========== ============ ============= ============
Net income
(loss)......... $ 1,199,545 $ 707,540 $ (504,001) $ 841,043 $ 274,412 $ (9,046,246) $ (228,268) $ (6,755,975)
============ ============ =========== =========== =========== ============ ============= ============
Identifiable
assets......... $148,151,830 $ 48,967,084 $21,762,860 $ 8,196,759 $ 6,107,907 $ 25,332,305 $(162,574,046) $ 95,944,699
============ ============ =========== =========== =========== ============ ============= ============
1998--
Revenues......... $ 10,174,057 $ 65,461,287 $20,434,970 $14,640,546 $14,132,721 $ 26,714,547 $ -- $151,558,128
Transfers between
geographic
locations....... 61,579,951 17,481,159 1,604,708 1,390,882 419,736 5,532,861 (88,009,297) --
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------- ------------
Total revenues.. $ 71,754,008 $ 82,942,446 $22,039,678 $16,031,428 $14,552,457 $ 32,247,408 $ (88,009,297) $151,558,128
============ ============ =========== =========== =========== ============ ============= ============
Net income
(loss)......... $ 14,756,827 $ 2,561,673 $ 3,079,881 $ 1,037,665 $ 895,885 $ 228,907 $ (23,172,051) $ (611,213)
============ ============ =========== =========== =========== ============ ============= ============
Identifiable
assets......... $137,435,570 $ 29,185,579 $11,211,994 $ 6,984,229 $ 6,911,638 $ 45,739,574 $(122,858,606) $114,609,978
============ ============ =========== =========== =========== ============ ============= ============
"Other" includes the revenues, net income(loss) and identifiable assets of
the Company's Asian and less significant European subsidiaries.
Export sales from Canada were $5,788,925, $3,708,757 and $4,334,962 for the
fiscal year ended July 31, 1996, the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997,
and the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998, respectively.
F-25
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(14) DEPENDENCE ON KEY SUPPLIERS
The Company is dependent on Silicon Graphics, Inc. to manufacture and supply
a large proportion of the workstations and certain peripherals used in the
Company's systems. The Company purchases electronic tablets manufactured by
Wacom Technology Corporation ("Wacom") and believes that while alternative
suppliers are available, there can be no assurance that alternative electronic
tablets would be functionally equivalent or be available on a timely manner or
on similar terms.
(15) ACQUISITIONS
(a) COSS/IMP
On October 24, 1995, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of
Computer-und-Serviceverwaltungs AG, located in Innsbruck, Austria ("COSS") and
certain assets of IMP Innovative Medientechnik-und Planungs-GmbH, located in
Geltendorf/Kaltenberg, Germany ("IMP") related to the research, development,
manufacturing, marketing, sale, distribution or procurement of real-time
broadcast animation products, including software. The purchase price for the
shares of COSS was $3,000,000 in cash plus 300,000 common shares of the
Company. In addition, the Company agreed to pay an additional $500,000 in cash
as a contingent purchase price in the event COSS received orders for and
licensed a certain number of VAPOUR systems by April 1996, as defined. The
purchase price for the IMP assets was $2,000,000 in cash. The total purchase
price for these assets was as follows:
Cash consideration............................................... $ 5,500,000
Common shares issued............................................. $ 6,000,000
Transaction costs................................................ $ 400,000
Liabilities assumed.............................................. $ 180,545
-----------
Total purchase price............................................. $12,080,545
===========
During fiscal 1996, the Company paid the contingent purchase price, which
was accounted for as an additional purchase price and allocated to goodwill.
The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and accordingly the purchase
price and acquisition costs were allocated to the assets acquired which
consisted of approximately $8,500,000 of in-process research and development
and charged to operations in the first quarter of fiscal 1996, and
approximately $3,200,000 was allocated to intangible assets, which include
goodwill and acquired technology, and is being amortized on a straight-line
basis over their estimated lives of 5 years. These allocations represent the
fair values determined by an independent appraisal. The appraisal incorporated
proven valuation procedures and techniques in determining the fair value of
each intangible asset. The amount allocated to in-process research and
development relates to projects that had not yet reached technological
feasibility and that, until completion of the development, had no alternative
use. These projects required substantial high risk development and testing by
the Company prior to reaching technological feasibility. Allocation of the
total purchase price was as follows:
In-process research and development............................. $ 8,500,000
Acquired technology............................................. $ 1,200,000
Goodwill........................................................ $ 2,022,789
Fair value of tangible assets acquired.......................... $ 357,756
-----------
$12,080,545
===========
F-26
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
Under the restructuring plan (see Note (19)), the Company has transitioned
the technology and the related research and development operations from
Innsbruck, Austria to Montreal, Canada. Accordingly, the unamortized balance
of goodwill of approximately $1.8 million was charged to restructuring
expense.
(b) Denim Software
On June 12, 1997, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary 3380491
Canada Inc. ("Acquisition Sub"), acquired substantially all of the assets and
assumed certain liabilities of Denim Software L.L.C., a Delaware limited
liability company ("Denim"), pursuant to the terms of an Asset Purchase
Agreement dated as of June 12, 1997 among Acquisition Sub, Denim, Sam Khulusi,
Frank Khulusi, Westco Denim Investments Group, Ltd., a California limited
partnership, and Frank Khulusi Family Limited Partnership, a California
limited partnership. The purchased assets consist primarily of Denim software
products, including ILLUMINAIRE Paint, ILLUMINAIRE Composition and ILLUMINAIRE
Studio and related know-how and goodwill.
The aggregate purchase price for these assets was comprised of the
following:
Cash consideration............................................... $ 9,126,000
Transaction costs................................................ $ 850,000
Liabilities assumed.............................................. $ 2,209,000
-----------
Total purchase price............................................. $12,185,000
===========
At closing, cash consideration, of approximately $9,126,000 and certain
liabilities, of approximately $655,000, were paid. The cash used by the
Company to fund the acquisition was derived primarily from operations. The
transaction has been accounted for using the purchase method. The Company
incurred a one-time charge of $9,800,000 based on an independent appraisal, or
$0.35 per share, for in-process research and development that had not yet
reached technical feasibility and had no alternative use, purchased and
expensed in the eleven-month period ended June 30, 1997. The terms of the
transaction were the result of arms-length negotiations between the
representatives of Discreet and Denim.
Allocation of the aggregate purchase price was as follows:
In-process research and development............................. $ 9,800,000
Acquired technology............................................. $ 1,463,991
Goodwill........................................................ $ 315,000
Fair value of tangible assets acquired.......................... $ 606,009
-----------
$12,185,000
===========
(c) D-Vision Systems
On July 15, 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of
capital stock of D-Vision Systems, Inc. ("D-Vision"), an Illinois corporation,
pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of July 10, 1997, among the
Company, D-Vision, the former stockholders of D-Vision (the "Selling
Stockholders") and certain other individuals (the "D-Vision Acquisition"). As
a result of the D-Vision Acquisition, the Company acquired the D-Vision OnLINE
and PRO software products for non-linear video and digital media editing
solutions including related know-how and goodwill. The purchase price was paid
in a combination of 555,000 newly issued Discreet Logic common shares and
approximately $10,750,000 in cash. In addition, approximately $4,000,000 of
the cash consideration is being held in escrow until September 30, 1999,
subject to (i) earlier
F-27
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
release from escrow of up to $1,900,000 on September 30, 1998 and (ii) the
resolution of any indemnification claims made by the Company pursuant to the
Stock Purchase Agreement. The cash used by the Company to fund the acquisition
was derived primarily from cash flow from operations. The D-Vision Acquisition
was accounted for as a purchase. A substantial portion of the purchase price,
net liabilities of D-Vision and transaction costs was allocated to purchased
in-process research and development that had not yet reached technical
feasibility and had not alternative use for which the Company incurred a one-
time charge against earnings in the amount of $21,000,000 ($0.72 per share),
based on an independent appraisal, in the quarter ended September 30, 1997.
The terms of the transaction and the consideration received by the D-Vision
stockholders were the result of arms-length negotiations between the
representatives of the Company and D-Vision. D-Vision develops Microsoft
Windows NT-based non-linear, digital editing solutions.
The aggregate purchase price for D-Vision was as follows:
Cash consideration............................................... $10,750,000
Common shares issued............................................. $10,649,063
Transaction costs................................................ $ 1,500,000
Liabilities assumed.............................................. $ 4,311,000
-----------
Total purchase price............................................. $27,210,063
===========
Allocation of the aggregate purchase price was as follows:
In-process research and development............................. $21,000,000
Acquired technology............................................. $ 3,100,000
Goodwill........................................................ $ 916,807
Fair value of tangible assets acquired.......................... $ 2,193,256
-----------
$27,210,063
===========
(d) Lightscape Technologies, Inc.
On December 2, 1997, Discreet entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger
and Reorganization (the "Merger Agreement") with Lantern Acquisition Corp., a
Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Discreet Logic ("Merger
Sub"), and Lightscape Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("Lightscape"). On December 30, 1997, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, and
upon the satisfaction of certain closing conditions, Merger Sub merged (the
"Lightscape Merger") with and into Lightscape with Lightscape as the surviving
corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Discreet. As a result of the
Lightscape Merger, Discreet Logic acquired, among other products, the
Lightscape product, a software application which integrates radiosity and
raytracing with physically based lighting, including related know-how and
goodwill. The aggregate purchase price for Lightscape includes the assumption
of approximately $5,700,000 of net liabilities (of which approximately
$3,400,000 was paid at the closing), not including costs associated with the
transaction, and up to $6,800,000 in contingent consideration to be paid only
if certain revenue objectives are achieved by Lightscape in calendar 1998 and
1999. The acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase. A substantial
portion of the purchase price and transaction costs was allocated to purchased
in-process research and development that had not yet reached technical
feasibility and had no alternative use for which Discreet Logic incurred a
one-time charge against earnings in the amount of $5,800,000 ($0.20 per
share), based on an independent appraisal, in the quarter ended December 31,
1997. The terms of the transaction were the result of arm's-length
negotiations between the representatives of Discreet and Lightscape.
F-28
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
The aggregate purchase price for Lightscape was as follows:
Transaction costs................................................. $1,200,000
Liabilities assumed............................................... $6,414,332
----------
Total purchase price.............................................. $7,614,332
==========
Allocation of the aggregate purchase price was as follows:
In-process research and development.............................. $5,800,000
Acquired technology.............................................. $ 990,000
Goodwill......................................................... $ 96,946
Fair value of tangible assets acquired........................... $ 727,386
----------
$7,614,332
==========
(e) Proforma Information
The following presents, on an unaudited basis, certain items of the
Company's result of operations, for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1997 and
1998, as though the acquisitions discussed above had occurred on August 1,
1996:
1997 1998
------------ ------------
Revenues........................................ $108,151,000 $152,277,000
Operating income (loss)......................... $(13,911,000) $ 6,048,000
Net loss........................................ $(18,944,000) $ (2,747,000)
(16) GAIN ON SALE OF INVESTMENT
During the quarter ended April 30, 1996, Discreet recorded a write-down of
its investment in the preferred shares of Essential Communications Corporation
("Essential"), in the amount of $2,500,000 to reflect the uncertainty
regarding the realizability of this investment. Discreet made the investment
in Essential in anticipation of realizing benefits from the networking
technology that Essential was developing. When it became doubtful that
Essential would be able to realize its development efforts, due to financial
constraints, and that the technological benefits may not be achieved on time
to meet market demand, the investment was written down to reflect the other
than temporary impairment in its value.
In May 1998, Essential was sold. As a result of this sale, the Company
received proceeds of $2,500,000 in exchange for its preferred shares. Upon
receipt of the proceeds, the Company realized a gain of approximately
$2,500,000.
(17) COST OF TERMINATED AGREEMENT WITH MGI
In its fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company announced a mutual
termination of its Arrangement Agreement entered into on March 9, 1998 with
MGI Software Corp. ("MGI"). Both the Company and MGI determined that, in light
of current conditions which could result in significant delays in the
realization of previously discussed anticipated benefits and synergies of the
merger, it was in the best interests of both companies to terminate the
agreement and remain independent companies. The Company incurred approximately
$1,713,000 of costs, expensed in fiscal 1998, related to this terminated
agreement.
F-29
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(18) PURCHASE OF LAND AND FACILITIES
In August 1995, the Company purchased land and an office building in London,
England for approximately (Pounds)1,148,000 (or approximately $1,916,000 at
June 30, 1998). Additionally, in December 1995, the Company purchased land and
a building in Montreal for Cdn$1,730,000 (or approximately $1,250,000 at June
30, 1997). During fiscal 1996, the carrying value of the London and Montreal
buildings were written down to their estimated fair market values and these
buildings were classified as assets held for resale. In September 1997, the
Company sold its Montreal land and office building for a price not materially
different from its carrying value.
(19) RESTRUCTURING
During the fiscal year ended July 31, 1996, the Company recorded a pre-tax
restructuring charge of $15 million to cover the direct costs of restructuring
the Company's operations and to bring operating expenses in line with the
Company's current revenue level. The focus of the Company's restructuring plan
was to solidify its senior management team, reduce operating expenses through
workforce reductions and office closings, consolidate research and development
activities in Montreal, discontinue certain product lines, and restructure its
sales force to emphasize indirect sales channels. The Company began
implementation of its restructuring plan in the fourth fiscal quarter of 1996
and had substantially completed the implementation of the plan at the end of
fiscal 1997. The major aspects of the restructuring plan and remaining amounts
in accrued liabilities are discussed below.
The restructuring entailed the closing and moving of several offices in
North America and Europe. It also included the termination of approximately
110 positions across all departments and around the world.
The components of the restructuring charge are as follows:
Asset write down.............................................. $ 6,190,000
Lease terminations and leasehold improvements reserve......... 4,600,000
Severance..................................................... 2,800,000
Professional services and other............................... 1,410,000
-----------
$15,000,000
===========
The primary component of the asset write down is an amount of $2.2 million
for goodwill and acquired technology. The other components of the write down
are primarily fixed assets which have no future use.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company reversed approximately
$2,333,000 of excess reserves, related primarily to the estimated cost of
terminating leases, no longer considered necessary to complete the
restructuring plan.
The charges against the restructuring reserve include the following amounts:
YEAR ENDED
JULY 31, ELEVEN MONTHS ENDED
1996 JUNE 30, 1997 YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
---------- ------------------- --------------------------------
CHARGES CHARGES CHARGES REVERSED TOTAL
Asset write down........ $4,421,000 $1,269,000 $ 359,000 $ 141,000 $ 500,000
Lease terminations and
leasehold improvements
reserve................ 1,072,000 865,000 366,000 1,947,000 2,313,000
Severance............... 582,000 1,768,000 205,000 245,000 450,000
Professional services
and other.............. 291,000 460,000 234,000 -- 234,000
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
$6,366,000 $4,362,000 $1,164,000 $2,333,000 $3,497,000
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
F-30
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
The following reflects the remaining accrued restructuring expense as of
June 30, 1997 and 1998, by major component:
JUNE 30, JUNE 30,
1997 1998
---------- --------
Asset write down...................................... $ 500,000 --
Lease terminations and leasehold improvements reserve. 2,663,000 350,000
Severance............................................. 450,000 --
Professional services and other....................... 659,000 425,000
---------- --------
$4,272,000 $775,000
========== ========
During the fourth fiscal quarter of 1998, the Company accrued an additional
$829,000 charge, which is included as a component of the restructuring expense
in 1998, for the closure of its U.K. research and development facility, and
the related termination of 17 employees.
The components of the charge are as follows:
Asset write down................................................. $444,000
Severance........................................................ 198,000
Professional services and other.................................. 187,000
--------
$829,000
========
As at June 30, 1998, the closure was substantially complete and the Company
still had $50,000 of restructuring reserves primarily for the estimated legal
and tax costs dissolution of the subsidiary. All other amounts were paid as of
June 30, 1998.
(20) CHANGE IN YEAR END COMPARATIVE RESULTS
Selected unaudited estimated results for the eleven-month period ended June
30, 1996 were approximately as follows:
Revenues..................................................... $ 73,000,000
Gross profit................................................. 31,176,000
Provision for income taxes................................... 1,435,000
Net loss..................................................... (43,310,000)
(21) GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE
(a) SDI loan
The Company entered into a loan agreement with the Societe de Developpement
Industriel du Quebec dated as of May 7, 1998 whereby an interest free loan was
granted to the Company by the Quebec government in the amount of Cdn$2,800,000
(approximately $1,909,000 at June 30, 1998) in relation with the Lightscape
acquisition. The loan is conditional to the Company meeting certain criteria:
1. During the five year period following the disbursement of the loan by
the Quebec government, the Company is required to create 200 jobs and
maintain each of these jobs for a five year period after their creation;
2. The loan should not exceed Cdn$2,800,000 or 20% of the costs incurred
by the Company for the Lightscape acquisition.
F-31
DISCREET LOGIC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
The loan is payable in four annual installments of Cdn$600,000
(approximately $409,000 at June 30, 1998) commencing in July 2004 and a final
installment of Cdn$400,000 (approximately $273,000 at June 30, 1998) in July
2008. The loan is interest free until July 2004, after which it will bear
interest at the Canadian prime rate (approximately 6.50% at June 30, 1998)
plus 1.5%. In the situation where the criteria mentioned above are not
respected, a portion of the loan may have to be repaid at an earlier date. The
loan was disbursed to the Company in July 1998.
(b) PACST Subsidy Program
The Company entered into a financial assistance contract with the Quebec
Government dated as of March 27, 1998 under a subsidy program designed to
improve competencies in science and technology. The contract provides that the
Company is eligible to receive up to Cdn$3,012,000 (approximately $2,054,000
at June 30, 1998) in the form of reimbursement of expenses incurred by the
Company for new employee training (mainly reimbursement of salary). The
Company's job creation estimate provided to the Quebec Government at the time
of signature of the contract was 251 science and technology related jobs to be
created over a three-year period. As of August 1998, an advance of Cdn$350,000
(approximately $244,000 at June 30, 1998) was received which covers 40% of the
first year estimated subsidy. The program requires the Company to meet certain
criteria in order to earn the subsidies. Since the criteria have not yet been
met by the Company, the advance has been classified as a liability in accrued
expenses at June 30, 1998.
(22) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On August 20, 1998, the Company announced that it has entered into a
definitive agreement providing for the acquisition of the Company by Autodesk,
Inc. ("Autodesk"). The combination is intended to create the premier total
solutions provider of digital content design, creation, and manipulation tools
for the creation of moving images. Under the terms of the agreement, Autodesk
will issue 0.525 shares of common stock for each outstanding share of Discreet
Logic stock and the Transactions intended to be accounted for as a pooling of
interests. Subject to several conditions, including regulatory approvals and
approval of the shareholders of both companies, the transaction is expected to
close by December 31, 1998. Until this transaction is finalized, both
companies shall operate as separate entities.
On August 28, 1998, a complaint was filed in the Marin County, California,
Superior Court, entitled Jerry Krim, on Behalf of Himself and all Others
Similarly Situated, vs. Discreet Logic Inc., et al., case No. 174792. The
lawsuit relates to the proposed Transactions and names as defendants certain
of Discreet's directors and certain unidentified "John Does." The complaint
alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders in
connection with the proposed Transactions. The complaint asks the court to
enjoin the closing of the Transactions or, alternatively, seeks to rescind the
transaction or an award of unspecified damages from the defendants in the
event the Amalgamation is consummated. Discreet believes the claims asserted
in the complaint are without merit and intends to vigorously contest them.
F-32
REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Autodesk, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Autodesk,
Inc., as of January 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated statements
of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended January 31, 1998. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position
of Autodesk, Inc., at January 31, 1998 and 1997, and the consolidated results
of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended January 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
San Jose, California
February 24, 1998
F-33
AUTODESK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
JANUARY 31,
------------------
1998 1997
-------- --------
ASSETS
------
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................................ $ 96,089 $ 64,814
Marketable securities.................................... 100,399 117,971
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $7,136 ($6,635 in 1997)..................... 60,856 68,577
Inventories.............................................. 7,351 7,340
Deferred income taxes.................................... 27,577 22,759
Prepaid expenses and other current assets................ 15,430 16,210
-------- --------
Total current assets................................... 307,702 297,671
Marketable securities, including a restricted balance of
$18,000 ($28,000 in 1997)................................. 104,831 103,523
Computer equipment, furniture, and leasehold improvements:
Computer equipment and furniture......................... 117,434 103,903
Leasehold improvements................................... 20,505 17,818
Accumulated depreciation................................. (98,800) (77,671)
-------- --------
Net computer equipment, furniture, and leasehold
improvements.......................................... 39,139 44,050
Purchased technologies and capitalized software, net of
accumulated amortization of $31,400 ($18,700 in 1997)..... 31,553 15,916
Goodwill................................................... 16,995 6,470
Deferred income taxes...................................... 13,782 12,857
Other assets............................................... 19,681 11,746
-------- --------
$533,683 $492,233
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
------------------------------------
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable......................................... $ 26,417 $ 24,557
Accrued compensation..................................... 34,962 18,099
Accrued income taxes..................................... 76,465 75,061
Deferred revenues........................................ 18,934 3,141
Other accrued liabilities................................ 42,709 29,313
-------- --------
Total current liabilities.............................. 199,487 150,171
Deferred income taxes...................................... 481 2,974
Litigation accrual......................................... 29,328 29,328
Other liabilities.......................................... 1,255 1,646
Commitments and contingencies
Put warrants............................................... -- 64,500
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000 shares authorized,
45,465 issued and outstanding (45,108 in 1997).......... 299,315 147,091
Accumulated other comprehensive income................... (16,078) (9,849)
Retained earnings........................................ 19,895 106,372
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity............................. 303,132 243,614
-------- --------
$533,683 $492,233
======== ========
See accompanying notes.
F-34
AUTODESK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
JANUARY 31,
--------------------------
1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
Revenues............................................ $632,358 $509,630 $546,884
Direct commissions.................................. 15,232 12,937 12,717
-------- -------- --------
Net revenues........................................ 617,126 496,693 534,167
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues.................................. 70,858 64,217 66,812
Marketing and sales............................... 237,107 199,939 183,550
Research and development.......................... 122,432 93,702 78,678
General and administrative........................ 83,287 74,280 76,100
Nonrecurring charges.............................. 58,087 4,738 --
-------- -------- --------
Total costs and expenses........................ 571,771 436,876 405,140
-------- -------- --------
Income from operations.............................. 45,355 59,817 129,027
Interest and other income, net...................... 9,644 6,695 9,253
-------- -------- --------
Income before income taxes.......................... 54,999 66,512 138,280
Provision for income taxes.......................... 39,635 24,941 50,492
-------- -------- --------
Net income.......................................... $ 15,364 $ 41,571 $ 87,788
======== ======== ========
Basic net income per share.......................... $ 0.33 $ 0.91 $ 1.86
======== ======== ========
Diluted net income per share........................ $ 0.31 $ 0.88 $ 1.76
======== ======== ========
Shares used in computing basic net income per share. 46,760 45,540 47,090
======== ======== ========
Shares used in computing diluted net income per
share.............................................. 49,860 47,190 49,800
======== ======== ========
See accompanying notes.
F-35
AUTODESK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
JANUARY 31,
---------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
----------- --------- ---------
Operating activities
Net income................................. $ 15,364 $ 41,571 $ 87,788
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization............ 43,854 34,833 25,247
Charge for acquired in-process research
and development......................... 58,087 4,738 --
Changes in operating assets and
liabilities, net of business
combinations:
Accounts receivable.................... 8,829 25,365 (7,579)
Inventories............................ 534 2,345 (3,850)
Deferred income taxes.................. (10,947) (785) (4,567)
Prepaid expenses and other current
assets................................ 1,501 890 (6,443)
Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities........................... 40,125 (4,318) 3,721
Accrued income taxes................... 1,265 9,544 12,315
----------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities.. 158,612 114,183 106,632
----------- --------- ---------
Investing activities
Purchases of available-for-sale marketable
securities................................ (1,102,015) (683,550) (224,655)
Maturities of available-for-sale marketable
securities................................ 1,126,174 604,727 141,893
Purchase of computer equipment, furniture,
and leasehold improvements................ (15,000) (17,409) (16,306)
Business combinations, net of cash
acquired.................................. (5,766) (9,908) (7,194)
Purchases of software technologies and
capitalization of software costs.......... (19,833) (995) (1,409)
Other...................................... (4,759) (16,698) 8,042
----------- --------- ---------
Net cash used by investing activities...... (21,199) (123,833) (99,629)
----------- --------- ---------
Financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock..... 80,059 23,307 46,424
Repurchase of common stock................. (174,907) (67,269) (107,976)
Dividends paid............................. (11,290) (10,879) (11,184)
----------- --------- ---------
Net cash used in financing activities...... (106,138) (54,841) (72,736)
----------- --------- ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents............................... 31,275 (64,491) (65,733)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
year...................................... 64,814 129,305 195,038
----------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year... $ 96,089 $ 64,814 $ 129,305
=========== ========= =========
Supplemental disclosure of noncash
investing and financing activities:
Common stock issued in connection with the
acquisition of Softdesk................... $ 92,021 $ -- $ --
=========== ========= =========
See accompanying notes.
F-36
AUTODESK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(IN THOUSANDS)
THREE-YEAR PERIOD ENDED JANUARY 31, 1998
--------------------------------------------------------
ACCUMULATED
COMMON STOCK OTHER TOTAL
---------------- COMPREHENSIVE RETAINED STOCKHOLDERS'
SHARES AMOUNT INCOME EARNINGS EQUITY
------ -------- ------------- --------- -------------
Balances, January 31,
1995................... 47,241 $100,870 $ 7,303 $ 215,311 $ 323,484
Common shares issued
under stock option and
stock purchase plans... 1,781 35,712 35,712
Tax effect of stock
options................ 10,712 10,712
Comprehensive income:
Net income............ 87,788 87,788
Other comprehensive
income, net of tax:
Unrealized gains on
available-for-sale
securities, net of
reclassification
adjustments........ 888 888
Foreign currency
translation
adjustments........ 2,904 2,904
---------
Other comprehensive
income............... 3,792
---------
Comprehensive income.... 91,580
Dividends paid.......... (11,184) (11,184)
Repurchase of common
shares................. (2,671) (6,529) (101,447) (107,976)
------ -------- -------- --------- ---------
Balances, January 31,
1996................... 46,351 140,765 11,095 190,468 342,328
Common shares issued
under stock option and
stock purchase plans... 974 20,729 20,729
Tax effect of stock
options................ 2,578 2,578
Reclassification of put
warrants............... (9,870) (54,630) (64,500)
Comprehensive income:
Net income............ 41,571 41,571
Other comprehensive
loss, net of tax:
Unrealized losses on
available-for-sale
securities, net of
reclassification
adjustments........ (426) (426)
Foreign currency
translation
adjustments........ (20,518) (20,518)
---------
Other comprehensive
income............... (20,944)
---------
Comprehensive income.... 20,627
Dividends paid.......... (10,879) (10,879)
Repurchase of common
shares................. (2,217) (7,111) (60,158) (67,269)
------ -------- -------- --------- ---------
Balances, January 31,
1997................... 45,108 147,091 (9,849) 106,372 243,614
Common shares issued
under stock option and
stock purchase plans... 2,790 63,829 63,829
Tax effect of stock
options................ 16,230 16,230
Reclassification of put
warrants............... 9,870 54,630 64,500
Shares issued in
connection with
business combination... 2,900 92,021 92,021
Comprehensive income:
Net income............ 15,364 15,364
Other comprehensive
income (loss), net of
tax:
Unrealized gains on
available-for-sale
securities, net of
reclassification
adjustments........ 362 362
Foreign currency
translation
adjustments........ (6,591) (6,591)
---------
Other comprehensive
income............... (6,229)
---------
Comprehensive income.... 9,135
Dividends paid.......... (11,290) (11,290)
Repurchase of common
shares................. (5,333) (29,726) (145,181) (174,907)
------ -------- -------- --------- ---------
Balances, January 31,
1998................... 45,465 $299,315 $(16,078) $ 19,895 $ 303,132
====== ======== ======== ========= =========
See accompanying notes.
F-37
AUTODESK, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Operations
Autodesk, Inc. ("Autodesk" or the "Company"), is a leader in the development
and marketing of design and drafting software and multimedia tools, primarily
for the business and professional environment. Autodesk's flagship product,
AutoCAD, is one of the world's leading computer-aided design ("CAD") tools,
with an installed base of 1.9 million seats worldwide.
Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions
have been eliminated. Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1996 and
1997 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 1998 presentation.
The asset and liability accounts of foreign subsidiaries are translated from
their respective functional currencies at the rates in effect at the balance
sheet date, and revenue and expense accounts are translated at weighted
average rates during the period. Foreign currency translation adjustments are
reflected as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Gains (losses)
resulting from foreign currency transactions, which are included in interest
and other income, were ($68,000), ($197,000), and $554,000 in fiscal years
1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively.
Business combinations
On March 31, 1997, the Company exchanged 2.9 million shares of its common
stock for all of the outstanding stock of Softdesk, Inc. ("Softdesk").
Softdesk is a leading supplier of AutoCAD-based applications software for the
architecture, engineering, and construction market. Based on the value of
Autodesk stock and options exchanged, the transaction, including transaction
costs, was valued at approximately $94.1 million.
The purchase consideration was allocated to the acquired assets and assumed
liabilities based on fair values as follows:
Accounts receivables and other current assets..................... $ 15,600
Net fixed assets.................................................. 3,200
Other long term assets............................................ 4,000
Purchased in-process research and development charged to
operations in the quarter ended April 30, 1997................... 55,100
Purchased technologies and other intangible assets................ 13,600
Goodwill.......................................................... 15,300
Liabilities assumed............................................... (12,700)
--------
Total purchase consideration.................................... $ 94,100
========
Purchased In-Process Research and Development. Management estimated that
$55.1 million of the purchase price represented purchased in-process
technology that had not yet reached technological feasibility and had no
alternative future use. Accordingly, this amount was expensed in the second
quarter of the current fiscal year following consummation of the acquisition.
The value assigned to purchased in-process technology, based on a valuation
prepared by an independent third-party appraisal, was determined by
identifying research projects in areas for which technological feasibility had
not been achieved. The value was determined by estimating the costs to develop
the purchased in-process technology into commercially viable products,
estimating the resulting net cash flows from such projects, and discounting
the net cash flows back to their present value. The discount rate included a
factor that took into account the uncertainty surrounding the successful
development of the purchased in-process technology projects.
F-38
AUTODESK, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
Purchased Technology. To determine the value of the purchased technology
($6.9 million), the expected future cash flows of the existing developed
technologies were discounted taking into account the characteristics and
applications of the product, the size of existing markets, growth rates of
existing and future markets as well as an evaluation of past and anticipated
product-life cycles.
In the first quarter of fiscal year 1998, the Company also acquired certain
assets of and licensed technology from 3D/Eye for $5.8 million. Of the total
cost, $3.0 million represented the value of in-process research and
development that had not yet reached technological feasibility and had no
alternative future use and was charged to operations.
During fiscal year 1997 the Company acquired certain businesses for an
aggregate of $9.9 million. Included in these acquisitions were the purchases
of assets from Creative Imaging Technologies, Inc. ("CIT"), CadZooks, Inc.,
Argus Technologies, Inc. ("Argus"), as well as the outstanding stock of Teleos
Research ("Teleos"). Approximately $3.2 million of the Teleos purchase price
and $1.5 million of the Argus purchase price represented the value of in-
process research and development that had not yet reached technological
feasibility and had no alternative future use. These amounts were charged to
operations during fiscal year 1997 and classified as nonrecurring charges in
the accompanying statement of income. In fiscal year 1996, the Company
acquired certain assets of Automated Methods (Pty) Ltd. and made final
payments to the former stockholders of
Ithaca Software, which was acquired by the Company in August 1993, based on
revenues as specified in the acquisition agreement. Cash payments in fiscal
year 1996 associated with these transactions totaled approximately $7.2
million. All of these acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase
method of accounting with the purchase price being principally allocated to
purchased technologies and capitalized software, intangible assets, and for
the Teleos and Argus acquisitions, in-process research and development. The
Company is amortizing these intangible assets on a straight-line basis over
the remaining useful lives of the assets. The operating results of the
acquired businesses, which have not been material in relation to those of the
Company, have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements from their respective dates of acquisition. Additional
consideration may also be payable to the former stockholders of CIT, Argus,
Automated Methods, and Teleos based on product milestones and operating
results, which are expected to be allocated to intangible assets and amortized
on a straight-line basis over the remaining useful lives of the assets.
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Foreign currency translation
The Company hedges a portion of its exposure on certain receivables and
payables denominated in foreign currencies using forward foreign exchange
contracts in European and Asian foreign currencies. Gains and losses
associated with exchange rate fluctuations on forward foreign exchange
contracts are recorded currently in interest and other income and offset
corresponding gains and losses on the foreign currency assets being hedged.
The costs of forward foreign exchange contracts are amortized on a straight-
line basis over the life of the contract as interest and other income.
Cash and cash equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with insignificant
interest rate risk and original maturities of three months or less to be cash
equivalents. Cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair
value.
F-39
AUTODESK, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
Marketable securities
Marketable securities, consisting principally of high-quality municipal
bonds, tax-advantaged money market instruments, and US treasury notes, are
stated at fair value. Marketable securities maturing within one year that are
not restricted are classified as current assets.
The Company determines the appropriate classification of its marketable
securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such classification as of
each balance sheet date. The Company has classified all of its marketable
securities as available-for-sale and carries such securities at fair value,
with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in stockholders' equity
until disposition.
Concentration of credit risk
The Company places its cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities
with financial institutions with high credit standing and, by policy, limits
the amounts invested with any one institution, type of security, and issuer.
Autodesk's accounts receivable are derived from software sales to a large
number of resellers and
distributors in the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific. The Company performs
ongoing evaluations of its customers' financial condition and limits the
amount of credit extended when deemed necessary, but generally requires no
collateral.
Inventories
Inventories, consisting principally of disks, compact disks (CD-ROMs), and
technical manuals, are stated at the lower of cost (determined on the first-
in, first-out method) or market.
Computer equipment, furniture, and leasehold improvements
Computer equipment, furniture, and leasehold improvements are stated at
cost. Computer equipment and furniture are depreciated using the straight-line
method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from two to
five years.
Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the
shorter of the estimated useful life or the lease term. Depreciation expense
was $22,876,000, $21,252,000, and $13,482,000 in fiscal years 1998, 1997, and
1996, respectively.
Purchased technologies and capitalized software
Costs incurred in the initial design phase of software development are
expensed as incurred. Once the point of technological feasibility is reached,
production costs (programming and testing) are capitalized. Certain acquired
software-technology rights are also capitalized. Capitalized software costs
are amortized ratably as revenues are recognized, but not less than on a
straight-line basis over two- to seven-year periods. Amortization expense was
$12,668,000, $9,563,000, and $11,765,000 in fiscal years 1998, 1997, and 1996,
respectively. The actual lives of the Company's purchased technologies or
capitalized software may differ from the Company's estimates, and such
differences could cause carrying amounts of these assets to be reduced
materially.
Other assets and goodwill
Amortization of purchased intangibles and goodwill is provided on a
straight-line basis over the respective useful lives of the assets, which
range from three to ten years. Accumulated amortization was $22,556,000 and
$14,293,000 in fiscal years 1998 and 1997, respectively. The Company evaluates
the realizability and the related
F-40
AUTODESK, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
periods of amortization of these assets on a regular basis. Amortization
expense was $8,310,000 and $4,018,000 in fiscal years 1998 and 1997,
respectively. (The Company did not incur amortization expense in fiscal year
1996.)
Employee stock compensation
The Company accounts for its employee stock plans under the intrinsic-value-
based method under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for
Stock Issued to Employees."
Revenue recognition
Autodesk's revenue recognition policy is in compliance with the provisions
of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' Statement of
Position 91-1, "Software Revenue Recognition" ("SOP 91-1"). Revenue from
resellers and distributors is recognized at the time of shipment to these
parties, provided that no significant vendor obligations exist and collection
of the resulting receivable is deemed probable. A portion of revenues related
to certain customer consulting and training obligations is deferred, while
costs associated with certain postsale customer obligations are accrued.
With the exception of certain European distributors, agreements with the
Company's VARs do not contain specific product-return privileges. However,
Autodesk permits its VARs to return product in certain instances, generally
during periods of product transition and during update cycles.
Autodesk establishes allowances for product returns, including allowances
for stock balancing and product rotation, based on estimated future returns of
product and after taking into consideration channel inventory levels at its
resellers, the timing of new product introductions, and other factors. These
allowances are recorded as direct reductions of accounts receivable. While the
Company maintains strict measures to monitor channel inventories and to
provide appropriate allowances, actual product returns may differ from the
Company's estimates, and such differences could be material to the
consolidated financial statements.
Advertising
Advertising costs are expensed the first time the advertising takes place.
Total advertising expenses incurred during fiscal years 1998, 1997, and 1996
were $12,194,000, $10,830,000, and $8,489,000, respectively.
Royalties
The Company licenses software used to develop components of AutoCAD,
Mechanical Desktop, 3D Studio MAX, and certain other software products.
Royalties are payable to developers of the software at various rates and
amounts generally based on unit sales or revenues. Royalty expense was
$7,640,000, $8,000,000, and $6,102,000 in fiscal years 1998, 1997, and 1996,
respectively. Such costs are included as a component of cost of revenues.
F-41
AUTODESK, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
Net income per share
The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 128,
"Earnings Per Share" ("SFAS 128") in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 1998.
SFAS 128 requires companies to present both basic net income per share and
diluted net income per share. Basic net income per share excludes dilutive
common stock equivalents and is calculated as net income divided by the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net income per
share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding and dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the
period. A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in the basic
and diluted net income per share amounts follows:
FISCAL YEAR ENDING
JANUARY 31,
-----------------------
1998 1997 1996
------- ------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Numerator:
Numerator for basic and diluted net income per
share--net income................................ $15,364 $41,571 $87,788
======= ======= =======
Denominator:
Denominator for basic net income per share--
weighted average shares.......................... 46,760 45,540 47,090
Effect of dilutive common stock options........... 3,100 1,650 2,710
------- ------- -------
Denominator for diluted net income per share........ 49,860 47,190 49,800
======= ======= =======
The Company has restated all prior year amounts to comply with this
standard. See Note 8 to see related quarterly financial data amounts, as
restated.
Comprehensive Income
As of February 1, 1998, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards
Board Statement No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," which establishes
new rules for the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its
components; however, the adoption of this Statement had no impact on the
Company's net income or stockholders' equity. Statement 130 requires
unrealized gains or losses on the Company's available-for-sale securities and
the foreign currency translation adjustments, which prior to adoption were
reported separately in stockholders' equity, to be included in other
comprehensive income. Prior year financial statements have been reclassified
to conform to the requirements of Statement 130.
The components of total accumulated other comprehensive income in the
balance sheet are as follows:
JANUARY 31,
------------------
1998 1997
-------- --------
Unrealized gains on available for sale securities, net
of tax................................................ $ 577 $ 215
Foreign currency translation adjustment................ (16,655) (10,064)
-------- --------
Total accumulated other comprehensive income......... $(16,078) $ (9,849)
======== ========
F-42
AUTODESK, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
The related income tax effect allocated to each component of other
comprehensive income are as follows:
AMOUNT INCOME TAX AMOUNT
BEFORE (EXPENSE) NET OF
TAXES BENEFIT TAXES
-------- ---------- --------
Fiscal Year 1998
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale
securities.................................. $ 565 $(203) $ 362
Foreign currency translation adjustments..... (6,591) -- (6,591)
-------- ----- --------
Total other comprehensive loss........... $ (6,026) $(203) $ (6,229)
======== ===== ========
Fiscal Year 1997
Net unrealized losses on available-for-sale
securities.................................. $ (660) $ 234 $ (426)
Foreign currency translation adjustments..... (20,518) -- (20,518)
-------- ----- --------
Total other comprehensive loss........... $(21,178) $ 234 $(20,944)
======== ===== ========
Fiscal Year 1996
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale
securities.................................. $ 1,398 $(510) $ 888
Foreign currency translation adjustments..... 2,904 -- 2,904
-------- ----- --------
Total other comprehensive income......... $ 4,302 $(510) $ 3,792
======== ===== ========
Recently issued accounting standards
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information" ("SFAS 131"), which establishes standards
for the way public business enterprises report information in annual
statements and interim financial reports regarding operating segments,
products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. SFAS 131 will
first be reflected in the Company's fiscal year 1999 Annual Report and will
apply to both annual and interim financial reporting subsequent to this date.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 131 on its financial
disclosures.
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No.
133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." The
Statement requires Autodesk to recognize all derivatives on the balance sheet
at fair value. Derivatives that are not hedges must be adjusted to fair value
through income. If the derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the
hedge, changes in the fair value of derivatives are either offset against the
change in fair value of assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through
earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is
recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative's change in
fair value will be immediately recognized in earnings. SFAS 133 is effective
as of the beginning of Autodesk's fiscal year 2001. Autodesk is currently
evaluating the impact of SFAS 133 on its financial statements and related
disclosures.
In October 1997, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
("AICPA") issued Statement of Position 97-2, "Software Revenue Recognition"
("SOP 97-2"), which supersedes SOP 91-1. SOP 97-2 will be effective beginning
in fiscal year 1999. In March 1998, the AICPA issued Statement of Position 98-
4 ("SOP 98-4"), which amends certain provisions of SOP 97-2. The Company
believes it is in compliance with the provisions of SOP 97-2 as amended by SOP
98-4. However, detailed implementation guidelines for this standard have not
been issued. Once issued, such guidance could lead to unanticipated changes in
the Company's current revenue recognition practices, and such changes could be
material to the Company's results of operations.
F-43
AUTODESK, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
In March 1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued Statement
of Position 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or
Obtained for Internal Use." This standard requires companies to capitalize
qualifying computer software costs which are incurred during the application
development stage and amortize them over the software's estimated useful life.
The Company is required to adopt this standard in fiscal year 2000 and is
currently evaluating the impact that its adoption will have on the
consolidated financial position and results of operations of the Company.
NOTE 2. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Fair values of financial instruments
Estimated fair values of financial instruments are based on quoted market
prices. The carrying amounts and fair value of the Company's financial
instruments are as follows:
JANUARY 31, 1998 JANUARY 31, 1997
------------------ ------------------
CARRYING FAIR CARRYING FAIR
AMOUNT VALUE AMOUNT VALUE
-------- -------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
