UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2008
OR
For the Transition Period From to
Commission File Number: 001-07260
Nortel Networks Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
195 The West Mall
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Registrant’s Telephone Number Including Area Code (905) 863-7000
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Non-accelerated filer ¨
(Do not check if a smallerreporting company)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ¨ No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of October 27, 2008.
497,496,792 shares of common stock without nominal or par value
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
ITEM 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
ITEM 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
ITEM 4.
Controls and Procedures
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
Legal Proceedings
ITEM 1A.
Risk Factors
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
ITEM 6.
Exhibits
SIGNATURES
All dollar amounts in this document are in United States Dollars unless otherwise stated.
NORTEL, NORTEL (Logo), NORTEL NETWORKS, The GLOBEMARK, and NT are trademarks of Nortel Networks.
MOODY’S is a trademark of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
NYSE is a trademark of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
S&P and STANDARD & POOR’S are trademarks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
All other trademarks are the property of the respective owners.
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NORTEL NETWORKS CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)
(Millions of U.S. Dollars,
except per share amounts)
Revenues:
Products
Services
Total revenues
Cost of revenues:
Total cost of revenues
Gross profit
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative expense
Research and development expense
Amortization of intangible assets
Special charges
Loss (gain) on sales of businesses and assets
Shareholder litigation settlement recovery
Regulatory investigation expense
Goodwill impairment (note 4)
Other operating expense (income)—net (note 3)
Total operating expenses
Operating earnings (loss)
Other income (expense)—net (note 3)
Interest and dividend income
Interest expense
Long-term debt
Other
Earnings (loss) from operations before income taxes, minority interests and equity in net earnings of associated companies
Income tax expense (note 7)
Minority interests—net of tax
Equity in net earnings of associated companies—net of tax
Net earnings (loss)
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements
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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable—net
Inventories—net
Deferred income taxes—net
Other current assets
Total current assets
Investments
Plant and equipment—net
Goodwill
Intangible assets—net
Other assets
Total assets
Current liabilities
Trade and other accounts payable
Payroll and benefit-related liabilities
Contractual liabilities
Restructuring liabilities
Other accrued liabilities (note 3)
Long-term debt due within one year
Total current liabilities
Other liabilities (note 3)
Total liabilities
Minority interests in subsidiary companies
Guarantees, commitments, contingencies and subsequent events(notes 11, 13, 18 and 19 respectively)
Common shares, without par value—Authorized shares: unlimited; Issued and outstanding shares: 497,456,640 and 437,423,006 as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated deficit
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Total shareholders’ equity (deficit)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity (deficit)
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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities
Net loss
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities
Amortization and depreciation
Goodwill impairment
Non-cash portion of shareholder litigation settlement recovery
Non-cash portion of special charges
Share-based compensation expense
Deferred income taxes
Pension and other accruals
Loss (gain) on sales and write downs of investments, businesses and assets—net
Other—net
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Other (note 3)
Global Class Action Settlement—net
Net cash used in operating activities
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities
Expenditures for plant and equipment
Proceeds on disposals of plant and equipment
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents
Increase in short-term and long-term investments
Acquisitions of investments and businesses—net of cash acquired
Proceeds from the sales of investments and businesses and assets—net
Net cash from (used in) investing activities
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities
Dividends paid by subsidiaries to minority interests
Increase in notes payable
Decrease in notes payable
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
Repayments of long-term debt
Debt issuance costs
Repayments of capital leases payable
Issuance of common shares
Net cash from (used in) financing activities
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
(Millions of U.S. Dollars, except per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
Basis of presentation
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Nortel Networks Corporation (“Nortel”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the United States (“U.S.”) Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the preparation of interim financial information. They do not include all information and notes required by U.S. GAAP in the preparation of annual consolidated financial statements. The accounting policies used in the preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are the same as those described in Nortel’s audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the year ended December 31, 2007, except as discussed in note 2. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2007 is derived from the December 31, 2007 audited consolidated financial statements. Although Nortel is headquartered in Canada, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are expressed in U.S. Dollars as the greater part of the financial results and net assets of Nortel are denominated in U.S. Dollars.
Nortel makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Estimates are used when accounting for items and matters such as revenue recognition and accruals for losses on contracts, allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable, inventory provisions and outsourcing-related obligations, product warranties, estimated useful lives of intangible assets and plant and equipment, asset valuations, impairment assessments, employee benefits including pensions, taxes and related valuation allowances and provisions, restructuring and other provisions, share-based compensation and contingencies.
Nortel believes all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods presented have been made and all such adjustments were of a normal recurring nature unless otherwise disclosed. The financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of financial results for the full year. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with Nortel’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 filed with the SEC and Canadian securities regulatory authorities (the “2007 Annual Report”).
Comparative figures
Certain 2007 figures in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to Nortel’s current presentation, as set out in notes 3 and 5.
Recent accounting pronouncements
In September 2006, the United States Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 establishes a single definition of fair value, a framework for measuring fair value under U.S. GAAP and requires expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. Nortel partially adopted the provisions of SFAS 157 effective January 1, 2008; see note 2. The effective date for SFAS 157 as it relates to fair value measurements for non-financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis has been deferred to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 in accordance with FASB Staff Position (“FSP”), SFAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157”. Nortel plans to adopt the deferred portion of SFAS 157 on January 1, 2009.
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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)
Nortel does not currently expect the adoption of the deferred portion of SFAS 157 to have a material impact on its results of operations and financial condition, but will continue to assess the impact as the guidance evolves.
In June 2008, the EITF reached a consensus on EITF Issue No. 07-5, “Determining Whether an Instrument (or Embedded Feature) Is Indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock” (“EITF 07-5”). EITF 07-5 addresses the determination of whether an equity linked financial instrument (or embedded feature) that has all of the characteristics of a derivative under other authoritative U.S. GAAP accounting
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literature is indexed to an entity’s own stock and would thus meet the first part of a scope exception from classification and recognition as a derivative instrument. Nortel plans to adopt the provisions of EITF 07-5 on January 1, 2009. Nortel is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of EITF 07-5, if any, on its results of operations and financial condition.
The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 allows the irrevocable election of fair value as the initial and subsequent measurement attribute for certain financial assets and liabilities and other items on an instrument-by-instrument basis. Changes in fair value would be reflected in earnings as they occur. The objective of SFAS 159 is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. For Nortel, SFAS 159 was effective as of January 1, 2008. Nortel has elected not to apply the fair value option to any of its eligible financial instruments and other items.
Fair Value Measurements
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, which establishes a single definition of fair value and a framework for measuring fair value and requires expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In accordance with the standard, Nortel partially adopted the provisions of SFAS 157 effective January 1, 2008.
In October 2008, the FASB issued FSP 157-3 “Determining Fair Value of a Financial Asset in a Market That Is Not Active” (“FSP 157-3”). FSP 157-3 clarifies the application of SFAS No. 157 in an inactive market by demonstrating how the fair value of a financial asset is determined when the market for that financial asset is inactive. FSP 157-3 was effective upon issuance, including prior periods for which the condensed consolidated financial statements had not been issued. Nortel has adopted the provisions of SFAS 157-3 effective September 30, 2008. See note 12 for Nortel’s fair value information.
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Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an Amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an Amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)” (“SFAS 158”). Effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006, SFAS 158 requires an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit pension and post-retirement plan (other than a multi- employer plan) as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. Nortel adopted these requirements in fiscal 2006.
Effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008, SFAS 158 requires Nortel to measure the funded status of its plans as of the date of its year end statement of financial position, being December 31. Nortel has historically measured the funded status of its significant plans on September 30. SFAS 158 provides two approaches for an employer to transition to a fiscal year end measurement date. Nortel has adopted the second approach, whereby Nortel continues to use the measurements determined for the December 31, 2007 fiscal year end reporting to estimate the effects of the transition. Under this approach, the net periodic benefit cost (exclusive of any curtailment or settlement gain or loss) for the period between the earlier measurement date, being September 30, 2007, and the end of the fiscal year that the new measurement date provisions are applied, being December 31, 2008, shall be allocated proportionately between amounts to be recognized as an adjustment to opening accumulated deficit in 2008 and the net periodic benefit cost for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008. The adoption has resulted in an increase in accumulated deficit of $33, net of taxes, and an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income of $5, net of taxes, as of January 1, 2008.
For additional information on Nortel’s pension and post-retirement plans, see note 8.
The following tables provide details of selected items presented in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and cash flows, and the condensed consolidated balance sheets. For further information with respect to the accounting policies used in the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statement details below, refer to the 2007 Annual Report and note 2.
Condensed consolidated statements of operations
Other operating expense (income)—net:
Royalty license income—net
Litigation charges (recovery)—net
Other operating expense (income)—net
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Other income (expense)—net:
Loss on sale and write downs of investments
Currency exchange gains (losses)—net
Other income (expense)—net
Hedge ineffectiveness related to designated hedging relationships that were accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, had no material impact on the net loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 or 2007, and is reported within Other income (expense)—net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Condensed consolidated balance sheets
Short-term investments:
Short-term investments as of September 30, 2008 consist of an investment having an original cost of $362 in a money market fund that was previously classified as cash and cash equivalents. Due to the current financial market conditions which resulted in the suspension of trading in the fund’s securities, an impairment of $10 was recorded to reflect the decline in the net asset value of the fund, and the balance has been re-classified as a short-term investment. Additionally, another $6 of this investment has been classified to long-term investments given the market uncertainties involving the expected period of redemption. See note 12 for further information on fair value of the investment and note 19 for a subsequent event related to the investment.
Accounts receivable—net:
Trade receivables
Notes receivable
Contracts in process
Less: provisions for doubtful accounts
Inventories—net:
Raw materials
Work in process
Finished goods
Deferred costs
Less: provision for inventories
Less: long-term deferred costs(a)
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Other current assets:
Prepaid expenses
Income taxes recoverable
Current investments
Investments:
Investments include $83 and $101 as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, related to long-term investment assets held in an employee benefit trust in Canada, and restricted as to their use in operations by Nortel. In prior years, Nortel classified its auction rate securities as current assets. However, due to current financial market conditions, these investments have been reclassified as long-term investments. During the current year, Nortel reclassified $28 in auction rate securities as long-term investments, which after partial redemptions throughout the period has been reduced to $19 as of September 30, 2008. See note 12 for more information.
Plant and equipment—net:
Cost:
Land
Buildings
Machinery and equipment
Assets under capital lease
Sale lease-back assets
Less accumulated depreciation:
Plant and equipment—net(a)
Intangible assets—net:
Cost
Less: accumulated amortization
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Other assets:
Long-term deferred costs
Long-term inventories
Derivative assets
Financial assets
Other accrued liabilities:
Outsourcing and selling, general and administrative related provisions
Customer deposits
Product-related provisions
Warranty provisions (note 11)
Deferred revenue
Advance billings in excess of revenues recognized to date on contracts(a)
Miscellaneous taxes
Income taxes payable
Tax uncertainties (note 7)
Interest payable
Other accrued liabilities
Other liabilities:
Pension benefit liabilities
Post-employment and post-retirement benefit liabilities
Restructuring liabilities (note 6)
Derivative liabilities
Other long-term provisions
Other liabilities
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Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows
Change in operating assets and liabilities excluding Global Class Action Settlement (as defined in note 18)—net:
Income taxes
Accounts payable
Payroll, accrued and contractual liabilities
Advance billings in excess of revenues recognized to date on contracts
Change in operating assets and liabilities—excluding Global Class Action Settlement—net
Acquisitions of investments and businesses—net of cash acquired:
Cash acquired
Total net assets acquired other than cash
Total purchase price
Less:
Interest and taxes paid:
Cash interest paid
Cash taxes paid
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The following table outlines goodwill by reportable segment:
Balance—as of December 31, 2007
Change:
Additions
Disposals
Foreign exchange
Impairment
Balance—as of September 30, 2008
Goodwill Impairment Testing Policy
Nortel tests goodwill for possible impairment on an annual basis as of October 1 of each year and at any other time if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Circumstances that could trigger an impairment test between annual tests include, but are not limited to:
a significant adverse change in the business climate or legal factors;
an adverse action or assessment by a regulator;
unanticipated competition;
loss of key personnel;
the likelihood that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or disposed of;
a change in reportable segments;
results of testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit; and
recognition of a goodwill impairment loss in the financial statements of a subsidiary that is a component of a reporting unit.
The impairment test for goodwill is a two-step process. Step one consists of a comparison of the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. Measurement of the fair value of a reporting unit is based on a fair value measure. Nortel determines the fair value of its reporting units using an income approach; specifically, based on discounted cash flows (“DCF Model”). A market approach is used as a reasonableness test, but not given any weighting in the final determination of fair value. These approaches involve significant management judgment and as a result are subject to change.
If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, step two requires the fair value of the reporting unit be allocated to the underlying assets and liabilities of that reporting unit, whether or not previously recognized, resulting in an implied fair value of goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss equal to the excess is recorded in net earnings (loss).
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The fair value of each reporting unit is determined using discounted cash flows. A multiple of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) of each reporting unit is calculated and compared to market participants to corroborate the results of the calculated fair value (“EBITDA Multiple Model”). Nortel also reconciles the sum of the calculated fair values to its enterprise value, being market capitalization plus the estimated value of debt based on interest rates that would be applicable to purchasers (“Market Participants”), adjusted for other items as appropriate under U.S. GAAP. Such valuations involve significant assumptions regarding future operating performance. The following are the significant assumptions involved in each approach:
DCF Model: assumptions regarding revenue growth rates, gross margin percentages, projected working capital needs, selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense, research and development (“R&D”) expense, capital expenditures, discount rates and terminal growth rates. To determine fair value, Nortel discounts the expected cash flows of each reporting unit. The discount rate Nortel uses represents the estimated weighted average cost of capital, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk involved in its reporting unit operations and the rate of return an outside investor would expect to earn. To estimate cash flows beyond the final year of its model, Nortel uses a terminal value approach. Under this approach, Nortel uses the estimated cash flows in the final year of its models and applies a perpetuity growth assumption and discount by a perpetuity discount factor to determine the terminal value. Nortel incorporates the present value of the resulting terminal value into its estimate of fair value.
EBITDA Multiple Model: estimates of EBITDA growth and the selection of comparable companies to determine an appropriate multiple.
Interim Goodwill Assessment
At September 30, 2008, in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, Nortel concluded that events had occurred and circumstances had changed that required it to perform an interim period goodwill impairment test for its Enterprise Services (“ES”), Carrier Networks (“CN”), Metro Ethernet Services (“MEN”) and Global Services (“GS”) reporting units. In September 2008, in response to significant pressure resulting from the expanding economic downturn and the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations, Nortel announced a revised full year 2008 outlook and estimated revenues to decline between two and four percent compared to 2007. Furthermore, during the quarter ended September 30, 2008, Nortel experienced a material decline in its market capitalization due primarily to the continued challenging market conditions, particularly in the U.S. The average closing price of Nortel Networks Corporation common shares (“NNC common shares”) on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) in the third quarter of 2008 was $5.77 compared to an average of $8.21 in the second quarter of 2008, a decline of approximately 30% and at September 30, 2008, Nortel’s market capitalization was less than its book value.
As part of its interim goodwill impairment test, Nortel updated its forecasted cash flows for each of its reporting units. This update considered current economic conditions and trends, estimated future operating results, Nortel’s view of growth rates and anticipated future economic conditions. Revenue growth rates inherent in this forecast are based on input from internal and external market intelligence research sources that compare factors such as growth in global economies, regional trends in the telecommunications industry and product evolution from a technological segment basis. Macro economic factors such as changes in economies, product evolutions, industry consolidations and other changes beyond Nortel’s control could have a positive or negative impact on achieving its targets.
The results from step one of the two-step goodwill impairment test of each reporting unit indicated that the estimated fair values of the MEN and ES reporting units were less than the respective carrying values of their net assets and as such Nortel performed step two of the impairment test for these reporting units.
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In step two of the impairment test, Nortel estimated the implied fair value of the goodwill of each of these reporting units and compared it to the carrying value of the goodwill for each of the MEN and ES reporting units. Specifically, Nortel allocated the fair value of the MEN and ES reporting units as determined in the first step to their respective recognized and unrecognized net assets, including allocations to identified intangible assets. The allocations of fair values of the MEN and ES reporting units also require Nortel to make significant estimates and assumptions, including those in determining the fair values of the identified intangible assets. Such intangible assets had fair values substantially in excess of current book values. The resulting implied goodwill for each of these reporting units was nil; accordingly Nortel reduced the goodwill recorded prior to the assessment by $1,142 to write down the goodwill related to MEN and ES to the implied goodwill amount as of September 30, 2008. The $1,142 goodwill impairment charge is Nortel’s best estimate of the goodwill charge as of September 30, 2008. Any adjustments to the estimated charge resulting from the completion of the measurement of the impairment loss will be recognized in the quarter and year ending December 31, 2008. The allocation discussed above is performed only for purposes of assessing goodwill for impairment; accordingly Nortel did not adjust the net book value of the assets and liabilities on its condensed consolidated balance sheet other than goodwill as a result of this process.
No impairment losses related to Nortel’s goodwill were recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007.
Related Analyses
In conjunction with Nortel’s assessment of goodwill for impairment, Nortel re-assessed the remaining useful lives of its long-lived assets and concluded they were appropriate. In addition, prior to the goodwill analysis discussed above, Nortel performed a recoverability test of the long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”. Nortel included cash flow projections from operations along with cash flows associated with the eventual disposition of the long-lived assets, where appropriate. The undiscounted future cash flows of the long-lived assets exceeded their net book value and, as a result, no impairment charge was recorded.
Segment descriptions
Nortel’s operations are organized around four reportable segments consisting of CN, ES, GS and MEN. The segments are described below.
CN provides mobility networking solutions using (i) Code Division Multiple Access (“CDMA”), Global System for Mobile Communication (“GSM”) and Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (“UMTS”) radio access technologies and fixed and mobile networking solutions using Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (“WiMAX”) radio access technology; and (ii) carrier circuit and packet voice solutions. Mobility networking refers to communications networks that enable end users to be mobile while they send and receive voice and data communications using wireless devices such as cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, laptops and other computing and communications devices. These networks use specialized network access equipment and specialized core networking equipment that enable an end user to be connected and identified when not in a fixed location and to roam globally. In addition, Nortel’s carrier circuit and packet voice solutions provide a broad range of voice solutions to its service provider customers for business and residential subscribers, traditional, full featured voice services as well as internet-based voice and multimedia communications services using either circuit or packet-based switching technologies. These service provider customers include local and long distance telephone companies, wireless service providers, cable operators and other communication service providers. Increasingly, CN addresses customers who want to provide services across both wireless as well as wired devices.
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ES provides Unified Communications (“UC”) solutions to enterprise customers using: (i) Business Optimized Communications; and (ii) Business Optimized Networking. Business Optimized Communications is comprised of enterprise circuit and packet voice solutions, software solutions for multi-media messaging, conferencing and contact centers and Service Oriented Architecture based communications enabled applications. Business Optimized Networking solutions are inclusive of data networking, wireless LAN, data centers and security. Nortel’s UC solutions transform an enterprise’s existing communications to deliver a unified, real time, multi-media experience including voice, video, email and instant messaging. Nortel’s ES customers consist of a broad range of enterprises around the world, including large businesses at their headquarters, data centers, call centers and branch offices, small and medium-size businesses and home offices, as well as government agencies, educational and other institutions and utility organizations.
GS provides a broad range of services to address the requirements of Nortel’s carrier and enterprise customers throughout the entire lifecycle of their networks. The GS portfolio is organized into four main service product groups: (i) network implementation services, including network integration, planning, installation, optimization and security services; (ii) network support services, including technical support, hardware maintenance, equipment spares logistics and on-site engineers; (iii) network managed services, including services related to the monitoring and management of customer networks and providing a range of network managed services/hosted solutions options; and (iv) network application services, including applications development, integration and communications-enabled application solutions. Nortel’s GS market mirrors that of its carrier and enterprise markets along with a broad range of customers in all geographic regions where Nortel conducts business, including wireline and wireless carriers, cable operators, small and medium-size businesses, large global enterprises and all levels of government.
MEN combines Nortel’s optical networking solutions and the carrier portion of its data networking solutions to transform its carrier and large enterprise customers’ networks to be more scalable and reliable for the high speed delivery of diverse multi-media communications services. By combining Nortel’s optical expertise and data knowledge, Nortel creates carrier Ethernet solutions that help service providers and enterprises better manage increasing bandwidth demands. Nortel differentiates its MEN solutions by using technology innovations such as Provider Backbone Bridges, Provider Backbone Transport and 40G Dual Polarization Quadrature Phase Shift Keying to deliver increased network capacity at lower cost per bit and with a simpler operations paradigm. Both metropolitan, or metro, and long-haul networks are key focus areas as bandwidth demands are increasing as a result of the growth of network-based broadcast and on-demand video delivery, wireless “backhaul” for a variety of data services including video, as well as traditional business, internet and private line and voice services.
Other miscellaneous business activities and corporate functions, including the operating results of Nortel Government Solutions Incorporated, do not meet the quantitative criteria to be disclosed separately as reportable segments and have been reported in “Other”. Costs associated with shared services, such as general corporate functions, that are managed on a common basis are allocated to Nortel’s reportable segments based on usage determined generally by headcount. A portion of other general and miscellaneous corporate costs and expenses are allocated based on a fixed charge established annually. Costs not allocated to the reportable segments include employee share-based compensation, differences between actual and budgeted employee benefit costs, interest attributable to Nortel’s long-term debt and other non-operational activities, and are included in “Other”.
Nortel’s president and chief executive officer (the “CEO”) has been identified as the Chief Operating Decision Maker in assessing segment performance and in deciding how to allocate resources to the segments. The primary
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financial measure used by the CEO in assessing performance and allocating resources to the segments is Management Operating Margin (“Management OM”). Management OM was previously referred to in Nortel’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 filed with the SEC and Canadian securities regulatory authorities, as Operating Margin. Management OM is defined by Nortel as follows: total revenues less total cost of revenues, SG&A and R&D expense. Previously, the CEO used management earnings (loss) before income taxes (“Management EBT”). Management EBT was a measure that included total revenues, total cost of revenues, SG&A and R&D expense, interest expense, other operating expense (income)—net, other income (expense)—net, and minority interests—net of tax and equity in net earnings (loss) of associated companies—net of tax. Comparative information from the periods prior to March 31, 2008 has been restated to conform to the current presentation as a result of the new primary financial measure used by the CEO. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those applied to the condensed consolidated financial statements. The CEO does not review asset information on a segmented basis in order to assess performance and allocate resources.
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Segments
The following tables set forth information by segment for the following periods:
Revenues
Carrier Networks
Enterprise Solutions
Global Services
Metro Ethernet Networks
Total reportable segments
Management Operating Margin
Total Management Operating Margin
Income tax expense
Nortel had no customer that generated more than 10% of total consolidated revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2008 although one customer generated revenues of approximately $790 or 10% of total consolidated revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The revenues were generated throughout all of Nortel’s reportable segments. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, Nortel had one customer that generated revenues of approximately $275 and $854 or 10% and 11%, respectively, of total consolidated revenues.
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On February 27, 2008, as part of its further efforts to increase competitiveness by improving profitability and overall business performance, Nortel announced a restructuring plan that included net workforce reductions of approximately 2,100 positions and shifting approximately 1,000 additional positions from higher-cost to lower-cost locations, resulting in gross workforce reductions of approximately 3,100. Subsequently, expected workforce reductions were reduced by 370 as a result of changes in organizational strategy resulting in revised gross workforce reductions of approximately 2,700. Further, as a result of decreased R&D spending and continued cost reduction initiatives, Nortel revised the estimated number of lower-cost location hires to approximately 500. As a result of these adjustments, net workforce reductions are expected to be approximately 2,200. The reductions will occur through both voluntary attrition and involuntary terminations. In addition to the workforce reductions, Nortel announced steps to achieve additional cost savings by efficiently managing its various business locations and further consolidating real estate requirements. Collectively, these efforts are referred to as the “2008 Restructuring Plan”. Nortel originally expected total charges to earnings and cash outlays related to workforce reductions to be approximately $205. Nortel now expects charges to earnings and cash outlays for workforce reductions to be approximately $185 as a result of higher than expected attrition and redeployment and reduced workforce reductions which amount is expected to be substantially incurred over fiscal 2008 and 2009. Nortel originally expected total charges to earnings related to the consolidation of real estate to be approximately $70, including approximately $25 related to fixed asset writedowns, to be incurred over fiscal 2008 and 2009, and cash outlays of approximately $45 to be incurred through 2024. Nortel now expects total charges to earnings related to the consolidation of real estate to be approximately $60, including a revised amount of approximately $15 related to fixed asset writedowns, to be substantially incurred over fiscal 2008 and 2009. Related cash outlays are expected to remain unchanged. Approximately $130 of the total charges relating to the 2008 Restructuring Plan have been incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Approximately 70% of the total restructuring expense related to the 2008 Restructuring Plan is expected to be incurred by the end of 2008.
During the first quarter of 2007, as part of its continuing efforts to increase competitiveness by improving profitability and overall business performance, Nortel announced a restructuring plan that included net workforce reductions of approximately 2,900 positions and shifting approximately 1,000 additional positions from higher-cost to lower-cost locations, resulting in gross workforce reductions of approximately 3,900. During the year ended December 31, 2007, approximately 150 additional reductions were identified and incorporated into the plan with associated costs of approximately $15 and a revision of approximately 300 fewer position reductions with associated costs of approximately $18 was made as a result of a change in strategy regarding shared services. During the current quarter, workforce reductions were further reduced by approximately 200 as a result of changes in organizational strategy. As a result, Nortel currently expects the gross workforce reductions to be approximately 3,550. Further, as a result of decreased R&D spending and continued cost reduction initiatives, Nortel revised the estimated number of higher to lower-cost location hires to approximately 400. As a result of these further adjustments, net workforce reductions are now expected to be approximately 3,150. The reductions will occur through both voluntary attrition and involuntary terminations. In addition to the workforce reductions, Nortel announced steps to achieve additional cost savings by efficiently managing its various business locations and consolidating real estate requirements. Collectively, these efforts are referred to as the “2007 Restructuring Plan”. Nortel originally expected total charges to earnings and cash outlays for the 2007 Restructuring Plan to be approximately $340 and $320, respectively, and expected that workforce reductions and shifting of positions would account for $260 of the estimated expense, and $80 would relate to real estate consolidations. As of September 30, 2008, Nortel expects total charges to earnings and cash outlays for the 2007 Restructuring Plan to be approximately $280 and $260, respectively. Nortel now expects that workforce reductions and shifting of positions will account for $200 of the estimated expense as a result of the reduced workforce reductions, and $80
will relate to real estate consolidation. The workforce reductions are expected to be completed by the end of 2008
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and the charges for ongoing lease costs are to be incurred by the end of 2009 with the related cash outlay to be incurred by the end of 2024. Approximately $238 of the total charges relating to the 2007 Restructuring Plan have been incurred as of September 30, 2008.
During the second quarter of 2006, in an effort to increase competitiveness by improving profitability and overall business performance, Nortel announced a restructuring plan that included workforce reductions of approximately 1,900 positions (the “2006 Restructuring Plan”). The workforce reductions occurred primarily in the U.S. and Canada and spanned all of Nortel’s segments. Nortel originally estimated the total charges to earnings and cash outlays associated with the 2006 Restructuring Plan to be approximately $100. During 2007, the program was determined to be substantially complete resulting in a total reduction of 1,750 positions with a revised total cost of approximately $85. The cost revisions were primarily due to higher voluntary attrition reducing the number of involuntary actions requiring the payment of benefits.
During 2004 and 2001, Nortel implemented work plans to streamline operations through workforce reductions and real estate optimization strategies (the “2004 Restructuring Plan” and the “2001 Restructuring Plan”). All of the charges with respect to the workforce reductions have been incurred and the remainder of the charges for ongoing lease costs are to be substantially incurred by the end of 2016 for the 2004 Restructuring Plan and the end of 2013 for the 2001 Restructuring Plan.
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During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, Nortel continued to implement these restructuring plans. Special charges were as follows:
2008 Restructuring Plan
Provision balance as of December 31, 2007
Other special charges
Revisions to prior accruals
Cash drawdowns
Non-cash drawdowns
Foreign exchange and other adjustments
Provision balance as of September 30, 2008
2007 Restructuring Plan
2006 Restructuring Plan
2004 Restructuring Plan
2001 Restructuring Plan
Total provision balance as of September 30,2008(a)
Total special charges
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Three and nine months ended September 30, 2008
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, Nortel recorded special charges of $25 and $114, respectively, related to severance and benefit costs associated with an involuntary workforce reduction of approximately 1,350 employees, of which approximately 400 and 1,000 were notified of termination during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively. The workforce reduction was primarily in the U.S. and Canada and extended across all of Nortel’s segments, with the majority of the reductions occurring in the ES and CN business segments.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, Nortel recorded special charges of $13 and $43, respectively, related to severance and benefit costs with respect to the 2007 Restructuring Plan. The involuntary workforce reduction to date has been approximately 1,950 employees, of which approximately 190 and 600 were notified of termination during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively. This portion of the workforce reduction was primarily in the U.S. and Canada, with other reductions being incurred in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”). Nortel recorded contract settlement and lease costs of $4 and $22 including revisions of $3 and $7 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively. Cash expenditures related to contract settlement and lease costs of $5 and $15 were incurred during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively. For the 2007 Restructuring Plan, the remaining contract settlement and lease costs provision, which is net of approximately $37 in estimated sublease income, is expected to be substantially drawn down by the end of 2016. To date Nortel has incurred approximately 85% of the total restructuring expense related to the 2007 Restructuring Plan.
Nortel incurred total cash costs related to the 2006 Restructuring Plan of approximately nil and $7 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively. The provision balance for the 2006 Restructuring Plan was drawn down to nil during the nine months ended September 30, 2008.
The provision balance for contract settlement and lease costs remaining for the 2004 Restructuring Plan was drawn down by cash payments of $4 and $11 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively. The remaining 2004 Restructuring Plan provision, which is net of approximately $34 in estimated sublease income, is expected to be substantially drawn down by the end of 2016.
The provision balance for contract settlement and lease costs was drawn down by cash payments of $9 and $25 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively. The remaining provision, net of
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approximately $123 in estimated sublease income, is expected to be substantially drawn down by the end of 2013.
The following table summarizes the total special charges incurred for each of Nortel’s restructuring plans by segment during the following periods:
Total special charges for the three months ended September 30, 2008
Total special charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2008
Total special charges for the three months ended September 30, 2007
Total special charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2007
As described in note 5, Management OM by segment does not include special charges. A significant portion of Nortel’s provisions for workforce reductions and contract settlement and lease costs are associated with shared services. These costs have been allocated to the segments in the table above, based generally on headcount, SG&A allocations and revenue streams. Prior to 2008, Nortel allocated these costs only based on headcount and revenue streams.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, Nortel recorded a tax expense of $2,226 on loss from operations before income taxes, minority interests and equity in net earnings of associated companies of $1,286.
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Included in the loss from operations before income taxes is an impairment related to goodwill in the amount of $1,142 that impacted Nortel’s effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008. The tax expense of $2,226 is largely comprised of several significant items, including $1,103 relating to the establishment of a full valuation allowance against Nortel’s net deferred tax asset in Canada, and $816 and $150 relating to increases in the valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets in the U.S. and the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), respectively. Also included in income tax expense is $103 of income taxes on profitable entities in Asia and Europe that includes a $6 valuation allowance release in Germany based on earnings, $34 of income taxes resulting from revisions to prior year tax estimates, $20 from increases in uncertain tax positions and other taxes of $22, primarily related to taxes on preferred share dividends in Canada. This tax expense was partially offset by a $22 benefit derived from various tax credits and R&D-related incentives.
During the third quarter of 2008, the expanding global economic downturn has had a negative effect on, and created uncertainty around our near-term modeled forecasts of taxable income. While Nortel’s mid- to long-term financial outlook remains positive, significant uncertainty about the global economy during the third quarter of 2008 led Nortel to revise downward its near-term modeled forecasts. To realize the deferred tax assets in its significant tax jurisdictions, these revisions resulted in a need to rely on an increased proportion of future taxable income generated by later years and an extended forecasting period, to a greater extent in Canada and to a lesser extent in the U.S. and the U.K. However, by their nature, modeled forecasted results become less objective and verifiable the further away they are from the current year. Accordingly, Nortel decided that it needed to shorten the timeframe on which it relies for these modeled forecasts and increased its valuation allowance by $2,069 as of September 30, 2008, as it no longer believes that it can meet the criteria to conclude that the related tax benefit is more likely than not to be realized.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, Nortel recorded a tax expense of $74 on earnings from operations before income taxes, minority interests and equity in net earnings of associated companies of $35. The tax expense of $74 is largely comprised of $67 of income taxes on profitable entities in Asia and Europe, including a reduction of Nortel’s deferred tax assets in EMEA, $33 of income taxes relating to tax rate reductions enacted during the first nine months of 2007 in EMEA and Asia, and other taxes of $12 primarily related to tax on preferred share dividends in Canada. This tax expense was partially offset by a $22 benefit derived from various tax credits, primarily R&D-related incentives, and a $14 benefit in EMEA as a result of transfer pricing adjustments.
As of September 30, 2008, Nortel’s net deferred tax assets were $1,085 resulting from net operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards and temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax treatment of certain current assets and liabilities and non-current assets and liabilities.
In accordance with the FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109,” (“FIN 48”), Nortel recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. Nortel adopted FIN 48 effective January 1, 2007.
Based on the application of the provisions of FIN 48, Nortel had approximately $1,743 and $1,329 of total gross unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 respectively. As of September 30, 2008, of the total gross unrecognized tax benefits, $61 represented the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods, if recognized. The net change of $414 since December 31, 2007 consists of an increase of $39 for new uncertain tax positions arising in 2008, an
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increase of $445 arising from uncertain tax positions taken during prior periods, offset by a decrease of $2 resulting from settlements of uncertain tax positions and a decrease of $68 resulting from changes to the measurement of existing uncertain tax positions for changes to foreign exchange rates and other measurement criteria.
Included in the $445 of uncertain tax positions taken during prior periods is an increase of $346 to reflect a decrease in the deferred tax assets in the U.S. for adjustments related to transfer pricing in the 2001 to 2005 taxation years and an increase of $76 related to transfer pricing adjustments in the 2006 and 2007 taxation years, mainly in the U.S., U.K. and France. This is offset by a decrease of $8 related to the reduction of an uncertain tax position in Colombia which has favorably impacted the effective tax rate for 2008.
Nortel recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. During the first nine months ended September 30, 2008, Nortel recognized approximately $13 in interest, penalties and foreign exchange translation, partially offset by a decrease of $9 resulting from the decrease in the uncertain tax position in Colombia. Nortel had accrued approximately $36 and $32 for the payment of interest and penalties as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.
Nortel believes it is reasonably possible that $653 of its gross unrecognized tax benefit will decrease during the twelve months ending September 30, 2009 with such amount attributable to possible decreases of $548 from the potential resolution of Nortel’s ongoing Advance Pricing Arrangements (“APA”) negotiations, $84 will result from including unrecognized tax benefits on amended income tax returns, and $21 will result from the potential settlement of audit exposures in South America, Asia and Europe. If achieved, it is anticipated that $19 of these potential decreases in unrecognized tax benefits would impact Nortel’s effective tax rate.
Nortel is subject to tax examinations in all major taxing jurisdictions in which it operates and currently has examinations open in Canada, the U.S., France, Australia, Germany and Brazil. In addition, Nortel has ongoing audits in other smaller jurisdictions including, but not limited to, Italy, Poland, Colombia and India. Nortel’s 2000 through 2007 tax years remain open in most of these jurisdictions primarily as a result of ongoing negotiations regarding APAs affecting these periods.
Nortel regularly assesses the status of tax examinations and the potential for adverse outcomes to determine the adequacy of the provision for income and other taxes. Specifically, the tax authorities in Brazil have completed an examination of prior taxation years and have issued assessments in the aggregate amount of $78 for the taxation years 1999 and 2000. In addition, the tax authorities in France issued assessments in respect of the 2001, 2002 and 2003 taxation years. These assessments collectively propose adjustments to increase taxable income of approximately $1,327, additional income tax liabilities of $52 inclusive of interest, as well as certain increases to withholding and other taxes of approximately $106 plus applicable interest and penalties. Nortel withdrew from discussions at the tax auditor level during the first quarter of 2007 and has entered into Mutual Agreement Procedures (“MAP”) with the competent authority under the Canada-France tax treaty to settle the dispute and avoid double taxation. Nortel believes that it has adequately provided for tax adjustments that are more likely than not to be realized as a result of any ongoing or future examinations.
Nortel had previously entered into APAs with the taxation authorities of the U.S. and Canada in connection with its inter-company transfer pricing and cost sharing arrangements between Canada and the U.S. These arrangements expired in 1999 and 2000. In 2002, Nortel filed APA requests with the taxation authorities in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. that applied to the taxation years 2001 through 2005. The APA requests are currently under consideration and the tax authorities are in the process of negotiating the terms of the arrangement. In September 2008, the Canadian tax authorities provided the U.S. tax authorities with a supplemental position
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paper regarding the 2001-2005 APA under negotiation. The proposal suggests a material reallocation of losses from the U.S. to Canada. Nortel has not received any indication from the U.S. tax authorities on their views of the supplemental position. Nortel continues to monitor the progress of these negotiations; however, it is not a party to the government-to-government negotiations. It is possible that the ultimate resolution to the negotiations could be a further reallocation of losses from the U.S. to Canada. Nortel has applied the transfer pricing methodology proposed in the APA requests to the parties subject to the transfer pricing methodology in preparing its tax returns and accounts from 2001 through 2005. The parties are the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, Ireland and Australia.
The ultimate outcome of the APA is uncertain and ultimate reallocation of losses as they relate to the APA negotiations cannot be determined at this time. There could be a further material shift in historical earnings between the above mentioned parties, particularly the U.S. and Canada. If this matter is resolved unfavorably, it could have a material adverse effect on Nortel’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, Nortel believes it is more likely than not that the ultimate resolution of these negotiations will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Nortel is in the process of negotiating new bilateral APA requests for tax years 2007 through at least 2010, with a request for rollback to 2006 in the U.S. and Canada, following methods generally similar to those under negotiation for 2001 through 2005. While preparing the new bilateral APA request, Nortel made some adjustments to the economics of the transfer pricing methodology (“TPM”). The tax filings for 2006 will be amended to reflect the adjustments to the new TPM and, with the exception of Nortel Networks Limited (“NNL”), the tax filings for 2007 will include the adjustments to the TPM. The adjustments resulted in decreases to deferred tax assets in the U.K. of $4 and $4 for 2006 and 2007, respectively. In other jurisdictions, changes resulting from adjustments to the new TPM impacted the level of deferred tax assets with an offset to valuation allowance and no impact to tax expense.
Nortel maintains various retirement programs covering substantially all of its employees, consisting of defined benefit, defined contribution and investment plans.
Nortel has multiple capital accumulation and retirement programs including: defined contribution and investment programs available to substantially all of its North American employees; the flexible benefits plan, which includes a group personal pension plan, available to substantially all of its employees in the U.K.; and traditional defined benefit programs that are closed to new entrants. Although these programs represent Nortel’s major retirement programs and may be available to employees in combination and/or as options within a program, Nortel also has smaller pension plan arrangements in other countries.
Nortel also provides other benefits, including post-retirement benefits and post-employment benefits. Employees previously enrolled in the capital accumulation and retirement programs offering post-retirement benefits are eligible for company sponsored post-retirement health care and/or death benefits, depending on age and/or years of service. Substantially all other employees have access to post-retirement benefits by purchasing a Nortel-sponsored retiree health care plan at their own cost.
Nortel’s policy is to fund defined benefit pension and other post-retirement and post-employment benefits based on accepted actuarial methods as permitted by regulatory authorities. The funded amounts reflect actuarial assumptions regarding compensation, interest and other projections. Pension and other post-retirement and post-employment benefit costs reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of operations are based on the
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projected benefit method of valuation. A measurement date of September 30 has historically been used annually to determine pension and other post-retirement benefit measurements for the pension plans and other post- retirement benefit plans that make up the majority of plan assets and obligations. Beginning in 2008, a measurement date of December 31 will be used for all plans in accordance with the guidance in SFAS 158. Under the transition approach selected by Nortel, the measurements determined for the 2007 fiscal year end reporting were used to estimate the effects of the change. Net periodic benefit cost for the period between the 2007 measurement date and the end of 2008 were allocated proportionately between amounts to be recognized as an adjustment of retained earnings and net periodic benefit cost for 2008. This adoption has had the effect of increasing accumulated deficit by $33, net of taxes, and increasing accumulated other comprehensive income by $5, net of taxes, as of January 1, 2008.
The following details the net pension expense for the defined benefit plans for the following periods:
Pension expense:
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of prior service cost
Amortization of net losses
Curtailment, contractual and special termination losses
Net pension expense
The following details the net cost components of post-retirement benefits other than pensions for the following periods:
Post-retirement benefits cost:
Net post-retirement benefits cost
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, contributions of $211 and $272, respectively, were made to the defined benefit plans and $31 and $27, respectively, to the post-retirement benefit plans. Nortel expects to contribute an additional $64 in 2008 to the defined benefit pension plans for a total contribution of $275, and an additional $12 in 2008 to the post-retirement benefit plans for a total contribution of $43.
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Acquisition
Other Acquisitions
The following table sets out certain information for the acquisitions completed by Nortel during the three months ended September 30, 2008. All of these acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method. The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the operating results of each of these businesses as of their respective dates of acquisition.
Novera Optics, Inc.(a)
Pingtel Corp.(b)
Diamondware Ltd.(c)
LG Electronics Inc. (“LGE”)—Wireless Local Loop(d)
The allocation of each purchase price is based on management’s current best estimate of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. However, because a full valuation of those assets and liabilities has not been finalized, the final allocation of each purchase price may differ from the current allocation disclosed.
LG-Nortel Co. Ltd. business venture
On November 3, 2005, NNL entered into a business venture with LGE, named LG-Nortel. Certain assets of Nortel’s South Korean distribution and services business were combined with the service business and certain assets of LGE’s telecommunications infrastructure business. In exchange for a cash contribution of $155 paid to LGE, NNL received 50% plus one share of the equity in LG-Nortel. LGE received 50% less one share of the equity in the business venture. Separately, LGE was entitled to payments from NNL over a two-year period based on the achievement by LG-Nortel of certain business goals in the 2006 and 2007 fiscal years, up to a maximum of $80. NNL and LGE agreed that the payment related to the 2006 fiscal year was $29 and this amount was recognized and paid in 2007. NNL recognized its remaining obligation of $51 in 2007 and paid it in the third quarter of 2008. As of December 31, 2007, this resulted in additional goodwill of $18.
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Senior notes offering
On May 28, 2008, NNL completed an offering of $675 aggregate principal amount of senior notes (the “2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued May 2008”) in the U.S. to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), to persons outside the U.S. pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act and to accredited investors in Canada pursuant to applicable private placement exemptions.
The 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued May 2008 were issued as additional notes under an existing indenture dated as of July 5, 2006, as supplemented, and are part of the same class as NNL’s currently outstanding $450 aggregate principal amount of 10.75% Senior Notes due 2016 that were issued on July 5, 2006 (the “2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued July 2006”) under the same indenture. The 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued May 2008 and the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued July 2006 have the same ranking, guarantee structure, interest rate, maturity date and other terms, and are treated as a single class of securities under the indenture, and holders of the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued May 2008 and the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued July 2006 vote together as one class. Refer to note 10, “Long-term debt”, to the audited consolidated financial statements accompanying the 2007 Annual Report for additional details regarding terms. The 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued May 2008 and related guarantees have not been registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any other place and may not be offered or sold within the U.S. or to, or for the account or benefit of, a U.S. person except in transactions exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable securities laws in other jurisdictions. The 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued May 2008 and related guarantees are currently not fungible for trading purposes with the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued July 2006.
The net proceeds received from the sale of the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued May 2008 were approximately $655, after deducting the discount on issuance of $7 and commissions and other offering expenses of $13. On June 16, 2008, Nortel used these net proceeds, together with available cash, to redeem, at par, $675 outstanding principal amount of Nortel’s 4.25% convertible senior notes due September 1, 2008 (“4.25% Notes due 2008”) plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Nortel has entered into agreements containing features that meet the definition of a guarantee under FASB Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Other”. As of September 30, 2008, Nortel accrued nil in respect of its non-contingent obligations associated with these agreements and $10 with respect to its contingent obligations that are considered probable to occur.
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The following table provides a summary of Nortel’s guarantees as of September 30, 2008:
Business sale and business combination agreements
Third party claims(a)
Sales volume guarantee(b)
Intellectual property indemnification obligations(c)
Lease agreements(d)
Receivable securitizations(e)
Other indemnification agreements
EDC Support Facility(f)
Specified price trade-in rights(g)
Global Class Action Settlement (as defined in note 18)(h)
Sale lease-back(i)
Real estate indemnification(j)
Bankruptcy(k)
Total
On February 14, 2003, NNL entered into an agreement with Export Development Canada (“EDC”) regarding arrangements to provide support for certain performance-related obligations arising out of normal course business (the “EDC Support Facility”). Nortel has also agreed to indemnify EDC under the EDC Support Facility against any legal
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action brought against EDC that relates to the provision of support under the EDC Support Facility. Effective December 14, 2007, NNL and EDC amended and restated the EDC Support Facility, among other things, to extend the maturity date to December 31, 2011 and to provide for automatic renewal each subsequent year, unless either party provides written notice to the other of its intent to terminate. As of September 30, 2008, there was approximately $193 of outstanding support utilized under the EDC Support Facility, approximately $130 of which was outstanding under the revolving small bond sub-facility, with the remaining balance under the revolving large bond sub-facility.
Product warranties
The following summarizes the accrual for product warranties that were recorded as part of other accrued liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2008:
Balance as of December 31, 2007
Payments
Warranties issued
Revisions
Balance as of September 30, 2008
Nortel adopted the provisions of SFAS 157 applicable to financial assets and liabilities and to certain non-financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, effective January 1, 2008. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. SFAS 157, among other things, requires Nortel to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
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Fair value hierarchy
SFAS 157 provides a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect Nortel’s assumptions with respect to how market participants would price an asset or liability. These two inputs used to measure fair value fall into the following three different levels of the fair value hierarchy:
Level 1: Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets that are observable.
Level 2: Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are non-active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable and derived from or corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3: Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable.
This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available.
Determination of fair value
The following section describes the valuation methodologies used by Nortel to measure different instruments at fair value, including an indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which each instrument is classified. Where applicable, the descriptions include the key inputs and significant assumptions used in the valuation models.
When available, Nortel uses quoted market prices to determine fair value of certain exchange-traded equity securities; such items are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Certain investments are valued using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model. Key inputs include the exchange-traded price of the underlying security, exercise price, shares issuable, risk-free rate, forecasted dividends and volatility. Such items are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Nortel has an investment in a money market fund, which, prior to the suspension of trading activities of the fund’s shares, was classified as cash and cash equivalents. The fund recently announced that its net asset value had declined to $0.97 per share relative to par of $1.00 per share and that it was temporarily suspending redemption rights as it sought SEC approval of its plan for orderly liquidation of its assets. These investments are currently classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. See notes 3 and 19 for more information.
As of September 30, 2008, Nortel held $19 in auction rate securities which it classified as an available-for-sale investment. At September 30, 2008, there were no active markets for these auction rate securities or comparable securities due to current market conditions. Therefore, until such a market becomes active, Nortel is determining their fair value based on expected discounted cash flows, incorporating current coupon rates and expected maturity dates. Such items are currently classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Derivatives
The majority of derivatives entered into by Nortel are valued using standard valuation techniques as no quoted market prices exist for the instruments. The valuation technique used and inputs required depend on the type of
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derivative. The principal techniques used to value these instruments are through comparing the rates at the time that the derivatives were acquired to the period-end rates quoted in the market. Depending on the type of derivative, the valuation could be calculated through either discounted cash flows or the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model. The key inputs depend upon the type of derivative, and include interest rate yield curves, foreign exchange spot and forward rates, and expected volatility. The item is placed in Level 2 or Level 3 depending on whether the significant inputs are observable or not. Level 2 includes Nortel’s hedging activities. Level 3 includes embedded derivatives related to commercial or purchase contracts.
Nortel’s publicly traded debt instruments are valued using quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
Market valuation adjustments
The fair value of derivatives and other financial liabilities includes the effects of Nortel’s and the counterparty’s non-performance risk, including credit risk. Nortel has incorporated its own and its counterparty’s credit risk into the determination of fair value of its derivatives, where applicable. See note 13 for more information.
The following table presents, for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2008:
Assets
Money market fund
Employee benefit trust
Auction rate securities
Liabilities
The following table presents the changes in the Level 3 fair value category for the nine months ended September 30, 2008:
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Bid, performance-related and other bonds
Nortel has entered into bid, performance-related and other bonds associated with various contracts. Bid bonds generally have a term of less than twelve months, depending on the length of the bid period for the applicable contract. Other bonds primarily relate to warranty, rental, real estate and customs contracts. Performance-related and other bonds generally have a term consistent with the term of the underlying contract. The various contracts to which these bonds apply generally have terms ranging from one to five years. Any potential payments which might become due under these bonds would be related to Nortel’s non-performance under the applicable contract. Historically, Nortel has not had to make material payments under these types of bonds and does not anticipate that any material payments will be required in the future.
The following table sets forth the maximum potential amount of future payments under bid, performance-related and other bonds, net of the corresponding restricted cash and cash equivalents, as of:
Bid and performance-related bonds(a)
Other bonds(b)
Total bid, performance related and other bonds
Venture capital financing
Nortel has entered into agreements with selected venture capital firms where the venture capital firms make and manage investments in start-up businesses and emerging enterprises. The agreements require Nortel to fund requests for additional capital up to its commitments when and if requests for additional capital are solicited by any of the venture capital firms. Nortel had remaining commitments, if requested, of $19 as of September 30, 2008. These commitments expire at various dates through to 2017.
Concentrations of risk
Nortel from time to time uses derivatives to limit exposures related to foreign currency, interest rate and equity price risk. Credit risk on these financial instruments arises from the potential for counterparties to default on their contractual obligations to Nortel. Nortel is exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance, but does not anticipate non-performance by any of the counterparties to its financial instruments. Nortel limits its credit risk by dealing with counterparties that are considered to be of reputable credit quality.
Nortel’s cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions in the form of demand and term bank deposits and government and institutional short-term money market instruments. Generally, these funds may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions with reputable credit and therefore are expected to bear minimal credit risk. Nortel seeks to mitigate such risks by spreading its risk across multiple counterparties and monitoring the risk profiles of these counterparties.
Nortel performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and, with the exception of certain financing transactions, does not normally require collateral from its customers. Nortel’s customers are primarily in the
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enterprise and telecommunication service provider markets. Nortel’s global market presence has resulted in a large number of diverse customers which reduces concentrations of credit risk.
Nortel receives certain of its components from sole suppliers. Additionally, Nortel relies on a limited number of contract manufacturers and suppliers to provide manufacturing services for its products. The inability of a contract manufacturer or supplier to fulfill supply requirements of Nortel could materially impact future operating results.
WiMAX Strategic Agreement with Alvarion Ltd.
On June 11, 2008, Nortel entered into an agreement with Alvarion Ltd. (“Alvarion”), to jointly develop a WiMAX product solution. For the duration of the agreement, Nortel has agreed to terminate its current IEEE 802.16e macro WiMAX BTS commercial product development and instead work with Alvarion to continue the development of a world leading mobile WiMAX (802.16e) portfolio of access products. Nortel is not committed to any purchase commitments under the agreement. Alvarion will provide the R&D work for the joint WiMAX BTS product solution, with the funding assistance, development and engineering expertise provided by Nortel. Nortel will pay Alvarion an agreed amount of R&D funding over the four year term of the agreement.
The following table details the weighted-average number of NNC common shares outstanding for the purposes of computing basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for the following periods:
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding:
Issued and outstanding
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding
Weighted-average shares dilution adjustments:
Dilutive stock options and share-based awards
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding
Weighted-average shares dilution adjustments—exclusions:
Stock options and other share-based awards
4.25% Notes due 2008 as defined in noted 20(b)
2012 Notes as defined in note 20(b)
2014 Notes as defined in note 20(b)
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The following are the changes in shareholders’ equity (deficit) during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 (numbers of common shares in thousands):
Adoption of SFAS 158 (notes 2 and 8)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Unrealized loss on investments—net
Unamortized pension and post-retirement actuarial losses and prior service cost—net
Issuance of NNC common shares related to settlement
Share-based compensation
Nortel is authorized to issue an unlimited number of NNC common shares without nominal or par value.
The following are the components of comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the following periods:
Other comprehensive income (loss) adjustments:
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment
Unrealized loss on investments—net(a)
Unamortized pension and post-retirement acturial losses and prior service cost—net
Unrealized derivative gain (loss) on cash flow hedges—net(b)
Comprehensive income (loss)
At the annual meeting of Nortel’s shareholders held on May 7, 2008, the following amendments to the Nortel Networks Corporation 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, As Amended and Restated (the “SIP”) were approved by
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Nortel’s shareholders in accordance with the rules of the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) and NYSE and the terms of the SIP: (i) an increase in the number of NNC common shares issuable under the SIP by 14 million from 12.2 million to 26.2 million; (ii) the addition of certain additional types of amendments to the SIP or awards under it requiring shareholder approval; and (iii) amendments to reflect current market practices with respect to blackout periods.
Options
Prior to 2006, Nortel granted options to employees to purchase NNC common shares under two existing option plans, the Nortel Networks Corporation 2000 Stock Option Plan (the “2000 Plan”) and the Nortel Networks Corporation 1986 Stock Option Plan, As Amended and Restated (the “1986 Plan”). Under these two plans, options to purchase NNC common shares could be granted to employees and, under the 2000 Plan, options could also be granted to directors of Nortel. NNC common shares remaining available for grant after December 31, 2005 under the 2000 Plan and the 1986 Plan (and including NNC common shares that become available upon expiration or termination of options granted under such plans) were transferred to and were available for grant under the SIP, effective January 1, 2006.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, there were not a significant number of NNC common shares issued pursuant to the exercise of options granted under the 1986 Plan or the 2000 Plan. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, 4,468,842 options were granted under the SIP. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the number of options exercised under the SIP was nil.
The following is a summary of the total number of outstanding options under the SIP, the 2000 Plan and the 1986 Plan, and the maximum number of options available for grant under the SIP:
Balance at December 31, 2007
New available common shares
Options granted
Options exercised
Options forfeited
Options expired
Options cancelled
Balance at September 30, 2008
Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”)
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, Nortel granted 31,199 stand-alone SARs under the SIP. As of September 30, 2008, 105,358 stand-alone SARs are outstanding under the SIP. The SARs awarded under the SIP
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program will be settled in cash at the time of exercise. All SARs granted have been classified as liability awards based on their cash settlement provisions. As of September 30, 2008, no tandem SARs have been granted under the SIP.
RSUs
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, 3,745,439 RSUs were granted under the SIP, of which 109,157 are to be settled in cash due to certain country-specific rules and regulations. Nortel accounts for these cash settled grants as liability awards. All other granted RSUs are settled in shares based on the terms and conditions of the respective grants and as such have been classified as equity instruments based on the settlement provisions of the SIP. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, there were approximately 892,000 NNC common shares issued pursuant to the vesting of RSUs granted under the SIP.
The following is a summary of the total number of outstanding share-based RSU awards under the SIP as of the following dates:
Awards granted
Awards settled
Awards forfeited
Awards cancelled
PSUs
Relative Total Shareholder Return Metric Awards (“PSU-rTSRs”)
Prior to January 1, 2008 all awards of PSU-rTSRs (previously defined as “PSUs” in the 2007 Annual Report) under the SIP had vesting conditions based on the relative total shareholder return metric and had a 36-month performance period. In March 2008, Nortel determined that awards of PSU-rTSRs granted after January 1, 2008 would have a 36-month performance period and an additional 30-day employment service period. All other vesting conditions with respect to PSU-rTSRs as of September 30, 2008 remain consistent with the conditions as reported in the 2007 Annual Report. The number of NNC common shares issued for vested PSU-rTSRs can range from 0% to 200% of the number of PSU-rTSR awards granted.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, 785,475 PSU-rTSRs were granted under the SIP, of which 6,175 are to be settled in cash due to certain country-specific rules and regulations. Nortel accounts for these cash settled grants as liability awards. All other such granted PSU-rTSRs are settled in shares based on the terms and conditions of the respective grants and as such have been classified as equity instruments based on the settlement provisions of the SIP. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, there were no PSU-rTSRs that vested under the SIP.
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The following is a summary of the total number of outstanding share-based PSU-rTSRs under the SIP as of the following dates:
Awards expired
Management Operating Margin Metric Awards (“PSU-Management OMs”)
In March 2008, Nortel awarded PSU-Management OMs (previously defined as “PSU-OMs” in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008) with the following two vesting conditions: (i) the participant must satisfy a one-year performance period and an additional 24-month vesting period in which continuous employment is required; and (ii) Nortel’s Management OM must exceed the minimum threshold level of 4.80% or $550 in accordance with Nortel’s payout curve for a one year performance period. The number of NNC common shares to be issued for vested PSU-Management OMs is determined based on Nortel’s Management OM and can range from 0% to 200% of the number of PSU-Management OM awards granted. The awards vest in full at the end of the 36-month employment period, subject to the satisfaction of the two vesting conditions. Generally, the PSU-Management OMs granted under the SIP will be settled in shares at the time of vesting.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, 1,274,885 PSU-Management OMs were granted under the SIP, of which 15,325 are to be settled in cash due to certain country-specific rules and regulations. Nortel accounts for these cash settled grants as liability awards. All other PSU-Management OMs granted are settled in shares based on the terms and conditions of the respective grants and as such have been classified as equity instruments based on the settlement provisions of the SIP. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, there were no PSU-Management OMs that vested under the SIP.
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The following is a summary of the total number of outstanding share-based PSU-Management OMs under the SIP as of the following dates:
Adjustment(b)
The following table provides the share-based compensation expense recorded for the following periods:
Share-based compensation:
DSU expense
Option expense
RSU expense
PSU expense—rTSR
PSU expense—Management OM
Total share-based compensation reported
Nortel estimates the fair value of options and SARs using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model, consistent with the provisions of SFAS 123R, “Share-based payments” (“SFAS 123R”) and Staff Accounting Bulletin 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” (“SAB 107”). The key input assumptions used to estimate the fair value of awards include the grant price of the award, the expected term of the award, the volatility of NNC common shares, the risk-free rate, and Nortel’s dividend yield. Nortel believes that the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model adequately captures the substantive features of option awards and is appropriate in calculating the fair values of Nortel’s options and SARs.
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The following ranges of assumptions were used in computing the fair value of options and SARs for purposes of expense recognition, for the following periods:
Black-Scholes-Merton assumptions
Expected dividend yield
Expected volatility(a)
Risk-free interest rate(b)
Expected life in years(c)
Range of fair value per option granted
Range of fair value per SAR granted
The fair value of all RSUs and PSU-Management OMs granted after January 1, 2008 is calculated using the closing share price from NYSE on the date of the grant. For RSU awards granted before January 1, 2008, the fair value is calculated using an average of the high and low share prices from the highest trading value of either the NYSE or TSX on the date of the grant. There were no PSU- Management OMs granted before January 1, 2008. Nortel estimates the fair value of PSU-rTSRs awards using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Certain assumptions used in the model include (but are not limited to) the following:
Monte Carlo assumptions
Beta(a)
Historical volatility(a)
Cash received from exercises under all share-based compensation arrangements was nil and $10 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Tax benefits realized by Nortel related to these exercises were nil for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007.
In the ordinary course of business, Nortel engages in transactions with certain of its equity-owned investees and certain other business partners. These transactions are sales and purchases of goods and services under usual trade terms and are measured at their exchange amounts.
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Transactions with related parties are summarized for the following periods:
LG Electronics Inc.(a)
Vertical Communications Systems Inc. (“Vertical”)(b)
Purchases:
Sasken Communications Technology Ltd. (“Sasken”)(c)
GN TEL Co., Ltd. (“GN TEL”)(d)
As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, accounts receivable from related parties were $4 and $6, respectively. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, accounts payable to related parties were $40 and $67, respectively.
Subsequent to Nortel’s announcement on February 15, 2001, in which it provided revised guidance for its financial performance for the 2001 fiscal year and the first quarter of 2001, Nortel and certain of its then-current officers and directors were named as defendants in several purported class action lawsuits in the U.S. and Canada (collectively, the “Nortel I Class Actions”). These lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, where all the U.S. lawsuits were consolidated, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the Quebec Superior Court were filed on behalf of shareholders who acquired securities of Nortel during certain periods between October 24, 2000 and February 15, 2001. The lawsuits alleged, among other things, violations of U.S. federal and Canadian provincial securities laws. These matters also had been the subject of review by Canadian and U.S. securities regulatory authorities.
Subsequent to Nortel’s announcement on March 10, 2004, in which it indicated it was likely that Nortel would need to revise its previously announced unaudited results for the year ended December 31, 2003 and the results reported in certain of its quarterly reports in 2003, and to restate its previously filed financial results for one or more earlier periods, Nortel and certain of its then-current and former officers and directors were named as defendants in several purported class action lawsuits in the U.S. and Canada (collectively, the “Nortel II
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Class Actions”). These lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and the Quebec Superior Court were filed on behalf of shareholders who acquired securities of Nortel during certain periods between February 16, 2001 and July 28, 2004. The lawsuits alleged, among other things, violations of U.S. federal and Canadian provincial securities laws, negligence, misrepresentations, oppressive conduct, insider trading and violations of Canadian corporation and competition laws in connection with certain of Nortel’s financial results. These matters had been the subject of review by Canadian and U.S. securities regulatory authorities and are the subject of investigations by Canadian and U.S. criminal investigative authorities.
During 2006, Nortel entered into agreements to settle all of the Nortel I Class Actions and Nortel II Class Actions (the “Global Class Action Settlement”) concurrently, except for an action in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice that was settled (the “Ontario Settlement”) by the parties and approved by the court in February 2007. In December 2006 and January 2007, the Global Class Action Settlement was approved by the courts in New York, Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec, and became effective on March 20, 2007.
Under the terms of the Global Class Action Settlement, Nortel agreed to pay $575 in cash plus accrued interest and issue 62,866,775 NNC common shares (representing approximately 14.5% of NNC common shares outstanding as of February 7, 2006, the date an agreement in principle was reached with the plaintiffs in the U.S. class action lawsuits). Nortel will also contribute to the plaintiffs one-half of any recovery from its ongoing litigation against certain of its former senior officers who were terminated for cause in 2004, which seeks the return of payments made to them in 2003 under Nortel’s bonus plan. The total settlement amount includes all plaintiffs’ court-approved attorneys’ fees. On June 1, 2006, Nortel placed $575 plus accrued interest of $5 into escrow and classified this amount as restricted cash. As a result of the Global Class Action Settlement, Nortel established a litigation reserve and recorded a charge in the amount of $2,474 to its full-year 2005 financial results, $575 of which related to the cash portion of the Global Class Action Settlement, while $1,899 related to the equity component. The equity component of the litigation reserve was adjusted each quarter from February 2006 through March 20, 2007 to reflect the fair value of the NNC common shares issuable.
The effective date of the Global Class Action Settlement was March 20, 2007, on which date the number of NNC common shares issuable in connection with the equity component was fixed. As such, a final measurement date occurred for the equity component of the settlement and the value of the shares issuable was fixed at their fair value of $1,626 on the effective date.
Nortel recorded a shareholder litigation settlement recovery of $54 during the first quarter of 2007 as a result of the final fair value adjustment for the equity component of the Global Class Action Settlement made on March 20, 2007. In addition, the litigation reserve related to the equity component was reclassified to additional paid-in capital within shareholders’ equity on March 20, 2007 as the number of issuable NNC common shares was fixed on that date. The reclassified amount will be further reclassified to NNC common shares as the shares are issued. On the effective date of March 20, 2007, Nortel also removed the restricted cash and corresponding litigation reserve related to the cash portion of the settlement, as the funds became controlled by the escrow agents and Nortel’s obligation has been extinguished.
Administration of the settlement claims is now substantially complete. Approximately 4% of the settlement shares were issued to certain plaintiffs’ counsel in the first quarter of 2007. Almost all of the remaining settlement shares were distributed in the second quarter of 2008 to claimants and plaintiffs’ counsel, as approved by the courts. The cash portion of the settlement that was placed in escrow in 2006 has now been distributed by the claims administrator to all of the approved claimants, net of an amount held in reserve by the claims administrator to cover contingencies and certain settlement costs.
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Nortel’s insurers paid $229 in cash toward the settlement and Nortel agreed to certain indemnification obligations with them. Nortel believes that it is unlikely that these indemnification obligations will materially increase its total cash payment obligations under the Global Class Action Settlement. See note 11 for additional information.
Under the terms of the Global Class Action Settlement, Nortel also agreed to certain corporate governance enhancements. These enhancements included the codification of certain of Nortel’s current governance practices in the written mandate for its Board of Directors and the inclusion in its Statement of Corporate Governance Practices contained in Nortel’s annual proxy circular and proxy statement of disclosure regarding certain other governance practices.
In May 2004, Nortel received a federal grand jury subpoena for the production of certain documents, including financial statements and corporate, personnel and accounting records, in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation being conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. In August 2005, Nortel received an additional federal grand jury subpoena seeking additional documents, including documents relating to the Nortel Retirement Income Plan and the Nortel Long-Term Investment Plan. This investigation is ongoing.
Beginning in December 2001, Nortel, together with certain of its then-current and former directors, officers and employees, was named as a defendant in several purported class action lawsuits pursuant to the United States Employee Retirement Income Security Act. These lawsuits have been consolidated into a single proceeding in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. This lawsuit is on behalf of participants and beneficiaries of the Nortel Long-Term Investment Plan, who held shares of the Nortel Networks Stock Fund during the class period, which has yet to be determined by the court. The lawsuit alleges, among other things, material misrepresentations and omissions to induce participants and beneficiaries to continue to invest in and maintain investments in NNC common shares through the investment plan. The court has not yet ruled as to whether the plaintiff’s proposed class action should be certified.
In January 2005, Nortel and NNL filed a Statement of Claim in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice against Messrs. Frank Dunn, Douglas Beatty and Michael Gollogly, their former senior officers who were terminated for cause in April 2004, seeking the return of payments made to them under Nortel’s bonus plan in 2003.
In April 2006, Mr. Dunn filed a Notice of Action and Statement of Claim in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice against Nortel and NNL asserting claims for wrongful dismissal, defamation and mental distress, and seeking punitive, exemplary and aggravated damages, out-of-pocket expenses and special damages, indemnity for legal expenses incurred as a result of civil and administrative proceedings brought against him by reason of his having been an officer or director of the defendants, pre-judgment interest and costs.
In May and October 2006, respectively, Messrs. Gollogly and Beatty filed Statements of Claim in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice against Nortel and NNL asserting claims for, among other things, wrongful dismissal and seeking compensatory, aggravated and punitive damages, and pre and post-judgment interest and costs.
In March 2008, Nortel entered into an agreement to settle all of the claims raised by Ipernica Limited (formerly known as QPSX Development 5 Pty Ltd) (“Ipernica”), an Australian patent holding firm, in a lawsuit against Nortel filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleging patent infringement. The settlement agreement between the parties grants to Nortel a perpetual, world-wide license to various Ipernica patents, and includes a covenant not to sue as well as mutual releases, and a payment of $12 was made by NNI to Ipernica in the first quarter of 2008.
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On June 19, 2008, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (the “RCMP”) announced that it had filed criminal charges against three former Nortel executives: Frank Dunn, Douglas Beatty and Michael Gollogly. The fraud-related charges include: fraud affecting the public market, falsification of books and documents, and false prospectus. These charges pertain to allegations of criminal activity within Nortel by these three former executives during 2002 and 2003. No criminal charges were filed against Nortel and Nortel was not the target of this RCMP investigation. Nortel will continue to cooperate with the RCMP during the course of these criminal proceedings.
On June 24, 2008, a purported class action lawsuit was filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Ottawa, Canada alleging, among other things, that certain recent changes related to Nortel’s pension plan did not comply with the Pension Benefits Act (Ontario) and common law notification requirements. The plaintiffs seek declaratory and equitable relief and unspecified monetary damages. Nortel intends to vigorously defend against these allegations.
Except as otherwise described herein, in each of the matters described above, the plaintiffs are seeking an unspecified amount of monetary damages. Nortel is unable to ascertain the ultimate aggregate amount of monetary liability or financial impact to Nortel of the above matters, which, unless otherwise specified, seek damages from the defendants of material or indeterminate amounts or could result in fines and penalties. With the exception of $2,474 and the related fair value adjustments which Nortel recorded in 2006 and first quarter of 2007 financial results as a result of the Global Class Action Settlement and the accrued liability for the Ontario Settlement, Nortel has not made any provisions for any potential judgments, fines, penalties or settlements that may result from these actions, suits, claims and investigations. Except for the Global Class Action Settlement, Nortel cannot determine whether these actions, suits, claims and proceedings will, individually or collectively, have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. Except for matters encompassed by the Global Class Action Settlement and the Ontario Settlement, Nortel intends to defend these actions, suits, claims and proceedings, litigating or settling cases where in management’s judgment it would be in the best interest of shareholders to do so. Nortel will continue to cooperate fully with all authorities in connection with the criminal investigations and regulatory and criminal proceedings against former Nortel executives.
Nortel is also a defendant in various other suits, claims, proceedings and investigations which arise in the normal course of business.
Environmental matters
Nortel’s business is subject to a wide range of continuously evolving environmental laws in various jurisdictions. Nortel seeks to operate its business in compliance with these changing laws and regularly evaluates their impact on operations, products and facilities. Existing and new laws may cause Nortel to incur additional costs. In some cases, environmental laws affect Nortel’s ability to import or export certain products to or from, or produce or sell certain products in, some jurisdictions, or have caused it to redesign products to avoid use of regulated substances. Although costs relating to environmental compliance have not had a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity to date, there can be no assurance that such costs will not have a material adverse effect going forward. Nortel continues to evolve compliance plans and risk mitigation strategies relating to new laws and requirements. Nortel intends to design and manufacture products that are compliant with all applicable legislation and meet its quality and reliability requirements.
Nortel has a corporate environmental management system standard and an environmental program to promote such compliance. Moreover, Nortel has a periodic, risk-based, integrated environment, health and safety audit
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program. Nortel’s environmental program focuses its activities on design for the environment, supply chain and packaging reduction issues. Nortel works with its suppliers and other external groups to encourage the sharing of non-proprietary information on environmental research.
Nortel is exposed to liabilities and compliance costs arising from its past generation, management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes. As of September 30, 2008, the accruals on the condensed consolidated balance sheet for environmental matters were $18. Based on information available as of September 30, 2008, management believes that the existing accruals are sufficient to satisfy probable and reasonably estimable environmental liabilities related to known environmental matters. Any additional liabilities that may result from these matters, and any additional liabilities that may result in connection with other locations currently under investigation, are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity of Nortel.
Nortel has remedial activities under way at 12 sites that are either currently or previously owned or occupied facilities. An estimate of Nortel’s anticipated remediation costs associated with all such sites, to the extent probable and reasonably estimable, is included in the environmental accruals referred to above.
Nortel is also listed as a potentially responsible party under the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) at four Superfund sites in the U.S. (At three of the Superfund sites, Nortel is considered a de minimis potentially responsible party). A potentially responsible party within the meaning of CERCLA is generally considered to be a major contributor to the total hazardous waste at a Superfund site (typically 1% or more, depending on the circumstances). A de minimis potentially responsible party is generally considered to have contributed less than 1% (depending on the circumstances) of the total hazardous waste at a Superfund site. An estimate of Nortel’s share of the anticipated remediation costs associated with such Superfund sites is expected to be de minimis and is included in the environmental accruals referred to above.
Liability under CERCLA may be imposed on a joint and several basis, without regard to the extent of Nortel’s involvement. In addition, the accuracy of Nortel’s estimate of environmental liability is affected by several uncertainties such as additional requirements which may be identified in connection with remedial activities, the complexity and evolution of environmental laws and regulations, and the identification of presently unknown remediation requirements. Consequently, Nortel’s liability could be greater than its current estimate.
2009 Restructuring Plan
On November 10, 2008, further to its announcement that it was undertaking a comprehensive review of its business as a result of a sustained and expanding economic downturn, Nortel announced a restructuring plan that includes net workforce reductions of approximately 1,300 positions and shifting approximately 200 additional positions from higher-cost to lower-cost locations, resulting in a gross workforce reduction of 1,500. Collectively these efforts are referred to as the “2009 Restructuring Plan”. Nortel expects total charges to earnings and cash outlays related to workforce reductions to be approximately $130, which is expected to be incurred during 2008 and 2009.
Collection of Money Market Funds
On October 31, 2008, Nortel received $184 as an initial redemption of the $352 that was re-classified from cash and cash equivalents to short-term and long-term investments during the three months ended September 30, 2008.
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On July 5, 2006, under an Indenture of the same date (the “July 2006 Indenture”), NNL completed an offering of $2,000 aggregate principal amount of senior notes (the “July 2006 Notes”) to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A and to persons outside the U.S. pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. The July 2006 Notes consist of the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued July 2006, $550 of senior fixed rate notes due 2013 (the “2013 Fixed Rate Notes”) and $1,000 of floating rate senior notes due 2011 (the “2011 Floating Rate Notes”). The 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued July 2006 bear interest at a rate per annum of 10.75% payable semi-annually, the 2013 Fixed Rate Notes bear interest at a rate per annum of 10.125%, payable semi-annually, and the 2011 Floating Rate Notes bear interest at a rate per annum, reset quarterly, equal to the reserve-adjusted LIBOR plus 4.25%, payable quarterly. As of September 30, 2008, the 2011 Floating Rate Notes had an interest rate of 7.04% per annum. The July 2006 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Nortel and initially guaranteed by NNI. For additional information on the July 2006 Notes, see note 10, “Long-term debt, Senior notes offering”, to the audited consolidated financial statements accompanying Nortel’s 2007 Annual Report.
On May 28, 2008, NNL completed an offering of $675 of additional notes under the July 2006 Indenture, the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued May 2008, to repay a portion of the 4.25% Notes due 2008 issued by Nortel in 2001. The 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued May 2008 bear interest at a rate per annum of 10.75% payable semi-annually, and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Nortel and initially guaranteed by NNI.
On March 28, 2007, Nortel completed an offering of $1,150 aggregate principal amount of unsecured convertible senior notes (the “Convertible Notes”) to repay a portion of the 4.25% Notes due 2008 issued by Nortel in 2001. The offering was made to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, and in Canada to qualified institutional buyers that are also accredited investors pursuant to applicable Canadian private placement exemptions. The Convertible Notes consist of $575 principal amount of Senior Convertible Notes due 2012 (the “2012 Notes”) and $575 of Senior Convertible Notes due 2014 (the “2014 Notes”). In each case, the principal amount of Convertible Notes includes $75 issued pursuant to the exercise in full of the over-allotment options granted to the initial purchasers. The 2012 Notes pay interest semi-annually at a rate per annum of 1.75% and the 2014 Notes pay interest semi-annually at a rate per annum of 2.125%. The Convertible Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by NNL and initially guaranteed by NNI.
The guarantee by NNI of the July 2006 Notes, the Convertible Notes and the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued May 2008 will be released if the July 2006 Notes, the Convertible Notes or the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued May 2008, as applicable, are rated Baa3 or higher by Moody’s and BBB- or higher from Standard & Poor’s, in each case, with no negative outlook.
The following supplemental condensed consolidating financial data has been prepared in accordance with Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC and illustrates, in separate columns, the composition of Nortel, NNL, NNI as the Guarantor Subsidiary of the July 2006 Notes, the Convertible Notes, and the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued May 2008, the subsidiaries of Nortel that are not issuers or guarantors of the July 2006 Notes, the Convertible Notes and the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued May 2008 (the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”), eliminations and the consolidated total as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, and for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007.
Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for using the equity method for purposes of the supplemental condensed consolidating financial data. Net earnings (loss) of subsidiaries are therefore reflected in the investment account and net earnings (loss). The principal elimination entries eliminate investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions. The financial data may not necessarily be indicative of the results of operations or financial position had the subsidiaries been operating as independent entities. The
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accounting policies applied by Nortel, NNL and the Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries in the condensed consolidating financial information are consistent with those set out in the 2007 Annual Report, except as disclosed in note 2.
Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2008 (unaudited):
Cost of revenues
Loss (gain) on sale of businesses and assets
Earnings (loss) from operations before income taxes, minority interests and equity in net earnings (loss) of associated companies
Equity in net earnings (loss) of associated companies—net of tax
Dividends on preferred shares
Net earnings (loss) applicable to common shares
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Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2007 (unaudited):
Income tax benefit (expense)
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Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 (unaudited):
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Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 (unaudited):
Other operating income—net
Income tax (expense) benefit
50
Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2008 (unaudited):
Long-term receivables
Shareholders’ equity (deficit)
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Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2007 (audited):
Shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
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Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 (unaudited):
Adjustment to reconcile to net earnings (loss)
Net cash from (used in) operating activities
Proceeds from the sales of investments and businesses and assets
Dividends paid on preferred shares
Dividends paid by subsidiaries to minority interest
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Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 (unaudited):
Repayment of long-term debt
Debt issuance cost
Decrease in capital leases payable
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Executive Overview
Results of Operations
Segment Information
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Outstanding Share Data
Market Risk
Environmental Matters
Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Information
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) is intended to help the reader understand the results of operations and financial condition of Nortel Networks Corporation (Nortel). The MD&A should be read in combination with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. All Dollar amounts in this MD&A are in millions of United States (U.S.) Dollars except per share amounts or unless otherwise stated.
Certain statements in this MD&A contain words such as “could”, “expects”, “may”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “plans”, “envisions”, “seeks” and other similar language and are considered forward-looking statements or information under applicable securities laws. These statements are based on our current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the operating environment, economies and markets in which we operate which we believe are reasonable but which are subject to important assumptions, risks and uncertainties and may prove to be inaccurate. Consequently, our actual results could differ materially from our expectations set out in this MD&A. In particular, see the Risk Factors section of this report and elsewhere herein as well as our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (2007 Annual Report) and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2008 (2008 First Quarter Report and 2008 Second Quarter Report, respectively) for factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those contemplated in forward-looking statements. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, we disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Our Business and Strategy
We are a global supplier of networking solutions serving both service provider and enterprise customers. Our networking solutions include hardware and software products and services designed to reduce complexity, improve efficiency, increase productivity and drive customer value. Our technologies span access and core networks, support multimedia and business-critical applications, and help eliminate today’s barriers to efficiency, speed and performance by simplifying networks and connecting people with information. We design, develop, engineer, market, sell, supply, license, install, service and support these networking solutions.
The telecommunications industry has evolved over the past two decades by developing the technology and networks that enable worldwide connectivity and making those networks smarter and faster. We believe that the industry is at a significant inflection point at which the level of connectivity grows exponentially. This market trend is called Hyperconnectivity and we believe that it is fast becoming a reality, offering several opportunities
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including richer, more connected and more productive communications experiences for consumers, businesses and society as a whole. We anticipate that it can also create significant new revenue opportunities for network operators, equipment vendors and applications developers.
Hyperconnectivity brings new challenges for the industry, both in creating new business models and service strategies to capitalize on its opportunities and in preparing networks and applications for the coming era. We believe that Hyperconnectivity will require us, as an industry, to fundamentally rethink how we put networks together and to completely reinvent our applications model. We believe that the industry needs to focus on two critical transformations that are the pillars of Hyperconnectivity: achieving “true” broadband and communications-enabling today’s IT applications.
We define true broadband as being a communications experience so seamless that users no longer have to consider which technology, wireline or wireless, is being used to make a connection. They simply communicate anywhere, anytime from whatever device is most convenient; essential in a hyperconnected world. Moreover, in our vision the broadband experience becomes so economical that the range of uses exceeds any experience of the past. Although the industry has highlighted the concept of true broadband for many years, it is a promise that has yet to become reality. To deliver it, we need to solve a number of technology challenges in today’s networks. These include scaling the access network, scaling the metro and long-haul networks, and providing unified communications across all networks, wireline and wireless, public and private.
We believe that our capability and experience in enterprise and service provider networking positions us well to deliver in the new era of Hyperconnectivity. We plan to capitalize on the opportunities of a hyperconnected world by providing a true broadband experience and communications-enabling today’s IT applications. As part of our strategy to address these mega-trends, we are focused on three primary areas of growth: transforming the enterprise with unified communications, delivering next-generation mobility and convergence capabilities, and adding value to customer networks through solutions, services and applications.
We are strongly committed to recreating a great company, to delivering on our model of Business Made Simple to our customers, to identifying and seizing the opportunities that exist for us in the market, and to driving innovation as a cornerstone of everything we do.
We are addressing this commitment with a six-point plan for transformation, announced in 2006, that establishes a framework for recreating a world-class business. We are committed to:
1. Building a world-class management team, culture and processes,
2. Focusing aggressively on our balance sheet, corporate governance, and business and financial controls,
3. Driving to world-class cost structures and quality levels,
4. Targeting market share,
5. Investing for profitable growth, and
6. Increasing our emphasis on service and software solutions.
We are seeking to generate profitable growth by using this focus to identify markets and technologies where we can attain a market leadership position. Key areas of investment include unified communications, 4G broadband wireless technologies, Carrier Ethernet, next-generation optical, advanced applications and services, secure networking, professional services for unified communications and multimedia services. Since 2006, we have announced the implementation of changes to our pension plans to control costs and align with industry-benchmarked companies; initiatives to improve our operations to speed customer responsiveness, improve processes and reduce costs; and organizational simplification through the elimination of approximately 7,100 positions, with an additional 900 positions affected by movement to lower cost locations, and reductions in our real estate portfolio.
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We are also leveraging our technology and expertise to address global market demand for network integration and support services, network managed services and network application services.
We remain committed to integrity through effective corporate governance practices, maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and an enhanced compliance function that places even greater emphasis on compliance with law and company policies. We continue to focus on increasing employee awareness of ethical issues through regular communications to employees, on-line training and our code of business conduct.
Cooperation of multiple vendors and effective partnering are critical to the continued success of our solutions for both enterprises and service providers. Demand, timely development and delivery of new products and services to replace a significant base of mature, legacy offerings will also be critical in driving profitable growth. To help support this, we expect to continue to play an active role in influencing emerging broadband and wireless standards.
We believe we are positioned to respond to evolving technology and industry trends by providing our customers with end-to-end solutions that are developed internally and enhanced through strategic alliances, acquisitions and minority investments. We have partnered with industry leaders, like Microsoft, LG Electronics Inc. (LGE), IBM and Dell, whose technology and vision are complementary to ours, and we continue to seek and develop similar relationships with other companies.
Our four reportable segments are: Carrier Networks (CN), Enterprise Solutions (ES), Global Services (GS), and Metro Ethernet Networks (MEN). The CN segment provides wireless networking solutions that enable service providers and cable operators to supply mobile voice, data and multimedia communications services to individuals and enterprises using mobile telephones, personal digital assistants, and other wireless computing and communications devices. CN also offers circuit- and packet-based voice switching products that provide traditional, full featured voice services as well as internet-based voice and multimedia communication services to telephone companies, wireless service providers, cable operators and other service providers. Increasingly, CN addresses customers who want to provide service across both wireless and wired devices. The ES segment provides communication solutions for our enterprise customers that are used to build new networks and transform existing communications networks into more cost effective, packet-based networks supporting data, voice and multimedia communications. The GS segment provides a broad range of services to address the requirements of our carrier and enterprise customers throughout the entire lifecycle of their networks. The MEN segment provides optical networking and carrier grade Ethernet data networking solutions to make our carrier and large enterprise customers’ networks more scalable and reliable for the high speed delivery of diverse multimedia communications services.
Current Environment; November 10, 2008 Announcements
On September 17, 2008, we announced that with the sustained and expanding economic downturn we were experiencing significant pressure as CN customers cut back their capital expenditures further than previously expected and certain ES and MEN customers were deferring new IT and optical investments. As well, since reporting second quarter results, we were seeing additional pressure on revenue due to foreign exchange impact and certain product delivery delays from the third quarter into the fourth quarter. In response to the business environment, we also announced that a comprehensive review of our business was taking place, including planning for further restructuring and other cost reduction initiatives. Further, we announced our intention to explore a divestiture of our MEN business.
In the weeks since our September 17, 2008 announcement, we have seen worsening economic conditions, together with extreme volatility in the financial, foreign exchange and credit markets globally, further impacting the industry, us and our customers and resulting in an environment of decreased visibility and customer spending levels. On November 10, 2008, we announced an update to our business review including a new operating model,
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planned restructuring of our workforce and other cost reduction actions, and a focus on cash preservation including the suspension of the declaration of Nortel Networks Limited (NNL) preferred share dividends.
Effective January 1, 2009, our new operating model involves the decentralization of several of our corporate functions and a transition to vertically integrated business units to give greater financial and operational control to the business units, and to reduce duplication inherent in a matrix organization:
Enterprise customers will be served by the ES business unit that will be responsible for product and portfolio development, research and development (R&D), marketing and sales, partner and channel management, strategic business development and associated functions. It will include the entire communications solutions portfolio (voice, data and unified communications), advanced software and the associated value-added services and solutions.
Service Provider customers will be served by two business units with full responsibility for all product, services, applications, portfolio, business and market development, marketing and R&D functions: Carrier Networks (consisting of wireless and carrier value-added activities) and MEN. A dedicated global carrier sales organization will support both business units.
The GS and Global Operations organizations will be decentralized and transitioned to the business units by April 1, 2009 to ensure there is no impact to customer service. Commencing as of January 1, 2009, we will include services in the respective financial results for ES, CN and MEN.
These changes allowed for executive and management consolidation across the organization, including the departure of the following executives effective January 1, 2009: Chief Marketing Officer Lauren Flaherty, Chief Technology Officer John Roese, GS President Dietmar Wendt and Executive Vice President Global Sales Bill Nelson.
We also announced effective January 1, 2009, that Gordon Davies is named Chief Legal Officer in addition to his current responsibilities as Corporate Secretary. David Drinkwater, current Chief Legal Officer, will assume the role of Senior Advisor at that time until his retirement from Nortel on February 28, 2009. Also effective January 1, 2009, Lisa Gressel, currently Vice President, Ethics and Compliance is appointed Chief Compliance Officer, reporting to Mr. Davies, with a continuing direct reporting relationship to the Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Nortel Board of Directors. Current Chief Compliance Officer Robert Bartzokas will retire from Nortel at the end of this year. The Internal Audit function, currently reporting into the Chief Compliance Officer, will report to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Pavi Binning, with a continuing direct reporting relationship to the Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Nortel Board of Directors commencing as of January 1, 2009.
The actions discussed above provided us with the opportunity to take additional actions to reduce our cost base and focus on cash management. We plan to implement a further net reduction in our global workforce of approximately 1,300 positions (2009 Restructuring Plan). We expect that approximately 25% of these reductions will take place in 2008 and the remainder to occur in 2009. As part of this plan we will also shift approximately 200 positions from higher-cost to lower-cost locations. The 2009 Restructuring Plan is expected to result in annual gross savings of approximately $190. We expect total charges to earnings and cash outlays related to workforce reductions to be approximately $130, with approximately 35% of the charges to be incurred in 2008 and the remainder in 2009 and cash outlays to be incurred approximately 15% in 2008 and the remainder in 2009.
Additional measures to reduce costs across the organization and to significantly lower spending levels include:
deeper cuts to discretionary spending, including a freeze on internal travel and the curtailing of all travel that is not customer facing;
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a comprehensive re-evaluation of all real estate holdings with a view to consolidating or disposing of non-essential properties;
a further review of consultant and professional service relationships with a view to cut back or eliminate spend in these areas; and
a freeze on salary increases (except for strategic exceptions and certain pre-commitments), and an extension of the company-wide hiring freeze already in effect, both of which are expected to last through 2009.
Certain of these and other actions, combined with the 2009 Restructuring Plan and previously announced restructuring plans, are expected to result in annual gross savings of approximately $400 million in 2009.
The Board of Directors of NNL, our principal operating subsidiary, has decided to suspend the declaration of further dividends on NNL’s Series 5 and Series 7 Preferred Shares following payment of the previously announced monthly dividend payable on such shares on November 12, 2008. While NNL is in a position to pay such dividends, its Board of Directors has determined that in this uncertain economic environment it would be prudent to maintain liquidity and preserve cash.
Dividends on the Series 5 Preferred Shares are cumulative and holders of Series 5 Preferred Shares will be entitled to receive unpaid dividends, when declared by the Board of Directors, at such time as NNL resumes payment of dividends on such shares. Dividends on the Series 7 Preferred Shares are non-cumulative and the entitlement of holders of Series 7 Preferred Shares to receive any dividend that has not been declared on such shares within 30 days after NNL’s fiscal year end (i.e., by January 30) will be extinguished. NNL does not expect that its Board of Directors will declare the December dividend on the Series 7 Preferred Shares by January 30, 2009 and, accordingly, it is expected that the entitlement to this dividend will be extinguished as of that date. The share provisions provide that if the right to any dividend on the Series 7 Preferred Shares becomes extinguished, the holders of such shares will be entitled to receive notice of, and attend, all meetings of NNL’s shareholders at which directors are to be elected and will be entitled to one vote per share in respect of the election of directors. These voting rights will cease upon payment of the whole amount of the first dividend declared on the Series 7 Preferred Shares after the time the voting rights first arose.
There is no update at this time on our review of the potential divestiture of the MEN business. We continue to make the appropriate R&D investments and will meet all customer commitments throughout this process.
How We Measure Business Performance
Our president and chief executive officer (CEO) has been identified as our Chief Operating Decision Maker in assessing the performance of and allocating resources to our operating segments. The primary financial measure used by the CEO is Management Operating Margin (Management OM) (previously called Operating Margin (OM) in the 2008 First Quarter Report). When presented on a consolidated basis, Management OM is not a recognized measure under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP). It is a measure defined as total revenues, less total cost of revenues, selling, general and administrative (SG&A) and R&D expense. Management OM percentage is a non-U.S. GAAP measure defined as Management OM divided by revenue. Our management believes that these measures are meaningful measurements of operating performance and provide greater transparency to investors with respect to our performance as well as supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision making. These non-U.S. GAAP measures may also facilitate comparisons to our historical performance and our competitors’ operating results.
These non-U.S. GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, the information contained in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These measures may not be equivalent to similar measurement terms used by other companies.
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Prior to the first quarter of 2008, the CEO used management earnings (loss) before income taxes (Management EBT) to measure performance. Management EBT is a measure that includes total revenues, total cost of revenues, SG&A and R&D expense, interest expense, other operating expense (income)—net, other income (expense)—net, minority interest—net of tax and equity in net earnings (loss) of associated companies-net of tax. As per the segment information disclosure in note 5, “Segment information” to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, comparative information from the prior period has been restated to conform to the current presentation as a result of the change in the primary financial measure used by the CEO beginning in the first quarter of 2008.
Third Quarter Financial Highlights
The following is a summary of our third quarter and first nine months of 2008 financial highlights:
Gross margin %
Management OM
Management OM %
Q3 2008 vs. Q3 2007
During the third quarter of 2008, foreign exchange fluctuations had a favorable impact on revenues of $5, and an unfavorable impact on SG&A and R&D expenses of $5 and $3, respectively, when compared to the third quarter of 2007. The favorable impact on revenues was primarily as a result of a favorable change in the foreign exchange rate of the Euro against the U.S. Dollar, partially offset by an unfavorable change in the foreign exchange rate of the Korean Won against the U.S. Dollar.
Revenues decreased 14% to $2,319: Revenues decreased by $386 in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007 due to decreases across all segments. From a geographic perspective, the decrease occurred in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Canada and Asia, partially offset by an increase in the Caribbean and Latin American (CALA) region. The decrease in the CN segment was primarily due to reduced customer spending as a result of capital expenditure constraints resulting from the expanding economic downturn. The decrease in ES was mainly due to the completion of certain customer contract obligations resulting in the recognition of previously deferred revenues in the third quarter of 2007 that did not repeat to the same extent in the third quarter of 2008. The decrease in MEN was primarily due to significant revenues from a certain customer in the third quarter of 2007 that did not repeat to the same extent in the third quarter of 2008, and reduced demand for our legacy products. The decrease in GS was primarily due to lower sales volumes across multiple customers and the completion of a certain customer contract obligation resulting in the recognition of previously deferred revenues in the third quarter of 2007 that did not repeat in the third quarter of 2008, partially offset by the favorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations.
Gross margin decreased 3.8 percentage points to 39.2%: The decrease was primarily due to the recognition of previously deferred revenues at a higher margin in the third quarter of 2007 compared to
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the third quarter of 2008 and higher inventory provisions, partially offset by an increase as a result of cost reduction initiatives and lower warranty costs.
Management OM decreased by $117 to $17: The decrease in Management OM was due to a decrease in gross profit, partially offset by decreases in SG&A and R&D expenses. The decrease in gross profit was due primarily to a decrease in volume and lower revenues primarily as a result of recognition of previously deferred revenues in the third quarter of 2007 not repeated to the same extent in the third quarter of 2008, the unfavorable impacts of regional and product mix, price erosion, the reduced impact of purchase price variances and higher inventory provisions. This was partially offset by increases due to cost reduction initiatives, lower warranty and royalty costs and a change in a contract-related accrual in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007. SG&A expenses decreased primarily due to cost savings from our previously announced restructuring activities, cost containment efforts, a decrease in charges related to our employee compensation plans, and savings due to lower internal control remediation and finance transformation expenses. R&D expenses decreased primarily due to reduced spending in maturing technologies.
Net earnings (loss) decreased from net earnings of $27 to a net loss of $3,413: The decrease in net earnings (loss) was mainly due to higher income tax expense largely as a result of an increase in our deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $2,069. In addition, there was a goodwill impairment charge of $1,142 in the third quarter of 2008 not present in the third quarter of 2007 relating to our MEN and ES segments. For additional information with respect to the increase in our deferred tax asset valuation allowance and the goodwill impairment charge, see “Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Income Taxes—Tax Asset Valuation” and “Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Goodwill Valuation” sections, respectively.
Cash and cash equivalents decreased from $3,071 at June 30, 2008 to $2,304 at September 30, 2008: The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to cash used in operating activities of $144, cash used in investing activities of $510, of which $362 was due to the reclassification of our investment in The Reserve Primary Fund (Fund) from cash and cash equivalents to short-term investments, cash used in financing activities of $14 and net unfavorable foreign exchange impacts of $99. For additional information with respect to our investment in the Fund, see “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Investing Activities—Money Market Fund”.
First nine months of 2008 vs. first nine months of 2007
During the first nine months of 2008, foreign exchange fluctuations had a favorable impact on revenues of $109 and an unfavorable impact on cost of revenues, SG&A and R&D expenses of $90, $52 and $39, respectively, when compared to the first nine months of 2007. The foreign exchange impacts were primarily due to changes in the foreign exchange rates, primarily of the Korean Won, the Canadian Dollar and the Euro against the U.S. Dollar.
Revenues decreased 1% to $7,699: Revenues decreased by $51 in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the first nine months of 2007 primarily due to decreases in the MEN and CN segments, partially offset by increases in the GS and ES segments. From a geographic perspective, the decrease was due to the U.S., EMEA, Canada and CALA, partially offset by an increase in Asia. The decrease in the MEN segment was primarily due to the completion of a certain customer contract deliverable that resulted from the termination of a supplier agreement in the first nine months of 2007 not repeated in the first nine months of 2008, significant revenues from certain customers in the first nine months of 2007 that did not repeat to the same extent in the first nine months of 2008, and reduced demand for our legacy products. The decrease in CN was mainly due to reduced customer spending as a result of capital expenditure constraints resulting from the expanding economic downturn. The increase in the GS segment was primarily due to higher sales volumes across multiple customers, the recognition of deferred revenues and an adjustment to revenues that resulted from the completion of obligations in connection with the termination of a customer contract in the first nine months of 2008, and the
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completion of a certain customer contract obligation in LG-Nortel resulting in the recognition of previously deferred revenue.
Gross margin remained essentially flat in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the first nine months of 2007: The minor decrease was primarily due to the unfavorable impacts of regional and product mix, price erosion, and higher inventory provisions, substantially offset by an increase as a result of cost reduction initiatives, changes in a contract-related accrual in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the first nine months of 2007 and lower warranty costs.
Management OM increased by $103 to $260: The increase in Management OM was primarily due to a decrease in SG&A expense, partially offset by a decrease in gross profit. SG&A expense decreased primarily due to cost savings from our previously announced restructuring activities, cost reduction initiatives, a decrease in sales and marketing efforts in maturing technologies, a decrease in charges related to our employee compensation plans and lower internal control remediation and finance transformation expenses. The decrease in gross profit was primarily due to the unfavorable impacts of regional and product mix, price erosion, a decrease in volume and lower revenues primarily as a result of the recognition of previously deferred revenues in the first nine months of 2007 not repeated to the same extent in the first nine months of 2008, higher inventory provision and the reduced impact of purchase price variances. This decrease was partially offset by cost reduction initiatives, a change in a contract-related accrual in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the first nine months of 2007, higher warranty and royalty costs and the favorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations.
Net loss increased from a net loss of $113 to a net loss of $3,664: The increase in net loss was mainly due to higher income tax expense largely as a result of an increase in our deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $2,069. In addition, there was a goodwill impairment charge of $1,142 in the third quarter of 2008 not present in the third quarter of 2007 relating to our MEN and ES segments. For additional information with respect to the increase in our deferred tax asset valuation allowance and the goodwill impairment charge, see “Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Income Taxes—Tax Asset Valuation” and “Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Goodwill Valuation” sections, respectively.
Cash and cash equivalents decreased from $3,532 at December 31, 2007 to $2,304 at September 30, 2008: The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to cash used in operating activities of $478, cash used in investing activities of $594, of which $362 was due to the reclassification of our investment in the Fund from cash and cash equivalents to short-term investments, cash used in financing activities of $58 and net unfavorable foreign exchange impacts of $98. For additional information with respect to our investment in the Fund, see “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Investing Activities—Money Market Fund”.
Other Significant Business Developments
Acquisitions
We made several acquisitions in the three months ended September 30, 2008, as described below. The allocation of the purchase prices for each respective acquisition is based on management’s current best estimate of the relative values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. As of September 30, 2008, a full valuation of the net assets has not been finalized; as such the final allocation of each purchase price may differ from the current allocation disclosed.
On August 1, 2008, LG-Nortel Co. Ltd. (LG-Nortel), our joint venture with LGE, acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding stock of Novera Optics Korea Inc. and Novera Optics, Inc. (together, Novera) for $18, plus up to an additional $10 based on the achievement of future business milestones. Novera specializes in fiber-optic access solutions that extend high-speed carrier Ethernet services from optical core networks to customer
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premises. The preliminary purchase price allocation includes approximately $15 for acquired technology and $3 for net tangible assets.
On August 8, 2008, we purchased substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of Pingtel Corp. from Bluesocket Inc. for $4 in cash and the return of Nortel’s equity stake in Bluesocket purchased during 2007 for $2, plus up to an additional $4 based on the achievement of future business milestones. Pingtel was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bluesocket and a designer of software-based unified communication solutions. The preliminary purchase price allocation of $6 primarily consists of acquired technology.
On August 8, 2008, LG-Nortel purchased certain assets and liabilities of LGE’s Wireless Local Loop (WLL) business for $3. WLL’s products include fixed wireless terminals over Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) licensed cellular networks. The preliminary purchase price allocation includes approximately $2 for other intangibles and $1 for net tangible assets.
On August 19, 2008, we acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding stock of Diamondware, Ltd. for $5 in cash, plus up to an additional $3 based on the achievement of future business milestones. Diamondware specializes in high-definition, proximity-based 3D-positional voice technology. The preliminary purchase price allocation includes $3 for acquired technology and $2 for other intangibles.
WiMAX Strategic Agreement
On June 11, 2008, we entered into an agreement with Alvarion Ltd. to jointly develop a wireless broadband access solution known as WiMAX. WiMAX is an IEEE standards based technology focused on providing both primary broadband access solutions to underserved broadband markets and personal broadband to a number of industry verticals including healthcare, education, etc. as well as consumer mobile data. For the duration of the agreement, we agreed to terminate our current IEEE 802.16e macro WiMAX BTS commercial product development and instead work with Alvarion to continue the development of a world leading mobile WiMAX (802.16e) portfolio of access products. We will combine this access portfolio with our own ASN Gateway (ASG) as well as numerous products of ours and other third parties, and services to bring a complete and end-to-end WiMAX solution to market. We are not committed to any purchase commitments under the agreement. Alvarion will provide the R&D work for the ongoing evolution of the WiMAX BTS, with the funding assistance, development and engineering expertise provided by us. We will pay Alvarion an agreed amount of R&D funding over the five year term of the agreement.
Senior Notes Offering
On May 28, 2008, Nortel Networks Limited (NNL) completed an offering of 10.75% senior unsecured notes due 2016 (the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued May 2008) in an aggregate principal amount of $675. The net proceeds received from the sale of the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued May 2008 were approximately $655, after deducting discount on issuance, commissions and other offering expenses. On June 16, 2008, we used these net proceeds, together with available cash, to redeem at par $675 outstanding principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, of our 4.25% convertible senior notes issued by us in 2001 and due September 1, 2008 (the 4.25% Notes due 2008).
In February 2008, we outlined further steps to our Business Transformation plan with the announcement of a plan to implement a further net reduction in our global workforce of approximately 2,100 positions (the 2008 Restructuring Plan). We expect that approximately 70% of these reductions will take place in 2008. As part of this plan we intended to shift approximately 1,000 positions from higher-cost to lower-cost locations, resulting in net workforce reductions of approximately 3,100. Subsequently, expected workforce reductions were reduced by 370 as a result of changes in organizational strategy resulting in the revised gross workforce reductions of
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approximately 2,700. Further, as a result of decreased R&D spending and continued cost reduction initiatives, we revised the estimated number of lower-cost location hires to approximately 500. The 2008 Restructuring Plan also includes initiatives to more efficiently manage our various business locations and further reduce our global real estate portfolio by approximately 750,000 square feet by the end of 2009. The 2008 Restructuring Plan is expected to result in annual gross savings of approximately $300, with 65% of these savings expected to be achieved in 2008. We originally expected total charges to earnings and cash outlays related to workforce reductions to be approximately $205. We currently expect charges to earnings and cash outlays for workforce reductions to be approximately $185 as a result of higher than expected attrition and redeployment and the reduced workforce reductions. We originally expected total charges to earnings related to the consolidation of real estate to be approximately $70, including approximately $25 related to fixed asset write downs, to be incurred over fiscal 2008 and 2009, and related cash outlays of approximately $45 to be incurred through 2024. We currently expect total charges to earnings related to the consolidation of real estate to be approximately $60, including a revised amount of approximately $15 related to fixed asset writedowns, to be substantially incurred over fiscal 2008 and 2009. Related cash outlays are expected to remain unchanged. Approximately $130 of the total charges relating to the 2008 Restructuring Plan have been incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The plan also includes the sale of certain real estate assets expected to result in cash proceeds of approximately $70.
Global Class Action Settlement
In 2006, we entered into agreements to settle two significant U.S. and all but one Canadian class action lawsuits (the Global Class Action Settlement), which became effective on March 20, 2007 following approval of the agreements by the appropriate courts. Administration of the settlement claims is now substantially complete. Approximately 4% of the settlement shares were issued to certain plaintiffs’ counsel in the first quarter of 2007. Almost all of the remaining settlement shares were distributed in the second quarter of 2008 to claimants and plaintiffs’ counsel as approved by the courts. The cash portion of the settlement that was placed in escrow in 2006 has been distributed by the claims administrator to all of the approved claimants, net of an amount held in reserve by the claims administrator to cover contingencies and certain settlement costs.
The following table sets forth our revenue by geographic location of the customers:
United States
EMEA
Canada
Asia
CALA
Consolidated
Revenues decreased to $2,319 in the third quarter of 2008 from $2,705 in the third quarter of 2007, a decrease of $386 or 14%. The lower revenues were due primarily to decreases in the U.S., EMEA, Canada and Asia. The decrease in the U.S. was mainly due to reduced spending by certain customers due to capital expenditure constraints resulting from the expanding economic downturn. The decrease in EMEA was primarily due to the previously deferred revenues recognized in the third quarter of 2007 that did not repeat in the third quarter of
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2008. The decrease in Canada was primarily due to reduced customer spending as a result of a change in 4G technology migration plans by certain customers. The decrease in Asia was primarily due to the completion of certain customer contract obligations that resulted in the recognition of previously deferred revenues in the third quarter of 2007 not repeated in the third quarter of 2008.
U.S.
Revenues decreased by $214 in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007, primarily due to decreases in the CN, MEN and ES segments.
The decrease in the CN segment of $167 was due to lower revenues from the CDMA and the circuit and packet voice solutions businesses, partially offset by an increase in the GSM and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) solutions business. The decrease in the CDMA solutions business of $154 was primarily due to reduced customer spending as a result of capital expenditure constraints resulting from the expanding economic downturn. The circuit and packet voice solutions business decreased by $27 mainly due to several major Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) buildouts in the third quarter of 2007 that were not repeated in the third quarter of 2008, reduced customer spending as a result of capital expenditure constraints resulting from the expanding economic downturn and a decline in demand for Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) products.
The decrease in the MEN segment of $23 was primarily due to a decrease in the optical networking solutions business of $28, mainly related to significant revenues from a certain customer in the third quarter of 2007 that did not repeat to the same extent in the third quarter of 2008.
ES segment revenues decreased by $16 primarily due to a decrease in the data networking and security solutions business of $19, primarily due to lower sales volumes as a result of reduced customer spending due to the expanding economic downturn.
Revenues decreased by $89 in EMEA in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007, primarily due to declines in the CN, GS and ES segments.
The decrease in the CN segment of $42 was primarily due to a decrease in the GSM and UMTS solutions business of $56, partially offset by increases in the circuit and packet voice solutions business of $10. The decrease in the GSM and UMTS solutions business was primarily due to the completion of a certain customer contract obligation that resulted in the recognition of previously deferred revenues in the third quarter of 2007 that did not repeat in the third quarter of 2008. The increase in the circuit and packet voice solutions business was mainly due to increased volumes for TDM products related to certain customers.
The decrease in the GS segment of $39 was primarily due to declines in network support services and network implementation services businesses of $20 and $14, respectively. The decrease in the network support services business was primarily due to lower sales volumes across multiple customers, partially offset by the favorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations. The decrease in the network implementation services business was mainly due to lower sales volumes across various customers and the completion of a certain customer contract obligation resulting in the recognition of previously deferred revenues in the third quarter of 2007 not repeated in the third quarter of 2008, partially offset by the favorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations.
The decrease in the ES segment of $6 was due to a decrease in the circuit and packet voice solutions business of $18, partially offset by an increase in the data networking and security solutions business of $12. The decrease in the circuit and packet voice solutions business was mainly due to lower sales volumes. The increase in the data networking and security solutions business was primarily due to higher sales volumes related to our Ethernet switching technology.
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Revenues decreased by $64 in Canada in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007. This decrease was primarily due to declines in the CN and MEN segments.
The decrease in the CN segment of $53 was due to decreases in the CDMA solutions and circuit and packet voice solutions businesses of $29 and $24, respectively. The decrease in the CDMA solutions business was primarily due to reduced spending as a result of a change in 4G technology migration plans by certain customers. The decrease in the circuit and packet voice solutions business was mainly due to several major VoIP buildouts in the third quarter of 2007 that were not repeated in the third quarter of 2008, reduced customer spending as a result of capital expenditure constraints resulting from the expanding economic downturn and a decline in demand for TDM products.
MEN segment revenues decreased by $12 due to a decrease in the optical networking solutions business of $12, mainly due to lower sales volumes across several customers and reduced demand for legacy products.
Revenues decreased by $32 in Asia in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007, primarily due to declines in the ES and MEN segments, partially offset by an increase in the GS segment.
The decrease in the ES segment of $38 was primarily due to a decrease in the data networking and security solutions business of $45, mainly due to the completion of certain customer contract obligations that resulted in the recognition of previously deferred revenues in the third quarter of 2007 not repeated in the third quarter of 2008.
The decrease in the MEN segment of $24 was mainly due to a decrease in the optical networking solutions business of $28, primarily due to the completion of a network expansion in the third quarter of 2007 not repeated in the third quarter of 2008, and reduced demand for legacy products.
The increase in the GS segment of $20 was mainly due to increases in network managed services and network implementation services of $13 and $11, respectively, primarily due to the recognition of deferred revenues and an adjustment to revenues that resulted from the completion of obligations in connection with the termination of a customer contract in the third quarter of 2008.
Revenues increased by $13 in CALA in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the MEN segment, partially offset by a decrease in the CN segment.
The increase in the MEN segment of $17 was due to an increase in the optical networking solutions business, primarily due to increased demand for our next generation products related to our long-haul 40G technology.
The decrease in the CN segment of $5 was mainly due to a decrease in the GSM and UMTS solutions business of $6, primarily due to lower sales volumes across multiple customers.
Revenues decreased to $7,699 in the first nine months of 2008 from $7,750 in the first nine months of 2007, a decrease of $51 or 1%. The lower revenues were due to decreases in the U.S., EMEA, Canada and CALA, partially offset by an increase in Asia. The decrease in the U.S. was mainly due to reduced customer spending as a result of capital expenditure constraints resulting from the expanding economic downturn. The declines in
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EMEA and CALA were primarily due to the completion of certain customer contract obligations resulting in the recognition of previously deferred revenue in the first nine months of 2007 that were not repeated in the first nine months of 2008. The decrease in Canada was primarily due to reduced spending by certain customers as a result of a change in 4G technology migration plans by certain customers. The increase in Asia was mainly due to the completion of certain contract obligations for multiple customers in LG-Nortel resulting in the recognition of previously deferred revenues, the recognition of deferred revenues and an adjustment to revenues that resulted from the completion of obligations in connection with the termination of a customer contract in the first nine months of 2008 and increased revenues due to a new contract, partially offset by a decline in revenues outside of LG-Nortel due to reduced customer spending and price erosion.
Revenues decreased by $481 in the U.S. in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the first nine months of 2007, due to a decrease across all segments.
The decrease in the CN segment of $319 was due to lower revenues from the CDMA and the circuit and packet voice solutions businesses, partially offset by an increase in the GSM and UMTS solutions business. The decrease in the CDMA solutions business of $249 was primarily due to reduced spending by certain customers as a result of capital expenditure constraints resulting from the expanding economic downturn. The circuit and packet voice solutions business decreased by $75 mainly due to the completion of several VoIP buildouts in the first nine months of 2007 that were not repeated in the first nine months of 2008, reduced customer spending as a result of the expanding economic downturn, and a decline in demand for TDM products.
The decrease in the MEN segment of $109 was due to revenue decreases in both the data networking and security solutions and optical networking solutions businesses of $56 and $53, respectively. The decrease in the data networking and security solutions business was primarily due to the completion of a certain customer contract deliverable that resulted from the termination of a supplier agreement in the first nine months of 2007 not repeated in the first nine months of 2008. The decrease in the optical networking solutions business was due to significant revenues from certain customers in the first nine months of 2007 that did not repeat to the same extent in the first nine months of 2008, and reduced demand for our legacy products.
ES segment revenues decreased by $28 due to a decrease in the data networking and security solutions business of $55, partially offset by an increase in the circuit and packet voice solutions business of $27. The decrease in the data networking and security solutions business was primarily due to the completion of certain customer contract obligations resulting in the recognition of previously deferred revenues in the first nine months of 2007 not repeated to the same extent in the first nine months of 2008 and lower sales volumes related to the declining switch market, partially offset by higher sales volumes related to next generation products. The increase in the circuit and packet voice solutions business was mainly due to higher sales volumes mainly in the first six months of 2008 across several customers.
The decrease in the GS segment of $22 was primarily due to a decrease in the network implementation services business of $16, primarily due to lower sales volumes across multiple customers as a result of capital expenditure constraints resulting from the expanding economic downturn, partially offset by higher revenues for services related to government business.
Revenues decreased by $120 in EMEA in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the first nine months of 2007 primarily due to declines in the CN and GS segments, partially offset by an increase in the MEN segment.
The decrease in the CN segment of $101 was primarily due to a decrease in the GSM and UMTS solutions business of $96, mainly as a result of the completion of certain customer contract obligations that resulted in the
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recognition of previously deferred revenue in the first nine months of 2007 not repeated in the first nine months of 2008.
The decrease in the GS segment of $27 was primarily due to a decrease in network support services of $37, partially offset by increases in the network implementation services and network managed services businesses of $6 and $4, respectively. The decrease in the network support services business was primarily due to lower sales volumes across multiple customers and the completion of certain customer contract obligations that resulted in the recognition of previously deferred revenue in the first nine months of 2007 not repeated in the first nine months of 2008, partially offset by an increase due to the favorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations. The increase in the network implementation services business was mainly due to the completion of a certain customer contract obligation resulting in the recognition of previously deferred revenue in the first nine months of 2008 not present in the first nine months of 2007 and the favorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations, partially offset by reduced spending by a certain customer and the completion of certain customer contract obligations resulting in the recognition of previously deferred revenue in the first nine months of 2007 not repeated in the first nine months of 2008.
The increase in the MEN segment of $13 was due to revenue increases in both the optical networking solutions and data networking and security solutions businesses of $8 and $5, respectively. The increase in the optical networking solutions business, which primarily occurred during the first six months of 2008, was mainly due to the completion of certain customer contract obligations resulting in the recognition of previously deferred revenue, volume increases related to our next generation products for long-haul applications, and the favorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations, partially offset by the completion of certain customer contract obligations that resulted in the recognition of previously deferred revenue in the first nine months of 2007 that did not repeat in the first nine months of 2008. The increase in the data networking and security solutions business was primarily due to the completion of a certain customer contract deliverable resulting in the recognition of previously deferred revenue and the favorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations, partially offset by a decrease in volumes related to the declining multi-server switch market.
Revenues decreased by $49 in Canada in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the first nine months of 2007, primarily due to a decrease in the CN segment, partially offset by revenue increases in the ES and MEN segments.
The decrease in the CN segment of $93 was due to decreases in the CDMA solutions and circuit and packet voice solutions businesses of $72 and $21, respectively. The decrease in the CDMA solutions business was primarily due to reduced spending as a result of a change in 4G technology migration plans by certain customers. The decrease in the circuit and packet voice solutions business was mainly due to the completion of several VoIP buildouts in the first nine months of 2007 that were not repeated in the first nine months of 2008, reduced customer spending as a result of the expanding economic downturn and a decline in demand for TDM products.
The increase in the ES segment of $22 was primarily due to an increase in the circuit and packet voice solutions business of $26, mainly as a result of higher sales volumes across several customers.
MEN segment revenues increased by $12 primarily due to an increase in the optical networking solutions business of $7 that largely resulted from higher sales volumes and the favorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations, partially offset by reduced demand for our legacy products.
Revenues decreased by $22 in CALA in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the first nine months of 2007, primarily due to a decrease in the CN segment, partially offset by increases in the MEN and ES segments.
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The decrease in the CN segment of $44 was mainly due to a decrease in the GSM and UMTS solutions business of $48, primarily from the completion of certain customer contract obligations that resulted in the recognition of previously deferred revenue in the first nine months of 2007 not repeated in the first nine months of 2008.
The increase in the MEN segment of $12 was primarily due to an increase in the optical networking solutions business of $13, mainly from higher sales volumes related to our next generation products.
ES segment revenues increased by $11 primarily due to an increase in the circuit and packet voice solutions business of $9, mainly from higher sales volumes related to our VoIP technology and the completion of a certain customer contract obligation resulting in the recognition of previously deferred revenue.
Revenues increased by $621 in Asia in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the first nine months of 2007, primarily due to increases in the CN, GS and ES segments, partially offset by a decrease in the MEN segment.
The increase in the CN segment of $488 was primarily due to an increase in the GSM and UMTS solutions and CDMA solutions businesses of $406 and $86, respectively. The increase in the GSM and UMTS solutions business was mainly due to the completion of certain contract obligations for multiple customers in LG-Nortel resulting in the recognition of previously deferred revenues, and increased revenues resulting from a customer contract in the first nine months of 2008 not present in the first nine months of 2007, partially offset by a decline in revenues outside of LG-Nortel due to reduced customer spending and price erosion. The increase in the CDMA solutions business was primarily due to higher sales volumes and the recognition of deferred revenues and an adjustment to revenues that resulted from the completion of obligations in connection with the termination of a customer contract in the first nine months of 2008.
The increase in the GS segment of $123 was mainly due to increases in the network implementation services business of $101, primarily due to the recognition of deferred revenues and an adjustment to revenues that resulted from the completion of obligations in connection with the termination of a customer contract in the first nine months of 2008, the completion of a certain customer contract obligation in LG-Nortel that resulted in the recognition of previously deferred revenue, and higher sales volumes across multiple customers.
The increase in the ES segment of $10 was due to an increase in the circuit and packet voice solutions business of $45, partially offset by a decrease in the data networking and security solutions business of $35. The increase in the circuit and packet voice solutions business was primarily due to higher sales volumes in the first nine months of 2008 across several customers and the timing of recognition of product deliverables commencing in the fourth quarter of 2007. The decrease in the data networking and security solutions business was primarily due to the completion of certain customer contract obligations that resulted in the recognition of previously deferred revenues in the first nine months of 2007 not repeated in the first nine months of 2008.
The decrease in the MEN segment of $2 was due to a decrease in the optical networking solutions business of $26, partially offset by an increase in the data networking and security solutions business of $24. The decrease in the optical networking solutions business was mainly due to the completion of a network expansion in the third quarter of 2007 not repeated to the same extent in the third quarter of 2008 and reduced demand for our legacy products. The increase in the data networking and security solutions business was mainly due to higher sales volumes related to a specific customer primarily in the first six months of 2008 and the completion of network deployment for certain customers resulting in the recognition of previously deferred revenue.
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Gross Margin
Gross margin
Gross profit decreased to $908 in the third quarter of 2008 compared to $1,163 in the third quarter of 2007, a decrease of $255 or 22%. The decrease in gross profit was due primarily to a decrease in volume mainly resulting from reduced spending as a result of a change in 4G technology migration plans by certain customers and lower revenues primarily as a result of recognition of $180 in previously deferred revenues in the third quarter of 2007 not repeated to the same extent in the third quarter of 2008, the unfavorable impacts of regional and product mix, and price erosion of $112, the reduced impact of purchase price variances of $46 and higher inventory provisions of $22. This was partially offset by increases due to cost reduction initiatives of $82, lower warranty and royalty costs of $18 and a change of $11 in a contract-related accrual in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007.
Gross margin decreased to 39.2% from 43.0%, a decrease of 3.8 percentage points primarily due to the recognition of previously deferred revenues at a higher margin in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the third quarter of 2008 and higher inventory provisions of 7.5 percentage points. This decrease was partially offset by increases as a result of cost reduction initiatives and lower warranty costs of 3.0 and 0.6 percentage points, respectively.
Gross profit decreased to $3,184 in the first nine months of 2008 compared to $3,217 in the first nine months of 2007, a decrease of $33 or 1%. The decrease was primarily due to the unfavorable impacts of regional and product mix and price erosion of $150, the reduced impact of purchase price variances of $68, a decrease in volume, and lower revenues primarily as a result of the recognition of previously deferred revenues in the first nine months of 2007 not repeated to the same extent in the first nine months of 2008 of $32, and higher inventory provisions of $5. This decrease was partially offset by cost reduction initiatives of $147, a change of $29 in a contract-related accrual in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the first nine months of 2007, the favorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations of $6, and lower warranty and royalty costs of $4.
Gross margin remained essentially flat in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the first nine months of 2007. Cost reduction initiatives, and changes in a contract-related accrual in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the first nine months of 2007 resulted in an increase to gross margin of 2.3 percentage points. This increase was entirely offset by a decrease in gross margin as a result of the unfavorable impacts of regional and product mix, and price erosion of 1.9 percentage points and higher inventory provisions of 0.4 percentage points.
Management OM as a percentage of revenues
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Management OM decreased to $17 in the third quarter of 2008 from $134 in the third quarter of 2007, a decrease of $117 or 87%. Management OM as a percentage of revenue decreased by 4.3 percentage points in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007. The decrease in Management OM was due to a decrease in gross profit of $255 as explained above, partially offset by declines in SG&A and R&D expenses of $99 and $39, respectively. The decrease in SG&A was mainly due to decreases in the Other and CN segments of $65 and $29, respectively, as a result of cost savings from our previously announced restructuring activities, cost containment efforts, decreases in charges related to our employee compensation plans and savings due to lower expenses in relation to our internal control remediation plans and finance transformation activities. The decrease in R&D was mainly due to reduced spending on maturing technologies.
Management OM increased to $260 in the first nine months of 2008 from $157 in the first nine months of 2007, an increase of $103 or 66%. Management OM as a percentage of revenue increased by 1.4 percentage points in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the first nine months of 2007. The increase in Management OM was due to decreases in both SG&A and R&D expenses by $126 and $10, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in gross profit of $33 as explained above. The decrease in SG&A was mainly due to decreases in the Other and CN segments of $131 and $39, respectively, partially offset by increases in the ES and GS segments of $30 and $19, respectively. The decrease in SG&A was primarily due to cost savings from our previously announced restructuring activities, cost containment efforts, a decreased investment in sales and marketing efforts in maturing technologies, a decrease in charges related to our employee compensation plans and savings due to lower expenses in relation to our internal control remediation plans and finance transformation activities. This was partially offset by increased investment in sales and marketing efforts in expected growth areas.
Special Charges
The following table sets forth special charges by restructuring plan:
On February 27, 2008, we announced a restructuring plan that included net workforce reductions of approximately 2,100 positions and shifting approximately 1,000 additional positions from higher-cost to lower- cost locations, resulting in gross workforce reductions of approximately 3,100. Subsequently, expected workforce reductions were reduced by 370 as a result of changes in organizational strategy, resulting in revised gross workforce reductions of approximately 2,700. Further, as a result of decreased R&D spending and continued cost reduction initiatives, we revised the estimated number of lower-cost location hires to approximately 500. As a result of these adjustments, net workforce reductions are expected to be approximately 2,200. The reductions will occur through both voluntary attrition and involuntary terminations. In addition to the workforce reductions, we announced steps to achieve additional cost savings by efficiently managing our various business locations and further consolidating real estate requirements. We originally expected total charges to
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earnings and cash outlays related to workforce reductions to be approximately $205. We currently expect charges to earnings and cash outlays for workforce reductions to be approximately $185 as a result of higher than expected attrition and redeployment and reduced workforce reductions, which is expected to be substantially incurred over fiscal 2008 and 2009. We originally expected total charges to earnings related to the consolidation of real estate to be approximately $70, including approximately $25 related to fixed asset write downs, to be incurred over fiscal 2008 and 2009, and related cash outlays of approximately $45 to be incurred through 2024. We currently expect total charges to earnings related to the consolidation of real estate to be approximately $60, including a revised amount of approximately $15 related to fixed asset writedowns, to be substantially incurred over fiscal 2008 and 2009. Related cash outlays are expected to remain unchanged. Approximately $130 of the total charges relating to the 2008 Restructuring Plan have been incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Approximately 70% of the total restructuring expense related to the 2008 Restructuring Plan is expected to be incurred by the end of 2008.
In the first quarter of 2007, as part of our continuing efforts to increase competitiveness by improving profitability and overall business performance, we announced a restructuring plan that included net workforce reductions of approximately 2,900 positions and shifting approximately 1,000 additional positions from higher-cost to lower-cost locations (the 2007 Restructuring Plan), resulting in gross workforce reductions of 3,900. During the year ended December 31, 2007, approximately 150 additional reductions were identified and incorporated into the plan with associated costs of approximately $15, and a revision of approximately 300 fewer position reductions with associated costs of approximately $18 was made as a result of a change in strategy regarding shared services. During the current quarter, workforce reductions were further reduced by approximately 200 as a result of changes in organizational strategy. As a result, we currently expect the gross workforce reductions to be approximately 3,550. Further, as a result of decreased R&D spending and continued cost reduction initiatives, we revised the estimated number of higher to lower-cost location hires to approximately 400. As a result of these further adjustments, net workforce reductions are now expected to be approximately 3,150. The reductions will occur through both voluntary attrition and involuntary terminations. In addition to the workforce reductions, we announced steps to achieve additional cost savings by efficiently managing our various business locations and consolidating real estate requirements. We originally expected total charges to earnings and cash outlays for the 2007 Restructuring Plan to be approximately $340 and $320, respectively, and expected that workforce reductions and shifting of positions would account for $260 of the estimated expense as a result of reduced workforce reductions, and $80 would relate to real estate consolidations. As of September 30, 2008, we expect total charges to earnings and cash outlays for the 2007 Restructuring Plan to be approximately $280 and $260, respectively. We now expect that workforce reductions and shifting of positions will account for $200 of the estimated expense, and $80 will relate to real estate consolidation. The workforce reductions are expected to be completed by the end of 2008 and the charges for ongoing lease costs are to be substantially incurred by the end of 2024. Approximately $238 of the total charges relating to the 2007 Restructuring Plan have been incurred as of September 30, 2008.
During the second quarter of 2006, in an effort to increase competitiveness by improving profitability and overall business performance, we announced a restructuring plan that included workforce reductions of approximately 1,900 positions (the 2006 Restructuring Plan). The workforce reductions occurred primarily in the U.S. and Canada and spanned all of our segments. We originally estimated the total charges to earnings and cash outlays associated with the 2006 Restructuring Plan to be approximately $100. During 2007, the program was determined to be substantially complete resulting in a total reduction of 1,750 positions with a revised total cost of approximately $85. The cost revisions were primarily due to higher voluntary attrition reducing the number of involuntary actions requiring the payment of benefits.
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2004 and 2001 Restructuring Plans
During 2004 and 2001, we implemented work plans to streamline operations through workforce reductions and real estate optimization strategies (the 2004 Restructuring Plan and the 2001 Restructuring Plan). All of the charges with respect to the workforce reductions have been incurred. The cash payments and ongoing lease costs are to be substantially incurred by the end of 2016 for the 2004 Restructuring Plan and the end of 2013 for the 2001 Restructuring Plan.
The following table sets forth special charges by segment for each of the three and nine months ended September 30:
Gain on Sales of Businesses and Assets
We did not have any material asset or business dispositions in the first nine months of 2008 and 2007.
Shareholder Litigation Settlement Recovery
Under the terms of the Global Class Action Settlement, we agreed to pay $575 in cash and issue 62,866,775 Nortel Networks Corporation (NNC) common shares (NNC common shares), and we will contribute to the plaintiffs one-half of any recovery resulting from our ongoing litigation against certain of our former officers.
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As a result of the Global Class Action Settlement, we established a litigation settlement provision and recorded a charge to our full-year 2005 financial results of $2,474 (net of insurance proceeds of $229, which were placed in escrow in 2006). Of this amount, $575 related to the cash portion, which we placed in escrow on June 1, 2006, plus $5 in accrued interest, and $1,899 related to the equity component. We adjusted the equity component in each quarter since February 2006 to reflect the fair value of the equity component. The final adjustment to the fair value of the equity component occurred on March 20, 2007, the date the settlement became effective. As of March 20, 2007, the fair value of the equity component had decreased to $1,626, including a recovery of $54 in the first quarter of 2007 up to March 20, 2007. Additionally, as of March 20, 2007, the litigation settlement provision related to the equity component was reclassified to additional paid-in-capital within shareholders’ equity as the number of shares was fixed at such date. The restricted cash and corresponding litigation reserve related to the cash portion of the settlement are under the direction of the escrow agents and our obligation has been satisfied and as a result the balances have been released. Administration of the settlement claims is now substantially complete. Approximately 4% of the settlement shares were issued to certain plaintiffs’ counsel in the first quarter of 2007. Almost all of the remaining settlement shares were distributed in the second quarter of 2008, to claimants and plaintiffs’ counsel as approved by the courts. During the third quarter of 2008, fair value of $21 relating to the settlement shares distributed in the third quarter of 2008 was reclassified from additional paid in capital to common stock. The cash portion of the settlement that was placed in escrow in 2006 has been distributed by the claims administrator to all of the approved claimants, net of an amount held in reserve by the claims administrator to cover contingencies and certain settlement costs.
For additional information, see “Executive Overview—Significant Business Developments—Global Class Action Settlement”.
Other Operating Expense (Income)—Net
The components of other operating expense (income)—net were as follows:
In the third quarter of 2008, other operating expense (income)—net was an expense of $8, primarily due to a charge related to an other than temporary impairment of an investment and a sales tax expense of $3 and $12, respectively, partially offset by royalty income from cross patent license agreements of $9. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, other operating expense (income)—net was an expense of $14, primarily due to litigation charges of $11 related to a patent infringement lawsuit settlement, a charge related to an other than temporary impairment of an investment and a sales tax expense of $12 each, partially offset by royalty income from cross patent license agreements of $25.
In the third quarter of 2007, other operating expense (income)—net was income of $7, primarily due to $6 in royalties from patented technology. Other operating expense (income)—net was income of $29 for the first nine months of 2007, primarily due to $20 in royalties from patented technologies and $8 in litigation recovery primarily due to a bankruptcy claim settlement.
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Other Income (Expense)—Net
The components of other income—net were as follows:
Losses on sale and writedowns of investments
In the third quarter of 2008, other income (expense)—net was an expense of $21, primarily due to costs associated with acquisition-related activities of $10, and losses related to foreign exchange fluctuations of $7. Other income (expense)—net was an expense of $19 for the first nine months of 2008, primarily due to Other expense of $21 mainly as a result of costs associated with acquisition-related activities of $10, partially offset by gains related to foreign exchange fluctuations of $8.
In the third quarter of 2007, other income (expense)—net was income of $95, primarily due to foreign exchange gains of $67, changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments that did not meet the criteria for hedge accounting of $16 and sub-lease income of $3. Other income (expense)—net was income of $156 for the first nine months of 2007, primarily due to foreign exchange gains of $136 and sub-lease income of $15, partially offset by other than temporary impairment of $5.
Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased by $26 and $64 in the third quarter and first nine months of 2008, respectively, compared to the third quarter and first nine months of 2007. The decreases were primarily due to lower LIBOR rates and lower borrowing costs due to the $1,150 in unsecured convertible senior notes issued in March 2007 (Convertible Notes), that refinanced $1,125 of the $1,800 4.25% Notes due 2008. The remaining $675 of the 4.25% Notes due 2008 was refinanced in the first half of 2008 (see “Significant Business Developments” for more information).
Income Tax Expense
During the third quarter and first nine months of 2008, we recorded tax expense of $2,129 and $2,226, respectively, on loss from operations before income taxes, minority interests and equity in net earnings of associated companies of $1,263 and $1,286, respectively. Included in the loss from operations before income taxes, minority interests and equity in net earnings of associated companies is an impairment related to goodwill in the amount of $1,142 that impacted the company’s effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008. The tax expense of $2,226 is largely comprised of several significant items including $1,103 for the establishing a full valuation allowances against our net deferred tax asset in Canada, and $816 and $150 to increasing the valuation allowances against the deferred tax assets in the U.S. and the U.K. respectively. Also included in income tax expense is $103 of income taxes on profitable entities in Asia and Europe including a $6 valuation allowance release in Germany based on earnings, $34 of income taxes resulting from revisions to prior year tax estimates, $20 from increases in uncertain tax positions and other taxes of $22 primarily related to withholding taxes and taxes on preferred share dividends in Canada. This tax expense was partially offset by a $22 benefit derived from various tax credits and R&D-related incentives.
During the third quarter and first nine months of 2007, we recorded an income tax expense of $50 and $74, respectively, on earnings of $119 and $35 before income taxes, minority interests and equity in net earnings of associated companies, respectively. The tax expense of $74 is largely comprised of $67 of income taxes on
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profitable entities in Asia and Europe, including a reduction of our deferred tax assets in EMEA, $33 of income taxes relating to tax rate reductions enacted during the first nine months of 2007 in EMEA and Asia, and other taxes of $12 primarily related to tax on preferred share dividends in Canada. This tax expense was partially offset by a $22 benefit derived from various tax credits, primarily R&D-related incentives, and a $14 benefit in EMEA as a result of transfer pricing adjustments.
We will continue to assess the valuation allowance recorded against our deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis. The valuation allowance is in accordance with SFAS 109, which requires us to establish a tax valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a company’s deferred tax assets will not be realized. Given the magnitude of our valuation allowance, adjustments to our valuation allowance based on actual results will result in a significant adjustment to our effective tax rate. For additional information, see “Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates — Income Taxes — Tax Asset Valuation” in this section of this report.
The following table sets forth revenues and Management OM for the CN segment:
CDMA solutions
GSM and UMTS solutions
Circuit and packet voice solutions
Total Revenues
CN revenues decreased to $822 in the third quarter of 2008 from $1,080 in the third quarter of 2007, a decrease of $258 or 24%, due to decreases across all businesses. CDMA and circuit and packet voice solutions decreased as a result of reduced spending by certain customers due to capital expenditure constraints resulting from the expanding economic downturn. An additional factor causing the decrease in circuit and packet voice solutions were several major VoIP buildouts in the third quarter of 2007 that did not repeat in the third quarter of 2008. GSM and UMTS solutions decreased primarily as a result of the completion of a certain customer contract obligation that resulted in the recognition of previously deferred revenues in the third quarter of 2007 that did not repeat in the third quarter of 2008, and lower sales volumes across multiple customers.
CDMA solutions decreased by $169 primarily due to declines in the U.S. and Canada of $154 and $29, respectively, partially offset by an increase in Asia of $7. The decrease in the U.S. was primarily due to reduced spending by certain customers as a result of capital expenditure constraints resulting from the expanding economic downturn, while the decrease in Canada was primarily due to reduced spending as a result of a change in 4G technology migration plans by certain customers. The increase in Asia was primarily due to the completion of a certain customer contract obligation resulting in the recognition of previously deferred revenue, partially offset by lower sales volumes in LG-Nortel.
The decline in circuit and packet voice solutions of $45 was primarily due to a decline in the U.S. and Canada of $27 and $24, respectively, partially offset by an increase in EMEA of $10. The decreases in the U.S. and Canada
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were primarily due to several major VoIP buildouts in the third quarter of 2007 that were not repeated in the third quarter of 2008, reduced customer spending as a result of capital expenditure constraints resulting from the expanding economic downturn, and a decline in demand for TDM products. The increase in EMEA was primarily due to increased volumes for TDM products related to certain customers.
GSM and UMTS solutions decreased by $44 primarily due to a decline in EMEA of $56, partially offset by an increase in the U.S. of $14. The decrease in EMEA was primarily due to the completion of a certain customer contract obligation that resulted in the recognition of previously deferred revenues in the third quarter of 2007 that did not repeat in the third quarter of 2008. The increase in the U.S. was primarily due to the completion of a certain customer contract obligation that resulted in the recognition of previously deferred revenues in the third quarter of 2008.
CN Management OM decreased to $80 in the third quarter of 2008 from $169 in the third quarter of 2007, a decrease of $89. This decrease was a result of a decrease in gross profit of $147, partially offset by decreases in both SG&A and R&D expenses of $29.
CN gross profit decreased to $375 from $522, while gross margin decreased to 45.6% from 48.3%. The decrease in gross profit was primarily due to lower sales volumes in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007, lower gross margins resulting from negative product and regional mix, and higher inventory provisions, partially offset by an increase due to our cost reduction initiatives and lower warranty costs. The decrease in SG&A expense was primarily due to cost containment efforts and a decrease in bad debts. The decrease in R&D expense was mainly due to reduced spending on maturing technologies, partially offset by an increase in spending on investments that we believe have the greatest potential for growth.
CN revenues decreased to $3,078 in the first nine months of 2008 from $3,147 in the first nine months of 2007, a decrease of $69 or 2%. The decrease was due to declines in the CDMA solutions and circuit and packet voice solutions businesses, partially offset by an increase in the GSM and UMTS solutions business. The decrease in the CDMA solutions business was primarily due to reduced spending by certain customers as a result of capital expenditure constraints resulting from the expanding economic downturn, while the decline in the circuit and packet voice solutions business was primarily due to certain customer contracts in the first nine months of 2007 not repeated in the first nine months of 2008. The increase in the GSM and UMTS solutions business was primarily due to the completion of certain contract obligations for multiple customers in LG-Nortel resulting in the recognition of previously deferred revenues in the first half of 2008.
CDMA solutions decreased by $230 primarily due to declines in the U.S. and Canada of $249 and $72, respectively, partially offset by an increase in Asia of $86. The decrease in the U.S. was primarily due to reduced spending by certain customers as a result of capital expenditure constraints resulting from the expanding economic downturn, while the decrease in Canada was primarily due to reduced spending as a result of a change in 4G technology migration plans by certain customers. The increase in Asia was primarily due to higher sales volumes and the recognition of deferred revenues and an adjustment to revenues that resulted from the completion of obligations in connection with the termination of a customer contract in the first nine months of 2008.
The decline in circuit and packet voice solutions of $106 was primarily due to declines in the U.S. and Canada of $75 and $21, respectively, which largely resulted from the completion of several VoIP buildouts in the first nine months of 2007 that were not repeated in the first nine months of 2008, reduced customer spending as a result of the expanding economic downturn, and a decline in demand for TDM products.
GSM and UMTS solutions increased by $267 primarily due to an increase in Asia of $406, partially offset by declines in EMEA and CALA of $96 and $48, respectively. The increase in Asia was primarily due to the
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completion of certain contract obligations for multiple customers in LG-Nortel resulting in the recognition of previously deferred revenues and increased revenues resulting from a customer contract in the first quarter of 2008 not present in the first nine months of 2007, partially offset by a decline in revenues outside of LG-Nortel due to reduced customer spending and price erosion. The declines in EMEA and CALA were primarily due to the completion of certain customer contract obligations that resulted in the recognition of previously deferred revenue in the first nine months of 2007 not repeated in the first nine months of 2008.
CN Management OM increased to $523 in the first nine months of 2008 from $498 in the first nine months of 2007, an increase of $25 as a result of decreases in SG&A and R&D expenses of $39 and $31, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in gross profit of $45.
CN gross profit decreased to $1,477 from $1,522, while gross margin decreased to 48.0% from 48.4%. The decrease in gross profit was primarily due to lower sales volumes as a result of reduced spending by certain customers due to capital expenditure constraints resulting from the expanding economic downturn, and charges related to excess and obsolete inventory, partially offset by cost reduction initiatives. The decrease in SG&A expense was mainly due to a decreased investment in sales and marketing efforts in maturing technologies and cost containment efforts. The decrease in R&D expense was primarily due to reduced spending for maturing technologies, partially offset by an increase in spending on investments that we believe have the greatest potential for growth.
The following table sets forth revenues and Management OM for the ES segment:
Data networking and security solutions
ES revenues decreased to $616 in the third quarter of 2008 from $671 in the third quarter of 2007, a decrease of $55 or 8%, due to declines in the data networking and security solutions and circuit and packet voice solutions businesses.
Data networking and security solutions decreased by $51, primarily due to decreases in Asia and the U.S. of $45 and $19, respectively, partially offset by an increase in EMEA of $12. The decrease in Asia was primarily due to the completion of certain customer contract obligations that resulted in the recognition of previously deferred revenues in the third quarter of 2007 not repeated in the third quarter of 2008. The decrease in the U.S. was mainly due to lower sales volumes as a result of reduced customer spending due to the expanding economic downturn. The increase in EMEA was mainly due to higher sales volumes related to our Ethernet switching technology.
The circuit and packet voice solutions business decreased by $4, primarily due to a decrease in EMEA of $18, partially offset by increases in Asia, Canada and the U.S. of $7, $5 and $3, respectively. The decrease in EMEA
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was primarily due to lower sales volumes. The increases in Asia, Canada and the U.S. were mainly due to higher sales volumes.
ES Management OM decreased to a loss of $5 in the third quarter of 2008 from earnings of $11 in the third quarter of 2007, a decrease of $16. The decrease was a result of a decrease in gross profit of $21 and an increase in SG&A expense of $1, partially offset by a decrease in R&D expense of $6.
ES gross profit decreased to $284 in the third quarter of 2008 from $305 in the third quarter of 2007, while gross margin increased from 45.5% to 46.1%. The decrease in gross profit was primarily a result of a decrease in sales volumes, partially offset by a favorable product mix. The increase in SG&A expense was primarily due to increased investment in sales and marketing efforts in expected growth areas and the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations, partially offset by headcount reductions and other cost containment efforts. The decrease in R&D expense was mainly due to decreased investment in maturing technologies, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations.
ES revenues increased to $1,867 in the first nine months of 2008 from $1,858 in the first nine months of 2007, an increase of $9 or 1%, due to an increase in the circuit and packet voice solutions business, partially offset by a decrease in the data networking and security solutions business.
Circuit and packet voice solutions increased by $99 primarily due to increases in Asia, the U.S. and Canada of $45, $27 and $26, respectively, partially offset by a decline in EMEA of $8. The increase in Asia was primarily due to the timing of recognition of product deliverables commencing in the fourth quarter of 2007 and higher sales volumes across several customers in the first nine months of 2008. The increases in the U.S. and Canada largely resulted from higher sales volumes across several customers primarily in the first six months of 2008. The decrease in EMEA was primarily due to lower sales volumes across several customers, partially offset by the favorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations and higher sales volumes specifically in LG-Nortel primarily as a result of the timing of recognition of product deliverables commencing in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Data networking and security solutions decreased by $90 primarily due to decreases in the U.S. and Asia of $55 and $35, respectively. The decrease in the U.S. was primarily due to the completion of certain customer contract obligations that resulted in the recognition of previously deferred revenues in the first nine months of 2007 not repeated to the same extent in the first nine months of 2008 and lower sales volumes related to the declining switch market, partially offset by higher sales volumes related to next generation products. The decrease in Asia was primarily due to the completion of certain customer contract obligations that resulted in the recognition of previously deferred revenues in the first nine months of 2007 not repeated in the first nine months of 2008.
ES Management OM decreased to a loss of $50 in the first nine months of 2008 from a loss of $7 in the first nine months of 2007, a decrease of $43. The decrease was a result of increases in SG&A and R&D expenses of $30 and $15, respectively, partially offset by an increase in gross profit of $2.
ES gross profit increased to $850 in the first nine months of 2008 from $848 in the first nine months of 2007, while gross margin essentially remained flat. The increase in gross profit was primarily a result of higher sales volumes and lower costs due to cost improvements in the supply chain, partially offset by higher warranty costs. SG&A expense increased primarily due to increased investment in sales and marketing efforts in expected growth areas and the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations, partially offset by headcount reductions and other cost containment efforts. R&D expense increased mainly due to increased investment in opportunities that we believe have the greatest potential for growth, and the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations.
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The following table sets forth revenues and Management OM for the GS segment:
GS revenues decreased to $507 in the third quarter of 2008 from $540 in the third quarter of 2007, a decrease of $33 or 6%. The decrease was due to declines in the network support services and network implementation services businesses, partially offset by an increase in the network managed services business.
The decrease in network support services of $23 was primarily due to a decrease in EMEA of $20 that resulted from lower sales volumes across multiple customers, partially offset by the favorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations.
Revenues in network implementation services decreased by $21 primarily as a result of decreases in EMEA and the U.S. of $14 and $12, respectively, partially offset by an increase in Asia of $11. The decrease in EMEA was mainly due to lower sales volumes across various customers and the completion of a certain customer contract obligation resulting in the recognition of previously deferred revenues in the third quarter of 2007 not repeated in the third quarter of 2008, partially offset by the favorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations. The decrease in the U.S. was primarily due to lower sales volumes across multiple customers as a result of the expanding economic downturn. The increase in Asia was mainly due to the recognition of deferred revenues and an adjustment to revenues that resulted from the completion of obligations in connection with the termination of a customer contract in the third quarter of 2008.
The increase in network managed services of $11 was mainly due to an increase in Asia of $13, partially offset by a decrease in EMEA of $5. The increase in Asia was primarily due to the recognition of deferred revenues and an adjustment to revenues that resulted from the completion of obligations in connection with the termination of a customer contract in the third quarter of 2008. The decrease in EMEA was primarily a result of lower sales volumes across multiple customers.
GS Management OM decreased to $59 in the third quarter of 2008 from $105 in the third quarter of 2007, a decrease of $46. The decrease was a result of a decrease in gross profit of $44 and an increase in R&D expense of $3, partially offset by a decrease in SG&A expense of $1.
GS gross profit decreased to $141 in the third quarter of 2008 from $185 in the third quarter of 2007, while gross margin decreased from 34.3% to 27.8%. The decrease in gross profit was primarily a result of lower sales volumes across multiple customers and lower gross margins due to unfavorable service and customer mix. R&D expense increased primarily due to increased investment in opportunities that we believe have the greatest potential for growth. SG&A expense decreased mainly due to cost containment efforts.
GS revenues increased to $1,559 in the first nine months of 2008 from $1,482 in the first nine months of 2007, an increase of $77 or 5%. The increase was due to increases in the network implementation services and network managed services businesses, partially offset by a decrease in the network support services business.
Revenues in network implementation services increased by $79 primarily as a result of an increase in Asia of $101, partially offset by a decrease in the U.S. of $16. The increase in Asia was primarily due to the recognition
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of deferred revenues and an adjustment to revenues that resulted from the completion of obligations in connection with the termination of a customer contract in the first nine months of 2008, the completion of a certain customer contract obligation in LG-Nortel resulting in the recognition of previously deferred revenue and higher sales volumes across multiple customers. The decrease in the U.S. was primarily due to lower sales volumes across multiple customers as a result of capital expenditure constraints resulting from the expanding economic downturn, partially offset by higher revenues for services related to government business.
The increase in network managed services of $25 was mainly due to increases in Asia and EMEA of $17 and $4, respectively. The increase in Asia was primarily due to higher sales volumes with a certain customer and the recognition of deferred revenues and an adjustment to revenues that resulted from the completion of obligations in connection with the termination of a customer contract in the first nine months of 2008. The increase in EMEA was mainly due to the favorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations.
Network support services revenues decreased $27 primarily due to decreases in EMEA and the U.S. of $37 and $7, respectively, partially offset by increases in Canada and Asia of $10 and $5, respectively. The decrease in EMEA was mainly due to lower sales volumes across multiple customers and the completion of certain customer contract obligations that resulted in the recognition of previously deferred revenue in the first nine months of 2007 not repeated in the first nine months of 2008, partially offset by an increase due to the favorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations. Revenues in the U.S. decreased primarily due to lower sales volumes across multiple customers. The increase in Canada was primarily due to higher sales volume across multiple customers. The increase in Asia was primarily due to higher sales volume across multiple customers, partially offset by a decrease that was primarily a result of the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations.
GS Management OM decreased to $214 in the first nine months of 2008 from $255 in the first nine months of 2007, a decrease of $41. The decrease was a result of a decrease in gross profit of $11 and increases in SG&A and R&D expenses of $19 and $11, respectively.
GS gross profit decreased to $469 in the first nine months of 2008 from $480 in the first nine months of 2007, while gross margin decreased from 32.4% to 30.1%. The decrease in gross profit was primarily a result of reduced gross margins due to a contract related to a specific customer and other high cost projects, partially offset by higher gross profit as a result of higher sales volumes. The increase in SG&A expense was primarily due to increased investment in product management and marketing efforts in expected growth areas, partially offset by a decrease in bad debts and reduced spending. The increase in R&D expense was primarily due to increased investment in the development of new services as well as investments to improve our current service offerings.
The following table sets forth revenues and Management OM for the MEN segment:
Optical networking solutions
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MEN revenues decreased to $317 in the third quarter of 2008 from $360 in the third quarter of 2007, a decrease of $43 or 12%. The decrease was due to a decrease in the optical network solutions business, partially offset by an increase in the data networking and security solutions business.
Revenues in the optical networking solutions business decreased $50 primarily due to declines in the U.S., Asia and Canada of $28, $28, $12, respectively, partially offset by an increase in CALA of $17. In addition to the factors listed below, revenues in each of the U.S., Asia and Canada were impacted by reduced demand for legacy products. The decrease in the U.S. was primarily due to significant revenues from a certain customer in the third quarter of 2007 that did not repeat to the same extent in the third quarter of 2008. Revenues in Asia decreased primarily due to the completion of a network expansion in the third quarter of 2007 not repeated to the same extent in the third quarter of 2008. The decrease in Canada was primarily due to lower sales volumes across several customers. The increase in CALA was primarily due to increased demand for our next generation products related to our long-haul 40G technology.
The increase in the data networking and security solutions business of $7 was primarily due to an increase in the U.S. of $5, mainly related to revenues from a new contract with a certain customer in the third quarter of 2008.
MEN Management OM decreased to a loss of $18 in the third quarter of 2008 from earnings of $2 in the third quarter of 2007, a decrease of $20. The decrease was a result of a decrease in gross profit of $41, partially offset by declines in R&D and SG&A expenses of $16 and $5, respectively.
MEN gross profit decreased to $96 in the third quarter of 2008 from $137 in the third quarter of 2007, while gross margin decreased from 38.1% to 30.3%. The decrease in gross profit was primarily a result of lower sales volumes, charges related to certain inventory provisions, increased costs due to a settlement with one of our suppliers, price erosion and product mix, an impairment related to a software license asset and the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations, partially offset by cost reduction initiatives. R&D expense decreased primarily due to reduced spending in maturing technologies, and SG&A expense decreased primarily due to cost containment efforts.
MEN revenues decreased to $1,022 in the first nine months of 2008 from $1,096 in the first nine months of 2007, a decrease of $74 or 7%. The decrease was due to declines in both the optical networking solutions and data networking and security solutions businesses.
The decrease in the optical networking solutions business of $51 was primarily due to declines in the U.S. and Asia of $53 and $26, respectively, partially offset by increases in CALA and EMEA of $13 and $8, respectively. The decreases in the U.S. and Asia were primarily due to the same factors that impacted the optical networking solutions business revenues in the third quarter in those regions. Revenues in CALA increased primarily due to higher sales volumes related to our next generation products. The increase in EMEA, which occurred primarily in the first half of 2008, was largely due to the completion of certain customer contract obligations resulting in the recognition of previously deferred revenue, volume increases related to our next generation products for long-haul applications, and the favorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations, partially offset by the completion of certain customer contract obligations that resulted in the recognition of previously deferred revenue in the first nine months of 2007 that did not repeat in the first nine months of 2008.
Revenues in the data networking and security solutions business decreased $23 primarily due to a decrease in the U.S. of $56, partially offset by an increase in Asia of $24. The decrease in the U.S. was primarily due to the completion of a certain customer contract deliverable that resulted from the termination of a supplier agreement in the first nine months of 2007 not repeated in the first nine months of 2008. The increase in Asia was mainly
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due to higher sales volume related to a specific customer in the first six months of 2008 and the completion of network deployment for certain customers resulting in the recognition of previously deferred revenue.
MEN Management OM decreased to a loss of $26 in the first nine months of 2008 from a loss of $8 in the first nine months of 2007, a decrease of $18. The decrease was a result of a decrease in gross profit of $31, partially offset by declines in R&D and SG&A expenses of $8 and $5, respectively.
MEN gross profit decreased to $348 in the first nine months of 2008 from $379 in the first nine months of 2007, while gross margin essentially remained flat. The decrease in gross profit was primarily due to charges related to certain inventory provisions, the completion of two significant customer contract obligations that resulted in the recognition of previously deferred revenues in the first nine months of 2007 not repeated in the first nine months of 2008, increased costs due to a settlement with one of our suppliers, price erosion and unfavorable product mix and higher warranty and royalty costs, partially offset by our cost reduction initiatives and the favorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations. R&D expense decreased primarily due to reduced spending in maturing technologies, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations and increased investment in opportunities that we believe have the greatest potential for growth. SG&A expense decreased primarily as a result of cost containment efforts, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations.
The following table sets forth revenues and Management OM for the Other segment:
Other revenues are comprised of revenues from Nortel Government Solutions Incorporated (NGS) and other revenues. Other revenues increased to $57 in the third quarter of 2008 from $54 in the third quarter of 2007, an increase of $3 or 6%. The increase was due to higher revenues in the U.S., Canada and Asia of $2, $1, and $1, respectively.
Other Management OM includes corporate charges. Management OM for Other improved to a loss of $99 in the third quarter of 2008 from a loss of $153 in the third quarter of 2007, a decrease in loss of $54. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in SG&A expense of $65, partially offset by an increase in R&D expense of $9. The decrease in SG&A expense was primarily due to cost savings from our previously announced restructuring activities, cost containment efforts, a decrease in charges related to our employee compensation plans, and savings due to lower expenses in relation to our internal control remediation plans and finance transformation activities.
Other revenues increased to $173 in the first nine months of 2008 from $167 in the first nine months of 2007, an increase of $6 or 4%. The increase was due to increases in Canada, Asia and EMEA of $6, $2 and $1, respectively, offset by a decrease in the U.S. of $3.
Other Management OM improved to a loss of $401 in the first nine months of 2008 from a loss of $581 in the first nine months of 2007, a decrease in loss of $180. The decrease was primarily due to an increase in gross
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profit of $52 and a decrease in SG&A expense of $131, partially offset by an increase in R&D expense of $3. The decrease in SG&A expense was primarily due to cost savings from our previously announced restructuring activities, cost containment efforts, a decrease in charges related to our employee compensation plans, and savings due to lower expenses in relation to our internal control remediation plans and finance transformation activities. The increase in gross profit was primarily due to cost reduction initiatives.
Overview
We continue to experience significant pressure on our business and deterioration of our cash and liquidity as customers across all our businesses, in particular in North America, respond to increasingly worsening macroeconomic and industry conditions and uncertainty by delaying and reducing their capital expenditures. The extreme volatility in the financial, foreign exchange and credit markets globally has compounded the situation, further impacting customer orders as well as normal seasonality trends. These factors are impacting on our ability to accurately forecast our performance, results and cash position. As highlighted elsewhere in this MD&A, we have a number of initiatives underway and planned with a view to mitigating the effects of these pressures.
We experienced a significant cash outflow in the third quarter of 2008 mainly due to the net loss, pension and restructuring payments, one time payments to Flextronics and LGE and unfavorable foreign exchange impact. The third quarter cash balance also reflects the reclassification of our investment in The Reserve Primary Fund from cash and cash equivalents to investments. We expect to experience cash outflow in the coming quarters with some regional variances, in particular a greater risk of cash outflow in North America.
We currently expect to end the year with a cash and cash equivalents balance of approximately $2,300, plus a balance of about $85 reflecting the remainder of The Reserve Primary Fund investment that we expect will continue to be classified as short term investments at year end. Thus, at year end Nortel currently expects that together cash and cash equivalents and short term investments will be about $2,400. We do not have any long-term debt due until July 2011.
Our primary source of liquidity is our cash balance. We have made significant cash payments related to our restructuring programs, debt servicing costs and pension plans over the past several years, and expect to continue to do so in 2009. Our currently expected pension plan funding requirements in 2009 are subject to change principally as a result of the significant decline in the value of the assets held in our pension plans due to the adverse conditions in the financial markets globally. If we elect, or are required, to increase contributions to fund our pension plans in 2009, our available cash for other purposes will be reduced.
As well, more than half of our consolidated cash position as of September 30, 2008 was located outside of North America. While historically our cash resources have been generally available to fund our global cash requirements, regional conditions may limit our future ability to freely deploy our cash throughout the corporate group, thereby placing greater pressure and reliance on regional cash balances and generation capacity. Furthermore, approximately $400 of our cash and cash equivalents as at September 30, 2008 relates to the aggregate cash balances in certain joint ventures or other majority owned subsidiaries, of which the full amount is consolidated under GAAP in our reported cash balance. We would only receive our proportionate share of that cash if the entity were to pay a dividend or other cash distribution.
As we have previously reported, our ability to access capital markets is subject to market conditions and certain limitations including our and NNL’s credit ratings and covenant restrictions in our indentures. Current market conditions have further restricted our ability to access capital. In September, S&P revised its outlook on Nortel from positive to stable, and Moody’s revised its outlook on Nortel from stable to negative. A downgrade by either S&P or Moody’s could further restrict our ability to access capital. As well, a downgrade would provide EDC the option to suspend or terminate the EDC Support Facility, in which case, absent a waiver, we may need
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to use cash collateral to support our future bonding needs, however existing amounts outstanding under this facility would not be affected. Further, a downgrade may affect the terms under which some customers and suppliers would be willing to continue to do business with us and the price of our publicly traded securities.
We believe our cash will be sufficient to fund our business model and meet our customer commitments over the 12 month period commencing October 1, 2008, including the cash expenditures outlined under “Future Uses of Liquidity”, however our ability to do so could be adversely impacted by some or all of the factors noted above. In light of this and the current uncertain environment, in order to bolster our liquidity and competitiveness, we have a number of initiatives planned and underway, in addition to those announced earlier this year.
On November 10, we announced planned reductions in our cost-base including the 2009 Restructuring Plan that will involve the net reduction of the workforce by about 1,300 positions and other additional cost reduction measures across the organization including:
deeper cuts to discretionary spending, including a freeze on substantially all internal travel and the curtailing of all travel that is not customer facing;
a freeze on salary increases (except for strategic exceptions and certain pre-commitments), and an extension of our company-wide hiring freeze already in effect, both of which are expected to last through 2009.
Certain of these and other actions, combined with the 2009 Restructuring Plan and previously announced plans, are expected to result in annual gross savings of approximately $400 million in 2009. See “Executive Overview—Current Environment; November 10, 2008 Announcements” for further information on our revised operating model and the cost reduction and restructuring plans.
We have tightened our cash investment policies around concentration limits and maturities, and investment quality parameters. Further, while NNL is in a position to declare and pay such dividends, the Board of Directors of NNL has decided to suspend dividend payments on NNL’s Series 5 and Series 7 preferred shares subsequent to the payment of the previously declared preferred share dividend payable on November 12. The Board determined that in light of the current uncertain economic environment this step was prudent to preserve cash.
Looking forward, our ability to reduce cash outflow from operations will depend upon our ability to generate profitable revenue streams, as well as the implementation and success of our revised operating model and cost reduction initiatives, and the continuing impact of the economic and financial market conditions on our customers and in particular on their purchasing decisions. The adequacy and ultimate success of our revised operating model and the cost reduction initiatives is uncertain and cannot be assured. We will continue to be proactive with respect to these matters and, if deemed advisable, will consider the sale of other assets or businesses, further restructurings and such other measures as circumstances warrant.
Cash Flow
Our total cash and cash equivalents excluding restricted cash decreased by $1,228 in the first nine months of 2008 to $2,304, due to cash used in operating, investing and financing activities, and the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents.
Our liquidity and capital resources are primarily impacted by: (i) current cash and cash equivalents, (ii) operating activities, (iii) investing activities, (iv) financing activities and (v) foreign exchange rate changes. The following
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table summarizes our cash flows by activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, and cash on hand as of September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively:
Non-cash items
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Advanced billings in excess of revenues recognized to date on contracts
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities
Operating Activities
In the first nine months of 2008, our net cash used in operating activities of $478 resulted from a net loss of $3,664 plus adjustments for non-cash items of $3,777 and net uses of cash of $992 due to changes in other operating assets and liabilities, partially offset by cash of $401 from changes in operating assets and liabilities. The net cash used in other operating activities was mainly due to the reduction of advance billings of $704 primarily as a result of the completion of contracts in LG-Nortel, partially offset by the change in deferred costs of $386 due to the release of related revenues. The use of cash for payroll, accrued and contractual liabilities of $435 was primarily due to bonus payments and sales compensation accruals, SG&A and interest accruals. The change of $196 in the category of Other, under operating assets and liabilities, was primarily comprised of pension payments. The primary additions to our net loss for non-cash items were deferred income taxes of $2,113 primarily related to an increase in our deferred tax asset valuation allowance, goodwill impairment charge of $1,142 relating to our MEN and ES segments, amortization and depreciation of $254, and minority interest of $154. For additional information with respect to the increase in our deferred tax asset valuation allowance and the goodwill impairment charge, see “Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Income Taxes—Tax Asset Valuation” and “Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Goodwill Valuation” sections, respectively.
In the first nine months of 2007, our net cash used in operating activities of $820 resulted from a net loss of $113 plus adjustments for non-cash items of $342, net cash from operating assets and liabilities of $139, net cash used
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in other operating assets and liabilities of $603 and a cash outlay of $585 resulting from the extinguishment of the liabilities related to the Global Class Action Settlement. The primary additions to our net income for non-cash items were pension and other accruals of $200, amortization and depreciation of $231, share-based compensation expense of $86 and minority interests of $76. These additions were partially offset by the fair value adjustment to the non-cash portion of the recovery of $54 from the Global Class Action Settlement and other non-cash changes of $187, primarily due to foreign exchange impacts on long-term assets and liabilities of $124. The net cash from operating assets and liabilities was primarily due to an inflow of cash from changes in accounts receivable of $247, which was partially offset by cash used in inventory and accounts payable.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable
Days sales outstanding in accounts receivable (DSO)(a)
Accounts receivable decreased to $1,951 as at September 30, 2008 from $2,583 as at December 31, 2007, a decrease of $632, or 24%. This decrease was due to our continued focus on improving our billing process, and the seasonality in our revenue profile, with our revenue being typically lower in the third quarter than in the fourth quarter of the previous year. The four day increase in DSO was due to the seasonality of our revenue profile and the timing of the billings in the third quarter.
Inventory
Inventory—net (excluding deferred costs)
Net inventory days (NID)(a)
Inventory, excluding deferred costs, increased to $573 as at September 30, 2008 from $513 as at December 31, 2007, an increase of $60 or 12%. NID increased by 10 days compared to the fourth quarter of 2007. This increase in NID was primarily due to a decrease in the cost of revenues and inventory build up related to customer service improvements initiatives and purchase of inventory for orders to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2008.
Accounts Payable
Trade accounts payable
Days of purchasing outstanding in accounts payable (DPO)(a)
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Trade accounts payable decreased to $1,015 as at September 30, 2008 from $1,152 at December 31, 2007, a decrease of $ 137 or 12%. This decrease in the trade accounts payable balance is attributable to spending levels consistent with normal business trends. DPO increased by seven days compared to the fourth quarter of 2007, primarily due to improved supplier payment terms and the continued focus on working capital management.
Deferred Revenue
Billing terms and collections periods related to arrangements whereby we defer revenue are generally similar to other revenue arrangements. Similarly, payment terms and cash outlays related to products and services associated with delivering under these arrangements are also generally similar to other revenue arrangements. As a result, neither cash inflows nor outflows are unusually impacted under arrangements in which revenue is deferred, compared to arrangements in which revenue is not deferred, and the DSO and DPO include all these arrangements.
Investing Activities
In the first nine months of 2008, our net cash used in investing activities was $594, primarily due to an increase in short-term and long-term investments of $362 as described below, expenditures for plant and equipment of $129 and acquisition of investments and businesses, net of cash acquired, of $110.
In the first nine months of 2007, our net cash from investing activities was $414, driven by a decrease in restricted cash and cash equivalents of $575, primarily related to the finalization of the Global Class Action Settlement, and proceeds of $89 primarily related to the sale of our facility located in Montreal, Quebec, partially offset by expenditures for plant and equipment of $140.
Money Market Funds
As part of our cash management strategy, we invest in institutional and government money market funds, which are considered highly liquid and which we generally account for as cash and cash equivalents. We had invested approximately $362 in the Fund, which was rated AAA (Standard & Poors) and Aaa (Moodys). On September 16, 2008, the Fund announced that it was reducing to zero the value of its holdings of debt securities issued by Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. and, as a result, the net asset value (NAV) of the Fund was reduced from $1 to $0.97. On September 19, 2008, the Fund filed with the SEC an application to temporarily suspend rights of redemption and announced an intent to ensure an orderly liquidation of securities in the Fund. To account for these developments, we have reclassified our investment in the Fund from cash and cash equivalents to short-term investments, except for approximately $6, which we have classified as long term investments, and have booked an impairment of $10 to reflect the decline in the Fund’s NAV. On October 31, 2008, the Fund distributed approximately 50% of the funds back to investors of which our share was approximately $184. We will re-assess its classification as a short-term investment as further information is made available on timing of liquidation of the Fund.
Financing Activities
In the first nine months of 2008, our net cash used in financing activities was $58, primarily due to the repayment of the 4.25% Notes due 2008 plus accrued and unpaid interest, dividends of $30 paid by NNL related to its outstanding preferred shares, and debt issuance costs of $13. This was partially offset by the $668 in proceeds received from the issuance of $675 of the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued May 2008, of which approximately $655 was used, along with available cash, for the redemption of $675 of the 4.25% Notes due 2008.
In the first nine months of 2007, our net cash used in financing activities was $46, resulting primarily from the redemption, in the third quarter of 2007, of $1,125, plus accrued and unpaid interest, of our 4.25% Notes due 2008, using the $1,150 proceeds relating to our offering of the Convertible Notes completed in the first quarter of
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2007. Additionally, we incurred debt issuance costs of $23 related to the offering, and paid dividends of $35. The dividend payments were primarily paid by NNL on its outstanding preferred shares.
Other Items
In the first nine months of 2008, our cash decreased by $98 due to the unfavorable effects of changes in foreign exchange rates, primarily of the Korean Won, the Euro, the British Pound and the Canadian Dollar against the U.S. Dollar.
In the first nine months of 2007, our cash increased by $88 due to favorable effects of changes in foreign exchange rates, primarily of the Canadian Dollar, the British Pound and the Euro against the U.S. Dollar.
As discussed in Note 12 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, we adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”, (SFAS 157), effective January 1, 2008. We utilize unobservable (Level 3) inputs in determining the fair value of auction rate securities and in some cases, derivative contracts, for which fair values totaled $19 and $10, respectively, as of September 30, 2008.
Our auction rate security instruments are classified as available-for-sale securities and reflected at fair value. In prior periods, due to the auction process which took place approximately every 30 days for most securities, quoted market prices were readily available, which would qualify as Level 1 under SFAS 157. However, due to events in credit markets during the first nine months of 2008, the auction events for most of these instruments failed. Therefore, we have determined the estimated fair values of these securities utilizing discounted expected cash flows (Level 3) as of September 30, 2008. We currently believe that there has been no decline in the fair value of the auction rate securities, because the underlying assets for these securities are almost entirely backed by the U.S. federal government. In addition, we entered into an agreement with the broker from whom we purchased these securities, whereby at anytime during the period from June 30, 2010 through July 2, 2012, we are entitled to sell the then remaining outstanding balance of these securities, if any, to such broker at par. Our holdings of auction rate securities represent less than one percent of our total cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments balance as of September 30, 2008. We believe that any difference between our estimate of fair value of our investments and an estimate that would be arrived at by another party would have no impact on earnings, since such difference would also be recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income. We will re-evaluate each of these factors as market conditions change in subsequent periods.
We determine the value of the majority of derivatives we enter into utilizing standard valuation techniques. Depending on the type of derivative, the valuation could be calculated through either discounted cash flows or the Black-Scholes model. The key inputs depend upon the type of derivative, and include interest rate yield curves, foreign exchange spot and forward rates, and expected volatility. We have consistently applied these valuation techniques in all periods presented and believe we have obtained the most accurate information available for the types of derivative contracts we hold.
On May 28, 2008, NNL completed the offering of the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued May 2008 in the U.S. to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act) to persons outside the U.S. pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act and to accredited investors in Canada pursuant to applicable private placement exemptions.
The 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued May 2008 were issued as additional notes under an existing indenture dated as of July 5, 2006, as supplemented, and are part of the same series as NNL’s currently outstanding $450 aggregate principal amount of 10.75% Senior Notes due 2016 that were issued on July 5, 2006 or the 2016 Fixed Rate
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Notes issued July 2006, under the same indenture. The 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued May 2008 and the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued July 2006 have the same ranking, guarantee structure, interest rate, maturity date and other terms and are treated as a single class of securities under the indenture and holders will vote together as one class. Refer to note 10, “Long-term debt”, to the audited consolidated financial statements accompanying the 2007 Annual Report for additional details regarding terms. The 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued May 2008 and the related guarantees are initially not fungible for trading purposes with the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued July 2006.
The net proceeds received from the sale of the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued May 2008 were approximately $655, after deducting discount on issuance of $7 and commissions and other offering expenses of $13. On June 16, 2008, we used these net proceeds, together with available cash, to redeem, at par, $675 outstanding principal amount of our 4.25% Notes due 2008.
Future Uses and Sources of Liquidity
Future Uses of Liquidity
Our cash requirements for the 12 months commencing October 1, 2008 are primarily expected to consist of funding for operations, including our investments in R&D, and the following items:
cash contributions for pension, post retirement and post employment funding of approximately $380. If the actual results of the plans differ from the assumptions, we may be required to make additional cash contributions. We expect that, if the current economic condition does not improve, actual results will differ from the assumptions. If we are required to make significant contributions to fund the defined benefit plans, reported results could be materially and adversely affected and our cash flow available for other uses may be significantly reduced;
capital expenditures of approximately $200; and
costs related to workforce reductions and real estate actions in connection with our active restructuring plans of approximately $310.
Also, from time to time, we may purchase or redeem our outstanding debt securities and/or convertible notes and may enter into acquisitions or joint ventures as opportunities arise.
Contractual cash obligations
Our contractual cash obligations for operating leases, obligations under special charges, employee benefit obligations (see discussion above) and other long-term liabilities reflected on the balance sheet remained substantially unchanged as of September 30, 2008 from the amounts disclosed as of December 31, 2007 in our 2007 Annual Report, with the exception of the addition of the long-term debt related to the issuance of the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued May 2008 and the related redemption of the 4.25% Notes due 2008. See “Cash Flow—Senior Notes Offering” discussed above.
As a result of the acquisitions made in the three months ended September 30, 2008, we may be liable for future cash obligations of up to $17 based on the achievement of future business milestones. See “Significant Business Developments—Acquisitions” for additional information.
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Future Sources of Liquidity
Available support facility
On February 14, 2003, NNL entered into a $750 support facility with Export Development Canada (the EDC Support Facility). NNL’s obligations under the EDC Support Facility are guaranteed by Nortel Networks Inc. (NNI). As of September 30, 2008, the EDC Support Facility provided for up to $750 in support including:
$300 of committed revolving support for performance bonds or similar instruments with individual amounts of up to $25, of which $130 was outstanding; and
$450 of uncommitted revolving support for performance bonds or similar instruments and/or receivables sales and/or securitizations, of which $63 was outstanding.
The EDC Support Facility provides that EDC may suspend its obligation to issue NNL any additional support if events occur that could have a material adverse effect on NNL’s business, financial position or results of operation. In addition, the EDC Support Facility can be suspended or terminated if an event of default has occurred and is continuing under the EDC Support Facility or if NNL’s senior unsecured long-term corporate debt rating by Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s) has been downgraded to less than B3 or if its debt rating by Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has been downgraded to less than B-.
Effective December 14, 2007, NNL and EDC amended the EDC Support Facility to (i) extend the termination date of the facility to December 31, 2011, (ii) provide for automatic annual renewal of the facility each following year, unless either party provides written notice to the other of its intent to terminate, (iii) increase the maximum size of individual bonds supported under the committed portion of the facility from $10 to $25, (iv) provide support for individual bonds with expiry dates of up to four years and (v) limit the restriction on the ability to secure indebtedness to apply only to NNL, NNI and Nortel Networks Capital Corporation at any time that NNL’s senior long-term debt is rated as investment grade.
Short-form registration of securities
In June 2007, we again became eligible to make use of short-form registration statements for the registration of our securities with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Although we filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC in 2002, the information contained in that shelf-registration statement is not current. In order to make use of a short-form registration statement for issuance of securities, we would need to either update the information contained in that shelf registration statement or file a new shelf registration statement and a new base shelf prospectus containing current, updated information.
Credit Ratings
NNC’s Corporate Family Rating/NNL’s Corporate Credit Rating
NNL’s $2,675 high-yield notes consisting of the July 2006 Notes and the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes issued May 2008
NNC’s $1,150 Convertible Notes consisting of the 2012 notes and 2014 notes
NNL’s $200 notes due 2023
Nortel Networks Capital Corporation’s $150 notes due 2026
NNL Preferred Shares:
Series 5
Series 7
On May 21, 2008, S&P revised NNL’s outlook to positive from stable. On May 21, 2008, Moody’s upgraded the ratings on NNL’s Preferred Shares to Caa1 from Caa3. On September 17, 2008, S&P revised NNL’s outlook to
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stable from positive. On September 23, 2008, Moody’s revised NNC’s outlook to negative from stable. There can be no assurance that our credit ratings will not be lowered or that these ratings agencies will not issue adverse commentaries about us or NNL, potentially resulting in higher financing costs and reduced access to capital markets or alternative financing arrangements. A reduction in our credit ratings may also affect our ability, and the cost, to securitize receivables, obtain bid, performance-related and other bonds, access the EDC Support Facility and/or enter into normal course derivative or hedging transactions.
Bid, Performance-Related and Other Bonds
During the normal course of business, we provide bid, performance, warranty and other types of bonds, which we refer to collectively as bonds, via financial intermediaries to various customers in support of commercial contracts, typically for the supply of telecommunications equipment and services. If we fail to perform under the applicable contract, the customer may be able to draw upon all or a portion of the bond as a remedy for our failure to perform. An unwillingness or inability to issue bid and performance related bonds could have a material negative impact on our revenues and gross margin. The contracts which these bonds support generally have terms ranging from one to five years. Bid bonds generally have a term of less than twelve months, depending on the length of the bid period for the applicable contract. Performance-related and other bonds generally have a term consistent with the term of the underlying contract. Historically, we have not made, and we do not anticipate that we will be required to make, material payments under these types of bonds.
The following table provides information related to these types of bonds as of:
The EDC Support Facility is used to support bid, performance-related and other bonds with varying terms. Any bid or performance related bonds with terms that extend beyond September 30, 2011 are generally not eligible for the support provided by this facility. If the facility is not further extended beyond December 31, 2011, we would likely need to utilize cash collateral to support the issuance of bid, performance-related and other related bonding obligations.
Our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are based on the selection and application of accounting policies generally accepted in the U.S., which require us to make significant estimates and assumptions. We believe that the following accounting policies and estimates may involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity in their application and represent our critical accounting policies and estimates: revenue recognition, provisions for doubtful accounts, provisions for inventory, provisions for product warranties, income taxes, goodwill valuation, pension and post-retirement benefits, special charges and other contingencies.
In general, any changes in estimates or assumptions relating to revenue recognition, provisions for doubtful accounts, provisions for inventory and other contingencies (excluding legal contingencies) are directly reflected
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in the results of our reportable operating segments. Changes in estimates or assumptions pertaining to our tax asset valuations, our pension and post-retirement benefits and our legal contingencies are generally not reflected in our reportable operating segments, but are reflected on a consolidated basis.
We have discussed the application of these critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.
Revenue Recognition
Our material revenue streams are the result of a wide range of activities, from custom design and installation over a period of time to a single delivery of equipment to a customer. Our networking solutions also cover a broad range of technologies and are offered on a global basis. As a result, our revenue recognition policies can differ depending on the level of customization within the solution and the contractual terms with the customer. Newer technologies within one of our reporting segments may also have different revenue recognition implications depending on, among other factors, the specific performance and acceptance criteria within the applicable contract. Therefore, management must use significant judgment in determining how to apply the current accounting standards and interpretations, not only based on the networking solution, but also within networking solutions based on reviewing the level of customization and contractual terms with the customer. As a result, our revenues may fluctuate from period to period based on the mix of solutions sold and the geographic region in which they are sold.
We regularly enter into multiple contractual agreements with the same customer. These agreements are reviewed to determine whether they should be evaluated as one arrangement in accordance with AICPA Technical Practice Aid (TPA 5100.39), “Software revenue recognition for multiple-element arrangements”.
When a customer arrangement involves multiple deliverables where the deliverables are governed by more than one authoritative standard, we evaluate all deliverables to determine whether they represent separate units of accounting based on the following criteria:
whether the delivered item has value to the customer on a stand-alone basis;
whether there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered item(s); and
if the contract includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item, delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and is substantially in our control.
Our determination of whether deliverables within a multiple element arrangement can be treated separately for revenue recognition purposes involves significant estimates and judgment, such as whether fair value can be established for undelivered obligations and/or whether delivered elements have stand-alone value to the customer. Changes to our assessment of the accounting units in an arrangement and/or our ability to establish fair values could significantly change the timing of revenue recognition.
If objective and reliable evidence of fair value exists for all units of accounting in the contract, revenue is allocated to each unit of accounting or element based on relative fair values. In situations where there is objective and reliable evidence of fair value for all undelivered elements, but not for delivered elements, the residual method is used to allocate the contract consideration. Under the residual method, the amount of revenue allocated to delivered elements equals the total arrangement consideration less the aggregate fair value of any undelivered elements. Each unit of accounting is then accounted for under the applicable revenue recognition guidance. If sufficient evidence of fair value cannot be established for an undelivered element, revenue and related cost for delivered elements are deferred until the earlier of when fair value is established or all remaining elements have been delivered. Once there is only one remaining element to be delivered within the unit of accounting, the deferred revenue and costs are recognized based on the revenue recognition guidance applicable to the last delivered element. For instance, where postcontract customer support is the last delivered element within the unit
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of accounting, the deferred revenue and costs are recognized ratably over the remaining postcontract customer support term once postcontract customer support is the only undelivered element.
Our assessment of which authoritative standard is applicable to an element also can involve significant judgment. For instance, the determination of whether software is more than incidental to a hardware element determines whether the hardware element is accounted for pursuant to AICPA Statement of Position (SOP) 97-2, “Software Revenue Recognition” (SOP 97-2), or based on general revenue recognition guidance as set out in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 104, “Revenue Recognition” (SAB104). This assessment could significantly impact the amount and timing of revenue recognition.
Many of our products are integrated with software that is embedded in our hardware at delivery and where the software is essential to the functionality of the hardware. In those cases where indications are that software is more than incidental to the product, such as where the transaction includes software upgrades or enhancements, we apply software revenue recognition rules to determine the amount and timing of revenue recognition. The assessment of whether software is more than incidental to the hardware requires significant judgment and may change over time as our product offerings evolve. A change in this assessment, whereby software becomes more than incidental to the hardware product may have a significant impact on the timing of recognition of revenue and related costs.
For elements related to customized network solutions and certain network build-outs, revenues are recognized in accordance with SOP 81-1, “Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and Certain Production-Type Contracts” (SOP 81-1) generally using the percentage-of-completion method. In using the percentage-of-completion method, revenues are generally recorded based on the percentage of costs incurred to date on a contract relative to the estimated total expected contract costs. Profit estimates on these contracts are revised periodically based on changes in circumstances and any losses on contracts are recognized in the period that such losses become known. Generally, the terms of SOP 81-1 contracts provide for progress billings based on completion of certain phases of work. Unbilled SOP 81-1 contract revenues recognized are accumulated in the contracts in progress account included in accounts receivable—net. Billings in excess of revenues recognized to date on these contracts are recorded as advance billings in excess of revenues recognized to date on contracts within other accrued liabilities until recognized as revenue. This classification also applies to billings in advance of revenue recognized on combined units of accounting under Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No 00-21, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables” (EITF 00-21) that contain both SOP 81-1 and non-SOP 81-1 elements. Significant judgment is also required when estimating total contract costs and progress to completion on the arrangements as well as whether a loss is expected to be incurred on the contract. Management uses historical experience, project plans and an assessment of the risks and uncertainties inherent in the arrangement to establish these estimates. Uncertainties include implementation delays or performance issues that may or may not be within our control. Changes in these estimates could result in a material impact on revenues and net earnings (loss).
If we are unable to develop reasonably dependable cost or revenue estimates, the completed contract method is applied under which all revenues and related costs are deferred until the contract is completed. The completed contract method is also applied to all SOP 81-1 units of accounting valued at under $0.5, as these are short-term in duration and our results of operations would not vary materially from those resulting if we applied the percentage-of-completion method of accounting.
Revenue for hardware that does not require significant customization, and where any software is considered incidental, is recognized under SAB 104. Under SAB 104, revenue is recognized provided that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured.
For hardware, delivery is considered to have occurred upon shipment provided that risk of loss, and in certain jurisdictions, legal title, has been transferred to the customer. For arrangements where the criteria for revenue
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recognition have not been met because legal title or risk of loss on products did not transfer to the buyer until final payment had been received or where delivery had not occurred, revenue is deferred to a later period when title or risk of loss passes either on delivery or on receipt of payment from the customer as applicable. For arrangements where the customer agrees to purchase products but we retain physical possession until the customer requests shipment, or “bill and hold” arrangements, revenue is not recognized until delivery to the customer has occurred and all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.
Revenue for software and software related elements is recognized pursuant to SOP 97-2. Software related elements within the scope of SOP 97-2 are defined in EITF 03-5, “Applicability of AICPA Statement of Position 97-2 to Non-Software Deliverables in an Arrangement Containing More-Than-Incidental Software”, as those explicitly included within paragraph 9 of SOP 97-2 (e.g. software products, upgrades/enhancements, post-contract customer support, and services) as well as any non-software deliverables where the software is deemed essential to the functionality. For software arrangements involving multiple elements, we allocate revenue to each element based on the relative fair value or the residual method, as applicable using vendor specific objective evidence to determine fair value, which is based on prices charged when the element is sold separately. Software revenue accounted for under SOP 97-2 is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the software is delivered in accordance with all terms and conditions of the customer contracts, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is probable. Revenue related to post-contract customer support (PCS) including technical support and unspecified when-and-if available software upgrades, is recognized ratably over the PCS term.
Under SOP 97-2 or under EITF 00-21, if fair value does not exist for any undelivered element, revenue is not recognized until the earlier of when (i) the undelivered element is delivered or (ii) fair value of the undelivered element is established, unless the undelivered element is a service, in which case revenue is recognized as the service is performed once the service is the only undelivered element.
We make certain sales through multiple distribution channels, primarily resellers and distributors. These customers are generally given certain rights of return. For products sold through these distribution channels, revenue is recognized from product sales at the time of shipment to the distribution channel when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is probable. Accruals for estimated sales returns and other allowances and deferrals are recorded as a reduction of revenue at the time of revenue recognition. These provisions are based on contract terms and prior claims experience and involve significant estimates. If these estimates are significantly different from actual results, our revenue could be impacted.
The collectibility of trade and notes receivables is also critical in determining whether revenue should be recognized. As part of the revenue recognition process, we determine whether trade or notes receivables are reasonably assured of collection and whether there has been deterioration in the credit quality of our customers that could result in our inability to collect the receivables. We will defer revenue but recognize related costs if we are uncertain about whether we will be able to collect the receivable. As a result, our estimates and judgment regarding customer credit quality could significantly impact the timing and amount of revenue recognition. We generally do not sell under arrangements with extended payment terms.
We have a significant deferred revenue balance relative to our consolidated revenue. Recognition of this deferred revenue over time can have a material impact on our consolidated revenue in any period and result in significant fluctuations.
The complexities of our contractual arrangements result in the deferral of revenue for a number of reasons, the most significant of which are discussed below:
Complex arrangements that involve multiple deliverables such as future software deliverables and/or post-contract support which remain undelivered generally result in the deferral of revenue because, in
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most cases, we have not established fair value for the undelivered elements. We estimate that these arrangements account for approximately 64% of our deferred revenue balance and will be recognized upon delivery of the final undelivered elements and over time.
In many instances, our contractual billing arrangements do not match the timing of the recognition of revenue. Often this occurs in contracts accounted for under SOP 81-1 where we generally recognize the revenue based on a measure of the percentage of costs incurred to date relative to the estimated total expected contract costs. We estimate that approximately 8% of our deferred revenue balance relates to contractual arrangements where billing milestones preceded revenue recognition.
The impact of the deferral of revenues on our liquidity is discussed in “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Operating Activities” above.
The following table summarizes our deferred revenue balances:
Advance billings
Total deferred revenue
Total deferred revenue decreased by $792 in the first nine months of 2008 as a result of reductions related to the net release of approximately $682, other adjustments of $11 and foreign exchange fluctuations of $99. The release of deferred revenue to revenue is net of additional deferrals recorded during the first nine months of 2008.
Provisions for Doubtful Accounts
In establishing the appropriate provisions for trade, notes and long-term receivables due from customers, we make assumptions with respect to their future collectibility. Our assumptions are based on an individual assessment of a customer’s credit quality as well as subjective factors and trends. Generally, these individual credit assessments occur prior to the inception of the credit exposure and at regular reviews during the life of the exposure and consider:
age of the receivables;
customer’s ability to meet and sustain its financial commitments;
customer’s current and projected financial condition;
collection experience with the customer;
historical bad debt experience with the customer;
the positive or negative effects of the current and projected industry outlook; and
the economy in general.
Once we consider all of these individual factors, an appropriate provision is then made, which takes into consideration the likelihood of loss and our ability to establish a reasonable estimate.
In addition to these individual assessments, a regional accounts past due provision is established for outstanding trade accounts receivable amounts based on a review of balances greater than six months past due. A regional trend analysis, based on past and expected write-off activity, is performed on a regular basis to determine the likelihood of loss and establish a reasonable estimate.
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The following table summarizes our accounts receivable and long-term receivable balances and related reserves:
Gross accounts receivable
Provision for doubtful accounts
Accounts receivable provision as a percentage of gross accounts receivable
Gross long-term receivables
Net long-term receivables
Long-term receivables provision as a percentage of gross long-term receivables
Provisions for Inventories
Management must make estimates about the future customer demand for our products when establishing the appropriate provisions for inventory.
When making these estimates, we consider general economic conditions and growth prospects within our customers’ ultimate marketplace, and the market acceptance of our current and pending products. These judgments must be made in the context of our customers’ shifting technology needs and changes in the geographic mix of our customers. With respect to our provisioning policy, in general, we fully reserve for surplus inventory in excess of our 365 day demand forecast or that we deem to be obsolete. Generally, our inventory provisions have an inverse relationship with the projected demand for our products. For example, our provisions usually increase as projected demand decreases due to adverse changes in the conditions mentioned above. We have experienced significant changes in required provisions in recent periods due to changes in strategic direction, such as discontinuances of product lines, as well as declining market conditions. A misinterpretation or misunderstanding of any of these conditions could result in inventory losses in excess of the provisions determined to be appropriate as of the balance sheet date.
Our inventory includes certain direct and incremental deferred costs associated with arrangements where title and risk of loss was transferred to customers but revenue was deferred due to other revenue recognition criteria not being met. We have not recorded excess and obsolete provisions against this type of inventory.
The following table summarizes our inventory balances and other related reserves:
Gross inventory
Inventory provisions
Inventories—net(a)
Inventory provisions as a percentage of gross inventory
Inventory provisions as a percentage of gross inventory excluding deferred costs(b)
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Inventory provisions decreased by $244 primarily as a result of $274 of scrapped inventory, $27 of previously reserved inventory on consignment and foreign exchange adjustments of $46, partially offset by $122 of additional inventory provisions. In the future, we may be required to make significant adjustments to these provisions for the sale and/or disposition of inventory that was provided for in prior periods.
Provisions for Product Warranties
Provisions are recorded for estimated costs related to warranties given to customers on our products to cover defects. These provisions are calculated based on historical return rates as well as on estimates that take into consideration the historical material costs and the associated labor costs to correct the product defect. Known product defects are specifically provided for as we become aware of such defects. Revisions are made when actual experience differs materially from historical experience. These provisions for product warranties are part of the cost of revenues and are accrued when the product is delivered and recognized in the same period as the related revenue. They represent the best possible estimate, at the time the sale is made, of the expenses to be incurred under the warranty granted. Warranty terms generally range from one to six years from the date of sale depending upon the product. Warranty related costs incurred prior to revenue being recognized are capitalized and recognized as an expense when the related revenue is recognized.
We accrue for warranty costs as part of our cost of revenues based on associated material costs and labor costs. Material cost is estimated based primarily upon historical trends in the volume of product returns within the warranty period and the cost to repair or replace the product. Labor cost is estimated based primarily upon historical trends in the rate of customer warranty claims and projected claims within the warranty period.
The following table summarizes the accrual for product warranties that was recorded as part of other accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets:
We engage in extensive product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of our component suppliers. Our estimated warranty obligation is based upon warranty terms, ongoing product failure rates, historical material costs and the associated labor costs to correct the product defect. If actual product failure rates, material replacement costs, service or labor costs differ from our estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty provision would be required. If we experience an increase in warranty claims compared with our historical experience, or if the cost of servicing warranty claims is greater than the expectations on which the accrual is based, our gross margin could be negatively affected.
Revisions to warranty provisions include releases and foreign currency exchange adjustments. The $42 of revisions, consists of $37 of warranty releases and $5 of known product defect releases. The impact of these releases was a reduction to cost of revenues in the first three quarters of 2008 by $42. The warranty releases were primarily due to declines in cost of sales for specific product portfolios to which our warranty estimates apply, as well as declines in various usage rates and warranty periods.
Income Taxes
Tax Asset Valuation
As of September 30, 2008, our deferred tax asset balance was $6,810, against which we have recorded a valuation allowance of $5,725, resulting in a net deferred tax asset of $1,085. As of December 31, 2007, our net
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deferred tax asset was $3,323. The reduction of $2,238 is primarily attributable to a write-down of the deferred tax assets in Canada, the U.S. and U.K. through an increase in the valuation allowance, the effects of foreign exchange translation and the normal changes in deferred tax assets for profitable jurisdictions resulting from operations in the ordinary course of business. We currently have deferred tax assets resulting from net operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards and deductible temporary differences, which are available to reduce future income taxes payable in our significant tax jurisdictions (namely Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and France).
We assess the expected realization of our deferred tax assets quarterly to determine whether an income tax valuation allowance is required. Based on available evidence, both positive and negative, we determine whether it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the remaining net deferred tax assets will be realized. The main factors that we believe provide evidence about the realizability of our net deferred tax asset are discussed in further detail below and include the following:
the amount of, and trends related to, cumulative earnings or losses realized over the most recent 12 quarters;
our current period net earnings (loss) and its impact on our history of earnings;
future earnings (loss) projections as determined through the use of internal forecasts, including the impact of sales backlog and existing contracts;
our ability to carryforward our tax losses and investment tax credits, including tax planning strategies to accelerate utilization of such assets; and
industry, business, or other circumstances that may adversely affect future operations, and the nature of the future income required to realize our deferred tax assets.
In evaluating the positive and negative evidence, the weight we assign each type of evidence is proportionate to the extent to which it can be objectively verified.
During the third quarter of 2008, the potential for an expanding global economic downturn has had a negative effect on, and created uncertainty around our near-term modeled forecasts of taxable income. While our mid- to long-term financial outlook remains positive, significant uncertainty about the global economy during the third quarter of 2008 led us to revise downward our near-term modeled forecasts. To realize the deferred tax assets in our significant tax jurisdictions, these revisions resulted in a need to rely on an increased proportion of future taxable income generated by later years and an extended forecasting period. However, by their nature, modeled forecasted results become less objective and verifiable the further away they are from the current year. Accordingly, we have concluded that we need to shorten the timeframe on which we rely on these modeled forecasts and increased our valuation allowance by $2,069 as at September 30, 2008, as we no longer believe that we can meet the criteria to conclude that the related tax benefit is more likely than not to be realized. See the Risk Factors section of this report and our 2007 Annual Report for certain risks that could affect the realizability of our remaining net deferred tax assets.
Primarily as a result of cumulative losses arising from significant operating losses incurred during the severe downturn in the telecommunications industry in 2001 and 2002, we had maintained a partial valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets in certain major jurisdictions (namely Canada, the U.S. and France). An important aspect of establishing a valuation allowance against only a portion of our deferred tax assets was the weight assigned to our estimates of future profitability, including a significant sales backlog exceeding $5,000 as at December 31, 2007. In our judgment, estimates of near-, mid- and longer-term future profitability, our ability to carryforward tax losses and investment tax credits, and industry and business circumstances, were sufficient to overcome negative evidence, including cumulative losses, with regard to a portion of the deferred tax assets up to the fourth quarter of 2007. However, in the fourth quarter of 2007, there were a number of events that had a negative effect on the recoverability of our deferred tax assets in Canada and the time period over which we expected to realize the assets. As a result, in the fourth quarter of 2007, we adjusted our net deferred tax asset by
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recording an additional valuation allowance of approximately $1,064. The ultimate realization of our net deferred tax asset is dependent on the generation of future pre-tax income sufficient to realize the underlying tax deductions and credits. Our expectations about future pre-tax income were based on detailed forecasts through 2011, which were based in part on assumptions about market growth rates and cost reduction initiatives. To estimate future pre-tax income beyond 2011, we used a model forecasts based on market growth rates.
Revenue growth rates inherent in that forecast are based on input from internal and external market intelligence research sources that compare factors such as growth in global economies, regional trends in the telecommunications industry and product evolutions from a technological segment basis. Macro economic factors such as changes in economies, product evolutions, industry consolidation and other changes beyond our control could have a positive or negative impact on achieving our targets. There are certain risks to this long range forecast that we considered in our assessment of the valuation allowances. If we do not achieve forecasted results on a jurisdictional basis in the future, an increase to the valuation allowance may be necessary. In recent years, we have performed at a level below previous forecasts and projections.
Significant management judgment is required in determining this valuation allowance. We have recorded a valuation allowance of $5,725 at September 30, 2008 as described earlier in this section. If we establish a strong pattern of earnings in the future and the uncertainty associated with our near-term modeled forecasts of earnings decline, we may conclude that it is more likely than not that we will realize all or a portion of the deferred tax assets currently reserved. This would result in a benefit to income tax expense from the release of all or a portion of the valuation allowance. Depending on the extent of any release of the valuation allowance, we may also be required to begin recording income tax expense based on the applicable jurisdictional tax rate in effect at that time.
The following table provides the breakdown of our net deferred tax assets by significant jurisdiction as of September 30, 2008:
Canada (a)
United States (a)
United Kingdom
France
The jurisdictional analysis below provides further information about the positive and negative evidence we believe is most relevant to each significant jurisdiction, including a discussion of the significant assumptions related to our quarterly assessment and a discussion of the types and magnitude of changes in the factors that might indicate a further adjustment of the net deferred tax asset balance is required.
During a review of our cumulative profits calculations during the fourth quarter of 2007, we identified and corrected certain errors arising from a failure to accurately take into account the impact of transfer pricing allocations as a result of our restatements of prior period financial results, which resulted in additional cumulative losses being applied to Canada of $43 and additional earnings being applied to the U.S. of approximately $300 as of December 31, 2006. We have updated our assessment of the deferred tax assets valuation allowance as at December 31, 2006 and concluded that the identified errors would not have impacted our ultimate conclusions as to the established valuation allowances at that time.
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During the third quarter of 2008, the potential for an expanding global economic downturn has had a negative effect on, and created uncertainty around our near-term modeled forecasts of taxable income. While our mid- to long-term modeled forecast remains positive, significant uncertainty about the global economy during the third quarter of 2008 led us to revise downward our near-term modeled forecasts. To realize the deferred tax assets in Canada, these revisions resulted in a need to rely on an increased proportion of future taxable income generated by later years and an extended forecasting period. However, by their nature, modeled forecasted results become less objective and verifiable the further away they are from the current year. The weight of the cumulative negative evidence, including the uncertainty in near-term taxable income and the history of cumulative losses over the most recent 12 quarters, led us to conclude that a full valuation allowance related to our net deferred tax assets in Canada was required.
In 2002, amidst significant operating and cumulative losses driven by a widespread decline in technology spending, we concluded that it was more likely than not that all of our deferred tax assets would not be realized and as a result, we established a partial valuation allowance. Subsequent to 2002, we had maintained a constant level of net deferred tax asset measured in Canadian Dollars and evaluated the impact of changed circumstances to determine whether a revised measurement of the deferred tax assets was warranted.
As of December 31, 2007, we had operated at a cumulative loss of $358 over the preceding 12 quarters.
During the fourth quarter of 2007, there were a number of events that had a negative effect on the time over which we expected to realize our deferred tax assets, which included a significant tax rate reduction in the fourth quarter of 2007, continued strengthening of the Canadian Dollar relative to the U.S. Dollar and on-going uncertainty related to potential outcomes of our ongoing transfer pricing negotiations. Considering the convergence of these developments and the direction and cumulative weight of previous changes in circumstances (including rate reductions and currency movements), we concluded that a comprehensive re-measurement of the level of deferred tax assets expected to be realized was warranted as of December 31, 2007. As a result, we recorded an additional valuation allowance in the fourth quarter of 2007 of approximately $1,064. At the time, the positive evidence of our financial outlook for taxable income in the near-term, mid-term and long-term and our ability to achieve those modeled forecasts outweighed the negative evidence and we concluded that it was more likely than not that we would be able to realize our remaining net deferred tax asset.
In the third quarter of 2008, we revised downward our near-term modeled forecasts which led to the conclusion, in our judgment, that the available positive evidence no longer outweighed the negative evidence and we have recorded a full valuation allowance against the net deferred tax asset in Canada. These assets are still available for use to offset future taxes payable if and when our operating performance improves. The majority of our gross deferred tax assets at NNL of $2,914 relates to loss and investment tax credit carryforwards that have carryforward periods between 10 and 20 years. However, we can implement a tax planning strategy that would permit the conversion of a significant portion of these losses and investment tax credits into discretionary deductible expenses with an unlimited carryforward period.
Prior to incurring significant losses in 2001 and 2002, which led to the establishment of a valuation allowance against a portion of the deferred tax assets, our U.S. operations had a strong history of earnings. In recent periods, earnings performance has fluctuated between profits and losses; however, as of December 31, 2007 and September 30, 2008, the U.S. had cumulative profits over the prior 12 quarters of $344 and $4, respectively. Based on our revised profit forecasts for 2008, we do not believe that the U.S. will have significant cumulative profits as at December 31, 2008, and may have cumulative losses in some of its future quarters.
Prior to the third quarter of 2008, we were able to rely on the combination of cumulative profits and projections of near and long-term modeled forecasts of taxable income to sustain the net deferred tax asset balance in the
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U.S.; however, circumstances changed in the third quarter of 2008. The decrease in our cumulative profit position in the third quarter of 2008 is considered negative evidence that is objective and verifiable. While our mid- to long-term modeled forecast remains positive, significant uncertainty about the global economy during the third quarter of 2008 led us to revise downward our near-term modeled forecasts. To realize the deferred tax assets in the U.S., these revisions resulted in a need to rely on an increased proportion of future taxable income generated by later years and an extended forecasting period, however, to a lesser extent than Canada. By their nature, modeled forecasted results become less objective and verifiable the further away they are from the current year. Considering the convergence of these developments and the factors discussed above, we concluded that an additional valuation allowance of $816 was warranted in the third quarter of 2008.
While we have recorded an additional valuation allowance in the U.S., these deferred tax assets remain available for future use. The significant majority of our $747 net deferred tax asset in the U.S. relates to loss and credit carryforwards that have a 20 year carryforward period. Over 99% of our research tax credits do not begin to expire until 2018 and none of our operating loss carryforwards begin to expire until 2022.
U.K.
Prior to the third quarter of 2008, we were able to rely on the combination of cumulative profits and our projections of near and long-term modeled forecasts of taxable income to sustain the net deferred tax asset balance in the U.K. We have and continue to provide a valuation allowance against a capital loss in the U.K., as such loss may only offset future capital gains, and we have and continue to provide a valuation allowance against certain losses from a now dormant entity.
Similar to Canada and the U.S., circumstances changed in the third quarter of 2008. While our mid- to long-term modeled forecast remains positive, significant uncertainty about the global economy during the third quarter of 2008 led us to revise downward our near-term modeled forecasts. To realize the deferred tax assets in the U.K., these revisions resulted in a need to rely on an increased proportion of future taxable income generated by later years and an extended forecasting period, however, to a lesser extent than the U.S. and Canada. By their nature, modeled forecasted results become less objective and verifiable the further away they are from the current year. Accordingly, we concluded that an additional valuation allowance of $150 was warranted in the third quarter of 2008.
Our operations in the U.K. have cumulative profits over the most recent 12 quarters and a history of earnings notwithstanding losses from 2001 and 2002 that created the current carryforwards in the U.K.
Our operations in France have operated at a cumulative loss in recent years and over the most recent 12 quarters. As there is currently insufficient positive evidence to support deferred tax assets realization, we have provided a valuation allowance against all of the deferred tax assets in France, with the exception of certain credits and losses that may be redeemed for cash in future years.
Transfer Pricing
We have considered the potential impact on our deferred tax assets that may result from settling our existing applications for an Advance Pricing Arrangements (APA). We have requested that the APA currently under negotiation with authorities in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. apply to the 2001 through 2005 taxation years. This APA is currently being negotiated by the pertinent taxing authorities. We are in the process of negotiating new bilateral APA requests for tax years 2007 through at least 2010, with a request for rollback to 2006 in the U.S. and Canada, following methods generally similar to those under negotiation for 2001 through 2005.
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While preparing the new bilateral APA request, we made some adjustments to the economics of our transfer pricing methodology (TPM). The tax filings for 2006 will be amended to reflect the adjustments to the new TPM and with the exception of NNL, the tax filings for 2007 will include the adjustments to the TPM. The adjustments resulted in decreases to deferred tax assets in the U.K. of $4 and $4 for 2006 and 2007, respectively. In other jurisdictions, changes resulting from adjustments to the new TPM impacted the level of deferred tax assets with an offset to valuation allowance and no impact to tax expense.
In September 2008, the Canadian tax authorities provided the U.S. tax authorities with a supplemental position paper regarding the 2001-2005 APA under negotiation. We have evaluated the supplemental position paper and have adopted it under FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (FIN 48) as the most likely of the possible outcomes. We believe that the supplemental position provides a reallocation of losses between the U.S. and Canada that moves toward a compromise of the reallocation provided in the U.S. Internal Revenue Service position paper. The supplemental position resulted in a decrease of the deferred tax assets in the U.S. of $345 with a corresponding reduction in the valuation allowance, and an increase in deferred tax assets of $378 in Canada with a corresponding increase in the valuation allowance. The U.S. tax authorities have not yet commented on the supplemental position. We expect the Canadian and U.S. tax authorities to meet to discuss the supplemental Canadian position paper in the next few quarters.
We are not a party to the government-to-government APA negotiations, but we do not believe the ultimate result of the negotiations will have an adverse impact on us or any further adverse impact on our deferred tax assets.
The U.K. and Canadian tax authorities are also parties to negotiations with respect to a bilateral APA for 2001-2005. We are uncertain if the U.K will adopt the Canadian tax authority’s supplemental position to the U.S. and Canadian APA negotiations and therefore we have not recorded any adjustments to the deferred tax assets in the U.K.. If adopted, the supplemental position would increase our deferred tax assets in the U.K. by $79. We expect the U.K. and Canadian tax authorities to advance negotiations regarding their 2001-2005 bilateral APA upon conclusion of the U.S. and Canadian 2001-2005 APA negotiations.
The impact of the ongoing government-to-government APA negotiations and ultimate settlement cannot be quantified by us at this time due to the uncertainties inherent in the negotiations between the tax authorities. As such, the ultimate settlement position could have a substantial impact on our transfer pricing methodology for future years. We continue to monitor the progress of the APA negotiations and will analyze the existence of new evidence, when available, as it relates to the APA. We may make adjustments to the valuation allowance assessments, as appropriate, as additional evidence becomes available in future quarters.
Valuation Allowance
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, our gross income tax valuation allowance increased to $5,725 compared to $3,389 as of December 31, 2007. The $2,336 increase was largely comprised of several significant items including $1,103 relating the establishment of a full valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets in Canada, and $816 and $150 relating to increases in the valuation allowances against the deferred tax assets in the U.S. and the U.K. respectively. In addition, $425 of additional valuation allowances were recorded against the tax benefit of current period losses, investment tax credits, transfer pricing adjustments, losses acquired as part of acquisitions during the quarter and adjustments to prior year balances in certain jurisdictions. This is offset by decreases to the valuation allowance of $9 as a result of decreases in the deferred tax assets in conjunction with FIN 48 and the impact of foreign currency translation of $149. We assessed positive evidence including modeled forecasts of future taxable income to support realization of the net deferred tax assets across jurisdictions, and negative evidence including our cumulative loss position, and concluded, after the adjustments discussed above, that the increased valuation allowance as of September 30, 2008 was appropriate.
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Tax Contingencies
We are subject to ongoing examinations by certain taxation authorities of the jurisdictions in which we operate. We regularly assess the status of these examinations and the potential for adverse outcomes to determine the adequacy of our provision for income and other taxes. We believe that we have adequately provided for tax adjustments that we believe are more likely than not to be realized as a result of any ongoing or future examination.
Specifically, the tax authorities in Brazil have completed an examination of prior taxable years and have issued assessments in the amount of $78. We are currently in the process of appealing these assessments and believe that we have adequately provided for tax adjustments that are more likely than not to be realized as a result of the outcome of this ongoing appeals process.
Likewise, the tax authorities in Colombia have issued an assessment relating to the 2002 and 2003 tax years proposing adjustments to increase taxable income resulting in an additional tax liability of $19 inclusive of penalties and interest. At December 31, 2007, we provided an income tax liability for this entire amount. As of September 30, 2008, we provided an income tax liability of $5. The decrease in the tax liability is attributable to a reduction of $17 in the uncertain tax position under FIN 48 as a result of revised information received during the nine months ending September 30, 2008 and is offset by the impact of foreign exchange translation of $3.
In addition, tax authorities in France have issued notices of assessment in respect of the 2001, 2002 and 2003 taxation years. These assessments collectively propose adjustments to increase taxable income of approximately $1,327, additional income tax liabilities of $52, inclusive of interest, as well as certain adjustments to withholding and other taxes of approximately $106 plus applicable interest and penalties. Other than the withholding and other taxes, we have sufficient loss carryforwards to offset the majority of the proposed assessment. However, no amount has been provided for these assessments since we believe that the proposed assessments are without merit, and any potential tax adjustments that could result from these ongoing examinations cannot be quantified at this time. We did not receive a similar assessment from the French tax authorities for the 2004 tax year. In 2006, we discussed settling the audit adjustment without prejudice at the field agent level for the purpose of accelerating the process to either the courts or Competent Authority proceedings under the Canada-France tax treaty. We withdrew from the discussions during the first quarter of 2007 and have entered into Mutual Agreement Procedures (MAP) with the competent authority under the Canada-France tax treaty to settle the dispute and avoid double taxation. We believe we have adequately provided for tax adjustments that are more likely than not to be realized as a result of any ongoing or future examinations.
We had previously entered into APAs with the taxation authorities of the U.S. and Canada in connection with our inter-company transfer pricing and cost sharing arrangements between Canada and the U.S. These arrangements expired in 1999 and 2000. In 2002, we filed APA requests with the taxation authorities of the U.S., Canada and the U.K. that applied to the taxation years 2001 through 2005. The APA requests are currently under consideration and the tax authorities are in the process of negotiating the terms of the arrangement. In September 2008, the Canadian tax authorities provided the U.S. tax authorities with a supplemental position paper regarding the 2001-2005 APA under negotiation. The proposal suggests a material reallocation of losses from the U.S. to Canada. We have not received any indication from the U.S. tax authorities on their views of the supplemental position. We continue to monitor the progress of these negotiations; however, we are not a party to the government-to-government negotiations. It is possible that the ultimate resolution to the negotiations could be a further reallocation of losses from the U.S. to Canada. If an unexpected amount of tax losses are ultimately reallocated when the tax authorities reach agreement on the 2001-2005 APA, and/or if accounting estimates under FIN 48 regarding the new APA transfer pricing methodology result in a similar reallocation, we could have a further adjustment to our deferred tax assets.
The ultimate outcome of the APA is uncertain and ultimate reallocation of losses as they relate to the APA negotiations cannot be determined at this time. There could be a further material shift in historical earnings
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between the above mentioned parties, particularly the U.S. and Canada. If this matter is resolved unfavorably, it could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, we believe it is more likely than not that the ultimate resolution of these negotiations will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In our ongoing assessment of the expected accounting impact of the settlement of the APA, we continue to re-evaluate the level of the adjustment made during 2007 in accordance with FIN 48 to reduce the U.S. gross deferred tax assets and increase the Canadian gross deferred tax assets (with offsetting adjustments to the respective valuations allowances), to reflect our expectation that the more likely than not outcome of the negotiations between the U.S. and Canadian tax authorities related to our 2001-2005 APA would result in a reallocation of tax losses from the U.S. to Canada. We have made such adjustments in this quarter to reflect the reallocation of losses from the U.S. to Canada as suggested in the Canadian tax authority’s supplemental position paper for the 2001-2005 APA. We believe that the supplemental position provides a reallocation of losses between the U.S. and Canada that moves toward a compromise of the reallocation provided in the IRS’ position paper.
The U.K. and Canadian tax authorities are also parties to a bilateral APA for 2001-2005 that is currently under negotiation. We are uncertain if the U.K tax authorities will adopt the Canadian tax authority’s supplemental position paper to the U.S and Canadian APA negotiations and therefore we have not recorded any adjustments to the deferred tax assets in the U.K.. If adopted, the supplemental position would reallocate losses to the U.K. and increase our deferred tax assets in the U.K by $79. We expect the U.K and Canadian tax authorities to advance negotiations regarding their 2001-2005 bilateral APA upon conclusion of the U.S. and Canadian 2001-2005 APA negotiations.
We adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, or FIN 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, on January 1, 2007. The accounting estimates related to the liability for uncertain tax positions requires us to make judgments regarding the sustainability of each uncertain tax position based on its technical merits. If we determine it is more likely than not a tax position will be sustained based on its technical merits, we record the impact of the position in our consolidated financial statements at the largest amount that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. These estimates are updated at each reporting date based on the facts, circumstance and information available. We are also required to assess at each reporting date whether it is reasonably possible that any significant increases or decreases to the unrecognized tax benefits will occur during the next twelve months. See note 7 of the Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding FIN 48. Our liability for uncertain tax positions was $97 as of September 30, 2008.
Actual income tax expense, income tax assets and liabilities could vary from these FIN 48 estimates due to future changes in income tax laws, significant changes in the jurisdictions in which we operate, or unpredicted results from the final assessment of each year’s liability by various taxing authorities. These changes could have a significant impact on our financial position.
Goodwill Valuation
We test goodwill for possible impairment on an annual basis as of October 1 of each year and at any other time if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Circumstances that could trigger an impairment test between annual tests include, but are not limited to:
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The impairment test for goodwill is a two-step process. Step one consists of a comparison of the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. Measurement of the fair value of a reporting unit is based on a fair value measure. We determine the fair value of our reporting units using an income approach; specifically, based on discounted cash flows (DCF Model). A market approach is used as a reasonableness test, but not given any weighting in the final determination of fair value. These approaches involve significant management judgment and as a result are subject to change.
The fair value of each reporting unit is determined using discounted cash flows. A multiple of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of each reporting unit is calculated and compared to market participants to corroborate the results of the calculated fair value EBITDA Multiple Model. We also reconcile the sum of the calculated fair values to its enterprise value, being market capitalization plus the estimated value of debt based on interest rates that would be applicable to purchasers (that is, market participants), adjusted for other items as appropriate under GAAP. Such valuations involve significant assumptions regarding future operating performance. The following are the significant assumptions involved in each approach:
DCF Model: assumptions regarding revenue growth rates, gross margin percentages, projected working capital needs, SG&A expense, R&D expense, capital expenditure, discount rates and terminal growth rates. To determine fair value, we discount the expected cash flows of each reporting unit. The discount rate we use represents the estimated weighted average cost of capital, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk involved in our reporting unit operations and the rate of return an outside investor would expect to earn. To estimate cash flows beyond the final year of our model, we use a terminal value approach. Under this approach, we use the estimated cash flows in the final year of our model, apply a perpetuity growth assumption and discount by a perpetuity discount factor to determine the terminal value. We incorporate the present value of the resulting terminal value into our estimate of fair value.
At September 30, 2008, in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (SFAS 142), we concluded that events had occurred and circumstances had changed that required us to perform an interim period goodwill impairment test for our ES, CN, MEN and GS reporting units. In September 2008, in response to significant pressure resulting from the expanding economic downturn and the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations, we announced a revised full year 2008 outlook and estimated revenues to decline between two and four percent compared to 2007. Furthermore, during the quarter ended September 30, 2008, we experienced a material decline in our market capitalization due primarily to the continued challenging market conditions, particularly in the U.S. The average closing price of NNC common shares on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in the third quarter of 2008 was $5.77 compared to an average of $8.21 in the second quarter of 2008, a decline of approximately 30% and at September 30, 2008, our market capitalization was less than our book value.
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As part of our interim goodwill impairment test we updated our forecasted cash flows for each of our reporting units. This update considered current economic conditions and trends, estimated future operating results, our view of growth rates and anticipated future economic conditions. Revenue growth rates inherent in this forecast are based on input from internal and external market intelligence research sources that compare factors such as growth in global economies, regional trends in the telecommunications industry and product evolutions from a technological segment basis. Macro economic factors such as changes in economies, product evolutions, industry consolidations and other changes beyond our control could have a positive or negative impact on achieving our targets.
The results from step one of the two-step goodwill impairment test of each reporting unit indicated that the estimated fair values of the MEN and ES reporting units were less than the respective carrying values of their net assets and as such we performed step two of the impairment test for these reporting units.
In step two of the impairment test, we estimated the implied fair value of the goodwill of each of these reporting units and compared it to the carrying value of the goodwill for each of the MEN and ES reporting units. Specifically, we allocated the fair value of the MEN and ES reporting units as determined in the first step to their respective recognized and unrecognized net assets, including allocations to identified intangible assets. The allocations of the fair values of the MEN and ES reporting units also require us to make significant estimates and assumptions, including those in determining the fair values of the identified intangible assets. Such intangible assets had fair values substantially in excess of current book values. The resulting implied goodwill for each of these reporting units was nil; accordingly we reduced the goodwill recorded prior to the assessment by $1,142 to write down the goodwill related to MEN and ES to the implied goodwill amount as of September 30, 2008. The $1,142 goodwill impairment charge is our best estimate of the goodwill charge as of September 30, 2008. Any adjustments to the estimated charge resulting from the completion of the measurement of the impairment loss will be recognized in the quarter and year ending December 31, 2008. The allocation discussed above is performed only for purposes of assessing goodwill for impairment; accordingly we did not adjust the net book value of the assets and liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheet other than goodwill as a result of this process.
No impairment losses related to our goodwill were recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007.
In conjunction with our assessment of goodwill for impairment, we re-assessed the remaining useful lives of our long-lived assets and concluded they were appropriate. In addition, prior to the goodwill analysis discussed above, we performed a recoverability test of our long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”. We included cash flow projections from operations along with cash flows associated with the eventual disposition of the long-lived assets, where appropriate. The undiscounted future cash flows of the long-lived assets exceeded their net book value and, as a result, no impairment charge was recorded.
Pension and Post-retirement Benefits
We maintain various pension and post-retirement benefit plans for our employees globally. These plans include significant pension and post-retirement benefit obligations that are calculated based on actuarial valuations. Key assumptions are made at the annual measurement date in determining these obligations and related expenses, including expected rates of return on plan assets and discount rates.
Significant changes in net periodic pension and post-retirement benefit expense may occur in the future due to changes in our key assumptions including expected rate of return on plan assets and discount rate resulting from economic events. In developing these assumptions, we evaluated, among other things, input from our actuaries and matched the plans’ expected benefit payments to spot rates of high quality corporate bond yield curves.
As of our most recent annual measurement date of September 30, 2007, our expected 2008 rate of return on plan assets was 7.1% for defined benefit pension plans, and the discount rate on a weighted-average basis for pension
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expenses as calculated pursuant to SFAS No. 87, “Employers Accounting for Pensions” (SFAS 87) increased from 5.1% in the prior year to 5.8% for the defined benefit pension plans, and from 5.4% to 5.8% for post-retirement benefit plans. We evaluate our expected long-term rates of return on plan assets and discount rates at each measurement date and make adjustments as necessary, which could change our pension and post-retirement obligations and expenses significantly in the future. We expect that if the current economic condition does not improve, it will have a significant negative impact on our asset values as at our December 31, 2008 measurement date, which is likely to affect expenses for fiscal year 2009, and beyond. For a sensitivity analysis of changes in these assumptions, please refer to our 2007 Annual Report—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Pension and Post-retirement Benefits.
At December 31, 2007, we had net actuarial losses, before taxes, included in accumulated other comprehensive income/loss related to the defined benefit plans of $816, which could result in an increase to pension expense in future years depending on several factors, including whether such losses exceed the corridor in accordance with SFAS 87 and whether there is a change in the amortization period. The post-retirement benefit plans had actuarial losses, before taxes, of $16 included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at the end of 2007. Actuarial gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss in excess of the corridor are being recognized over an approximately 11 year period, which represents the weighted-average expected remaining service life of the active employee group. Actuarial gains and losses arise from several factors including experience and assumption changes in the obligations and from the difference between expected returns and actual returns on assets. There were no experience and assumption changes in the first nine months of 2008, as we did not have a triggering event that would require a re-measurement. We expect that the recent economic downturn will result in significant negative actual experience and this will have a significant impact on actuarial gains and losses at our annual measurement date, December 31, 2008.
In the second quarter of 2006, we announced changes to our North American pension and post-retirement plans effective January 1, 2008. We moved employees currently enrolled in our defined benefit pension plans to defined contribution plans. In addition, we eliminated post-retirement healthcare benefits for employees who are not age 50 with five years of service as of July 1, 2006.
Effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008, SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans” (SFAS 158) requires us to measure the funded status of our plans as of the date of our year end statement of financial position. SFAS 158 provides two approaches for an employer to transition to a fiscal year end measurement date. Nortel has adopted the second approach, whereby Nortel continues to use the measurements determined for the December 31, 2007 fiscal year end reporting to estimate the effects of the transition. The adoption has resulted in an a increase in accumulated deficit of $33, net of taxes, and an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income of $5, net of taxes, as of January 1, 2008. For additional information, see “Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in this section of this report, and note 8, “Employee benefit plans”, to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
In 2008, we expect to make cash contributions of approximately $275 to our defined benefit pension plans and approximately $75 to our post-retirement and post-employment benefit plans. In addition, we expect that, if the current economic condition does not improve, actual results may differ from the assumptions and may have a significant negative impact on our asset values at our December 31, 2008 measurement date. As a result, we may be required to make larger contributions in the future. If we are required to make significantly larger contributions to fund the defined benefit plans, reported results could be materially and adversely affected and our cash flow available for other uses may be significantly reduced.
We record provisions for workforce reduction costs and exit costs when they are probable and estimable. Severance paid under ongoing benefit arrangements is recorded in accordance with SFAS No. 112, “Employers’
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Accounting for Post-employment Benefits”. One-time termination benefits and contract settlement and lease costs are recorded in accordance with SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities”.
At each reporting date, we evaluate our accruals related to workforce reduction charges, contract settlement and lease costs and plant and equipment write downs to ensure that these accruals are still appropriate. As of September 30, 2008, we had $84 in accruals related to workforce reduction charges and $195 in accruals related to contract settlement and lease costs, which included significant estimates, primarily related to sublease income over the lease terms and other costs for vacated properties. In certain instances, we may determine that these accruals are no longer required because of efficiencies in carrying out our restructuring work plan. Adjustments to workforce reduction accruals may also be required when employees previously identified for separation do not receive severance payments because they are no longer employed by us or were redeployed due to circumstances not foreseen when the original plan was initiated. In these cases, we reverse any related accrual to earnings when it is determined it is no longer required. Alternatively, in certain circumstances, we may determine that certain accruals are insufficient as new events occur or as additional information is obtained. In these cases, we would increase the applicable existing accrual with the offset recorded against earnings. Increases or decreases to the accruals for changes in estimates are classified within special charges in the statement of operations.
Accounting Changes
Our financial statements are based on the selection and application of accounting policies based on accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. Please see note 2 “Accounting changes” to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for a summary of the accounting changes that we have adopted on or after January 1, 2008. The following summarizes the accounting changes and pronouncements we have adopted in the first nine months of 2008:
The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities: In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (SFAS 159). SFAS 159 allows the irrevocable election of fair value as the initial and subsequent measurement attribute for certain financial assets and liabilities and other items on an instrument-by-instrument basis. Changes in fair value would be reflected in earnings as they occur. The objective of SFAS 159 is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. For us, SFAS 159 is effective as of January 1, 2008. We have elected not to apply the fair value option for any of our eligible financial instruments and other items in the current period.
Fair Value Measurements: In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157), which establishes a single definition of fair value and a framework for measuring fair value and requires expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We partially adopted the provisions of SFAS 157 effective January 1, 2008. For disclosure related to SFAS 157, see note 12, “Fair Value”, to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Fair Value Measurements: In October 2008, the FASB issued FSP 157-3 “Determining Fair Value of a Financial Asset in a Market That Is Not Active” (FSP 157-3). FSP 157-3 clarified the application of SFAS No. 157 in an inactive market. It demonstrated how the fair value of a financial asset is determined when the market for that financial asset is inactive. FSP 157-3 was effective upon issuance,
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including prior periods for which condensed consolidated financial statements had not been issued. We adopted the provisions of SFAS 157-3 effective September 30, 2008.
Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an Amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R): In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an Amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (SFAS 158). Effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006, SFAS 158 requires an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit pension and post-retirement plan (other than a multiemployer plan) as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. We adopted these requirements in fiscal 2006.
Effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008, SFAS 158 requires us to measure the funded status of its plans as of the date of our year end statement of financial position, being December 31. We have historically measured the funded status of our significant plans on September 30. SFAS 158 provides two approaches for an employer to transition to a fiscal year end measurement date. We have adopted the second approach, whereby we continue to use the measurements determined for the December 31, 2007 fiscal year end reporting to estimate the effects of the transition. Under this approach, the net periodic benefit cost for the period between the earlier measurement date, being September 30, and the end of the fiscal year that the measurement date provisions are applied, being December 31, 2008 (exclusive of any curtailment or settlement gain or loss) shall be allocated proportionately between amounts to be recognized as an adjustment to opening accumulated deficit in 2008 and the net periodic benefit cost for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008. The adoption has resulted in an increase in accumulated deficit of $33, net of taxes, and an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income of $5, net of taxes, as of January 1, 2008.
For additional information on our pension and post-retirement plans, see note 8, “Employee benefit plans”, to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157. SFAS 157 establishes a single definition of fair value and a framework for measuring fair value under U.S. GAAP and requires expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We partially adopted the provisions of SFAS 157 effective January 1, 2008. The effective date for SFAS 157 as it relates to fair value measurements for non-financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis has been deferred to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 in accordance with FASB Staff Position (FSP), SFAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (FSP SFAS 157-2). We plan to adopt the deferred portion of SFAS 157 on January 1, 2009. We currently do not expect the adoption of SFAS 157 to have a material impact on our results of operations and financial conditions; however, we will continue to assess the impact as the guidance evolves.
In September 2007, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) reached a consensus on EITF Issue No. 07-1 “Collaborative Arrangements” (EITF 07-1). EITF 07-1 addresses the accounting for arrangements in which two companies work together to achieve a common commercial objective, without forming a separate legal entity. The nature and purpose of a company’s collaborative arrangements are required to be disclosed, along with the accounting policies applied and the classification and amounts for significant financial activities related to the arrangements. We will adopt the provisions of EITF 07-1 on January 1, 2009. The adoption of EITF 07-1 is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, “Business Combinations” (SFAS 141R) replacing SFAS 141, “Business Combinations”. SFAS 141R revises existing accounting guidance for how an acquirer
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recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets, liabilities, any noncontrolling interests, and the goodwill acquired. SFAS 141R is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We plan to adopt the provisions of SFAS 141R on January 1, 2009. The adoption of SFAS 141R will impact the accounting for business combinations completed by us on or after January 1, 2009.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—An Amendment of ARB 51” (SFAS 160). SFAS 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for the treatment of noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary. Noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary will be reported as a component of equity in the consolidated financial statements and any retained noncontrolling equity investment upon deconsolidation of a subsidiary is initially measured at fair value. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We plan to adopt the provisions of SFAS 160 on January 1, 2009. The adoption of SFAS 160 will result in the reclassification of minority interests to shareholders’ equity. We are currently assessing any further impacts of SFAS 160 on our results of operations and financial condition.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—An Amendment of FASB Statement 133” (SFAS 161). SFAS 161 requires expanded and enhanced disclosure for derivative instruments, including those used in hedging activities. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. We plan to adopt the provisions of SFAS 161 on January 1, 2009. We are currently assessing the impact, if any, that SFAS 161 will have on our consolidated financial statement disclosures.
In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP SFAS No. 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (FSP SFAS 142-3). FSP SFAS 142-3 provides guidance with respect to estimating the useful lives of recognized intangible assets and requires additional disclosure related to the renewal or extension of the terms of recognized intangible assets. FSP SFAS 142-3 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008. We plan to adopt the provisions of FSP SFAS 142-3 on January 1, 2009. We are currently assessing the impact of the adoption of FSP SFAS 142-3 on our results of operations and financial condition.
In June 2008, the FASB EITF reached a consensus on EITF Issue No. 07-5, “Determining Whether an Instrument (or Embedded Feature) Is Indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock” (EITF 07-5). EITF 07-5 addresses the determination of whether an equity linked financial instrument (or embedded feature) that has all of the characteristics of a derivative under other authoritative U.S. GAAP accounting literature is indexed to an entity’s own stock and would thus meet the first part of a scope exception from classification and recognition as a derivative instrument. We plan to adopt the provisions of EITF 07-5 on January 1, 2009. We are currently assessing the impact, if any, of the adoption of EITF 07-5 on our results of operations and financial condition.
In September 2008, the FASB issued FSP 133-1 and FIN 45-4, “Disclosures about Credit Derivatives and Certain Guarantees: An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 and FASB Interpretation No. 45; and Clarification of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 161” (FSP 133-1 and FIN 45-4). FSP 133-1 and FIN 45-4 amend and enhance disclosure requirements for sellers of credit derivatives and financial guarantees. They also clarify that the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 161 are effective for quarterly periods beginning after November 15, 2008, and fiscal years that include those periods. FSP 133-1 and FIN 45-4 are effective for reporting periods (annual or interim) ending after November 15, 2008. Our adoption of these standards will not have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
In September 2008, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 08-5, “Issuer’s Accounting for Liabilities Measured at Fair Value With a Third-Party Credit Enhancement” (EITF 08-5). EITF 08-5 provides guidance for measuring liabilities issued with an attached third-party credit enhancement (such as a guarantee). It clarifies that the issuer of a liability with a third-party credit enhancement (such as a guarantee) should not include the effect of the credit enhancement in the fair value measurement of the liability. EITF 08-5 is effective for the first reporting period beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently assessing the impact of EITF 08-5 on our results of operations and financial condition.
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As of October 27, 2008, Nortel had 497,496,792 NNC common shares outstanding.
As of October 27, 2008, 30,273,361 issued and 368,523 assumed stock options were outstanding and 19,934,850 and 368,523, respectively, are exercisable for NNC common shares on a one-for-one basis.
As of October 27, 2008, 5,149,594 restricted stock units and 2,791,710 performance stock units that entitle a holder to receive NNC common shares upon vesting were outstanding. Once vested, each such restricted stock unit entitles the holder to receive one NNC common share from treasury. The number of NNC common shares to be issued for vested performance stock units can range from 0% to 200% of the number of performance stock units granted, subject to determination of the percentage of target payout, if any, based on the level of achievement of the performance criteria. Based on the foregoing, a maximum of 5,583,420 NNC common shares may be issued to satisfy outstanding performance stock units. Additional restricted stock units and performance stock units are outstanding that, when vested, are to be settled in cash instead of NNC common shares due to country-specific rules and regulations.
In 2001, Nortel issued $1,800 of 4.25% Notes due 2008. The 4.25% Notes due 2008 were convertible, at any time, by holders into NNC common shares, at a conversion price of $100 per common share. On September 28, 2007, we redeemed at par value $1,125, plus accrued and unpaid interest, of the 4.25% Notes due 2008. As of December 31, 2007 there remained $675 outstanding principal amount of the 4.25% Notes due 2008. On June 16, 2008, the balance remaining on the 4.25% Notes due 2008, plus accrued and unpaid interest, was repaid in full using the net proceeds of the 2016 Fixed Rates Notes issued May 2008, plus available cash.
In 2007, Nortel issued $1,150 of Convertible Notes in two equal tranches of 2012 Convertible Notes and 2014 Convertible Notes. The 2012 Convertible Notes and 2014 Convertible Notes are convertible, at any time, by holders into NNC common shares at a conversion price of $32.00 per common share.
Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our condensed consolidated financial statements through adverse changes in financial market prices and rates. Our market risk exposure results primarily from fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates. Disclosure of market risk is contained in the Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk section of this report.
We are exposed to liabilities and compliance costs arising from our past generation, management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes. As of September 30, 2008, the accruals on the consolidated balance sheet for environmental matters were $18. Based on information available as of September 30, 2008, management believes that the existing accruals are sufficient to satisfy probable and reasonably estimable environmental liabilities related to known environmental matters. Any additional liabilities that may result from these matters, and any additional liabilities that may result in connection with other locations currently under investigation, are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
We have remedial activities under way at 12 sites that are either currently or previously owned or occupied facilities. An estimate of our anticipated remediation costs associated with all such sites, to the extent probable and reasonably estimable, is included in the environmental accruals referred to above.
We are also listed as a potentially responsible party under the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) at four Superfund sites in the U.S. (At three of the Superfund sites,
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we are considered a de minimis potentially responsible party). A potentially responsible party within the meaning of CERCLA is generally considered to be a major contributor to the total hazardous waste at a Superfund site (typically 1% or more, depending on the circumstances). A de minimis potentially responsible party is generally considered to have contributed less than 1% (depending on the circumstances) of the total hazardous waste at a Superfund site. An estimate of our share of the anticipated remediation costs associated with such Superfund sites is expected to be de minimis and is included in the environmental accruals referred to above.
Liability under CERCLA may be imposed on a joint and several basis, without regard to the extent of our involvement. In addition, the accuracy of our estimate of environmental liability is affected by several uncertainties such as additional requirements which may be identified in connection with remedial activities, the complexity and evolution of environmental laws and regulations, and the identification of presently unknown remediation requirements. Consequently, our liability could be greater than its current estimate.
For additional information related to our legal proceedings, see the Legal Proceedings section of this report.
Certain statements in this report may contain words such as “could”, “expects”, “may”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “targets”, “envisions”, “seeks” and other similar language and are considered forward-looking statements or information under applicable securities laws. These statements are based on our current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the operating environment, economies and markets in which we operate. These statements are subject to important assumptions, risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and the actual outcome may be materially different. We have made various assumptions in the preparation of any forward-looking statement in this report, including the following company-specific assumptions: successful development, delivery and acceptance of new software releases required for completion of several large projects; no significant impact to our business as a result of the November 10, 2008 announcements; no further negative impact to our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity arising from our prior restatements of our financial results; increase in sales in 2008 over 2007 to our enterprise customers and wireless service provider customers in the Asia Pacific region as a result of our joint venture with LG Electronics Inc.; improvement in our product costs due to favorable supplier pricing, partially offset by higher costs associated with customer deployments in emerging markets; no tightening of payment terms by our suppliers; no deterioration in the ability of our customers to pay amounts due to us; cost reductions resulting from the 2008 and 2007 restructuring plans and other cost reduction plans; increased employee costs relative to expected cost of living adjustments and employee compensation; employee attrition rates to continue at the typical rates for our industry; and the effective execution of our strategy, including the execution of our supply chain strategy and the implementation of its Business Transformation initiatives in 2008. We have also made certain macroeconomic and general industry assumptions in the preparation of our forward looking statements including: no significant impact as a result of continuing deterioration of the global economic conditions and credit, equity and financial markets; global service provider capital expenditures in 2008 reflecting low single digit growth and key North American service provider capital spending to not decrease any further from our current expectations; a moderate impact as a result of expected industry consolidation among service providers in various geographic regions, particularly in North America and EMEA; and no unfavourable impacts from changes in the average actual foreign exchange rates in the previous quarter for the Canadian Dollar, Euro, British Pound and Korean Won against the U.S. Dollar. The above assumptions, although considered reasonable by us at the date of this report, may prove to be inaccurate and consequently our actual results could differ materially from the expectations set out herein.
Actual results or events could differ materially from those contemplated in forward-looking statements as a result of the following (i) risks and uncertainties relating to our business including: the sustained and expanding
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economic downturn and deteriorating market conditions and resulting negative impact on our business, results of operations and financial position and our ability to accurately forecast our results and cash position; the implementation and success of our revised operating model and continuing comprehensive review of our business; ability to divest the MEN business; significant competition, competitive pricing practices, cautious capital spending by customers as a result of factors including current economic uncertainties, industry consolidation, rapidly changing technologies, evolving industry standards, frequent new product introductions and short product life cycles, and other trends and industry characteristics affecting the telecommunications industry; any material, adverse affects on our performance if our expectations regarding market demand for particular products prove to be wrong; the sufficiency of recently announced restructuring actions and further restructuring and cost reduction initiatives; any negative developments associated with our suppliers and contract manufacturers including our reliance on certain suppliers for key optical networking solutions components and on one supplier for most of our manufacturing and design functions, potential penalties, damages or cancelled customer contracts from failure to meet contractual obligations including delivery and installation deadlines and any defects or errors in our current or planned products; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; potential higher operational and financial risks associated with our efforts to expand internationally; potential additional valuation allowances for all or a portion of our deferred tax assets if market conditions continue to deteriorate or future results of operations are less than expected; a failure to protect our intellectual property rights, or any adverse judgments or settlements arising out of disputes regarding intellectual property; failure to maintain integrity of our information systems; changes in regulation of the Internet or other regulatory changes; any failure to successfully operate or integrate strategic acquisitions, or failure to consummate or succeed with strategic alliances; our potential inability to attract or retain the personnel necessary to achieve our business objectives or to maintain an effective risk management strategy; (ii) risks and uncertainties relating to our liquidity, financing arrangements and capital including: any negative effect on our liquidity resulting from the sustained and expanding economic downturn and volatility in the financial, foreign exchange and credit markets and from the announcements in this press release; any inability to manage cash flow fluctuations to fund working capital requirements or achieve our business objectives in a timely manner or obtain additional sources of funding; high levels of debt; limitations on our capitalizing on business opportunities because of senior notes covenants, or on issuing new secured or unsecured debt pursuant to the provisions of indentures governing certain of our public debt issues; our below investment grade credit rating and risk of a further downgrade and potential impact on the EDC support facility; any increase of restricted cash requirements for us, if we are unable to secure alternative support for obligations arising from certain normal course business activities; any inability of our subsidiaries to provide us with sufficient funding and any limitation of regional and other factors on our ability to freely deploy our cash resources throughout the company; any need to make larger defined benefit plan contributions in the future or exposure to customer credit risks or inability of customers to fulfill payment obligations under customer financing arrangements; or any negative impact on our ability to make future acquisitions, raise capital, maintain the listing of any of our securities on a stock exchange, issue debt and retain employees arising from stock price volatility and any declines in the market price of our publicly traded securities; and (iii) risks and uncertainties relating to our prior restatements and related matters including: potential legal judgments, fines, penalties or settlements related to the ongoing criminal investigation of Nortel in the U.S.; or any significant pending or future civil litigation actions not encompassed by our class action settlement. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K and other securities filings with the SEC. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, we disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our consolidated financial statements through adverse changes in financial market prices and rates. Our market risk exposure results primarily from fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates. To manage the risk from these fluctuations, we enter into various derivative-hedging transactions in accordance with our policies and procedures. We maintain risk management control systems to monitor market risks and counterparty risks. These systems rely on analytical techniques including both sensitivity analysis and value-at-risk estimations. We do not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. While, as of September 30, 2008, we have no material changes to report regarding our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk as stated in our 2007 Annual Report, our 2008 First Quarter Report or our 2008 Second Quarter Report, we are continually monitoring current financial market conditions. See “Executive Overview; Our Business and Strategy” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in the MD&A section of this report.
We manage foreign exchange exposures using forward and option contracts to hedge sale and purchase commitments. Our most significant foreign exchange exposures are in the Canadian Dollar, the British Pound and the Euro. We enter into U.S. to Canadian Dollar forward and option contracts intended to hedge the U.S. to Canadian Dollar exposure on future revenues and expenditure streams. In accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (SFAS 133), gains and losses on the effective portion of these contracts are recognized in earnings when the hedged transaction occurs. As of September 30, 2008, none of the cash flow hedges we have entered into have met the criteria for hedge accounting, and those hedges are therefore considered non-designated hedging strategies in accordance with SFAS 133. As such, any gains and losses related to these contracts are recognized in earnings immediately.
We expect to continue to expand our business globally and, as such, expect that an increasing proportion of our business may be denominated in currencies other than U.S. Dollars. As a result, fluctuations in foreign currencies may have a material impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We try to minimize the impact of such currency fluctuations through our ongoing commercial practices and by attempting to hedge our major currency exposures. In attempting to manage this foreign exchange risk, we identify operations and transactions that may have exposure based upon the excess or deficiency of foreign currency receipts over foreign currency expenditures. Given our exposure to international markets, we regularly monitor all of our material foreign currency exposures. Our significant currency flows for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 were in U.S. Dollars, Canadian Dollars, British Pounds and Euros. We cannot predict whether we will incur foreign exchange gains or losses in the future. However, if significant foreign exchange losses are experienced, they could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Our debt is subject to changes in fair value resulting from changes in market interest rates. We have hedged a portion of this exposure to interest rate volatility using fixed for floating interest rate swaps on the $550 of senior fixed rate notes due 2013 issued by NNL in July 2006 (2013 Fixed Rate Notes). As the swaps for the 2013 Fixed Rate Notes have passed the hedge effectiveness designation criteria in accordance with SFAS 133, the change in fair value of the swaps is recognized in earnings with offsetting amounts related to the change in the fair value of the hedged debt attributable to interest rate changes. Any ineffective portion of the swaps would be recognized in earnings immediately.
We use sensitivity analysis to measure our foreign exchange and interest rate risk. The sensitivity analysis includes cash, foreign exchange derivatives, outstanding debt instruments held in currencies other than U.S. Dollars, and outstanding floating rate long-term debt and any outstanding instruments that convert fixed rate long-term debt to floating rate long-term debt. There have been no significant changes to our market risk during the third quarter of 2008.
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Equity Price Risk
The values of our equity investments in several publicly traded companies are subject to market price volatility. These investments are generally in companies in the technology industry sector and are classified as available for sale. We typically do not attempt to reduce or eliminate the market exposure on these investment securities. We also hold certain derivative instruments or warrants that are subject to market price volatility because their value is based on the common share price of a publicly traded company. These derivative instruments are generally acquired in connection with OEM arrangements with strategic partners, or through business acquisitions or divestitures.
Management Conclusions Concerning Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the CEO and CFO (Mike S. Zafirovski and Paviter S. Binning, respectively), pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2008. Based on this evaluation, management, including the CEO and CFO, have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2008 were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required and that it is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is intended to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the Board of Directors; and
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2008, no changes occurred in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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Global Class Action Settlement: We entered into agreements to settle two significant U.S. and all but one Canadian class action lawsuits, or the Global Class Action Settlement, which became effective on March 20, 2007 following approval of the agreements by the appropriate courts. Administration of the settlement claims is now substantially complete. Approximately 4% of the settlement shares were issued to certain plaintiffs’ counsel in the first quarter of 2007. Almost all of the remaining settlement shares were distributed in the second quarter of 2008 to claimants and plaintiffs’ counsel as approved by the courts. The cash portion of the settlement that was placed in escrow in 2006 has been distributed by the claims administrator to all of the approved claimants, net of an amount held in reserve by the claims administrator to cover contingencies and certain settlement costs.
Other than referenced above, there have been no material developments in our material legal proceedings as previously reported in our 2007 Annual Report, 2008 First Quarter Report and 2008 Second Quarter Report. For additional discussion of our material legal proceedings, see “Contingencies” in note 17 of the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contain words such as “could”, “expect”, “may”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend”, “estimate”, “plan”, “envision”, “seek” and other similar language and are considered forward-looking statements or information. These statements are based on our current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the operating environment, economies and markets in which we operate. In addition, other written or oral statements which are considered forward looking may be made by us or others on our behalf. These statements are subject to important risks, uncertainties and assumptions, that are difficult to predict and the actual outcome may be materially different. In particular, the risks described below could cause actual events to differ materially from those contemplated in forward-looking statements. Unless required by applicable securities laws, we disclaim any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” sections in our 2007 Annual Report, 2008 First Quarter Report and 2008 Second Quarter Report, which could materially affect our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. The risks described in our 2007 Annual Report, 2008 First Quarter Report and 2008 Second Quarter Report are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity. The risks described in our 2007 Annual Report, 2008 First Quarter Report and 2008 Second Quarter Report have not materially changed other than as set forth below:
We have added the following two risk factors:
The sustained and expanding financial crisis and economic downturn could continue to have a negative impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition, and our ability to accurately forecast our results, and it may cause a number of the risks that we currently face to increase in likelihood, magnitude and duration.
We continue to experience significant pressure on our business and deterioration of our cash and liquidity as customers across all our businesses, in particular in North America, respond to increasingly deteriorating macroeconomic and industry conditions and uncertainty by delaying and reducing their capital expenditures. The extreme volatility in the financial, foreign exchange, equity and credit markets globally has compounded the
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situation. With this sustained and expanding economic downturn, we expect that we will continue to experience significant pressure on a number of fronts. The impact of these events on us going forward will depend on a number of factors, including the duration and severity of these events, including whether the U.S., Canadian and global economies enter into a prolonged recession, and whether the recovery period is brief or prolonged. As a result, we may face new risks as yet unidentified, and a number of risks that we ordinarily face and that are further disclosed in the MD&A section of this report may increase in likelihood, magnitude and duration. These include but are not limited to deferrals or reductions of customer orders, potential deterioration of our customers’ ability to pay, losses or impairment charges, reduced revenue, further deterioration in our cash balances, and liquidity due to foreign exchange impacts, increased pension funding obligations, and an inability to access our capital markets. The financial crisis and economic downturn are also adversely impacting our ability to accurately forecast our performance, results or cash position.
Continuing or increasing pressure on our business, cash and liquidity could materially and adversely affect our ability to fund and restructure our business operations, react to and withstand the current sustained and expanding economic downturn as well as the extraordinarily volatile and uncertain market and industry conditions. Additional sources of funds may not be available.
Our primary source of liquidity is our cash balance. In the third quarter of 2008, we reported a significant cash outflow and we expect to experience cash outflow in the coming quarters with some regional variances, in particular a greater risk of cash outflow in North America, due to significant pressure on our business and deterioration of our cash and liquidity, compounded by the extreme volatility in the financial, foreign exchange, equity and credit markets globally. Our ability to reduce cash outflow from operations in the near term will depend upon our ability to generate profitable revenue streams. Customers across all our businesses, in particular in North America, have responded to increasingly worsening macroeconomic and industry conditions and uncertainty by delaying and reducing their capital expenditures. Customer orders as well as normal seasonality trends have been and may continue to be impacted by ongoing extreme volatility across global financial markets. These factors are impacting on our ability to accurately forecast our performance, results and cash position.
We also expect to continue to make significant cash payments related to our restructuring programs, debt servicing costs and funding requirements under our pensions plans, which could increase as a result of a significant decline in the value of plan assets due to adverse conditions in the financial and equity markets globally. If we elect, or are required, to increase contributions to fund our pension plans, our available cash for other purposes will be reduced.
In addition, more than half of our consolidated cash position as of September 30, 2008 was located outside of North America. While historically our cash resources have been generally available to fund our global cash requirements, regional conditions may limit our future ability to freely deploy our cash throughout the corporate group, thereby placing greater pressure and reliance on regional cash balances and cash generation capacity. Furthermore, a portion of our cash and cash equivalents relates to the aggregate cash balances in certain joint ventures or other majority owned subsidiaries, of which the full amount is consolidated under GAAP in our reported cash balance. We would only receive our proportionate share of that cash if such an entity were to pay a dividend or other cash distribution.
Access to additional funds from liquidity-generating transactions or other sources of external financing may not be available to us and, if available, would be subject to market conditions and certain limitations including our and NNL’s credit ratings and covenant restrictions in our indentures. Any downgrade of our credit ratings by S&P or Moody’s could further restrict our ability to access additional capital (see our “Our credit ratings are below investment grade....” below) A further downgrade could also affect the price of our publicly traded securities and the terms under which our customers and suppliers would be willing to continue to do business with us.
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These factors, some of which are beyond our control, may adversely impact our ability to fund our business model, including our cash expenditures, meet our customer commitments in the future and react to the current extraordinarily volatile and uncertain market and industry conditions. Our ability to generate profitable revenue streams is largely subject to the implementation and success of our revised operating model and cost reduction initiatives, and the continuing impact of the economic and financial market conditions on our customers and in particular on their purchasing decisions. We cannot provide any assurance that our net cash requirements will be as we currently expect and the successful execution of our restructuring plans and other cost reduction activities will continue to require significant cash outflows. The adequacy and success of these measures cannot be assured and additional measures may need to be considered or implemented as circumstances warrant.
In addition, we have revised the following risk factors that were previously described in our 2007 Annual Report, as set forth below:
The closing market price of NNC common shares has recently declined. If the average closing price of NNC common shares declines to less than US$1.00 for 30 consecutive trading days, the NNC common shares could be delisted from the NYSE or trading could be suspended.
A continued decline in the closing price of NNC common shares on the NYSE could result in a breach of the continued listing requirements of the NYSE, which could cause the NYSE to commence suspension or delisting procedures in respect of NNC common shares. The commencement of suspension or delisting procedures by an exchange remains, at all times, at the discretion of such exchange and would be publicly announced by the exchange. If a suspension or delisting were to occur, there would be significantly less liquidity in the suspended or delisted securities. In addition, our ability to raise additional necessary capital through equity or debt financing, and attract and retain personnel by means of equity compensation, would be greatly impaired. Furthermore, with respect to any suspended or delisted securities, we would expect decreases in institutional and other investor demand, analyst coverage, market making activity and information available concerning trading prices and volume, and fewer broker-dealers would be willing to execute trades with respect to such securities. A suspension or delisting would likely decrease the attractiveness of those securities to investors and cause the trading volume of those securities to decline, which could result in a decline in the market price of such securities.
Our credit ratings are below investment grade, which adversely affects our liquidity. Any further downgrade of our credit ratings could exacerbate this effect and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
NNL’s long-term corporate credit rating from Moody’s is currently “B3” and its preferred share rating is “Caa1” and from S&P, it is currently “B–” and its preferred share rating is “CCC–”. In September 2008, S&P revised its outlook on NNL from positive to stable, and Moody’s revised its outlook from stable to negative. These ratings are below investment grade. These ratings and our current credit condition affect, among other things, our ability to raise debt, access the commercial paper market (which is currently closed to us), engage in alternative financing arrangements, obtain bank financings and our ability and the cost to sell or securitize receivables, obtain customer bid, performance-related and other bonds and contracts and/or enter into normal course derivative or hedging transactions. Our credit ratings also affect the terms under which some customers and suppliers are willing to continue to do business with us and the price of our publicly traded securities. These effects would be exacerbated by any further lowering of our credit ratings. In addition, a downgrade in our credit ratings would provide EDC the option, absent a waiver, to suspend or terminate the EDC Support Facility, in which case we may need to use cash collateral to support our future bonding needs (although existing amounts under the facility would not be affected). Accordingly, if our credit ratings are lowered or rating agencies issue adverse commentaries in the future, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
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We may need to make larger contributions to our defined benefit plans in the future, which could have a material adverse impact on our liquidity and our ability to meet our other obligations.
We currently maintain various defined benefit plans in North America and the U.K. covering various categories of employees and retirees, which represent our major retirement plans. In addition, we have smaller retirement plans in other countries. Effective January 1, 2008, accrual for service will no longer continue under our North American defined benefit plans. In November 2006, we reached an agreement with the Trustee of our pension plan in the U.K. that had set the levels of contribution through April 2012. Our obligations to make contributions to fund benefit obligations under these plans are based on actuarial valuations, which themselves are based on certain assumptions about the long-term operation of the plans, including employee turnover and retirement rates, the performance of the financial markets and interest rates. If future trends differ from the assumptions, the amounts we are obligated to contribute to the plans may increase. If the financial markets perform lower than the assumptions, we may have to make larger contributions in the future than we would otherwise have to make and expenses related to defined benefit plans could increase. Also, if interest rates are lower in the future than we assume they will be, we may be required to make larger contributions than we would otherwise have to make.
In the third quarter of 2008, we experienced a significant decline in the value of the assets held in our pension plans due to the adverse conditions in the equity markets globally. In addition, we expect that, if the current economic condition does not improve, actual results may differ from the assumptions and may have a significant negative impact on our asset values at our December 31, 2008 measurement date. As a result, we may be required to make larger contributions to our defined benefit plans in the future. If we are required to make significantly larger contributions, reported results could be materially and adversely affected and our cash flow available for other uses may be significantly reduced.
Nortel Networks/BCE Stock Option Plans: During the third quarter of 2008, we issued an aggregate of 14,205 NNC common shares upon the exercise of options granted under the Nortel Networks/BCE 1985 Stock Option Plan and the Nortel Networks/BCE 1999 Stock Option Plan. The NNC common shares issued on the exercise of these options were issued outside of the U.S. to BCE Inc., or BCE, employees who were not U.S. persons at the time of option exercise, or to BCE in connection with options that expired unexercised or were forfeited. The NNC common shares issued are deemed to be exempt from registration pursuant to Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. All funds we receive in connection with the exercise of stock options granted under the two Nortel Networks/BCE stock option plans are transferred in full to BCE pursuant to the terms of the May 1, 2000 plan of arrangement whereby we were spun off from BCE, except for nominal amounts we receive to round up fractional entitlements into whole shares. We keep these nominal amounts and use them for general corporate purposes.
Date of Exercise
July 24, 2008
August 28, 2008
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Directors’ Deferred Share Compensation Plans: The following table sets forth the total number of Nortel Networks Corporation/Nortel Networks Limited share units, or NNC/NNL share units, credited to accounts of our and NNL’s directors, in lieu of cash fees, under the Nortel Networks Corporation Directors’ Deferred Share Compensation Plan and the Nortel Networks Limited Directors’ Deferred Share Compensation Plan, or the DSC Plans, during the third quarter of 2008. These transactions are exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(2) thereof.
Date of Grant
September 30, 2008
Global Class Action Settlement: In connection with the Global Class Action Settlement, in 2007, we issued 2,646,967 NNC common shares, of the total 62,866,775 NNC common shares to be issued in accordance with the terms of the settlement. As of September 30, 2008, almost all of the NNC common shares issuable in accordance with the settlement had been distributed. The issuance of the 62,866,775 NNC common shares is exempt from registration pursuant to Section 3(a)(10) of the Securities Act. For additional discussion of the Global Class Action Settlement, see “Contingencies” in note 17 of the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC, we have filed certain agreements as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. These agreements may contain representations and warranties by the parties. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other party or parties to such agreements and (i) may have been qualified by disclosures made to such other party or parties, (ii) were made only as of the date of such agreements or such other date(s) as may be specified in such agreements and are subject to more recent developments, which may not be fully reflected in our public disclosure, (iii) may reflect the allocation of risk among the parties to such agreements and (iv) may apply materiality standards different from what may be viewed as material to investors. Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe our actual state of affairs at the date hereof and should not be relied upon.
Exhibit
No.
Description
10.1
31.1
31.2
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
(Registrant)
PAVITER S. BINNING
Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer
PAUL W. KARR
Controller
Date: November 10, 2008
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