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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015

or

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

For the transition period from              to              

Commission file number: 001-34630

ASPEN TECHNOLOGY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(781) 221-6400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days:   Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   Yes x No o

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.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act): Yes o No x

As of October 22, 2015, there were 83,285,474 shares of the registrant’s common stock (par value $0.10 per share) outstanding.

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ASPENONE is one of our registered trademarks. All other trade names, trademarks and service marks appearing in this Form 10-Q are the property of their respective owners.

Our fiscal year ends on June 30, and references to a specific fiscal year are to the twelve months ended June 30 of such year (for example, “fiscal 2016” refers to the year ending June 30, 2016).

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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.    Financial Statements.

Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

ASPEN TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

See accompanying Notes to these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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ASPEN TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

See accompanying Notes to these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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ASPEN TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

See accompanying Notes to these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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ASPEN TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

See accompanying Notes to these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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ASPEN TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  Interim Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

The accompanying interim unaudited consolidated financial statements of Aspen Technology, Inc. and its subsidiaries have been prepared on the same basis as our annual consolidated financial statements.  We have omitted certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in our annual consolidated financial statements.  Such interim unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), as defined in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 270, Interim Reporting, for interim financial information and with the instructions to Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  It is suggested that these unaudited consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2015, which are contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as previously filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows at the dates and for the periods presented have been included and all intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the subsequent quarter or for the full fiscal year.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Unless the context requires otherwise, references to we, our and us refer to Aspen Technology, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Reclassifications

Certain line items in prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to currently reported presentations.

2.  Significant Accounting Policies

(a)         Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Aspen Technology, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

(b)         Revenue Recognition

Transition to the aspenONE Licensing Model

Prior to fiscal 2010, we offered term or perpetual licenses to specific products, or specifically defined sets of products, which we refer to as point products. The majority of our license revenue was recognized under an “upfront revenue model,” in which the net present value of the aggregate license fees was recognized as revenue upon shipment of the point products. Customers typically received one year of post-contract software maintenance and support, or SMS, with their license agreements and then could elect to renew SMS annually. Revenue from SMS was recognized ratably over the period in which the SMS was delivered.

In fiscal 2010, we introduced the following changes to our licensing model:

(i)             We began offering our software on a subscription basis, allowing our customers access to all products within a licensed suite (aspenONE Engineering or aspenONE Manufacturing and Supply Chain). SMS is included for the entire term of the arrangement and customers are entitled to any software products or updates introduced into the licensed suite. We refer to this license arrangement as our aspenONE licensing model.

(ii)          We began to include SMS for the entire term on our point product term arrangements.

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In fiscal 2012, we introduced Premier Plus SMS. As part of this offering, customers receive 24x7 support, faster response times, dedicated technical advocates and access to web-based training modules.  Premier Plus SMS is exclusively available as a component of our term contract arrangements and we are unable to establish VSOE for this deliverable because we don’t offer it on a stand-alone basis.

Revenue related to our aspenONE licensing model and point product arrangements with Premier Plus SMS are both recognized over the term of the arrangement on a ratable basis. The changes to our licensing model resulted in a significant reduction to license revenue in fiscal 2010, as compared to fiscal periods preceding our licensing model changes.  From fiscal 2010 through fiscal 2015, as customer license arrangements previously executed under the upfront revenue model reached the end of their terms, and were renewed under the aspenONE licensing model, we recognized increasing amounts of subscription revenue and deferred revenue.  The value of our installed base of software licenses was also growing during this period which further contributed to growth in subscription and deferred revenue.  Many of our license arrangements were five or six years in duration when the aspenONE licensing model was introduced at the start of fiscal 2010, and consequently, a number of arrangements executed under the upfront revenue model did not reach the end of their original term until the end of fiscal 2015.  For fiscal 2016 and beyond, we do not expect the changes to our licensing model to have a material impact on subscription revenue or deferred revenue.

The changes to our licensing model introduced in fiscal 2010 did not change the method or timing of customer billings or cash collections. In addition, the changes to our licensing model did not impact the incurrence or timing of our expenses.  Since there was no corresponding expense reduction to offset the lower revenue during fiscal years 2010-2015, operating income was lower than what would have been reported under a fully transitioned revenue model.

Revenue Recognition

We generate revenue from the following sources: (1) licensing software products; (2) providing SMS and training; and (3) providing professional services. We sell our software products to end users primarily under fixed-term licenses and perpetual licenses. As a standard business practice, we offer extended payment term options for our fixed-term license arrangements, which are generally payable on an annual basis. Certain of our fixed-term license agreements include product mixing rights that allow customers the flexibility to change or alternate the use of multiple products included in the license arrangement after those products are delivered to the customer. We refer to these arrangements as token arrangements. Tokens are fixed units of measure. The amount of software usage is limited by the number of tokens purchased by the customer.

Four basic criteria must be satisfied before software license revenue can be recognized: persuasive evidence of an arrangement between us and an end user; delivery of our product has occurred; the fee for the product is fixed or determinable; and collection of the fee is probable.

Persuasive evidence of an arrangement—We use a signed contract as evidence of an arrangement for software licenses and SMS. For professional services we use a signed contract and a work proposal to evidence an arrangement. In cases where both a signed contract and a purchase order are required by the customer, we consider both taken together as evidence of the arrangement.

Delivery of our product—Software and the corresponding access keys are generally delivered to customers via disk media with standard shipping terms of Free Carrier, our warehouse (i.e., FCA, named place). Our software license agreements do not contain conditions for acceptance.

Fee is fixed or determinable—We assess whether a fee is fixed or determinable at the outset of the arrangement. Significant judgment is involved in making this assessment.

Under our upfront revenue model, we are able to demonstrate that the fees are fixed or determinable for all arrangements, including those for our term licenses that contain extended payment terms. We have an established history of collecting under the terms of these contracts without providing concessions to customers. In addition, we also assess whether a contract modification to an existing term arrangement constitutes a concession. In making this assessment, significant analysis is performed to ensure that no concessions are given. Our software license agreements do not include a right of return or exchange. For license arrangements executed under the upfront revenue model, we recognize license revenue upon delivery of the software product, provided all other revenue recognition requirements are met.

We cannot assert that the fees under our aspenONE licensing model and point product arrangements with Premier Plus SMS are fixed or determinable because the rights provided to customers, and the economics of the arrangements, are not comparable to our

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transactions with other customers under the upfront revenue model. As a result, the amount of revenue recognized for these arrangements is limited by the amount of customer payments that become due.

Collection of fee is probable—We assess the probability of collecting from each customer at the outset of the arrangement based on a number of factors, including the customer’s payment history, its current creditworthiness, economic conditions in the customer’s industry and geographic location, and general economic conditions. If in our judgment collection of a fee is not probable, revenue is recognized as cash is collected, provided all other conditions for revenue recognition have been met.

Vendor-Specific Objective Evidence of Fair Value

We have established VSOE for certain SMS offerings, professional services, and training, but not for our software products or our Premier Plus SMS offering. We assess VSOE for SMS, professional services, and training, based on an analysis of standalone sales of the offerings using the bell-shaped curve approach. We do not have a history of selling our Premier Plus SMS offering to customers on a standalone basis, and as a result are unable to establish VSOE for this deliverable. As of July 1, 2014, we are no longer able to establish VSOE for legacy SMS offerings sold with our perpetual license arrangements. As a result, all perpetual license agreements that include legacy SMS entered into subsequent to June 30, 2014 will be recognized ratably over the legacy SMS service period. Loss of VSOE on legacy SMS offerings sold with our perpetual license arrangements did not have a material impact on our revenue in fiscal 2015 and is not expected to have a material impact on our revenue in future periods.

We allocate the arrangement consideration among the elements included in our multi-element arrangements using the residual method. Under the residual method, the VSOE of the undelivered elements is deferred and the remaining portion of the arrangement fee is recognized as revenue upon delivery of the software, assuming all other revenue recognition criteria are met. If VSOE does not exist for an undelivered element in an arrangement, revenue is deferred until such evidence does exist for the undelivered elements, or until all elements are delivered, whichever is earlier. Under the upfront revenue model, the residual license fee is recognized upon delivery of the software provided all other revenue recognition criteria were met.

Subscription and Software Revenue

Subscription and software revenue consists of product and related revenue from our (i) aspenONE licensing model; (ii) point product arrangements with our Premier Plus SMS offering included for the contract term; (iii) legacy arrangements including (a) amendments to existing legacy term arrangements, (b) renewals of legacy term arrangements and (c) legacy arrangements that are being recognized over time as a result of not previously meeting one or more of the requirements for recognition under the upfront revenue model; (iv) legacy SMS arrangements; and (v) perpetual arrangements.

When a customer elects to license our products under our aspenONE licensing model, our Premier Plus SMS offering is included for the entire term of the arrangement and the customer receives, for the term of the arrangement, the right to any new unspecified future software products and updates that may be introduced into the licensed aspenONE software suite. Due to our obligation to provide unspecified future software products and updates, we are required to recognize revenue ratably over the term of the arrangement, once the other revenue recognition criteria noted above have been met.

Our point product arrangements with Premier Plus SMS include SMS for the term of the arrangement. Since we do not have VSOE for our Premier Plus SMS offering, the SMS element of our point product arrangements is not separable. As a result, revenue associated with point product arrangements with Premier Plus SMS included for the contract term is recognized ratably over the term of the arrangement, once the other revenue recognition criteria have been met.

Perpetual and legacy term license arrangements do not include the same rights as those provided to customers under the aspenONE licensing model and point product arrangements with Premier Plus SMS. Legacy SMS revenue is generated from legacy SMS offerings provided in support of perpetual and legacy term license arrangements. Customers typically receive SMS for one year and then can elect to renew SMS annually. During fiscal 2014 and prior periods, we had VSOE for certain legacy SMS offerings sold with perpetual and term license arrangements and could therefore separate the undelivered elements. Accordingly, license fee revenue for perpetual and legacy term license arrangements was recognized upon delivery of the software products using the residual method, provided all other revenue recognition requirements were met. VSOE of fair value for the undelivered SMS component sold with our perpetual and term license arrangements was deferred and subsequently amortized into revenue ratably over the contractual term of the SMS arrangement. As of July 1, 2014, we are no longer able to establish VSOE for our legacy SMS offerings sold with our perpetual license arrangements. As a result, all perpetual license agreements that include legacy SMS entered into subsequent to June 30, 2014 will be recognized ratably over the legacy SMS service period. Loss of VSOE on legacy SMS offerings sold with our perpetual license arrangements did not have a material impact on our revenue in the three months ended September 30, 2015 and is not expected to have a material impact on our revenue in future periods.

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Services and Other Revenue

Professional Services Revenue

Professional services are provided to customers on a time-and-materials (T&M) or fixed-price basis. We recognize professional services fees for our T&M contracts based upon hours worked and contractually agreed-upon hourly rates. Revenue from fixed-price engagements is recognized using the proportional performance method based on the ratio of costs incurred to the total estimated project costs. Project costs are typically expensed as incurred. The use of the proportional performance method is dependent upon our ability to reliably estimate the costs to complete a project. We use historical experience as a basis for future estimates to complete current projects. Additionally, we believe that costs are the best available measure of performance. Out-of-pocket expenses which are reimbursed by customers are recorded as revenue.

In certain circumstances, professional services revenue may be recognized over a longer time period than the period over which the services are performed. If the costs to complete a project are not estimable or the completion is uncertain, the revenue is recognized upon completion of the services. In circumstances in which professional services are sold as a single arrangement with, or in contemplation of, a new aspenONE license or point product arrangement with Premier Plus SMS, revenue is deferred and recognized on a ratable basis over the longer of (i) the period the services are performed, or (ii) the license term. When we provide professional services considered essential to the functionality of the software, we recognize the combined revenue from the sale of the software and related services using the completed contract or percentage-of-completion method.

We have occasionally been required to commit unanticipated additional resources to complete projects, which resulted in losses on those contracts. Provisions for estimated losses on contracts are made during the period in which such losses become probable and can be reasonably estimated.

Training Revenue

We provide training services to our customers, including on-site, Internet-based, public and customized training. Revenue is recognized in the period in which the services are performed. In circumstances in which training services are sold as a single arrangement with, or in contemplation of, a new aspenONE license or point product arrangement with Premier Plus SMS, revenue is deferred and recognized on a ratable basis over the longer of (i) the period the services are performed or (ii) the license term.

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue includes amounts billed or collected in advance of revenue recognition, including arrangements under the aspenONE licensing model, point product arrangements with Premier Plus SMS, legacy SMS arrangements, professional services, and training. Under the aspenONE licensing model and for point product arrangements with Premier Plus SMS, VSOE does not exist for the undelivered elements, and as a result, the arrangement fees are recognized ratably (i.e., on a subscription basis) over the term of the license. Deferred revenue is recorded as each invoice becomes due.

For arrangements under the upfront revenue model, a portion of the arrangement fee is generally recorded as deferred revenue due to the inclusion of an undelivered element, typically certain of our legacy SMS offerings or professional services. The amount of revenue allocated to undelivered elements is based on the VSOE for those elements using the residual method, and is earned and recognized as revenue as each element is delivered.

Other Licensing Matters

Our standard licensing agreements include a product warranty provision. We have not experienced significant claims related to software warranties beyond the scope of SMS support, which we are already obligated to provide, and consequently, we have not established reserves for warranty obligations.

Our agreements with our customers generally require us to indemnify the customer against claims that our software infringes third-party patent, copyright, trademark or other proprietary rights. Such indemnification obligations are generally limited in a variety of industry-standard respects, including our right to replace an infringing product. As of September 30, 2015 and June 30, 2015, we had not experienced any material losses related to these indemnification obligations and no claims with respect thereto were outstanding. We do not expect significant claims related to these indemnification obligations, and consequently, have not established any related reserves.

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(c)  Loss Contingencies

We accrue estimated liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation and other sources when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the claim, assessment or damages can be reasonably estimated. We believe that we have sufficient accruals to cover any obligations resulting from claims, assessments or litigation that have met these criteria. Please refer to Note 11 for discussion of these matters and related liability accruals.

(d)         Foreign Currency Transactions

Foreign currency exchange gains and losses generated from the settlement and remeasurement of transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of our subsidiaries are recognized in our results of operations as incurred as a component of other income, net. Net foreign currency gains were $0.9 million and $0.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

(e)          Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU No. 2014-09 was issued by the FASB as a part of the joint project with the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) to clarify revenue recognition principles and develop a common revenue standard for the U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 is permitted but not before December 15, 2016. The amendments included within ASU No. 2014-09 should be applied by using one of the following methods:

Retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented. The entity may elect any of the practical expedients described in ASU No. 2014-09 when applying this method.

Retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying ASU No. 2014-09 recognized at the date of initial application. In the reporting periods that include the date of the initial application of ASU No. 2014-09, the entity should disclose the amount by which each financial statement line item is affected by the application of ASU No. 2014-09 in the current reporting period as compared to the guidance that was in effect before the change.

We will adopt ASU No. 2014-09 during the first quarter of fiscal 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU No. 2014-09 on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement. The amendment provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If the arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for a cloud computing arrangement as a service contract. The amendment will be effective for reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU No. 2015-05 on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

(f)            Other

For further information with regard to our “Significant Accounting Policies,” please refer to Note 2 of our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015.

3.  Marketable Securities

The following table summarizes the fair value, the amortized cost and unrealized holding gains (losses) on our marketable securities as of September 30, 2015 and June 30, 2015:

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Our marketable securities were classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value on the unaudited consolidated balance sheets. Net unrealized gains (losses) were reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. Realized gains (losses) on investments were recognized in earnings as incurred. Our investments consisted primarily of investment grade fixed income corporate debt securities with maturity dates ranging from October 2015 through August 2016 as of September 30, 2015 and from July 2015 through August 2016 as of June 30, 2015.

We review our marketable securities for impairment at each reporting period to determine if any of our securities have experienced an other-than-temporary decline in fair value in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 320, Investments- Debt and Equity Securities. We consider factors, such as the length of time and extent to which the market value has been less than the cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, our intent to sell, and whether it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the investment before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If we believe that an other-than-temporary decline in fair value has occurred, we write down the investment to fair value and recognize the credit loss in earnings and the non-credit loss in accumulated other comprehensive income. As of September 30, 2015 and June 30, 2015, our marketable securities were not considered other-than-temporarily impaired and, as such, we did not recognize impairment losses during the three-month periods then ended. Unrealized losses were attributable to changes in interest rates.

4. Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for our subscription and software reporting unit during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and fiscal year ended June 30, 2015 were as follows:

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We test goodwill for impairment annually (or more often if impairment indicators arise), at the reporting unit level. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we determine based on this assessment that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. The first step requires us to determine the fair value of the reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount, including goodwill, of such reporting unit. If the fair value exceeds the carrying amount, no impairment loss is recognized. However, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the goodwill of the unit may be impaired. The amount of impairment, if any, is measured based upon the implied fair value of goodwill at the valuation date.

Fair value of a reporting unit is determined using a combined weighted average of a market-based approach (utilizing fair value multiples of comparable publicly traded companies) and an income-based approach (utilizing discounted projected cash flows). In applying the income-based approach, we would be required to make assumptions about the amount and timing of future expected cash flows, growth rates and appropriate discount rates. The amount and timing of future cash flows would be based on our most recent long-term financial projections. The discount rate we would utilize would be determined using estimates of market participant risk-adjusted weighted-average costs of capital and reflect the risks associated with achieving future cash flows.

We have elected December 31st as the annual impairment assessment date and perform additional impairment tests if triggering events occur. We performed our annual impairment test for the subscription and software reporting unit as of December 31, 2014 and, based upon the results of our qualitative assessment, determined that it was not likely that its fair value was less than its carrying amount. As such, we did not perform the two-step goodwill impairment test and did not recognize impairment losses as a result of our analysis. If an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value, goodwill will be evaluated for impairment between annual tests. No triggering events indicating goodwill impairment occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2015.

5.   Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the periods presented was primarily the result of income earned in the U.S., taxed at U.S. federal and state statutory income tax rates, income earned in foreign tax jurisdictions taxed at the applicable rates, as well as the impact of permanent differences between book and tax income.

Our effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was 34.8% as compared to 35.6% for the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. During the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, our income tax expense was driven

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primarily by pre-tax profitability in our domestic and foreign operations and the impact of permanent items, predominately a U.S. domestic production activity deduction, slightly offset by non-deductible stock-based compensation expense. Our effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 differs from the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate primarily as a result of the impact of the permanent items.

We use the “with and without” ordering approach to calculate our tax provision.  This methodology requires us to utilize all other tax attributes before recognizing excess tax benefits. Excess tax benefits are generated when the deductible value of stock-based compensation for income tax purposes exceeds the value recognized for financial statement purposes. Excess tax benefits are not included as a component of deferred tax assets. When realized, excess tax benefits reduce income taxes payable and increase additional paid in capital. In our unaudited consolidated statements of cash flows, the excess tax benefits of $1.6 million and $0.1 million were reported as sources of cash flows from financing activities with offsetting reductions to cash flows from operating activities during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Deferred income taxes are recognized based on temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the statutory tax rates and laws expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are provided against net deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income and the timing of the temporary differences becoming deductible.  Management considers, among other available information, scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, limitations of availability of net operating loss carryforwards, and other matters in making this assessment.

We do not provide deferred taxes on unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries since we intend to indefinitely reinvest those earnings either currently or sometime in the foreseeable future. Unrecognized provisions for taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, which are considered indefinitely reinvested, are not material to our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

6.   Fair Value

We determine fair value by utilizing a fair value hierarchy that ranks the quality and reliability of the information used in its determination. Fair values determined using “Level 1 inputs” utilize unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Fair values determined using “Level 2 inputs” utilize data points that are observable, such as quoted prices, interest rates and yield curves for similar assets and liabilities.

Cash equivalents of $100.9 million and $130.2 million as of September 30, 2015 and June 30, 2015, respectively, were reported at fair value utilizing quoted market prices in identical markets, or “Level 1 inputs.” Our cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid investments with remaining maturities of three months or less when purchased.

Marketable securities of $51.8 million and $62.2 million as of September 30, 2015 and June 30, 2015, respectively, were reported at fair value calculated in accordance with the market approach, utilizing market consensus pricing models with quoted prices that were directly or indirectly observable, or “Level 2 inputs.”

Financial instruments not measured or recorded at fair value in the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements consist of accounts receivable, installments receivable and accounts payable. The estimated fair value of these financial instruments approximates their carrying value.

7.  Supplementary Balance Sheet Information

Our accounts receivable, net of the related allowance for doubtful accounts, were as follows as of September 30, 2015 and June 30, 2015.

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As of September 30, 2015, one customer receivable balance represented approximately 21% of our total receivables. The balance was collected subsequent to September 30, 2015.

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements in the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets consisted of the following:

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets consist of the following:

Other non-current liabilities in the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets consist of the following:

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(1)         Other was comprised primarily of our reserve for uncertain tax positions of $22.6 million as of both September 30, 2015 and June 30, 2015.

8.  Stock-Based Compensation

Stock Compensation Plans and General Award Terms

We have issued stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs) to our employees and outside directors, pursuant to our 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2005 Plan) and our 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2010 Plan). The 2005 Plan was approved by the stockholders on May 26, 2005 and expired on March 31, 2015.

Option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the market closing price of our stock on the trading day prior to the grant date; those options generally vest over four years and expire within 7 or 10 years of grant. RSUs generally vest over four years. Historically, our practice has been to settle stock option exercises and RSU vesting through newly-issued shares.

Stock-Based Compensation Accounting

We recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis, net of forfeitures, over the requisite service period for time-vested awards. Our share-based awards are accounted for as equity instruments. Our policy is to issue new shares upon the exercise of stock awards.

We utilize the Black-Scholes option valuation model for estimating the fair value of options granted. The Black-Scholes option valuation model incorporates assumptions regarding expected stock price volatility, the expected life of the option, the risk-free interest rate, dividend yield and the market value of our common stock. The expected stock price volatility is determined based on our stock’s historic prices over a period commensurate with the expected life of the award. The expected life of an option represents the period for which options are expected to be outstanding as determined by historic option exercises and post-vesting cancellations. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve for notes with terms approximating the expected life of the options granted. The expected dividend yield is zero, based on our history and expectation of not paying dividends on common shares.

The weighted average estimated fair value of option awards granted during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $13.59 and $13.64, respectively.

We utilized the Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following weighted average assumptions:

The stock-based compensation expense and its classification in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

A summary of stock option and RSU activity under all equity plans for the three months ended September 30, 2015 is as follows:

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The weighted average grant-date fair value of RSUs granted during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $44.33 and $43.44, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the total fair value of shares vested from RSU grants was $3.4 million and $4.3 million, respectively.

At September 30, 2015, the total future unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options and RSUs was $7.7 million and $25.8 million, respectively, and both are expected to be recorded over a weighted average period of 3.0 years.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $0.9 million and $2.3 million, respectively. We received $0.6 million and $1.1 million in cash proceeds from option exercises during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  We paid $1.1 million and $1.4 million for withholding taxes on vested RSUs during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

At September 30, 2015, common stock reserved for future issuance or settlement under equity compensation plans was 5.8 million shares.

9.  Stockholders’ Deficit

Stock Repurchases

On January 28, 2015, we publicly announced a share repurchase program for up to $450 million worth of our common stock and terminated the previous program that had been approved by the Board of Directors on April 23, 2014. The previous program had an authorized value of up to $200 million and remaining capacity of approximately $25.4 million when terminated. The timing and amount of any shares repurchased are based on market conditions and other factors. All shares of our common stock repurchased have been recorded as treasury stock under the cost method.

We repurchased 1,339,499 shares of our common stock for $55.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015. We repurchased 7,731,428 shares of our common stock for $298.3 million during fiscal 2015. As of September 30, 2015, the remaining dollar value under the stock repurchase program approved on January 28, 2015 was $246.3 million.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

As of September 30, 2015, accumulated other comprehensive income was comprised of foreign translation adjustments of $4.8 million and net unrealized gains on available for sale securities of less than $0.1 million. As of September 30, 2014, accumulated other comprehensive income was comprised of foreign translation adjustments of $7.8 million and net unrealized gains on available for sale securities of less than $0.1 million.

As of June 30, 2015, accumulated other comprehensive income was comprised of foreign translation adjustments of $6.5 million

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and net unrealized losses on available for sale securities of less than $0.1 million. As of June 2014, accumulated other comprehensive income was comprised of foreign translation adjustments of $9.4 million and net unrealized gains on available for sale securities of less than $0.1 million.

10.  Net Income Per Share

Basic income per share is determined by dividing net income by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income per share is determined by dividing net income by diluted weighted average shares outstanding during the period. Diluted weighted average shares reflect the dilutive effect, if any, of potential common shares. To the extent their effect is dilutive, employee equity awards and other commitments to be settled in common stock are included in the calculation of diluted net income per share based on the treasury stock method.

The calculations of basic and diluted net income per share and basic and dilutive weighted average shares outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, certain employee equity awards were anti-dilutive based on the treasury stock method. Additionally, options to purchase 621,054 shares of our common stock were not included in the computation of dilutive weighted average shares outstanding, as of September 30, 2015, because their exercise prices ranged from $41.87 per share to $47.40 per share and were greater than the average market price of our common stock.  The options were outstanding as of September 30, 2015 and expire at various dates through August 2025.

The following employee equity awards were excluded from the calculation of dilutive weighted average shares outstanding because their effect would be anti-dilutive as of September 30, 2015 and 2014:

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11. Commitments and Contingencies

Operating Leases

We lease certain facilities under non-cancellable operating leases with terms in excess of one year. Rental expense on leased facilities under operating leases was approximately $2.1 million and $1.8 million during the three months ended September 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

In August 2015, we executed a lease amendment for our Houston, Texas, location. The amendment extended the original lease termination date from July 2016 until February 2023 and increased future non-cancelable lease payments from $1.8 million to $7.0 million ($9.9 million of base rent net of $2.9 million landlord incentive applied against base rent).  Base annual rent under the amended lease ranges between $1.3 million and $1.5 million, excluding our pro-rata share of taxes and expenses.

In August 2015, we entered into a new lease agreement for our office location in Singapore. The initial term of the lease is for 60 months and approximately 11,343 square feet, commencing December 2015. Base annual rent is $0.6 million, excluding our proportionate share of taxes and other expenses. Subject to the terms and conditions of the lease, we may extend the lease for an additional 36 month term. Future minimum non-cancelable lease payments due over the term of the lease amount to approximately $3.1 million. Aggregate capital expenditures, including leasehold improvements, furniture and equipment, with respect to the leased premises are estimated to total approximately $1.1 million and expected to be made in fiscal 2016.

Standby letters of credit for $4.0 million as of September 30, 2015 secure our performance on professional services contracts, certain facility leases and potential liabilities. This is an increase from $2.2 million as of June 30, 2015. The letters of credit expire at various dates through fiscal 2025.

Legal Matters

In the ordinary course of business, we are, from time to time, involved in lawsuits, claims, investigations, proceedings and threats of litigation. These matters include an April 2004 claim by a customer that certain of our software products and implementation services failed to meet the customer’s expectations. In March 2014, a judgment was issued in favor of the claimant customer against us in the amount of approximately $2.6 million plus interest and a portion of legal fees. We have filed an appeal of the judgment.

While the outcome of the proceedings and claims referenced above cannot be predicted with certainty, there were no such matters, as of September 30, 2015 that, in the opinion of management, are reasonably possible to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Liabilities, if applicable, related to the aforementioned matters discussed in this Note have been included in our accrued liabilities at September 30, 2015, and are not material to our financial position for the period then ended. As of September 30, 2015, we do not believe that there is a reasonable possibility of a material loss exceeding the amounts already accrued for the proceedings or matters discussed above. However, the results of litigation (including the above-referenced appeal) and claims cannot be predicted with certainty; unfavorable resolutions are possible and could materially affect our results of operations, cash flows or financial position. In addition, regardless of the outcome, litigation could have an adverse impact on us because of attorneys’ fees and costs, diversion of management resources and other factors.

12.  Segment Information

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that engage in business activities for which discrete financial information is available and regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and to assess performance. Our chief operating decision maker is our President and Chief Executive Officer.

The subscription and software segment is engaged in the licensing of process optimization software solutions and associated support services. The services segment includes professional services and training.

The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies (refer to Note 2 in the financial statements of our Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2015). We do not track assets or capital expenditures by operating segments. Consequently, it is not practical to present assets, capital expenditures, depreciation or amortization by operating segments.

The following table presents a summary of our reportable segments’ profits:

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(1)         Our reportable segments’ operating expenses include expenses directly attributable to the segments. Segment expenses include selling and marketing, research and development, stock-based compensation and certain corporate expenses incurred in support of the segments. Segment expenses do not include allocations of general and administrative; restructuring; interest income, net; and other (income) expense, net.

Reconciliation to Income Before Income Taxes

The following table presents a reconciliation of total segment profit to income before income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:

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

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes beginning on page 7.  In addition to historical information, this discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.  You should read “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” of Part II for a discussion of important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations.

Our fiscal year ends on June 30th, and references in this Quarterly Report to a specific fiscal year are to the twelve months ended June 30th of such year (for example, “fiscal 2016” refers to the year ending on June 30, 2016).

Business Overview

We are a leading global provider of mission-critical process optimization software solutions designed to manage and optimize plant and process design, operational performance, and supply chain planning. Our aspenONE software and related services have been developed specifically for companies in the process industries, including the energy, chemicals, and engineering and construction industries. Customers use our solutions to improve their competitiveness and profitability by increasing throughput and productivity, reducing operating costs, enhancing capital efficiency, and decreasing working capital requirements.

Our software incorporates our proprietary mathematical and empirical models of manufacturing and planning processes and reflects the deep domain expertise we have amassed from focusing on solutions for the process industries for over 30 years. We have developed our applications to design and optimize processes across three principal business areas: engineering, manufacturing and supply chain. We are a recognized market and technology leader in providing process optimization software for each of these business areas.

We have established sustainable competitive advantages within our industry based on the following strengths:

·                  Innovative products that can enhance our customers’ profitability;

·                  Long-term customer relationships;

·                  Large installed base of users of our software; and

·                  Long-term license contracts with historically high renewal rates.

We have approximately 2,100 customers globally. Our customers consist of companies engaged in process industries such as energy, chemicals, engineering and construction, as well as consumer packaged goods, power, metals and mining, pulp and paper, pharmaceuticals and biofuels.

We license our software products primarily through a subscription offering which we refer to as our aspenONE licensing model. Our aspenONE products are organized into two suites: 1) engineering and 2) manufacturing and supply chain, or MSC. The aspenONE licensing model provides customers with access to all of the products within the aspenONE suite(s) they license. Customers can change or alternate the use of multiple products in a licensed suite through the use of exchangeable units of measurement, called tokens, licensed in quantities determined by the customer. This licensing system enables customers to use products as needed and to experiment with different products to best solve whatever critical business challenges they face. Customers can increase their usage of our software by purchasing additional tokens as business needs evolve. We believe easier access to all of the aspenONE products will lead to increased software usage and higher revenue over time.

Transition to the aspenONE Licensing Model

Prior to fiscal 2010, we offered term or perpetual licenses to specific products, or specifically defined sets of products, which we refer to as point products. The majority of our license revenue was recognized under an “upfront revenue model,” in which the net present value of the aggregate license fees was recognized as revenue upon shipment of the point products, provided all revenue recognition criteria were met. Customers typically received one year of post-contract software maintenance and support, or SMS, with their license agreements and then could elect to renew SMS annually. Revenue from SMS was recognized ratably over the period in which the SMS was delivered.

In fiscal 2010, we introduced the following changes to our licensing model:

(i)             We began offering our software on a subscription basis allowing our customers access to all products within a licensed suite (aspenONE Engineering or aspenONE Manufacturing and Supply Chain). SMS is included for the entire term of the arrangement and customers are entitled to any software products or updates introduced into the licensed suite. We refer to this license arrangement as our aspenONE licensing model.

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(ii)          We began to include SMS for the entire term on our point product term arrangements.

In fiscal 2012, we introduced Premier Plus SMS. As part of this offering, customers receive 24x7 support, faster response times, dedicated technical advocates and access to web-based training modules.  Premier Plus SMS is exclusively available as a component of our term contract arrangements and we are unable to establish VSOE for this deliverable because we don’t offer it on a stand-alone basis.

Revenue related to our aspenONE licensing model and point product arrangements with Premier Plus SMS are both recognized over the term of the arrangement on a ratable basis. The changes to our licensing model resulted in a significant reduction in license revenue in fiscal 2010, as compared to fiscal periods preceding our licensing model changes.  From fiscal 2010 through fiscal 2015, as customer license arrangements previously executed under the upfront revenue model reached the end of their terms and were renewed under the aspenONE licensing model, we recognized increasing amounts of subscription revenue and deferred revenue.  The value of our installed base of software licenses was also growing during this period, which further contributed to growth in subscription and deferred revenue.  Many of our license arrangements were five or six years in duration when the aspenONE licensing model was introduced at the start of fiscal 2010, and consequently, a number of arrangements executed under the upfront revenue model did not reach the end of their original term until the end of fiscal 2015.  For fiscal 2016 and beyond, we do not expect the changes to our licensing model to have a material impact on subscription revenue or deferred revenue.

The changes to our licensing model introduced in fiscal 2010 did not change the method or timing of customer billings or cash collections. In addition, the changes to our licensing model did not impact the incurrence or timing of our expenses.  Since there was no corresponding expense reduction to offset the lower revenue during fiscal years 2010 through 2015, operating income was lower than what would have been reported under a fully transitioned revenue model.

Revenue

We generate revenue primarily from the following sources:

Subscription and software.  We provide integrated process optimization software solutions designed specifically for process industries. We license our software products, together with SMS, primarily on a term basis, and we offer extended payment options for our term license agreements that generally require annual payments, which we also refer to as installments. We provide customers technical support, access to software fixes and updates and the right to any new unspecified future software products and updates that may be introduced into the licensed aspenONE software suite. Our technical support services are provided from our customer support centers throughout the world, as well as via email and through our support website.

Services and other.  We provide training and professional services to our customers. Our professional services are focused on implementing our technology in order to improve customers’ plant performance and gain better operational data. Customers who use our professional services typically engage us to provide those services over periods of up to 24 months. We charge customers for professional services on a time-and-materials or fixed-price basis. We provide training services to our customers, including on-site, Internet-based and customized training.

Key Components of Operations

Revenue

Subscription and Software Revenue. Our subscription and software revenue consists of product and related revenue from the following sources:

(i)                                     aspenONE licensing model;

(ii)                                  point product arrangements with our Premier Plus SMS offering included for the contract term (referred to as point product arrangements with Premier Plus SMS);

(iii)                               legacy arrangements including (a) amendments to existing legacy term arrangements, (b) renewals of legacy term arrangements and (c) legacy arrangements that are being recognized over time as a result of not previously meeting one or more of the requirements for recognition under the upfront revenue model;

(iv)                              legacy SMS arrangements; and

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(v)                                 perpetual arrangements.

Services and Other Revenue.  Our services and other revenue consists primarily of revenue related to professional services and training. The amount and timing of this revenue depend on a number of factors, including:

·                  whether the professional services arrangement was sold as a single arrangement with, or in contemplation of, a new aspenONE licensing arrangement;

·                  the number, value and rate per hour of service transactions booked during the current and preceding periods;

·                  the number and availability of service resources actively engaged on billable projects;

·                  the timing of milestone acceptance for engagements contractually requiring customer sign-off;

·                  the timing of collection of cash payments when collectability is uncertain; and

·                  the size of the installed base of license contracts.

Cost of Revenue

Cost of Subscription and Software.  Our cost of subscription and software revenue consists of (i) royalties, (ii) amortization of capitalized software and purchased technology intangibles, (iii) distribution fees, (iv) costs of providing Premier Plus SMS bundled with our aspenONE licensing and point product arrangements; and (v) costs of providing legacy SMS.

Cost of Services and Other.  Our cost of services and other revenue consists primarily of personnel-related and external consultant costs associated with providing customers professional services and training.

Operating Expenses

Selling and Marketing Expenses.  Selling expenses consist primarily of the personnel and travel expenses related to the effort expended to license our products and services to current and potential customers, as well as for overall management of customer relationships. Marketing expenses include expenses needed to promote our company and our products and to conduct market research to help us better understand our customers and their business needs.

Research and Development Expenses.  Research and development expenses consist primarily of personnel expenses related to the creation of new software products, enhancements and engineering changes to existing products and costs of acquired technology prior to establishing technological feasibility.

General and Administrative Expenses.  General and administrative expenses include the costs of corporate and support functions, such as executive leadership and administration groups, finance, legal, human resources and corporate communications, and other costs, such as outside professional and consultant fees, and provision for bad debts.

Other Income and Expenses

Interest Income.  Interest income is recorded for the accretion of interest on the installment payments of our term software license contracts when revenue is recognized upfront at net present value, and from the investment in marketable securities and short-term money market instruments.

Interest Expense.  During the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, interest expense was comprised of miscellaneous interest charges.

Other Income, Net.  Other income, net is comprised primarily of foreign currency exchange gains (losses) generated from the settlement and remeasurement of transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of our operating units.

Provision for Income Taxes.  Provision for income taxes is comprised of domestic and foreign taxes. We record interest and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense. We expect the amount of income tax expense to vary each reporting period depending upon fluctuations in our taxable income by jurisdiction.

Key Business Metrics

Background

The changes to our licensing model in fiscal 2010 resulted in a reduction to license revenue in fiscal 2010, as compared to the

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fiscal years preceding our licensing model changes. By fiscal 2013, the number of license arrangements renewed on the aspenONE licensing model resulted in sufficient ratable revenue to generate an operating profit, but we would not recognize levels of revenue reflective of the value of our active license agreements until all term license agreements executed under our upfront revenue model (i) reached the end of their original terms; and (ii) were renewed. As a result, we believed that until the revenue transition was completed, a number of our performance indicators based on GAAP, including revenue, gross profit, operating income (loss), net income (loss), and trend in deferred revenue, should be reviewed in conjunction with certain non-GAAP and other business measures in assessing our performance, growth and financial condition. During the transition period, from fiscal year 2010 through 2015, we utilized the following non-GAAP and other key business metrics to track our business performance.

·                  Total term contract value;

·                  Annual spend;

·                  Adjusted total costs; and

·                  Free cash flow.

As of June 30, 2015, we had fully transitioned our term license arrangements to the aspenONE licensing model.  For fiscal 2016 and beyond, we do not expect the changes to our licensing model to have a material impact on subscription revenue results.  Consequently, we believe that starting in fiscal 2016, our performance indicators based on GAAP, including revenue, gross profit, operating income (loss), net income (loss), and trend in deferred revenue, will provide a more meaningful representation of business performance.

Nonetheless, we will continue to utilize certain key non-GAAP and other business measures to track and assess the performance of our business and we plan to make these measures available to investors.  We have refined the set of appropriate business metrics in the context of our evolving business and in consideration of the completion of the revenue transition and now expect to use the following non-GAAP business metrics in addition to GAAP measures to track our business performance:

·                  Annual spend;

·                  Free cash flow; and

·                  Non-GAAP operating income.

The annual spend metric is closely related to the total term contract metric because both provide insight into the growth component of license bookings during a fiscal period.  However, we believe that annual spend is a more meaningful metric because its value and growth rate are more closely related to the value and growth rate of subscription and software revenue.  We now use non-GAAP operating income instead of adjusted total costs because non-GAAP operating income provides additional insight into our business and financial performance and incorporates the elements of adjusted total cost.

None of these metrics should be considered as an alternative to any measure of financial performance calculated in accordance with GAAP.

Annual Spend

Annual spend is an estimate of the annualized value of our portfolio of term license arrangements, as of a specific date. Annual spend is calculated by summing the most recent annual invoice value of each of our active term license contracts. Annual spend also includes the annualized value of standalone SMS agreements purchased in conjunction with term license agreements. Comparing annual spend for different dates can provide insight into the growth and retention rates of our business, and since annual spend represents the estimated annualized billings associated with our active term license agreements, it provides insight into the future value of subscription and software revenue.

Annual spend increases as a result of:

·                  New term license agreements with new or existing customers;

·                  Renewals or modifications of existing term license agreements that result in higher license fees due to price escalation or an increase in the number of tokens (units of software usage) or products licensed; and

·                  Escalation of annual payments in our active term license contracts.

Annual spend is adversely affected by term license and standalone SMS agreements that are not renewed.

We estimate that annual spend grew by approximately 1.0% during the first quarter of fiscal 2016, from $419.3 million at June

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30, 2015 to $423.4 million at September 30, 2015. The growth was attributable primarily to a net increase in the number of tokens or products sold.

Free Cash Flow

We use a non-GAAP measure of free cash flow to analyze cash flows generated from our operations. Management believes that this financial measure is useful to investors because it permits investors to view our performance using the same tools that management uses to gauge progress in achieving our goals. We believe this measure is also useful to investors because it is an indication of cash flow that may be available to fund investments in future growth initiatives and a basis for comparing our performance with that of our competitors. The presentation of free cash flow is not meant to be considered in isolation or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity.

Free cash flow is calculated as net cash provided by operating activities adjusted for the net impact of (a) purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, (b) capitalized computer software development costs, (c) excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation and (d) non-capitalized acquired technology.

The following table provides a reconciliation of net cash flows provided by operating activities to free cash flow for the indicated periods:

Total free cash flow on a non-GAAP basis decreased $16.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year.

Excess tax benefits are related to stock-based compensation tax deductions in excess of book compensation expense and reduce our income taxes payable. We have included the impact of excess tax benefits in free cash flow to be consistent with the treatment of other tax benefits.

Non-GAAP Operating Income

Non-GAAP operating income excludes certain non-cash and non-recurring expenses, and is used as a supplement to operating income presented on a GAAP basis.  We believe that non-GAAP operating income is a useful financial measure because excluding non-recurring and certain non-cash items, provides additional insight into recurring profitability and cash flow from operations.

The following table presents our operating income, as adjusted for stock-based compensation expense, non-capitalized acquired technology and amortization of purchased technology intangibles, for the indicated periods:

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