e424b7
Filed
Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(7)
Registration No. 333-147715
CALCULATION
OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Proposed Maximum
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Proposed Maximum
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Amount of
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Title of Each Class of
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Amount to be
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Aggregate Offering
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Aggregate
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Registration
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Securities to be Registered
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Registered
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Price Per Unit(1)
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Offering Price
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Fee(2)
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Common Stock, $0.001 par value
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257,949 |
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$
15.40 |
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$
3,972,415 |
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$
283.23 |
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(1)
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Estimated solely for the purpose of determining the registration
fee in accordance with Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, based on the average of the high and low
prices as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on
May 25, 2010.
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(2)
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Calculated in accordance with Rule 457(r) under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended. This Calculation of Registration
Fee table shall be deemed to update the Calculation
of Registration Fee table in the registrants
Registration Statement on Form
S-3 (File
No. 333-147715) in accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r)
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
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PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus dated November 29, 2007)
Dated May 28, 2010
257,949 Shares
Common Stock
The selling stockholders of Nuance Communications, Inc.
(Nuance, we, or the Company)
listed on
page S-17
may offer and resell up to 257,949 shares of Nuance common
stock under this prospectus supplement. We originally issued the
shares to the selling stockholders in partial satisfaction of amounts due
to the selling stockholders as a result of our acquisition
of assets from Shapewriter, Inc. and as payment for services related
to our acquisition of Language and Computing, Inc. The selling stockholders (which term as
used herein includes their respective pledgees, donees,
transferees or other
successors-in-interest)
may sell these shares through public or private transactions at
market prices prevailing at the time of sale or at negotiated
prices. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the
shares by the selling stockholders.
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market
under the symbol NUAN. On May 27, 2010, the
last reported sale price of our common stock on the Nasdaq
Global Select Market was $17.08 per share.
Investing in our common stock involves risks.
See Risk Factors
beginning on
page S-7.
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE
SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE
SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE
ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The date of this prospectus supplement is May 28, 2010
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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Prospectus Supplement
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Page
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S-ii
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S-1
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S-7
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S-17
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S-17
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S-18
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S-18
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S-21
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S-23
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S-23
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Prospectus
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Page
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About this Prospectus
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1
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The Company
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1
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Forward Looking Statements
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2
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Use of Proceeds
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2
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Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
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2
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Description of Securities
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3
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Description of Debt Securities
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3
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Selling Security Holders
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4
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Plan of Distribution
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5
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Legal Matters
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Experts
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5
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Where You Can Find More Information
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6
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Incorporation by Reference
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6
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This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus
supplement, which describes the terms of the offering of our
common stock and also adds to and updates information contained
in the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by
reference into the accompanying prospectus. The second part is
the accompanying prospectus, which gives more general
information, some of which may not apply to our common stock. To
the extent there is a conflict between the information contained
in this prospectus supplement, on the one hand, and the
information contained in the accompanying prospectus or any
document incorporated by reference as of the date of this
prospectus supplement, on the other hand, the information in
this prospectus supplement shall control.
S-i
FORWARD
LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, and the
documents incorporated by reference into the accompanying
prospectus contain forward-looking statements within the meaning
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that
involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions, that,
if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our
consolidated results to differ materially from those expressed
or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking
statements generally are identified by the words
expects, anticipates,
believes, intends,
estimates, should, would,
strategy, plan and similar expressions.
All statements other than statements of historical fact are
statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. For
example, forward-looking statements include projections of
earnings, revenues, synergies or other financial items; any
statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management
for future operations, including the execution of integration
and restructuring plans and the anticipated timing of filings,
approvals relating to, and the closing of, pending acquisitions;
any statements concerning proposed new products, services,
developments or industry rankings; any statements regarding
future economic conditions or performance; statements of belief;
and any statement of assumptions underlying any of the
foregoing. The risks, uncertainties and assumptions referred to
above include the difficulty of managing expense growth while
increasing revenues; the challenges of integration and
restructuring associated with recent acquisitions and the
challenges of achieving the anticipated synergies; and the other
risks and uncertainties described in the section entitled
Risk Factors beginning on
page S-7
of this prospectus supplement.
If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or
if underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may
vary materially from those expected, estimated or projected. In
addition to other factors that affect our operating results and
financial position, neither past financial performance nor our
expectations should be considered reliable indicators of future
performance. Investors should not use historical trends to
anticipate results or trends in future periods. Further, our
stock price is subject to volatility. Any of the factors
discussed above could have an adverse impact on our stock price.
In addition, failure of sales or income in any quarter to meet
the investment communitys expectations, as well as broader
market trends, could have an adverse impact on our stock price.
Although we undertake no obligation to revise or update any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, except as required by
law, you are advised to consult any additional disclosures we
make in our quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q,
annual report on
Form 10-K
and current reports on
Form 8-K
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. See
Where You Can Find More Information.
S-ii
PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY
This summary may not contain all of the information that may
be important to you. You should read the entire prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus before making an
investment decision. The terms Nuance, the
Company, we and us in this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus refer to
Nuance Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless stated
or implied otherwise. You should pay special attention to the
Risk Factors section beginning on
page S-7
of this prospectus supplement to determine whether an investment
in our common stock is appropriate for you.
NUANCE
Overview
Nuance Communications, Inc. is a leading provider of speech,
imaging and keypad solutions for businesses, organizations and
consumers around the world. Our technologies, applications and
services make the user experience more compelling by
transforming the way people interact with devices and systems,
and how they create, share and use documents. Our solutions are
used every day by millions of people and thousands of businesses
for tasks and services such as requesting information from a
phone-based self-service solution, dictating medical records,
searching the mobile Web by voice, entering a destination into a
navigation system, or working with PDF documents. Our solutions
help make these interactions, tasks and experiences more
productive, compelling and efficient.
We leverage our global professional services organization and
our extensive network of partners to design and deploy
innovative solutions for businesses and organizations around the
globe. We market and distribute our products through a global
network of resellers, including system integrators, independent
software vendors, value-added resellers, hardware vendors,
telecommunications carriers and distributors, and also sell
directly through a dedicated sales force and through our
e-commerce
website.
We have built a world-class portfolio of intellectual property,
technologies, applications and solutions through both internal
development and acquisitions. We expect to continue to pursue
opportunities to expand our assets, geographic presence,
distribution network and customer base through acquisitions of
other businesses and technologies.
Solutions offered in our three core markets; Mobile-Enterprise,
Healthcare-Dictation, and Imaging, include:
Healthcare Solutions The healthcare industry
is under significant pressure to streamline operations, reduce
costs and improve patient care. In recent years, healthcare
organizations such as hospitals, clinics, medical groups,
physicians offices and insurance providers have
increasingly turned to speech solutions to automate manual
processes such as the dictation and transcription of patient
records.
We provide comprehensive dictation and transcription solutions
and services that automate the input and management of medical
information. Our hosted and on-premise solutions provide
platforms to generate and distribute clinical documentation
through the use of advanced dictation and transcription
features, and allow us to deliver scalable, highly productive
medical transcription solutions, as well as accelerate future
innovation to transform the way healthcare providers document
patient care. We also offer speech recognition solutions for
radiology, cardiology, pathology and related specialties, that
help healthcare providers dictate, edit and sign reports without
manual transcription.
S-1
Hospitals, clinics and group practices, as well as physicians,
use our healthcare solutions to manage the dictation and
transcription of patient records. We utilize a focused,
enterprise sales team and professional services organization to
address the market and implementation requirements of the
healthcare industry. Our fiscal 2008 acquisition of Philips
Speech Recognition Systems significantly enhanced our ability to
deliver innovative, speech-driven clinical documentation and
communication solutions to healthcare organizations throughout
Europe. In some cases, our healthcare solutions are priced under
a traditional software perpetual licensing model. However,
certain of our healthcare solutions, in particular our
transcription solution, are also offered on an on-demand model,
charged as a subscription and priced by volume of usage (such as
number of lines transcribed). During fiscal 2009, we experienced
a significant shift in customer preference toward our
subscription pricing model.
Enterprise Solutions To remain competitive,
organizations must improve the quality of customer care while
reducing costs and ensuring a positive customer experience.
Technological innovation, competitive pressures and rapid
commoditization have made it increasingly important for
organizations to achieve enduring market differentiation and
secure customer loyalty. In this environment, organizations need
to satisfy the expectations of increasingly savvy and mobile
consumers who demand high levels of customer service.
We deliver a portfolio of customer service business intelligence
and authentication solutions that are designed to help companies
better support, understand and communicate with their customers.
Our solutions improve the customer experience, increase the use
of self-service and enable new revenue opportunities. We
complement our solutions and products with a global professional
services organization that supports customers and partners with
business and systems consulting project management,
user-interface design, speech science, application development
and business performance optimization, allowing us to deliver
end-to-end
speech solutions and system integration for speech-enabled
customer care. In addition, we offer solutions that can meet
customer care needs through direct interaction with thin-client
applications on cell phones, enabling customers to very quickly
retrieve relevant information. Use of our speech-enabled and
thin-client customer care solutions can dramatically decrease
customer care costs, in comparison to calls handled by
operators. Our acquisition of SNAPin, Inc., a developer of
self-service software for mobile devices, during fiscal 2009
expanded our presence and capabilities in these areas.
Our solutions are used by a wide variety of enterprises in
customer-service intensive sectors, including
telecommunications, financial services, travel and
entertainment, and government. Our speech solutions are designed
to serve our global partners and customers and are available in
up to 50 languages and dialects worldwide. In addition to
our own sales and professional services teams, we often work
closely with industry partners, including Avaya, Cisco and
Genesys, that integrate our solutions into their hardware and
software platforms. Our enterprise solutions offerings include
both a traditional software perpetual licensing model and an
on-demand model, charged as a subscription and priced by volume
of usage (such as number of minutes callers use the system or
number of calls completed in the system).
Mobile Solutions Today, an increasing number
of people worldwide rely on mobile devices to stay connected,
informed and productive. We help consumers use the powerful
capabilities of their phones, cars and personal navigation
devices by enabling the use of voice commands and keypad
solutions to control these devices more easily and naturally,
and to access the array of content and services available on the
Internet.
Our portfolio of mobile solutions and services includes an
integrated suite of voice and
text-to-speech
solutions, predictive text technologies, mobile messaging
services and emerging services such as Web search and
voicemail-to-text.
Our solutions are used by mobile phone, automotive, personal
navigation device and other consumer electronic manufacturers
and their suppliers, including Amazon, Apple, BMW, Ford, Garmin,
LG Electronics, Mercedes Benz, Nokia, Samsung and TomTom. In
addition, telecommunications carriers, web search companies and
content providers are increasingly using our mobile search and
communication solutions to offer value-added services to their
subscribers and customers. Our mobile solutions are sold to
device manufacturers, on a royalty model, generally priced per
device sold. In addition, our mobile solutions are sold through
telecommunications carriers or directly to consumers, and priced
on a volume of usage model (such as per subscriber or per use).
During fiscal 2009, we expanded our mobile presence and product
offerings through our acquisitions of
Zi Corporation; nCore Ltd.; Jott Networks, Inc.; and
certain assets from Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH.
S-2
Desktop Dictation Our suite of general
purpose desktop dictation applications increases productivity by
using speech to create documents, streamline repetitive and
complex tasks, input data, complete forms and automate manual
transcription processes. Our Dragon NaturallySpeaking
family of products delivers enhanced productivity for
professionals and consumers who need to create documents and
transcripts. These solutions allow users to automatically
convert speech into text at up to 160
words-per-minute,
with support for over 300,000 words and with high accuracy. This
vocabulary can be expanded by users to include specialized words
and phrases and can be adapted to recognize individual voice
patterns. Our desktop dictation software is currently available
in eleven languages. We utilize a combination of our global
reseller network and direct sales to distribute our desktop
dictation products. Our desktop dictation solutions are
generally sold under a traditional perpetual software license
model.
Imaging The proliferation of the Internet,
email and other networks have greatly simplified the ability to
share electronic documents, resulting in an ever-growing volume
of documents to be used and stored. Our PDF and document imaging
solutions reduce the costs associated with paper documents
through easy to use scanning, document management and electronic
document routing solutions. We offer versions of our products to
hardware vendors, home offices, small businesses and enterprise
customers.
Our imaging solutions offer comprehensive PDF applications
designed specifically for business users, optical character
recognition technology to deliver highly accurate document and
PDF conversion, and applications that combine PDF creation with
network scanning to quickly enable distribution of documents to
users desktops or to enterprise applications, as well as
software development toolkits for independent software vendors.
Our imaging solutions are generally sold under a traditional
perpetual software license model. We utilize a combination of
our global reseller network and direct sales to distribute our
imaging products. We license our software to original equipment
manufacturers such as Brother, Canon, Dell, HP and Xerox, which
bundle our solutions with multifunction devices, digital
copiers, printers and scanners, on a royalty model, priced per
unit sold. During fiscal 2009, we expanded our imaging product
offerings through our June 2009 acquisition of X-Solutions Group
B.V. and September 2009 acquisition of eCopy, Inc.
Research
and Development/Intellectual Property
In recent years, we have developed and acquired extensive
technology assets, intellectual property and industry expertise
in speech and imaging that provide us with a competitive
advantage in our markets. Our technologies are based on complex
algorithms which require extensive amounts of linguistic and
image data, acoustic models and recognition techniques. A
significant investment in capital and time would be necessary to
replicate our current capabilities.
We continue to invest in technologies to maintain our
market-leading position and to develop new applications. Our
technologies are covered by approximately 1,800 issued patents
and 1,600 patent applications. Our intellectual property,
whether purchased or developed internally, is critical to our
success and competitive position and, ultimately, to our market
value. We rely on a portfolio of patents, copyrights,
trademarks, services marks, trade secrets, confidentiality
provisions and licensing arrangements to establish and protect
our intellectual property and proprietary rights. We incurred
research and development expenses of $119.4 million,
$115.0 million, and $80.0 million in fiscal 2009, 2008
and 2007, respectively.
International
Operations
We have principal offices in a number of international locations
including: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Hungary, India,
Japan, and the United Kingdom. The responsibilities of our
international operations include research and development,
healthcare transcription and editing, customer support, sales
and marketing and administration. Additionally, we maintain
smaller sales, services and support offices throughout the world
to support our international customers and to expand
international revenue opportunities.
S-3
Geographic revenue classification is based on the geographic
areas in which our customers are located. For fiscal 2009, 2008
and 2007, 74%, 77% and 78% of revenue was generated in the
United States and 26%, 23% and 22% of revenue was generated by
our international operations, respectively.
Competition
The individual markets in which we compete are highly
competitive and are subject to rapid technology changes. There
are a number of companies that develop or may develop products
that compete in our target markets; however, currently there is
no one company that competes with us in all of our product
areas. While we expect competition to continue to increase both
from existing competitors and new market entrants, we believe
that we will compete effectively based on many factors,
including:
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Technological Superiority. Our speech and
imaging technologies, applications and solutions are often
recognized as the most innovative and proficient products in
their respective categories. Our speech technology has
industry-leading recognition accuracy and provides a natural,
speech-enabled interaction with systems, devices and
applications. Our imaging technology is viewed as the most
accurate in the industry. Technology publications, analyst
research and independent benchmarks have consistently indicated
that our products rank at or above performance levels of
alternative solutions.
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Broad Distribution Channels. Our ability to
address the needs of specific markets, such as financial, legal,
healthcare and government, and introduce new products and
solutions quickly and effectively through our extensive global
network of resellers, comprising system integrators, independent
software vendors, value-added resellers, hardware vendors,
telecommunications carriers and distributors; our dedicated
direct sales force; and our
e-commerce
website (www.nuance.com).
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International Appeal. The international reach
of our products is due to the broad language coverage of our
offerings, including our speech technology which provides
recognition for up to 50 languages and dialects and natural
sounding synthesized speech in 26 languages and supports a
broad range of hardware platforms and operating systems. Our
imaging technology supports more than 100 languages.
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Specialized Professional Services. Our
superior technology, when coupled with the high quality and
domain knowledge of our professional services organization,
allows our customers and partners to place a high degree of
confidence and trust in our ability to deliver results.
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In our core markets, we compete with companies such as Adobe,
Medquist, Microsoft, Google and Spheris. In addition, a number
of smaller companies in both speech and imaging produce
technologies or products that are competitive with our solutions
in some markets. In certain markets, some of our partners such
as Avaya, Cisco, Genesys and Nortel develop and market products
and services that might be considered substitutes for our
solutions. Current and potential competitors have established,
or may establish, cooperative relationships among themselves or
with third parties to increase the ability of their technologies
to address the needs of our prospective customers.
Some of our competitors or potential competitors, such as Adobe,
Microsoft and Google, have significantly greater financial,
technical and marketing resources than we do. These competitors
may be able to respond more rapidly than we can to new or
emerging technologies or changes in customer requirements. They
may also devote greater resources to the development, promotion
and sale of their products than we do.
Employees
As of September 30, 2009, we had approximately
5,800 full-time employees in total, including approximately
700 in sales and marketing, approximately 1,150 in professional
services, approximately 950 in research and development,
approximately 450 in general and administrative and
approximately 2,550 that provide transcription and editing
services. Approximately 51 percent of our employees are
based outside of the United States, the majority of whom provide
transcription and editing services and are based in India. Our
employees are not represented by any labor union and are not
organized under a collective bargaining agreement, and we have
never experienced a work stoppage. We believe that our
relationships with our employees are generally good.
S-4
Office
Location
Our executive offices are located at 1 Wayside Road, Burlington,
MA 01803 and our telephone number is (781) 565-5000.
S-5
THE
OFFERING
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Common stock offered |
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257,949 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share. |
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Use of Proceeds |
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All shares of common stock being offered are being sold by the
selling stockholders. We will not receive any of the proceeds
from the sale of shares of our common stock being offered by the
selling stockholders. |
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Nasdaq Symbol for Our Common Stock |
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Our common stock trades on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under
the symbol NUAN. |
Risk
Factors
Investing in our common stock involves substantial risk. See
Risk Factors beginning on
page S-7
of this prospectus supplement for a description of certain of
the risks you should consider before investing in our common
stock.
S-6
RISK
FACTORS
Investing in our common stock involves risks. You should
carefully consider the risks described below when evaluating our
company and the other
information contained or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus before
making an investment decision. The risks and uncertainties
described below and in our other filings with the SEC
incorporated by reference herein are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we do not currently believe are important to an investor may also harm our business operations. If any of the events, contingencies, circumstances or conditions described in the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or our results of operations could be seriously harmed. If that happens, the trading price of our common
stock could decline and you may lose part or all of the value of any of our shares held by you.
Risks
Related to Our Business
Our
operating results may fluctuate significantly from period to
period, and this may cause our stock price to
decline.
Our revenue and operating results have fluctuated in the past
and are expected to continue to fluctuate in the future. Given
this fluctuation, we believe that quarter to quarter comparisons
of revenue and operating results are not necessarily meaningful
or an accurate indicator of our future performance. As a result,
our results of operations may not meet the expectations of
securities analysts or investors in the future. If this occurs,
the price of our stock would likely decline. Factors that
contribute to fluctuations in operating results include the
following:
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slowing sales by our distribution and fulfillment partners to
their customers, which may place pressure on these partners to
reduce purchases of our products;
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volume, timing and fulfillment of customer orders;
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our efforts to generate additional revenue from our intellectual
property portfolio;
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concentration of operations with one manufacturing partner and
our inability to control expenses related to the manufacturing,
packaging and shipping of our boxed software products;
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customers delaying their purchasing decisions in anticipation of
new versions of our products;
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customers delaying, canceling or limiting their purchases as a
result of the threat or results of terrorism;
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introduction of new products by us or our competitors;
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seasonality in purchasing patterns of our customers;
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reduction in the prices of our products in response to
competition, market conditions or contractual obligations;
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returns and allowance charges in excess of accrued amounts;
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timing of significant marketing and sales promotions;
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impairment charges against goodwill and intangible assets;
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delayed realization of synergies resulting from our acquisitions;
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write-offs of excess or obsolete inventory and accounts
receivable that are not collectible;
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increased expenditures incurred pursuing new product or market
opportunities;
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general economic trends as they affect retail and corporate
sales; and
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higher than anticipated costs related to fixed-price contracts
with our customers.
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Due to the foregoing factors, among others, our revenue and
operating results are difficult to forecast. Our expense levels
are based in significant part on our expectations of future
revenue and we may not be able to reduce our expenses quickly to
respond to a shortfall in projected revenue. Therefore, our
failure to meet revenue expectations would seriously harm our
operating results, financial condition and cash flows.
S-7
We
have grown, and may continue to grow, through acquisitions,
which could dilute our existing stockholders.
As part of our business strategy, we have in the past acquired,
and expect to continue to acquire, other businesses and
technologies. In connection with past acquisitions, we issued a
substantial number of shares of our common stock as transaction
consideration and also incurred significant debt to finance the
cash consideration used for our acquisitions. We may continue to
issue equity securities for future acquisitions, which would
dilute existing stockholders, perhaps significantly depending on
the terms of such acquisitions. We may also incur additional
debt in connection with future acquisitions, which, if available
at all, may place additional restrictions on our ability to
operate our business.
Our
ability to realize the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions
will depend on successfully integrating the acquired
businesses.
Our prior acquisitions required, and our recently completed
acquisitions continue to require, substantial integration and
management efforts and we expect future acquisitions to require
similar efforts. Acquisitions of this nature involve a number of
risks, including:
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difficulty in transitioning and integrating the operations and
personnel of the acquired businesses;
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potential disruption of our ongoing business and distraction of
management;
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potential difficulty in successfully implementing, upgrading and
deploying in a timely and effective manner new operational
information systems and upgrades of our finance, accounting and
product distribution systems;
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difficulty in incorporating acquired technology and rights into
our products and technology;
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potential difficulties in completing projects associated with
in-process research and development;
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unanticipated expenses and delays in completing acquired
development projects and technology integration;
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management of geographically remote business units both in the
United States and internationally;
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impairment of relationships with partners and customers;
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assumption of unknown material liabilities of acquired companies;
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accurate projection of revenue plans of the acquired entity in
the due diligence process;
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customers delaying purchases of our products pending resolution
of product integration between our existing and our newly
acquired products;
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entering markets or types of businesses in which we have limited
experience; and
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potential loss of key employees of the acquired business.
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As a result of these and other risks, if we are unable to
successfully integrate acquired businesses, we may not realize
the anticipated benefits from our acquisitions. Any failure to
achieve these benefits or failure to successfully integrate
acquired businesses and technologies could seriously harm our
business.
Accounting
treatment of our acquisitions could decrease our net income or
expected revenue in the foreseeable future, which could have a
material and adverse effect on the market value of our common
stock.
Under accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America, we record the market value of our common
stock or other form of consideration issued in connection with
the acquisition and, for transactions which closed prior to
October 1, 2009, the amount of direct transaction costs as
the cost of acquiring the company or business. We have allocated
that cost to the individual assets acquired and liabilities
assumed, including various identifiable intangible assets such
as acquired technology, acquired tradenames and acquired
customer relationships based on their respective fair values.
Intangible assets generally will be amortized over a five to ten
year period. Goodwill and certain intangible assets with
indefinite lives, are not subject to amortization but are
subject to
S-8
an impairment analysis, at least annually, which may result in
an impairment charge if the carrying value exceeds its implied
fair value. As of March 31, 2010, we had identified
intangible assets of approximately $706.2 million, net of
accumulated amortization, and goodwill of approximately
$2.0 billion. In addition, purchase accounting limits our
ability to recognize certain revenue that otherwise would have
been recognized by the acquired company as an independent
business. The combined company may delay revenue recognition or
recognize less revenue than we and the acquired company would
have recognized as independent companies.
Changes
in the accounting method for business combinations may have an
adverse impact on our reported or future financial
results.
For the years ended September 30, 2009 and prior, in
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard
(SFAS) 141 Business Combinations,
(SFAS 141), all acquisition-related costs, such
as attorneys fees and accountants fees, as well as
contingent consideration to the seller, which was recorded when
it is beyond a reasonable doubt that the amount is payable, were
capitalized as part of the purchase price.
In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
(FASB) issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007),
Business Combinations,
(SFAS 141R), now referred to as FASB Accounting
Standards Codification 805 (ASC 805), which requires
an acquirer to do the following: expense acquisition-related
costs as incurred; reflect such payments as a reduction of cash
flow from operations; record contingent consideration at fair
value at the acquisition date with subsequent changes in fair
value to be recognized in the income statement and cash flow
from operations. ASC 805 applies to business combinations
for which the acquisition date is on or after October 1,
2009. ASC 805 could have a material impact on our results of
operations and our financial position due to our acquisition
strategy.
Our
significant debt could adversely affect our financial health and
prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under our credit
facility and our convertible debentures.
We have a significant amount of debt. As of March 31, 2010,
we had a total of $899.2 million of gross debt outstanding,
including $646.9 million in term loans due in March 2013
and $250.0 million in convertible debentures which
investors may require us to redeem in August 2014. We also have
a $75.0 million revolving credit line available to us
through March 2012. As of March 31, 2010, there were
$16.1 million of letters of credit issued under the
revolving credit line but there were no other outstanding
borrowings under the revolving credit line. Our debt level could
have important consequences, for example it could:
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require us to use a large portion of our cash flow to pay
principal and interest on debt, including the convertible
debentures and the credit facility, which will reduce the
availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital
expenditures, acquisitions, research and development
expenditures and other business activities;
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restrict us from making strategic acquisitions or exploiting
business opportunities;
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place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our
competitors that have less debt; and
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limit, along with the financial and other restrictive covenants
in our debt, our ability to borrow additional funds, dispose of
assets or pay cash dividends.
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Our ability to meet our payment and other obligations under our
debt instruments depends on our ability to generate significant
cash flow in the future. This, to some extent, is subject to
general economic, financial, competitive, legislative and
regulatory factors as well as other factors that are beyond our
control. We cannot assure you that our business will generate
cash flow from operations, or that additional capital will be
available to us, in an amount sufficient to enable us to meet
our payment obligations under the convertible debentures and our
other debt and to fund other liquidity needs. If we are not able
to generate sufficient cash flow to service our debt
obligations, we may need to refinance or restructure our debt,
including the convertible debentures, sell assets, reduce or
delay capital investments, or seek to raise additional capital.
If we are unable to implement one or more of these alternatives,
we may not be able to meet our payment obligations under the
convertible debentures and our other debt.
S-9
In addition, a substantial portion of our debt bears interest at
variable rates. If market interest rates increase, our debt
service requirements will increase, which would adversely affect
our cash flows. While we have entered into interest rate swap
agreements limiting our exposure for a portion of our debt, the
agreements do not offer complete protection from this risk.
Our
debt agreements contain covenant restrictions that may limit our
ability to operate our business.
The agreement governing our senior credit facility contains, and
any of our other future debt agreements may contain, covenant
restrictions that limit our ability to operate our business,
including restrictions on our ability to:
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incur additional debt or issue guarantees;
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create liens;
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make certain investments;
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enter into transactions with our affiliates;
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sell certain assets;
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redeem capital stock or make other restricted payments;
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declare or pay dividends or make other distributions to
stockholders; and
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merge or consolidate with any entity.
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Our ability to comply with these covenants is dependent on our
future performance, which will be subject to many factors, some
of which are beyond our control, including prevailing economic
conditions. As a result of these covenants, our ability to
respond to changes in business and economic conditions and to
obtain additional financing, if needed, may be significantly
restricted, and we may be prevented from engaging in
transactions that might otherwise be beneficial to us. In
addition, our failure to comply with these covenants could
result in a default under our debt agreements, which could
permit the holders to accelerate our obligation to repay the
debt. If any of our debt is accelerated, we may not have
sufficient funds available to repay the accelerated debt.
We
have a history of operating losses, and may incur losses in the
future, which may require us to raise additional capital on
unfavorable terms.
We reported net losses of $19.7 million for the six months
ended March 31, 2010 and $21.0 million for the six
months ended March 31, 2009. If we are unable to achieve
and maintain profitability, the market price for our stock may
decline, perhaps substantially. We cannot assure you that our
revenue will grow or that we will achieve or maintain
profitability in the future. If we do not achieve and maintain
profitability, we may be required to raise additional capital to
maintain or grow our operations. The terms of any transaction to
raise additional capital, if available at all, may be highly
dilutive to existing investors or contain other unfavorable
terms, such as a high interest rate and restrictive covenants.
Speech
technologies may not achieve widespread acceptance, which could
limit our ability to grow our speech business.
We have invested and expect to continue to invest heavily in the
acquisition, development and marketing of speech technologies.
The market for speech technologies is relatively new and rapidly
evolving. Our ability to increase revenue in the future depends
in large measure on the acceptance of speech technologies in
general and our products in particular. The continued
development of the market for our current and future speech
solutions will also depend on:
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consumer and business demand for speech-enabled applications;
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development by third-party vendors of applications using speech
technologies; and
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continuous improvement in speech technology.
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Sales of our speech products would be harmed if the market for
speech technologies does not continue to develop or develops
slower than we expect, and, consequently, our business could be
harmed and we may not recover the costs associated with our
investment in our speech technologies.
The
markets in which we operate are highly competitive and rapidly
changing and we may be unable to compete
successfully.
There are a number of companies that develop or may develop
products that compete in our targeted markets. The individual
markets in which we compete are highly competitive, and are
rapidly changing. Within speech, we compete with AT&T,
Microsoft, Google, and other smaller providers. Within
healthcare dictation and transcription, we compete with Spheris,
Medquist and other smaller providers. Within imaging, we compete
directly with ABBYY, Adobe, I.R.I.S. and NewSoft. In speech,
some of our partners such as Avaya, Cisco, Edify, Genesys and
Nortel develop and market products that can be considered
substitutes for our solutions. In addition, a number of smaller
companies in both speech and imaging produce technologies or
products that are in some markets competitive with our
solutions. Current and potential competitors have established,
or may establish, cooperative relationships among themselves or
with third parties to increase the ability of their technologies
to address the needs of our prospective customers.
The competition in these markets could adversely affect our
operating results by reducing the volume of the products we
license or the prices we can charge. Some of our current or
potential competitors, such as Adobe, Microsoft and Google, have
significantly greater financial, technical and marketing
resources than we do. These competitors may be able to respond
more rapidly than we can to new or emerging technologies or
changes in customer requirements. They may also devote greater
resources to the development, promotion and sale of their
products than we do.
Some of our customers, such as IBM, Microsoft and Google, have
developed or acquired products or technologies that compete with
our products and technologies. These customers may give higher
priority to the sale of these competitive products or
technologies. To the extent they do so, market acceptance and
penetration of our products, and therefore our revenue, may be
adversely affected. Our success will depend substantially upon
our ability to enhance our products and technologies and to
develop and introduce, on a timely and cost-effective basis, new
products and features that meet changing customer requirements
and incorporate technological advancements. If we are unable to
develop new products and enhance functionalities or technologies
to adapt to these changes, or if we are unable to realize
synergies among our acquired products and technologies, our
business will suffer.
The
failure to successfully maintain the adequacy of our system of
internal control over financial reporting could have a material
adverse impact on our ability to report our financial results in
an accurate and timely manner.
The SEC, as directed by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002, adopted rules requiring public companies to include
a report of management on internal control over financial
reporting in their annual reports on
Form 10-K
that contains an assessment by management of the effectiveness
of our internal control over financial reporting. In addition,
our independent registered public accounting firm must attest to
and report on the effectiveness of our internal control over
financial reporting. Any failure in the effectiveness of our
system of internal control over financial reporting could have a
material adverse impact on our ability to report our financial
statements in an accurate and timely manner, could subject us to
regulatory actions, civil or criminal penalties, shareholder
litigation, or loss of customer confidence, which could result
in an adverse reaction in the financial marketplace due to a
loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial
statements, which ultimately could negatively impact our stock
price.
A
significant portion of our revenue is derived, and a significant
portion of our research and development activities are based,
outside the United States. Our results could be harmed by
economic, political, regulatory and other risks associated with
these international regions.
Because we operate worldwide, our business is subject to risks
associated with doing business internationally. We anticipate
that revenue from international operations could increase in the
future. Most of our international
S-11
revenue is generated by sales in Europe and Asia. In addition,
some of our products are developed and manufactured outside the
United States and we have a large number of employees in India
that provide transcription services. A significant portion of
the development and manufacturing of our speech products are
conducted in Belgium and Canada, and a significant portion of
our imaging research and development is conducted in Hungary. We
also have significant research and development resources in
Aachen, Germany, and Vienna, Austria. Accordingly, our future
results could be harmed by a variety of factors associated with
international sales and operations, including:
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changes in a specific countrys or regions economic
conditions;
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geopolitical turmoil, including terrorism and war;
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trade protection measures and import or export licensing
requirements imposed by the United States or by other countries;
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compliance with foreign and domestic laws and regulations;
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negative consequences from changes in applicable tax laws;
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difficulties in staffing and managing operations in multiple
locations in many countries;
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difficulties in collecting trade accounts receivable in other
countries; and
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less effective protection of intellectual property than in the
United States.
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We are
exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange
rates.
Because we have international subsidiaries and distributors that
operate and sell our products outside the United States, we are
exposed to the risk of changes in foreign currency exchange
rates or declining economic conditions in these countries. In
certain circumstances, we have entered into forward exchange
contracts to hedge against foreign currency fluctuations. We use
these contracts to reduce our risk associated with exchange rate
movements, as the gains or losses on these contracts are
intended to offset any exchange rate losses or gains on the
hedged transaction. We do not engage in foreign currency
speculation. Forward exchange contracts hedging firm commitments
qualify for hedge accounting when they are designated as a hedge
of the foreign currency exposure and they are effective in
minimizing such exposure. With our increased international
presence in a number of geographic locations and with
international revenue and costs projected to increase, we are
exposed to changes in foreign currencies including the Euro,
British Pound, Canadian Dollar, Japanese Yen, Indian Rupee and
the Hungarian Forint. Changes in the value of the Euro or other
foreign currencies relative to the value of the U.S. dollar
could adversely affect future revenue and operating results.
Impairment
of our intangible assets could result in significant charges
that would adversely impact our future operating
results.
We have significant intangible assets, including goodwill and
intangibles with indefinite lives, which are susceptible to
valuation adjustments as a result of changes in various factors
or conditions. The most significant intangible assets are
patents and core technology, completed technology, customer
relationships and trademarks. Customer relationships are
amortized on an accelerated basis based upon the pattern in
which the economic benefits of customer relationships are being
utilized. Other identifiable intangible assets are amortized on
a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. We
assess the potential impairment of identifiable intangible
assets on an annual basis, as well as whenever events or changes
in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be
recoverable. Factors that could trigger an impairment of such
assets, include the following:
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significant underperformance relative to historical or projected
future operating results;
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significant changes in the manner of or use of the acquired
assets or the strategy for our overall business;
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significant negative industry or economic trends;
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significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period;
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S-12
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changes in our organization or management reporting structure
could result in additional reporting units, which may require
alternative methods of estimating fair values or greater
disaggregation or aggregation in our analysis by reporting
unit; and
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a decline in our market capitalization below net book value.
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Future adverse changes in these or other unforeseeable factors
could result in an impairment charge that would impact our
results of operations and financial position in the reporting
period identified.
Our
sales to government clients subject us to risks, including early
termination, audits, investigations, sanctions and
penalties.
We derive a portion of our revenues from contracts with the
United States government, as well as various state and local
governments, and their respective agencies. Government contracts
are generally subject to audits and investigations which could
identify violations of these agreements. Government contract
violations could result in a range of consequences including,
but not limited to, contract price adjustments, civil and
criminal penalties, contract termination, forfeiture of profit
and/or
suspension of payment, and suspension or debarment from future
government contracts. We could also suffer serious harm to our
reputation if we were found to have violated the terms of our
government contracts.
We recently conducted an analysis of our compliance with the
terms and conditions of certain contracts with the
U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).
Based upon our analysis, we voluntarily notified GSA of
non-compliance with the terms of two contracts. The final
resolution of this matter may adversely impact our financial
position.
If we
are unable to attract and retain key personnel, our business
could be harmed.
If any of our key employees were to leave, we could face
substantial difficulty in hiring qualified successors and could
experience a loss in productivity while any successor obtains
the necessary training and experience. Our employment
relationships are generally at-will and we have had key
employees leave in the past. We cannot assure you that one or
more key employees will not leave in the future. We intend to
continue to hire additional highly qualified personnel,
including software engineers and operational personnel, but may
not be able to attract, assimilate or retain qualified personnel
in the future. Any failure to attract, integrate, motivate and
retain these employees could harm our business.
Our
medical transcription services may be subject to legal claims
for failure to comply with laws governing the confidentiality of
medical records.
Healthcare professionals who use our medical transcription
services deliver to us health information about their patients
including information that constitutes a record under applicable
law that we may store on our computer systems. Numerous federal
and state laws and regulations, the common law and contractual
obligations govern collection, dissemination, use and
confidentiality of patient-identifiable health information,
including:
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state and federal privacy and confidentiality laws;
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our contracts with customers and partners;
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state laws regulating healthcare professionals;
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Medicaid laws; and
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the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996
and related rules proposed by the Health Care Financing
Administration.
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The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996
establishes elements including, but not limited to, federal
privacy and security standards for the use and protection of
protected health information. Any failure by us or by our
personnel or partners to comply with applicable requirements may
result in a material liability. Although we have systems and
policies in place for safeguarding protected health information
from unauthorized disclosure, these systems and policies may not
preclude claims against us for alleged violations of
S-13
applicable requirements. There can be no assurance that we will
not be subject to liability claims that could have a material
adverse affect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
Adverse
changes in general economic or political conditions in any of
the major countries in which we do business could adversely
affect our operating results.
As our business has grown, we have become increasingly subject
to the risks arising from adverse changes in domestic and global
economic and political conditions. For example, the direction
and relative strength of the U.S. and global economies have
recently been increasingly uncertain due to softness in housing
markets, extreme volatility in security prices, severely
diminished liquidity and credit availability, rating downgrades
of certain investments and declining valuations of others and
continuing geopolitical uncertainties. If economic growth in the
United States and other countries in which we do business is
slowed, customers may delay or reduce technology purchases and
may be unable to obtain credit to finance the purchase of our
products. This could result in reduced sales of our products,
longer sales cycles, slower adoption of new technologies and
increased price competition. Any of these events would likely
harm our business, results of operations and financial
condition. Political instability in any of the major countries
in which we do business would also likely harm our business,
results of operations and financial condition.
Current
uncertainty in the global financial markets and the global
economy may negatively affect our financial
results.
Current uncertainty in the global financial markets and economy
may negatively affect our financial results. These macroeconomic
developments could negatively affect our business, operating
results or financial condition in a number of ways which, in
turn, could adversely affect our stock price. A prolonged period
of economic decline could have a material adverse effect on our
results of operations and financial condition and exacerbate
some of the other risk factors described herein. Our customers
may defer purchases of our products, licenses, and services in
response to tighter credit and negative financial news or reduce
their demand for them. Our customers may also not be able to
obtain adequate access to credit, which could affect their
ability to make timely payments to us or ultimately cause the
customer to file for protection from creditors under applicable
insolvency or bankruptcy laws. If our customers are not able to
make timely payments to us, our accounts receivable could
increase.
Our investment portfolio, which includes short-term debt
securities, is generally subject to credit, liquidity,
counterparty, market and interest rate risks that may be
exacerbated by the recent global financial crisis. If the
banking system or the fixed income, credit or equity markets
deteriorate or remain volatile, our investment portfolio may be
impacted and the values and liquidity of our investments could
be adversely affected.
In addition, our operating results and financial condition could
be negatively affected if, as a result of economic conditions,
either:
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the demand for, and prices of, our products, licenses, or
services are reduced as a result of actions by our competitors
or otherwise; or
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our financial counterparties or other contractual counterparties
are unable to, or do not, meet their contractual commitments to
us.
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Security
and privacy breaches in our systems may damage client relations
and inhibit our growth.
The uninterrupted operation of our hosted solutions and the
confidentiality and security of third-party information is
critical to our business. Any failures in our security and
privacy measures could have a material adverse effect on our
financial position and results of operations. If we are unable
to protect, or our clients perceive that we are unable to
protect, the security and privacy of our electronic information,
our growth could be materially adversely affected. A security or
privacy breach may:
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cause our clients to lose confidence in our solutions;
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harm our reputation;
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expose us to liability; and
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increase our expenses from potential remediation costs.
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While we believe we use proven applications designed for data
security and integrity to process electronic transactions, there
can be no assurance that our use of these applications will be
sufficient to address changing market conditions or the security
and privacy concerns of existing and potential clients.
Risks
Related to Our Intellectual Property and Technology
Unauthorized
use of our proprietary technology and intellectual property
could adversely affect our business and results of
operations.
Our success and competitive position depend in large part on our
ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property rights
protecting our products and services. We rely on a combination
of patents, copyrights, trademarks, service marks, trade
secrets, confidentiality provisions and licensing arrangements
to establish and protect our intellectual property and
proprietary rights. Unauthorized parties may attempt to copy
aspects of our products or to obtain, license, sell or otherwise
use information that we regard as proprietary. Policing
unauthorized use of our products is difficult and we may not be
able to protect our technology from unauthorized use.
Additionally, our competitors may independently develop
technologies that are substantially the same or superior to our
technologies and that do not infringe our rights. In these
cases, we would be unable to prevent our competitors from
selling or licensing these similar or superior technologies. In
addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect our
proprietary rights to the same extent as the laws of the United
States. Although the source code for our proprietary software is
protected both as a trade secret and as a copyrighted work,
litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property
rights, to protect our trade secrets, to determine the validity
and scope of the proprietary rights of others, or to defend
against claims of infringement or invalidity. Litigation,
regardless of the outcome, can be very expensive and can divert
management efforts.
Third
parties have claimed and may claim in the future that we are
infringing their intellectual property, and we could be exposed
to significant litigation or licensing expenses or be prevented
from selling our products if such claims are
successful.
From time to time, we are subject to claims that we or our
customers may be infringing or contributing to the infringement
of the intellectual property rights of others. We may be unaware
of intellectual property rights of others that may cover some of
our technologies and products. If it appears necessary or
desirable, we may seek licenses for these intellectual property
rights. However, we may not be able to obtain licenses from some
or all claimants, the terms of any offered licenses may not be
acceptable to us, and we may not be able to resolve disputes
without litigation. Any litigation regarding intellectual
property could be costly and time-consuming and could divert the
attention of our management and key personnel from our business
operations. In the event of a claim of intellectual property
infringement, we may be required to enter into costly royalty or
license agreements. Third parties claiming intellectual property
infringement may be able to obtain injunctive or other equitable
relief that could effectively block our ability to develop and
sell our products.
We may
incur substantial costs enforcing or acquiring intellectual
property rights and defending against third-party claims as a
result of litigation or other proceedings.
In connection with the enforcement of our own intellectual
property rights, the acquisition of third-party intellectual
property rights, or disputes relating to the validity or alleged
infringement of third-party intellectual property rights,
including patent rights, we have been, are currently, and may in
the future be, subject to claims, negotiations or complex,
protracted litigation. Intellectual property disputes and
litigation are typically very costly and can be disruptive to
our business operations by diverting the attention and energy of
management and key technical personnel. Although we have
successfully defended or resolved past litigation and disputes,
we may not prevail in any ongoing or future litigation and
disputes. In addition, we may incur significant costs in
acquiring the necessary third party intellectual property rights
for use in our products. Third party intellectual property
disputes could subject us to significant liabilities, require us
to enter into royalty and licensing arrangements on unfavorable
terms, prevent us from manufacturing or licensing certain of our
products, cause severe disruptions to our operations
S-15
or the markets in which we compete, or require us to satisfy
indemnification commitments with our customers including
contractual provisions under various license arrangements. Any
of these could seriously harm our business.
Our
software products may have bugs, which could result in delayed
or lost revenue, expensive correction, liability to our
customers and claims against us.
Complex software products such as ours may contain errors,
defects or bugs. Defects in the solutions or products that we
develop and sell to our customers could require expensive
corrections and result in delayed or lost revenue, adverse
customer reaction and negative publicity about us or our
products and services. Customers who are not satisfied with any
of our products may also bring claims against us for damages,
which, even if unsuccessful, would likely be time-consuming to
defend, and could result in costly litigation and payment of
damages. Such claims could harm our reputation, financial
results and competitive position.
Risks
Related to our Corporate Structure, Organization and Common
Stock
The
holdings of our largest stockholder may enable it to influence
matters requiring stockholder approval.
As of March 31, 2010, Warburg Pincus beneficially owned
approximately 24% of our outstanding common stock, including
warrants exercisable for up to 10,062,422 shares of our
common stock, and 3,562,238 shares of our outstanding
Series B Preferred Stock, each of which is convertible into
one share of our common stock. Because of its large holdings of
our capital stock relative to other stockholders, this
stockholder has a strong influence over matters requiring
approval by our stockholders.
The
market price of our common stock has been and may continue to be
subject to wide fluctuations, and this may make it difficult for
you to resell the common stock when you want or at prices you
find attractive.
Our stock price historically has been, and may continue to be,
volatile. Various factors contribute to the volatility of the
stock price, including, for example, quarterly variations in our
financial results, new product introductions by us or our
competitors and general economic and market conditions. Sales of
a substantial number of shares of our common stock by our
largest stockholder, or the perception that such sales could
occur, could also contribute to the volatility or our stock
price. While we cannot predict the individual effect that these
factors may have on the market price of our common stock, these
factors, either individually or in the aggregate, could result
in significant volatility in our stock price during any given
period of time. Moreover, companies that have experienced
volatility in the market price of their stock often are subject
to securities class action litigation. If we were the subject of
such litigation, it could result in substantial costs and divert
managements attention and resources.
Compliance
with changing regulation of corporate governance and public
disclosure may result in additional expenses.
Changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate
governance and public disclosure, including the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002, new regulations promulgated by the Securities and
Exchange Commission and the rules of The Nasdaq Global Select
Market, are resulting in increased general and administrative
expenses for companies such as ours. These new or changed laws,
regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations
in many cases, and as a result, their application in practice
may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory
and governing bodies, which could result in higher costs
necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance
practices. We are committed to maintaining high standards of
corporate governance and public disclosure. As a result, we
intend to invest resources to comply with evolving laws,
regulations and standards, and this investment may result in
increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of
management time and attention from revenue-generating activities
to compliance activities. If our efforts to comply with new or
changed laws, regulations and standards differ from the
activities intended by regulatory or governing bodies, our
business may be harmed.
S-16
Future
sales of our common stock in the public market could adversely
affect the trading price of our common stock and our ability to
raise funds in new stock offerings.
Future sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the
public market, or the perception that such sales could occur,
could adversely affect prevailing trading prices of our common
stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through
future offerings of equity or equity-related securities. In
connection with past acquisitions, we issued a substantial
number of shares of our common stock as transaction
consideration. We may continue to issue equity securities for
future acquisitions, which would dilute existing stockholders,
perhaps significantly depending on the terms of such
acquisitions. For example, we issued, and registered for resale,
approximately 2.3 million shares of our common stock in
connection with our December 2009 acquisition of SpinVox. No
prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that future
sales of shares of common stock, or the availability of shares
of common stock for future sale, will have on the trading price
of our common stock.
We
have implemented anti-takeover provisions, which could
discourage or prevent a takeover, even if an acquisition would
be beneficial to our stockholders.
Provisions of our certificate of incorporation, bylaws and
Delaware law, as well as other organizational documents could
make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if
doing so would be beneficial to our stockholders. These
provisions include:
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authorized blank check preferred stock;
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prohibiting cumulative voting in the election of directors;
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limiting the ability of stockholders to call special meetings of
stockholders;
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requiring all stockholder actions to be taken at meetings of our
stockholders; and
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establishing advance notice requirements for nominations of
directors and for stockholder proposals.
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USE OF
PROCEEDS
All of the shares of common stock being offered hereby are being
sold by the selling stockholders identified in this prospectus
supplement, their pledgees, donees, transferees or other
successors-in-interest.
We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the common
stock by the selling stockholders. The selling stockholders will
receive all of the net proceeds from this offering. See
Selling Stockholders.
SELLING
STOCKHOLDERS
Up to 257,949 shares of common stock are being offered by
this prospectus supplement, all of which are being offered for
resale for the account of the selling stockholders. The shares
being offered were issued to the selling stockholders in partial
satisfaction of amounts owed to the selling stockholders as a
result of our acquisition of assets from Shapewriter and for
services related to our acquisition of Language and Computing. See
Certain Relationships and Transactions. The selling
stockholders may from time to time offer and sell pursuant to
this prospectus supplement any or all of the shares of our
common stock being registered.
The following table sets forth, to our knowledge, information for the selling
stockholders as of May 21, 2010, based on information
furnished to us by the selling stockholders. We have relied on the
representations made by the selling stockholders and the information
furnished to us. Beneficial ownership is
determined in accordance with the Securities and Exchange
Commission rules and includes securities that the selling
stockholders have the right to acquire within 60 days after
May 21, 2010. Except as otherwise indicated, we believe that
the selling stockholders have sole voting and investment power
with respect to all shares of the common stock shown as
beneficially owned by them. In addition, each selling stockholder
beneficially owns less than 1% of our common stock outstanding.
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Shares Benefically |
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Shares Benefically |
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Owned Prior to |
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Shares Being |
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Owned after this |
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Name |
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Offering(1) |
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Offered |
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Offering(2) |
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Concord Star Holdings Limited (3) |
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2,000 |
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2,000 |
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Leading Profits Limited (3), (4) |
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232,530 |
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232,530 |
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Shen Zing Hu Lian (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd. (3) |
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2,969 |
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2,969 |
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PageMill
Partners, LLC (5) |
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20,450 |
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20,450 |
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Total |
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257,949 |
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257,949 |
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S-17
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(1) |
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The number of shares beneficially owned is determined in
accordance with
Rule 13d-3
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the information is
not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other
purpose. |
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(2) |
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The table assumes that the selling stockholders sell all of their shares being offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement. We
are unable to determine the exact number of shares that will
actually be sold pursuant to this prospectus supplement. |
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(3) |
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Shares were issued in connection with our acquisition of assets from Shapewriter, Inc. |
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(4) |
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Includes 59,375 shares held in escrow to satisfy indemnification
obligations of Shapewriter, Inc. and its shareholders. |
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(5) |
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Shares were issued to Pagemill Partners as payment for services performed in connection
with our acquisition of Language and Computing, Inc. |
CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND TRANSACTIONS
On May 20, 2010, we acquired all of the assets of Shapewriter. The aggregate consideration to be
delivered consists of substantially (i) a cash payment of $2.8 million, subject to
reduction based on certain of Shapewriters third party expenses, and (ii)
237,499 shares of Nuance common stock, of which 59,375 shares were placed in
escrow to satisfy indemnification obligations of Shapewriter and its shareholders.
On February 17, 2010, we acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of
Language and Computing.
Pagemill Partners performed services in connection with our acquisition of Language and Computing and has
provided services in connection with other transactions.
DESCRIPTION
OF CAPITAL STOCK
Nuance is authorized to issue 560,000,000 shares of common
stock, $0.001 par value, and 40,000,000 shares of
preferred stock, $0.001 par value. The following
description of Nuance capital stock is subject to and qualified
in its entirety by Nuances certificate of incorporation
and bylaws, which are included as exhibits to the registration
statement of which this information statement forms a part, and
by the applicable provisions of Delaware law.
Common
Stock
As of April 31, 2010, there were 291,222,317 shares of
Nuance common stock outstanding. The holders of Nuance common
stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be
voted upon by the stockholders. Subject to preferences that may
be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock, the holders of
Nuance common stock are entitled to receive ratably such
dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by the
board of directors out of funds legally available therefor. In
the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Nuance,
the holders of Nuance common stock are entitled to share ratably
in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities, subject to
prior rights of preferred stock, if any, then outstanding.
Nuance common stock has no preemptive or conversion rights or
other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking
fund provisions available to Nuance common stock. The rights,
preferences, and privileges of holders of Nuance common stock
are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of
holders of shares of Nuance preferred stock, as discussed below.
S-18
Preferred
Stock
Nuance is authorized to issue up to 40,000,000 shares of
preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share. Nuance has
designated 100,000 shares as Series A participating
preferred stock and 15,000,000 shares as Series B
preferred stock. The Series B preferred stock is
convertible into shares of common stock on a
one-for-one
basis. The Series B preferred stock has a liquidation
preference of $1.30 per share plus all declared but unpaid
dividends. The holders of Series B preferred stock are
entitled to non-cumulative dividends at the rate of $0.05 per
annum per share, payable when, and if declared by the board of
directors. To date, no dividends have been declared by the board
of directors. Holders of Series B preferred stock have no
voting rights, except those rights provided under Delaware law.
Nuance has reserved 3,562,238 shares of its common stock
for issuance upon conversion of the Series B preferred
stock. The undesignated shares of preferred stock will have
rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including
voting rights, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption
privileges and liquidation preferences, as shall be determined
by the Nuance board of directors upon issuance of the preferred
stock.
Nuances right to issue shares of preferred stock may have
the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in
control of Nuance without further action by the stockholders.
Additionally, the issuance of preferred stock may adversely
affect the rights of the holders of common stock as follows:
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Dividends. Nuance preferred stock is entitled
to receive dividends out of any legally available assets, when
and if declared by the Nuance board of directors and prior and
in preference to any declaration or payment of any dividend on
the common stock. In addition, after the first issuance of the
Series A participating preferred stock, Nuance cannot
declare a dividend or make any distribution on the common stock
unless Nuance concurrently declares a dividend on such
Series A participating preferred stock. Moreover, Nuance
cannot pay dividends or make any distribution on the common
stock as long as dividends payable to the Series A
participating preferred stock are in arrears. With respect to
the Series B preferred stock, Nuance cannot declare a
dividend or make any distribution on the common stock unless
full dividends on the Series B preferred stock have been paid or
declared and the sum sufficient for the payment set apart.
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Voting Rights. Each share of Series A
participating preferred stock entitles its holder to 1,000 votes
on all matters submitted to a vote of Nuance stockholders. In
addition, the Series A participating preferred stock and
the common stock holders vote together as one class on all
matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders. The holders of
Series B preferred stock are not entitled to vote on any
matter (except as provided in Delaware law in connection with
amendments to the Nuance certificate of incorporation that,
among other things, would alter or change the rights and
preferences of the class, in which case each share of
Series B preferred stock would be entitled to one vote).
However, the Series B preferred stock is convertible into common
stock, and as a result, may dilute the voting power of the
common stock.
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Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up. The
preferred stock is entitled to certain liquidation preferences
upon the occurrence of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up
of Nuance. If there are insufficient assets or funds to permit
this preferential amount, then Nuances entire assets and
all of our funds legally available for distribution will be
distributed ratably among the preferred stockholders. The
remaining assets, if any, will be distributed to the common
stockholders on a pro rata basis.
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Preemptive Rights. The Nuance Series A
participating preferred stock and Series B preferred stock
do not have any preemptive rights.
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Options
and Warrants
As of March 31, 2009, not more than 28,305,934 shares
of Nuance common stock were reserved for issuance upon exercise
of outstanding employee and director stock options to purchase
shares of Nuance common stock and restricted stock units. As of March 31, 2009, there
were warrants outstanding to purchase an aggregate of 10,199,061 shares of Nuance common stock. Conversion of any
or all of these options or warrants into shares of Nuance common
stock will result in dilution to other holders of Nuance common
stock.
S-19
Anti-Takeover
Provisions
Certain provisions of Delaware law and the Nuance certificate of
incorporation and bylaws could make the acquisition of Nuance by
means of a tender offer, or the acquisition of control of Nuance
by means of a proxy contest or otherwise more difficult. These
provisions, summarized below, are intended to discourage certain
types of coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover
bids, and are designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire
control of Nuance to negotiate with the Nuance board of
directors. Nuance believes that the benefits of increased
protection against an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to
acquire or restructure Nuance outweigh the disadvantages of
discouraging such proposals. Among other things, negotiation of
such proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.
Delaware Anti-Takeover Law. Nuance is subject
to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, an
anti-takeover law. In general, Section 203 prohibits a
publicly-held Delaware corporation from engaging in a
business combination with an interested
stockholder for a period of three years following the date
the person became an interested stockholder, unless the
business combination or the transaction in which the
person became an interested stockholder is approved by
Nuances board of directors in a prescribed manner.
Generally, a business combination includes a Merger,
asset or stock sale, or other transaction resulting in a
financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Generally, an
interested stockholder is a person who, together
with affiliates and associates, owns or, within three years
prior to the determination of interested stockholder status, did
own, 15% or more of a corporations voting stock. The
existence of this provision may have an anti-takeover effect
with respect to transactions not approved in advance by the
board of directors, including discouraging attempts that might
result in a premium over the market price for the shares of
common stock held by stockholders.
Other Provisions in the Nuance certificate of incorporation
and bylaws. Nuances certificate of
incorporation and bylaws provide other mechanisms that may help
to delay, defer or prevent a change in control. For example, the
Nuance certificate of incorporation provides that stockholders
may not take action by written consent without a meeting, but
must take any action at a duly called annual or special meeting.
This provision makes it more difficult for stockholders to take
action opposed by the Nuance board of directors.
Nuances certificate of incorporation does not provide for
cumulative voting in the election of directors. Cumulative
voting provides for a minority stockholder to vote a portion or
all of its shares for one or more candidates for seats on the
board of directors. Without cumulative voting, a minority
stockholder will not be able to gain as many seats on
Nuances board of directors based on the number of shares
of Nuance common stock that such stockholder holds than if
cumulative voting were permitted. The elimination of cumulative
voting makes it more difficult for a minority stockholder to
gain a seat on Nuances board of directors to influence the
board of directors decision regarding a takeover.
Under Nuances certificate of incorporation,
24,900,000 shares of preferred stock remain undesignated.
The authorization of undesignated preferred stock makes it
possible for the board of directors, without stockholder
approval, to issue preferred stock with voting or other rights
or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to
obtain control of Nuance.
Nuances bylaws contain advance notice procedures that
apply to stockholder proposals and the nomination of candidates
for election as directors by stockholders other than nominations
made pursuant to the notice given by Nuance with respect to such
meetings or nominations made by or at the direction of the board
of directors.
Lastly, Nuances bylaws eliminate the right of stockholders
to act by written consent without a meeting.
These and other provisions may have the effect of deferring
hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control or management
of Nuance.
Transfer
Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for Nuance common stock is
Computershare.
S-20
PLAN OF
DISTRIBUTION
The shares of common stock listed in the table appearing in the
Selling Stockholders section of this prospectus
supplement are being registered to permit public secondary
trading of these shares by the holder of such shares from time
to time after the date of this prospectus supplement.
Registration of the shares of common stock covered by this
prospectus supplement does not mean, however, that those shares
of common stock necessarily will be offered or sold. We will not
receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the common stock by
the selling stockholders.
The selling stockholders and any of their pledgees, assignees,
donees and
successors-in-interest
may, from time to time, sell any or all of the shares of common
stock beneficially owned by them and offered hereby directly or
through one or more underwriters, broker-dealers or agents. If
the common stock is sold through underwriters or broker-dealers,
the selling stockholders will be responsible for underwriting
discounts or commissions or agents commissions. The common
stock may be sold in one or more transactions at fixed prices,
at prevailing market prices at the time of the sale, at varying
prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices.
The selling stockholders may use any one or more of the following
methods when selling shares:
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any national securities exchange or quotation service on which
the securities may be listed or quoted at the time of sale;
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the over-the-counter market;
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transactions otherwise than on these exchanges or systems or in
the over-the-counter market;
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through the writing of options, whether such options are listed
on an options exchange or otherwise;
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ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the
broker dealer solicits purchasers;
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block trades in which the broker dealer will attempt to sell the
shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the
block as principal to facilitate the transaction;
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purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the
broker-dealer for its account;
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an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the
applicable exchange;
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privately negotiated transactions;
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through the settlement of short sales;
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transactions in which broker-dealers may agree with the selling
stockholders to sell a specified number of such shares at a
stipulated price per share;
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a combination of any such methods of sale; and
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any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law.
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In addition, the selling stockholders or their
successors-in-interest
may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers who may
engage in short sales of shares in the course of hedging the
positions they assume with the selling stockholders. The selling
stockholders may also sell shares short and deliver the shares to
close out such short positions. The selling stockholders or their
successors-in-interest
may also enter into option or other transactions with
broker-dealers that require the delivery by such broker-dealers
of the shares, which shares may be resold thereafter pursuant to
this prospectus supplement.
If underwriters are used in a firm commitment underwriting, the
selling stockholders will execute an underwriting agreement with
those underwriters relating to the shares of common stock that
the selling stockholders will offer. Unless otherwise set forth
in a prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters
to purchase the shares of common stock will be subject to
conditions. The underwriters, if any, will purchase such shares
on a firm commitment basis and will be obligated to purchase all
of such shares.
The shares of common stock subject to the underwriting agreement
will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and
may be resold by them from time to time in one or more
transactions, including
S-21
negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at
varying prices determined at the time of sale. Underwriters may
be deemed to have received compensation from the selling
stockholders in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions
and may also receive commissions from the purchasers of these
shares of common stock for whom they may act as agent.
Underwriters may sell these shares to or through dealers. These
dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts,
concessions or commissions from the underwriters
and/or
commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent.
Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions
allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time
to time.
The selling stockholders may authorize underwriters to solicit
offers by institutions to purchase the shares of common stock
subject to the underwriting agreement from the selling
stockholders at the public offering price stated in a prospectus
supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for
payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. If the
selling stockholders sell shares of common stock pursuant to
these delayed delivery contracts, the prospectus supplement will
state that as well as the conditions to which these delayed
delivery contracts will be subject and the commissions payable
for that solicitation.
The applicable prospectus supplement will set forth whether or
not underwriters may over-allot or effect transactions that
stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the
shares of common stock at levels above those that might
otherwise prevail in the open market, including, for example, by
entering stabilizing bids, effecting syndicate covering
transactions or imposing penalty bids. Underwriters are not
required to engage in any of these activities, or to continue
such activities if commenced.
In effecting sales, brokers or dealers engaged by the selling
stockholders may arrange for other brokers or dealers to
participate. Broker-dealers may receive commissions or discounts
from the selling stockholders (or, if any broker-dealer acts as
agent for the purchaser of shares, from the purchaser) in
amounts to be negotiated. The selling stockholders do not
expect these commissions and discounts to exceed what is
customary in the types of transactions involved. Broker-dealer
transactions may include:
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purchases of the shares of common stock by a broker-dealer as
principal and resales of the shares of common stock by the
broker-dealer for its account pursuant to this prospectus
supplement;
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ordinary brokerage transactions; or
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transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers on a
best efforts basis.
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If dealers are utilized in the sale of shares of common stock,
the names of the dealers and the terms of the transaction will
be set forth in a prospectus supplement, if required.
The selling stockholders may also sell shares of the common stock
through agents designated by them from time to time. We will
name any agent involved in the offer or sale of such shares and
will list commissions payable by the selling stockholders to
these agents in a prospectus supplement, if required. These
agents will be acting on a best efforts basis to solicit
purchases for the period of its appointment, unless we state
otherwise in any required prospectus supplement.
The selling stockholders may sell any of the shares of common
stock directly to purchasers. In this case, the selling
stockholders may not engage underwriters or agents in the offer
and sale of such shares.
The selling stockholders may indemnify underwriters, dealers or
agents who participate in the distribution of the shares of
common stock against certain liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act and agree to contribute to payments
which these underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to
make.
The aggregate proceeds to the selling stockholders from the sale
of the shares of common stock offered by the selling stockholders
hereby will be the purchase price of such shares less discounts
and commissions, if any. The selling stockholders reserve the
right to accept and, together with their agents from time to
time, to reject, in whole or in part, any proposed purchase of
shares of common stock to be made directly or through agents.
In order to comply with the securities laws of some states, if
applicable, the shares of common stock may be sold in these
jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or
dealers. In addition, in some states
S-22
such shares may not be sold unless they have been registered or
qualified for sale or an exemption from registration or
qualification requirements is available and is complied with.
The selling stockholders may from time to time pledge or grant a
security interest in some or all of the shares of common stock
owned by them and, if they default in the performance of their
secured obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer
and sell the shares of common stock from time to time under this
prospectus supplement, or under an amendment to the prospectus
under Rule 424(b)(3) or other applicable provision of the
Securities Act, amending, if necessary, the list of selling
stockholders to include the pledgee, transferee or other
successors in interest as selling stockholders under this
prospectus supplement. The selling stockholders also may transfer
the shares of common stock in other circumstances, in which case
the transferees, pledgees, donees or other successors in
interest will be the selling beneficial owners for purposes of
this prospectus supplement.
The selling stockholders and any underwriters, broker-dealers or
agents that participate in the sale of the shares of common
stock may be underwriters within the meaning of
Section 2(11) of the Securities Act. Any discounts,
commissions, concessions or profit they earn on any resale of
such shares may be underwriting discounts and commissions under
the Securities Act. Any selling stockholder who is an
underwriter within the meaning of Section 2(11)
of the Securities Act will be subject to the prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act. The selling stockholders have
acknowledged that they understand their obligations to comply
with the provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules thereunder
relating to stock manipulation, particularly Regulation M.
We are not aware of any plans, arrangements or understandings
between the selling stockholders and any underwriter,
broker-dealer or agent regarding the sale of the shares of
common stock by the selling stockholders. We do not assure you
that the selling stockholders will sell any or all of the shares
of common stock offered by them pursuant to this prospectus
supplement. In addition, we do not assure you that the selling
stockholders will not transfer, devise or gift the shares of
common stock by other means not described in this prospectus
supplement. Moreover, any securities covered by this prospectus
supplement that qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 may
be sold under Rule 144 rather than pursuant to this
prospectus supplement.
We are required to pay all fees and expenses incident to the
registration of the shares. We have agreed to indemnify the
selling stockholders against certain losses, claims, damages and
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or
the selling stockholders may be entitled to contribution. We may
be indemnified by the selling stockholders against civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act that
may arise from written information furnished to us by the
selling stockholders specifically for use in this prospectus
supplement, in accordance with the related registration rights
agreements, or we may be entitled to contribution.
The selling stockholders do not intend to use any means of
distributing or delivering the prospectus, including this
prospectus supplement, other than by hand or the mails, and the
selling stockholders do not intend to use any forms of
prospectus other than printed prospectuses.
Once sold under the shelf registration statement, of which this
prospectus supplement forms a part, the shares of common stock
will be freely tradeable in the hands of persons other than our
affiliates.
LEGAL
MATTERS
The validity of the shares of our common stock offered by this
prospectus supplement will be passed upon for us by Garrison R.
Smith, Esq., our Associate General Counsel,
Corporate & Securities. Mr. Smith is paid a
salary by Nuance, is a participant in various employee benefit
plans offered to employees of Nuance generally, owns shares of
Nuance common stock and has options to purchase shares of Nuance
common stock.
WHERE YOU
CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements
and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the SEC or the Commission). You may read and copy
any materials we file at the
S-23
SECs Public Reference Room at 100 F Street,
N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on
the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at
1-888-SEC-0330. Copies of these materials can also be obtained
by mail at prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of
the SEC, 100 F Street N.E., Washington, D.C.
20549. The SEC also maintains a website at www.sec.gov that
contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other
information regarding issuers that file electronically with the
SEC.
Our SEC filings are also available to the public from our
website at www.nuance.com. Information on our website is not
incorporated by reference in and is not otherwise intended to be
part of this prospectus supplement. You may also obtain these
documents by requesting them in writing or by telephone from us
at:
Nuance
Communications, Inc.
1 Wayside Road
Burlington, Massachusetts 01803
(781) 565-5000
Attention: Investor Relations
You should rely only on the information contained or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus. We have not authorized any other person
to provide you with different or additional information. If
anyone provides you with different or additional information,
you should not rely on it. You should assume that the
information contained or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is
accurate only as of the date hereof, regardless of the time of
delivery of this prospectus supplement or of any sale of our
common stock. Our business, financial condition, results of
operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
Statements contained in this prospectus supplement or the
accompanying prospectus as to the contents of any contract or
other document are not complete, and in each instance that the
contract or document has been filed or incorporated by reference
as an exhibit to the registration statement of which the
accompanying prospectus constitutes a part or to a document
incorporated by reference in the registration statement, we
refer you to the copy so filed or incorporated by reference,
each of those statements being qualified in all respects by this
reference.
S-24
PROSPECTUS
Debt Securities
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Depositary Shares
Warrants
Subscription Rights
We, or selling security holders under this prospectus, may offer
from time to time debt securities, common stock, preferred
stock, depositary shares, warrants, or subscription rights. The
debt securities, preferred stock, warrants and subscription
rights may be convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable
for common or preferred stock or other securities of our company
or debt or equity securities of one or more other entities. We
will provide the specific terms of any offering and the offered
securities in supplements to this prospectus. You should read
this prospectus and any supplement carefully before you invest.
We, or selling security holders, may offer and sell these
securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and
agents, or directly to purchasers, on an immediate, continuous
or delayed basis. The names of any underwriters will be stated
in the applicable prospectus supplement.
This prospectus may not be used to sell securities unless
accompanied by a prospectus supplement which will describe the
method and terms of the related offering.
Investing in these securities involves certain
risks. See Item 1A Risk
Factors beginning on page 9 of our annual report on
Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, which is
incorporated by reference herein.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this
prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
This prospectus is dated November 29, 2007.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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ABOUT
THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement on
Form S-3
that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or
the SEC, using a shelf registration process. Under
this shelf process, we may sell any combination of the
securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings.
This prospectus provides you with a general description of the
securities offered by us. Each time we sell securities, we will
provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific
information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus
supplement may also add to, update or change information
contained in the prospectus and, accordingly, to the extent
inconsistent, information in this prospectus is superseded by
the information in the prospectus supplement.
The prospectus supplement to be attached to the front of this
prospectus may describe, as applicable, the terms of the
securities offered, the initial public offering price, the price
paid for the securities, net proceeds and the other specific
terms related to the offering of these securities.
You should only rely on the information contained or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus
and/or any
prospectus supplement. We have not authorized any other person
to provide you with different information. If anyone provides
you with different or inconsistent information, you should not
rely on it. We are not making offers to sell these securities in
any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You
should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any
prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the
date on the cover of the applicable document and that any
information we have incorporated by reference is accurate only
as of the date of the document incorporated by reference. Our
business, financial condition, results of operations and
prospects may have changed since that date.
In this prospectus, unless we state otherwise, the
Company, we, us,
our and Nuance refer to Nuance
Communications, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
THE
COMPANY
Nuance Communications, Inc. is a leading provider of speech and
imaging solutions for businesses and consumers worldwide. Our
technologies, applications and solutions are transforming the
way people create, use and interact with information, content
and services and are designed to make the end user experience
more compelling, convenient and satisfying.
Nuance was incorporated in 1992 as Visioneer, Inc. In 1999, we
changed our name to ScanSoft, Inc. and also changed our ticker
symbol to SSFT. In October 2004, we changed our fiscal year end
to September 30, resulting in a nine-month fiscal year for
2004. In October 2005, we changed our name to Nuance
Communications, Inc., to reflect our core mission of being the
worlds most comprehensive and innovative provider of
speech solutions, and in November 2005 we changed our ticker
symbol to NUAN. Our corporate headquarters and executive offices
are located at 1 Wayside Road, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803.
Our telephone number is
781-565-5000.
1
FORWARD
LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in
this prospectus contain forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions,
that, if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause
our results and the results of our consolidated subsidiaries to
differ materially from those expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally
are identified by the words expects,
anticipates, believes,
intends, estimates, should,
would, strategy, plan and
similar expressions. All statements other than statements of
historical fact are statements that could be deemed
forward-looking statements. For example, forward-looking
statements include:
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projections of earnings, revenues, synergies or other financial
items;
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any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of
management for future operations, including the execution of
integration and restructuring plans and the anticipated timing
of filings, approvals relating to, and the closing of, pending
acquisitions;
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any statements concerning proposed new products, services,
developments or industry rankings;
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any statements regarding future economic conditions or
performance;
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statements of belief; and
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any statement of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.
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The risks, uncertainties and assumptions referred to above
include the difficulty of managing expense growth while
increasing revenues; the challenges of integration and
restructuring associated with recent and pending acquisitions
and the challenges of achieving the anticipated synergies; and
the other risks and uncertainties described under
Item 1A Risk Factors in our annual
report on
Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, which is
incorporated by reference herein.
If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or
if underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may
vary materially from those expected, estimated or projected. In
addition to other factors that affect our operating results and
financial position, neither past financial performance nor our
expectations should be considered reliable indicators of future
performance. Investors should not use historical trends to
anticipate results or trends in future periods. Further, our
stock price is subject to volatility. Any of the factors
discussed above could have an adverse impact on our stock price.
In addition, failure of sales or income in any quarter to meet
the investment communitys expectations, as well as broader
market trends, could have an adverse impact on our stock price.
Although we undertake no obligation to revise or update any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, except as required by
law, you are advised to consult any additional disclosures we
make in our quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q,
annual report on
Form 10-K
and current reports on
Form 8-K
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. See
Where You Can Find More Information.
USE OF
PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus
supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from this offering
for general corporate purposes, including working capital, to
repay indebtedness and to fund possible investments in and
acquisitions of complimentary businesses, partnerships, minority
investments, products or technologies. Unless otherwise
specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will not
receive any proceeds from the sale of securities by selling
security holders.
RATIO OF
EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
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Nine Months
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Fiscal Year
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Fiscal Year Ended
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Ended
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Ended
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September 30,
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September 30,
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September 30,
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September 30,
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December 31,
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2007
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2006
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2005
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2004
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2003
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Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(1)(2)
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1.2x
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1.3x
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(1) |
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The ratio of earnings to fixed charges is calculated by dividing
(a) earnings before income taxes, adjusted for fixed
charges, by (b) fixed charges. Fixed charges include
interest expense under operating leases deemed to be a
reasonable approximation of the interest factor. |
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For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006, the nine
months ended September 30, 2004 and the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2003, income before income taxes was
insufficient to cover the fixed charges by approximately
$12.9 million, $6.4 million and $3.7 million,
respectively. |
DESCRIPTION
OF THE SECURITIES
We may issue from time to time, in one or more offerings, the
following securities:
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debt securities, which may be senior or subordinated, and which
may be convertible into our common stock or be non-convertible;
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shares of common stock;
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shares of preferred stock;
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depositary shares;
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warrants exercisable for debt securities, common stock or
preferred stock; and
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subscription rights.
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We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement a
description of the debt securities, preferred stock, depositary
shares, warrants and/or subscription rights that may be offered
under this prospectus. The terms of the offering of securities,
the initial offering price and the net proceeds to us will be
contained in the applicable prospectus supplement, and other
offering material, relating to such offer.
DESCRIPTION
OF THE DEBT SECURITIES
This section describes the general terms and provisions of any
debt securities that we may offer in the future. A prospectus
supplement relating to a particular series of debt securities
will describe the material terms of that particular series and
to the extent to which the general terms and provisions
contained herein apply to that particular series.
Senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities may be
issued in one or more series under one or more indentures
without limitation as to aggregate principal amount. We may
specify a maximum aggregate principal amount for the debt
securities of any series. We are not limited as to the amount of
debt securities we may issue under an indenture. Unless
otherwise provided in a prospectus supplement, a series of debt
securities may be reopened for issuance of additional debt
securities of such series.
Events of
Default
The indenture will, unless otherwise provided, define an event
of default with respect to any series of debt securities as one
or more of the following events:
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failure to pay principal of or any premium on any debt security
of that series when due;
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failure to pay any interest on any debt security of that series
for 30 days when due;
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failure to make any sinking fund payment for 30 days when
due;
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failure to perform any other covenant in the indenture if that
failure continues for 90 days after we are given the notice
required in the indenture;
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our bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and
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any other event of default specified in the prospectus
supplement.
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An event of default of one series of debt securities is not
necessarily an event of default for any other series of debt
securities.
If an event of default, other than an event of default relating
to our bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, shall occur and
be continuing, either the trustee or the holders of at least 25%
in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding securities of
that series may declare the principal amount of the debt
securities of that series to be due and payable immediately. If
an event of default relating to our bankruptcy, insolvency or
reorganization shall occur, the principal amount of all the debt
securities of that series will automatically become immediately
due and payable.
After acceleration of the principal amount of the debt
securities, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the outstanding securities of that series, under
certain circumstances, may rescind and annul such acceleration
if all events of default, other than the non-payment of
accelerated principal, or other specified amount, have been
cured or waived.
If a default or event of default has occurred and the trustee
has received notice of the default or event of default in
accordance with the indenture, the trustee must give to the
registered holders a notice of the default or event of default
within 90 days after receipt of the notice. However, the
trustee need not mail the notice if the default or event of
default (a) has been cured or waived, or (b) is not in
the payment of any amounts due with respect to any security and
the trustee in good faith determines that withholding the notice
is in the best interests of holders. In addition, the trustee
shall give the holders of securities of such series notice of
such default or event of default actually known to it as and to
the extent provided by the Trust Indenture Act.
Satisfaction
and Discharge
We may be discharged from our obligations on the debt securities
of any series if we deposit enough cash or U.S. government
obligations with the trustee to pay all of the principal,
interest and any premium due to the stated maturity date or
redemption date of the debt securities and satisfy certain other
conditions precedent. We may be so discharged only if
(i) all of the securities of such series have been
delivered to the trustee for cancellation (subject to certain
exceptions) or (ii) all such securities not theretofore
delivered to the trustee for cancellation have become due and
payable, or will become due and payable at their stated maturity
within one year, or if redeemable at our option, are to be
called for redemption within one year under arrangements
satisfactory to the trustee for the giving of notice of
redemption by the trustee in our name and at our expense.
Upon such satisfaction and discharge of the indenture with
respect to any series of securities, the indenture shall cease
to be of further effect with respect to such series of
securities, except as to any surviving rights of registration of
transfer or exchange of securities expressly provided for in the
indenture or any other surviving rights expressly provided for
in a supplemental indenture for a series of securities.
Compliance
Certificates and Opinions
Upon any application or request by us to the trustee to take any
action under any provision of the indenture, we will furnish to
the trustee such certificates and opinions as may be required
under the Trust Indenture Act.
SELLING
SECURITY HOLDERS
Selling security holders may use this prospectus in connection
with resales of securities. The applicable prospectus
supplement, post-effective amendment or other filings we make
with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, will identify the selling security holders, the terms
of the securities and the transaction in which the selling
security holders acquired the securities. Selling security
holders may be deemed to be underwriters in connection with the
securities they resell and any profits on the sales may be
deemed to be underwriting discounts and commission under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Unless otherwise specified
in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will not receive any
proceeds from the sale of securities by selling security holders.
4
PLAN OF
DISTRIBUTION
We, or any selling security holders, may sell the offered
securities through agents, underwriters or dealers, or directly
to one or more purchasers, or through a combination of these
methods of sale. We will identify the specific plan of
distribution, including any agents, underwriters, dealers or
direct purchasers, and any compensation paid in connection
therewith, in the applicable prospectus supplement.
LEGAL
MATTERS
Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement
accompanying this prospectus, Wilson Sonsini
Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation, Palo
Alto, California will pass upon the validity of the issuance of
the securities offered by any prospectus supplement for us.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Nuance Communications,
Inc. incorporated by reference in this prospectus, have been
audited by BDO Seidman, LLP, an independent registered public
accounting firm, to the extent and for the periods set forth in
their reports incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon
such reports given upon the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.
Commissure Inc.s financial statements as of
December 31, 2006 and 2005, and for each of the years in
the two year period ended December 31, 2006 incorporated by
reference into this prospectus from our Current Report on
Form 8-K/A
dated November 29, 2007, have been audited by McGladrey
& Pullen, LLP, independent accountants, as indicated in
their report with respect thereto, and are incorporated by
reference in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts
in giving said reports.
Viecore, Inc.s consolidated financial statements as of
December 31, 2006 and 2005, and for each of the years in
the three year period ended December 31, 2006, incorporated
by reference into this prospectus from our Current Report on
Form 8-K
dated November 29, 2007, have been audited by
WithumSmith+Brown, P.C., independent auditors, as indicated in
their report with respect thereto, and are incorporated by
reference in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts
in accounting and auditing.
The statements of assets to be acquired and liabilities to be
assumed of Tegic Communications, Inc. at December 31, 2006
and 2005, and the statements of revenues and direct expenses for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
2006, appearing in our Current Report on Form 8-K dated
August 30, 2007, have been audited by Ernst & Young
LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon,
and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements
have been incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such
report given on the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
VoiceSignal Technologies, Inc.s consolidated financial
statements as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and for each
of the years in the three year period ended December 31,
2006, incorporated by reference into this prospectus from our
Current Report on
Form 8-K
dated August 30, 2007, have been audited by Vitale,
Caturano & Company, Ltd., independent accountants, as
indicated in their report with respect thereto, and are
incorporated by reference in reliance upon the authority of said
firm as experts in giving said reports.
The consolidated financial statements of Bluestar Resources
Limited, as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and for the
years then ended, included in Nuance Communications, Inc.s
Current Report on
Form 8-K/A
dated April 17, 2007, have been audited by S.R.
Batliboi & Associates (a member firm of
Ernst & Young Global), independent auditors, as set
forth in their report thereon, included therein, and
incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial
statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon
such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of Dictaphone Corporation
as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and for each of the two
years in the period ended December 31, 2005, incorporated
by reference into this prospectus from
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our Current Report on
Form 8-K/A
dated June 2, 2006, have been audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public
accounting firm, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon
the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in
accounting and auditing.
The consolidated statements of operations, changes in
stockholders equity and cash flows of Dictaphone
Corporation and its subsidiaries for the year ended
December 31, 2003 incorporated by reference into this
prospectus from the Nuance Communications, Inc. Current Report
on
Form 8-K/A
dated June 2, 2006, have been audited by Grant Thornton
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, and have
been so incorporated in reliance upon the authority of said firm
as experts in accounting and auditing in giving said reports.
The consolidated financial statements and the related financial
statement schedule of Nuance Communications, Inc. (which entity
is now referred to as Former Nuance Communications,
Inc. as a result of its acquisition in September 2005 by
ScanSoft, Inc. and ScanSoft, Inc.s subsequent name change
to Nuance Communications, Inc.) as of December 31, 2004 and
2003 and for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2004, incorporated in this prospectus by
reference from the Current Report of
Form 8-K
of ScanSoft, Inc. (now known as Nuance Communications, Inc. as a
result of such name change) dated September 15, 2005, have
been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent
registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report,
which is incorporated herein by reference, and have been so
incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon
their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
The audited historical financial statements of Phonetic Systems
Ltd. as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 2004,
incorporated into this prospectus by reference from our Current
Report on
Form 8-K/A
dated April 18, 2005, have been audited by Kost Forer
Gabbay & Kasierer, a member of Ernst & Young
Global, an independent registered public accounting firm, as
stated in their report, which is incorporated herein by
reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the
report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in
accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU
CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements
and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any
document we file at the SECs Public Reference Room in
Washington, D.C., located at 100 F Street, N.E.
Please call the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330
for further information on the Public Reference Room. Our SEC
filings are also available to the public over the internet from
the SECs web site at www.sec.gov, or our web site
at www.nuance.com (which is not intended to be an active
hyperlink in this prospectus). The contents of our website are
not incorporated by reference in or otherwise a part of this
prospectus.
INCORPORATION
BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference into
this prospectus the information we filed with it. This means
that we can disclose important information by referring you to
those documents. The information incorporated by reference is
considered to be a part of this prospectus. Information that we
file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede
this information. We incorporate by reference the documents
listed below (other than any portions of such documents that are
not deemed filed under the Exchange Act in
accordance with the Exchange Act and applicable SEC rules) and
any future filings made by us with the SEC (other than any
portions of such documents that are not deemed filed
under the Exchange Act in accordance with the Exchange Act and
applicable SEC rules) under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act until the completion of the offering
in the relevant prospectus supplement to which this prospectus
relates or this offering is terminated:
1. Our Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, filed on
November 29, 2007;
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2. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal
year ended September 30, 2006, filed on January 29,
2007 (but only with respect to Items 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14
of such report);
3. Our Current Reports on
Form 8-K
filed on November 29, 2007, November 13, 2007,
October 25, 2007, October 22, 2007, October 4,
2007 (as amended on November 29, 2007), October 2,
2007, August 30, 2007, March 28, 2007 (as amended on
April 17, 2007), December 19, 2006 (as amended
December 27, 2006), December 11, 2006,
November 8, 2006, March 31, 2006 (as amended
June 2, 2006), September 16, 2005 and February 7,
2005 (as amended April 18, 2005); and
4. The description of our common stock contained in the
registration statement on
Form 8-A,
filed with the SEC on October 20, 1995, and any amendment
or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.
You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing
or telephoning us at the following address:
Nuance Communications, Inc.
1 Wayside Road
Burlington, Massachusetts 01803
(781) 565-5000
Attention: Investor Relations
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