Press Release

December 19, 2002

Research In Motion Reports Third Quarter Results

Waterloo, ON - Research In Motion Limited ("RIM") (Nasdaq: RIMM, TSX: RIM), a world leader in the mobile communications market, today reported third quarter results for the three months ended November 30, 2002 (all figures in U.S. dollars and Canadian GAAP).

Revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2003 was $74.2 million, up slightly from $73.4 million in the previous quarter. The revenue breakdown for the quarter was 37% for handhelds, 44% for service, 11% for software licences and development, and 8% for OEM radios and other revenue. The total number of BlackBerry™ subscribers increased by approximately 60,000 from the prior quarter to 463,000 subscribers, and the total number of organizations with the BlackBerry Enterprise Server installed increased to over 8,500 from approximately 7,300, as at November 30, 2002. Gross margins also increased to 46.5% in the current quarter from 45.8% in the prior quarter.

"During the last quarter, RIM made significant advances on a number of strategic fronts including product introductions, licensing agreements, and operational improvements," said Jim Balsillie, Chairman and Co-CEO at RIM. "We are especially pleased to report that the strong subscriber growth trend for BlackBerry is continuing, with 60,000 net subscriber additions in the quarter. Our accomplishments in the third quarter have extended our competitive lead and set the stage for continuing growth with customers and partners."

As previously announced, the Company recorded two non-recurring pre-tax charges during the quarter. A restructuring provision of $6.6 million associated with the cost reduction initiatives announced on November 12, 2002 was charged to operations. Restructuring charges largely consisted of severance costs, expenses incurred to vacate excess leased facilities, and charges for redundant capital assets, such as computer equipment and office furniture. The Company also recorded a provision of $27.8 million for damages, current legal costs and anticipated ongoing legal costs with respect to the jury verdict in the NTP, Inc. trial that was announced on November 21, 2002. The award of damages, approximately $23 million, remains subject to post trial motions and appeal.

As a result of the above charges to operations during the quarter, as well as forecasted near term operating losses, the Company has made a decision to report results of operations without tax-affecting losses and to increase the valuation allowance with respect to its future tax assets, resulting in a non-recurring, non-cash charge of approximately $40.1 million. This charge is reflected as follows: $37.4 million is included in the provision for income taxes and the remaining $2.7 million, representing scientific research investment tax credits, is charged to research and development expenses.

"The accounting standards that relate to income taxes require the valuation of tax assets to be primarily measured using the Company's past performance and current financial conditions," said Dennis Kavelman, Chief Financial Officer at RIM, "Consequently, we have made the decision to write-off the future tax assets for accounting purposes. We will also not be recording a tax benefit until the Company achieves profitability. These net future tax assets have a substantially indefinite life and unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $60 million remain available for use against taxes on future profits. This write-down does not affect the Company's cash position."

The GAAP net loss for the quarter was $92.3 million, or $1.20 per share, compared to a net loss of $14.3 million or $0.18 per share in the prior quarter. Reconciling this reported loss with the company's previous publicly disclosed guidance for the quarter of a loss of $0.18-$0.23 per share (which excluded the two non-recurring charges and included a notional tax recovery estimated at the Company's previously forecast 20% tax rate) the adjusted, non-GAAP, net loss for the quarter was approximately $14.3 million, or $0.19 per share, as detailed below:

Reconcilation of GAAP net loss as reported to adjusted net loss
(United States dollars, in thousands except per share data)
   
  For the three months ended Nov. 30, 2002
GAAP net loss, as reported $(92,324)
   
Add back non-recurring items:  
   
   Restructuring charge 6,550
   Litigation and related expenses 27,760
   Increase in future tax asset valuation allowance, charged to
   provision for income taxes		 37,365
   Investment tax credits, charged to research and development
   expense		 2,726
 
Adjusted loss before recovery of income taxes (17,923)
   
Notional tax recovery, estimated at 20% (3,585)
   
 
Adjusted net loss $(14,338)
 
   
Adjusted net loss per share, basic and diluted $(0.19)
 

Note: the adjusted net loss and adjusted net loss per share do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and thus are not comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Investors are encouraged to consider this adjusted measure in the context of RIM's GAAP results.

The total of cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and long-term portfolio investments was approximately $531.1 million as at November 30, 2002, compared to $549.9 million at the end of the previous quarter, for a net decrease of $18.8 million quarter over quarter. Cash used in operations represented approximately $5.2 million, of which $2.4 million was paid with respect to the restructuring activities. Acquisitions of capital and other intangible assets accounted for the majority of the balance of $13.6 million.

Highlights of the third quarter:

  • Nokia and RIM signed a BlackBerry software licensing agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, RIM has granted Nokia the right to use and distribute certain BlackBerry software in conjunction with Nokia products on a global basis.
  • Palm and RIM signed a royalty-bearing agreement in principle setting out the fundamental terms under which RIM will license certain RIM keyboard patents to Palm.
  • Handspring and RIM signed a royalty-bearing agreement in principle setting out the fundamental terms under which RIM will license certain RIM keyboard patents to Handspring.
  • RIM unveiled the Java-based BlackBerry 6710™ (world band) and BlackBerry 6720™ (dual band) data and voice-enabled handhelds for global GSM/GPRS networks. New handheld features include integrated speaker/microphone, removable/rechargeable battery and the ability to travel internationally with one handheld.
  • Nextel announced commercial availability of the BlackBerry 6510™ and BlackBerry Web Client in the United States.
  • AT&T Wireless introduced the BlackBerry 6710™ and BlackBerry Web Client in the United States.
  • T-Mobile began offering the BlackBerry 6710 and BlackBerry Web Client in the United States, as well as the BlackBerry 6720 in Europe.
  • Rogers AT&T Wireless launched the BlackBerry 6710 in Canada.
  • Telstra launched the BlackBerry wireless solution in Australia for the first time.
  • Hutchison Telecom launched BlackBerry Web Client in Hong Kong.
  • RIM announced the release of BlackBerry Enterprise Server v3.5 which goes beyond wireless email by providing in-house software developers and Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) with a powerful platform for extending corporate data wirelessly and securely. BlackBerry Enterprise Server v3.5 also provides IT departments with new advanced management features that simplify the deployment and ongoing administration of BlackBerry Wireless Handhelds.
  • BlackBerry won the Enterprise Product of the Year Award at the Computing Industry Awards as well as PC Expert's Interop Award for being one of the Ten Best Products of the Year. As a company, RIM received Deloitte & Touche's Technology Fast 50 Award as well as the Manning Innovation Award.
  • A variety of new initiatives were introduced through the BlackBerry Alliance Program including announcements with Consilient, NetIQ and SAIC. Consilient is providing Novell® GroupWise users with wireless access to email via BlackBerry. NetIQ will deliver advanced management tools for BlackBerry Enterprise Server v3.5. SAIC will extend enterprise applications to mobile environments through BlackBerry.

Highlights subsequent to quarter end:

  • Verizon Wireless and RIM announced plans to offer the new BlackBerry 6750™ that supports the CDMA2000 1X standard operating on Verizon Wireless' Express Network. The BlackBerry 6750 will also be available through Bell Mobility in Canada.
  • RIM and Alpha Micro Components announced a new supply agreement that enables Alpha Micro to distribute RIM's OEM radio modems for GSM/GPRS wireless networks to device manufacturers in the UK and Ireland. RIM also announced that its radio modems for GSM/GPRS networks received regulatory certifications in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

The replay of the company's Q3 conference call can be accessed after 7 p.m. (eastern time) December 19 2002 until midnight (eastern) December 26, 2002. It can be accessed by dialing 416-640-1917 and entering reservation number 221667#. The conference will also appear on the RIM web site, live at 4:45pm and archived, at www.rim.net/investors/index.shtml until midnight January 3, 2003.

About Research In Motion

Research In Motion Limited is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity. RIM's portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry™ wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld™ product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.

For more information:
Contact RIM Investor Relations at (519) 888-7465 or investor_relations@rim.net.

Research In Motion, RIM and BlackBerry are trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. Research In Motion and RIM are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, products and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used herein, words such as "intend" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by and information available to Research In Motion Limited. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements include, without limitation, possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, significant fluctuations of quarterly operating results, changes in Canadian and foreign laws and regulations, continued acceptance of RIM's products, increased levels of competition, technological changes and the successful development of new products, dependence on third-party networks to provide services, dependence on intellectual property rights and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in RIM's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulatory authorities. The Company has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Research In Motion Limited
Incorporated under the Laws of Ontario
(United States dollars, in thousands except per share data)

Consolidated Statements of Operations

  For the three months ended For the nine months ended
  November 30, 2002 August 31, 2002 December 1, 2001 November 30, 2002 December 1, 2001
      (unaudited)    
Revenue $74,176 $73,418 $70,857 $219,230 $227,921
Cost of sales 39,670 39,823 44,385 119,976 157,187
 
Gross margin 34,506 33,595 26,472 99,254 70,734
 
           
Expenses          
Research and development, net of government funding 16,843 13,913 10,485 43,381 25,430
Selling, marketing and administration 33,415 28,529 25,650 89,917 75,759
Amortization 7,798 7,032 4,427 21,990 11,724
Restructuring charge 6,550 - - 6,550 -
Litigation and related expenses 27,760 4,910 - 32,670 -
 
  92,366 54,384 40,562 194,508 112,913
 
           
Loss from operations (57,860) (20,789) (14,090) (95,254) (42,179)
           
Investment income 2,901 2,877 5,164 8,932 21,407
 
Loss before write-down of investments and provisions for income taxes (54,959) (17,912) (8,926) (86,322) (20,772)
Write-down of investments - - - - 5,350
 
Loss before provision for (recovery of) income taxes (54,959) (17,912) (8,926) (86,322) (26,122)
Provison for (recovery of) income taxes 37,365 (3,612) (2,668) 31,106 (6,193)
 
Net loss $(92,324) $(14,300) $(6,258) $(117,428) $(19,929)
 
           
Loss per share          
 
   Basic and diluted $(1.20) $(0.18) $(0.08) $(1.51) $(0.25)
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (000’s)          
   Basic and diluted 76,993 77,753 78,435 77,812 78,403



 

Research In Motion Limited
Incorporated under the Laws of Ontario
(United States dollars, in thousands except per share data)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

As at November 30, 2002 March 2, 2002
  (unaudited)  
Assets    
Current    
Cash and cash equivalents $350,676 $340,476
Marketable securities - 304,083
Trade receivables 44,302 42,642
Other receivables 6,182 5,976
Inventory 29,116 37,477
Prepaid expenses and other assets 5,900 6,664
 
  436,176 737,318
     
Long-term portfolio investments 180,403 -
Capital assets 167,150 151,843
Goodwill and other intangible assets 76,738 30,398
Future income tax assets - 28,598
 
  $860,467 $948,157
 
     
Liabilities    
Current    
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $68,797 $46,934
Accrued litigation and related expenses 29,159 -
Income taxes payable 4,496 2,446
Deferred revenue 11,054 9,773
Current portion of long-term debt 344 385
 
  113,850 59,538
     
Long-term debt 11,052 11,874
 
  124,902 71,412
     
Shareholders’ equity    
Capital stock 873,972 894,750
Deficit (138,407) (18,005)
 
Total shareholders’ equity 735,565 876,745
 
  $860,467 $948,157



 

Research In Motion Limited
Incorporated under the Laws of Ontario
(United States dollars, in thousands except per share data)

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

  For the three months ended Nov. 30, 2002 For the nine months ended Nov. 30, 2002
  (unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities    
Net loss $(92,324) $(117,428)
     
Items not requiring an outlay of cash:    
Amortization 7,883 22,488
Future income taxes 40,774 28,598
Other non-cash items 490 490
 
  (43,177) (65,852)
     
Net changes in non-cash working capital items 37,964 59,980
 
  (5,213) (5,872)
     
Cash flows from financing activities    
Issuance of share capital and warrants 290 750
Buyback of common shares pursuant to Common Share Purchase Program - (24,502)
Repayment of debt (137) (1,077)
 
  153 (24,829)
 
     
Cash flows from investing activities    
Acquisition long-term portfolio investments (98,881) (180,403)
Acquisition of capital assets (7,364) (36,395)
Acquisition of intangible assets (4,355) (24,394)
Acquisition of subsidiaries (2,060) (21,990)
Acquisition of marketable securities - (41,900)
Proceeds on sale and maturity of marketable securities 72,266 345,983
 
  (40,394) 40,901
 
     
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents for the period (45,454) 10,200
     
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 396,130 340,476
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $350,676 $350,676
 
     
  As at Nov. 30, 2002 As at Aug. 31, 2002
     
Cash and cash equivalents $350,676 $396,130
Marketable securities - 72,266
Long-term portfolio investments 180,403 81,522
 
Cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and long-term portfolio investments $531,079 $549,918