Symantec 2012 Annual Report Download - page 101

our reputation as a company. Similarly, experienced computer programmers may attempt to penetrate our
network security or the security of our website and misappropriate proprietary information or cause interruptions
of our services. Because the techniques used by such computer programmers to access or sabotage networks
change frequently and may not be recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate
these techniques. The theft or unauthorized use or publication of our trade secrets and other confidential business
information as a result of such an event could adversely affect our competitive position, reputation, brand and
future sales of our products, and our customers may assert claims against us related to resulting losses of
confidential or proprietary information. Our business could be subject to significant disruption, and we could
suffer monetary and other losses and reputational harm, in the event of such incidents and claims.
Fluctuations in our quarterly financial results have affected the price of our common stock in the past and
could affect our stock price in the future.
Our quarterly financial results have fluctuated in the past and are likely to vary significantly in the future
due to a number of factors, many of which are outside of our control and which could adversely affect our
operations and operating results. If our quarterly financial results or our predictions of future financial results fail
to meet our expectations or the expectations of securities analysts and investors, our stock price could be
negatively affected. Any volatility in our quarterly financial results may make it more difficult for us to raise
capital in the future or pursue acquisitions that involve issuances of our stock. Our operating results for prior
periods may not be effective predictors of our future performance.
Factors associated with our industry, the operation of our business, and the markets for our products may
cause our quarterly financial results to fluctuate, including:
• Reduced demand for any of our products
• Entry of new competition into our markets
• Competitive pricing pressure for one or more of our classes of products
• Our ability to timely complete the release of new or enhanced versions of our products
• Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates
• The number, severity, and timing of threat outbreaks (e.g. worms and viruses)
• Our resellers making a substantial portion of their purchases near the end of each quarter
• Enterprise customers’ tendency to negotiate site licenses near the end of each quarter
• Cancellation, deferral, or limitation of orders by customers
• Changes in the mix or type of products sold, particularly as our business continues to evolve into new
models such as SaaS and appliances
• Movements in interest rates
• The rate of adoption of new product technologies and new releases of operating systems
• Weakness or uncertainty in general economic or industry conditions in any of the multiple markets in
which we operate that could reduce customer demand and ability to pay for our products and services
• Political and military instability, which could slow spending within our target markets, delay sales cycles,
and otherwise adversely affect our ability to generate revenues and operate effectively
• Budgetary constraints of customers, which are influenced by corporate earnings and government budget
cycles and spending objectives
• Disruptions in our business operations or target markets caused by, among other things, earthquakes,
floods, or other natural disasters affecting our headquarters located in Silicon Valley, California, an area
known for seismic activity, or our other locations worldwide
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