The following is excerpted from the question-and-answer section of the transcript.
(Questions from industry analysts are provided in full, but answers are omitted - download the transcript to see the full question-and-answer session)
Question: Paul Steep - Scotiabank Global Banking and Markets, Research Division - Analyst
: John, just recognizing it's challenging with the situation with licensing, but I guess with the proceeds, if we assume this proceeds, would -- how
would we think about deploying that capital? I know you answered it earlier, but I guess the point being, is it envisioned that you would look to
do like some type of a strategic or transformative M&A to materially accelerate growth in the business, I think, becomes the question? I do have a
quick follow-up that's somewhat related...
Question: Paul Steep - Scotiabank Global Banking and Markets, Research Division - Analyst
: Okay. And then maybe related, let's set aside whatever is going to occur with the patent sale, will transpire or not as the case might be. Just dialing
back to your comments earlier in the call, can you talk to us about how we should think about the level of spend? I know you're not guiding EBITDA
or free cash flow and I respect why. But maybe just help us put it in context. I think you talked about accelerating increased growth.
But then when I look at the spend, and I know maybe Q4 isn't the best spot to look, sales and marketing is up 10% year-on-year, 10%. And I know
it's got stock-based comp in there but R&D actually offset it. So should we think net that you're actually dipping in and we might go negative a
little bit or no?
Question: Paul Steep - Scotiabank Global Banking and Markets, Research Division - Analyst
: Great. I'll just ask one last quick clarifying one. Can you just comment, and I respect that it's difficult, but like obviously, we had the situation in
Japan relating to chips and automotive. What's sort of the broader mood, John, in terms of the base? Obviously, these decisions don't get made
in a vacuum or overnight. But is there overall maybe a bit of a pause going on or people are still moving forward with projects? And I'll pass the
line.
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