SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
----------------------------------------------------
FORM 10-K
(mark one)
[X ] Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended January 2, 1999
[ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Commission file number 1-12745
THERMEDICS DETECTION INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Massachusetts 04-3106698
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization) (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
220 Mill Road
Chelmsford, Massachusetts 01824-4178
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (781) 622-1000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Name of each exchangeon which registered
Common Stock, $.10 par value American Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to the filing requirements for
at least the past 90 days. Yes [ X ] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of the Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the
Registrant as of January 29, 1999, was approximately $18,356,000.
As of January 29, 1999, the Registrant had 19,316,684 shares of Common Stock
outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended
January 2, 1999, are incorporated by reference into Parts I and II.
Portions of the Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting
of Shareholders to be held on May 27, 1999, are incorporated by reference into
Part III.
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PART I
Item 1. Business
(a) General Development of Business
The businesses of Thermedics Detection Inc. (the Company or the Registrant)
operate in two segments: Detection Instruments and Laboratory Products. The
Company's Detection Instruments segment develops, manufactures, and markets
high-speed detection and measurement systems used for quality assurance and
security applications. The Company's quality-assurance systems use ultratrace
chemical detectors, high-speed gas chromatography, X-ray imaging, near-infrared
spectroscopy, and other technologies to ensure the quality and safety of
in-process and finished products, primarily in the food, beverage,
pharmaceutical, forest products, chemical, and other consumer products
industries. The Company's security instruments use simultaneous trace particle-
and vapor-detection techniques based on its proprietary chemiluminescence and
high-speed gas chromatography technologies. Customers use the Company's security
instruments to detect plastic and other explosives at airports and border
crossings, for other high-security screening applications, and for forensics and
search applications. Along with earning revenues from the sale of existing
products, the Company performs contract research and development services for
government and industry customers and earns service revenues through long-term
contracts.
Historically, principal product lines in the Company's Detection Instruments
segment were quality-assurance and security systems, including ALEXUS(R)
systems, which detect trace amounts of substances that would affect product
quality in refillable plastic beverage containers, and EGIS(R) explosives
detectors. The Company expanded its product lines to include near-infrared
analyzers through its acquisition of Moisture Systems Corporation and Rutter &
Co. B.V. (collectively, Moisture Systems) in January 1996. Also in 1996, the
Company introduced its InScan(R) high-speed X-ray imaging system and
Flash-GC(TM) high-speed gas chromatography system. In 1998, the Company
introduced a new line of benchtop explosives detectors based on its EGIS
technology. Additionally, in 1998, the Company introduced an offshoot of its
Flash-GC technology, called EZ Flash(TM).
In 1998, the Company acquired Orion Research, Inc., a leading manufacturer
of electrochemistry products, from its parent company, Thermedics Inc. Orion
constitutes the Laboratory Products segment. Orion's products determine the
quality of a wide variety of items, including food, water, and pharmaceuticals,
by measuring their pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and specific ion
concentration. Orion also offers titration products that make the same
measurements, but in a more automated manner, and titration products that
measure the moisture content of raw, in-process, and finished products. In
addition, Orion manufactures on-line versions of its specific ion-measurement
systems that are used to monitor water quality in the power, semiconductor,
petrochemical, paper, pharmaceutical, and drinking water industries.
The Company operated as a division of Thermedics until its incorporation as
a Massachusetts corporation in December 1990. In connection with the Company's
incorporation, Thermedics transferred to the Company its TEA Analyzer and
certain other trace detection technologies in exchange for 10,000,000 shares of
the Company's common stock. A publicly traded subsidiary of Thermo Electron,
Thermedics develops, manufactures, and markets diverse product lines, including
implantable heart-assist devices and other biomedical products, electronic-test
instruments, and equipment that assures the quality of a wide variety of
consumer products and bulk materials. As of January 2, 1999, Thermedics owned
16,185,945 shares of the Company's outstanding common stock, representing 84% of
such stock outstanding. As of January 2, 1999, Thermedics is a 74%-owned
subsidiary of Thermo Electron Corporation. As of January 2, 1999, Thermo
Electron owned 882,450 shares of the Company's outstanding common stock,
representing 5% of such stock outstanding. Thermo Electron and Thermedics may
purchase shares of the Company's common stock from time to time in the open
market, or in negotiated transactions. During 1998*, Thermedics purchased
161,500 shares of the Company's common stock for $1.6 million. During 1998,
Thermo Electron purchased 882,450 shares of the Company's common stock for $8.2
million. Thermo Electron is a world leader in monitoring, analytical, and
biomedical instrumentation; biomedical products including heart-assist devices,
respiratory-care
- --------------------
* References to 1998, 1997, and 1996 herein are for the fiscal years ended
January 2, 1999, January 3, 1998, and December 28, 1996, respectively.
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equipment, and mammography systems; and paper recycling and papermaking
equipment. Thermo Electron also develops alternative-energy systems and clean
fuels, provides a range of services including industrial outsourcing and
environmental-liability management, and conducts research and development in
advanced imaging, laser, and electronic information-management technologies.
During 1998, Thermo Electron announced a proposed reorganization involving
certain of Thermo Electron's subsidiaries, including the Company. Under this
plan, Thermedics' majority interest in the Company would be transferred to
Thermo Electron. The Company would then be taken private and become a wholly
owned subsidiary of Thermo Electron. Shareholders of the Company would receive
cash in exchange for their shares of common stock. The proposed transactions are
subject to a number of conditions, as outlined in Note 10 to Consolidated
Financial Statements in the Registrant's 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders,
which is incorporated herein by reference.
Forward-looking Statements
Forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 21E of the
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, are made throughout this Annual Report on
Form 10-K. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not
statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements.
Without limiting the foregoing, the words, "believes," "anticipates," "plans,"
"expects," "seeks," "estimates," and similar expressions are intended to
identify forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors
that could cause the results of the Company to differ materially from those
indicated by such forward-looking statements, including those detailed under the
heading "Forward-looking Statements" in the Registrant's 1998 Annual Report to
Shareholders, which statements are incorporated herein by reference.
(b) Financial Information About Segments
Financial information concerning the Company's segments is summarized in
Note 8 to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Registrant's 1998 Annual
Report to Shareholders, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(c) Description of Business
(i) Principal Products and Services
Detection Instruments
Quality-assurance Systems
The Company designs, manufactures, and markets high-speed measurement,
detection, and rejection equipment that uses ultratrace chemical detectors,
X-ray imaging, near-infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography, and other
technologies for product quality and productivity applications.
ALEXUS. The Company's ALEXUS systems detect trace amounts of constituents
that would affect product quality in refillable plastic containers of soft
drinks, water, and other beverages. The Company's ALEXUS systems, introduced in
1992, have been installed on more than 300 bottling lines in more than 30
countries throughout the world, primarily in Europe and Latin America, by The
Coca-Cola Company, Perrier, and other major beverage producers.
During 1998, 1997, and 1996, the Company derived revenues of $11.1 million,
$19.2 million, and $14.9 million, respectively, from ALEXUS systems.
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InScan. The Company's InScan system uses high-speed X-ray imaging technology
to determine accurate fill volume, net volume, proper contents, and package
integrity of containers for the beverage, food, and other industries. InScan
uses a low-power X-ray to capture data. This data produces an instant, detailed
image of each container. InScan's proprietary software then automatically
compares the data to a predetermined profile used to generate mathematical
algorithms to determine whether the container is acceptable. InScan incorporates
a sophisticated, high-speed rejection system that automatically removes
unacceptable containers from the line. The Company shipped its first InScan
units in 1996. The Company's InScan systems are currently used by major beer and
soft drink companies in the U.S. and overseas, including Miller, Molson, Coors,
Guinness Brewing Company, and The Coca-Cola Company. The Company has also sold
systems to the household products industry, the cosmetics industry, the
personal-care products industry, and the food industry.
Moisture Systems. The Company's Moisture Systems division, acquired in 1996,
designs, manufactures, and markets equipment that uses near-infrared (NIR)
spectroscopy to measure moisture and other product constituents, including fats,
proteins, oils, flavorings, solvents, adhesives, and coatings, in a variety of
products as they move along manufacturing lines. The Company's systems are used
across the food, pharmaceutical, chemical, petrochemical, tobacco, forest
products, paper converting, plastics, textiles, corrugating, and other
industries. In 1997, the Company introduced the Quadra Beam 6600T, a system that
combines an NIR sensor with a processor that displays ingredient information to
offer customers a less expensive, easy-to-install, and space-saving on-line
analyzer. In 1998, the Company introduced the Quadra Beam 6600L, an
explosion-proof analyzer designed specifically for the on-line monitoring of
volatile liquids and gases. Also in 1998, the Company launched its most powerful
and cost-effective analyzer to date, SPECTRA-QUAD, which can measure
continuously up to three constituents in products moving along product lines.
During 1998, 1997, and 1996, the Company derived revenues of $12.2 million,
$15.4 million, and $18.0 million, respectively, from Moisture Systems.
Flash-GC Gas Chromatography Systems. The Company designs, manufactures, and
markets high-speed gas chromatography systems that can analyze chemical samples
at speeds 20 to 50 times faster than conventional gas chromatography. The
Company currently markets its systems under the trade name Flash-GC for near
on-line process and quality-control applications that require high-speed
results. The Company is also targeting certain other segments of the
conventional gas chromatography market in which access to high-speed analysis
would be advantageous. The Flash-GC has applications in the food, flavors,
fragrance, chemical, pharmaceutical, forensic, and automotive industries, as
well as in medical and environmental laboratories. The Company is targeting only
those sectors of the laboratory and process gas chromatography market that are
expected to place a premium on near-instant analysis. In 1998, the Company
introduced the EZ-Flash, which is an upgrade kit that can be added to virtually
any conventional gas chromatograph to conduct chemical analyses up to 30 times
faster. Environmental-analysis and chemical companies have been the primary
buyers of this new product.
Security Instruments
The Company designs, manufactures, and markets security instruments that use
trace particle- and vapor-detection techniques for forensics and search and
screening applications under the direction of police, border police,
transportation authorities, and carriers.
The Company's principal security instrument is the EGIS system, a highly
sensitive particle- and vapor-detection system for screening people, baggage,
packages, freight, and electronic equipment such as personal computers for the
presence of a wide range of explosives, including plastic explosives that have
proven difficult to detect using conventional methods. The EGIS system is
designed for stand-alone use in the detection of explosives in carry-on items
and on personnel, and can be used in conjunction with enhanced X-ray and other
advanced imaging systems to provide a comprehensive explosives-detection system
for checked luggage. The Company also has developed SecurScan(TM), a
walk-through explosives detector.
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The Company believes that EGIS system is the most accurate and most
sensitive high-speed trace explosives-detection system available today. EGIS
employs the same high-speed gas chromatography technology used in the Flash-GC,
combined with chemiluminescent detection techniques to detect ultratrace
quantities of certain explosives and taggants, and to indicate the concentration
and type of explosive detected. Because EGIS' chemiluminescent detector responds
only to compounds of certain structures in the sample, rather than to the
thousands of compounds that may be contained in the sample, EGIS is more
selective than competing trace-detection systems, with fewer false-positive
readings. A processor in EGIS compares the chemical profile of the sample to the
known profiles of various explosives, including TNT, nitroglycerin, PETN,
Semtex, and C-4. Within seconds of the introduction of the sample into EGIS, the
system determines whether explosives are present, and, if so, identifies the
type and amount.
Initially developed with internal funds and contract funding from the U.S.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Department of State, more
than 275 EGIS units have been deployed to date. The EGIS system is currently
operational in 26 countries and is in use for carry-on and checked-luggage
screening at more than 50 international airports. EGIS is also used in
government buildings and embassies, and at border crossings and other locations
where there is a high degree of concern for security. The EGIS system has
assisted in identifying explosives used in terrorist bombings, including those
in the Federal Building in Oklahoma City and the World Trade Center in New York,
as well as in Israel, Buenos Aires, and the United Kingdom. In March 1996, the
Company supplied the U.S. government with eight EGIS systems to provide
counter-terrorism support in Israel. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and
Firearms and the Federal Bureau of Investigation used EGIS systems in their
attempt to identify the cause of the crash of TWA Flight 800.
During 1998, 1997, and 1996, the Company derived revenues of $8.3 million,
$10.3 million, and $7.1 million, respectively, from EGIS systems.
Laboratory Products
Electrochemistry Products
Through its Orion Research subsidiary, the Company manufactures a wide range
of electrochemistry products that determine the quality of many substances by
measuring their pH, specific ion concentration, dissolved oxygen, and
conductivity. These products include electrodes, which detect and communicate
measurements to meters, also supplied by Orion, which display the measurement
information in a convenient and useful format. Orion also provides a host of
reagents and standards. These products are used in the food, beverage,
pharmaceutical, chemical, environmental analysis, drinking water, wastewater
treatment, agricultural, biomedical research, and many other industries.
Titration Products
Orion's titration products are also used to measure pH, specific ion
concentration, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen, but in a more automated
manner, as well as to measure the moisture content of raw, in-process, or
finished products.
Orion designs, manufactures and markets automated potentiometric and Karl
Fischer volumetric and coulometric titrators for a variety of industries. The
target markets include the food and beverage, petrochemical, pharmaceutical,
chemical, water and wastewater, and paper industries. Orion titration systems
are designed specifically to analyze samples in either quality control or
research environments.
Orion's potentiometric titrators have been used in a wide range of
applications such as determining the amount of Vitamin C in beverages, hardness
in water, fluoride in toothpaste, surfactants in shampoos, and total acid number
in petrochemicals. Orion's Karl Fischer Titrators analyze moisture levels from
the parts-per-million to percentage range. Orion's most innovative titration
instrument is the Model TURBO2(R) with its built-in high-speed blender that
homogenizes whole samples in a moisture-free environment.
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Process Products
Included in process products is a complete family of on-line water analyzers
designed to monitor concentrations of various chemicals and contaminants.
Targeted markets include the power, semiconductor, petrochemical, and paper
industries.
Orion's 1700 series on-line analyzers measure chlorine and fluoride in
wastewater, while the 1800 series measures specific ions and dissolved oxygen
analysis in pure and potable water.
Orion's on-line water analyzers are used in the power industry, in order to
read low levels of residual salts, ions, and dissolved oxygen in the ultrapure
water used in the steam cycle. Lower detection levels and extended government
regulations have made on-line measurements increasingly important.
(ii) and (xi) New Products; Research and Development
Detection Instruments
The Company maintains active programs for the development and introduction
of new products and improvements to existing products. The Company also seeks to
develop new applications for its existing products and technology. In 1998, the
Company evolved the InScan system into three distinct products. The InScan 100
Fill Level/Net Content System assures the proper fill level and net content of
containers. The InScan 200 Foreign Material Detection System detects metal,
stones, glass, and other objects in packages. The InScan 300 Package Integrity
Analysis System provides package integrity information for small packages,
including verifying the presence and location of various components in packages.
The Company also made progress in creating a wider and higher tunnel for all of
its InScan systems, which will allow larger containers to be examined.
In addition, the Company has been exploring a number of improvements to its
security product line. In 1998, the Company introduced a new family of benchtop
explosives detectors - the EGIS II, the more sensitive EGIS III, and EGIS IV,
the Company's most sensitive explosives detector to date. With this family of
products, the Company believes it can better meet various customers' analytical
needs as well as budget. The Company also is working to extend the capabilities
of its SecurScan to not only detect traces of explosives, but also illicit drugs
and metal-based weapons. In addition, the Company plans to broaden its product
line to include a chemical and biological warfare detection system.
Laboratory Products
Innovative new Orion laboratory products for 1999 include the SensorLink(R)
system for dissolved oxygen and WineMaster(TM) Analysis System. SensorLink
records dissolved oxygen measurements directly into custom computer software.
WineMaster incorporates special chemical testing for the wine industry into
turnkey measurements. Two process product introductions for on-line pH and
on-line silica monitors will allow unattended continuous measurement of these
critical parameters in ultrapure and other waters used in industrial facilities.
Company-funded research and development expenses were $9.6 million in 1998
and 1997, and $8.1 million in 1996. Contract research and development revenues
were $3.0 million, $1.4 million, and $1.8 million in 1998, 1997, and 1996,
respectively.
(iii) Raw Materials
Supplies purchased by the Company are available either from a number of
different suppliers or from alternative sources that could be developed without
a material adverse effect on the Company's business. To date, the Company has
experienced no difficulties in obtaining these materials.
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(iv) Patents, Licenses, and Trademarks
The Company's policy is to protect its intellectual property rights by
appropriate means, including applying for patents. The Company also enters into
licensing agreements with other companies in which it grants or receives rights
to specific patents and technical know-how. The Company owns 34 U.S. patents,
and has filed applications for five additional United States patents. The
Company's U.S. patents, more than 60% of which were issued after 1990, have
expiration dates ranging from 1999 through 2015. The Company also owns
corresponding patents, or has filed corresponding applications, in a number of
jurisdictions throughout the world. In addition, the Company has an exclusive,
perpetual, royalty-free license under ten patents covering the use of
near-infrared and very near-infrared emitting diodes for on-line spectral
measurements. The Company owns several patents covering certain aspects of its
chemiluminescent analysis technology and high-speed gas chromatography
technology. The Company believes that these patents provide the Company with
competitive advantages in the markets for certain of its products. The Company
also considers technical know-how, trade secrets, and trademarks to be important
to its business.
(v) Seasonal Influences
There are no significant seasonal influences on the Company's sales of its
products.
(vi) Working Capital Requirements
There are no special inventory requirements or credit terms extended to
customers that would have a material adverse effect on the Company's working
capital.
(vii) Dependency on a Single Customer
Sales to The Coca-Cola Company, included in the Detection Instruments
segment, accounted for 7%, 26%, and 24% of the Company's total revenues in 1998,
1997, and 1996, respectively. Sales to Fisher Scientific and VWR Scientific,
both included in the Laboratory Products segment, each accounted for 10% of
total revenues in 1998.
(viii) Backlog
The Company's backlog of firm orders at year-end 1998 and 1997 was:
(In thousands) 1998 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------- -------- ---------
Detection Instruments $4,494 $ 6,922
Laboratory Products 1,571 2,452
------ -------
$6,065 $ 9,374
====== =======
Certain of these orders are cancelable by the customer upon payment of a
cancellation charge. The Company believes that substantially all of the backlog
at January 2, 1999, will be shipped or completed during the next twelve months.
The decrease in the backlog for Detection Instruments primarily resulted from
the completion of an order for security systems in 1998. The Company does not
believe that the size of its backlog is necessarily indicative of intermediate
or long-term trends in its business.
(ix) Government Contracts
The Company's security instruments are subject to regulation by the FAA,
corresponding foreign governmental authorities, The International Civil Aviation
Organization, and the United Nations organization which are responsible for
establishing standard practices for the aviation industry on a worldwide basis.
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Sales of the Company's security instruments for use in airports have been and
will continue to be dependent upon governmental initiatives to require or
support the screening of baggage, carry-on items, and people with advanced
explosives-detection equipment. Substantially all of such systems have been
installed at airports in countries in which the applicable government or
regulatory authority overseeing the operations of the airport has mandated such
screening. Such mandates are influenced by many factors outside of the control
of the Company, including political and budgetary concerns of governments,
airlines, and airports. To date, the FAA has not mandated the use of any
explosives-detection system.
(x) Competition
The markets for the Company's products are highly competitive. Competitors
may develop superior products or products of similar quality for sale at the
same or lower prices. Moreover, there can be no assurance that the Company's
products will not be rendered obsolete by new industry standards or changing
technology. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete
successfully with existing or new competitors. The Company employs a variety of
sales methods for its products and services that are designed to fit the needs
of particular customer groups.
Detection Instruments
Quality-assurance Systems
The Company's quality assurance systems compete with detection systems
manufactured by numerous companies. The Company believes, however, that these
companies are generally focused on particular niches in the process detection
systems market, only in some of which the Company competes. The ALEXUS system
encounters competition throughout the world, but primarily in the
German-speaking areas of Europe, with products offered by Walter Grassle GmbH of
Germany and Sudtronics S.A. of Switzerland. InScan competes with gamma-based
beverage fill-height detectors offered by a number of companies, including
Industrial Dynamics Company, based in California, and Heuft Systemtechnik GmbH,
based in Germany. ALEXUS systems are also sold through Krones GmbH, a large
German turnkey plant contractor for new bottling lines. Competition in the
moisture-detection market is highly fragmented. The Company's principal
competitor in this market is Infrared Engineering Limited, based in England. The
Company sells and services both its InScan and moisture systems equipment
through a mix of direct sales, manufacturers' representatives, and original
equipment manufacturer relationships around the world. The Company also operates
factory service centers for these products. The Flash-GC and EZ Flash systems
are new technologies competing in the developing high-speed gas chromatography
market segment. The Company's Flash-GC and EZ Flash compete principally against
high-speed gas chromatographs offered by ChromFast, based in Michigan. The
Company's gas chromatography systems are sold through a direct sales and
services organization. The Company is currently attempting to recruit additional
direct sales representatives for certain regions of the United States.
Competition in the markets for each of the Company's quality-assurance
systems is based primarily on performance, durability, service and, to a lesser
extent, price. The Company believes that its systems' performance and speed, as
well as the Company's reputation for developing superior new technologies and
for the innovative application of existing technologies to a variety of
high-speed production environments and product quality assurance problems, are
competitive advantages.
Security Instruments
In the security instrument market, the Company competes with a small number
of companies, including other makers of chemical trace detection instruments,
and, to a lesser degree, makers of enhanced X-ray detectors. Competition in this
market is based primarily on performance, including speed, accuracy, and the
range of explosives that can be detected; ease of use; service; and price. The
Company's principal competitor in the trace detection market is Barringer
Technologies Inc., a Canadian firm that has placed several trace detectors in
airport applications.
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The Company's security instruments are sold to a few key decision-makers
around the world, primarily government agencies or private companies fulfilling
government regulations. Accordingly, sales are made by a small, specialized
direct sales force, supported by a broader service organization, from offices
shared with ALEXUS sales and service organizations.
Laboratory Products
The Company's Laboratory Products segment competes with several
international companies. The Company competes on the basis of performance,
service, technology, and price. Competitors include Corning, Fisher Scientific,
Mettler-Toledo, and Beckman Coulter. The two major titration competitors are
Metrohm, distributed by Brinkmann in the United States, and Mettler Toledo.
Other competitors of titration products are Radiometer, Kyoto, ManTech, and
Denver Instruments. Ninety-five percent of the process market is the power
industry where Orion competes with manufacturers such as Hach, Waltron, and
Swan. Other competitors of process products are Foxboro, Polymetron, and
Honeywell.
(xii) Environmental Protection Regulations
The Company believes that compliance by the Company with federal, state, and
local environmental protection regulations will not have a material adverse
effect on its capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position.
(xiii) Number of Employees
As of January 2, 1999, the Company had approximately 520 full-time
employees.
(d) Financial Information About Geographic Areas
Financial information about geographic areas is summarized in Note 8 to
Consolidated Financial Statements in the Registrant's 1998 Annual Report to
Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
(e) Executive Officers of the Registrant
Name Age Present Title (Fiscal Year First
Became Executive Officer)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
James Barbookles 50 Chief Executive Officer and President (1997)
Theo Melas-Kyriazi 39 Chief Financial Officer (1998)
Paul F. Kelleher 56 Chief Accounting Officer (1990)
Each executive officer serves until his successor is chosen or
appointed by the Board of Directors and qualified, or until his earlier
resignation, death, or removal. Mr. Barbookles has been President and
Chief Executive Officer of the Company since November 1997. Mr.
Barbookles joined Orion in 1989 as Vice President of Research,
Development, and Engineering and was promoted to President and Chief
Operating Officer in 1993. Mr. Melas-Kyriazi was appointed Chief
Financial Officer of the Company and Thermo Electron on January 1, 1999.
Mr. Melas-Kyriazi joined Thermo Electron in 1986 as Assistant Treasurer,
and became Treasurer in 1988. In 1994, he was named President and Chief
Executive Officer of ThermoSpectra Corporation, a public subsidiary of
Thermo Instrument Systems Inc. In 1998, he became Vice President of
Corporate Strategy for Thermo Electron. Mr. Melas-Kyriazi remains a Vice
President of Thermo Electron. Mr. Kelleher has held comparable positions
for at least five years with Thermedics or Thermo Electron. Messrs.
Melas-Kyriazi and Kelleher are full-time employees of Thermo Electron, but
devote such portions of their time to the Company's affairs as the
Company's needs reasonably require.
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Item 2. Properties
Detection Instruments
The Detection Instruments segment operates from one principal facility, an
85,000-square foot office, research and development, and manufacturing facility
in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, occupied under a lease expiring in 2006, subject
to one five-year renewal option at the election of the Company. The Detection
Instruments segment also leases approximately 10,000 square feet in Enschede,
Holland, occupied under a lease expiring in 2000. In addition, the Detection
Instruments segment leases approximately 8,400 square feet of office space
throughout the world for its sales and service operations under leases expiring
at various dates until 2000.
Laboratory Products
The Laboratory Products segment operates primarily from a 115,000-square
foot office, research and development, and manufacturing facility in Beverly,
Massachusetts, occupied under a lease expiring in 2005. In addition, the
Laboratory Products segment leases approximately 12,000 square feet of office
and manufacturing space in Mexico under a lease expiring in June 1999, and owns
a storage facility in Scotland.
The Company believes that these facilities are adequate for its present
operations. The Company believes suitable alternate space is available for lease
on acceptable terms in the event the Company does not renew leases expiring in
the near future.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Not applicable.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of the Security Holders
Not applicable.
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PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
Information concerning the market and market price for the Registrant's
common stock, $.10 par value, and dividend policy is included under the sections
labeled "Common Stock Market Information" and "Dividend Policy" in the
Registrant's 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders and is incorporated herein by
reference.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The information required under this item is included under the sections
labeled "Selected Financial Information" and "Dividend Policy" in the
Registrant's 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders and is incorporated herein by
reference.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
The information required under this item is included under the heading
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" in the Registrant's 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders and
is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The information required under this item is included under the heading
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" in the Registrant's 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders and
is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The Registrant's Consolidated Financial Statements as of January 2, 1999,
and Supplementary Data are included in the Registrant's 1998 Annual Report to
Shareholders and are incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.
11
<PAGE>
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
The information concerning directors required under this item is
incorporated herein by reference from the material contained under the caption
"Election of Directors" in the Registrant's definitive proxy statement to be
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A,
not later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year. The information
concerning delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is
incorporated herein by reference from the material contained under the heading
"Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" under the caption
"Stock Ownership" in the Registrant's definitive proxy statement to be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, not
later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required under this item is incorporated herein by reference
from the material contained under the caption "Executive Compensation" in the
Registrant's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, not later than 120 days after
the close of the fiscal year.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The information required under this item is incorporated herein by reference
from the material contained under the caption "Stock Ownership" in the
Registrant's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, not later than 120 days after
the close of the fiscal year.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
The information required under this item is incorporated herein by reference
from the material contained under the caption "Relationship with Affiliates" in
the Registrant's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, not later than 120 days after
the close of the fiscal year.
12
<PAGE>
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K
(a,d) Financial Statements and Schedules
(1)The consolidated financial statements set forth in the list below are
filed as part of this Report.
(2)The consolidated financial statement schedule set forth in the list
below is filed as part of this Report.
(3)Exhibits filed herewith or incorporated herein by reference are set
forth in Item 14(c) below.
List of Financial Statements and Schedules Referenced in this Item 14
Information incorporated by reference from Exhibit 13 filed herewith:
Consolidated Statement of Income
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and Shareholders'
Investment
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Reports of Independent Public Accountants
Financial Statement Schedule filed herewith:
Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or not
required, or because the required information is shown either in the
financial statements or in the notes thereto.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
On December 10, 1998, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K dated
December 10, 1998, the purpose of which was to provide an update to a
proposed corporate reorganization by Thermo Electron involving certain of
Thermo Electron's subsidiaries, including the Company.
(c) Exhibits
See Exhibit Index on the page immediately preceding exhibits.
13
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: March 15, 1999 THERMEDICS DETECTION INC.
By: /s/ James Barbookles
James Barbookles
President and Chief Executive
Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities indicated, as of March 15, 1999.
Signature Title
By: /s/ James Barbookles President, Chief Executive Officer,
James Barbookles and Director
By: /s/ Theo Melas-Kyriazi Chief Financial Officer
Theo Melas-Kyriazi
By: /s/ Paul F. Kelleher Chief Accounting Officer
Paul F. Kelleher
By: /s/ Morton Collins Director
Morton Collins
By: /s/ John T. Keiser Chairman of the Board and Director
John T. Keiser
By: /s/ Matthew C. Weisman Director
Matthew C. Weisman
14
<PAGE>
Report of Independent Public Accountants
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Thermedics Detection Inc.:
We have audited, in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards,
the consolidated financial statements included in Thermedics Detection Inc.'s
Annual Report to Shareholders incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, and
have issued our report thereon dated February 11, 1999. Our audits were made for
the purpose of forming an opinion on those statements taken as a whole. The
schedule listed in Item 14 on page 13 is the responsibility of the Company's
management and is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and
Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of the basic consolidated financial
statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied
in the audits of the basic consolidated financial statements and, in our
opinion, fairly states in all material respects the consolidated financial data
required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic consolidated financial
statements taken as a whole.
Arthur Andersen LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 11, 1999
15
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SCHEDULE II
THERMEDICS DETECTION INC.
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Description
Balance at
Beginning Provision Accounts Balance
of Charged to Account Written at End
Year Expense Recovered Off Other (a) of Year
- ----------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Year Ended January 2, 1999 $1,127 $ 301 $ 1 $ (395) $ 115 $1,149
Year Ended January 3, 1998 $1,455 $ 200 $ 8 $ (530) $ (6) $1,127
Year Ended December 28, 1996 $ 828 $ 642 $ 203 $ (340) $ 122 $1,455
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Description Balance at Established Activity Other (c) Balance
Beginning as Cost of Charged to at End
of Acquisitions Reserve of Year
Year
- ----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------- ------------ ----------- ------------
Accrued Acquisition Expenses (b)
Year Ended January 2, 1999 $ - $ - $ - $ $ -
Year Ended January 3, 1998 $ 580 $ - $ (476) $(104) $ -
Year Ended December 28, 1996 $ 691 $ 545 $ (620) $ (36) $ 580
(a) Includes allowances of businesses acquired during the year as described in
Note 2 to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Registrant's 1998 Annual
Report to Shareholders and the effect of foreign currency translation.
(b) The nature of activity in this account is described in Note 2 to
Consolidated Financial Statements in the Registrant's 1998 Annual Report to
Shareholders.
(c) Represents reduction of cost in excess of net assets of acquired companies
for accrued acquisition expenses no longer necessary after finalization of
restructuring plan.
</TABLE>
16
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit
2.1* Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of January 25, 1996, among the
Registrant, Moisture Systems Corporation, and certain Affiliates of
Moisture Systems Corporation. Pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of
Regulation S-K, schedules to this Agreement have been omitted. The
Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish supplementally a copy of such
schedules to the Commission upon request.
2.2* Share Purchase Agreement dated as of January 25, 1996, among the
Registrant, Rutter Holding B.V., and certain Affiliates of Rutter
Holding B.V. Pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K, schedules
to this Agreement have been omitted. The Registrant hereby undertakes
to furnish supplementally a copy of such schedules to the Commission
upon request.
2.3 Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of May 6, 1998, by and
among the Registrant, Orion Acquisition Inc., Thermedics Inc., and
Orion Research, Inc. Pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K,
schedules to this Agreement have been omitted. The Registrant hereby
undertakes to furnish supplementally a copy of such schedules to the
Commission upon request (incorporated by reference herein from
Exhibit 2.3 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended April 4, 1998 [File No. 1-12745]).
3.1* Articles of Organization of the Registrant, as amended.
3.2* By-Laws of the Registrant.
4.1* Specimen Common Stock Certificate.
4.2* Specimen Rights Certificate.
10.1* Corporate Services Agreement dated as of March 20, 1996, between
Thermo Electron Corporation and the Registrant.
10.2 Thermo Electron Corporate Charter, as amended and restated effective
January 3, 1993 (incorporated by reference herein from Exhibit 10.1
to Thermo Electron's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended January 2, 1993 [File No. 1-8002]).
10.3* Tax Allocation Agreement dated as of March 20, 1996, between
Thermedics Inc. and the Registrant.
10.4* Master Repurchase Agreement dated as of March 20, 1996, between
Thermo Electron and the Registrant.
10.5 Amended and Restated Master Guarantee Reimbursement and Loan
Agreement dated as of December 10, 1997, between Thermo Electron and
the Registrant (incorporated by reference herein from Exhibit 10.5 to
the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
January 3, 1998 [File No. 1-12745]).
10.6 Amended and Restated Master Guarantee Reimbursement and Loan
Agreement dated as of December 10, 1997, between Thermedics and the
Registrant (incorporated by reference herein from Exhibit 10.6 to the
Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
January 3, 1998 [File No. 1-12745]).
17
<PAGE>
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit
10.7* Equity Incentive Plan of the Registrant.
10.8* Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors of the Registrant.
In addition to the stock-based compensation plans of the Registrant,
the executive officers of the Registrant may be granted awards under
stock-based compensation plans of Thermo Electron and Thermedics for
services rendered to the Registrant or to such affiliated
corporations. The terms of such plans are substantially the same as
those of the Registrant's Equity Incentive Plan.
10.9* $21.2 Million Principal Amount Promissory Note due March 1998, issued
by the Registrant to Thermedics.
10.10* Form of Indemnification Agreement for Officers and Directors.
10.11* Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of March 25, 1996, between David H.
Fine and the Registrant.
10.12 Stock Holdings Assistance Plan and Form of Promissory Note
(incorporated by reference herein from Exhibit 10.12 to the
Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
January 3, 1998 [File No. 1-12745]).
13 Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended January 2, 1999
(only those portions incorporated herein by reference).
21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
27 Financial Data Schedule for the year ended January 2, 1999.
27.1 FinancialData Schedule for the year ended January 3, 1998 (restated
for the acquisition of Orion Research, Inc.).
27.2 FinancialData Schedule for the year ended December 28, 1996 (restated
for the acquisition of Orion Research, Inc.).
Each exhibit above that is marked with an asterisk (*) is incorporated by
reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 [File No. 333-31987].
18
<PAGE>
Exhibit 13
Thermedics Detection Inc.
Consolidated Financial Statements
1998
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Thermedics Detection Inc. 1998 Financial Statements
Consolidated Statement of Income
(In thousands except per share amounts) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------
Revenues (Notes 6 and 8):
Product revenues $ 74,754 $89,264 $ 80,557
Service revenues 16,821 15,110 14,047
-------- ------- ---------
91,575 104,374 94,604
-------- ------- ---------
Costs and Operating Expenses:
Cost of product revenues (Note 6) 30,610 38,694 37,857
Cost of service revenues 11,641 7,701 7,753
Selling, general, and administrative expenses (Note 6) 26,744 28,515 31,198
Research and development expenses 9,645 9,643 8,100
-------- ------- ---------
78,640 84,553 84,908
-------- ------- ---------
Operating Income 12,935 19,821 9,696
Interest Income 1,536 2,072 229
Interest Expense, Related Party (Note 2) (303) (1,239) (1,119)
Other Income (Expense), Net (1) 23 12
-------- ------- ---------
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes 14,167 20,677 8,818
Provision for Income Taxes (Note 4) 5,496 8,171 3,519
-------- ------- ---------
Net Income $ 8,671 $12,506 $ 5,299
======== ======= =========
Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (Note 9) $ .45 $ .67 $ .33
======== ======= =========
Weighted Average Shares (Note 9)
Basic 19,317 18,721 16,236
======== ======= =========
Diluted 19,321 18,732 16,253
======== ======= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
2
<PAGE>
Thermedics Detection Inc. 1998 Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheet
(In thousands except share amounts) 1998 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- --------
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents (includes $24,682 and $40,043 under repurchase $ 32,906 $ 46,352
agreement with affiliated company)
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $1,149 and $1,127 15,949 18,223
Unbilled contract costs and fees 1,705 836
Inventories 17,167 16,819
Prepaid income taxes (Note 4) 2,884 3,595
Prepaid expenses 1,496 1,439
--------- --------
72,107 87,264
--------- --------
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net 4,938 4,011
--------- --------
Other Assets 804 1,198
--------- --------
Cost in Excess of Net Assets of Acquired Companies (Note 2) 54,657 55,792
--------- --------
$ 132,506 $148,265
========= ========
Liabilities and Shareholders' Investment
Current Liabilities:
Promissory note to parent company (Note 2) $ - $ 21,200
Accounts payable 3,719 3,868
Accrued payroll and employee benefits 3,412 3,852
Accrued income taxes - 2,331
Deferred revenue 972 1,689
Accrued installation and warranty expenses 1,075 1,154
Other accrued expenses 4,972 5,410
Due to parent company and affiliated companies 336 1,415
--------- --------
14,486 40,919
--------- --------
Long-term Obligation 127 -
--------- --------
Commitments (Note 5)
Shareholders' Investment (Notes 2, 3, and 7):
Common stock, $.10 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 19,316,684 1,932 1,932
pro forma shares issued and outstanding
Capital in excess of par value 95,022 93,755
Retained earnings 21,877 13,206
Accumulated other comprehensive items (938) (1,547)
--------- --------
117,893 107,346
--------- --------
$ 132,506 $148,265
========= ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
3
<PAGE>
Thermedics Detection Inc. 1998 Financial Statements
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(In thousands) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------
Operating Activities
Net income $ 8,671 $12,506 $ 5,299
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 3,327 3,287 4,366
Provision for losses on accounts receivable 301 201 642
Other noncash expense 1,297 376 1,906
Deferred income tax expense 1,084 1,148 1,020
Changes in current accounts, excluding the effects of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable 1,875 (1,134) (2,570)
Unbilled contract costs and fees (834) (549) 845
Inventories (1,445) (3,298) 2,283
Other current assets (112) (52) (741)
Accounts payable (134) (884) (552)
Due to parent company and affiliated companies (1,140) 1,103 (211)
Other current liabilities (4,199) 990 1,816
-------- ------ --------
Net cash provided by operating activities 8,691 13,694 14,103
-------- ------ --------
Investing Activities
Acquisitions (Note 2) - - (21,668)
Acquisition of product line (Note 2) - - (300)
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment (2,774) (1,832) (2,608)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment 196 28 113
Other - 82 -
-------- ------ --------
Net cash used in investing activities (2,578) (1,722) (24,463)
-------- ------ --------
Financing Activities
Net proceeds from issuance of Company common stock (Note 7) - 28,078 6,964
Proceeds from issuance of promissory note to parent company - - 21,200
(Note 2)
Payment of promissory note to parent company (21,200) - -
Additional capital contributions and transfers to parent - 120
company, net
Orion transfers (to) from Thermedics 1,026 (7,845) (5,924)
Other 127 (61) (174)
-------- ------ --------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities $(20,047) $20,172 $ 22,186
-------- ------- --------
4
<PAGE>
Thermedics Detection Inc. 1998 Financial Statements
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (continued)
(In thousands) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------
Exchange Rate Effect on Cash $ 488 $ (56) $ 1
-------- ------ --------
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents (13,446) 32,088 11,827
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year 46,352 14,264 2,437
-------- ------ --------
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year $ 32,906 $46,352 $ 14,264
======== ======= ========
Cash Paid For
Interest $ 305 $ 609 $ 596
Income taxes $ 5,474 $2,909 $ 1,280
Noncash Activities (Note 2)
Fair value of assets of acquired companies $ - $ - $ 24,328
Cash paid for acquired companies - - (21,668)
-------- ------ --------
Liabilities assumed of acquired companies $ - $ - $ 2,660
======== ====== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
5
<PAGE>
Thermedics Detection Inc. 1998 Financial Statements
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and Shareholders' Investment
(In thousands) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------
Comprehensive Income
Net Income $ 8,671 $ 12,506 $ 5,299
-------- -------- ----------
Other Comprehensive Items:
Foreign currency translation adjustment 609 (1,158) (220)
-------- ------- ---------
$ 9,280 $11,348 $ 5,079
======== ======= =========
Shareholders' Investment
Common Stock, $.10 Par Value:
Balance at beginning of year $ 1,932 $ 1,664 $ 1,596
Net proceeds from issuance of Company common stock (Note 7) - 268 68
-------- ------- ---------
Balance at end of year 1,932 1,932 1,664
-------- ------- ---------
Capital in Excess of Par Value:
Balance at beginning of year 93,755 67,043 60,349
Issuance of stock under employees' and directors' stock plans - 6 -
(Note 3)
Tax benefit related to employees' and directors' stock plans 241 305 -
Net proceeds from issuance of Company common stock (Note 7) - 27,810 6,896
Additional capital contributions - - 120
Orion transfers (to) from parent company 1,026 (1,409) (322)
-------- ------- ---------
Balance at end of year 95,022 93,755 67,043
-------- ------- ---------
Retained Earnings:
Balance at beginning of year 13,206 7,136 7,439
Net income 8,671 12,506 5,299
Orion transfers to parent company - (6,436) (5,602)
-------- ------- ---------
Balance at end of year 21,877 13,206 7,136
-------- ------- ---------
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items:
Balance at beginning of year (1,547) (389) (169)
Other comprehensive items, net 609 (1,158) (220)
-------- ------- ---------
Balance at end of year (938) (1,547) (389)
-------- ------- ---------
$117,893 $107,346 $ 75,454
======== ======== =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
6
<PAGE>
Thermedics Detection Inc. 1998 Financial Statements
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Operations
Thermedics Detection Inc. (the Company) is comprised of businesses that
operate in two segments: Detection Instruments and Laboratory Products. The
Company's Detection Instruments segment develops, manufactures, and markets
high-speed detection and measurement systems that ensure the quality of a wide
variety of in-process and finished products. The Detection Instruments segment
also develops, manufactures, and markets security instruments for search,
screening, and forensic applications under the direction of police, border
police, transportation authorities, and carriers. The Company's Laboratory
Products segment develops, manufactures, and markets electrochemistry systems
that laboratories use to determine the quality of a broad range of substances by
measuring their pH, specific ion concentration, dissolved oxygen, and
conductivity.
Relationship with Thermedics Inc. and Thermo Electron Corporation
The Company operated as a division of Thermedics Inc. until its
incorporation as a Massachusetts corporation in December 1990. In connection
with the Company's incorporation, Thermedics transferred to the Company its TEA
Analyzer and certain other trace detection technologies in exchange for
10,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock. As of January 2, 1999,
Thermedics owned 16,185,945 shares of the Company's pro forma outstanding common
stock, representing 84% of such pro forma stock outstanding (as adjusted to
reflect 5,961,225 shares of the Company's common stock issuable to Thermedics
for the acquisition of Orion Research, Inc., Note 2). As of January 2, 1999,
Thermedics is a 74%-owned subsidiary of Thermo Electron Corporation. As of
January 2, 1999, Thermo Electron owned 882,450 shares of the Company's common
stock, representing 5% of such pro forma stock outstanding.
During 1998, Thermo Electron announced a proposed reorganization involving
certain of Thermo Electron's subsidiaries, including the Company. As part of
this reorganization, Thermo Electron announced that the Company may be taken
private and become a wholly owned subsidiary of Thermo Electron (Note 10).
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated.
Fiscal Year
The Company has adopted a fiscal year ending the Saturday nearest December
31. References to 1998, 1997, and 1996 are for the fiscal years ended January 2,
1999, January 3, 1998, and December 28, 1996, respectively. Fiscal 1998 and 1996
each included 52 weeks; fiscal 1997 included 53 weeks.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes product revenues upon shipment of its products. The
Company provides a reserve for its estimate of warranty costs at the time of
shipment. The Company recognizes service revenues over the term of the contract.
Deferred revenue in the accompanying balance sheet consists of unearned revenue
on service contracts which is recognized over the life of the service contract.
Revenues and profits on long-term contracts are recognized using the
percentage-of-completion method. Revenues recorded under the
percentage-of-completion method, including revenues from long-term research and
development contracts, were $2,846,000, $1,376,000, and $1,758,000 in 1998,
1997, and 1996, respectively. The percentage of completion is determined by
relating the actual costs incurred to date to management's estimate of total
costs to be incurred on each contract. If a loss is indicated on any contract in
process, a provision is made currently for the entire loss. Contracts generally
provide for the billing of customers on a cost-plus-fixed-fee basis as costs are
incurred. Revenues earned on contracts in process in excess of billings are
classified as unbilled contract costs and fees in the accompanying balance
sheet. There are no significant amounts included in the accompanying balance
sheet that are not expected to be recovered from existing contracts at current
contract values, or that are not expected to be collected within one year,
including amounts that are billed but not paid under retainage provisions.
7
<PAGE>
1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Stock-based Compensation Plans
The Company applies Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" and related interpretations in
accounting for its stock-based compensation plans (Note 3). Accordingly, no
accounting recognition is given to stock options granted at fair market value
until they are exercised. Upon exercise, net proceeds, including tax benefits
realized, are credited to shareholders' investment.
Income Taxes
In the periods prior to its initial public offering, the Company was
included in Thermedics' consolidated federal and certain state income tax
returns. Subsequent to the Company's initial public offering in March 1997,
Thermedics' equity ownership of the Company fell below 80% and the Company filed
its own tax returns. Subsequently, in 1998, Thermedics' ownership percentage has
again exceeded 80% and, therefore, the Company intends to request permission
from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to be included in Thermedics'
consolidated federal tax return. Assuming the IRS grants the Company's request,
the Company will again be included in Thermedics' consolidated federal tax
return, effective as of the date Thermedics' ownership percentage exceeded 80%.
The tax allocation agreement between the Company and Thermedics provides that,
in years that the Company has taxable income, the Company will pay to Thermedics
amounts comparable to the taxes the Company would have paid if it had filed
separate tax returns.
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No.
109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," the Company recognizes deferred income taxes
based on the expected future tax consequences of differences between the
financial statement basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities,
calculated using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the
differences are expected to be reflected in the tax return.
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share have been computed by dividing net income by the
weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings
per share have been computed assuming the exercise of stock options, as well as
their related income tax effect.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
At year-end 1998 and 1997, $24,682,000 and $40,043,000, respectively, of
the Company's cash equivalents were invested in a repurchase agreement with
Thermo Electron. Under this agreement, the Company in effect lends excess cash
to Thermo Electron, which Thermo Electron collateralizes with investments
principally consisting of corporate notes, U.S. government-agency securities,
commercial paper, money market funds, and other marketable securities, in the
amount of at least 103% of such obligation. The Company's funds subject to the
repurchase agreement are readily convertible into cash by the Company and have
an original maturity of three months or less. The Company's repurchase agreement
earns a rate based on the 90-day Commercial Paper Composite Rate plus 25 basis
points, set at the beginning of each quarter. At year-end 1998 and 1997, the
Company's cash equivalents also included investments in commercial paper and
short-term certificates of deposit of the Company's foreign operations, which
have an original maturity of three months or less. Cash equivalents are carried
at cost, which approximates market value.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out
basis) or market value and include materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead.
The components of inventories are:
(In thousands) 1998 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ---------
Raw Material and Supplies $ 9,763 $ 9,698
Work in Process 1,362 1,599
Finished Goods 6,042 5,522
------- --------
$17,167 $ 16,819
======= ========
8
<PAGE>
1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Property, Plant, and Equipment
The costs of additions and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance
and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. The Company provides for
depreciation and amortization using the straight-line method over the estimated
useful lives of the property as follows: buildings, 25 years; machinery and
equipment, two to ten years; and leasehold improvements, the lesser of the term
of the lease or the life of the asset. Property, plant, and equipment consists
of:
(In thousands) 1998 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ---------
Land and Buildings $ 253 $ 250
Machinery, Equipment, and Leasehold Improvements 12,252 10,447
------- --------
12,505 10,697
Less: Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization 7,567 6,686
------- --------
$ 4,938 $ 4,011
======= ========
Cost in Excess of Net Assets of Acquired Companies
The excess of cost over the fair value of net assets of acquired companies
is amortized using the straight-line method over 40 years. Accumulated
amortization was $4,156,000 and $3,021,000 at year-end 1998 and 1997,
respectively. The Company assesses the future useful life of this asset whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the current useful life has
diminished. The Company considers the future undiscounted cash flows of the
acquired companies in assessing the recoverability of this asset. If impairment
has occurred, any excess of carrying value over fair value is recorded as a
loss.
Foreign Currency
All assets and liabilities of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are
translated at year-end exchange rates, and revenues and expenses are translated
at average exchange rates for the year in accordance with SFAS No. 52, "Foreign
Currency Translation." Resulting translation adjustments are reflected in the
"Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items" component of shareholders' investment.
Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the accompanying
statement of income and are not material for the three years presented.
Comprehensive Income
During the first quarter of 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 130,
"Reporting Comprehensive Income." This pronouncement sets forth requirements for
disclosure of the Company's comprehensive income and accumulated other
comprehensive items. In general, comprehensive income combines net income and
"other comprehensive items, net" which represents foreign currency translation
adjustments, reported as a component of shareholders' investment in the
accompanying balance sheet. At year-end 1998 and 1997, the balance of
accumulated other comprehensive items represents the Company's cumulative
translation adjustment.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company's financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash
equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, due to parent company and
affiliated companies, and promissory note to parent company. Their respective
carrying amounts in the accompanying balance sheet approximate fair value due to
their short-term nature, except for, in 1997, the promissory note to parent
company. The carrying amount of the promissory note to parent company
approximated fair value due to its variable interest rate.
9
<PAGE>
1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities,
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Presentation
Certain amounts in 1997 and 1996 have been reclassified to conform to the
presentation in the 1998 financial statements.
2. Acquisitions
On April 14, 1998, the Company announced its intention to acquire Orion
Research, a wholly owned subsidiary of Thermedics, in a merger in which
5,961,225 shares of the Company's common stock would be issued in exchange for
all of the outstanding shares of Orion Research. On May 6, 1998, the transaction
was completed, subject to shareholder approval of the issuance of the shares of
Company common stock to Thermedics in the merger. In January 1999, the Company's
shareholders approved the issuance of the shares to Thermedics. Orion Research
manufactures electrochemistry products that determine the quality of a wide
variety of substances by measuring components, such as pH, specific ion content,
dissolved oxygen, and conductivity. These products are used in the
environmental, biomedical research, food, chemical, pharmaceutical, and many
other industries.
Because the Company and Orion Research were deemed for accounting purposes
to be under control of their common majority owner, Thermedics, the transaction
has been accounted for at historical cost in a manner similar to a pooling of
interests. Accordingly, all historical financial information presented has been
restated to include the acquisition of Orion Research. On January 11, 1999, the
shareholders approved the issuance of the 5,961,225 shares of the Company's
common stock and the shares will be issued to Thermedics immediately after the
listing on the American Stock Exchange of such shares. The shares have been
treated as outstanding for all periods presented for purposes of computing
earnings per share. Revenues and net income as previously reported for the
separate entities prior to the acquisition and as restated for the combined
Company are:
(In thousands) 1997 1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Revenues:
Historical $ 51,320 $ 43,750
Orion Research 53,054 50,854
--------- --------
$ 104,374 $ 94,604
========= ========
Net Income:
Historical $ 6,070 $ 362
Orion Research 6,436 4,937
--------- --------
$ 12,506 $ 5,299
========= ========
</TABLE>
On January 25, 1996, the Company acquired the assets of Moisture Systems
Corporation and certain affiliated companies (collectively, Moisture Systems),
and the stock of Rutter & Co. B.V. (Rutter) for a total purchase price of
$21,668,000 in cash, which included the repayment of $700,000 of debt. Moisture
Systems and Rutter design, manufacture, and sell instruments that use
near-infrared spectroscopy to measure moisture and other product constituents,
in a variety of manufacturing processes, including fats, proteins, oils,
flavorings, solvents, adhesives, and
10
<PAGE>
2. Acquisitions (continued)
coatings. These systems are used in the food, pharmaceutical, chemical, pulp and
paper, and other industries. To finance these acquisitions, the Company borrowed
$21,200,000 from Thermedics pursuant to a promissory note bearing interest at
the 90-day Commercial Paper Composite Rate plus 25 basis points, set at the
beginning of each quarter. As of January 3, 1998, the interest rate on the
promissory note was 5.76%. The note was repaid at its maturity in March 1998. In
December 1996, the Company acquired certain moisture measurement product lines
for approximately $300,000 in cash. In addition, the Company has agreed to pay a
licensing fee on sales of these products through December 2000.
These acquisitions, other than Orion Research, have been accounted for
using the purchase method of accounting and their results of operations have
been included in the accompanying financial statements from their respective
dates of acquisition. The aggregate cost of all of these acquisitions exceeded
the estimated fair value of the acquired net assets by $62,114,000, which is
being amortized over 40 years. Allocation of the purchase price for these
acquisitions was based on estimates of the fair value of the net assets
acquired.
In connection with these acquisitions, the Company has undertaken
restructuring activities at the acquired businesses. The Company's restructuring
activities, which were accounted for in accordance with Emerging Issues Task
Force Pronouncement (EITF) 95-3, primarily have included reductions in staffing
levels and the abandonment of excess facilities. In connection with these
restructuring activities, as part of the cost of the acquisitions, the Company
established reserves as detailed below, primarily for severance and excess
facilities. In accordance with EITF 95-3, the Company finalized its
restructuring plans no later than one year from the respective dates of the
acquisitions. A summary of the changes in accrued acquisition expenses is:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Abandonment
of Excess
(In thousands) Severance Facilities Total
- ------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at December 30, 1995 $ 691 $ - $ 691
Reserves established 401 144 545
Usage (584) (36) (620)
Decrease due to finalization of restructuring plan, - (36) (36)
recorded as a decrease to cost in excess of net
assets of acquired companies -------- -------- -------
Balance at December 28, 1996 508 72 580
Usage (404) (72) (476)
Decrease due to finalization of restructuring plan, (104) - (104)
recorded as a decrease to cost in excess of net
assets of acquired companies -------- -------- -------
Balance at January 3, 1998 and January 2, 1999 $ - $ - $ -
======== ======== =======
</TABLE>
11
<PAGE>
2. Acquisitions (continued)
The following table presents selected financial information for the
Company, Moisture Systems, and Rutter on a pro forma basis, assuming the
companies had been combined since the beginning of 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
(In thousands except per share amounts) 1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ---------
Revenues $ 96,151
Net Income 5,457
Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share .34
</TABLE>
The pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of future operations
or the actual results that would have occurred had the acquisitions of Moisture
Systems and Rutter been made at the beginning of 1996.
3. Employee Benefit Plans
Stock-based Compensation Plans
Stock Option Plan
The Company has stock-based compensation plans for its key employees,
directors, and others, which permit the grant of a variety of stock and
stock-based awards as determined by the human resources committee of the
Company's Board of Directors (the Board Committee), including restricted stock,
stock options, stock bonus shares, or performance-based shares. The option
recipients and the terms of options granted under this plan are determined by
the Board Committee. As of year-end 1998, only nonqualified stock options have
been granted by the Board Committee under these plans. Generally, options
granted to date are exercisable immediately, but are subject to certain transfer
restrictions and the right of the Company to repurchase shares issued upon
exercise of the options at the exercise price, upon certain events. The
restrictions and repurchase rights generally lapse ratably over a one- to
ten-year period, depending on the term of the option, which generally ranges
from five to twelve years. Nonqualified stock options may be granted at any
price determined by the Board Committee, although incentive stock options must
be granted at not less than the fair market value of the Company's common stock
on the date of grant. To date, all options have been granted at fair market
value.
In November 1998, the Company's employees, excluding its officers and
directors, were offered the opportunity to exchange previously granted options
to purchase shares of Company common stock for an amount of options equal to
half of the number of options previously held, exercisable at a price equal to
the fair market value at the time of the exchange offer. Holders of options to
acquire 256,000 shares at a weighted average exercise price of $10.85 per share
elected to participate in this exchange and, as a result, received options to
purchase 128,000 shares of Company common stock at $7.88 per share, which are
included in the 1998 grants in the table below. The other terms of the new
options are the same as the exchanged options except that the holders may not
sell shares purchased pursuant to such new options for six months from the
exchange date. The options exchanged were canceled by the Company.
12
<PAGE>
3. Employee Benefit Plans (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
A summary of the Company's stock option activity is:
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1998 1997 1996
------------------- ------------------ ------------
Weighted Weighted Weighted
Average Average Average
Exercise Exercise Exercise
Price Price Price
Number Number Number
of of of
(Shares in thousands) Shares Shares Shares
- ---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- -------- ---------- --------- ---------
Options Outstanding, Beginning of Year 656 $10.74 218 $10.41 25 $9.75
Granted 830 9.17 550 10.94 207 10.45
Exercised - - (1) 9.75 - -
Forfeited (93) 10.38 (111) 11.09 (14) 9.79
Canceled due to exchange (256) 10.85 - - - -
----- ----- -----
Options Outstanding, End of Year 1,137 $ 9.59 656 $10.74 218 $10.41
===== ====== ===== ====== ===== ======
Options Exercisable 1,137 $ 9.59 656 $10.74 - $ -
===== ====== ===== ====== ===== =====
Options Available for Grant 296 177 116
===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
A summary of the status of the Company's stock options at January 2, 1999,
is:
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Options Outstanding and Exercisable
------------------------------------------------------
Range of Exercise Prices Number Weighted Weighted
of Average Average
Shares Remaining Exercise
(In thousands) Contractual Life Price
- ---------------------------------------------- ------------------- -------------------- -------------------
$ 7.56 - $ 8.79 469 5.5 years $ 7.77
8.80 - 10.01 228 6.1 years 9.78
10.02 - 11.24 239 6.8 years 10.95
11.25 - 12.46 201 7.8 years 12.01
----
$ 7.56 - $ 12.46 1,137 6.3 years $ 9.59
=====
</TABLE>
Employee Stock Purchase Program
Substantially all of the Company's full-time U.S. employees are eligible
to participate in an employee stock purchase program sponsored by Thermedics and
Thermo Electron. Prior to the 1998 program year, the applicable shares of common
stock could be purchased at the end of a 12-month period at 95% of the fair
market value at the beginning of the period, and the shares purchased were
subject to a six-month resale restriction. Effective November 1, 1998, the
applicable shares of common stock may be purchased at 85% of the lower of the
fair market value at the beginning or end of the period, and the shares
purchased are subject to a one year resale restriction. Shares are purchased
through payroll deductions of up to 10% of each participating employee's gross
wages.
13
<PAGE>
3. Employee Benefit Plans (continued)
Pro Forma Stock-based Compensation Plans Expense
In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
123, "Accounting for Stock-based Compensation," which sets forth a fair-value
based method of recognizing stock-based compensation expense. As permitted by
SFAS No. 123, the Company has elected to continue to apply APB 25 in accounting
for its stock-based compensation plans. Had compensation cost for awards granted
after 1994 under the Company's stock-based compensation plans been determined
based on the fair value at the grant dates consistent with the method set forth
under SFAS No. 123, the effect on the Company's net income and earnings per
share would have been:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands except per share amounts) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- -------- ---------
Net Income:
<S> <C> <C> <C>
As reported $ 8,671 $12,506 $ 5,299
Pro forma 7,722 11,794 4,908
Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share:
As reported .45 .67 .33
Pro forma .40 .63 .30
</TABLE>
Because the method prescribed by SFAS No. 123 has not been applied to
options granted prior to January 1, 1995, the resulting pro forma compensation
expense may not be representative of the amount to be expected in future years.
Pro forma compensation expense for options granted is reflected over the vesting
period; therefore, future pro forma compensation expense may be greater as
additional options are granted.
The weighted average fair value per share of options granted was $2.96,
$4.44, and $3.76 in 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively. The fair value of each
option grant is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes
option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1998 1997 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Volatility 29% 28% -
Risk-free Interest Rate 4.9% 6.1% 6.4%
Expected Life of Options 4.3 years 5.9 years 7.0 years
The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was developed for use in estimating
the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are
fully transferable. In addition, option-pricing models require the input of
highly subjective assumptions. Because the Company's employee stock options have
characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and
because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the
fair value estimate, in management's opinion, the existing models do not
necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee
stock options.
401(k) Savings Plan
Substantially all of the Company's full-time U.S. employees are eligible
to participate in Thermo Electron's 401(k) savings plan. Contributions to the
401(k) savings plan are made by both the employee and the Company. Company
contributions are based upon the level of employee contributions. For this plan,
the Company contributed and charged to expense $302,000, $611,000, and $619,000
in 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively.
14
<PAGE>
4. Income Taxes
The components of income before provision for income taxes are:
(In thousands) 1998 1997 1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Domestic $ 8,166 $15,051 $ 3,357
Foreign 6,001 5,626 5,461
------- ------- -------
$14,167 $20,677 $ 8,818
======= ======= =======
The components of the provision for income taxes are:
(In thousands) 1998 1997 1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Currently Payable:
Federal $ 2,037 $ 4,280 $ 465
State 569 1,231 578
Foreign 1,806 1,512 1,456
------- ------- -------
4,412 7,023 2,499
------- ------- -------
Net Deferred (Prepaid):
Federal 1,005 903 996
State 143 129 (180)
Foreign (64) 116 204
------- ------- -------
1,084 1,148 1,020
------- ------- -------
$ 5,496 $ 8,171 $ 3,519
======= ======= =======
The Company receives a tax deduction upon exercise of nonqualified stock
options by employees for the difference between the exercise price and the
market price of the Company's common stock on the date of exercise. The
provision for income taxes that is currently payable does not reflect $241,000
and $305,000 of such benefits that have been allocated to capital in excess of
par value in 1998 and 1997, respectively.
The provision for income taxes in the accompanying statement of income
differs from the provision calculated by applying the statutory federal income
tax rate of 34% to income before provision for income taxes due to:
(In thousands) 1998 1997 1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Provision for Income Taxes at Statutory Rate $ 4,817 $ 7,030 $ 2,998
Increases (Decreases) Resulting From:
State income taxes, net of federal tax 470 891 258
Amortization of cost in excess of net assets of acquired 366 432 424
companies
Foreign tax rate and tax law differential (298) (321) (229)
Tax benefit of foreign sales corporations (120) (289) (141)
Other, net 261 428 209
------- ------- -------
$ 5,496 $ 8,171 $ 3,519
======= ======= =======
15
<PAGE>
4. Income Taxes (continued)
Prepaid (deferred) income taxes in the accompanying balance sheet consist
of:
(In thousands) 1998 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- -----------
Prepaid (Deferred) Income Taxes:
Reserves and other accruals $1,233 $1,934
Inventory basis difference 1,125 1,283
Long-term assets - 188
Accrued compensation 310 56
Depreciation and amortization 494 364
Tax loss and credit carryforwards - 884
Other, net 216 (247)
------ ------
$3,378 $4,462
====== ======
A provision has not been made for U.S. or additional foreign taxes on
$6,495,000 of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that could be
subject to taxation if remitted to the U.S. because the Company plans to keep
these amounts permanently reinvested overseas.
5. Commitments
The Company leases portions of its office and operating facilities under
various operating lease arrangements. The accompanying statement of income
includes expenses from operating leases of $2,376,000, $1,984,000, and
$2,727,000 in 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively, net of third-party sublease
income of $307,000 in 1998 and $181,000 in 1997. Total future minimum payments
due under noncancelable operating leases at January 2, 1999, are $927,000 in
1999; $718,000 in 2000; $684,000 in 2001; $658,000 in 2002; $645,000 in 2003;
and $1,771,000 in 2004 and thereafter. Total future minimum lease payments are
$5,403,000 and have not been reduced by minimum sublease rental income of
$976,000 due through 2004 under noncancelable operating subleases. See Note 6
for office and manufacturing space leased from a related party.
6. Related-party Transactions
Corporate Services Agreement
The Company and Thermo Electron have a corporate services agreement under
which Thermo Electron's corporate staff provides certain administrative
services, including certain legal advice and services, risk management, certain
employee benefit administration, tax advice and preparation of tax returns,
centralized cash management, and certain financial and other services, for which
the Company currently pays Thermo Electron annually an amount equal to 0.8% of
the Company's revenues. In calendar 1997 and 1996, the Company paid an amount
equal to 1.0% of the Company's revenues. The fee is reviewed and adjusted
annually by mutual agreement of the parties. Management believes that the
service fee charged by Thermo Electron is reasonable and that such fees are
representative of the expenses the Company would have incurred on a stand-alone
basis. The corporate services agreement is renewed annually but can be
terminated upon 30 days' prior notice by the Company or upon the Company's
withdrawal from the Thermo Electron Corporate Charter (the Thermo Electron
Corporate Charter defines the relationship among Thermo Electron and its
majority-owned subsidiaries). In addition, the Company uses contract
administration services of a majority-owned subsidiary of Thermo Electron and is
charged based on actual usage. For these services, as well as the administrative
services provided by Thermo Electron, the Company was charged $733,000,
$1,044,000, and $947,000 in 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively. For additional
items such as employee benefit plans, insurance coverage, and other identifiable
costs, Thermo Electron charges the Company based upon costs attributable to the
Company.
16
<PAGE>
6. Related-party Transactions (continued)
Research and Development Agreement
Pursuant to a subcontract entered into in October 1993, which expired in
December 1998 and was extended to February 28, 1999, the Company performs
research and development services for Thermo Coleman Corporation, which is the
prime contractor under a contract with the U.S. Department of Energy. Thermo
Coleman is a majority-owned private subsidiary of Thermo Electron. Thermo
Coleman paid the Company $2,000, $533,000, and $619,000 for services rendered in
1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively.
The Company purchases an X-ray source that is used as a component in its
InScan systems from Trex Medical Corporation, a publicly traded, majority-owned
subsidiary of ThermoTrex Corporation, which is itself a publicly traded,
majority-owned subsidiary of Thermo Electron. The Company paid Trex Medical
$406,000 and $285,000 for these products in 1998 and 1997, respectively.
The Company entered into a funded research and development arrangement
with ThermoLase Corporation, a publicly traded, majority-owned subsidiary of
ThermoTrex, in December 1997 to develop a cryogenic cooling device for
ThermoLase. ThermoLase agreed to purchase five prototype devices for an
aggregate purchase price of $303,000. The Company shipped these devices in the
third quarter of 1998.
Distribution Agreement
Pursuant to an international distributorship agreement, the Company
appointed Arabian Business Machines Co. (ABM) as its exclusive distributor of
the Company's security instruments in certain Middle Eastern countries. ABM is a
member of The Olayan Group. Ms. Hutham S. Olayan, a director of Thermo Electron,
is the president and a director of Olayan America Corporation, another member of
The Olayan Group, which is indirectly controlled by Suliman S. Olayan, Ms.
Olayan's father. Revenues recorded under this agreement totaled $248,000,
$480,000, and $652,000 in 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively.
Other Related-party Transactions
The Company purchases and sells products in the ordinary course of
business with other companies affiliated with Thermo Electron. Sales of products
to such affiliated companies totaled $77,000, $147,000, and $114,000 in 1998,
1997, and 1996, respectively.
Sublease Agreement
The Company has subleased approximately 12,000 square feet of space in its
Chelmsford, Massachusetts, facility to Thermo Cardiosystems Inc., a
majority-owned publicly traded subsidiary of Thermedics, under a sublease
agreement expiring in December 1999. Under this sublease, Thermo Cardiosystems
paid the Company base rent of $50,000 and $40,000 in 1998 and 1997,
respectively, together with amounts equal to approximately $44,000 and $33,000,
representing Thermo Cardiosystems' pro rata allocations of the facility's
aggregate operating costs, real estate taxes, and utilities for these periods.
Repurchase Agreement
The Company invests excess cash in a repurchase agreement with Thermo
Electron as discussed in Note 1.
7. Common Stock
Sale of Common Stock
In March 1997, the Company sold 2,671,292 shares of common stock in an
initial public offering at $11.50 per share, for net proceeds of $28,078,000.
In November 1996, the Company sold 383,500 shares of its common stock in a
private placement at $10.75 per share, for net proceeds of $3,964,000.
In March 1996, the Company sold 300,000 shares of its common stock in a
private placement at $10.00 per share, for net proceeds of $3,000,000.
17
<PAGE>
7. Common Stock (continued)
Reserved Shares
At January 2, 1999, the Company had reserved 1,508,000 unissued shares of
its common stock for possible issuance under the stock-based compensation plans.
8. Significant Customers, Business Segments, and Geographical Information
Sales to two customers each accounted for 10% of the Company's total
revenues in 1998. Sales to another customer accounted for 13% and 11% of the
Company's total revenues in 1997 and 1996, respectively.
The Company organizes and manages its business by principal product type.
The Company's principal businesses operate in two segments: Detection
Instruments and Laboratory Products. In classifying operational entities into a
particular segment, the Company aggregated businesses with similar economic
characteristics, products and services, production processes, customers, and
methods of distribution.
The Company's Detection Instruments segment develops, manufactures, and
markets high-speed detection and measurement systems that ensure the quality of
a wide variety of in-process and finished products. The Detection Instruments
segment also develops, manufactures, and markets security instruments for
search, screening, and forensic applications under the direction of police,
border police, transportation authorities, and carriers. The Company's
Laboratory Products segment develops, manufactures, and markets electrochemistry
systems that laboratories use to determine the quality of a broad range of
substances by measuring their pH, specific ion content, dissolved oxygen, and
conductivity.
Within the Detection Instruments segment, the Company derived revenues of
$11,065,000, $19,198,000, and $14,917,000 in 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively,
from ALEXUS(R) systems and $12,245,000, $15,387,000, and $17,950,000 in 1998,
1997, and 1996, respectively, from near-infrared analyzers. In addition, this
segment derived revenues of $8,258,000, $10,337,000, and $7,149,000 in 1998,
1997, and 1996, respectively, from its EGIS(R) security systems.
(In thousands) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------
Business Segment Information
Revenues:
Detection Instruments $ 40,273 $ 51,320 $ 43,750
Laboratory Products 51,302 53,054 50,854
--------- -------- ---------
$ 91,575 $104,374 $ 94,604
========= ======== =========
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes:
Detection Instruments $ 2,671 $ 9,623 $ 1,908
Laboratory Products 11,080 11,257 8,738
Corporate (a) (816) (1,059) (950)
--------- -------- ---------
Total operating income 12,935 19,821 9,696
Interest and other income (expense), net 1,232 856 (878)
--------- -------- ---------
$ 14,167 $ 20,677 $ 8,818
========= ======== =========
18
<PAGE>
8. Significant Customers, Business Segments, and Geographical Information (continued)
(In thousands) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------
Total Assets:
Detection Instruments $ 44,785 $44,987 $ 45,370
Laboratory Products 60,036 61,570 62,575
Corporate (b) 27,685 41,708 8,113
--------- ------- ---------
$ 132,506 $148,265 $ 116,058
========= ======== =========
Depreciation and Amortization:
Detection Instruments $ 1,402 $ 1,522 $ 2,364
Laboratory Products 1,925 1,765 2,002
--------- ------- ---------
$ 3,327 $ 3,287 $ 4,366
========= ======= =========
Capital Expenditures:
Detection Instruments $ 1,655 $ 775 $ 766
Laboratory Products 1,119 1,057 1,842
--------- ------- ---------
$ 2,774 $ 1,832 $ 2,608
========= ======= =========
Geographical Information
Revenues (c):
United States $ 79,768 $93,251 $ 81,447
Other 17,957 18,016 18,551
Transfers among geographical areas (d) (6,150) (6,893) (5,394)
--------- ------- ---------
$ 91,575 $104,374 $ 94,604
========= ======== =========
Long-lived Assets (e):
United States $ 4,483 $ 3,433 $ 3,287
Other 472 591 760
--------- ------- ---------
$ 4,955 $ 4,024 $ 4,047
========= ======= =========
Export Revenues Included in United States Revenues Above (f) $ 31,637 $42,930 $ 32,087
========= ======= =========
(a) Primarily general and administrative expenses.
(b) Primarily cash and cash equivalents and prepaid taxes.
(c) Revenues are attributed to countries based on selling location.
(d) Transfers among geographical areas are accounted for at prices that are
representative of transactions with unaffiliated parties.
(e) Includes property, plant, and equipment, net and other long-term tangible
assets.
(f) In general, export revenues are denominated in U.S. dollars.
19
<PAGE>
9. Earnings per Share
Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows:
(In thousands except per share amounts) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- --------- --------
Basic
Net Income $ 8,671 $ 12,506 $ 5,299
------- -------- -------
Weighted Average Shares 13,356 12,760 10,275
Shares Issuable in Connection With the Acquisition of Orion 5,961 5,961 5,961
Research, Inc. (Note 2) ------- -------- -------
Pro Forma Weighted Average Shares, as Adjusted 19,317 18,721 16,236
------- -------- -------
Basic Earnings per Share $ .45 $ .67 $ .33
======= ======== =======
Diluted
Net Income $ 8,671 $ 12,506 $ 5,299
------- -------- -------
Pro Forma Basic Weighted Average Shares 19,317 18,721 16,236
Effect of Stock Options 4 11 17
------- -------- -------
Pro Forma Weighted Average Shares, as Adjusted 19,321 18,732 16,253
------- -------- -------
Diluted Earnings per Share $ .45 $ .67 $ .33
======= ======== =======
The computation of diluted earnings per share for each period excludes the
effect of assuming the exercise of certain outstanding stock options because the
effect would be antidilutive. As of January 2, 1999, there were 1,136,737 of
such options outstanding, with exercise prices ranging from $7.56 to $12.46 per
share.
10. Proposed Reorganization
During 1998, Thermo Electron announced a proposed reorganization,
involving certain of Thermo Electron's subsidiaries, including the Company. As
part of this reorganization, Thermo Electron announced that Thermedics' equity
interest in the Company may be transferred to Thermo Electron in exchange for
shares of Thermedics common stock. Subsequently, the Company would be taken
private and become a wholly owned subsidiary of Thermo Electron. Shareholders of
the Company would receive cash in exchange for their shares of the Company's
common stock. The completion of these transactions is subject to numerous
conditions, including the establishment of prices and exchange ratios;
confirmation of anticipated tax consequences; the approval of the Board of
Directors of the Company, Thermedics, and Thermo Electron, including the
independent directors of the Company and Thermedics; the negotiation and
execution of definitive agreements; the receipt of fairness opinions from
investment banking firms on certain financial aspects of the transactions; and
clearance by the Securities and Exchange Commission of any necessary documents
regarding the proposed transactions.
20
<PAGE>
11. Unaudited Quarterly Information
(In thousands except per share amounts)
1998 First Second Third Fourth
- -------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Revenues $23,707 $23,957 $23,569 $20,342
Gross Profit 12,708 13,217 13,061 10,338
Net Income 2,050 2,235 2,667 1,719
Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share .11 .12 .14 .09
1997 First Second Third Fourth
- -------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Revenues $25,532 $25,639 $26,232 $26,971
Gross Profit 14,027 14,342 14,590 15,020
Net Income 2,242 3,025 3,526 3,713
Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share .13 .16 .18 .19
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Report of Independent Public Accountants
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Thermedics Detection Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Thermedics
Detection Inc. (a Massachusetts corporation and 84%-owned subsidiary of
Thermedics Inc.) and subsidiaries as of January 2, 1999, and January 3, 1998,
and the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows, and comprehensive
income and shareholders' investment for each of the three years in the period
ended January 2, 1999. These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the report of other
auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Thermedics
Detection Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 2, 1999, and January 3, 1998, and
the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years
in the period ended January 2, 1999, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
Arthur Andersen LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 11, 1999
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Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, are made throughout this Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. For
this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of
historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting
the foregoing, the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "seeks,"
"estimates," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the results
of the Company to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking
statements, including those detailed immediately after this Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation under
the heading "Forward-looking Statements."
Overview
The Company is comprised of businesses that operate in two segments:
Detection Instruments and Laboratory Products. The Company's Detection
Instruments segment designs, manufactures, and markets ultratrace chemical
detectors, X-ray imaging, near-infrared spectroscopy, high-speed gas
chromatography, and other technologies for quality assurance of in-process or
finished products, primarily in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, forest
products, chemical, and other consumer products industries. The Company's
ALEXUS(R) systems detect trace amounts of substances that would affect product
quality in refillable beverage containers. The Company's InScan(R) systems use
high-speed X-ray imaging to determine accurate fill volume, net volume, package
integrity, and other quality measures for a variety of products in cans,
bottles, boxes, and other containers. The Company's Flash-GC and EZ Flash
systems are designed to help customers conduct chemical analyses substantially
faster than if they used conventional gas chromatography equipment. In addition,
the Company's near-infrared analyzers measure moisture and other product
constituents, such as fats, proteins, oils, flavorings, solvents, adhesives, and
coatings, in a broad range of products as they move along manufacturing lines.
The Company's Detection Instruments segment also makes
explosives-detection equipment that uses simultaneous trace particle- and
vapor-detection techniques based on its proprietary chemiluminescence and
high-speed gas chromatography technologies. Customers use these
explosives-detection systems to detect plastic and other explosives at airports
and border crossings, for other high-security screening applications, and for
forensic and search applications. The Company's Detection Instruments segment
also performs contract research and development services for government and
industry customers and earns service revenues through long-term contracts.
During 1997, the Detection Instruments segment had strong operating
results due to large shipments to two customers discussed below in the results
of operations. The absence of these large shipments in 1998, together with lower
demand for certain other products, resulted in a significant decrease in this
segment's operating income in 1998 (Note 8).
The Company's Laboratory Products segment designs, manufactures, and
markets, electrochemistry and other technologies for quality assurance and
regulatory compliance, primarily in the environmental, food, beverage, chemical,
pharmaceutical, and biomedical research industries. Through the Company's Orion
Research, Inc. subsidiary, the Laboratory Products segment is a worldwide
leading manufacturer of electrochemistry products that determine the quality of
various substances, from food and pharmaceuticals to water and wastewater, by
measuring their pH, specific ion concentration, dissolved oxygen, and
conductivity.
Results of Operations
1998 Compared With 1997
Revenues decreased to $91.6 million in 1998 from $104.4 million in 1997,
primarily due to a decrease in revenues in the Detection Instruments segment.
Revenues in the Detection Instruments segment decreased to $40.3 million in 1998
from $51.3 million in 1997, due to a decline in revenues from industrial process
instruments to $30.1 million in 1998 from $39.2 million in 1997. This decrease
was primarily due to lower revenues from ALEXUS and near-infrared analyzers,
offset in part by an increase in InScan product sales and contract revenues.
Revenues in 1997 included $6.6 million from a mandated ALEXUS product-line
upgrade of The Coca-Cola Company's existing installed
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1998 Compared With 1997 (continued)
base. Revenues from EGIS explosives-detection systems and related services
decreased to $8.2 million in 1998 from $10.3 million in 1997, primarily due to
lower shipments of security systems. During 1998, the Company completed
shipments under a contract to provide security systems to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA). Revenues under the contract totaled $2.6 million during
1998.
The Company's total backlog decreased to $6.1 million at year-end 1998
from $9.4 million at year-end 1997, primarily due to completion of the FAA
contract.
Revenues from the Laboratory Products segment decreased to $51.3 million
from $53.1 million in 1997, primarily due to lower worldwide demand for
titration and electrochemistry products.
The gross profit margin decreased to 54% in 1998 from 56% in 1997. The
gross profit margin in the Detection Instruments segment decreased primarily due
to lower sales volume and, to a lesser extent, changes in product mix.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues
increased to 29% in 1998 from 27% in 1997, primarily due to a decrease in
revenues at the Detection Instruments segment. Selling, general, and
administrative expenses decreased to $26.7 million in 1998 from $28.5 million in
1997, primarily due to a reduction in selling expenses at the Company's Moisture
Systems subsidiary in an effort to reduce costs.
Research and development expenses remained unchanged at $9.6 million in
1998 and 1997. Interest income decreased to $1.5 million in 1998 from $2.1
million in 1997, primarily due to lower average invested balances as a result of
the repayment of the Company's promissory note to Thermedics in March 1998.
Interest expense, related party, decreased to $0.3 million in 1998 from $1.2
million in 1997 due to the repayment of the promissory note to Thermedics.
The effective tax rate was 39% in 1998 and 40% in 1997. The effective tax
rates exceeded the statutory federal income tax rate primarily due to the impact
of state income taxes and amortization of cost in excess of net assets of
acquired companies.
1997 Compared With 1996
Total revenues increased to $104.4 million in 1997 from $94.6 million in
1996, primarily due to increased revenues in the Detection Instruments segment.
Detection Instruments segment revenues increased to $51.3 million from $43.8
million, primarily due to ALEXUS revenues of $6.6 million from the fulfillment
of a mandated existing product-line upgrade from The Coca-Cola Company to its
existing installed base and, to a lesser extent, increased shipments of InScan
systems, which were introduced in 1996. These increases were offset in part by a
decrease of $2.6 million in revenues from the Moisture Systems business,
acquired in January 1996, primarily due to a slowdown in product demand in
Europe. In addition, revenues from the Company's EGIS security systems and
related services increased to $10.3 million in 1997 from $7.1 million in 1996,
primarily due to $3.2 million of shipments under the Company's contract with the
FAA.
Revenues from the Company's Laboratory Products segment increased to $53.1
million in 1997 from $50.9 million in 1996, primarily due to an increase in
international demand for pH and conductivity measurement products.
The gross profit margin increased to 56% in 1997 from 52% in 1996,
primarily due to margin improvement at the Detection Instruments segment. The
gross profit margin for the Detection Instruments segment improved primarily due
to a change in sales mix to higher-margin revenues from The Coca-Cola Company's
mandated product-line upgrade and, to a lesser extent, from the inclusion of a
$0.8 million charge in 1996 as a result of obsolescence created by planned
product changes, as well as a decrease in overhead expenses. In addition,
Moisture Systems contributed to the improvement with increased field service
efficiencies and, to a lesser extent, a change in sales mix to higher-margin
service revenues.
The gross profit margin in the Laboratory Products segment increased
primarily due to lower overhead expenses resulting from the relocation of its
principal domestic manufacturing facility in October 1996 and also from the
inclusion of a $0.8 million charge in 1996 as a result of obsolescence created
by planned product changes.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues
decreased to 27% in 1997 from 33% in 1996, primarily due to nonrecurring costs
of $1.5 million at the Detection Instruments segment in 1996 related to
24
<PAGE>
1997 Compared With 1996 (continued)
moving expenses for the relocation of a domestic manufacturing facility and
reductions in personnel and leased space in response to a lower sales volume of
detection instruments and, to a lesser extent, an increase in revenues in 1997.
This decrease was offset in part by increased selling expenses as the Company
developed a sales force for its InScan and Flash-GC systems.
Research and development expenses increased to $9.6 million in 1997 from
$8.1 million in 1996, primarily due to costs related to the improvement and
expansion of laboratory products, as well as internal development of enhanced
sensor technology at the Laboratory Products segment.
Interest income increased to $2.1 million in 1997 from $0.2 million in
1996, primarily due to interest income earned on the invested proceeds from the
Company's March 1997 initial public offering (Note 7). Interest expense, related
party, of $1.2 million and $1.1 million in 1997 and 1996, respectively, reflects
the issuance of a $21.2 million promissory note to Thermedics in connection with
the January 1996 acquisitions of Moisture Systems and Rutter (Note 2).
The effective tax rate was 40% in 1997 and 1996. The effective tax rate
exceeded the statutory federal income tax rate primarily due to the impact of
state income taxes and amortization of cost in excess of net assets of acquired
companies.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Consolidated working capital was $57.6 million at January 2, 1999,
compared with $46.3 million at January 3, 1998. Included in working capital are
cash and cash equivalents of $32.9 million at January 2, 1999, compared with
$46.4 million at January 3, 1998.
During 1998, $8.7 million of cash was provided by operating activities.
During this period, $5.3 million of cash was used to reduce other current
liabilities, including $1.1 million due to parent company and affiliated
companies. In addition, cash of $1.4 million was used to fund an increase in
inventories, primarily relating to purchases for the production of the EZ Flash,
which began in May 1998. These uses of cash were offset in part by $1.9 million
provided by a decrease in accounts receivable primarily due to lower revenues.
During 1998, the Company's investing activities included the expenditure
of $2.8 million for purchases of property, plant, and equipment. The Company
expects to spend $1.8 million on capital additions in 1999.
The Company's financing activities used cash of $20.0 million in 1998.
This use of cash consisted primarily of the Company's March 1998 repayment of
its $21.2 million promissory note to Thermedics.
The Company expects to have positive cash flow from its existing
operations. Although the Company does not presently intend to actively seek to
acquire additional businesses in the near future, it may acquire one or more
complementary businesses if they are presented to the Company on terms the
Company believes to be attractive. Such acquisitions may require significant
amounts of cash. The Company expects that it will finance any such acquisitions
through a combination of internal funds and/or short-term borrowings from Thermo
Electron, although it has no agreement with Thermo Electron to ensure that funds
will be available on acceptable terms or at all. The Company believes that its
existing resources are sufficient to meet the capital requirements of its
existing businesses for the foreseeable future.
25
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Market Risk
The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency
exchange rates, which could affect its future results of operations and
financial condition. The Company manages its exposure to these risks through its
regular operating and financing activities.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rates
The Company views its investment in its foreign subsidiaries as long-term.
The Company's investment in its foreign subsidiaries is sensitive to
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The effect of a change in
foreign exchange rates on the Company's net investment in its foreign
subsidiaries is recorded as a separate component of shareholders' investment. A
10% depreciation in fiscal year-end 1998 functional currencies, relative to the
U.S. dollar, would result in a $1.4 million reduction of the Company's
shareholders' investment.
Year 2000
The Company continues to assess the potential impact of the year 2000 on
the Company's internal business systems, products, and operations. The Company's
year 2000 initiatives include (i) testing and upgrading significant information
technology systems and facilities; (ii) testing and developing upgrades, if
necessary, for the Company's current products and certain discontinued products;
(iii) contacting key suppliers and vendors to determine their year 2000
compliance status; and (iv) developing a contingency plan.
The Company's State of Readiness
The Company has implemented a compliance program to ensure that its
critical information technology systems and facilities will be ready for the
year 2000. The first phase of the program, testing and evaluating the Company's
critical information technology systems and facilities for year 2000 compliance,
has largely been completed. During phase one, the Company tested and evaluated
its significant computer systems, software applications, and related equipment
for year 2000 compliance. The Company also evaluated the potential year 2000
impact on its critical facilities. The Company is currently in phase two of its
program, during which any noncompliant systems or facilities that were
identified during phase one are prioritized and remediated. The Company is
currently upgrading or replacing such noncompliant information technology
systems, and this process was approximately 80% complete as of January 2, 1999.
In many cases, such upgrades or replacements are being made in the ordinary
course of business, without accelerating previously scheduled upgrades or
replacements. The Company expects that all of its material information
technology systems and critical facilities will be year 2000 compliant by June
1999.
The Company has also implemented a compliance program to test and evaluate
the year 2000 readiness of the material products that it currently manufactures
and sells. The Company believes that all of such material products are year 2000
compliant. However, as many of the Company's products are complex, interact with
or incorporate third party products, and operate on computer systems that are
not under the Company's control, there can be no assurance that the Company has
identified all of the year 2000 problems with its current products. The Company
has tested its older products for year 2000 compliance, and believes that all of
its material older products are year 2000 compliant.
The Company is in the process of identifying and assessing the year 2000
readiness of key suppliers and vendors that are believed to be significant to
the Company's business operations. As part of this effort, the Company has
developed and is distributing questionnaires relating to year 2000 compliance to
its significant suppliers and vendors. The Company has started to follow-up and
monitor the year 2000 compliance progress of significant suppliers and vendors
that indicate that they are not year 2000 compliant or that do not respond to
the Company's questionnaires. The Company has substantially completed its
assessment of third party risk, and has determined the impact on the Company of
any third-party risk on the part of its suppliers and vendors to be minimal.
26
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Year 2000 (continued)
Contingency Plan
The Company is developing a contingency plan that will allow its primary
business operations to continue despite disruptions due to year 2000 problems.
This plan may include identifying and securing other suppliers, increasing
inventories, and modifying production facilities and schedules. As the Company
continues to evaluate the year 2000 readiness of its business systems and
facilities, products, and significant suppliers and vendors, it will modify and
adjust its contingency plan as may be required.
Estimated Costs to Address the Company's Year 2000 Issues
The Company had incurred expenses to third parties (external costs)
related to year 2000 issues of approximately $473,000 as of January 2, 1999, and
the total external costs of year 2000 remediation are expected to be
approximately $700,000. All of the external costs incurred as of January 2,
1999, were spent on testing and upgrading information technology systems. The
Company's year 2000 costs have been funded from working capital. All internal
costs and related external costs other than capital additions related to year
2000 remediation have been and will continue to be expensed as incurred. The
Company does not track the internal costs incurred for its year 2000 compliance
project. Such costs are principally the related payroll costs for its
information systems group.
Risks of the Company's Year 2000 Issues
While the Company is attempting to minimize any negative consequences
arising from the year 2000 issue, there can be no assurance that year 2000
problems will not have a material adverse impact on the Company's business,
operations, or financial condition. While the Company expects that upgrades to
its internal business systems will be completed in a timely fashion, there can
be no assurance that the Company will not encounter unexpected costs or delays.
Despite its efforts to ensure that its material current products are year 2000
compliant, the Company may see an increase in warranty and other claims,
especially those related to Company products that incorporate, or operate using,
third-party software or hardware. If any of the Company's material suppliers or
vendors experience business disruptions due to year 2000 issues, the Company
might also be materially adversely affected. There is expected to be a
significant amount of litigation relating to the year 2000 issue and there can
be no assurance that the Company will not incur material costs in defending or
bringing lawsuits. In addition, if any year 2000 issues are identified, there
can be no assurance that the Company will be able to retain qualified personnel
to remedy such issues. Any unexpected costs or delays arising from the year 2000
issue could have a significant adverse impact on the Company's business,
operations and financial condition in amounts that cannot be reasonably
estimated at this time.
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Forward-looking Statements
In connection with the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company wishes to caution readers that the
following important factors, among others, in some cases have affected, and in
the future could affect, the Company's actual results and could cause its actual
results in 1999 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any
forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company.
Uncertainty of Market Acceptance of New Products. Certain of the Company's
products represent alternatives to traditional detection and analytical methods.
As a result, such products may be slow to achieve or may not achieve market
acceptance, as customers may seek further validation of the efficiency and
efficacy of the Company's technology, particularly where the purchase of the
product requires a significant capital commitment. The Company believes that, to
a significant extent, its growth prospects depend on its ability to gain
acceptance of the efficiency and efficacy of the Company's innovative
technologies by a broader group of customers. The Company is currently devoting
significant resources toward the enhancement of its existing products and the
development of new products and technologies, including its derivative products
of the Company's Flash-GC high-speed gas chromatography system; a more portable
EGIS; and EGIS II (formerly named Rampart), a lower-cost EGIS unit for use in
airport screening of carry-on baggage. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be successful in obtaining such broad acceptance or that, if
obtained, such acceptance will be sustained. The failure of the Company to
obtain and sustain such broad acceptance could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Ongoing Product Development Efforts Required by Rapid Technological
Change. The markets for the Company's products are characterized by changing
technology, evolving industry standards, and new product introductions. The
Company's future success will depend in part upon its ability to enhance its
existing products and to develop and introduce new products and technologies to
meet changing customer requirements. There can be no assurance that the Company
will successfully complete the enhancement and development of these products in
a timely fashion or that the Company's current or future products will satisfy
the needs of its markets.
Dependence of Security Instruments Market on Government Regulation and
Airline Industry. The Company's sales of its explosives-detection systems for
use in airports has been and will continue to be dependent on governmental
initiatives to require, or support, the screening of baggage, carry-on items,
and people with advanced explosives-detection equipment. Substantially all of
such systems have been installed at airports in countries in which the
applicable government or regulatory authority overseeing the operations of the
airport has mandated such screening. Such mandates are influenced by many
factors outside of the control of the Company, including political and budgetary
concerns of governments, airlines, and airports. Of the more than 600 commercial
airports worldwide, more than 400 are located in the United States. Accordingly,
the Company believes that the size of the market for explosives-detection
equipment is, and will increasingly be, significantly influenced by United
States government regulation. In the United States, the Aviation Security
Improvement Act of 1990 directed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to
develop a standard for explosives-detection systems and required airports in the
United States to deploy systems meeting this standard in 1993. To date, no
system has demonstrated that it meets all FAA standards under realistic airport
operating conditions. As a result, the FAA has not mandated the installation of
automated explosives-detection systems, and only a limited number of these
systems have been deployed in the United States. The FAA first certified a
computed X-ray tomography system for checked luggage in December 1994. The
Company's systems are trace detectors for which no FAA certification process for
checked baggage, carry-on, or personal screening exists to date. The Company has
received approval at the FAA laboratories for the Company's EGIS and EGIS II
systems for use by airlines in screening carry-on electronic items and luggage
searches. The EGIS II system is currently undergoing FAA airport testing as a
final step (which the EGIS system has already passed) before deployment in use
at airports. There can be no assurance that the final step in the approval
process, as it relates to EGIS II, will be successfully completed. Each airline
must seek such approvals for each application. Although the FAA has provided
significant funding to the Company in connection with the development of its
explosives-detection technology, there can be no assurance that any of the
Company's systems will ever meet all United States certification standards. Any
product utilizing a technology ultimately recommend or required by the FAA will
have a significant
28
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competitive advantage in the market for explosives-detection devices. Unless the
FAA takes action with respect to a particular explosives-detection product or
technology, airlines will not be required to purchase or upgrade their security
systems, including upgrading existing metal-detection equipment. Earnings of
U.S. air carriers tend to fluctuate significantly from time to time. Any
depression in the financial condition of such carriers would likely result in
lower capital spending for discretionary items. Moreover, there can be no
assurance that additional countries will mandate the implementation of effective
explosives screening for airline baggage, carry-on items, or people, or that, if
mandated, the Company's systems will meet the certification or other
requirements of the applicable government authority. Even if the Company's
systems were to meet the applicable requirements, there can be no assurance that
the Company would be able to market its systems effectively.
In October 1996, the United States enacted legislation which includes a
$144.2 million allocation to purchase explosives-detection systems and other
advanced security equipment, including trace detection equipment such as the
systems manufactured by the Company, for carry-on and checked baggage screening.
The FAA has made purchases of, or placed orders for the purchase of, security
equipment under this legislation, including an order to purchase $5.8 million of
the Company's EGIS systems. There can be no assurance, however, that this
legislation will not be modified to reduce the funding for advanced explosives
equipment, that the necessary appropriations will be made to fund further
purchases of advanced explosives-detection equipment contemplated by the
legislation, that trace-detection equipment such as the systems manufactured by
the Company will be mandated, or that, even if further appropriations are made
and such equipment is mandated, any of the Company's explosives-detection
systems will be purchased for installation at any airports in the United States.
Further, there can be no assurance that the U.S. will mandate the widespread use
of these systems after completion of the initial purchases.
Significance of Certain Customers. Sales of process detection instruments
and services to bottlers licensed by The Coca-Cola Company (Coca-Cola Bottlers)
were $6,199,000, $13,939,000, and $10,641,000 in 1998, 1997, and 1996,
respectively, or 7%, 13%, and 11% of the Company's revenues, respectively,
during such periods. In 1997, the Company completed the fulfillment of a
mandated product-line upgrade for the Coca-Cola Bottlers. Although the Company
anticipates that it will continue to derive revenues from the sale of upgrades
and new systems to new plants, as well as services to the Coca-Cola Bottlers,
the Company does not expect that revenues derived from these customers will
continue at a rate comparable to prior years. Further, the Company intends to
continue to develop and introduce new process detection products for the food,
beverage and other markets, however, there can be no assurance that the Company
will be successful in the introduction of new process detection products or that
any sales of these products will be sufficient to maintain a rate of growth
equivalent to prior years.
Competition; Technological Change. The Company encounters, and expects to
continue to encounter, competition in the sale of its current and future
products. Many of the Company's competitors and potential competitors have
substantially greater resources, manufacturing and marketing capabilities,
research and development staff, and production facilities than those of the
Company. Some of these competitors have large existing installed bases of
products with substantial numbers of customers. In addition, other major
corporations have recently announced their intention to enter certain of the
Company's markets, including the security screening market. The Company believes
that many of its products are successful because they are technologically
superior to alternative products offered by some of the Company's competitors.
In order to continue to be successful, the Company believes that it will be
important to maintain this technological advantage. No assurance can be given
that the Company will be able to maintain such an advantage or that competitors
of the Company will not develop technological innovations that will render
products of the Company obsolete. For example, the Company's EGIS system
competes against other trace explosives detection systems as well as systems
utilizing dual energy X-ray or computed X-ray tomography imaging technologies.
There can be no assurance that such technologies will not be enhanced to a
degree that would impair the Company's ability to market its explosives
detection systems.
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Potential for Product Liability Claims. The Company's business involves
the risk of product liability claims inherent to the explosives detection
business, as well as the food, beverage, and other industries. There are many
factors beyond the control of the Company that could result in the failure of
the Company's products to detect explosives or contaminants in food or beverage
containers, such as the reliability of a customer's operators, the ongoing
training of such operators, and the maintenance of the Company's products by its
customers. For these and other reasons, there can be no assurance that the
Company's products will detect all explosives or contaminants. The failure to
detect explosives or contaminants could give rise to product liability claims
and result in negative publicity that could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations. The
Company currently maintains both aviation and general product liability
insurance in amounts the Company believes to be commercially reasonable. There
can be no assurance that this insurance will be sufficient to protect the
Company from product liability claims, or that product liability insurance will
continue to be available to the Company at a reasonable cost, if at all.
Uncertainties Associated With International Operations. In 1998, 1997, and
1996, international sales accounted for 47%, 52%, and 46%, respectively, of the
Company's revenues, and the Company anticipates that international sales will
continue to account for a significant percentage of the Company's revenues.
International revenues are subject to a number of uncertainties, including the
following: agreements may be difficult to enforce and receivables difficult to
collect through a foreign country's legal system; foreign customers may have
longer payment cycles; foreign countries may impose additional withholding taxes
or otherwise tax the Company's foreign income, impose tariffs or adopt other
restrictions on foreign trade; fluctuations in exchange rates may affect product
demand and adversely affect the profitability in U.S. dollars of products and
services provided by the Company in foreign markets where payment for the
Company's products and services is made in the local currency; U.S. export
licenses may be difficult to obtain; and the protection of intellectual property
in foreign countries may be more difficult to enforce. Moreover, many foreign
countries have their own regulatory approval requirements for sales of the
Company's products. As a result, the Company's introduction of new products into
international markets can be costly and time-consuming, and there can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to obtain the required regulatory
approvals on a timely basis, if at all. There can be no assurance that any of
these factors will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations. The Company does not attempt to
minimize currency and exchange rate risks through material hedging activities.
Limited Protection of Proprietary Technology and Risks of Third-party
Claims. Proprietary rights relating to the Company's products will be protected
from unauthorized use by third parties only to the extent that they are covered
by valid and enforceable patents or are maintained in confidence as trade
secrets. There can be no assurance, however, that any patents now or hereafter
owned by the Company will afford protection against competitors, or as to the
likelihood that patents will issue from pending patent applications. Proceedings
initiated by the Company to protect its proprietary rights could result in
substantial costs to the Company. Although the Company believes that its
products and technology do not infringe any existing proprietary rights of
others, there can be no assurance that third parties will not assert such claims
against the Company in the future or that such future claims will not be
successful. The Company could incur substantial costs and diversion of
management resources in connection with the defense of any claims relating to
proprietary rights, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition, and results of operations. Furthermore, parties
making such claims could secure a judgment awarding substantial damages, as well
as injunctive or other equitable relief, which could effectively block the
Company's ability to make, use, sell, distribute, or market its products and
services in the U.S. or abroad. Such a judgment could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition, and results of
operations. In the event that a claim relating to proprietary technology or
information is asserted against the Company, the Company may seek licenses to
such intellectual property. There can be no assurance, however, that such a
license could be obtained on commercially reasonable terms, if at all, or that
the terms of any offered licenses will be acceptable to the Company. The failure
to obtain the necessary licenses or other rights could preclude the sale,
manufacture or distribution of the
30
<PAGE>
Company's products and, therefore, could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. The cost of
responding to any such claim may be material, whether or not the assertion of
such claim is valid. There can be no assurance that the steps taken by the
Company to protect its proprietary rights will be adequate to prevent
misappropriation of its technology or independent development by others of
similar technology. In addition, the laws of some jurisdictions do not protect
the Company's proprietary rights to the same extent as the laws of the U.S.
There can be no assurance that these protections will be adequate.
Risks Associated with Acquisition Strategy. The Company's strategy
includes the acquisition of businesses and technologies that complement or
augment the Company's existing product lines. Promising acquisitions are
difficult to identify and complete for a number of reasons, including
competition among prospective buyers and the need for regulatory approvals,
including antitrust approvals. Any acquisitions completed by the Company may be
made at substantial premiums over the fair value of the net assets of the
acquired companies. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
complete future acquisitions or that the Company will be able to successfully
integrate any acquired businesses. In order to finance such acquisitions, it may
be necessary for the Company to raise additional funds through public or private
financings. Any equity or debt financing, if available at all, may be on terms
which are not favorable to the Company and, in the case of equity financing, may
result in dilution to the Company's stockholders.
Potential Fluctuations in Quarterly Performance. Significant annual and
quarterly fluctuations in the Company's results of operations may be caused by,
among other factors, the overall demand for, and market acceptance of, the
Company's products; the timing of regulatory approvals for certain of the
Company's products; government initiatives to promote the use of explosives
detection systems such as those manufactured and sold by the Company; the timing
of the announcement, introduction and delivery of new products and product
enhancements by the Company and its competitors; variations in the Company's
product mix and component costs; timing of customer orders; adjustments of
delivery schedules to accommodate customers' programs; the availability of
components from suppliers; the timing and level of expenditures in anticipation
of future sales; the mix of products sold by the Company; and pricing and other
competitive conditions. Because certain of the Company's products require
significant capital expenditures and other commitments by its customers, the
Company has experienced extended sales cycles. Delays in anticipated purchase
orders could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial
condition, and results of operations. Customers may also cancel or reschedule
shipments, and product difficulties could delay shipments. Because the Company's
operating expenses are based on anticipated revenue levels and a high percentage
of the Company's expenses are fixed for the short term, a small variation in the
timing of recognition of revenue can cause significant variations in operating
results from quarter to quarter. There can be no assurance that any of these
factors will not have a material adverse impact on the Company's business and
results of operations.
Dependence Upon OEM Relationships. A portion of the Company's sales are
through OEM arrangements. The Company's sales depend, in part, on the
continuation of these OEM arrangements and the level of end-user sales by such
OEMs. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain its
existing, or establish new, OEM relationships.
Potential Impact of Year 2000 on Processing Date-sensitive Information.
While the Company is attempting to minimize any negative consequences arising
from the year 2000 issue, there can be no assurance that year 2000 problems will
not have a material adverse impact on the Company's business, operations, or
financial condition. While the Company expects that upgrades to its internal
business systems will be completed in a timely fashion, there can be no
assurance that the Company will not encounter unexpected costs or delays.
Despite its efforts to ensure that its material current products are year 2000
compliant, the Company may see an increase in warranty and other claims,
especially those related to Company products that incorporate, or operate using,
third-party software or hardware.
31
<PAGE>
If any of the Company's material suppliers or vendors experience business
disruptions due to year 2000 issues, the Company might also be materially
adversely affected. There is expected to be a significant amount of litigation
relating to the year 2000 issue and there can be no assurance that the Company
will not incur material costs in defending or bringing lawsuits. In addition, if
any year 2000 issues are identified, there can be no assurance that the Company
will be able to retain qualified personnel to remedy such issues. Any unexpected
costs or delays arising from the year 2000 issue could have a significant
adverse impact on the Company's business, operations, and financial condition in
amounts that cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.
</TABLE>
32
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Selected Financial Information
(In thousands except per share amounts) 1998 1997(a) 1996(b) 1995(c) 1994
- ------------------------------------------------------ --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Statement of Income Data
Revenues $91,575 $104,374 $ 94,604 $32,943 $ 50,343
Gross Profit 49,324 57,979 48,994 15,491 25,437
Net Income 8,671 12,506 5,299 2,173 6,380
Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share .45 .67 .33 .21 .63
Balance Sheet Data
Working Capital $57,621 $ 46,345 $ 32,315 $19,369 $ 6,116
Total Assets 132,506 148,265 116,058 84,595 17,793
Long-term Obligations - - 21,200 - -
Shareholders' Investment 117,893 107,346 75,454 69,215 9,208
(a) Reflects the March 1997 initial public offering of the Company's common
stock for net proceeds of $28.1 million.
(b) Reflects the January 1996 acquisition of Moisture Systems and Rutter and the
March and November 1996 private placements of the Company's common stock for
aggregate net proceeds of $7.0 million.
(c) Reflects the December 1995 acquisition of Orion by Thermedics.
</TABLE>
33
<PAGE>
Common Stock Market Information
The Company's common stock is traded on the American Stock Exchange under
the symbol TDX. The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices of
the Company's common stock since February 24, 1997, the date the Company's
common stock began trading on that exchange, as reported in the consolidated
transaction reporting system.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1998 1997
-------------------- -------------------
Quarter High Low High Low
- --------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
First $ 11 5/8 $ 8 5/8 $ 12 1/8 $ 10 7/8
Second 11 11/16 7 7/8 12 7/8 9 3/4
Third 9 9/16 6 1/16 12 3/8 9 3/16
Fourth 8 3/16 6 11 11/16 8 3/4
</TABLE>
As of January 29, 1999, the Company had 266 holders of record of its
common stock. This does not include holdings in street or nominee names. The
closing market price on the American Stock Exchange for the Company's common
stock on January 29, 1999, was $8 3/8 per share.
Shareholder Services
Shareholders of Thermedics Detection Inc. who desire information about the
Company are invited to contact the Investor Relations Department, Thermedics
Detection Inc., 81 Wyman Street, P.O. Box 9046, Waltham, Massachusetts
02454-9046, (781) 622-1111. A mailing list is maintained to enable shareholders
whose stock is held in street name, and other interested individuals, to receive
quarterly reports, annual reports, and press releases as quickly as possible.
Distribution of printed quarterly reports is limited to the second quarter only.
All material is available through the Internet from Thermo Electron's Internet
site (http://www.thermo.com/subsid/tdx1.html).
Stock Transfer Agent
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company is the stock transfer agent and
maintains shareholder activity records. The agent will respond to questions on
issuance of stock certificates, change of ownership, lost stock certificates,
and change of address. For these and similar matters, please direct inquiries
to:
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
Shareholder Services Department
40 Wall Street, 46th Floor
New York, New York 10005
(718) 921-8200
Dividend Policy
The Company has never paid cash dividends and does not expect to pay cash
dividends in the foreseeable future because its policy has been to use earnings
to finance expansion and growth. Payment of dividends will rest within the
discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other
factors, the Company's earnings, capital requirements, and financial condition.
Form 10-K Report
A copy of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January
2, 1999, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, may be obtained
at no charge by writing to the Investor Relations Department, Thermedics
Detection Inc., 81 Wyman Street, P.O. Box 9046, Waltham, Massachusetts
02454-9046.
Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of shareholders will be held on Thursday, May 27, 1999, at
11 a.m. at The Westin Hotel, 70 Third Avenue, Waltham, Massachusetts.
34
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit 21
THERMEDICS DETECTION INC.
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
At February 28, 1999, the Registrant owned the following companies:
<S> <C> <C>
Exhibit 21
THERMEDICS DETECTION INC.
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
At February 28, 1999, the Registrant owned the following companies:
STATE OR REGISTRANT'S
JURISDICTION OF PERCENT OF OWNERSHIP
NAME INCORPORATION
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detection Securities Corporation Massachusetts 100
Orion Research, Inc. Massachusetts 100
Advanced Sensor Technology Massachusetts 100
Orion Research Limited United Kingdom 100
Orion Research Puerto Rico, Inc. Delaware 100
Russell pH Limited Scotland 100
Rutter & Co. Netherlands 100
Rutter Instrumentation S.A.R.L. France 90
Systech B.V. Netherlands 50
ThermedeTec Corporation Delaware 100
Thermedics Detection de Argentina S.A. Argentina 100
(1% of which shares are owned directly by Thermedics
Detection Inc.)
Thermedics Detection de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. Mexico 100
Thermedics Detection GmbH Germany 100
Thermedics Detection Limited United Kingdom 100
Thermedics Detection Scandinavia AS Norway 100
</TABLE>
Exhibit 23
Consent of Independent Public Accountants
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference of our reports dated February 11, 1999, included in or incorporated
by reference into Thermedics Detection Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended January 2, 1999, into the Company's previously filed Registration
Statement No. 333-28093 on Form S-8 and Registration Statement No. 333-31987 on
Form S-3.
Arthur Andersen LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
March 15, 1999
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM
THERMEDICS DETECTION INC.'S
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED JANUARY 2, 1999
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> JAN-02-1999
<PERIOD-END> JAN-02-1999
<CASH> 32,906
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 17,098
<ALLOWANCES> 1,149
<INVENTORY> 17,167
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 72,107
<PP&E> 12,505
<DEPRECIATION> 7,567
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 132,506
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 14,486
<BONDS> 127
0
0
<COMMON> 1,932
<OTHER-SE> 115,961
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 132,506
<SALES> 74,754
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 91,575
<CGS> 30,610
<TOTAL-COSTS> 42,251
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 9,645
<LOSS-PROVISION> 301
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 303
<INCOME-PRETAX> 14,167
<INCOME-TAX> 5,496
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 8,671
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 8,671
<EPS-PRIMARY> 0.45
<EPS-DILUTED> 0.45
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THERMEDICS
DETECTION INC.'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED JANUARY 3, 1998
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> JAN-03-1998
<PERIOD-END> JAN-03-1998
<CASH> 46,352
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 19,350
<ALLOWANCES> 1,127
<INVENTORY> 16,819
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 87,264
<PP&E> 10,697
<DEPRECIATION> 6,686
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 148,265
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 40,919
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 1,932
<OTHER-SE> 105,414
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 148,265
<SALES> 89,264
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 104,374
<CGS> 38,694
<TOTAL-COSTS> 46,395
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 9,643
<LOSS-PROVISION> 201
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 1,239
<INCOME-PRETAX> 20,677
<INCOME-TAX> 8,171
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 12,506
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 12,506
<EPS-PRIMARY> 0.67
<EPS-DILUTED> 0.67
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THERMEDICS
DETECTION INC.'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 28, 1996
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-28-1996
<PERIOD-END> DEC-28-1996
<CASH> 14,264
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 19,043
<ALLOWANCES> 1,455
<INVENTORY> 14,090
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 51,679
<PP&E> 9,071
<DEPRECIATION> 5,047
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 116,058
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 19,364
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 1,664
<OTHER-SE> 73,790
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 116,058
<SALES> 80,557
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 94,604
<CGS> 37,857
<TOTAL-COSTS> 45,610
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 8,100
<LOSS-PROVISION> 642
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 1,119
<INCOME-PRETAX> 8,818
<INCOME-TAX> 3,519
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 5,299
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 5,299
<EPS-PRIMARY> 0.33
<EPS-DILUTED> 0.33
</TABLE>
