VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC
10-K/A, 1997-07-02
MEASURING & CONTROLLING DEVICES, NEC
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                                    UNITED STATES
                          SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                                WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                      FORM 10-K/A
                                           
         [ X ] AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO Section 13
                   OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF  1934



                     FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996

                                          OR
                                           
         [   ]       TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION
              13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
         
                   FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM     TO

                   COMMISSION FILE NUMBER    0-16244

                                VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC.
                                     (REGISTRANT)

              DELAWARE                                  11-2989601
         (State or other jurisdiction                 (I.R.S. Employer
              of incorporation or organization)       Identification No.)

              TERMINAL DRIVE                              11803
            PLAINVIEW, NEW YORK                         (Zip Code)
    (Address of principal executive offices)
           REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (516) 349-8300

              Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
                                  NONE
              Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
                         COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE

    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 (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to  file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for 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 Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by references in 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 non-affiliates 
of the Registrant, based on the  closing price of the Common Stock on 
February 24, 1997 as reported on the Nasdaq National Market, was 
approximately $130,306,039. Shares of Common Stock held by each officer and 
director and  by each person who owns 5% or more of the outstanding Common 
Stock have been excluded from this computation in that such persons may be 
deemed to be affiliates.  This determination of affiliate status is not 
necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

    At February 24, 1997, the Registrant had outstanding  5,870,627 shares of
Common Stock.

                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

   Portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held on May 15, 1997 are incorporated by reference into Part
                        III of this Form 10-K Report.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   The Registrant, Veeco Instruments Inc. ("Veeco" or the "Company"), hereby 
amends its Annual Report on Form 10-K (the "10-K") for the year ended 
December 31, 1996, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 
"Commission") on February 28, 1997, to provide certain information included in 
its definitive Schedule 14A dated July 2, 1997.
<PAGE>

                                       PART II


ITEM 6.  SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA.

    The financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and notes
thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                                         YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31

                                            1996      1995      1994      1993      1992
                                         --------------------------------------------------

<S>                                    <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Net sales                               $96,832   $72,359   $49,434   $43,149   $36,346
  Cost of sales                            54,931    39,274    28,940    25,736    21,847
                                          --------------------------------------------------
  Gross profit                             41,901    33,085    20,494    17,413    14,499
  Cost and expenses                        29,719    24,289    16,511    15,482    13,081
                                          --------------------------------------------------
  Operating income                         12,182     8,796     3,983     1,931     1,418
  Interest (income) expense - net            (678)     (391)    2,620     2,341     3,006
                                          --------------------------------------------------
  Income (loss) before income 
    taxes and extraordinary item           12,860     9,187     1,363      (410)   (1,588)
  Income tax  provision (benefit)           4,822     2,395      (795)        -         -
                                          --------------------------------------------------
  Income (loss) before 
    extraordinary item                      8,038     6,792     2,158      (410)   (1,588)
  Extraordinary (loss), net 
    of $355 tax benefit                         -         -      (679)        -         -
                                          --------------------------------------------------
  Net income (loss)                        $8,038    $6,792    $1,479     $(410)  $(1,588)
                                          --------------------------------------------------
                                          --------------------------------------------------
Earnings per share:
  Income (loss) before 
    extraordinary item                      $1.36     $1.24       .87     $(.22)    $(.84)
  Extraordinary (loss)                          -         -      (.27)        -         -
                                          --------------------------------------------------
  Net income (loss)                         $1.36     $1.24     $.60      $(.22)    $(.84)
                                          --------------------------------------------------
                                          --------------------------------------------------

  Shares used in computing
    earnings per share                      5,906     5,484     2,472     1,874     1,897
                                          --------------------------------------------------
                                          --------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                                            AS OF DECEMBER 31
                                             1996      1995      1994      1993      1992
                                          --------------------------------------------------

<S>                                           <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
  BALANCE SHEET DATA(1):
  Cash and cash equivalents               $21,209   $17,568   $ 2,279      $386    $1,063
  Working capital                          43,454    37,461    16,122     6,666     7,264
  Excess of cost over net 
    assets acquired                         4,448     4,579     4,710     4,840     4,835
  Total assets                             80,327    67,380    40,931    32,596    31,464
  Long-term debt and capital
    leases (including current 
    installments)                              -         -        39    24,934    25,150
  Shareholders' equity (deficit)           57,970    49,751    28,289    (1,681)   (1,226)
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
(1) Veeco completed an initial public offering (the "IPO") on December 6, 
    1994 in which $24,290,000 of net proceeds were received by Veeco.  The net
    proceeds were used to repay the Company's outstanding debt and for working 
    capital and other general corporate purposes.  Prior to the IPO, the Company
    was highly leveraged with approximately $23,700,000 of debt and accrued 
    interest outstanding.  Veeco completed an additional public offering on July
    31, 1995 (the "Follow-On Offering") in which $14,460,000 of net proceeds
    were received by Veeco.  The net proceeds have been used for general
    corporate purposes.  Prior to the completion of the IPO, Veeco incurred
    significant interest expense on its outstanding debt.  Since the completion
    of the IPO and the Follow-On Offering, Veeco has earned net interest income.
                                                   1
<PAGE>

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS.  

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the relationship
(in percentages) of selected items of the Company's consolidated statements of
operations to its total net sales:

                                                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                1996        1995        1994
                                             ---------------------------------

Net sales                                     100.0%      100.0%      100.0%
Cost of sales                                   56.7        54.3         58.
                                             ---------------------------------
Gross profit                                    43.3        45.7        41.5

Operating expenses:                                                         
  Research and development                      10.1         9.8        10.3
  Selling, general and administrative           20.2        23.3        22.6
  Amortization                                    .2          .2          .7
  Other - net                                     .2          .2         (.2)
                                              ---------------------------------
Total operating expenses                        30.7        33.5        33.4
Operating income                                12.6        12.2         8.1
Interest (income) expense                        (.7)        (.5)        5.3
                                              ---------------------------------
Income before income taxes 
   and extraordinary item                       13.3        12.7         2.8
Income tax provision (benefit)                   5.0         3.3        (1.6)
                                              ---------------------------------
Income before extraordinary item                 8.3         9.4         4.4
Extraordinary (loss), net of tax                  --          --        (1.4)
                                              ---------------------------------
Net income                                      8.3%        9.4%       3.0 %
                                              ---------------------------------
                                              ---------------------------------

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995

     Net sales were $96,832,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996 
representing an increase of approximately $24,473,000, or 33.8%, for the 
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 as compared to 1995.  The increase 
reflects growth in all three of Veeco's product lines - ion beam systems, 
surface metrology and industrial measurement. Sales in the U.S. increased 
approximately 38.6%, while international sales included a 37.8% increase in 
Asia Pacific and a 56.2% increase in Japan and a 3% decrease in Europe.

     Sales of ion beam systems increased by 60.3% to approximately 
$53,213,000 in 1996 compared to 1995.  Of this increase, approximately 55.9% 
is due to growth in volume, with the balance of the increase attributable to 
an approximately 27.7% higher average selling price of a system resulting 
from a shift in customer demand to multi-process modules with increased 
automation.  This growth was principally driven by increased demand for mass 
memory storage due to the capacity ramp up in both magnetoresistive and 
inductive thin film magnetic heads required in high density hard drives.

     Sales of surface metrology products increased by 14.6% to approximately
$23,902,000 in 1996 compared to 1995 principally as a result of increased sales
of SXM Workstations for semiconductor applications.

     Sales of industrial measurement products increased by 7.7% to 
approximately $19,717,000 in 1996 compared to 1995 as a result of increased 
volume due to the introduction of new products in the leak detection product 
line, while the average sales price of a product was comparable in 1996 and 
1995.

     Gross profit increased to approximately $41,901,000, or 43.3% of net 
sales for 1996, compared to $33,085,000, or 45.7% of net sales for 1995.  The
decline in gross margin percentage was principally due to product and 
geographic mix changes in surface metrology and industrial measurement 
products lines.  The lower gross profit percentage attributable to product 
mix resulted from increased sales of the SXM Workstation and other products 
distributed for other manufacturers, which historically have had lower gross
margins, as well as for increases in sales of newly introduced products, the
costs of which are generally higher than for mature products.  Export sales, 
which generally have higher sales discounts and service and distribution 
costs, increased by 46.0%, which negatively impacted gross margins.

     Research and development expense increased by approximately $2,703,000 to
approximately $9,804,000, or 10.1% of net sales in 1996 compared to
approximately $7,101,000 or 9.8% of sales in 1995, as Veeco increased its
R&D investment in each of its product lines with particular emphasis on ion beam
products.

                                       2

<PAGE>

     Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by approximately 
$2,714,000 to 20.2% of net sales in 1996 from 23.3% for 1995. Selling expense 
increased $2,353,000 principally comprised of sales commissions related to 
higher sales volume, as well as increased compensation and travel expense as 
a result of additional sales and service personnel required to support 
Veeco's growth.  Veeco received approximately $107 million of orders in 1996 
compared to approximately $84 million of orders in 1995 for a 27.9% increase. 
 This resulted in a book to bill ratio of 1.11 to 1 for 1996.

     Operating income increased to approximately $12,182,000 or 12.6% of net
sales for 1996 compared to $8,796,000 or 12.2% of net sales for 1995, due to the
above noted factors.  Veeco incurred an operating loss in its foreign 
operations for the year ended December 31, 1996 of approximately $300,000 
compared to operating income of approximately $257,000 for the year ended 
December 31, 1995, principally as a result of an approximately $253,000 
unfavorable change in foreign exchange transactions, a sales volume decline 
and the sale of additional SXM Workstations at lower gross profit margins 
than Veeco's other product lines.

     Income taxes amounted to $4,822,000 or 37.5% of income before income 
taxes and extraordinary item for 1996 as compared to $2,395,000 or 26.1% of 
income before income taxes and extraordinary item for 1995.  Veeco's 
effective tax rate in 1995 was lower as a result of Veeco recognizing 
previously unrecognized deferred tax assets.

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994

     Net sales increased by approximately $22,925,000, or 46.4%, for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1995 to approximately $72,359,000 as compared to 1994. 
The increase reflects growth in all three of Veeco's product lines - ion
beam systems, surface metrology and industrial measurement. Sales in the U.S.
increased approximately 48%,  while international sales included an
approximately 44% increase in European sales and an approximately 47% increase
in Asia Pacific sales including Japan.

     Sales of ion beam systems increased by 58.1% to approximately $33,184,000
in 1995 compared to 1994.  This increase was principally attributable to an 
increase in volume while the average sales price of a system was comparable 
in 1995 and 1994.  This increase was driven by increased demand from
mass memory storage and telecommunications markets.

     Sales of surface metrology products increased by 58.0% to approximately
$20,830,000 in 1995 compared to 1994 as a result of increased sales of SXM
Workstations for semiconductor applications and increased sales of surface
profilers in Asia Pacific and Europe.  This increase was principally 
attributable to an increase in volume while the average sales price of a 
system was comparable in 1995 and 1994.

     Sales of industrial measurement products increased by 20.2% to
approximately $18,345,000 in 1995 compared to 1994 as a result of the
introduction of new products in both the leak detection and XRF thickness
measurement systems product lines.  This increase was principally 
attributable to an increase in volume while the average sales price of a 
system was comparable in 1995 and 1994.

     Gross profit increased to approximately $33,085,000, or 45.7% of net 
sales, for 1995 compared to $20,494,000, or 41.5% of net sales for 1994.  
This improvement was due to the sales volume increases described above, 
product mix changes and improved operating efficiencies. Product mix 
favorably impacted gross margins in 1995 as compared to 1994 due to the 
increase in sales of ion beam systems and stylus profilers which generate 
higher gross margins than Veeco's industrial measurement products. Operating 
efficiencies were obtained in 1996 compared to 1995 by reduction in cycle 
times and higher throughput.

     Research and development expense increased by approximately $2,005,000 
to approximately $7,101,000, or 9.8% of net sales in 1995 compared to 
approximately $5,096,000 or 10.3% of sales in 1994, as Veeco increased its 
R&D investment in each of its product lines.

     Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by approximately 
$5,651,000 to 23.3% of net sales in 1995 from 22.6% for 1994. Selling expense 
increased $4,150,000 principally comprised of sales commissions related to 
higher sales volume, as well as increased compensation and travel expense as 
a result of additional sales and service personnel required to support 
Veeco's growth.  Veeco received approximately $84 million of orders in 1995 
compared to approximately $55 million of orders in 1994.

     Operating income increased to approximately $8,796,000 or 12.2% of net
sales for 1995 compared to $3,983,000 or 8.1% of net sales for 1994, due to the
above noted factors.

     As a result of the repayment of all outstanding debt in December 1994 
from the proceeds of the IPO and the investment of the net proceeds from the 
Public Offering completed in July 1995, Veeco had $391,000 of interest income 
in 1995 compared to $2,620,000 of interest expense in 1994. 

                                          3

<PAGE>

     Income taxes amounted to $2,395,000 or 26.1% of income before income
taxes and extraordinary item for 1995.  Veeco's effective tax rate is lower
than the statutory tax rate as a result of Veeco recognizing previously 
unrecognized deferred tax assets.  It is anticipated that Veeco's effective
tax rate in 1996 will approach the statutory tax rate.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     Net cash provided by operations totaled $7,173,000 for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1996 compared to $1,980,000 for 1995, due primarily to net
income of $8,038,000 in 1996 compared to net income of $6,792,000 in 1995.  Cash
flow in 1995 was also impacted by an increase of approximately $6,072,000 in
accounts receivable.  Net cash provided by operations of $1,980,000 for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 compared to $808,000 for 1994 primarily due
to net income of $6,792,000 in 1995 compared to net income of $1,479,000 in 1994
partially offset by changes in operating assets and liabilities.

     Accounts receivable increased by approximately $843,000 at December 31,
1996 to $19,826,000 from $18,983,000 at December 31, 1995, due primarily to
increased sales. Accounts receivable increased by approximately $6,291,000 to
$18,983,000 at December 31, 1995 from $12,692,000 at December 31, 1994,
primarily due to the increased sales. 

     Inventories increased by approximately $5,468,000 at December 31, 1996 to
$21,263,000 from $15,795,000 at December 31, 1995. The increase was principally
due to purchases required for the increased level of sales orders. Inventories
increased by approximately $5,101,000 at December 31, 1995 to $15,795,000 at
December 31, 1995 from $10,694,000 at December 31, 1994 principally due to
purchases required for the introduction of new products and increased level of
sales orders.

     Accounts payable increased by $2,467,000 at December 31, 1996 to
$11,196,000 from $8,729,000 at December 31, 1995 due to a higher level of
purchases associated with the increased sales volume. Accounts payable increased
by $1,316,000 at December 31, 1995 to $8,729,000 from $7,413,000 as a result of
purchases required for the introduction of new products.

     Accrued expenses increased by $2,441,000 at December 31, 1996 to $9,964,000
from $7,523,000 at December 31, 1995 as a result of increased customer deposits
and payroll-related liabilities.

     Working capital totaled approximately $43,454,000 at December 31, 1996 
compared to approximately $37,461,000 at December 31, 1995. Cash increased to 
approximately $21,209,000 at December 31, 1996 as  a result of cash from 
operations partially offset by approximately $3,766,000 of capital 
expenditures. Working capital was approximately $37,461,000 at December 31, 
1995 compared to approximately $16,122,000 at December 31, 1994. Cash 
increased to approximately $17,568,000 at December 31, 1995 from $2,279,000 
at December 31, 1994 as a result of cash from operations and Veeco's Public 
Offering.

     Veeco made capital expenditures of $3,766,000 for fiscal year 1996, 
principally for manufacturing facilities, laboratory and test equipment and 
computer system upgrades, as compared to $965,000 of capital expenditures for 
1995. Veeco's capital expenditures for 1995 related primarily to the purchase 
of laboratory and test equipment and manufacturing facility improvements. 
Veeco expects that capital expenditures will increase in the next year as it 
improves its manufacturing facilities and acquires additional equipment for 
its ion beam deposition systems business.

     In July 1996, Veeco entered into a new credit facility (the "Credit 
Facility") with Fleet Bank, N.A. and The Chase Manhattan Bank.  The Credit 
Facility, which may be used for working capital, acquisitions and general 
corporate purposes, provides Veeco with up to $30 million of availability.  
The Credit Facility bears interest at the prime rate of the lending banks, 
but is adjustable to a maximum rate of 3/4% above the prime rate in the event
Veeco's ratio of debt to cash flow exceeds a defined ratio.  A LIBOR based 
interest rate option is also provided.  As of December 31, 1996 there were no
amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility.  

                                          4
<PAGE>

As of December 31, 1996, Veeco's availability under the Credit Facility
was reduced by approximately $931,000 as a result of outstanding letters of
credit.  The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the Company's
personal property, as well as the stock of its Sloan subsidiary.

     Pursuant to a sales and marketing agreement with IBM, the Company has
agreed to purchase a minimum number of IBM-manufactured SXM Workstations for
sale by the Company to customers in the semiconductor and data storage
industries for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2,250,000.  These
products are required to be purchased prior to July 1997. In addition, the
Company has minimum purchase obligations pursuant to agreements with certain
other suppliers. See "Business--Strategic Alliances."

     Veeco believes that the cash generated from operations, funds available 
from the Credit Facility described above and existing cash balances will be 
sufficient to meet the Company's projected working capital and other cash flow 
requirements for at least the next 24 months.

RISK FACTORS THAT MAY IMPACT FUTURE RESULTS

     Certain information provided by the Company, statements made by its
employees or information included in its filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission may contain statements which are "forward-looking
statements" which involve risks and uncertainties.  The following risk factors
should be considered by shareholders of and by potential investors in the
Company.

     CYCLICALITY OF SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY.  The semiconductor industry has been
characterized by cyclicality.  The industry has experienced significant economic
downturns at various times in the last decade, characterized by diminished
product demand, accelerated erosion of average selling prices and production
over-capacity. The Company may experience substantial period-to-period
fluctuations in future operating results due to general industry conditions or
events occurring in the general economy.

     RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE; IMPORTANCE OF TIMELY PRODUCT INTRODUCTION.  The
semiconductor manufacturing industry is subject to rapid technological change
and new product introductions and enhancements.  The Company's ability to remain
competitive will depend in part upon its ability to develop in a timely and cost
effective manner new and enhanced systems at competitive prices. In addition,
new product introductions or enhancements by the Company's competitors could
cause a decline in sales or loss of market acceptance of the Company's existing
products.  Increased competitive pressure could also lead to intensified price
competition resulting in lower margins, which could materially adversely affect
the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.  The
success of the Company in developing, introducing and selling new and enhanced
systems depends upon a variety of factors, including product selections, timely
and efficient completion of product design and development, timely and efficient
implementation of manufacturing processes, effective sales, service and
marketing and product performance in the field.  Because new product development
commitments must be made well in advance of sales, new product decisions must
anticipate both the future demand for the products under development and the
equipment required to produce such products.  There can be no assurance that the
Company will be successful in selecting, developing, manufacturing and marketing
new products or in enhancing existing products.

     LIMITED SALES BACKLOG.  The Company derives a substantial portion of its
sales from the sale of a relatively small number of systems which typically
range in purchase price from approximately $400,000 to $1,500,000.  As a result,
the timing of recognition of revenue for a single transaction could have a
material adverse affect on the Company's sales and operating results.  The
Company's backlog at the beginning of a quarter typically does not include all
sales required to achieve the Company's sales objective for that quarter. 
Moreover, all customer purchase orders are subject to cancellation or
rescheduling by the customer with limited or no penalties.  Therefore, backlog
at any particular date is not necessarily representative of actual sales for any
succeeding period.  The Company's net sales and operating results for a quarter
may depend upon the Company obtaining orders for systems to be shipped in the
same quarter that the order is received.  The Company's 

                                          5


<PAGE>

business and financial results for a particular period could be materially
adversely affected if an anticipated order for even one system is not received
in time to permit shipping during the period.

     HIGHLY COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY.  The semiconductor capital equipment industry
is intensely competitive.  A substantial investment is required by customers to
install and integrate capital equipment into a production line.  As a result,
once a manufacturer has selected a particular vendor's capital equipment, the
Company believes that the manufacturer generally relies upon that equipment for
the specific production line application and frequently will attempt to
consolidate its other capital equipment requirements with the same vendor. 
Accordingly, the Company expects to experience difficulty in selling to a
particular customer for a significant period of time if that customer selects a
competitor's capital equipment.  The Company expects its competitors to continue
to develop enhancements to and future generations of competitive products that
may offer improved price or performance features.  New product introductions and
enhancements by the Company's competitors could cause a significant decline in
sales or loss of market acceptance of the Company's systems in addition to
intense price competition or otherwise make the Company's systems or technology
obsolete or noncompetitive.  Increased competitive pressure could lead to
reduced demand and lower prices for the Company's products, thereby materially
adversely affecting the Company's operating results.  There can be no assurance
that the Company will be able to compete successfully in the future.


FOREIGN OPERATIONS

     Approximately 12.5%, 17.3%, and 14.9% of the Company's net sales for years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, were derived from sales
denominated in foreign currencies. The effect of foreign currency exchange rate
fluctuations on such revenues is largely offset to the extent expenses of the
Company's international operations are incurred  and  paid  for in  the same
currencies as those of  its revenues.

     The Company has mitigated its exposure to foreign currency transaction
adjustments by substantially offsetting assets denominated in foreign currencies
with foreign currency liabilities. The Company does not engage in foreign
currency hedging transactions. Foreign currency translation adjustments of
$104,000, ($128,000) and ($233,000) were (credited) charged to Shareholder's
Equity for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The
aggregate exchange gains and (losses) included in determining consolidated
results of operations were ($153,000), $100,000, and $185,000 for the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 respectively.


DEPENDENCE ON MICROELECTRONICS INDUSTRY

     The Company's business depends in large part upon the capital expenditures
of data storage, semiconductor and flat panel display manufacturers which
accounted for the following percentages of the Company's net sales:

                                             DECEMBER 31

                                   1996           1995           1994
                               -------------------------------------------
Data storage                       55.5%          40.2%          38.1%

Semiconductor                      27.4           36.4           33.2

Flat panel display                  3.8            6.1            7.3

The Company cannot predict whether the growth experienced in the 
microelectronics industry in the recent past will continue.

                                          6
<PAGE>


                                       SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                 VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC.


                                By  /s/ Edward H. Braun                  
                                   -------------------------------------
                                   Edward H. Braun,
                                   Chairman, Chief Executive Officer  
                                   and President


                                          7


<PAGE>



                           Form 10-K-Item 14(a)(1) and (2)

                       Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries

                     Index to Consolidated Financial Statements 
                           and Financial Statement Schedule



The following consolidated financial statements of Veeco Instruments Inc. and
subsidiaries are included in Item 8:

    Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996 and 1995.............F-3
    Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 
         1996, 1995 and 1994..............................................F-4
    Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for 
         the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.................F-5
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 
         1996, 1995 and 1994..............................................F-6
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................F-7

The following consolidated financial statement schedule of Veeco Instruments
Inc. and subsidiaries is included in Item 14(d):

    Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts......................F-20

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting
regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the
instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.

                                         F-1


<PAGE>


                            Report of Independent Auditors


Shareholders and The Board of Directors
Veeco Instruments Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Veeco
Instruments Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the
related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996. Our audits
also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item
14(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and schedule 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 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 provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Veeco Instruments
Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1996 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement
schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as
a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth
therein.



/s/ Ernst & Young
Melville, New York
February 7, 1997

                                         F-2


<PAGE>

                       Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries

                             Consolidated Balance Sheets
                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

                                                           DECEMBER 31
                                                      1996           1995
                                                 -------------  --------------

ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                         $21,209        $17,568
  Accounts and trade notes receivable, less 
    allowance for doubtful accounts of $482 in 1996 
    and $517 in 1995                                 19,826         18,983
  Inventories                                        21,263         15,795
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets             858            923
  Deferred income taxes                               1,937          1,221
                                                  -------------  ---------------
Total current assets                                 65,093         54,490

Property, plant and equipment at cost, net            9,761          7,381
Excess of cost over net assets acquired, less 
  accumulated amortization of $910 in 1996 
  and $779 in 1995                                    4,448          4,579
Other assets--net                                     1,025            930
                                                  -------------  ---------------
Total assets                                        $80,327        $67,380
                                                  -------------  ---------------
                                                  -------------  ---------------

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable                                $  11,196       $  8,729
  Accrued expenses                                    9,964          7,523
  Income taxes payable                                  479            777
                                                  -------------  ---------------
Total current liabilities                            21,639         17,029
Deferred income taxes                                   257            118
Other liabilities                                       461            482
Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock (9,500,000 shares authorized, 5,836,021 
    and 5,787,214 shares issued and outstanding at 
    December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively)            58             58
  Additional paid-in capital                         47,638         47,353
  Retained earnings                                   9,609          1,571
  Cumulative translation adjustment                     665            769
                                                  -------------  ---------------
Total shareholders' equity                           57,970         49,751
                                                  -------------  ---------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity          $80,327        $67,380
                                                  -------------  ---------------
                                                  -------------  ---------------

SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES.


                                         F-3


<PAGE>


                       Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries

                          Consolidated Statements of Income
                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                             1996         1995        1994
                                           ----------- -----------  -----------

Net sales                                  $  96,832     $72,359      $49,434
Cost of sales                                 54,931      39,274       28,940
                                          -----------  ------------ ------------
Gross profit                                  41,901      33,085       20,494

Costs and expenses:
Research and development expense               9,804       7,101        5,096
Selling, general and administrative expense   19,536      16,822       11,171
Amortization expense                             236         202          344
Other--net                                       143         164         (100)
                                          -----------  ------------ ------------
                                              29,719      24,289       16,511
                                          -----------  ------------ ------------

Operating income                              12,182       8,796        3,983
Interest (income) expense--net                  (678)       (391)       2,620
                                          -----------  ------------ ------------
Income before income taxes and 
extraordinary item                            12,860       9,187        1,363
Income tax provision (benefit)                 4,822       2,395         (795)
                                          -----------  ------------ ------------
Income before extraordinary item               8,038       6,792        2,158
                                          -----------  ------------ ------------
Extraordinary (loss) on prepayment of debt,
net of $355 tax benefit                            -           -         (679)
                                          -----------  ------------ ------------
Net income                                   $ 8,038     $ 6,792      $ 1,479
                                          -----------  ------------ ------------
                                          -----------  ------------ ------------

Earnings per share:
Income before extraordinary item             $  1.36     $  1.24      $   .87
Extraordinary (loss)                            -           -           (.27)
                                          -----------  ------------ ------------
Net income                                   $  1.36     $  1.24      $   .60
                                          -----------  ------------ ------------
                                          -----------  ------------ ------------

Shares used in computing earnings per share    5,906       5,484        2,472
                                          -----------  ------------ ------------

                                          -----------  ------------ ------------



SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES.

                                         F-4


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                   Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries

                                               Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
                                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)



                                                                                          Preferred Treasury
                               Common Stock       Preferred Stocks     Additional  Retained        Stock       Cumulative
                            ------------------  --------------------    Paid-in    Earnings   ---------------  Translation
                             Shares     Amount   Shares       Amount    Capital    (Deficit)  Shares    Amount  Adjustment    Total
                            --------- --------  ---------  ---------  ----------   ---------  -------   ------- -----------  ------
<S>                               <C>    <C>          <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Balance at December 31, 1993                    1,846,154  $  4,354    $  316   $  (6,700)  (85,128)   $  (59)  $  408    $(1,681)

Conversion of
Preferred Stocks            1,761,026    $18   (1,846,154)   (4,354)    4,277                85,128        59                   -
Exercise of outstanding 
warrants                      337,449      3                              112                                                 115
Conversion of 
  Series B Subordinated 
  debt and accrued 
  interest                    313,878      3                            3,450                                               3,453
Stock issued for 
prepayment penalty             36,364      1                              399                                                 400
Net proceeds from 
  initial public 
  offering                  2,500,000     25                           24,265                                              24,290
Translation adjustment                                                                                              233       233
Net income                                                                          1,479                                   1,479
                            --------- --------  ---------  ---------  ----------   ---------  -------   ------- -----------  ------
Balance at 
December 31, 1994           4,948,717     50            -         -    32,819      (5,221)        -         -       641    28,289

Exercise of stock options      38,497      -                               82                                                  82
Net proceeds from 
public offering               800,000      8                           14,452                                              14,460
Translation adjustment                                                                                              128       128
Net income                                                                          6,792                                   6,792
                            --------- --------  ---------  ---------  ----------   ---------  -------   ------- -----------  ------
Balance at 
December 31, 1995           5,787,214     58            -         -    47,353       1,571         -         -       769    49,751
                                                                                                             
Exercise of stock 
options and stock 
  issuances under stock 
purchase plan                  48,807      -                              285                                                 285
Translation adjustment                                                                                             (104)     (104)
Net income                                                                          8,038                                   8,038
                            --------- --------  ---------  ---------  ----------   ---------  -------   ------- -----------  ------
Balance at 
December 31, 1996           5,836,021  $  58            -      $  - $  47,638    $  9,609         -      $  -    $  665 $  57,970
                            --------- --------  ---------  ---------  ----------   ---------  -------   ------- -------    ------
                            --------- --------  ---------  ---------  ----------   ---------  -------   ------- -------    ------
</TABLE>

SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES.

                                                                     F-5


<PAGE>


                                    Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries


                                     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                         1996          1995        1994
                                                       ----------   ---------   ---------
<S>                                                       <C>          <C>          <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income                                            $  8,038    $  6,792     $  1,479
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash 
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization                            1,599       1,200        1,425
Deferred income taxes                                     (577)        147       (1,250)
Loss on debt prepayment                                      -           -        1,034
Other                                                       11           -          (28)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable                                     (1,062)     (6,072)      (3,355)
Inventories                                             (5,560)     (4,948)      (2,071)
Accounts payable                                         2,485       1,291        3,492
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities           2,460       2,984           (2)
Income taxes payable                                      (298)        686           92
Other--net                                                  77        (100)          (8)
                                                       ---------   --------     --------
Net cash provided by operating activities                7,173       1,980          808

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures                                    (3,766)       (965)        (364)
Patents                                                    (17)          -         (165)
                                                       ---------   --------     --------
Net cash used in investing activities                   (3,783)       (965)        (529)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net proceeds from public stock offering                      -      14,460       24,290
Net repayments under revolving credit agreement              -           -       (8,786)
Long-term debt repayments                                    -           -      (13,459)
Deferred financing costs                                  (195)        (85)        (201)
Exercise of stock options and issuance of stock 
under stock purchase plan                                  285          82            -
Other                                                        -         (39)           9
                                                       ---------   --------     --------
Net cash provided by financing activities                   90      14,418        1,853
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash 
equivalents                                                161        (144)        (239)
                                                       ---------   --------     --------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                3,641      15,289        1,893
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year          17,568       2,279          386
                                                       ---------   --------     --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year              $ 21,209    $ 17,568     $  2,279
                                                       ---------   --------     --------
                                                       ---------   --------     --------
</TABLE>

SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES.

                                                      F-6


<PAGE>

                       Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries

                      Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                                  December 31, 1996



1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

ORGANIZATION

Veeco Instruments Inc. ("Veeco" or the "Company") designs, manufactures, markets
and services a broad line of precision ion beam systems, surface metrology
systems, and industrial measurement equipment used in the manufacture of
microelectronic products. The company sells its products worldwide to many of
the leading semiconductor and data storage manufacturers. In addition, the
Company sells its products to companies in the flat panel display and high
frequency device industries, as well as to other industries, research and
development centers and universities.

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 amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Veeco and its
subsidiaries. Intercompany items and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.

REVENUE

Revenue is recognized when title passes to the customer, generally upon
shipment. Service and maintenance contract revenues are recorded as deferred
income, which is included in other accrued expenses, and recognized as income on
a straight-line basis over the service period of the related contract. The
Company provides for (1) the estimated costs of fulfilling its installation
obligations and (2) warranty costs at the time the related revenue is recorded.

CASH FLOWS

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of
three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Interest paid during
1996, 1995 and 1994 was approximately $70,000, $113,000 and, $2,661,000,
respectively. Taxes paid in 1996 and 1995 were approximately $5,226,000 and
$916,000, respectively. No significant tax payments were made in 1994.

                                         F-7


<PAGE>



                       Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries

                Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)



                                           
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (principally first-in, first-out
method) or market.

DEPRECIABLE ASSETS

Depreciation and amortization are generally computed by the straight-line method
and are charged against income over the estimated useful lives of depreciable
assets. Amortization of equipment recorded under capital lease obligations is
included in depreciation of property, plant and equipment.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Excess of cost of investment over net assets of business acquired is being
amortized on a straight-line basis over 40 years. Other intangible assets,
principally patents, software licenses and deferred finance costs, of $892,000
and $880,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, are net of accumulated
amortization of $577,000 and $312,000. Other intangible assets are amortized
over periods ranging from 3 to 17 years.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND REMEDIATION

Environmental compliance costs include ongoing maintenance, monitoring and 
similar costs.  Such costs are expensed as incurred.  Environmental 
remediation costs are accrued when environmental assessments and/or remedial
efforts are probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated.

FOREIGN OPERATIONS

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S.
dollars at the exchange rates existing at the balance sheet date. Resulting
translation adjustments due to fluctuations in the exchange rates are recorded
as a separate component of shareholders' equity. Income and expense items are
translated at the average exchange rates during the respective periods.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS

Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred and include
expenses for development of new technology and the transition of the 
technology into new products or services.

ADVERTISING EXPENSE

The cost of advertising is expensed as of the first showing. The Company
incurred $1,819,000, $1,155,000 and $638,000 in advertising costs during 1996,
1995 and 1994, respectively.

                                         F-8


<PAGE>

                       Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries

                Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)



1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

At December 31, 1996, the Company has three stock-based compensation plans,
which are described in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements. The
Company has elected to continue to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion
No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" (APB 25) and related
Interpretations in accounting for its stock-based compensation plans. Under APB
25, because the exercise price of the Company's employee stock options granted
equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no
compensation expense is recognized.

RECLASSIFICATIONS

Certain amounts in the 1994 and 1995 financial statements have been reclassified
to conform with the 1996 presentation.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common and
common equivalent shares outstanding during the year. The Company completed an
initial public offering (the "IPO") on December 6, 1994, pursuant to which
2,500,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock")
were issued and sold at $11 per share. As a consequence of the IPO and pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, stock issued by
the Company during the twelve months immediately preceding the IPO, plus the
number of equivalent shares issuable pursuant to the grant of options during the
same period, have been included in the number of shares used in the calculation
of earnings per share for 1994 as if they were outstanding (using the treasury
stock method and the IPO price). In addition, the calculation of the shares used
in computing earnings per share for 1994 also includes the outstanding
convertible preferred stock which automatically converted into 1,761,026 shares
of Common Stock upon the closing of the IPO as if they were converted to Common
Stock on the respective original dates of issuance.

                                         F-9


<PAGE>

                       Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries

                Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)



2. BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

                                               DECEMBER 31
                                           1996           1995
                                     -------------------------------

Inventories:
Raw materials                        $  9,546,000   $  4,349,000
Work in process                         4,909,000      4,222,000
Finished goods                          6,808,000      7,224,000
                                     -------------------------------
                                    $  21,263,000  $  15,795,000
                                     -------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------
                                               DECEMBER 31           ESTIMATED
                                           1996            1995    USEFUL LIVES
                                     -------------------------------------------
   Property, plant and equipment:
   Land                              $  1,400,000   $  1,400,000
   Buildings and improvements           4,965,000      4,776,000     30 years
   Machinery and equipment              9,749,000      6,376,000    3-10 years
   Leasehold improvements                 150,000        147,000    3-10 years
                                     -------------------------------
                                       16,264,000     12,699,000
   Less accumulated depreciation 
    and amortization                    6,503,000      5,318,000
                                     -------------------------------
                                     $  9,761,000   $  7,381,000
                                     -------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------
                                               DECEMBER 31
                                           1996            1995
                                     -------------------------------

Accrued expenses:
Deferred service contract revenue      $  401,000     $  670,000
Customer deposits and advance billings  3,540,000      1,842,000
Payroll and related benefits            1,836,000      2,046,000
Other                                   4,187,000      2,965,000
                                     -------------------------------
                                     $  9,964,000     $7,523,000
                                     -------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------

                                         F-10


<PAGE>

                       Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries

                Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)



3. FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

In July 1996, the Company entered into a new credit facility ("the Credit
Facility") with Fleet Bank, N.A. and The Chase Manhattan Bank. The Credit
Facility, which is to be used for working capital, acquisitions and general
corporate purposes provides the Company with up to $30 million of availability.
The Credit Facility bears interest at the prime rate of the lending banks, but
is adjustable to a maximum rate of 3/4% above the prime rate in the event the
Company's ratio of debt to cash flow exceeds a defined ratio. A LIBOR based
interest rate option is also provided. The Credit Facility expires July 31,
1999, but under certain conditions is convertible into a term loan, which would
amortize quarterly through July 31, 2002.

The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the Company's personal
property as well as the stock of its subsidiary Sloan Technology Corporation.
The Credit Facility also contains certain restrictive covenants, which among
other things, impose limitations with respect to incurrence of certain
additional indebtedness, incurrence of liens, payments of dividends, long-term
leases, investments, mergers, consolidations and specified sales of assets. The
Company is also required to satisfy certain financial tests including
maintaining specified consolidated tangible net worth and maintaining certain
interest coverage and capitalization ratios.

As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, no borrowings were outstanding under the
Company's credit facilities. Letters of credit of approximately $931,000 and
$1,900,000 were outstanding at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively,
reducing the Company's availability under its credit facilities.

4. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

The Company completed the IPO on December 6, 1994, whereby 2,500,000 shares of
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock") were issued and sold
at $11 per share. The net proceeds were used to prepay debt in the amount of
$23,700,000 and for working capital and other general corporate purposes .

The prepayment of the Company's debt and the conversion of the Senior
Subordinated Series B Notes into Common Stock in December 1994, resulted in an
extraordinary charge of $679,000, net of $355,000 of income tax benefit. The
extraordinary charge is principally 

                                         F-11


<PAGE>

                       Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries

                Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)




4. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)

comprised of a prepayment penalty and the writeoff of unamortized deferred
finance costs.

On July 31, 1995, the Company completed a public offering (the "Public
Offering") in which 2,300,000 shares of Common Stock were sold, 800,000 of which
were sold by the Company and 1,500,000 of which were sold by certain selling
stockholders, at the public offering price of $20 per share.

As of December 31, 1996, the Company has reserved 805,959 and 233,524 shares of
common stock for issuance upon exercise of stock options and issuance of shares
pursuant to the Stock Purchase Plan, respectively.

5. STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS

Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required by
FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" which requires
that the information be determined as if the Company has accounted for its stock
options granted subsequent to December 31, 1994 under the fair value method of
that Statement. The fair value for these options, was estimated at the date of
grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company's pro forma
information follows:

                                                  DECEMBER 31
                                             1996           1995
                                        ----------------------------

Pro forma net income                    $  7,540,000   $  6,444,000
Pro forma earnings per share            $       1.30   $       1.20

Because Statement 123 is applicable only to options granted subsequent to
December 31, 1994 and employee stock options granted vest over a three year
period, its effect will not be fully reflected in pro forma net income until
1997.

                                         F-12


<PAGE>


                         Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries

                 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)



5. STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS (CONTINUED)

FIXED OPTION PLANS

The Company has two fixed option plans. The Veeco Instruments Inc. Amended and
Restated 1992 Employees' Stock Option Plan (the "Stock Option Plan") provides
for the grant to officers and key employees of up to 826,787 options (264,245
options available for future grants as of December 31, 1996) to purchase share
of Common Stock of the Company. Stock options granted pursuant to the Stock
Option Plan become exercisable over a three-year period following the grant date
and expire after ten years. The Veeco Instruments Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan
for Outside Directors (as amended, the "Directors' Option Plan") provides for
the automatic grants of stock options to each member of the Board of Directors
of the Company who is not an employee of the Company. The Directors' Option Plan
provides for the grant of up to 50,000 options (20,003 options available for
future grants as of December 31, 1996) to purchase shares of Common Stock of the
Company. Such options granted are exercisable immediately and expire after ten
years.

The fair values of these options at the date of grant was estimated with the
following weighted-average assumptions for 1996 and 1995: risk-free interest
rate of 6.3%, no dividend yield, volatility factor of the expected market price
of the Company's common stock of 50% and a weighted-average expected life of the
option of four years.

A summary of the status of the Company's two fixed stock option plans as of
December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, and changes during the years ending on those
dates is presented below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                  1994                          1995                          1996
                                        -------------------------     -------------------------     ------------------------
                                                       OPTION                        OPTION                        WEIGHTED-
                                        SHARES         PRICE          SHARES         PRICE              SHARES     AVERAGE 
                                        (000)        PER SHARE        (000)        PER SHARE            (000)  EXERCISE PRICE
                                        ------  ------------------    ------   -----------------    ---------- --------------
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>       <C>                 <C>         <C>            <C>
Outstanding at beginning of year          124   $  .69 to $  3.00       175    $  .69 to $11.00         441       $  11.10
Granted                                    56     4.50 to   11.00       314      9.50 to  22.75         175          13.68
Exercised                                   -             -            (38)       .69 to   4.50        (32)           2.68
Forfeited                                 (5)      .69 to    4.50      (10)       .69 to  13.38        (62)          19.14
                                        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at end of year                175   $  .69 to   11.00       441    $  .69 to  22.75         522       $  11.50
                                        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Options exercisable at year-end            91   $  .69 to $  4.50       104    $  .69 to $13.38         188       $   8.74
Weighted-average fair value of 
  options granted during the year                                                       $  6.62                   $   6.24
</TABLE>

                                                                    F-13


<PAGE>

                               Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries

                       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)





5. STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS (CONTINUED)

The following table summarizes information about fixed stock options outstanding
at December 31, 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                         OPTIONS OUTSTANDING                        OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
                             ------------------------------------------------   ---------------------------
                             NUMBER                                                NUMBER
RANGE OF                    OUTSTANDING    WEIGHTED-AVERAGE       WEIGHTED-     OUTSTANDING     WEIGHTED-
EXERCISE                    AT DECEMBER       REMAINING            AVERAGE       AT DECEMBER      AVERAGE
PRICE                        31, 1996      CONTRACTUAL LIFE     EXERCISE PRICE   31, 1996     EXERCISE PRICE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               (000)                                                (000)
<S>                            <C>                <C>                <C>             <C>            <C>

 $  .69 to  $  5.00          101              7.2 years           $  3.46            88         $  3.32
   5.01 to    10.00           24              8.0                    9.50             8            9.50
  10.00 to    15.00          387              8.9                   13.45            82           12.99
  15.00 to    21.50           10              8.5                   21.32            10           21.50
                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 $  .69 to   $21.50          522              8.5                $  11.50           188         $  8.74
                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>


EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

Under the Veeco Instruments Inc. Employees Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan"), the
Company is authorized to issue up to 250,000 shares of Common Stock to its
full-time domestic employees, nearly all of whom are eligible to participate.
Under the terms of the Plan, employees can choose each year to have up to 6% of
their annual base earnings withheld to purchase the Company's Common Stock. The
purchase price of the stock is 85% of the lower of its beginning-of-year or
end-of-year market price. Under the Plan, the Company granted 14,278 shares and
16,476 shares to employees in 1996 and 1995, respectively. The fair value of the
employees' purchase rights were estimated using the following assumptions for
1996 and 1995, respectively:  no dividend yield for both years; an expected life
of one year and six months; expected volatility of 70% and 64%; and risk-free
interest rates of 5.2% and 5.7% The weighted-average fair value of those
purchase rights granted in 1996 and 1995 was $5.20 and $4.40 respectively.

                                                F-14


<PAGE>
 


                       Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries

                Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)



6. INCOME TAXES

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of
the Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets as of December 31, 1996 and
1995 are as follows:


                                                     DECEMBER 31
                                                  1996          1995
                                             --------------------------
Deferred tax liabilities:
  Tax over book depreciation                 $  257,000    $   118,000
                                             --------------------------
Total deferred tax liabilities                  257,000        118,000
                                            ---------------------------
Deferred tax assets:
  Inventory valuation                         1,620,000      1,122,000
  Foreign net operating loss carryforwards      795,000      1,276,000
  Research tax credit carryforward                    -        277,000
  Other                                         317,000        459,000
                                            ---------------------------
Total deferred tax assets                     2,732,000      3,134,000
Valuation allowance                            (795,000)    (1,913,000)
                                            ---------------------------
Net deferred tax assets                       1,937,000      1,221,000
                                            ---------------------------
Net deferred taxes                           $1,680,000    $ 1,103,000
                                            ---------------------------
                                            ---------------------------

For financial reporting purposes, income before income taxes and extraordinary
item includes the following components:

                                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                      1996           1995              1994
                                 ----------------------------------------------
Domestic                          $13,157,000     $8,926,000       $2,064,000
Foreign                              (297,000)       261,000         (701,000)
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                  $12,860,000     $9,187,000       $1,363,000
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                 ----------------------------------------------

                                         F-15


<PAGE>

                       Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries

                Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)



6. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)


Significant components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes for income
before extraordinary item are presented below. 

                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                       1996            1995            1994
                                   --------------------------------------------
Current:
  Federal                          $4,712,000     $3,226,000     $  1,067,000
  Foreign                             129,000        379,000          217,000
  State                               835,000        260,000          180,000
  Utilization of research tax 
  credits                            (277,000)      (909,000)               -
  Utilization of net operating 
  losses                                    -       (708,000)      (1,294,000)
                                   --------------------------------------------
                                    5,399,000      2,248,000          170,000
Deferred:
  Federal                            (525,000)       335,000         (965,000)
  Foreign                                   -        (90,000)               -
  State                               (52,000)       (98,000)               -
                                   --------------------------------------------
                                     (577,000)       147,000         (965,000)
                                   --------------------------------------------
                                   $4,822,000     $2,395,000      $  (795,000)
                                   --------------------------------------------
                                   --------------------------------------------

The reconciliation of income taxes attributable to income before extraordinary
item computed at U.S. federal statutory rates to income tax expense is:

                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                      1996             1995              1994
                                   --------------------------------------------

Tax at U.S. statutory rates      $  4,501,000   $  3,123,000       $  463,000
State income taxes (net of 
  federal benefit)                    334,000         74,000          119,000
Goodwill amortization                  46,000         44,000           44,000
Nondeductible expenses                 39,000         42,000           31,000
Recognition of previously 
  unrecognized deferred tax 
  assets, net                               -       (314,000)        (639,000)
Operating losses not currently 
  realizable                          225,000        212,000          456,000
Operating losses currently 
  realizable                                -       (708,000)      (1,294,000)
Other                                (323,000)       (78,000)          25,000
                                   --------------------------------------------
                                 $  4,822,000   $  2,395,000      $  (795,000)
                                   --------------------------------------------
                                   --------------------------------------------

                                         F-16


<PAGE>

                       Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries

                Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


6. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)


Several of the Company's foreign subsidiaries have net operating loss
carryforwards for foreign tax purposes of approximately $2.0 million at December
31, 1996, a portion of which expires in years 1997 through 2001 and a portion
for which the carryforward period is unlimited. 

7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER MATTERS

The Company has an agreement with IBM pursuant to which the Company is IBM's
exclusive worldwide sales and marketing representative for the SXM Workstation
to the semiconductor and data storage industries. Under this agreement, the
Company has agreed to purchase a minimum number of SXM Workstations by July
1997. At December 31, 1996 such purchase commitment amounted to approximately
$2.25 million. IBM has the right to discontinue production at any time upon
written notice to the Company, in which event IBM has agreed to grant to the
Company an exclusive worldwide license to manufacture the SXM Workstation for
sale to the semiconductor and data storage industries pursuant to a royalty and
license agreement to be negotiated at such time.

Minimum lease commitments as of December 31, 1996 for property and equipment
under operating lease agreements (exclusive of renewal options) are payable as
follows:

                    1997                  $  737,000
                    1998                     489,000
                    1999                     223,000
                    2000                      98,000
                    2001                      36,000
                    Thereafter                98,000
                                        -------------
                                          $1,681,000
                                        -------------
                                        -------------


Rent charged to operations amounted to $870,000, $772,000 and $825,000 in 1996,
1995 and 1994, respectively. In addition, the Company is obligated under the
leases for certain other expenses, including real estate taxes and insurance.

In compliance with a Cleanup and Abatement Order ("CAO") issued by the 
California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Central Coast Region, the 
Company completed soil remediation of a site which was leased by a 
predecessor of the Company in September 1995. The cost of the soil 
remediation was approximately $35,000. The Company is currently performing 
post-soil remediation groundwater monitoring at the site. Reports prepared by 
consultants indicate certain contaminants in samples of groundwater 
underneath the site. The Company cannot predict the extent of groundwater 
contamination at the site and cannot determine at this time whether any or 
all of the groundwater contamination may be attributable to activities of 
neighboring parties. The Company cannot predict whether any groundwater 
remediation will be necessary or the costs, if any, of such remediation.

The Company may, under certain circumstances, be obligated to pay up to 
$250,000 in connection with the implementation of a comprehensive plan of 
environmental remediation at its Plainview facility. The Company has been 
indemnified for any liabilities it may incur in excess of $250,000 with 
respect to any such remediation. No comprehensive plan has been required to 
date. Despite such indemnification, the Company does not believe that any 
material loss or expense is probable in connection with any remediation plan 
that may be proposed.

The Company is aware that petroleum hydrocarbon contamination has been 
detected in the soil at the site of a facility leased by the Company in 
Santa Barbara, California. The Company has been indemnified for any 
liabilities it may incur which arise from environmental contamination at the 
site. Despite such indemnification, the Company does not believe that any 
material loss or expense is probable in connection with any such liabilities.

                                         F-17
<PAGE>

                       Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries

                Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)




7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER MATTERS (CONTINUED)

The Company's business depends in large part upon the capital expenditures of
data storage, semiconductor and flat panel display manufacturers which accounted
for the following percentages of the Company's net sales:

                                             DECEMBER 31
                                      1996      1995       1994
                                   -------------------------------
Data storage                          55.5%     40.2%     38.1%
Semiconductor                         27.4      36.4      33.2
Flat panel display                     3.8       6.1       7.3

The Company cannot predict whether the growth experienced in the
microelectronics industry in the recent past will continue.

Sales to one customer accounted for approximately 17%, 9% and 2% and sales to
another customer accounted for approximately 16%, 23% and 27% of the Company's
net sales during the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

The Company manufactures and sells its products to companies in different
geographic locations. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its
customers' financial condition, generally does not require collateral, and where
appropriate, requires that letters of credit be provided on foreign sales.
Receivables generally are due within 30 days. The Company's accounts receivable
are concentrated in the following geographic locations:

                                      DECEMBER 31
                                 1996              1995
                            -------------------------------
          United States      $10,699,000    $  10,892,000
          Europe               3,161,000        5,008,000
          Far East             5,729,000        3,069,000
          Other                  237,000           14,000
                            -------------------------------
                             $19,826,000      $18,983,000
                            -------------------------------
                            -------------------------------

                                         F-18


<PAGE>
 

                         Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries

                 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)



8. FOREIGN OPERATIONS AND GEOGRAPHIC AREA INFORMATION

Information as to the Company's foreign operations and geographic area
information (assets not specifically identified to Europe and the Far East are
included in the United States) is summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                NET SALES
                        UNAFFILIATED CUSTOMERS                  OPERATING INCOME                        Total Assets
                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    1996         1995         1994        1996        1995         1994         1996        1995        1994
                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)

<S>                  <C>           <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>           <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>
United States     $92,063     $66,826      $45,713     $12,613       $8,670      $4,702      $72,589     $58,051      $32,518
Europe(1)          11,214      11,863        7,297         (69)         651        (541)       6,953       8,790        7,563
Far East              915         913          681        (231)        (394)        (15)         785         539          850
Eliminations       (7,360)     (7,243)      (4,257)       (131)        (131)       (163)           -           -            -
                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  $96,832     $72,359      $49,434     $12,182       $8,796      $3,983      $80,327     $67,380      $40,931
                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

- ---------------------
(1) Principally reflects the Company's operations and assets in France, 
    United Kingdom and Germany.

Export sales from the Company's United States operations are as follows:

                                 1996         1995        1994
                              -----------------------------------
                                        (IN THOUSANDS)

     Asia Pacific             $19,060      $13,827     $ 8,336
     Japan                     14,606        9,020       7,119
     Europe                       566          544       1,802
     Other                        749          564         556
                              -----------------------------------
                              $34,981      $23,955     $17,813
                              -----------------------------------
                              -----------------------------------

The aggregate foreign exchange gains and (losses) included in determining
consolidated results of operations were $(153,000), $100,000 and $185,000 in
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

                                          F-19


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                   Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries

                                               Schedule II--Valuation and Qualifying Accounts



COL. A                                                 COL. B                COL. C              COL. D       COL. E
                                                                           ADDITIONS


                                                     BALANCE AT      CHARGED TO    CHARGED TO                 BALANCE AT 
                                                    BEGINNING OF      COSTS AND     OTHER                     END OF 
DESCRIPTION                                            PERIOD         EXPENSES     ACCOUNTS    DEDUCTIONS     PERIOD
- -----------                                         ------------     ----------    ----------  ----------     ----------
<S>                                               <C>                 <C>       <C>            <C>            <C>
Deducted from asset accounts:
Year ended December 31, 1996
Allowance for doubtful accounts                   $    517,000      $  14,000      $  -      $     49,000   $    482,000
Valuation allowance on net deferred tax assets       1,913,000              -         -         1,118,000        795,000
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  $  2,430,000      $  14,000      $  -      $  1,167,000   $  1,277,000
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Deducted from asset accounts:
Year ended December 31, 1995:
Allowance for doubtful accounts                   $    383,000      $ 147,000      $  -      $     13,000   $    517,000
Valuation allowance on net deferred tax assets       2,858,000              -         -           945,000      1,913,000
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  $  3,241,000      $ 147,000      $  -      $    958,000   $  2,430,000
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Deducted from asset accounts:
Year ended December 31, 1994:
Allowance for doubtful accounts                   $    385,000      $  54,000      $  -      $     56,000   $    383,000
Valuation allowance on net deferred tax assets       4,294,000              -         -         1,436,000      2,858,000
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  $  4,679,000      $  54,000      $  -      $  1,492,000   $  3,241,000
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                                                    F-20




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