<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON SEPTEMBER 8, 1997
REGISTRATION NO. 333-32195
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
--------------------------
AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
------------------------
WAVETEK CORPORATION
AND
WAVETEK U.S. INC.
(Exact name of registrants as specified in their charters)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
DELAWARE 3825 33-0457664
(WAVETEK
CORPORATION)
(State or other jurisdiction (Primary Standard Industrial 95-2263080
of Classification code number) (WAVETEK U.S.
incorporation or organization) INC.)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification
Numbers)
</TABLE>
11995 EL CAMINO REAL, SUITE 301
SAN DIEGO, CA 92130
(619) 793-2300
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
registrant's principal executive offices)
VICKIE L. CAPPS
WAVETEK CORPORATION
11995 EL CAMINO REAL, SUITE 301
SAN DIEGO, CA 92130
(619) 793-2300
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of agent for service)
--------------------------
WITH A COPY TO:
ALISON S. RESSLER, ESQ.
SULLIVAN & CROMWELL
444 SOUTH FLOWER STREET
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90071
(213) 955-8000
--------------------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT.
If any of the securities to be registered on this form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 of the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box. /X/
If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. / /
--------------------------
THE REGISTRANTS HEREBY AMEND THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANTS
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8 OF THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL
BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SECTION 8,
MAY DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Prospectus relating to the New Notes being registered hereby to be used
in connection with the Exchange Offer (the "Exchange Offer Prospectus") is set
forth following this page. The Prospectus to be used in connection with certain
Market-Making Transactions in the New Notes (the "Market-Making Prospectus")
will consist of alternate pages set forth following the Exchange Offer
Prospectus and the balance of the pages included in the Exchange Offer
Prospectus. The Exchange Offer Prospectus and the Market-Making Prospectus are
identical except that they contain different front, inside front and back cover
pages and different descriptions of the Plan of Distribution (contained under
the caption "the Exchange Offer" and "Plan of Distribution" in the Exchange
Offer Prospectus and under the caption "Plan of Distribution" in the
Market-Making Prospectus). Alternate Pages for the Market-Making Prospectus are
separately designated.
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
, 1997
$85,000,000
[LOGO]
WAVETEK CORPORATION
OFFER TO EXCHANGE ITS 10 1/8% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2007, WHICH HAVE
BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, FOR ITS OUTSTANDING 10 1/8%
SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2007, WHICH WERE ISSUED AND SOLD IN A TRANSACTION
EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933.THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND
WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON
, 1997, UNLESS EXTENDED.
Wavetek Corporation ("Wavetek" or the "Company") hereby offers, upon the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Prospectus (as the same
may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Prospectus") and in the
accompanying Letter of Transmittal (which together constitute the "Exchange
Offer"), to exchange up to $85,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 10 1/8%
Subordinated Notes due 2007 (the "New Notes"), which have been registered under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), pursuant to a
Registration Statement (as defined herein) of which this Prospectus constitutes
a part, for a like principal amount of its outstanding 10 1/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2007 (the "Old Notes" and, together with the New Notes,
the "Notes"), of which $85,000,000 aggregate principal amount is outstanding.
Pursuant to the Exchange Offer, Wavetek Corporation is also exchanging the joint
and several guarantee on a full and unconditional senior subordinated basis by
the Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined) of the Old Notes (the "Old Subsidiary
Guarantee") for a like guarantee of the New Notes (the "New Subsidiary
Guarantee" and, together with the Old Subsidiary Guarantee, the "Subsidiary
Guarantees") by the Subsidiary Guarantors. As of the date of this Prospectus,
Wavetek U.S., Inc. is the only Subsidiary Guarantor. The Company will not
receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the New Notes offered hereby. At
June 30, 1997, the Company had approximately $114.1 million of outstanding debt
and stockholders' deficit of $73.0 million. As of June 30, 1997, the Company and
its subsidiaries had approximately $29.3 million of outstanding debt that
effectively ranks senior to the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees. Additional
senior debt may be incurred by the Company and its subsidiaries from time to
time, subject to certain restrictions.
The terms of the New Notes are identical in all material respects to the
respective terms of the Old Notes, except that the New Notes have been
registered under the Securities Act and therefore will not be subject to certain
restrictions on transfer applicable to the Old Notes and will not be entitled to
registration rights. The New Notes will be issued under the indenture governing
the Old Notes. For a complete description of the terms of the New Notes, see
"Description of Notes."
The Old Notes were originally issued and sold on June 11, 1997 in a
transaction not registered under the Securities Act in reliance upon the
exemption provided in Section 4(2) of, and Rule 144A and Regulation S under, the
Securities Act (the "Offering"). Accordingly, the Old Notes may not be offered
or sold within the United States or to United States Persons (as such terms are
defined under the Securities Act) except pursuant to an exception from, or in a
transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.
The Company is making the Exchange Offer in reliance on the position of the
staff of the Division of Corporation Finance of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") as set forth in certain interpretive letters
addressed to third parties in other transactions. Based on these interpretations
by the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance, and subject to the two
immediately following sentences, the Company believes that New Notes issued
pursuant to the Exchange Offer in exchange for Old Notes may be offered for
resale, resold and otherwise transferred by a holder thereof (other than a
holder who is a broker-dealer) without further compliance with the registration
and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act, provided that such
New Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of such holder's business and that
such holder is not participating, and has no arrangement or understanding with
any person to participate, in a distribution (within the meaning of the
Securities Act) of such New Notes. However, any holder of Old Notes who is an
"affiliate" of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities
Act (an "Affiliate") or who intends to participate in the Exchange Offer for the
purpose of distributing New Notes, or any broker-dealer who purchased Old Notes
from the Company to resell pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act ("Rule
144A") or any other available exemption under the Securities Act, (i) will not
be able to rely on the interpretations of the staff of the Division of
Corporation Finance of the Commission set forth in the above-mentioned
interpretive letters, (ii) will not be entitled to tender such Old Notes in the
Exchange Offer and (iii) must comply with the registration and prospectus
delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any sale or other
transfer of such Old Notes unless such sale is made pursuant to an exemption
from such requirements. In addition, as described below, if any broker-dealer (a
"Participating Broker-Dealer") holds Old Notes acquired for its own account as a
result of market-making or other trading activities and exchanges such Old Notes
for New Notes, then such Participating Broker-Dealer must deliver a prospectus
meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resales of
such New Notes. The Letter of Transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by
delivering a prospectus, a Participating Broker-Dealer will not be deemed to
admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
Based on the position taken by the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance
of the Commission in the interpretive letters referred to above, the Company
believes that Participating Broker-Dealers may fulfill their prospectus delivery
requirements with respect to the New Notes received upon exchange of such Old
Notes (other than Old Notes which represent an unsold allotment from the
original sale of the Old Notes) with the prospectus prepared for an exchange
offer so long as it contains a description of the plan of distribution with
respect to the resale of such New Notes. Accordingly, this Prospectus, as it may
be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a Participating
Broker-Dealer for a period ending one year from the date on which the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part is declared effective
(subject to extension under certain limited circumstances) in connection with
resales of New Notes received in exchange for Old Notes where such Old Notes
were acquired by such Participating Broker-Dealer for its own account as a
result of market-making or other trading activities.
The New Notes will be a new issue of securities for which there currently is
no market. The Old Notes, however, have traded on the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc.'s PORTAL market. To the extent that Old Notes are
tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer, the trading market, if any, for the
Old Notes could be adversely affected. Following consummation of the Exchange
Offer, the holders of Old Notes will continue to be subject to all of the
existing restrictions upon transfer thereof and will not be entitled to any
further registration rights under the Registration Rights Agreement. See "Risk
Factors -- Consequences of Exchange and Failure to Exchange Old Notes."
The Exchange Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum principal amount of
Old Notes being tendered or accepted for exchange. The Exchange Offer will
expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , 1997, unless extended
(the "Expiration Date"). Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the
Exchange Offer, the Company will exchange, and will issue to the Exchange Agent,
New Notes for Old Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn (pursuant to the
withdrawal rights described under "-- Withdrawal Rights") promptly after the
Expiration Date. Tenders of Old Notes may be withdrawn at any time on or prior
to the Expiration Date.
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 13 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN MATTERS
THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY HOLDERS OF OLD NOTES BEFORE TENDERING THEIR OLD
NOTES FOR THE NEW NOTES OFFERED HEREBY.
-------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company and Wavetek U.S. Inc. have filed with the Commission a
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement," which term
shall include all amendments, exhibits, annexes and schedules thereto) pursuant
to the Securities Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder
covering the New Notes being offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain
all the information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain parts of
which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the
Commission. Statements made in this Prospectus as to the contents of any
contract, agreement or other document referred to in the Registration Statement
are necessarily summaries of those documents, and, with respect to each such
contract, agreement or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement, reference is made to the exhibit for a more complete description of
the matter involved.
Following consummation of the Exchange Offer, the Company will be subject to
the periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). Periodic reports, proxy statements
and other information filed by the Company with the Commission may be inspected
at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024,
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, or at its regional offices
located at Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60661 and Seven World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York
10043. Copies of such material can be obtained from the Company upon request.
The Commission maintains a Web site that contains reports, proxy and information
statements and other materials that are filed through the Commission's
Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system. This Web site can be
accessed at http://www.sec.gov.
The Company has agreed in the indenture, dated as of June 11, 1997 (the
"Indenture"), by and between the Company and The Bank of New York, as trustee
(the "Trustee"), under which the Old Notes were issued, and under which the New
Notes are to be issued, to furnish to the Holders of Notes and file with the
Commission all quarterly and annual financial information that would be required
to be contained in filings with the Commission on Forms 10-Q and 10-K and all
current reports that would be required to be filed with the Commission on Form
8-K if the Company were required to file such reports. See "Description of
Notes--Certain Covenants--Reports."
Separate financial statements for the Subsidiary Guarantors are not included
in this Prospectus and the Subsidiary Guarantors are not expected to file
separate reports under the Exchange Act because (i) the Subsidiary Guarantors
have jointly and severally guaranteed the Notes on a full and unconditional
senior subordinated basis and (ii) separate financial statements and other
disclosures concerning the Subsidiary Guarantors are not deemed to be material
to investors.
NO DEALER, SALESMAN OR ANY OTHER PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IN
CONNECTION WITH THE EXCHANGE OFFER COVERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS. IF GIVEN OR MADE,
SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL
OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY THE EXCHANGE NOTES IN ANY JURISDICTION
WHERE, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM, IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR
SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY EXCHANGE MADE
HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS
BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY OR THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN
THIS PROSPECTUS SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.
------------------------
WE ARE NOT ASKING YOU FOR A PROXY AND YOU ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SEND US A
PROXY.
------------------------
This Prospectus incorporates documents by reference which are not presented
herein or delivered herewith. These documents are available upon request from
Vickie L. Capps, who may be contacted at 11995 El Camino Real, Suite 301, San
Diego, California 92130, telephone (619) 793-2300. In order to ensure timely
delivery of the documents, any request should be made by five business days
prior to the Expiration Date.
2
<PAGE>
SUMMARY
THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE AND IS QUALIFIED IN
ITS ENTIRETY BY THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS OF THE COMPANY AND THE UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
DATA OF THE COMPANY INCLUDED ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE
SET FORTH HEREIN, REFERENCES HEREIN TO "PRO FORMA" FINANCIAL DATA OF THE COMPANY
ARE TO FINANCIAL DATA OF THE COMPANY WHICH GIVE EFFECT TO CERTAIN
RECAPITALIZATION TRANSACTIONS DESCRIBED HEREIN THAT WERE EFFECTED BY THE COMPANY
ON JUNE 11, 1997 (THE "RECAPITALIZATION TRANSACTIONS"), INCLUDING THE ISSUANCE
OF THE OLD NOTES AND THE INCURRENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS UNDER THE NEW CREDIT
AGREEMENT. THE COMPANY'S FISCAL YEAR ENDS ON SEPTEMBER 30. UNLESS THE CONTEXT
OTHERWISE REQUIRES, REFERENCES TO THE "COMPANY" OR "WAVETEK" HEREIN SHALL BE TO
WAVETEK CORPORATION AND ITS CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES.
THE COMPANY
Wavetek is a leading global designer, manufacturer and distributor of a
broad range of electronic test instruments, with a primary focus on
application-specific instruments for testing voice, video and data
communications equipment and networks ("Communications Test"). The Company also
designs, manufactures and distributes precision instruments to calibrate and
test electronic equipment ("Calibration Instruments") and provides repair,
upgrade and calibration services for its products on a worldwide basis
("Service"). The Company was acquired in 1991 by an investment group led by Dr.
Terence J. Gooding ("Gooding") and consummated the Recapitalization Transactions
in June 1997 with certain new equity investors. The Company has increased sales
from $58.1 million in fiscal 1992 to $151.0 million in fiscal 1996, EBITDA (as
defined) from $3.8 million in fiscal 1992 to $20.9 million in fiscal 1996 and
net income from $2.9 million in fiscal 1992 to $13.5 million in fiscal 1996 by
increasing its penetration of existing markets and by entering additional
markets through new product introductions and acquisitions. For the latest
twelve months ended June 30, 1997 ("LTM"), Wavetek had sales and EBITDA of
$154.5 million and $22.3 million, respectively. Wavetek's LTM net income was
$5.5 million after giving effect to a one-time charge of $4.3 million, net of
tax, for stock option compensation related to the Recapitalization Transactions.
Wavetek believes it has achieved its success by: (i) focusing on the $2.5
billion Communications Test market segment of the test instrument industry,
which is expected to grow by approximately 10% per annum through 2001; (ii)
identifying changing industry trends and customer needs and successfully
introducing responsive new products on a timely basis; (iii) serving the
increasing demand for application-specific, portable field service and
maintenance equipment, which accounted for over 70% of the Company's LTM sales;
and (iv) leveraging its operations and development capabilities outside the
United States, where the Company generated 61% of its LTM sales. Wavetek
believes that its product development capabilities, product quality, breadth of
product line and geographic diversity should enable it to continue to expand its
share of existing markets and successfully enter new markets.
The Company's Communications Test products, which accounted for 75% of the
Company's LTM sales, serve the cable television ("CATV"), wireless
communications ("Wireless"), telecommunications ("Telecom"), local area network
("LAN") and general purpose hand-held electronic test tools ("Test Tools")
market segments of the test instrument industry. The primary end users for the
Company's Communications Test products are service, installation and maintenance
personnel of CATV operators, wireless communications companies,
telecommunications companies and data communications equipment installers. The
Company's CATV products are used by CATV operators to diagnose and monitor CATV
systems, test cable for signal quality and leakage and ensure the proper
installation of new services such as cable modems. The Company's Wireless
products are used by wireless operators, equipment manufacturers and retailers
to test mobile phones during production, repair or at the point-of-sale and by
wireless operators and equipment manufacturers to test base stations. The
Company's Telecom products are used by telecommunications companies to install
and maintain fiber optic cable. The Company's LAN products are used by LAN
installation and service professionals to test LAN cables and connectors
("physical
3
<PAGE>
layer"). The Company's Test Tools products, primarily hand-held digital
multimeters ("DMMs"), are used to test a wide variety of electronic and
electrical equipment. The Company has strong competitive positions in its target
markets and believes it is the worldwide market leader in the manufacture of
CATV test equipment, the second largest supplier of hand-held DMMs and one of
the five largest manufacturers of Wireless and physical layer LAN test
equipment.
The Company's Calibration Instruments products, which accounted for 17% of
the Company's LTM sales, are used in metrology, engineering and manufacturing
environments worldwide to calibrate electronic equipment and certify compliance
with international standards. The Company believes it is the second largest
global manufacturer of products used for: (i) calibrating and verifying the
accuracy of voltage measuring equipment ("Calibration Sources"); and (ii)
transferring the accuracy of voltage measurements from national standards
laboratories to industry calibration laboratories ("Transfer Standards"). The
Company's Calibration Instruments products also include high precision DMMs
("Precision DMMs"). The Company successfully competes in this market based on
its technical expertise, relationships with national laboratories and product
reputation.
The Company's Service business, which accounted for 8% of the Company's LTM
sales, provides repair, upgrade and calibration services for the Company's
products through eight Wavetek service centers worldwide and an international
network of independent representatives.
Wavetek has global design, manufacturing, marketing and distribution
capabilities through facilities located in the United States, the United
Kingdom, France and Germany. The Company is committed to providing high quality
manufacturing and has received or is in the process of receiving ISO 9000
certification (an international quality standard) for each of its manufacturing
facilities. In addition, Wavetek supports its broad international base of over
5,000 customers with regional sales offices in San Diego, Indianapolis, Norwich,
Paris, Munich, Vienna, Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. The Company's
products are sold through direct sales teams in the United States, the United
Kingdom, France and Germany and a global network of over 250 distributors and
independent representatives.
BUSINESS STRATEGY
Wavetek believes that it has achieved its strong position in the
Communications Test and Calibration Instruments market segments by identifying
changing industry trends and customer needs, and by successfully introducing
high-quality, cost-effective, application-specific products to meet such needs
on a timely basis. The Company's business strategy is to further enhance its
strong position in these markets and to continue to increase sales and EBITDA
through the following key initiatives:
- FOCUS ON THE LARGE, RAPIDLY GROWING COMMUNICATIONS TEST SEGMENT. The
Company generated 75% of its LTM sales from Communications Test products
and intends to continue to focus on this segment of the test instrument
industry. Prime Data, a market research firm, expects sales in the
Communications Test market to grow at approximately 10% per annum from
approximately $2.5 billion in 1996 to approximately $4.0 billion in 2001.
The Company believes that the drivers of this growth include: (i) rapidly
changing communications technology; (ii) growing demand for personal
communications services (including mobile phones, interactive CATV and
internet access); and (iii) increasing worldwide investment to build or
upgrade data and communications infrastructure. Wavetek intends to
capitalize on this large, rapidly growing market segment through its broad
Communications Test product portfolio, extensive international presence
and strong market positions in CATV, Wireless and LAN.
- DEVELOP APPLICATION-SPECIFIC PRODUCTS FOR TARGET MARKETS ON A TIMELY
BASIS. Wavetek's product development strategy is to: (i) focus on
application-specific products that are responsive to customer needs; (ii)
minimize development time in order to address rapidly changing technology;
and (iii) leverage design efforts by generating multiple product line
extensions from existing product platforms. Wavetek has a history of
successful new product introductions, including eight new
4
<PAGE>
products in fiscal 1996, and the Company expects to introduce
approximately ten new products in fiscal 1997.
- MEET DEMAND FOR ENHANCED PORTABLE TEST INSTRUMENTS. The Company generated
over 70% of its LTM sales from portable field service and maintenance
equipment and intends to continue to focus on these types of products. The
increasing complexity of communications technology is creating demand for
field test equipment that incorporates enhanced measurement performance.
Furthermore, service, installation and maintenance personnel are demanding
smaller, more portable products that enable them to service systems and
equipment in the field rather than at a service facility. As a result of
its product design, manufacturing and distribution strengths in portable
test instruments, the Company believes it will continue to benefit from
these demand trends.
- LEVERAGE INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS AND DISTRIBUTION. The Company believes
that international capital investment in communications infrastructure has
provided and will continue to provide growth in the worldwide
Communications Test market. Wavetek believes it is well-positioned to
capitalize on this growth with its substantial international operations
that include: (i) three foreign manufacturing facilities; (ii) established
international sales and distribution channels; and (iii) approximately 450
employees located outside of the United States. The Company generated 61%
of its LTM sales from customers outside the United States and believes its
international operations should enable it to gain market share in existing
international markets and successfully enter new markets, particularly in
the Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe and South America regions. Additionally,
the Company believes that its strategic alliance formed in 1996 with
Yokogawa Electric Corporation ("Yokogawa"), a leading Japanese process
control and test and measurement company, coupled with the development of
new products tailored for the Japanese market, will increase the Company's
sales in Japan.
- ENHANCE PROFITABILITY THROUGH CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT IN THE WIRELESS AND
TELECOM BUSINESSES. Wavetek has taken measures to improve the operations
of its Wireless and Telecom businesses, acquired in October 1994,
including: (i) introducing new products with higher gross margins; (ii)
rationalizing old, low margin businesses and products; (iii) reducing
headcount; (iv) hiring new management; and (v) reducing marketing and
selling expenses as a percentage of sales. As a result of these ongoing
efforts, the Company has significantly improved the operating results of
these acquired businesses. As new products with higher margins continue to
replace older products, and as the Company makes additional cost
improvements in its European manufacturing operations, the Company expects
results from these businesses to continue to improve.
FINANCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
The Company's business has the following financial characteristics:
- DIVERSE AND GLOBAL CUSTOMER BASE. The Company has a broad international
base of over 5,000 customers operating in a wide range of industries. In
fiscal 1996, no customer represented more than 5% of the Company's sales,
and the Company's top ten customers represented approximately 17% of
sales. Customers outside the United States accounted for 61% of the
Company's LTM sales. The Company believes that its diverse and global
customer base should allow it to mitigate the impact of potential economic
downturns in certain businesses or geographic areas.
- STRONG SALES AND EBITDA GROWTH. The Company has increased sales from $58.1
million in fiscal 1992 to $151.0 million in fiscal 1996, EBITDA from $3.8
million in fiscal 1992 to $20.9 million in fiscal 1996 and net income from
$2.9 million in fiscal 1992 to $13.5 million in fiscal 1996. During this
period, the Company's EBITDA as a percentage of sales increased from 6.5%
in fiscal 1992 to 13.9% in fiscal 1996 and the Company's net income as a
percentage of sales increased from 4.9% in fiscal 1992 to 8.9% in fiscal
1996. The Company believes that this performance can be attributed to: (i)
developing application-specific products to address market needs; (ii)
acquiring and significantly
5
<PAGE>
improving the operations of its Wireless and Telecom businesses; (iii)
consolidating manufacturing facilities; and (iv) increasing operating
efficiencies.
- LIMITED CAPITAL EXPENDITURES. The Company's business is not capital
intensive and its management emphasizes a disciplined approach to capital
expenditures and working capital management. The Company's primary capital
expenditures in the past five years have been for upgrading manufacturing
capabilities, purchasing tooling for new products and implementing a new
management information systems infrastructure. Annual capital expenditures
have averaged less than 2.5% of sales over the last five fiscal years and
have recently increased primarily as a result of investment in new
management information systems.
CORPORATE INFORMATION
The Company was founded in San Diego in 1962 and completed its initial
public offering in 1972. In June 1991, Wavetek was acquired by an investment
group led by Gooding and reorganized under a new management team, with Gooding
as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The Company has been privately held
since that time.
Since Gooding acquired the Company, it has completed two strategic
acquisitions: (i) the Instrumentation Products Division of Beckman Industrial
("Beckman") in October 1992; and (ii) the Wireless and Telecom businesses of
Schlumberger S.A. ("Schlumberger") in October 1994. Since 1992, the Company has
divested two small non-strategic businesses and has discontinued certain
non-core products. As part of its strategy for growth in the future, Wavetek
intends to continue to evaluate the acquisition of complementary businesses that
could expand its presence in new or existing product areas or geographic markets
or create cost savings opportunities.
The Company is a Delaware corporation. The Company's executive offices are
located at 11995 El Camino Real, Suite 301, San Diego, California 92130 and its
telephone number is (619) 793-2300.
THE RECAPITALIZATION TRANSACTIONS
The Old Notes were originally issued in connection with the following
Recapitalization Transactions: (i) DLJ Merchant Banking Partners II, L.P. and
its affiliates ("DLJMB") and Green Equity Investors II, L.P. and its affiliates
("GEI" and, together with DLJMB, the "New Equity Investors") purchased shares of
Common Stock from the Company, representing 49.7% of the Common Stock
outstanding following the Recapitalization Transactions, for an aggregate of
$43.5 million (the "New Equity Investment"); (ii) the Company issued the Old
Notes; and (iii) the Company incurred indebtedness of $25.0 million under a five
year and six month term loan facility and entered into a five year and six month
revolving credit facility providing for borrowings up to $20.0 million (the "New
Credit Agreement"). See "Description of Other Indebtedness -- New Credit
Agreement." These proceeds were used to repurchase Common Stock from existing
stockholders for an aggregate of $152.5 million and to make cash payments upon
surrender of stock options by employees in an aggregate amount of $7.1 million.
Gooding, Yokogawa and the other existing stockholders retained 50.3% of the
shares of Common Stock outstanding following the Recapitalization Transactions.
See "The Recapitalization Transactions" and "Ownership of Capital Stock."
6
<PAGE>
THE EXCHANGE OFFER
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
The Exchange Offer.................. Up to $85,000,000 aggregate principal amount of New
Notes are being offered in exchange for a like
principal amount of Old Notes. The Company is making
the Exchange Offer in order to satisfy its
obligations under a registration rights agreement
(the "Registration Rights Agreement") entered into
between the Company and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
Securities Corporation ("DLJ" or the "Initial
Purchaser" in connection with the sale of the Old
Notes. For a description of the procedures for
tendering Old Notes, see "The Exchange Offer --
Procedures For Tendering Old Notes."
Expiration Date..................... 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , 1997
unless the Exchange Offer is extended by the Company
(in which case the term "Expiration Date" shall mean
the latest date and time to which the Exchange Offer
is extended). See
"The Exchange Offer -- Expiration Date; Extensions;
Amendments."
Conditions to the Exchange Offer.... The Exchange Offer is subject to certain conditions,
which may be waived by the Company in its sole
discretion. The Exchange Offer is not conditioned
upon any minimum principal amount of Old Notes being
tendered or accepted for exchange. See "The Exchange
Offer -- Conditions to the Exchange Offer." The
Company reserves the right in its sole discretion,
subject to applicable law, at any time and from time
to time, (i) to delay the acceptance of the Old Notes
for exchange, (ii) to terminate the Exchange Offer if
certain specified conditions have occurred or exist,
(iii) to extend the Expiration Date of the Exchange
Offer and retain all Old Notes tendered pursuant to
the Exchange Offer, subject, however, to the right of
holders of Old Notes to withdraw their tendered Old
Notes, or (iv) to waive any condition or otherwise
amend the terms of the Exchange Offer in any respect.
See "The Exchange Offer -- Expiration Date;
Extensions; Amendments."
Withdrawal Rights................... Tenders of Old Notes may be withdrawn at any time on
or prior to the Expiration Date by delivering a
written notice of such withdrawal to the Exchange
Agent in conformity with certain procedures set forth
below under "The Exchange Offer -- Withdrawal
Rights."
Procedures for Tendering Old Tendering holders of Old Notes must complete and sign
Notes............................. a Letter of Transmittal in accordance with the
instructions contained therein and forward the same
by mail, facsimile or hand delivery, together with
any other required documents, to the Exchange Agent,
either with the Old Notes to be tendered or in
compliance with the specified procedures for
guaranteed delivery of Old Notes. Certain brokers,
dealers, commercial banks, trust companies and other
nominees may also effect tenders by book-entry
transfer. Holders of Old
</TABLE>
7
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Notes registered in the name of a broker, dealer,
commercial bank, trust company or other nominee are
urged to contact such person promptly if they wish to
tender Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. See
"The Exchange Offer -- Procedures for Tendering Old
Notes."
Letters of Transmittal and certificates representing
Old Notes should not be sent to the Company. Such
documents should only be sent to the Exchange Agent.
Questions regarding how to tender and requests for
information should be directed to the Exchange Agent.
See "The Exchange Offer -- Exchange Agent."
Exchange Agent...................... The exchange agent with respect to the Exchange Offer
is The Bank of New York (the "Exchange Agent"). The
addresses, and telephone and facsimile numbers of the
Exchange Agent are set forth in "The Exchange Offer
-- Exchange Agent" and in the Letter of Transmittal.
Federal Income Tax Consequences..... An exchange of Old Notes for New Notes will not be
taxable to holders. See "The Exchange Offer --
Federal Income Tax Consequences."
TERMS OF THE NOTES
The Exchange Offer applies to $85,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes.
The terms of the New Notes are identical in all material respects to the respective terms
of the Old Notes, except that the New Notes have been registered under the Securities Act
and therefore will not be subject to certain restrictions on transfer applicable to the Old
Notes and will not be entitled to registration rights. The New Notes will be issued under
the indenture governing the Old Notes. For a complete description of the terms of the New
Notes, see "Description of Notes."
Securities Offered.................. $85,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 10 1/8%
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007.
Use of Proceeds..................... The Company will not receive any cash proceeds from
the issuance of the New Notes offered hereby. See
"Use of Proceeds."
Maturity............................ June 15, 2007.
Interest and Payment Dates.......... The Notes bear interest at the rate of 10 1/8% per
annum, payable semi-annually on June 15 and December
15 of each year, commencing on December 15, 1997.
Optional Redemption................. On or after June 15, 2002, the Notes will be
redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or
in part, at the redemption prices set forth herein,
plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated
Damages, if any, to the date of redemption.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the first three
years after the Issue Date, the Company may redeem up
to 33 1/3% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes
originally issued with the net proceeds of one or
more Public Equity Offerings at a redemption price of
110.125% of the principal amount thereof, in each
case plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated
Damages, if any, to the redemption date; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that at least 66 2/3% of the
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued
remains outstanding immediately after such
redemption. See "Description of Notes -- Optional
Redemption."
Subsidiary Guarantees............... The Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed on a
full and unconditional senior subordinated basis by
the Subsidiary Guarantors, which consist of all of
the Company's current and future domestic
subsidiaries. As of the date of this Prospectus,
Wavetek U.S. Inc. is the only Subsidiary Guarantor.
The Subsidiary Guarantees may be released under
certain circumstances. See "Description of Notes --
Subsidiary Guarantees."
Ranking............................. The Notes are subordinated in right of payment to all
existing and future Senior Debt of the Company,
including borrowings under the New Credit Agreement.
The Subsidiary Guarantees are subordinated in right
of payment to all existing and future Senior Debt of
the Subsidiary Guarantors, including guarantees of
the New Credit Agreement. The Notes, the Subsidiary
Guarantees and borrowings under the New Credit
Agreement will be effectively subordinated to the
indebtedness of the Foreign Subsidiaries. As of June
30, 1997, the Company and its Subsidiary Guarantors
had approximately $25.0 million of Senior Debt and
the Foreign Subsidiaries had approximately $4.3
million of outstanding debt, all of which effectively
ranks senior to the Notes and the Subsidiary
Guarantees. The Indenture permits the Company and its
Subsidiaries to incur additional Indebtedness,
including Senior Debt, subject to certain
limitations, and prohibits the incurrence of any
Indebtedness by the Company and the Subsidiary
Guarantors that is senior to the Notes and the
Subsidiary Guarantees, as the case may be, and
subordinated to Senior Debt and Senior Debt of the
Subsidiary Guarantors, as the case may be. See
"Description of Notes -- Subordination," "-- Certain
Covenants" and "Description of Other Indebtedness."
Change of Control................... Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, holders
of the Notes will have the right to require the
Company to purchase all or any part of their Notes at
a price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal
amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and
Liquidated Damages, if any, to the date of purchase.
It is possible that the Company may be prohibited
from or unable to make payments due upon a Change in
Control. See "Risk Factors -- Possible Inability to
Purchase Notes Upon a Change in Control" and
"Description of Notes -- Certain Covenants -- Change
of Control."
Certain Covenants................... The Indenture contains certain covenants that, among
other things, limit the ability of the Company and
its subsidiaries to: (i) pay dividends or make
certain other Restricted Payments (as defined); (ii)
incur additional Indebtedness (as defined); (iii)
encumber or sell assets; (iv) enter into certain
guarantees
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
of Indebtedness; (v) enter into transactions with
affiliates; and (vi) merge or consolidate with any
other entity or to transfer or lease all or
substantially all of their assets. In addition, under
certain circumstances, the Company will be required
to offer to purchase Notes at a price of 100% of the
principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid
interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the date
of purchase with the proceeds of certain Asset Sales
(as defined). See "Description of Notes -- Certain
Covenants."
Exchange Offer; Registration Rights;
Liquidated Damages................ Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the
Company agreed (i) to file a registration statement
on or prior to 60 days after the Issue Date with
respect to the Exchange Offer to issue the New Notes
in exchange for the Old Notes and (ii) to use its
best efforts to cause the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement to be declared effective by the Commission
on or prior to 120 days after the Issue Date. The
Exchange Offer is being made to satisfy the
contractual obligations of the Company under the
Registration Rights Agreement. In certain
circumstances, the Company will be required to
provide a shelf registration statement to cover
resales of the Old Notes by the holders thereof. If
the Company fails to satisfy these registration
obligations, it will be required to pay liquidated
damages ("Liquidated Damages") to the Holders of Old
Notes under certain circumstances. See "Description
of Notes -- Registration Rights; Liquidated Damages."
The New Notes will not be entitled to registration
rights.
</TABLE>
RISK FACTORS
For a discussion of certain matters that should be considered by holders of
Old Notes before tendering their Old Notes for the New Notes offered hereby, see
"Risk Factors."
10
<PAGE>
SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following summary consolidated financial data for the fiscal years ended
September 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996 are derived from the audited consolidated
financial statements of the Company. The summary historical financial data of
the Company for the nine month periods ended June 30, 1996 and 1997 and as of
and for the twelve months ended June 30, 1997 are derived from the unaudited
consolidated financial statements of the Company. The pro forma financial data
for the twelve months ended June 30, 1997 is derived from the Unaudited Pro
Forma Consolidated Financial Data of the Company. The summary consolidated
financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements of the Company and the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial
Data of the Company included elsewhere herein.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TWELVE
NINE MONTHS ENDED MONTHS
FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, JUNE 30, ENDED
---------------------------------- ---------------------- JUNE 30,
1994 1995 1996 1996 1997 1997
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
Sales......................................... $ 74,815 $ 133,619 $ 150,993 $ 115,181 $ 118,700 $ 154,512
Gross margin.................................. 33,442 60,970 78,629 59,402 63,221 82,448
Operating expenses............................ 27,911 54,073 62,558 45,068 47,426 64,916
Operating income.............................. 5,531 6,897 16,071 14,334 8,734 10,471
Net income (1)................................ 3,710 3,069 13,475 12,436 4,451 5,490
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
EBITDA (2).................................... $ 7,141 $ 9,944 $ 20,933 $ 16,988 $ 18,327 $ 22,272
Stock option compensation related to
recapitalization (3)........................ -- -- -- -- 7,061 7,061
Provision for restructuring operations (4).... -- -- 1,832 188 -- 1,644
Depreciation and amortization expense......... 1,610 3,047 3,030 2,466 2,532 3,096
Capital expenditures.......................... 1,332 2,920 4,544 3,207 4,784 6,121
EBITDA as a percentage of sales............... 9.5% 7.4% 13.9% 14.7% 15.4% 14.4%
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (5)........ 5.3x 2.8x 9.9x 11.4x 5.4x 5.2x
Cash flows provided by (used in):
Operating activities........................ 6,447 12,548 15,076 10,431 7,031 11,676
Investing activities........................ 53 (20,383) (3,950) (2,597) (7,562) (8,915)
Financing activities........................ (6,367) 7,682 (8,643) (7,478) (1,379) (2,544)
PRO FORMA DATA (6):
Interest expense.............................. $ 11,933 $ 8,980 $ 8,739 $ 11,692
Income (loss) before provision for income
taxes....................................... 3,269 4,965 (612) (2,308)
Net income (loss)............................. 3,200 4,861 (381) (2,042)
Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense........... 1.8x 1.9x 2.1x 1.9x
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (5)........ 1.3x 1.5x (7) (7)
Ratio of net debt to EBITDA (8)............... 5.0x
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF JUNE 30, 1997
---------------------
(DOLLARS IN
THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents (9)............. $ 7,059
Total assets.............................. 79,963
Total debt................................ 118,360
Stockholders' deficit..................... (72,969)
</TABLE>
(SEE NOTES ON FOLLOWING PAGE)
11
<PAGE>
- ------------------------
(1) The Company's net income for fiscal 1994, 1995 and 1996 and the nine months
ended June 30, 1996 and 1997 was favorably impacted because the Company's
provisions for income taxes were lower in those periods than the amounts
calculated using statutory rates due to the utilization of certain net
operating loss carryforwards and reductions in certain valuation allowances
provided in prior years due to uncertainties regarding the realization of
certain deferred tax assets. In fiscal 1996, a tax benefit of $6.2 million
was realized due to the reductions of certain valuation allowances which
were recorded as of the end of fiscal 1995. See Note 11 to the Company's
Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere herein.
(2) EBITDA is operating income plus depreciation and amortization expense, stock
option compensation related to recapitalization and provision for
restructuring operations. The Company's definition of EBITDA is consistent
with the definition of Consolidated Cash Flow in the Indenture. While EBITDA
should not be construed as a substitute for income from operations, net
income or cash flows from operating activities in analyzing the Company's
operating performance, financial position or cash flows, the Company has
included EBITDA because it may be used as an indicator of compliance with
certain covenants in the Indenture and the New Credit Agreement and is
commonly used by certain investors and analysts to analyze and compare
companies on the basis of operating performance, leverage and liquidity and
to determine a Company's ability to service debt. EBITDA as presented by the
Company herein may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported
by other companies. In addition, the amount reported by the Company as
EBITDA may not be fully available for management's discretionary use due to
the Company's needs to conserve funds for debt service, capital expenditures
and other commitments. See "Description of Notes -- Certain Covenants" and
"-- Certain Definitions."
(3) In connection with the Recapitalization Transactions, the Company made cash
payments upon the surrender of stock options by employees in an aggregate
amount of $7.1 million. This amount is included in operating expenses for
the nine month period ended June 30, 1997.
(4) In fiscal 1996, the Company initiated a plan to restructure certain
corporate management functions, its European manufacturing, service and
sales activities, and its San Diego manufacturing activities. The
restructuring costs primarily include expenses for employee severance and
closedown of certain manufacturing operations. The restructuring is expected
to be completed during fiscal 1997.
(5) For purposes of computing this ratio, earnings consist of income before
provision for income taxes plus fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of
interest expense, amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and one-third
of the rent expense from operating leases, which management believes is a
reasonable approximation of the interest factor of the rent.
(6) See "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data."
(7) For the nine months ended June 30, 1997 and the twelve months ended June 30,
1997, pro forma earnings were inadequate to cover pro forma fixed charges by
$0.6 million and $2.3 million, respectively.
(8) Net debt is total debt less cash and cash equivalents and short-term
investments. As of June 30, 1997, net debt was $111.3 million.
(9) Cash and cash equivalents includes short-term investments of $3.0 million,
which are comprised primarily of U.S. Treasury securities and guaranteed
obligations of the U.S. government or its agencies with original maturities
between 3 and 12 months.
12
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
IN ADDITION TO THE OTHER INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THIS PROSPECTUS, BEFORE
TENDERING THEIR OLD NOTES FOR THE NEW NOTES OFFERED HEREBY, HOLDERS OF OLD NOTES
SHOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE FOLLOWING MATTERS, WHICH (OTHER THAN "CONSEQUENCES
OF EXCHANGE AND FAILURE TO EXCHANGE OLD NOTES" AND "ABSENCE OF PUBLIC MARKET")
ARE GENERALLY APPLICABLE TO THE OLD NOTES AS WELL AS THE NEW NOTES.
LEVERAGE
As a result of the Recapitalization Transactions, the Company became highly
leveraged. As of June 30, 1997, including the issuance of the Old Notes and
incurrence of Indebtedness under the New Credit Agreement, the Company had
approximately $114.1 million of outstanding debt, of which $25.0 million was
Senior Debt. In addition, the Company's foreign subsidiaries ("Foreign
Subsidiaries") had approximately $4.3 million in outstanding debt, which debt
was effectively senior to the Notes. See "Capitalization." At June 30, 1997, the
Company's total debt was $118.4 million and the Company had a total
stockholders' deficit of $73.0 million. This leverage, together with
restrictions in the New Credit Agreement and the Indenture, may limit the
Company's ability to obtain additional debt financing in the future, to
implement its business strategies, to pursue strategic acquisitions or to
respond to changing business and economic conditions. In addition, required
payments of principal and interest on the Company's debt are expected to be
financed from operating cash flow, thus limiting the availability of such cash
flow for other corporate purposes. The Company's ability to generate sufficient
cash to meet its obligations is subject to many factors, certain of which are
beyond its control, including economic conditions, competition, technological
changes and regulatory standards. In addition, the Company depends on dividends
from its operating subsidiaries to generate income to meet its debt obligations.
While the Company believes that, based on current levels of operations and
anticipated growth, its cash flow from operations, together with funds available
under its revolving credit facility under the New Credit Agreement will be
adequate to meet its obligations, there can be no assurance that its actual cash
flow will in fact be sufficient to service its debt. In the event the Company's
operating cash flow and working capital are not sufficient to fund the Company's
expenditures or to service its debt, including the Notes and borrowings under
the New Credit Agreement, the Company would be required to raise additional
funds through the sale of capital stock or assets or the refinancing of all or
part of its debt. There can be no assurance that any of these sources of funds
would be available in amounts sufficient for the Company to meet its
obligations. All current and future domestic subsidiaries of the Company
unconditionally guarantee the obligations under the New Credit Agreement. In
addition, all loans are secured by a lien on substantially all existing and
after-acquired property of the Company and its current and future domestic
subsidiaries, including a pledge of 100% of the stock of all domestic
subsidiaries of the Company, 65% of the stock of all foreign subsidiaries of the
Company and all intercompany loans from the Company to the Foreign Subsidiaries.
See "Description of Notes" and "Description of Other Indebtedness."
RANKING
The Notes are subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future
Senior Debt of the Company, including borrowings under the New Credit Agreement.
The Subsidiary Guarantees are subordinated in right of payment to all existing
and future Senior Debt of the Subsidiary Guarantors, including guarantees of the
New Credit Agreement. The Notes, the Subsidiary Guarantees and borrowings under
the New Credit Agreement are effectively subordinated to the indebtedness of the
Foreign Subsidiaries.
As of June 30, 1997, the Company and its Subsidiary Guarantors had
approximately $25.0 million of Senior Debt and the Foreign Subsidiaries had
approximately $4.3 million of outstanding debt, all of which effectively ranks
senior to the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees. In the event of a bankruptcy,
liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or other winding up of the Company or
any of the Subsidiary Guarantors, the assets of the Company or the Subsidiary
Guarantors, as the case may be, will be available
13
<PAGE>
to pay the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees only after all Senior Debt has
been paid in full, and there may not be sufficient assets remaining to pay
amounts due on the Notes or Subsidiary Guarantees. Additional Senior Debt may be
incurred by the Company and its subsidiaries from time to time, subject to
certain restrictions. See "Description of Notes -- Subordination," "-- Certain
Covenants" and "Description of Other Indebtedness."
COMPETITION
The Company operates in markets that are highly competitive, and the Company
expects that competition will increase in the future. Some of the industries in
which the Company operates are characterized by rapid technological advances and
emerging industry standards. Failure to keep pace with technological advances
could adversely affect the Company's competitive positions and results of
operations. The Company competes primarily on the basis of technology,
performance, price, brand identity, quality, reliability, distribution and
customer service and support. To remain competitive, the Company must continue
to develop new products, periodically enhance its existing products and compete
effectively in the areas described above. Although the Company believes its
products are competitive in each of these areas, there can be no assurance that
existing or future competitors, some of which have greater financial resources
than the Company, will not introduce comparable or superior products
incorporating more advanced technology at lower prices. The Company's
competitors are numerous, ranging from some of the world's largest corporations
to many relatively small and highly specialized firms. Although no single
company competes in all of the Company's product markets, some of the major
competitors which compete in the individual product markets include Anritsu
Corporation, Fluke Corporation, Hewlett-Packard Company, Microtest, Inc., Rhode
& Schwartz, Inc. and Tektronix, Inc. Some of these competitors have more
extensive engineering, manufacturing and marketing capabilities and
substantially greater financial, technological and personnel resources than the
Company. See "Business -- Competition."
DEPENDENCE ON NEW PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE
The communications industry is characterized by large communications service
providers competing with opposing technologies, some but not all of which are
served by the Company's equipment. To the extent that certain of these opposing
technologies are in direct competition and some communications service providers
will gain at the expense of others, the markets for the Company's products may
be affected adversely if those technologies not served by the Company are more
successful. Such changes in market demand may require the Company to develop new
products or expand into new markets or technologies. Wavetek has a history of
successful new product introductions, including eight new products in fiscal
1996, and the Company expects to introduce approximately ten new products in
fiscal 1997. While the Company is currently evaluating a number of potential new
products, some of which will address emerging technologies, there can be no
assurance that these products will be successful or profitable. The Company
typically spends 8-10% of total sales revenue in its new product development
activities.
The Company participates in markets where timely introduction of new
products is critical to the success and market acceptance of the products. The
Company's new product development programs are subject to delays due to
unforeseen complexities in the design of the products that arise during the
development process. When encountered, these complexities may cause delays in
product introductions or costly design modifications which could have a material
adverse impact on the Company.
The typical life cycle of the Company's products ranges from three years to
ten years, and averages approximately five years. The Company plans the timing
of its new product introductions to take into consideration the impact that such
introductions will have on the life cycles of its existing products and to
mitigate the Company's exposure to loss from excess or obsolete inventory
related to products at the end of their life cycles and exposure to lost
revenues from declining products for which no new or replacement
14
<PAGE>
products are available. The Company does not have any material exposure to
excess or obsolete inventories or lost revenues at the present time, but there
can be no assurance that the Company will continue to be successful in managing
such risks. See "Business -- Product Development."
DEPENDENCE ON PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
The Company's success and ability to compete depends in part upon protecting
its proprietary technology. There can be no assurance that the steps taken by
the Company will be adequate to deter misappropriation or independent
third-party development of its technology or that its intellectual property
rights can be successfully enforced or defended if challenged. Given the rapid
development of technology, there can be no assurance that certain aspects of the
Company's products do not or will not infringe upon the existing or future
proprietary rights of others or that, if licenses or rights are required to
avoid infringement, such licenses or rights could be obtained or obtained on
terms that would not have a material adverse effect on the Company. See
"Business -- Intellectual Property."
The Company has been notified by two competitors that they believe that
certain of the Company's CATV products, including in one case, its Stealth line
of products, infringe patents that have been issued to each of them. The Company
has investigated or is currently investigating the validity of those two claims.
Neither competitor has commenced litigation against the Company and, in each
case, the Company has been engaged in an exchange of correspondence with the
patent owner regarding the substance of the claims of infringement. Based upon
its investigation to date, the Company believes that both of these claims can be
resolved in a manner that will not have a material adverse impact on the
Company. However, there can be no assurance that either or both of these
competitors will not initiate litigation against the Company and may not prevail
in such litigation. To the extent that the Company does not prevail in any such
litigation or either or both of these claims are proven, the Company could be
required to: (i) redesign existing or future products so that they do not use
the rights covered by the patent rights in question; (ii) negotiate licenses or
other rights to use those patent rights; (iii) withdraw existing products or not
introduce future products that are covered by those patent rights; or (iv) pay
damages for any past infringement, any and all of which could have a material
adverse impact on the Company.
The Company is also a defendant in a litigation alleging that the design of
certain models of hand-held DMMs formerly sold by the Company violated the trade
dress rights of another competitor and in a recently filed patent infringement
litigation involving certain limited CATV products. The Company does not believe
that the likely outcome of either action will have a material adverse impact on
the Company or its ability to develop new products. See "Business -- Legal
Proceedings."
RELIANCE ON SUPPLIERS
A portion of the Company's manufacturing operations is dependent on the
ability of suppliers to deliver completed products, integral sub-assemblies or
components in time to meet critical distribution and manufacturing schedules.
The Company periodically experiences constrained supply of certain component
parts in some product lines as a result of strong demand in those product lines
as well as strong demand in the industry. Continued constraints may adversely
affect the Company's operating results until alternate sourcing is developed.
Although the Company attempts to use common, multi-source components
throughout its design, certain technological requirements may necessitate the
use of single-source, unique components. The Company attempts to minimize its
exposures on these components through careful vendor qualification and
purchasing, though risk exists that these parts may become obsolete,
necessitating re-design or withdrawal of product from the market. See "Business
- -- Manufacturing."
15
<PAGE>
RELIANCE ON DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS
Changing industry practices and customer preferences require the Company to
expand into new distribution channels. As more of the Company's products are
distributed through distributors and independent representatives, these channels
become more critical to the Company's success. Some of these distributors are
thinly capitalized and may be unable to withstand changes in business
conditions. The Company's financial results could be adversely affected in the
event that the financial condition of these distributors weakens. See "Business
- -- Sales and Distribution."
FACTORS AFFECTING CATV SALES
Demand for test equipment for CATV networks has historically depended
primarily upon capital spending cycles by CATV operators for constructing,
rebuilding, upgrading and maintaining their systems. Sales of the Company's CATV
products accounted for approximately 28% of the Company's LTM sales. Such
capital spending by CATV operators is affected by a variety of factors including
general economic conditions, access by CATV operators to financing, changes in
governmental regulation of the CATV industry, competitive pressures, advances in
technology and alternatives to CATV. Over the last year, certain CATV operators
in the United States, including Tele-Communications, Inc. ("TCI"), one of the
Company's largest customers in fiscal 1996, have begun to slow down their
equipment spending. There can be no assurance that capital spending by CATV
operators will not be further reduced in the future, adversely affecting the
demand for the Company's CATV products.
PERIODIC FLUCTUATIONS
The Company's LTM sales occurred in the following percentages in each of the
last four quarters: 23% for the quarter ended September 30, 1996; 27% for the
quarter ended December 31, 1996; 26% for the quarter ended March 31, 1997; and
24% for the quarter ended June 30, 1997. A variety of factors may cause
period-to-period fluctuations in the operating results of the Company. Such
factors include, but are not limited to, product mix, European summer holidays
and other seasonal influences, competitive pricing pressures, materials costs,
currency fluctuations, revenue and expenses related to new products and
enhancements of existing products, as well as delays in customer purchases in
anticipation of the introduction of new products or product enhancements by the
Company or its competitors. The majority of the Company's revenues in each
quarter results from orders received in that quarter. As a result, the Company
establishes its production, inventory and operating expenditure levels based on
anticipated revenue levels. Thus, if sales do not occur when expected,
expenditure levels could be disproportionately high and operating results for
that quarter, and potentially future quarters, would be adversely affected. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Periodic Fluctuations."
INTERNATIONAL SALES AND REGULATORY STANDARDS
Customers outside of the United States accounted for approximately 61% of
the Company's LTM sales. The Company expects that international sales will
continue to represent a significant percentage of its total sales in the future.
The communications industry is characterized by proprietary standards that vary
from region to region around the world and may evolve rapidly with time, in a
divergent manner from region to region. Several of the Company's product lines
address technologies where meeting current global standards, as well as changes
in those standards, is critical to competing successfully in the market. As the
number of such competing standards grows, the Company may find that is does not
have adequate resources to maintain products which address all significant
standards, resulting in an adverse effect on the Company. The Company's
international business may be affected by changes in demand resulting from
fluctuations in currency exchange rates as well as other risks such as tariff
regulations and difficulties in obtaining export licenses. In addition, the
ability of certain of the Company's customers to access the currencies in which
the Company sells its products may have an adverse effect on their ability to
purchase
16
<PAGE>
the Company's products. The Company periodically uses forward exchange contracts
to hedge certain transactions denominated in foreign currencies. No such
contracts are entered for speculative purposes. At June 30, 1997, the Company
had no material forward exchange contracts outstanding. See "Business -- Sales
and Distribution" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations."
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
The Company's success depends upon the continued contributions of its
officers and key personnel, many of whom, including Gooding, the Company's
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Derek T. Morikawa ("Morikawa"), the
Company's President and Chief Operating Officer, would be difficult to replace.
Although the Company has entered into executive severance agreements with such
officers in connection with the Recapitalization Transactions, the loss of
either could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company's
continued growth depends on its ability to attract and retain skilled employees.
See "Management."
VOTING CONTROL BY OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND AFFILIATES
DLJMB, Gooding and GEI beneficially own 34.3%, 31.3% and 15.4%,
respectively, of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. Accordingly, together,
DLJMB, Gooding and GEI have the ability to elect all of the Company's directors,
and to control corporate actions requiring stockholder approval. Such
concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying, deferring or
preventing a change in control of the Company. In addition, all of the
stockholders of the Company have entered into a stockholders agreement (the
"Stockholders Agreement") with respect to election of directors, transfer
restrictions on shares of Common Stock, rights of first offer for the sale of
shares and certain other matters. See "The Recapitalization Transactions,"
"Management -- Executive Officers and Directors," "Ownership of Capital Stock"
and "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
FRAUDULENT CONVEYANCE MATTERS
Various fraudulent conveyance laws enacted for the protection of creditors
may apply to the incurrence of indebtedness by the Company in the
Recapitalization Transactions, including the issuance of the Old Notes and the
Subsidiary Guarantees. To the extent that a court were to find that (x) such
indebtedness or guarantees were incurred by the Company or a Subsidiary
Guarantor with intent to hinder, delay or defraud any present or future creditor
or the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantor contemplated insolvency with a design
to prefer one or more creditors to the exclusion in whole or in part of others
or (y) the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantor did not receive fair
consideration or reasonably equivalent value for issuing such indebtedness or
guarantee and the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantor (i) was insolvent, (ii)
was rendered insolvent by reason of such issuance, (iii) was engaged or about to
engage in a business or transaction for which the remaining assets of the
Company or Subsidiary Guarantor constituted unreasonably small capital to carry
on its business or (iv) intended to incur, or believed that it would incur,
debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they matured, the court could
avoid or subordinate the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantee in favor of the
Company's or the Subsidiary Guarantor's creditors. Among other things, a legal
challenge of the Notes or a Subsidiary Guarantee may focus on the benefits, if
any, realized by the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantor as a result of the
Company's issuance of the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantor's issuance of its
Subsidiary Guarantee.
The Indenture contains a savings clause, which generally limits the
obligations of any Subsidiary Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee to the
maximum amount as will, after giving effect to all of the liabilities of such
Subsidiary Guarantor, result in such obligations not constituting a fraudulent
conveyance. To the extent any Subsidiary Guarantee was avoided or limited as a
fraudulent conveyance or held unenforceable for any other reason, holders of the
Notes would cease to have any claim against such Subsidiary Guarantor and would
be creditors solely of Wavetek Corporation. In such event, the claims of
17
<PAGE>
holders of the Notes against such Subsidiary Guarantor would be subject to the
prior payment of all liabilities (including trade payables) of such Subsidiary
Guarantor. There can be no assurance that, after providing for all prior claims,
there would be sufficient assets to satisfy the claims of the holders of the
Notes relating to any avoided portion of the Subsidiary Guarantees.
The measure of insolvency for the purposes of the foregoing considerations
will vary depending upon the law applied in any such proceeding. Generally,
however, a company may be considered insolvent if the sum of its debts,
including contingent liabilities, is greater than the fair marketable value of
all of its assets at a fair valuation or if the present fair marketable value of
its assets is less than the amount that would be required to pay its probable
liability on its existing debts, including contingent liabilities, as they
become absolute and mature. Based upon the Company's knowledge of its business
and strategy and its financial condition and results of operations, the Company
believes that the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees are being incurred for
proper purposes and in good faith and that the Company and the Subsidiary
Guarantors are solvent and will continue to be solvent after issuing the Notes
and the Subsidiary Guarantees, will have sufficient capital for carrying on
their respective businesses after such issuance and will be able to pay their
debts as they mature. There can be no assurance, however, that a court passing
on such standards would agree with such beliefs. See "Description of Notes --
Subsidiary Guarantees."
FOREIGN SUBSIDIARIES
The Indenture and the New Credit Agreement permit the Company and its
subsidiaries to make investments in, and intercompany loans to, the Foreign
Subsidiaries. Payments to the Company or its other subsidiaries by such Foreign
Subsidiaries, including the payment of dividends, redemption of capital stock or
repayment of such intercompany loans, may be restricted by the credit agreements
of the Foreign Subsidiaries. The Company's inability to make such payments or
repatriate such monies may have a material adverse effect on the Company's
ability to pay interest or Liquidated Damages, if any, on or principal of the
Notes when due. In addition, in the event of a liquidation, bankruptcy or
reorganization of the Company, the right of the Company to collect amounts owed
to it by the Foreign Subsidiaries may be similarly restricted. All intercompany
loans from the Company to the Foreign Subsidiaries are pledged to the lenders
under the New Credit Agreement.
POSSIBLE INABILITY TO PURCHASE NOTES UPON A CHANGE OF CONTROL
The New Credit Agreement prohibits the Company from purchasing Notes and
also provides that certain change of control events with respect to the Company
would constitute a default thereunder. Any future credit agreements or other
agreements relating to Senior Debt to which the Company becomes a party may
contain similar restrictions and provisions. In the event a Change of Control
occurs at a time when the Company is prohibited from purchasing Notes, the
Company could seek the consent of its lenders to the purchase of Notes or could
attempt to refinance the borrowings that contain such prohibition. If the
Company does not obtain such a consent or repay such borrowings, the Company
will remain prohibited from purchasing Notes. In addition, it is possible that
the Company will not have sufficient funds to make the payments due upon a
Change of Control. In either such case, the Company's failure to purchase
tendered Notes would constitute an event of default under the Indenture which
would, in turn, constitute a default under the New Credit Agreement. In such
circumstances, the subordination provisions in the Indenture would likely
restrict payments to the holders of Notes. See "Description of Notes -- Certain
Covenants -- Change of Control" and "Description of Other Indebtedness -- New
Credit Agreement."
ABSENCE OF PUBLIC MARKET FOR THE NOTES
There is no active trading market for the Notes and there can be no
assurance as to the liquidity of any markets that may develop for the Notes, the
ability of holders of the Notes to sell their Notes, or the price at which
holders would be able to sell their Notes. Future trading prices of the Notes
will depend on
18
<PAGE>
many factors, including, among other things, prevailing interest rates, the
Company's operating results and the market for similar securities. The Initial
Purchaser has advised the Company that it currently intends to make a market in
the Notes. However, the Initial Purchaser is not obligated to do so and any
market-making may be discontinued at any time without notice. In addition, such
market-making activity will be subject to the limits imposed by the Securities
Act and the Exchange Act. The Company does not intend to apply for listing of
the Notes on any securities exchange.
CONSEQUENCES OF EXCHANGE AND FAILURE TO EXCHANGE OLD NOTES
Holders of Old Notes who do not exchange their Old Notes for New Notes
pursuant to the Exchange Offer will continue to be subject to all of the
restrictions on transfer of such Old Notes as set forth in the legend thereon as
a consequence of the issuance of the Old Notes pursuant to exemptions from, or
in transactions not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities
Act and applicable state securities laws. In general, the Old Notes may not be
offered or sold within the United States or to United States Persons (as such
terms are defined under the Securities Act) except pursuant to an exemption
from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the
Securities Act. The Company does not intend to register the Old Notes under the
Securities Act, and such Old Notes will not be entitled to any further
registration rights under the Registration Rights Agreement. In addition, any
holder of Old Notes who tenders in the Exchange Offer for the purpose of
participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes may be deemed to have
received restricted securities and, if so, will be required to comply with the
registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in
connection with any resale transaction. To the extent Old Notes are tendered and
accepted in the Exchange Offer, the trading market, if any, for the Old Notes
could be adversely affected. See "The Exchange Offer," "Description of the Notes
- -- Registration Covenant; Exchange Offer" and "Plan of Distribution."
19
<PAGE>
THE RECAPITALIZATION TRANSACTIONS
The Old Notes were originally issued in connection with the following
Recapitalization Transactions: (i) the New Equity Investors purchased shares of
Common Stock from the Company, representing 49.7% of the Common Stock
outstanding following the Recapitalization Transactions, for an aggregate of
$43.5 million; (ii) the Company issued the Old Notes; and (iii) the Company
incurred indebtedness under the New Credit Agreement of approximately $25.0
million under a five year and six month term loan facility and entered into a
five year and six month revolving credit facility providing for borrowings up to
$20.0 million. See "Description of Other Indebtedness -- New Credit Agreement."
These proceeds were used to repurchase shares of Common Stock and Class B Common
Stock from existing stockholders for an aggregate of $152.5 million. All of the
outstanding Class B Common Stock were repurchased and retired, leaving only
Common Stock outstanding. An amendment to the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation was filed, eliminating the two classes of common stock in favor of
one class with identical rights, preferences and privileges, and effecting a 10
for 1 stock split. Gooding, Yokogawa and certain other existing stockholders
retained 50.3% of the Common Stock outstanding following the Recapitalization
Transactions. See "Ownership of Capital Stock."
USE OF PROCEEDS
The Company will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the New
Notes offered hereby. The proceeds to the Company from the Old Notes, together
with the other sources of funds in the Recapitalization Transactions, were used
to: (i) repurchase shares of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock from existing
stockholders; (ii) make cash payments upon surrender of stock options; and (iii)
pay fees and expenses of the Recapitalization Transactions. See "The
Recapitalization Transactions" and "Capitalization."
THE EXCHANGE OFFER
PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
In connection with the sale of the Old Notes, the Company and the Initial
Purchaser entered into the Registration Rights Agreement, pursuant to which the
Company agreed to file and to use its best efforts to cause to be declared
effective by the Commission a registration statement with respect to the
exchange of the Old Notes for New Notes with terms identical in all material
respects to the terms of the Old Notes. See "Description of Notes--Registration
Rights; Liquidated Damages."
The Exchange Offer is being made to satisfy the contractual obligations of
the Company under the Registration Rights Agreement. The terms of the New Notes
are identical in all material respects to the respective terms of the Old Notes,
except that the New Notes have been registered under the Securities Act and
therefore will not be subject to certain restrictions on transfer applicable to
the Old Notes and will not be entitled to registration rights.
Unless the context requires otherwise, the term "holder" with respect to the
Exchange Offer means any person in whose name the Old Notes are registered on
the books of the Company or any other person who has obtained a properly
completed bond power from the registered holder, or any person whose Old Notes
are held of record by Cede & Co. who desires to deliver such Old Notes by
book-entry transfer at The Depository Trust Company ("DTC").
Pursuant to the Exchange Offer, the Company will exchange as soon as
practicable after the date hereof the Old Subsidiary Guarantee for the New
Subsidiary Guarantee. The New Subsidiary Guarantee has been registered under the
Securities Act.
20
<PAGE>
TERMS OF EXCHANGE
The Company hereby offers, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in this Prospectus and in the accompanying Letter of Transmittal, to
exchange up to $85,000,000 aggregate principal amount of New Notes for a like
aggregate principal amount of Old Notes properly tendered on or prior to the
Expiration Date and not properly withdrawn in accordance with the procedures
described below. The Company will issue, promptly after the Expiration Date, an
aggregate principal amount of up to $85,000,000 of New Notes in exchange for a
like principal amount of outstanding Old Notes tendered and accepted in
connection with the Exchange Offer. The terms of the New Notes are identical in
all material respects to the terms of the Old Notes for which they may be
exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Offer, except that (i) the New Notes will
generally be freely transferable by holders thereof and (ii) the holders of the
New Notes will not be entitled to registration rights under the Registration
Rights Agreement. See "Description of Notes -- Registration Rights; Liquidated
Damages." The New Notes will evidence the same debt as the Old Notes and will be
entitled to the benefits of the Indenture. See "Description of Notes."
The Exchange Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum principal amount of
Old Notes being tendered. As of the date of this Prospectus, $85,000,000
aggregate principal amount of Old Notes is outstanding.
Old Notes which are not tendered for or are tendered but not accepted in
connection with the Exchange Offer will remain outstanding and be entitled to
the benefits of the Indenture, but will not be entitled to any further
registration rights under the Registration Rights Agreement. See "Risk Factors
Consequences of a Failure to Exchange Old Notes" and "Description of Old Notes."
If any tendered Old Notes are not accepted for exchange because of an
invalid tender, the occurrence of certain other events set forth herein or
otherwise, any such unaccepted Old Notes will be returned, without expense, to
the tendering holder thereof promptly after the Expiration Date.
Holders who tender Old Notes in connection with the Exchange Offer will not
be required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions
in the Letter of Transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of Old
Notes in connection with the Exchange Offer. The Company will pay all charges
and expenses, other than certain applicable taxes described below, in connection
with the Exchange Offer. See "-- Fees and Expenses."
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY MAKES NO RECOMMENDATIONS TO HOLDERS OF
OLD NOTES AS TO WHETHER TO TENDER OR REFRAIN FROM TENDERING ALL OR ANY PORTION
OF THEIR OLD NOTES PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER. IN ADDITION, NO ONE HAS BEEN
AUTHORIZED TO MAKE ANY SUCH RECOMMENDATION. HOLDERS OF OLD NOTES MUST MAKE THEIR
OWN DECISION WHETHER TO TENDER PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND, IF SO, THE
AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF OLD NOTES TO TENDER AFTER READING THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND CONSULTING WITH THEIR ADVISERS, IF ANY, BASED ON THEIR
OWN FINANCIAL POSITION AND REQUIREMENTS.
EXPIRATION DATE; EXTENSIONS; AMENDMENTS
The Exchange Officer will expire on the Expiration Date. The term
"Expiration Date" means 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on ________, 1997, unless
the Exchange Offer is extended by the Company (in which case the term
"Expiration Date" shall mean the latest date and time to which the Exchange
Offer is extended).
The Company expressly reserves the right in its sole discretion, subject to
applicable law, at any time and from time to time, (i) to delay the acceptance
of the Old Notes for exchange, (ii) to terminate the Exchange Offer (whether or
not any Old Notes have theretofore been accepted for exchange) if the
21
<PAGE>
Company determines, in its sole discretion, that any of the events or conditions
referred to under " Conditions to the Exchange Offer" have occurred or exist,
(iii) to extend the Expiration Date of the Exchange Offer and retain all Old
Notes tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer, subject, however, to the right of
holders of Old Notes to withdraw their tendered Old Notes as described under "
Withdrawal Rights," and (iv) to waive any condition or otherwise amend the terms
of the Exchange Offer in any respect. If the Exchange Offer is amended in a
manner determined by the Company to constitute a material change, or if the
Company waives a material condition of the Exchange Offer, the Company will
promptly disclose such amendment by means of an amended or supplemented
Prospectus that will be distributed to the registered holders of the Old Notes,
and the Company will extend the Exchange Offer to the extent required by Rule
14e-1 under the Exchange Act.
Any such delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment will be
followed promptly by oral or written notice thereof to the Exchange Agent and by
making a public announcement thereof, and such announcement in the case of an
extension will be made no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next
business day after the previously scheduled Expiration Date. Without limiting
the manner in which the Company may choose to make any public announcement and
subject to applicable law, the Company shall have no obligation to publish,
advertise or otherwise communicate any such public announcement other than by
issuing a release to an appropriate news agency.
ACCEPTANCE FOR EXCHANGE AND ISSUANCE OF NEW NOTES
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer, the
Company will exchange, and will issue to the Exchange Agent, New Notes for Old
Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn (pursuant to the withdrawal rights
described under "-- Withdrawal Rights") promptly after the Expiration Date.
In all cases, delivery of New Notes in exchange for Old Notes tendered and
accepted for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be made only after
timely receipt by the Exchange Agent of (i) Old Notes or a book-entry
confirmation of a book-entry transfer of Old Notes into the Exchange Agent's
account at DTC, including an Agent's Message if the tendering holder has not
delivered a Letter of Transmittal, (ii) the Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile
thereof), properly completed and duly executed, with any required signature
guarantees or (in the case of a book-entry transfer) an Agent's Message in lieu
of the Letter of Transmittal, and (iii) any other documents required by the
Letter of Transmittal.
The term "book-entry confirmation" means a timely confirmation of a
book-entry transfer of Old Notes into the Exchange Agent's account at DTC. The
term "Agent's Message" means a message, transmitted by DTC to and received by
the Exchange Agent and forming a part of a book-entry confirmation, which states
that DTC has received an express acknowledgment from the tendering participant,
which acknowledgment states that such participant has received and agrees to be
bound by the Letter of Transmittal and that the Company may enforce such Letter
of Transmittal against such participant.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer, the Company will
be deemed to have accepted for exchange, and thereby exchanged, Old Notes
validly tendered and not withdrawn as, if and when the Company gives oral or
written notice to the Exchange Agent of the Company's acceptance of such Old
Notes for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer. The Exchange Agent will act
as agent for the Company for the purpose of receiving tenders of Old Notes,
Letters of Transmittal and related documents, and as agent for tendering holders
for the purpose of receiving Old Notes, Letters of Transmittal and related
documents and transmitting New Notes to validly tendering holders. Such exchange
will be made promptly after the Expiration Date. If for any reason whatsoever,
acceptance for exchange or the exchange of any Old Notes tendered pursuant to
the Exchange Offer is delayed (whether before or after the Company's acceptance
for exchange of Old Notes) or the Company extends the Exchange Offer or is
unable to accept for exchange or exchange Old Notes tendered pursuant to the
Exchange Offer, then, without prejudice to the Company's rights set forth
herein, the Exchange Agent may, nevertheless, on
22
<PAGE>
behalf of the Company and subject to Rule 14e-1(c) under the Exchange Act,
retain tendered Old Notes and such Old Notes may not be withdrawn except to the
extent tendering holders are entitled to withdrawal rights as described under
"-- Withdrawal Rights."
Pursuant to the Letter of Transmittal or Agent's Message in lieu thereof, a
holder of Old Notes will warrant and agree in the Letter of Transmittal that it
has full power and authority to tender, exchange, sell, assign and transfer Old
Notes, that the Company will acquire good, marketable and unencumbered title to
the tendered Old Notes, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and
encumbrances, and the Old Notes tendered for exchange are not subject to any
adverse claims or proxies. The holder also will warrant and agree that it will,
upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the Company
or the Exchange Agent to be necessary or desirable to complete the exchange,
sale, assignment, and transfer of the Old Notes tendered pursuant to the
Exchange Offer.
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING OLD NOTES
VALID TENDER. Except as set forth below, in order for Old Notes to be
validly tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer, a properly completed and duly
executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), with any required
signature guarantees, or (in the case of a book-entry tender) an Agent's Message
in lieu of the Letter of Transmittal, and any other required documents, must be
received by the Exchange Agent at its address set forth under "-- Exchange
Agent," and either (i) tendered Old Notes must be received by the Exchange
Agent, or (ii) such Old Notes must be tendered pursuant to the procedures for
book-entry transfer set forth below and a book-entry confirmation, including an
Agent's Message if the tendering holder has not delivered a Letter of
Transmittal, must be received by the Exchange Agent, in each case on or prior to
the Expiration Date, or (iii) the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth below
must be complied with.
If less than all of the Old Notes are tendered, a tendering holder should
fill in the amount of Old Notes being tendered in the appropriate box on the
Letter of Transmittal. The entire amount of Old Notes delivered to the Exchange
Agent will be deemed to have been tendered unless otherwise indicated.
THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF THE NOTES, THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND ALL OTHER
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IS AT THE OPTION AND SOLE RISK OF THE TENDERING HOLDER, AND
DELIVERY WILL BE DEEMED MADE ONLY WHEN ACTUALLY RECEIVED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT.
IF DELIVERY IS BY MAIL, REGISTERED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, PROPERLY
INSURED, OR AN OVERNIGHT DELIVERY SERVICE IS RECOMMENDED. IN ALL CASES,
SUFFICIENT TIME SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY.
BOOK ENTRY TRANSFER. The Exchange Agent will make a request to establish an
account with respect to the Old Notes at DTC for purposes of the Exchange Offer
within two business days after the date of this Prospectus. Any financial
institution that is a participant in DTC's book-entry transfer facility system
may make a book-entry delivery of the Old Notes by causing DTC to transfer such
Old Notes into the Exchange Agent's account at DTC in accordance with DTC's
procedures for transfers. However, although delivery of Old Notes may be
effected through book-entry transfer into the Exchange Agent's account at DTC,
the Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), properly completed and duly
executed, with any required signature guarantees, or an Agent's Message in lieu
of the Letter of Transmittal, and any other required documents, must in any case
be delivered to and received by the Exchange Agent at its address set forth
under "-- Exchange Agent" on or prior to the Expiration Date, or the guaranteed
delivery procedure set forth below must be complied with.
DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO DTC IN ACCORDANCE WITH DTC'S PROCEDURES DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT.
23
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE GUARANTEES. The Old Notes need not be endorsed and signature
guarantees on the Letter of Transmittal are unnecessary unless (i) an Old Note
is registered in a name other than that of the person surrendering the
certificate or (ii) such registered holder completes the box entitled "Special
Issuance Instructions" or "Special Delivery Instructions" in the Letter of
Transmittal. In the case of (i) or (ii) above, such Old Notes must be duly
endorsed or accompanied by a properly executed bond power, with the endorsement
or signature on the bond power and on the Letter of Transmittal guaranteed by a
firm or other entity identified in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Exchange Act as an
"eligible guarantor institution," including (as such terms are defined therein):
(i) a bank; (ii) a broker, dealer, municipal securities broker or dealer or
government securities broker or dealer; (iii) a credit union; (iv) a national
securities exchange, registered securities association or clearing agency; or
(v) a savings association that is a participant in a Securities Transfer
Association (an "Eligible Institution"), unless surrendered on behalf of such
Eligible Institution. See Instruction 1 to the Letter of Transmittal.
GUARANTEED DELIVERY. If a holder desires to tender Old Notes pursuant to
the Exchange Offer and the Old Notes are not immediately available or time will
not permit all required documents to reach the Exchange Agent on or before the
Expiration Date, or the procedures for book-entry transfer cannot be completed
on a timely basis, such Old Notes may nevertheless be tendered, provided that
all of the following guaranteed delivery procedures are complied with:
(i) such tenders are made by or through an Eligible Institution;
(ii) a properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery, substantially in the form accompanying the Letter of
Transmittal, is received by the Exchange Agent on or prior to Expiration
Date; and
(iii) all of the tendered Old Notes (or a book-entry confirmation),
in proper form for transfer, together with a properly completed and duly
executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof or Agent's Message
in lieu thereof), with any required signature guarantees and any other
documents required by the Letter of Transmittal, are received by the
Exchange Agent within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after
the date of execution of such Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
The Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may be delivered by hand or transmitted by
facsimile or mail to the Exchange Agent, and must include a guarantee by an
Eligible Institution in the form set forth in such Notice.
Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, the delivery of New Notes in
exchange for Old Notes tendered and accepted for exchange pursuant to the
Exchange Offer will in all cases be made only after timely receipt by the
Exchange Agent of Old Notes, or of a book-entry confirmation with respect to
such Old Notes, and a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal
(or facsimile thereof or Agent's Message in lieu thereof), together with any
required signature guarantees and any other documents required by the Letter of
Transmittal. Accordingly, the delivery of New Notes might not be made to all
tendering holders at the same time, and will depend upon when Old Notes,
book-entry confirmations with respect to Old Notes and other required documents
are received by the Exchange Agent.
The Company's acceptance for exchange of Old Notes tendered pursuant to any
of the procedures described above will constitute a binding agreement between
the tendering holder and the Company upon the terms and subject to the
conditions of the Exchange Offer.
DETERMINATION OF VALIDITY. All questions as to the form of documents,
validity, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance for exchange of
any tendered Old Notes will be determined by the Company, in its sole
discretion, whose determination shall be final and binding on all parties. The
Company reserves the absolute right, in its sole discretion, to reject any and
all tenders determined by it not to be in proper form or the acceptance of
which, or exchange for, may, in the view of counsel to the Company, be unlawful.
The Company also reserves the absolute right, subject to applicable law, to
waive
24
<PAGE>
any of the conditions of the Exchange Offer as set forth under "-- Conditions to
the Exchange Offer" or any condition or irregularity in any tender of Old Notes
of any particular holder whether or not similar conditions or irregularities are
waived in the case of other holders.
The Company's interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Exchange
Offer (including the Letter of Transmittal and the instructions thereto) will be
final and binding. No tender of Old Notes will be deemed to have been validly
made until all irregularities with respect to such tender have been cured or
waived. Neither the Company, any affiliates or assigns of the Company, the
Exchange Agent nor any other person shall be under any duty to give any
notification of any irregularities in tenders or incur any liability for failure
to give any such notification.
If any Letter of Transmittal, endorsement, bond power, power of attorney or
any other document required by the Letter of Transmittal is signed by a trustee,
executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or
other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such person
should so indicate when signing, and unless waived by the Company, proper
evidence satisfactory to the Company, in its sole discretion, of such person's
authority to so act must be submitted.
A beneficial owner of Old Notes that are held by or registered in the name
of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee or
custodian is urged to contact such entity promptly if such beneficial holder
wishes to participate in the Exchange Offer.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
The Letter of Transmittal contains, among other things, the following terms
and conditions, which are part of the Exchange Offer.
The party tendering Old Notes for exchange (the "Transferor") exchanges,
assigns and transfers the Old Notes to the Company and irrevocably constitutes
and appoints the Exchange Agent as the Transferor's agent and attorney-in-fact
to cause the Old Notes to be delivered to the Company and transferred and to
acquire New Notes issuable upon the exchange of such tendered Old Notes, and
that, when the same are accepted for exchange, the Company will acquire good,
marketable and unencumbered title to the tendered Old Notes, free and clear of
all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances and not subject to any adverse
claim. The Transferor also warrants that it will, upon request, execute and
deliver any additional documents deemed by the Company to be necessary or
desirable to complete the exchange, assignment and transfer of tendered Old
Notes. The Transferor further agrees that acceptance of any tendered Old Notes
by the Company and the issuance of New Notes in exchange therefor shall
constitute performance in full by the Company of obligations under the
Registration Rights Agreement and that the Company shall have no further
obligations or liabilities thereunder except in certain limited circumstances.
All authority conferred by the Transferor will survive the death or incapacity
of the Transferor and every obligation of the Transferor shall be binding upon
the heirs, legal representatives, successors, assigns, executors and
administrators of such Transferor.
By tendering Old Notes and executing the Letter of Transmittal, the
Transferor certifies that it is not an Affiliate of the Company within the
meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act, that it is not a broker-dealer
that owns Old Notes acquired directly from the Company or any Affiliate of the
Company, it is acquiring the New Notes offered hereby in the ordinary course of
such Transferor's business and that such Transferor has no arrangement with any
person to participate in the distribution of such New Notes.
WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS
Except as otherwise provided herein, tenders of Old Notes may be withdrawn
at any time on or prior to the Expiration Date.
In order for a withdrawal to be effective a written, telegraphic, telex or
facsimile transmission of such notice of withdrawal must be timely received by
the Exchange Agent at its address set forth under
25
<PAGE>
"-- Exchange Agent" on or prior to the Expiration Date. Any such notice of
withdrawal must specify the name of the person who tendered the Old Notes to be
withdrawn, the aggregate principal amount of Old Notes to be withdrawn, and (if
such Old Notes have been tendered) the name of the registered holder of the Old
Notes as set forth on the Old Notes, if different from that of the person who
tendered such Old Notes. If Old Notes have been delivered or otherwise
identified to the Exchange Agent, then prior to the physical release of such Old
Notes, the tendering holder must submit the certificate numbers shown on the
particular Old Notes to be withdrawn and the signature on the notice of
withdrawal must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution, except in the case of
Old Notes tendered for the account of an Eligible Institution. If Old Notes have
been tendered pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer set forth in
"-- Procedures for Tendering Old Notes," the notice of withdrawal must specify
the name and number of the account at DTC to be credited with the withdrawal of
Old Notes, in which case a notice of withdrawal will be effective if delivered
to the Exchange Agent by written, telegraphic, telex or facsimile transmission
on or prior to the Expiration Date. Withdrawals of tenders of Old Notes may not
be rescinded. Old Notes properly withdrawn will not be deemed validly tendered
for purposes of the Exchange Offer, but may be retendered at any subsequent time
on or prior to the Expiration Date by following any of the procedures described
above under "-- Procedures for Tendering Old Notes."
All questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of
receipt) of such withdrawal notices will be determined by the Company, in its
sole discretion, whose determination shall be final and binding on all parties.
Neither the Company, any affiliates or assigns of the Company or the Exchange
Agent nor any other person shall be under any duty to give any notification of
any irregularities in any notice of withdrawal or incur any liability for
failure to give any such notification. Any Old Notes which have been tendered
but which are withdrawn will be returned to the holder thereof promptly after
withdrawal.
INTEREST ON THE NEW NOTES
The New Notes will bear interest from and including their respective dates
of issuance. Holders whose Old Notes are accepted for exchange will receive
accrued interest thereon to, but not including, the date of issuance of the New
Notes, such interest to be payable with the first interest payment on the New
Notes, but will not receive any payment in respect of interest on the Old Notes
accrued after the issuance of the New Notes.
CONDITIONS TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER
Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Exchange Offer, or any extension
of the Exchange Offer, the Company will not be required to accept for exchange,
or to exchange, any Old Notes for any New Notes, and, as described below, may
terminate the Exchange Offer (whether or not any Old Notes have theretofore been
accepted for exchange) or may waive any conditions to or amend the Exchange
Offer, if any of the following conditions has occurred or exists:
(a) there shall occur a change in the current interpretation by the
staff of the Commission which permits the New Notes issued pursuant to
the Exchange Offer in exchange for Old Notes to be offered for resale,
resold and otherwise transferred by holders thereof (other than broker-
dealers and any such holder which is an Affiliate) without compliance
with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the
Securities Act provided that such New Notes are acquired in the ordinary
course of such holders' business and such holders have no arrangement or
understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of such
New Notes;
(b) any action or proceeding shall have been instituted or threatened
in any court or by or before any governmental agency or body with respect
to the Exchange Offer which, in the Company's judgment, would reasonably
be expected to impair the ability of the Company to proceed with the
Exchange Offer;
26
<PAGE>
(c) any law, statute, rule or regulation shall have been adopted or
enacted which, in the Company's judgment, would reasonably be expected to
impair the ability of the Company to proceed with the Exchange Offer;
(d) a banking moratorium shall have been declared by United States
federal or California or New York State authorities which, in the
Company's judgment, would reasonably be expected to impair the ability of
the Company to proceed with the Exchange Offer;
(e) trading on the New York Stock Exchange or generally in the United
States over-the-counter market shall have been suspended by order of the
Commission or any other governmental authority which, in the Company's
judgment, would reasonably be expected to impair the ability of the
Company to proceed with the Exchange Offer;
(f) a stop order shall have been issued by the Commission or any
state securities authority suspending the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement or proceedings shall have been initiated or, to
the knowledge of the Company, threatened for that purpose or any
governmental approval has not been obtained, which approval the Company
shall, in its sole discretion, deem necessary for the consummation of the
Exchange Offer as contemplated hereby; or
(g) any change, or any development involving a prospective change, in
the business or financial affairs of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries has occurred which, in the judgment of the Company, might
materially impair the ability of the Company to proceed with the Exchange
Offer.
If the Company determines in its sole discretion that any of the foregoing
events or conditions has occurred or exists, the Company may, subject to
applicable law, terminate the Exchange Offer (whether or not any Old Notes have
theretofore been accepted for exchange) or may waive any such condition or
otherwise amend the terms of the Exchange Offer in any respect. If such waiver
or amendment constitutes a material change to the Exchange Offer, the Company
will promptly disclose such waiver by means of an amended or supplemented
Prospectus that will be distributed to the registered holders of the Old Notes,
and the Company will extend the Exchange Offer to the extent required by Rule
14e-1 under the Exchange Act.
EXCHANGE AGENT
The Bank of New York has been appointed as Exchange Agent for the Exchange
Offer. Delivery of the Letters of Transmittal and any other required documents,
questions, requests for assistance, and requests for additional copies of this
Prospectus or of the Letter of Transmittal, all whether by registered or
certified mail, by hand or by overnight courier, should be directed to the
Exchange Agent as follows:
The Bank of New York
101 Barclay Street
New York, NY 10286
Attention: Shilpa Priveda
Telephone: (212) 815-5789
and if by facsimile, to (212) 815-6339
Delivery to other than the above address or facsimile number will not
constitute a valid delivery.
FEES AND EXPENSES
The Company has agreed to pay the Exchange Agent reasonable and customary
fees for its services and will reimburse it for its reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses in connection therewith. The Company will also pay brokerage houses and
other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries the reasonable out-of-pocket
27
<PAGE>
expenses incurred by them in forwarding copies of this Prospectus and related
documents to the beneficial owners of Old Notes, and in handling or tendering
for their customers.
Holders who tender their Old Notes for exchange will not be obligated to pay
any transfer taxes in connection therewith. If, however, New Notes are to be
delivered to, or are to be issued in the name of, any person other than the
registered holder of the Old Notes tendered, or if a transfer tax is imposed for
any reason other than the exchange of Old Notes in connection with the Exchange
Offer, then the amount of any such transfer taxes (whether imposed on the
registered holder or any other persons) will be payable by the tendering holder.
If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is not
submitted with the Letter of Transmittal, the amount of such transfer taxes will
be billed directly to such tendering holder.
The Company will not make any payment to brokers, dealers or others
soliciting acceptances of the Exchange Offer.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following is a discussion of the material tax consequences of exchanging
Old Notes for New Notes in the Exchange Offer. In the opinion of Sullivan &
Cromwell, counsel to the Company, the exchange of Old Notes for New Notes in the
Exchange Offer will not be a taxable exchange for federal income tax purposes
and, accordingly, a holder will not recognize any taxable gain or loss as a
result of such exchange.
OTHER
Participation in the Exchange Offer is voluntary, and holders should
carefully consider whether to accept the Exchange Offer and tender their Old
Notes. Holders of the Old Notes are urged to consult their financial and tax
advisors in making their own decisions on what action to take.
As a result of the making of, and upon acceptance for exchange of all
validly tendered Old Notes pursuant to the terms of this Exchange Offer, the
Company will have satisfied its obligations under the Registration Rights
Agreement. Holders of the Old Notes who do not tender their Old Notes in the
Exchange Offer will continue to hold such Old Notes and will be entitled to all
the rights, and subject to all the limitations applicable thereto, under the
Indenture, such holders will have no further rights to registration of Old Notes
under the Registration Rights Agreement. See "Description of the Notes --
Registration Rights; Liquidated Damages." All untendered Old Notes will continue
to be subject to the restriction on transfer set forth in the Indenture. To the
extent that Old Notes are tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer, the
trading market, if any, for the Old Notes could be adversely affected. See "Risk
Factors -- Consequences of Exchange and Failure to Exchange Old Notes."
The Company may in the future seek to acquire untendered Old Notes in the
open market or privately negotiated transactions, through subsequent exchange
offers or otherwise. The Company has no present plan to acquire any Old Notes
that are not tendered in the Exchange Offer.
28
<PAGE>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial data are derived
from the Company's consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere herein,
as adjusted to give effect to the Recapitalization Transactions. The unaudited
pro forma consolidated statement of income data for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 1996 and nine month periods ended June 30, 1996 and 1997 give
effect to the Recapitalization Transactions as if they had occurred on October
1, 1995. The pro forma adjustments are based upon available data and certain
assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable. The unaudited pro forma
consolidated financial data does not purport to represent what the Company's
results of operations would actually have been had the Recapitalization
Transactions in fact occurred at such prior time or to project the Company's
results of operations for any future period. The unaudited pro forma
consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements of the Company and the information contained in "The
Recapitalization Transactions," "Use of Proceeds" and "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included
elsewhere herein.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
------------------------------------
PRO FORMA
ACTUAL ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA
---------- ----------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sales....................................................................... $ 150,993 $ 150,993
Cost of goods sold.......................................................... 72,364 72,364
---------- -----------
Gross margin................................................................ 78,629 78,629
Operating expenses:
Marketing and selling..................................................... 36,197 36,197
Research and development.................................................. 12,917 12,917
General and administrative................................................ 11,612 11,612
Provision for restructuring operations.................................... 1,832 1,832
---------- -----------
62,558 62,558
---------- -----------
Operating income............................................................ 16,071 16,071
Non-operating income (expense):
Interest income........................................................... 167 167
Interest expense.......................................................... (762) $ (11,171)(1) (11,933)
Other, net................................................................ (1,036) (1,036)
---------- ----------- -----------
(1,631) (11,171) (12,802)
---------- ----------- -----------
Income before provision for income taxes.................................... 14,440 (11,171) 3,269
Provision for income taxes.................................................. 965 (896)(2) 69
---------- ----------- -----------
Net income (3)(4)(5)........................................................ $ 13,475 $ (10,275) $ 3,200
---------- ----------- -----------
---------- ----------- -----------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Income Data
29
<PAGE>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
------------------------------------
PRO FORMA
ACTUAL ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA
---------- ----------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sales....................................................................... $ 115,181 $ 115,181
Cost of goods sold.......................................................... 55,779 55,779
---------- -----------
Gross margin................................................................ 59,402 59,402
Operating expenses:
Marketing and selling..................................................... 26,809 26,809
Research and development.................................................. 9,416 9,416
General and administrative................................................ 8,655 8,655
Provision for restructuring operations.................................... 188 188
---------- -----------
45,068 45,068
---------- -----------
Operating income............................................................ 14,334 14,334
Non-operating income (expense):
Interest income........................................................... 99 99
Interest expense.......................................................... (616) $ (8,364)(1) (8,980)
Other, net................................................................ (488) (488)
---------- ----------- -----------
(1,005) (8,364) (9,369)
---------- ----------- -----------
Income before provision for income taxes.................................... 13,329 (8,364) 4,965
Provision for income taxes.................................................. 893 (789)(2) 104
---------- ----------- -----------
Net income (3)(4)(5)........................................................ $ 12,436 $ (7,575) $ 4,861
---------- ----------- -----------
---------- ----------- -----------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Income Data
30
<PAGE>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
------------------------------------
PRO FORMA
ACTUAL ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA
---------- ----------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sales....................................................................... $ 118,700 $ 118,700
Cost of goods sold.......................................................... 55,479 55,479
---------- -----------
Gross margin................................................................ 63,221 63,221
Operating expenses:
Marketing and selling..................................................... 27,913 27,913
Research and development.................................................. 11,635 11,635
General and administrative................................................ 7,878 7,878
Stock option compensation related to recapitalization (3)................. 7,061 7,061
---------- -----------
54,487 54,487
---------- -----------
Operating income............................................................ 8,734 8,734
Non-operating income (expense):
Interest income........................................................... 254 254
Interest expense.......................................................... (948) $ (7,791)(1) (8,739)
Other, net................................................................ (861) (861)
---------- ----------- -----------
(1,555) (7,791) (9,346)
---------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes............................. 7,179 (7,791) (612)
Provision for income taxes.................................................. 2,728 (2,959)(2) (231)
---------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) (4)(5).................................................... $ 4,451 $ (4,832) $ (381)
---------- ----------- -----------
---------- ----------- -----------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Income Data
31
<PAGE>
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA
(dollars in thousands)
(1) The pro forma adjustment to interest expense is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL NINE MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
SEPTEMBER 30, --------------------
1996 1996 1997
------------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Interest expense on the Notes and on borrowings under the New Credit
Agreement at an assumed weighted average interest rate of 9.62%, including
revolving credit commitment and administration fees........................ $ 10,581 $ 7,922 $ 7,382
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs................................. 590 442 409
------------- --------- ---------
Total adjustment to interest expense..................................... $ 11,171 $ 8,364 $ 7,791
------------- --------- ---------
------------- --------- ---------
</TABLE>
(2) The pro forma provision for income taxes reflects an assumed effective rate
of 2.1%, 2.1% and 37.7% for fiscal 1996 and the nine months ended June 30,
1996 and 1997, respectively. The effective historical tax rates for fiscal
year 1996 and the nine months ended June 30, 1996 are lower than expected
statutory rates due primarily to the reduction of certain deferred tax asset
valuation allowances due to the realization of such deferred tax assets
becoming more likely than not. The pro forma effective tax rates for the
periods presented differ from the historical effective tax rate because the
pro forma adjustment to interest expense would have resulted in a lower
reduction in the deferred tax valuation allowance available to the Company.
(3) The Company recorded a charge of $7,061 in June 1997 related to its cash
payments to certain employees in exchange for their surrender of stock
options in connection with the Recapitalization Transactions. This
non-recurring expense, and a related non-recurring income tax benefit of
$2,779, are not reflected in the pro forma income statement data for fiscal
1996 or the nine months ended June 30, 1996.
(4) EBITDA is $20,933 for fiscal 1996 and $16,988 and $18,327 for the nine
months ended June 30, 1996 and 1997, respectively. The pro forma adjustments
noted above result in no adjustments to the amount of EBITDA reported for
any period presented. EBITDA is operating income plus depreciation and
amortization expense, stock option compensation related to recapitalization
and provision for restructuring operations. The Company's definition of
EBITDA is consistent with the definition of Consolidated Cash Flow in the
Indenture. While EBITDA should not be construed as a substitute for income
from operations, net income or cash flows from operating activities in
analyzing the Company's operating performance, financial position or cash
flows, the Company has included EBITDA because it may be used as an
indicator of compliance with certain covenants in the Indenture and the New
Credit Agreement and is commonly used by certain investors and analysts to
analyze and compare companies on the basis of operating performance,
leverage and liquidity and to determine a Company's ability to service debt.
EBITDA as presented by the Company herein may not be comparable to similarly
titled measures reported by other companies. In addition, the amount
reported by the Company as EBITDA may not be fully available for
management's discretionary use due to the Company's needs to conserve funds
for debt service, capital expenditures and other commitments. See
"Description of Notes -- Certain Covenants" and "-- Certain Definitions."
32
<PAGE>
(5) For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings
consist of income before provision for income taxes plus fixed charges.
Fixed charges consist of interest expense, including amortization of
deferred debt issuance costs, and one-third of the rent expense from
operating leases, which management believes is a reasonable approximation of
the interest factor of the rent. The actual and pro forma ratios of earnings
to fixed charges are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
FISCAL
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
SEPTEMBER 30, --------------------
1996 1996 1997
----------------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Actual ratio of earnings to fixed charges.......................................... 9.9x 11.4x 5.4x
Pro forma ratio of earnings to fixed charges....................................... 1.3x 1.5x (1)
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) For the nine months ended June 30, 1997, pro forma earnings were inadequate
to cover pro forma fixed charges by $612.
33
<PAGE>
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected consolidated financial data as of September 30, 1995
and 1996 and for the fiscal years ended September 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996 are
derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the audited consolidated
financial statements of the Company included elsewhere herein. The selected
consolidated financial data of the Company as of September 30, 1992, 1993 and
1994 and for the fiscal years ended September 30, 1992 and 1993 are derived from
audited consolidated financial statements of the Company that are not contained
herein. The selected historical consolidated financial data for the nine month
periods ended June 30, 1996 and 1997 have been derived from the unaudited
consolidated financial statements of Wavetek contained herein and reflect all
adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) that, in the opinion of
management of Wavetek, are necessary for a fair presentation of such
information. Operating results for the nine months ended June 30, 1997 are not
necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for fiscal 1997. The pro
forma data for the twelve months ended June 30, 1997 are derived from the
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data of the Company. The selected
consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements of the Company, the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated
Financial Data of the Company and the information contained in "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"
included elsewhere herein.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, JUNE 30,
----------------------------------------------------- --------------------
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1996 1997
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
Sales................................................. $ 58,081 $ 71,891 $ 74,815 $ 133,619 $ 150,993 $ 115,181 $ 118,700
Cost of goods sold.................................... 30,483 41,112 41,373 72,649 72,364 55,779 55,479
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Gross margin.......................................... 27,598 30,779 33,442 60,970 78,629 59,402 63,221
Operating expenses:
Marketing and selling............................... 14,017 15,539 16,429 32,586 36,197 26,809 27,913
Research and development............................ 5,507 5,114 5,425 12,096 12,917 9,416 11,635
General and administrative.......................... 5,350 5,704 6,057 9,391 11,612 8,655 7,878
Stock option compensation related to
recapitalization (1).............................. -- -- -- -- -- -- 7,061
Provision for restructuring operations (2).......... -- -- -- -- 1,832 188 --
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
24,874 26,357 27,911 54,073 62,558 45,068 54,487
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating income...................................... 2,724 4,422 5,531 6,897 16,071 14,334 8,734
Non-operating income (expense):
Interest income..................................... 117 24 33 90 167 99 254
Interest expense.................................... (966) (676) (645) (1,190) (762) (616) (948)
Loss on sale and leaseback financing................ -- -- -- (1,824) -- -- --
Other, net.......................................... 1,077 24 (387) (288) (1,036) (488) (861)
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
228 (628) (999) (3,212) (1,631) (1,005) (1,555)
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income before provision for income taxes.............. 2,952 3,794 4,532 3,685 14,440 13,329 7,179
Provision for income taxes (3)........................ 90 168 822 616 965 893 2,728
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income (3)........................................ $ 2,862 $ 3,626 $ 3,710 $ 3,069 $ 13,475 $ 12,436 $ 4,451
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
EBITDA (4)............................................ $ 3,760 $ 5,903 $ 7,141 $ 9,944 $ 20,933 $ 16,988 $ 18,327
Depreciation and amortization expense................. 1,036 1,481 1,610 3,047 3,030 2,466 2,532
Capital expenditures.................................. 1,062 2,108 1,332 2,920 4,544 3,207 4,784
EBITDA as a percentage of sales....................... 6.5% 8.2% 9.5% 7.4% 13.9% 14.7% 15.4%
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (5)................ 3.2x 4.7x 5.3x 2.8x 9.9x 11.4x 5.4x
Cash flows provided by (used in):
Operating activities................................ 5,686 7,215 6,447 12,548 15,076 10,431 7,031
Investing activities................................ 2,578 (5,278) 53 (20,383) (3,950) (2,597) (7,562)
Financing activities................................ (7,381) (1,862) (6,367) 7,682 (8,634) (7,478) (1,379)
PRO FORMA DATA (6):
Interest expense...................................... $ 11,933 $ 8,980 $ 8,739
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes....... 3,269 4,965 (612)
Net income (loss)..................................... 3,200 4,861 (381)
Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense................... 1.8x 1.9x 2.1x
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (4)................ 1.3x 1.5x (7)
Ratio of net debt to EBITDA (8).......................
<CAPTION>
TWELVE
MONTHS
ENDED
JUNE 30,
1997
-----------
<S> <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
Sales................................................. $ 154,512
Cost of goods sold.................................... 72,064
-----------
Gross margin.......................................... 82,448
Operating expenses:
Marketing and selling............................... 37,301
Research and development............................ 15,136
General and administrative.......................... 10,835
Stock option compensation related to
recapitalization (1).............................. 7,061
Provision for restructuring operations (2).......... 1,644
-----------
71,977
-----------
Operating income...................................... 10,471
Non-operating income (expense):
Interest income..................................... 322
Interest expense.................................... (1,094)
Loss on sale and leaseback financing................ --
Other, net.......................................... (1,409)
-----------
(2,181)
-----------
Income before provision for income taxes.............. 8,290
Provision for income taxes (3)........................ 2,800
-----------
Net income (3)........................................ $ 5,490
-----------
-----------
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
EBITDA (4)............................................ $ 22,272
Depreciation and amortization expense................. 3,096
Capital expenditures.................................. 6,121
EBITDA as a percentage of sales....................... 14.4%
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (5)................ 5.2x
Cash flows provided by (used in):
Operating activities................................ 11,676
Investing activities................................ (8,915)
Financing activities................................ (2,544)
PRO FORMA DATA (6):
Interest expense...................................... $ 11,692
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes....... (2,308)
Net income (loss)..................................... (2,042)
Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense................... 1.9x
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (4)................ (7)
Ratio of net debt to EBITDA (8)....................... 5.0x
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30,
-----------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents (9)......... $ 3,531 $ 3,513 $ 3,807 $ 3,689 $ 6,126
Total assets.......................... 28,701 36,755 34,705 62,578 68,852
Total debt............................ 6,647 9,269 9,860 14,684 5,954
Stockholders' equity (deficit)........ 11,535 14,592 11,637 19,416 32,688
<CAPTION>
AS OF JUNE 30, 1997
------------------------
<S> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents (9)......... $ 7,059
Total assets.......................... 79,963
Total debt............................ 118,360
Stockholders' equity (deficit)........ (72,969)
</TABLE>
(SEE NOTES ON FOLLOWING PAGE)
34
<PAGE>
- ----------------------------------
(1) In connection with the Recapitalization Transactions, the Company made cash
payments upon the surrender of stock options by employees in an aggregate
amount of $7.1 million. This amount is included in operating expenses for
the nine month period ended June 30, 1997.
(2) In fiscal 1996, the Company initiated a plan to restructure certain
corporate management functions, its European manufacturing, service and
sales activities and its San Diego manufacturing activities. The
restructuring costs primarily include expenses for employee severance and
closedown of certain manufacturing operations. The restructuring is expected
to be completed during fiscal 1997.
(3) The Company's net income for fiscal 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and the
nine months ended June 30, 1996 and 1997 was favorably impacted because the
Company's provisions for income taxes were lower in those periods than the
amounts calculated using statutory rates due to the utilization of certain
net operating loss carryforwards and reductions in certain valuation
allowances provided in prior years due to uncertainties regarding the
realization of certain deferred tax assets. In fiscal 1996, a tax benefit of
$6.2 million was realized due to the reductions of certain valuation
allowances which were recorded as of the end of fiscal 1995. See Note 11 to
the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere herein.
(4) EBITDA is operating income plus depreciation and amortization expense, stock
option compensation related to recapitalization and provision for
restructuring operations. The Company's definition of EBITDA is consistent
with the definition of Consolidated Cash Flow in the Indenture. While EBITDA
should not be construed as a substitute for income from operations, net
income or cash flows from operating activities in analyzing the Company's
operating performance, financial position or cash flows, the Company has
included EBITDA because it may be viewed as an indicator of compliance with
certain covenants in the Indenture and the New Credit Agreement and is
commonly used by certain investors and analysts to analyze and compare
companies on the basis of operating performance, leverage and liquidity and
to determine a Company's ability to service debt. EBITDA as presented by the
Company herein may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported
by other companies. In addition, the amount reported by the Company as
EBITDA may not be fully available for management's discretionary use due to
the Company's needs to conserve funds for debt service, capital expenditures
and other commitments. See "Description of Notes -- Certain Covenants" and
"-- Certain Definitions."
(5) For purposes of computing this ratio, earnings consist of income before
provision for income taxes plus fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of
interest expense, amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and one-third
of the rent expense from operating leases, which management believes is a
reasonable approximation of the interest factor of the rent.
(6) See "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data."
(7) For the nine months ended June 30, 1997 and the twelve months ended June 30,
1997, pro forma earnings were inadequate to cover pro forma fixed charges by
$0.6 million and $2.3 million, respectively.
(8) Net debt is total debt less cash and cash equivalents and short-term
investments. As of June 30, 1997, net debt was $111.3 million.
(9) Cash and cash equivalents includes short-term investments, which are
comprised primarily of U.S. Treasury securities and guaranteed obligations
of the U.S. government or its agencies with original maturities between 3
and 12 months.
35
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company's
consolidated financial statements and the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated
Financial Data of the Company included elsewhere herein.
OVERVIEW
Wavetek is a leading global designer, manufacturer and distributor of a
broad range of electronic test instruments, with a primary focus on
application-specific instruments for testing voice, video and data
communications equipment and networks. The Company also designs, manufacturers
and distributes precision instruments to calibrate and test electronic equipment
and provides repair, upgrade and calibration services for its products on a
worldwide basis.
The Company derives its revenues primarily from the sale of its products to
a broad international base of over 5,000 customers operating in a wide range of
industries. A majority of the Company's sales come from its Communications Test
product lines which serve the CATV, Wireless, Telecom, LAN and Test Tools market
segments of the test instrument industry. The Company also sells Calibration
Instruments and provides repair, upgrade and calibration services for its
products on a worldwide basis. The Company sells products that are manufactured
at its four facilities located in: (i) Indianapolis, Indiana; (ii) Norwich,
England; (iii) St. Etienne, France; and (iv) Munich, Germany. In major markets
such as the United States, England, France and Germany, the Company sells its
products to customers in their local currencies. In the rest of the world, the
Company generally sells its products to customers or local distributors in the
functional currency of the location where the products are manufactured. During
fiscal 1996, approximately 59% of the Company's sales were generated outside of
the United States and approximately 47% of the Company's sales were made in
currencies other than the United States dollar. As a result of such foreign
currency sales, the equivalent United States dollar amount of the Company's
sales is impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company's
ability to maintain and grow its sales depends on a variety of factors including
its ability to maintain its competitive position in areas such as technology,
performance, price, brand identity, quality, reliability, distribution and
customer service and support, and its ability to continue to introduce new
products that respond to technological change and market demand in a timely
manner.
Wavetek's cost of goods sold, and its resulting gross margin, are driven
primarily by the cost of the material in its products, the cost of the labor to
manufacture such products and the overhead expenses in its facilities. In recent
years, the Company has focused on improving its gross margin by: (i)
consolidating manufacturing operations; (ii) focusing its new product
development efforts on lower-cost, easier to manufacture designs; (iii)
controlling headcount and expenses in its manufacturing facilities; and (iv)
gaining efficiencies and economies of scale in its material and component
procurement activities.
The Company's operating expenses are substantially impacted by marketing and
selling activities and by research and development activities. Marketing and
selling expenses are primarily driven by: (i) sales volume, with respect to
sales force expenses and sales and commission expenses; (ii) the extent of
market research activities for new product design efforts; (iii) advertising and
trade show activities; and (iv) the number of new products launched in the
period. In recent periods, the Company has increased its spending on research
and development activities. This increase has resulted from the Company's
October 1994 acquisition of its Wireless and Telecom businesses, which had a
higher spending level than the Company's historical activities, and from a
planned increase in spending to accelerate the timing of new product
introductions. General and administrative expenses primarily include costs
associated with the Company's administrative employees, facilities and
functions. The Company incurs expenses in foreign countries primarily in the
functional currencies of such locations. As a result of the Company's
substantial
36
<PAGE>
international operations, the United States dollar amount of its expenses is
impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
In recent years, the Company's results of operations have been significantly
impacted by its October 1994 acquisition of its Wireless and Telecom businesses,
the Company's efforts to improve the operating results of these businesses and
by the rapid growth in sales and profitability of the Company's CATV product
lines.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth selected financial information as a
percentage of sales for the periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, NINE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
------------------------------- --------------------
1994 1995 1996 1996 1997
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales.............................................. 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of goods sold................................. 55.3 54.4 47.9 48.4 46.7
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Gross margin....................................... 44.7 45.6 52.1 51.6 53.3
Operating expenses................................. 37.3 40.4 41.5 39.1 45.9
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating income................................... 7.4 5.2 10.6 12.5 7.4
Interest expense, net.............................. (0.8) (0.8) (0.4) (0.5) (0.7)
Other non-operating income (expense), net.......... (0.5) (1.6) (0.7) (0.4) (0.7)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income before provision for income taxes........... 6.1 2.8 9.5 11.6 6.0
Provision for income taxes......................... (1.1) (0.5) (0.6) (0.8) (2.3)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income......................................... 5.0% 2.3% 8.9% 10.8% 3.7%
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
EBITDA (1)......................................... 9.5% 7.4% 13.9% 14.7% 15.4%
</TABLE>
The Company's ratio of earnings to fixed charges was as follows for the
periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, NINE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
------------------------------- --------------------
1994 1995 1996 1996 1997
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (2)............. 5.3x 2.8x 9.9x 11.4x 5.4x
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) EBITDA is operating income plus depreciation and amortization expense, stock
option compensation related to recapitalization and provision for
restructuring operations. The Company's definition of EBITDA is consistent
with the definition of Consolidated Cash Flow in the Indenture. While EBITDA
should not be construed as a substitute for income from operations, net
income or cash flows from operating activities in analyzing the Company's
operating performance, financial position or cash flows, the Company has
included EBITDA because it may be used as an indicator of compliance with
certain covenants in the Indenture and the New Credit Agreement and is
commonly used by certain investors and analysts to analyze and compare
companies on the basis of operating performance, leverage and liquidity and
to determine a Company's ability to service debt. EBITDA as presented by the
Company herein may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported
by other companies. In addition, the amount reported by the Company as
EBITDA may not be fully available for management's discretionary use due to
the Company's needs to conserve funds for debt service, capital expenditures
and other commitments. See "Description of Notes -- Certain Covenants" and
"-- Certain Definitions."
(2) For purposes of computing this ratio, earnings consist of income before
provision for income taxes plus fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of
interest expense, amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and one-third
of the rent expense from operating leases, which management believes is a
reasonable approximation of the interest factor of the rent.
37
<PAGE>
NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 COMPARED TO NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
SALES. Sales in the nine months ended June 30, 1997 increased $3.5 million,
or 3.1%, to $118.7 million from $115.2 million in the comparable fiscal 1996
period. This increase was due to an increase in sales to international customers
of $5.3 million, or 7.7%, offset by a decrease of $1.7 million, or 3.7%, in
sales to customers in the United States. The Company's sales to customers
outside the United States increased to 62.2% in the nine months ended June 30,
1997 from 59.5% in the comparable fiscal 1996 period. Changes in foreign
exchange rates had an unfavorable impact on the United States dollar equivalent
of international sales in the nine months ended June 30, 1997. Sales of the
Company's Communications Test products increased $1.0 million, or 1.1%, from the
comparable fiscal 1996 period primarily as a result of an increase in
international sales partially offset by reduced domestic sales. Sales of
Calibration Instruments products increased $2.5 million, or 14.2%, from the
comparable fiscal 1996 period, due partially to changes in foreign exchange
rates and partially to higher shipments in connection with a planned reduction
in the backlog of this product line. Sales from repair, upgrade and calibration
services remained relatively constant during the nine months ended June 30,
1997, increasing $0.1 million, or 0.8%, from the comparable fiscal 1996 period.
Within its Communications Test product lines, sales of the Company's CATV
and Wireless products increased in the nine months ended June 30, 1997 from the
comparable fiscal 1996 period, while sales of the Company's Telecom, LAN and
Test Tools products declined. The growth in CATV sales in the first nine months
of fiscal 1997 can be substantially attributed to the Company's continued
penetration of international markets as it continues to benefit from the
increasing international investment in CATV infrastructure. The increase in
Wireless product sales in the first nine months of fiscal 1997 is due primarily
to the shipment of a large order to a customer in Korea, offset by the impact of
the devaluation of the Deutsche mark against the United States dollar. The
Company's Telecom sales decreased during the first nine months of fiscal 1997 as
a result of reduced sales in France, including sales to one of the Company's
largest Telecom customers. Telecom sales in the first nine months of fiscal 1997
were also adversely affected by the devaluation in the French franc against the
United States dollar. Decreases in sales of LAN and Test Tools products during
the first nine months of fiscal 1997 were primarily attributable to pending
transitions to new or updated LAN and Test Tools products which are being
introduced in fiscal 1997. The Company's sales were also adversely impacted in
the first nine months of fiscal 1997 by the discontinuance of selected non-core
Communications Test products.
GROSS MARGIN. The Company's gross margin in the nine months ended June 30,
1997 increased $3.8 million, or 6.4%, to $63.2 million from $59.4 million in the
first nine months of fiscal 1996. Gross margin as a percentage of sales
increased to 53.3% in the first nine months of fiscal 1997 from 51.6% in the
first nine months of fiscal 1996. The increase in the gross margin percentage
during the first nine months of fiscal 1997 results from a higher proportion of
the Company's sales coming from its higher margin CATV products, offset by
reductions in the gross margin percentage achieved in its Wireless, Telecom and
Calibration Instruments product lines. Changes in foreign exchange rates had an
unfavorable impact on the United States dollar equivalent of gross margins
related to international sales denominated in foreign currencies in the nine
months ended June 30, 1997. The Company has also experienced higher gross margin
percentages in the first nine months of fiscal 1997 as a result of a more
favorable geographic mix. The decline in Wireless gross margin percentages in
the first nine months of fiscal 1997 is due primarily to a large sale of a
non-core product to a customer in Korea on which a lower than average gross
margin percentage was achieved.
OPERATING EXPENSES. Operating expenses in the nine months ended June 30,
1997 increased $9.4 million, or 20.9%, to $54.5 million from $45.1 million in
the comparable fiscal 1996 period. Operating expenses as a percentage of sales
increased to 45.9% in the first nine months of fiscal 1997 from 39.1% in the
first nine months of fiscal 1996. The increase in operating expenses in the
first nine months of fiscal 1997 was due to a one-time charge of $7.1 million,
or 5.9% of sales, for stock option compensation related to the Recapitalization
Transactions and an increase in spending for research and development activities
of
38
<PAGE>
$2.2 million, to $11.6 million, or 9.8% of sales in the first nine months of
fiscal 1997 from $9.4 million, or 8.2% of sales in the first nine months of
fiscal 1996, in order to accelerate the timing of new product introductions. The
increase in the first nine months of fiscal 1997 was also partially due to
increased spending, as a percentage of sales, in marketing and selling
activities to 23.5% in the first nine months of fiscal 1997 from 23.3% in the
first nine months of fiscal 1996. These increases in the first nine months of
fiscal 1997 were partially offset by reduced spending in general and
administrative activities of $0.8 million to 6.6% in the first nine months of
fiscal 1997 from 7.5% in the first nine months of fiscal 1996, reflecting the
Company's ability to spread certain fixed expenses over a higher sales volume.
Changes in foreign exchange rates also had a favorable impact on the United
States dollar equivalent of operating expenses denominated in foreign currencies
in the nine months ended June 30, 1997.
NON-OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE). Non-operating expense, net, in the nine
months ended June 30, 1997 increased by $0.6 million over the comparable fiscal
1996 period to $1.6 million. The Company's net interest expense increased to
$0.7 million during the nine months ended June 30, 1997 from $0.5 million in the
comparable fiscal 1996 period, reflecting additional interest expense due to the
Notes and the New Credit Agreement. In addition, in the nine months ended June
30, 1997, the Company's exchange losses from foreign currency transactions,
included in the "Other, net" caption in the Company's consolidated statements of
income, increased by $0.5 million over the comparable fiscal 1996 period.
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES. The Company's effective tax rate in the nine
months ended June 30, 1997 was 38.0%. In the nine months ended June 30, 1996,
the Company's effective tax rate was only 6.7% due to the reduction in certain
deferred tax asset valuation allowances in the amount of $6.2 million due to the
realization of such deferred tax assets becoming more likely than not. At June
30, 1997, the deferred tax assets were $4.5 million.
NET INCOME. As a result of the above factors, net income was $4.5 million
in the nine months ended June 30, 1997 as compared to $12.4 million in the nine
months ended June 30, 1996.
EBITDA. EBITDA was $18.3 million in the nine months ended June 30, 1997 as
compared to $17.0 million in the nine months ended June 30, 1996. EBITDA as a
percentage of sales increased to 15.4% in the first nine months of fiscal 1997
from 14.7% in the first nine months of fiscal 1996.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES. As a result of the above factors, the
ratio of earnings to fixed charges was 5.4x for the nine months ended June 30,
1997 as compared to 11.4x for the nine months ended June 30, 1996.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
1995
SALES. Sales in fiscal 1996 increased $17.4 million, or 13.0%, to $151.0
million from $133.6 million in fiscal 1995. The Company's mix of business in the
United States versus international markets remained constant at approximately
41% domestic and approximately 59% international in each of fiscal 1996 and
1995. Changes in foreign exchange rates did not have a material impact on total
sales in fiscal 1996 compared to fiscal 1995. Sales of the Company's
Communications Test products in fiscal 1996 increased $15.6 million, or 15.7%,
from fiscal 1995. Sales of Calibration Instruments products in fiscal 1996
increased by $0.7 million, or 2.8%, from fiscal 1995. Revenues from repair,
upgrade and calibration services increased $1.1 million in fiscal 1996, or
10.6%, over fiscal 1995 primarily due to increased service revenues for the
Company's Wireless and Telecom products in France and Germany.
Within its Communications Test product lines, sales of the Company's CATV
products increased in fiscal 1996 as a result of the impact of new products
introduced in fiscal 1996 and 1995 and the positive impact of overall growth in
CATV markets due to infrastructure upgrading by United States CATV operators and
the rapid increase of cable subscribers and cable infrastructure development in
international markets. Sales of the Company's LAN products also increased in
fiscal 1996 as a result of the full-year effect of the Company's LANTEKPRO
family of products that were introduced mid-year in fiscal 1995.
39
<PAGE>
These CATV and LAN increases in fiscal 1996 were offset by decreases in sales of
the Company's Test Tools products primarily due to the discontinuance of
non-core product lines and a decrease in sales of the Company's Wireless
products attributable to declines in sales of older products. The Company's
Communications Test sales were also impacted by the sale of a non-strategic
business in fiscal 1996.
GROSS MARGIN. The Company's gross margin in fiscal 1996 increased $17.7
million, or 29.0%, to $78.6 million from $61.0 million in fiscal 1995. Gross
margin as a percentage of sales increased to 52.1% in fiscal 1996 from 45.6% in
fiscal 1995. The increase in gross margin in fiscal 1996 was due to: (i) the
closing of the Company's San Diego manufacturing facility in fiscal 1996; (ii)
increased sales of higher gross margin Communications Test products; (iii) the
benefits of improved overhead absorption due to the significant increase in
volume of sales of CATV and LAN products; and (iv) reduced overhead spending in
the Company's Wireless and Telecom business areas, which were acquired in
October 1994.
OPERATING EXPENSES. Operating expenses in fiscal 1996 increased $8.5
million, or 15.7%, to $62.6 million from $54.1 million in fiscal 1995. Operating
expenses as a percentage of sales increased to 41.5% in fiscal 1996 from 40.4%
in fiscal 1995. The increase in operating expenses in fiscal 1996 was due to:
(i) a provision recorded by the Company of $1.8 million for the restructuring of
certain corporate management functions, its European manufacturing, service and
sales activities and San Diego manufacturing activities; and (ii) an increase in
general and administrative activities of $2.2 million, to 7.7% of sales in
fiscal 1996 from 7.0% of sales in fiscal 1995, due to higher than normal charges
in 1996 for executive recruitment and relocation and provisions for potentially
doubtful accounts receivable. Excluding the $1.8 million provision for
restructuring operations, operating expenses as a percentage of sales would have
decreased to 40.2% in fiscal 1996 from 40.4% in fiscal 1995. The increase in
fiscal 1996 was partially offset by reduced spending, as a percentage of sales,
in marketing and selling activities to 24.0% in fiscal 1996 from 24.4% in fiscal
1995 and in research and development activities to 8.6% ($12.9 million) in
fiscal 1996 from 9.1% ($12.1 million) in fiscal 1995, reflecting the Company's
efforts to reduce expenses in the Wireless and Telecom business areas it
acquired in October 1994.
NON-OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE). Non-operating expense, net, in fiscal 1996
decreased to $1.6 million from $3.2 million in fiscal 1995. The Company's net
interest expense decreased to $0.6 million in fiscal 1996 from $1.1 million in
fiscal 1995, reflecting a reduction in average net borrowings. Other non-
operating expenses decreased to $1.0 million in fiscal 1996 from $2.1 million in
fiscal 1995, due primarily to a loss of $1.8 million incurred in fiscal 1995
related to the sale and leaseback financing of the Company's Indianapolis
facility. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in other expense of
$0.7 million in fiscal 1995 due primarily to certain non-recurring legal
expenses.
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES. The Company's effective tax rate in fiscal 1996
was 6.7% due to the reduction of certain deferred tax asset valuation allowances
of $6.2 million due to the realization of such deferred tax assets becoming more
likely than not, compared to a fiscal 1995 effective rate of 16.7%.
NET INCOME. As a result of the above factors, including in particular the
tax benefit in 1996, net income was $13.5 million in fiscal 1996 as compared to
$3.1 million in fiscal 1995.
EBITDA. EBITDA was $20.9 million in fiscal 1996 as compared to $9.9 million
in fiscal 1995. EBITDA as a percentage of sales increased to 13.9% in fiscal
1996 from 7.4% in fiscal 1995.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES. As a result of the above factors, the
ratio of earnings to fixed charges was 9.9x for fiscal 1996 as compared to 2.8x
for fiscal 1995.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
1994
SALES. Sales in fiscal 1995 increased $58.8 million, or 78.6%, to $133.6
million from $74.8 million in fiscal 1994. The Company's sales to customers
outside the United States increased to 59.5% of sales in fiscal 1995 from 42.6%
in fiscal 1994. The increases in total sales and the international portion of
total
40
<PAGE>
sales are substantially attributable to the Company's acquisition of the
Wireless and Telecom business of Schlumberger in October 1994. Additionally,
sales of the Company's CATV products increased due to the early effects of the
overall growth in the CATV market and infrastructure spending described above,
and sales of the Company's LAN products grew due to the introduction of a new
product platform in the middle of fiscal 1995.
GROSS MARGIN. The Company's gross margin in fiscal 1995 increased $27.5
million, or 82.3%, to $61.0 million from $33.4 million in fiscal 1994. Gross
margin as a percentage of sales increased to 45.6% in fiscal 1995 from 44.7% in
fiscal 1994. The increase in margins was due to the positive effects of volume
increases in the CATV and LAN product lines, offset by the impact of lower gross
margins associated with the acquired Wireless and Telecom business.
OPERATING EXPENSES. Operating expenses in fiscal 1995 increased $26.2
million, or 93.7%, to $54.1 million from $27.9 million in fiscal 1994. Operating
expenses as a percentage of sales increased to 40.4% in fiscal 1995 from 37.3%
in fiscal 1994, reflecting increased fixed expenses, higher spending levels and
goodwill amortization associated with the acquired Wireless and Telecom
business. Spending for research and development activities increased from $5.4
million in fiscal 1994 to $12.1 million in fiscal 1995.
NON-OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE). Non-operating expense, net, in fiscal 1995
increased to $3.2 million from $1.0 million in fiscal 1994. The Company's net
interest expense increased to $1.1 million during fiscal 1995 from $0.6 million
during fiscal 1994, reflecting increased borrowings to complete the October 1994
acquisition by the Company of its Wireless and Telecom businesses. Other
non-operating expenses increased to $2.1 million in fiscal 1995 from $0.4
million in fiscal 1994, due primarily to a loss of $1.8 million incurred in
fiscal 1995 related to the sale and leaseback financing of the Company's
Indianapolis facility.
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES. The Company's effective tax rate in fiscal 1995
was 16.7%, compared to a fiscal 1994 effective rate of 18.1%.
NET INCOME. As a result of the above factors, net income was $3.1 million
in fiscal 1995 as compared to $3.7 million in fiscal 1994.
EBITDA. EBITDA was $9.9 million in fiscal 1995 as compared to $7.1 million
in fiscal 1994. EBITDA as a percentage of sales decreased to 7.4% in fiscal 1995
from 9.5% in fiscal 1994.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES. As a result of the above factors, the
ratio of earnings to fixed charges was 2.8x for fiscal 1995 as compared to 5.3x
for fiscal 1994.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company's cash flow from operating activities was $6.4 million, $12.5
million and $15.1 million in fiscal 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively, and $14.1
million (excluding a one-time charge of $7.1 million for stock option
compensation related to the Recapitalization Transactions) for the nine months
ended June 30, 1997. The Company had cash, cash equivalents and short-term
investments at June 30, 1997 of $7.1 million. The Company invests its excess
cash in money market funds and U.S. Treasury obligations. Historically the
Company has funded its business through operating cash flow, has not relied on
sales of equity to provide cash and has used short-term debt primarily for cash
management purposes. The Company's European subsidiaries had borrowings
outstanding under their existing credit agreements (the "Existing Credit
Agreements") of $3.4 million at June 30, 1997 for funding short-term working
capital requirements, and the Company had additional obligations outstanding
totalling approximately $2.1 million in the form of letters of credit and bank
guarantees. As of June 30, 1997, the Company had outstanding an unsecured note
of approximately $0.9 million issued in the October 1994 acquisition of the
Company's Telecom business and a financing obligation of $4.1 million recorded
in connection with the
41
<PAGE>
sale and leaseback of the Company's facilities in Indianapolis, Indiana. See
"Description of Other Indebtedness -- Other Debt."
The Company's primary cash needs have been for the funding of working
capital requirements (primarily inventory) and capital expenditures. The
Company's net cash provided by (used in) investing activities was $0.1 million,
$(20.4 million) and $(4.0 million) in fiscal 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively,
and $(7.6 million) for the nine months ended June 30, 1997. The Company's fiscal
1994 cash flows from investing activities include $0.9 million received as
proceeds from the sale of a business and the fiscal 1995 cash flows from
investing activities reflect $17.7 million paid in cash for the acquisition of
the Company's Wireless and Telecom Business. For the nine months ended June 30,
1997, the cash used in investing activities includes $3.0 million used to
purchase short-term investments. The Company's recurring cash requirements for
investing activities are for capital expenditures. The Company made capital
expenditures in fiscal 1994, 1995 and 1996 of $1.3 million, $2.9 million and
$4.5 million, respectively, and $4.8 million for the nine months ended June 30,
1997. Capital expenditures in fiscal 1994 and 1995 primarily reflect spending
for manufacturing and engineering equipment resulting from the increase in the
size of the business and the number of facilities following the October 1994
acquisition by the Company of its Wireless and Telecom businesses. In fiscal
1996, the expenditures reflect increasing investment in manufacturing and
engineering equipment and also include approximately $1.1 million related to
investing in new management information system hardware and software. The
Company expects its capital expenditures to increase to approximately $6.0
million in fiscal 1997, which would represent a higher than average percentage
of sales as compared to historical levels. These higher than average
expenditures primarily reflect the Company's continued investment in new
management information systems and manufacturing equipment.
The Company's net cash provided by (used in) financing activities was $(6.4
million), $7.7 million and $(8.6 million) in fiscal 1994, 1995 and 1996,
respectively, and $(1.4 million) for the nine months ended June 30, 1997. In
fiscal 1994, these cash flows reflect the impact of a $7.0 million return of
capital to stockholders and in fiscal 1995, to raise cash for its acquisition of
the Wireless and Telecom business, the Company generated cash by issuing common
shares for $7.6 million and by entering into a sale and leaseback financing
transaction for $4.3 million. The Company also repurchased common shares in
fiscal 1995 for $3.2 million. The remaining cash flows from financing activities
in fiscal 1994, 1995 and 1996 reflect the proceeds from and repayments for
borrowings used to finance the Company's operating and investing activities, or
as an application of the cash generated from these activities. For the nine
months ended June 30, 1997, the net cash used in financing activities
substantially reflects the net impact of the Recapitalization Transactions.
As part of the Recapitalization Transactions, the Company entered into the
New Credit Agreement with Fleet National Bank, DLJ Capital Funding, Inc. and
various other lenders providing for a term loan facility of $25.0 million and a
revolving credit facility providing for borrowings up to $20.0 million, of which
the Company borrowed all $25.0 million of the term loan facility and none of the
revolving credit facility to complete the Recapitalization Transactions. See
"Description of Other Indebtedness -- New Credit Agreement." In connection with
entering into the New Credit Agreement, the Company terminated $4.0 million of
availability under its Existing Credit Agreements, leaving borrowing
availability of approximately $10.5 million at its Foreign Subsidiaries. The
Company believes that its cash flow from operations, combined with the remaining
available borrowings under the Existing and New Credit Agreements will be
sufficient to fund its debt service obligations, including its obligations under
the Notes, and working capital requirements, as well as implement its growth
strategy.
FOREIGN OPERATIONS
As discussed above, a significant portion of the Company's sales and
expenses are denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar. In
order to maintain access to such foreign currencies, the Company's subsidiaries
in the United Kingdom, France and Germany have credit facilities providing for
42
<PAGE>
borrowings in British pounds, French francs and Deutsche marks, respectively.
The revolving credit facility under the New Credit Agreement provides for up to
an aggregate of $7.5 million of borrowings in British pounds, French francs and
Deutsche marks. Adjustments made in translating the balance sheet accounts of
the Foreign Subsidiaries from their respective functional currencies at
appropriate exchange rates are included as a separate component of stockholders'
equity. In addition, the Company periodically uses forward exchange contracts to
hedge certain known foreign exchange exposures. Gains or losses from such
contracts are included in the Company's statements of income to offset gains and
losses from the underlying foreign currency transactions.
The Indenture and the New Credit Agreement permit the Company and its
subsidiaries to make investments in, and intercompany loans to, the Foreign
Subsidiaries. Payments to the Company or its other subsidiaries by such Foreign
Subsidiaries, including the payment of dividends, redemption of capital stock or
repayment of such intercompany loans, may be restricted by the credit agreements
of the Foreign Subsidiaries. All intercompany loans from the Company to the
Foreign Subsidiaries are pledged to the lenders under the New Credit Agreement.
PERIODIC FLUCTUATIONS
The Company's LTM sales occurred in the following percentages in each of the
last four quarters: 23% for the quarter ended September 30, 1996; 27% for the
quarter ended December 31, 1996; 26% for the quarter ended March 31, 1997; and
24% for the quarter ended June 30, 1997. A variety of factors may cause
period-to-period fluctuations in the operating results of the Company. Such
factors include, but are not limited to, product mix, European summer holidays
and other seasonal influences, competitive pricing pressures, materials costs,
currency fluctuations, revenues and expenses related to new products and
enhancements of existing products, as well as delays in customer purchases in
anticipation of the introduction of new products or product enhancements by the
Company or its competitors. The majority of the Company's revenues in each
quarter results from orders received in that quarter. As a result, the Company
establishes its production, inventory and operating expenditure levels based on
anticipated revenue levels. Thus, if sales do not occur when expected,
expenditures levels could be disproportionately high and operating results for
that quarter, and potentially future quarters, would be adversely affected.
43
<PAGE>
BUSINESS
GENERAL
Wavetek is a leading global designer, manufacturer and distributor of a
broad range of electronic test instruments, with a primary focus on
application-specific instruments used for testing voice, video and data
communications equipment and networks. The Company also designs, manufacturers
and distributes precision instruments to calibrate and test electronic equipment
and provides repair, upgrade and calibration services for its products on a
worldwide basis. The Company was acquired in 1991 by an investment group led by
Gooding and consummated the Recapitalization Transactions in June 1997 with the
New Equity Investors. The Company has increased sales from $58.1 million in
fiscal 1992 to $151.0 million in fiscal 1996, EBITDA from $3.8 million in fiscal
1992 to $20.9 million in fiscal 1996 and net income from $2.9 million in fiscal
1992 to $13.5 million in fiscal 1996 by increasing its penetration of existing
markets and by entering additional markets through introductions of new products
and acquisitions. For the LTM ended June 30, 1997, Wavetek had sales and EBITDA
of $154.5 million and $22.3 million, respectively. Wavetek's LTM net income was
$5.5 million after giving effect to a one-time charge of $4.3 million, net of
tax, for stock option compensation related to the Recapitalization Transactions.
Wavetek believes it has achieved its success by: (i) focusing on the $2.5
billion Communications Test market segment of the test instrument industry,
which is expected to grow by approximately 10% per annum through 2001; (ii)
identifying changing industry trends and customer needs and successfully
introducing responsive new products on a timely basis; (iii) serving the
increasing demand for application-specific, portable field service and
maintenance equipment, which accounted for over 70% of the Company's LTM sales;
and (iv) leveraging its operations and development capabilities outside the
United States, where the Company generated 61% of its LTM sales. Wavetek
believes that its product development capabilities, product quality, breadth of
product line and geographic diversity should enable it to continue to expand its
share of existing markets and successfully enter new markets.
The Company's Communications Test products, which accounted for 75% of the
Company's LTM sales, serve the CATV, Wireless, Telecom, LAN and Test Tools
segments of the test instrument industry. The primary end users for the
Company's Communications Test products are service, installation and maintenance
personnel of CATV operators, wireless communications companies,
telecommunications companies and data communications equipment installers. The
Company's CATV products are used by CATV operators to diagnose and monitor CATV
systems, test cable for signal quality and leakage and ensure the proper
installation of new services such as cable modems. The Company's Wireless
products are used by wireless operators, equipment manufacturers and retailers
to test mobile phones during production, repair, or at the point-of-sale and by
wireless operators to test base stations. The Company's Telecom products are
used by telecommunications companies to install and maintain fiber optic cable.
The Company's LAN products are used by LAN installation and service
professionals to test LAN cables and connectors ("physical layer"). The
Company's Test Tools products, primarily hand-held DMMs, are used to test a wide
variety of electronic and electrical equipment. The Company has strong
competitive positions in its target markets and believes it is the worldwide
market leader in the manufacture of CATV test equipment, the second largest
supplier of hand-held DMMs and one of the five largest manufacturers of Wireless
and physical layer LAN test equipment.
The Company's Calibration Instruments products, which accounted for 17% of
the Company's LTM sales, are used in metrology, engineering and manufacturing
environments worldwide to calibrate electronic equipment and certify compliance
with international standards. The Company believes it is the second largest
global manufacturer of Calibration Sources and Transfer Standards. The Company's
Calibration Instruments products also include Precision DMMs. The Company
successfully competes in this market based on its technical expertise,
relationships with national laboratories and product reputation.
44
<PAGE>
The Company's Service business, which accounted for 8% of the Company's LTM
sales, provides repair, upgrade and calibration services for the Company's
products through eight Wavetek service centers worldwide and an international
network of independent representatives.
Wavetek has global design, manufacturing, marketing and distribution
capabilities through facilities located in the United States, the United
Kingdom, France and Germany. The Company is committed to providing high quality
manufacturing and has received or is in the process of receiving ISO 9000
certification for each of its manufacturing facilities. In addition, Wavetek
supports its broad international base of over 5,000 customers with regional
sales offices in San Diego, Indianapolis, Norwich, Munich, Paris, Vienna,
Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. The Company's products are sold
through direct sales teams in the United States, the United Kingdom, France and
Germany and a global network of over 250 distributors and independent
representatives.
BUSINESS STRATEGY
Wavetek believes that it has achieved its strong position in the
Communications Test and Calibration Instruments market segments by identifying
changing industry trends and customer needs, and by successfully introducing
high-quality, cost-effective, application-specific products to meet such needs
on a timely basis. The Company's business strategy is to further enhance its
strong position in these markets and to continue to increase sales and EBITDA
through the following key initiatives:
- FOCUS ON THE LARGE, RAPIDLY GROWING COMMUNICATIONS TEST SEGMENT. The
Company generated 75% of its LTM sales from Communications Test products
and intends to continue to focus on this segment of the test instrument
industry. Prime Data expects sales in the Communications Test
market to grow at approximately 10% per annum from approximately $2.5
billion in 1996 to approximately $4.0 billion in 2001. The Company
believes that the drivers of this growth include (i) rapidly changing
communications technology; (ii) growing demand for personal communications
services (including mobile phones, interactive CATV and internet access);
and (iii) increasing worldwide investment to build or upgrade data and
communications infrastructure. Wavetek intends to capitalize on this
large, rapidly growing market segment through its broad Communications
Test product portfolio, extensive international presence and strong market
positions in CATV, Wireless and LAN.
- DEVELOP APPLICATION-SPECIFIC PRODUCTS FOR TARGET MARKETS ON A TIMELY
BASIS. Wavetek's product development strategy is to: (i) focus on
application-specific products that are responsive to customer needs; (ii)
minimize development time in order to address rapidly changing technology;
and (iii) leverage design efforts by generating multiple product line
extensions from existing product platforms. Wavetek has a history of
successful new product introductions, including eight new products in
fiscal 1996, and the Company expects to introduce approximately ten new
products in fiscal 1997.
- MEET DEMAND FOR ENHANCED PORTABLE TEST INSTRUMENTS. The Company generated
over 70% of its LTM sales from portable field service and maintenance
equipment and intends to continue to focus on these types of products. The
increasing complexity of communications technology is creating demand for
field test equipment that incorporates enhanced measurement performance.
Furthermore, service, installation and maintenance personnel are demanding
smaller, more portable products that enable them to service systems and
equipment in the field rather than at a service facility. As a result of
its product design, manufacturing and distribution strengths in portable
test instruments, the Company believes it will continue to benefit from
these demand trends.
- LEVERAGE INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS AND DISTRIBUTION. The Company believes
that international capital investment in communications infrastructure has
provided and will continue to provide growth in the worldwide
Communications Test market. Wavetek believes it is well-positioned to
capitalize on this growth with its substantial international operations
that include: (i) three foreign manufacturing facilities; (ii) established
international sales and distribution channels; and (iii) approximately 450
employees located outside of the United States. The Company generated 61%
of its LTM sales
45
<PAGE>
from customers outside the United States and believes its international
operations should enable it to gain market share in existing international
markets and successfully enter new markets, particularly in the
Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe and South America regions. Additionally, the
Company believes that its strategic alliance formed in 1996 with Yokogawa,
a leading Japanese process control and test and measurement company,
coupled with the development of new products tailored for the Japanese
market, will increase the Company's sales in Japan.
- ENHANCE PROFITABILITY THROUGH CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT IN THE WIRELESS AND
TELECOM BUSINESSES. Wavetek has taken measures to improve the operations
of its Wireless and Telecom businesses acquired in October 1994,
including: (i) introducing new products with higher gross margins; (ii)
rationalizing old, low margin businesses and products; (iii) reducing
headcount; (iv) hiring new management; and (v) reducing marketing and
selling expenses as a percentage of sales. As a result of these ongoing
efforts, the Company has significantly improved the operating results of
these acquired businesses. As new products with higher margins continue to
replace older products, and as the Company makes additional cost
improvements in its European manufacturing operations, the Company expects
results from these businesses to continue to improve.
TEST INSTRUMENT INDUSTRY
The global test instrument industry encompasses the manufacturing, marketing
and distribution of a wide variety of electronic test equipment used in the
design, development and service of various types of electronic equipment, cables
and systems. Test instruments are used primarily by service, installation,
maintenance, manufacturing and research and engineering professionals in a broad
range of industries, including communications, technology, aerospace, process
control and automotive. Selected products include signal meters, DMMs, sweep
generators, spectrum analyzers, function generators and network analyzers.
Wavetek focuses on two segments of the $7.8 billion test instrument industry:
Communications Test and Calibration Instruments.
COMMUNICATIONS TEST
The Communications Test segment is the largest and one of the fastest
growing segments of the test instrument industry. This segment consists of a
broad range of equipment used to install, diagnose, maintain and service
equipment for voice, video and data communications networks. According to Prime
Data, sales in the Communications Test segment have grown from approximately
$1.2 billion in 1989 to approximately $2.5 billion in 1996. Prime Data further
expects this segment to grow approximately 10% per annum to over $4.0 billion by
2001. In 1995, approximately 61% of Communications Test market revenues occurred
outside of the United States, with Asia and Europe representing 25% and 28% of
the market, respectively, and the rest of the world representing 8%. The
following graph presents the historical and projected size (as compiled by Prime
Data) of the Communications Test segment of the test instrument industry:
WORLDWIDE COMMUNICATIONS TEST INSTRUMENT SALES
(dollars in millions)
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1989 $1,182
<S> <C>
1990 $1,265
1991 $1,351
1992 $1,416
1993 $1,558
1994 $1,867
1995 $2,187
1996 $2,460
1997E $2,710
1998E $3,000
1999E $3,315
2000E $3,670
2001E $4,005
</TABLE>
- --------------
Source: Prime Data 1997.
46
<PAGE>
The Company believes that the consistent growth of the Communications Test
segment has been driven and will continue to be driven, in large part, by the
following factors:
RAPIDLY CHANGING TECHNOLOGY. Many segments of the communications industry
are experiencing rapid change due to new and competing technologies. For
example, digital formats are replacing analog formats in many forms of
communication systems. In addition, the need to increase data capacity should
lead to higher bandwidths, new signalling formats and new transmission
technologies. Each change or upgrade in communications systems or infrastructure
requires substantial testing, which creates demand for new or upgraded test
instruments.
SUBSTANTIAL CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE. Developed
countries, such as the United States, are investing substantial capital to
construct, rebuild, upgrade and maintain information and communications systems.
Although such expenditures have slowed in certain areas, operators generally
need to upgrade their systems in order to support the increased demand for new
services and methods of communication that require more technologically advanced
communications infrastructure. Less mature countries, including selected
Asia-Pacific, Eastern European and South American countries, are building
communications infrastructure to meet increasing demand for basic communications
services such as CATV, Wireless and Telecom. Demand for Communications Test
products has historically depended upon capital spending for such communications
infrastructure.
INCREASED DEMAND FOR WIRELESS PRODUCTS. According to industry sources, the
number of global cellular and personal communications system ("PCS") subscribers
is expected to grow from 123 million in 1996 to 334 million in 2001,
representing an average growth rate of approximately 22% per annum. In addition
to the growth in subscribers, wireless technologies are constantly evolving. The
Company believes that the combination of growth in cellular and PCS subscribers
and changing technology should increase the need for wireless Communications
Test products.
SHIFT TO ENHANCED PORTABLE FIELD TEST EQUIPMENT. The increasing complexity
of communications technology is creating demand for field test equipment that
incorporates enhanced measurement performance. Furthermore, service and
installation personnel are demanding smaller, more portable products that enable
them to service systems and equipment in the field rather than at a service
facility. As a result, there is a continuing need to develop more portable field
test equipment with enhanced features and technology.
CALIBRATION INSTRUMENTS
The Calibration Instruments segment of the test instrument industry is
comprised of instruments which measure voltage, current, power quality,
frequency, temperature, pressure and other key functional parameters of
electronic equipment. Calibration Instruments are typically used by engineering
and manufacturing professionals and national laboratories to ensure that the
accuracy of the calibration or verification of electronic test equipment can be
traced to national, international or military reference standards. The Company
focuses on the metrology area of Calibration Instruments with three types of
products: Calibration Sources, Transfer Standards and Precision DMMs.
Calibration Sources provide high accuracy voltages and currents for calibrating
and verifying the accuracy of voltage measuring equipment. Transfer Standards
transfer the accuracy of voltage measurements from national standards
laboratories to industry calibration laboratories. Precision DMMs measure
voltages and currents produced by electronic equipment to accuracies up to 8 1/2
digits.
The Company estimates that the aggregate market for these products was $365
million in 1996, with DMMs (of which Precision DMMs are a small segment),
Calibration Sources and Transfer Standards representing approximately 78%, 19%
and 3%, respectively, of the market. The Company believes that future growth in
the Calibration Instruments industry will be primarily driven by: (i) increased
adherence to quality standards such as ISO 9000, which require companies to
regularly calibrate and verify electronic
47
<PAGE>
equipment used in manufacturing and repair; (ii) demand for more automated and
user-friendly Calibration Instruments to increase efficiency and allow less
skilled technicians to administer calibration procedures; and (iii) demand for
Calibration Instruments to accommodate a wider range of equipment with specific
test programs in order to increase efficiency and reduce the cost of calibration
and maintenance.
The Company believes that several barriers to entry exist in the Calibration
Instruments market that limit the number of competitors. Users of Calibration
Instruments depend on the accuracy of such instruments and generally require
instrument manufacturers to have long standing reputations for technical
expertise and product quality. Furthermore, sales often depend on relationships
with major quality standards organizations such as national laboratories and
worldwide first tier metrology labs.
BUSINESS
Within the test instrument industry, Wavetek has a primary focus on
Communications Test instruments. The Company also manufactures Calibration
Instruments and provides repair, upgrade and calibration services for its
products on a worldwide basis. The Company's Communications Test, Calibration
Instruments and Service businesses accounted for 75%, 17% and 8%, respectively,
of the Company's LTM sales.
COMMUNICATIONS TEST
The Company's Communications Test business, which accounted for 75% of the
Company's LTM sales, consists of CATV, Wireless, Telecom, LAN and Test Tools.
CATV. The Company is the global leader in developing and manufacturing test
equipment used for commissioning new and maintaining existing CATV networks.
Major products include: sweep systems, signal level meters, leakage meters,
monitoring systems and related software. These products allow CATV operators to
test and monitor the quality of signals transmitted over a CATV network. The
Company believes that the development and deployment by CATV operators of
advanced services, including two-way data paths to provide telephony or internet
services, has created new product opportunities for Wavetek. For example,
Wavetek's close customer relationships gave the Company early indication of the
need for return path testing capability. Wavetek used this information to create
an extension to Wavetek's successful Stealth product line to assist CATV
technicians in the installation and servicing of the return path of CATV
networks.
One of the primary technical problems facing two-way CATV networks is
interference (noise) on the return path. If the return path is not securely
installed with tight connectors and well-maintained cable, noise from external
sources such as computers, home appliances and motors can enter the CATV system,
be amplified and interfere with data on the return path. In order to reduce the
time and difficulty in locating the source of noise, Wavetek has developed a
family of leakage meters, including the CLI 1750, that assists installers in
detecting leaks in CATV networks.
Significant CATV customers of the Company include Continental Cablevision,
Inc., Deutsche Telekom A.G., TCI and Time Warner Cable. The Company's CATV
business is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.
48
<PAGE>
The following table lists selected CATV product offerings of the Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APPROXIMATE
U.S. PRICE
PRODUCT NAME DESCRIPTION PRIMARY CUSTOMER POINT
- ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
MicroStealth Hand-held unit which tests signal quality at CATV service technicians $ 1,200
multiple points in a CATV network and installers
SAM 4040 Hand-held, broadband communication service monitor CATV service technicians $ 2,500
which performs CATV network maintenance and installers
CLI 1750 Tests for interfering signals in a CATV network CATV service technicians $ 2,000
and installers
Stealth Flexible, portable instrument for testing specific CATV service technicians $ 3,600
segments of a CATV network and installers
3SM Monitors and controls signal parameters of up to 200 Network operations and $ 4,300
remote head ends or hub sites reliability managers
Benchmark 1175 Versatile sweep/scalar analyzer used to test for Radio frequency ("RF") $ 10,000
sweep response, transmission loss or gain amplifier manufacturers,
service and repair
facilities
</TABLE>
WIRELESS. The Company's Wireless business, acquired from Schlumberger in
October 1994, is one of the world's five largest manufacturers of test
instruments for mobile phone and base station testing and service. Wavetek
manufactures instruments to test most analog and digital formats including PCS,
Groupe Speciale Mobile ("GSM"), Time Division Multiple Access ("TDMA") and Code
Division Multiple Access ("CDMA"). The Company's products are used during the
manufacturing process, at service facilities and at the point-of-sale. Wavetek's
point-of-sale application-specific product for the Wireless market, the 4100 GSM
Tester, was designed to address the increasing demand for testing in the GSM
market. The shift in phone repair from local repair shops or retail stores to
high volume service facilities, combined with the high cost to process, ship and
test a phone at a service facility, is creating a need for "go/no-go" testing at
retail sites to minimize the number of properly functioning phones that are
mistakenly returned to the manufacturer for repair. The 4100 GSM Tester family
provides accurate "go/no-go" testing at a price point approximately one-third of
the price of traditional service testers, allowing economical sorting of phones
at the point-of-sale. Wavetek was able to bring the 4100 GSM Tester family to
market quickly, due in part to the application of technology from its LAN
products and existing wireless products.
Wavetek's 3600D CDMA Tester provides application-specific, low cost service
capability on cellular or PCS phones that use CDMA technology. In the early
phase of the deployment of a new phone technology, phones must be thoroughly
tested prior to delivery to customers, as well as during repair. This testing
can be performed with manufacturing-oriented test instruments ranging in price
from $50,000-$60,000. However, as new phones are shipped in higher volumes, a
more economical, easier to use tester is desired. The 3600D CDMA Tester is a
lower cost (approximately $28,000) solution for phone commissioning and repair.
Significant Wireless customers of the Company include AT&T and Ericsson. The
Company's Wireless business is headquartered in Munich, Germany, with
engineering and marketing teams in Indianapolis, Indiana.
49
<PAGE>
The following table lists selected Wireless product offerings of the
Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APPROXIMATE
U.S. PRICE
PRODUCT NAME DESCRIPTION PRIMARY CUSTOMER POINT
- ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
4032 (MS) Benchtop tester for analog and digital cellular or Phone manufacturers, $ 27,000
PCS phones carriers, repair
organizations
4032 (BTS) Portable tester for cellular base stations in Manufacturers of base $ 34,000
commissioning and maintenance stations, carriers
3600D CDMA Tester Benchtop tester for analog and digital cellular or Phone manufacturers, $ 28,000
PCS phones carriers, repair
organizations
4015 Benchtop tester for many types of analog radios Service shops, $ 14,000
governments, aircraft
workshops
4100 GSM Tester Hand-held, point-of-sale tester for cellular or PCS Phone manufacturers, $ 6,000
phones carriers, retail outlets
</TABLE>
TELECOM. The Company's Telecom business, also acquired from Schlumberger in
October 1994, designs and manufactures test instruments, systems and software
used for the installation, maintenance and monitoring of fiber optic cable. The
Company serves this market with both mainframe and portable optical time domain
reflectometers ("OTDRs"), remote fiber test systems ("RFTS"), light sources,
optical power meters and various other products. As Telecom operators install
more passive optical networks ("PONs") and provide fiber to the home ("FTTH"),
demand has increased for more versatile OTDRs. Wavetek's new MTS-5000 OTDR
family responds to this trend by offering a modular product that allows
installers to have specialized high resolution modules for PONs and FTTH
networks, in addition to high performance modules for long distance links. With
this family of products Wavetek combined the high performance optical knowledge
of its OTDR design team with the low cost design expertise of its CATV
engineering group, resulting in a product that offers high performance features
at a competitive cost. Wavetek intends to add multi-mode modules used for LAN
fiber measurements to its OTDR family during 1998.
Significant Telecom customers of the Company include France Telecom, Russia
Telecom and Siemens A.G. The Company's Telecom business is headquartered in St.
Etienne, France.
The following table lists selected Telecom product offerings of the Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APPROXIMATE
U.S. PRICE
PRODUCT NAME DESCRIPTION PRIMARY CUSTOMER POINT
- ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Flash Mini OTDR Hand-held, portable tester of fiber optic networks Telecom operators, LAN $ 12,000
fiber installers,
utilities, private
networks
MTS-5000 OTDR Modular portable OTDR, next generation platform Telecom operators, CATV $ 12,000
operators, LAN fiber
installers
Helios Mainframe, high performance OTDR, measures and Telcom operators, fiber $ 26,000
characterizes fiber optic networks manufacturers,
utilities, private
networks
Atlas Fiber optic network monitoring (construction and Telcom operators, $ 50,000
maintenance) utilities, private
networks
</TABLE>
50
<PAGE>
LAN. The Company acquired its LAN business as part of the Beckman
acquisition in October 1992, and the Company is now one of the five largest
global manufacturers of physical layer LAN test equipment. LAN testing products
include diagnostic instruments used to certify and verify the integrity of the
LAN physical layer. The Company's products are used by third party cable
installers, value added resellers of network equipment and management
information systems managers to verify the quality of cable installation. The
Company has developed its LT-8000 family of LAN cable testers to measure the
next generation of LAN cable rated to 650 MHz bandwidth, compared to the current
100 MHz standard. The Company was able to design the LT-8000, a cost effective,
high performance unit, by combining its expertise in high speed oscilloscope
calibration from its Calibration Instruments business with expertise in RF
technology from its CATV business.
Significant LAN customers of the Company include distributors such as
Anixter International, Inc. and Graybar Electric Company, Inc. The Company's LAN
business is headquartered in San Diego, California.
The following table lists selected LAN product offerings of the Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APPROXIMATE
U.S. PRICE
PRODUCT NAME DESCRIPTION PRIMARY CUSTOMER POINT
- ------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
LANTEKPRO XL Hand-held, portable unit used to certify and LAN technicians, network $4,600
troubleshoot LAN cable installation managers
LT-8000 Hand-held, portable unit used to certify and LAN technicians, network $ 2,000-$6,000
troubleshoot LAN cable installation. Supports managers
emerging 350 and 650 MHz LAN cable technologies
</TABLE>
TEST TOOLS. The Company's Test Tools business, also acquired as part of the
Beckman acquisition, develops and distributes portable measurement instruments
that are used to measure and service a broad range of electrical and electronic
equipment including wiring, appliances, computer equipment and consumer
electronics. The Company's Test Tools products are used by the electronic and
electro-mechanical installation, maintenance and service industries. Hand-held
DMMs are the primary instrument in this segment and range from hobbyist products
to tools for professional electrical and electronic technicians. The Company is
the second largest supplier of hand-held DMMs. Wavetek believes that its
shipments of over 100,000 hand-held DMMs per year worldwide increase the
Company's overall visibility in the test instruments industry. The Company also
believes that the Test Tools business complements its other Communications Test
businesses by providing a distribution channel for certain of its LAN products
and potential new low cost Communications Test products.
Significant Test Tools customers of the Company include Newark Electronics
and W. W. Grainger. The Company's Test Tools business is headquartered in San
Diego, California.
51
<PAGE>
The following table lists selected Test Tools product offerings of the
Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APPROXIMATE
U.S. PRICE
PRODUCT NAME DESCRIPTION PRIMARY CUSTOMER POINT
- -------------- -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Hand-held DMMs Portable, field troubleshooting of electronic and Electronics repair $20-$350
electrical circuits personnel, electricians,
electronics engineers,
industrial plant
servicers, home/ hobbyist
Clamp-on Verify and test electrical circuits Electricians, electrical $100-$300
Multimeters repair personnel, wiring
installers, industrial
plant service personnel
Component Verify quality and sorting of electronic parts Electronic technicians and $70-$180
Checkers quality control
departments of electronic
manufacturers
</TABLE>
CALIBRATION INSTRUMENTS
The Company's Calibration Instruments products, which accounted for 17% of
the Company's LTM sales, are used in metrology, engineering and manufacturing
environments worldwide to calibrate electronic equipment and certify compliance
with international standards. The Company believes it is the second largest
global manufacturer of Calibration Sources and Transfer Standards. The Company
also produces Precision DMMs. The Company believes that it successfully competes
in the Calibration Instruments market by capitalizing on its technical
expertise, relationships with national laboratories and product reputation.
Wavetek has recognized the needs of an increasing number of companies to
calibrate their test equipment, including oscilloscopes and DMMs, in order to
comply with international quality standards such as ISO 9000. In response to
such customer needs, Wavetek repackaged its high precision calibration
technology into more application-specific instruments, such as its 9100
Multi-function Calibrator and 9500 Oscilloscope Calibrator, replacing expensive,
manually operated equipment, with small, accurate, automated test solutions.
Significant Calibration Instruments customers of the Company include
Northrop Grumman Corporation, Tektronix, Inc. and the U.S. Army and Navy. The
Company's Calibration Instruments business is headquartered in Norwich, England.
52
<PAGE>
The following table lists selected Calibration Instruments product offerings
of the Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APPROXIMATE
U.S. PRICE
PRODUCT NAME DESCRIPTION PRIMARY CUSTOMER POINT
- ------------------- ------------------------------------------- --------------------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1271/81 Precision Provides accurate measurement of voltage Military forces, aerospace $10,000
DMM and current up to 8 1/2 digits contractors, government
institutes, automated test
equipment manufacturers,
calibration/service repair
providers, national
laboratories
4800/4808 Calibrates Precision DMMs up to 8 1/2 Calibration/service repair $20,000-$34,000
Calibration Source digits providers, national
laboratories
9100 Multi-function Universal calibrator for general purpose Calibration/service repair $14,000
Calibrator analog and digital test equipment providers, ISO- accredited
certification to ISO 9000 standards industries, oscilloscope
manufacturers
9500 Oscilloscope Calibrates oscilloscopes up to 1GHz Calibration/service, repair $32,000
Calibrator providers, ISO- accredited
industries, oscilloscope
manufacturers, national
laboratories
</TABLE>
SERVICE
Wavetek's Service business, which accounted for 8% of the Company's LTM
sales, provides repair, upgrade and calibration services for the Company's
products through eight Wavetek service centers and a network of independent
representatives worldwide. The Company believes that opportunities exist to
expand this business, and is in the process of developing a comprehensive
worldwide customer care plan ("Care Plan") for its customers. The Care Plan
program offers customers the opportunity to extend their standard warranty by
one or two years and add a package of various service and calibration options
for various fees paid at the time of purchase.
CUSTOMERS
The Company has a broad international base of over 5,000 customers operating
in a wide range of industries. The primary end users for the Company's
Communication Test products are service, installation and maintenance personnel
of CATV operators, wireless communications companies, telecommunications
companies and data communications equipment installers. Significant customers of
the Company's Communications Test business include AT&T, Continental
Cablevision, Inc., Deutsche Telekom A.G., Ericsson, France Telecom, Russia
Telecom, Siemens A.G., TCI and Time Warner Cable. The Company's Calibration
Instruments products are used primarily by service and quality personnel in
metrology, engineering and manufacturing environments in a wide variety of
industries. Significant Calibration Instruments customers include Northrop
Grumman Corporation, Tektronix, Inc. and the U.S. Army and Navy. For fiscal
1996, no
53
<PAGE>
one customer accounted for more than 5% of the Company's sales and the top ten
customers represented approximately 17% of sales.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
The Company seeks to develop and introduce application-specific products for
its target markets on a timely basis. The Company designs products for domestic
and international markets and often deploys market research and product
definition teams worldwide to meet and work with major communications and
metrology customers in order to determine and address the needs of its
customers.
Wavetek's product development strategy is to: (i) focus on
application-specific products that are responsive to market-driven customer
needs; (ii) minimize development time in order to be responsive to shifts in
market demand and meet customer needs on a timely basis; (iii) aggressively
drive cost reductions throughout the design process; and (iv) leverage design
efforts by generating product families and product line extensions from existing
product platforms.
As of March 31, 1997, the Company had approximately 130 employees involved
in its engineering activities who operate in teams based out of five locations
and generally focus on product development within a particular business area. In
addition, Wavetek's engineering teams share or apply other teams' product
designs where possible to improve use of resources. The Company typically
introduces 8 to 12 major new products or product extensions per year and expects
to introduce approximately 10 new products in fiscal 1997.
The Company intends to continue to develop products to meet market demands
for reduced cost, size and weight, while achieving increased performance through
the use of application-specific integrated circuits ("ASICs"), digital signal
processing ("DSP") technology and increasing computing power available in
embedded processors. The Company has made a significant effort in recent years
to supplement its engineering staff with engineers skilled in these key
technology areas, as well as emerging technology areas such as digital
communications and advanced signal processing. The Company also makes selective
use of outside technical consulting companies to supplement internal
capabilities.
SALES AND DISTRIBUTION
Wavetek products are sold through direct sales teams in the United States,
the United Kingdom, France and Germany. The Company also utilizes a network of
over 250 distributors and independent representatives. Wavetek sales personnel
manage and provide technical support to the distributors and independent
representatives. The Company's contracts with such distributors and independent
representatives are generally short-term in nature and generally can be
terminated by either party with 30 to 90 days notice. Sales offices are located
in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Austria, Singapore,
Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. As of March 31, 1997, Wavetek had approximately
130 employees involved in sales and customer support activities. The Company
also markets its products through advertising and participating in trade shows.
YOKOGAWA RELATIONSHIP
In April 1996, Wavetek formed a strategic alliance with Yokogawa to jointly
develop Communications Test products for the Japanese market and to distribute
Wavetek's products in Japan. In September 1996, Yokogawa also purchased
approximately 12.0% of the Company's Common Stock outstanding prior to the
Recapitalization Transactions. As of the date of this Prospectus, Yokogawa owns
approximately 5.8% of the outstanding Common Stock of Wavetek. See "Ownership of
Capital Stock."
Yokogawa, based in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading supplier of process control
equipment and test and measurement equipment. It currently distributes Wavetek's
CATV, Wireless, LAN and Calibration Instruments product lines in Japan. In
fiscal 1996, Wavetek's sales through Yokogawa were approximately $1.8
54
<PAGE>
million. In addition, Wavetek and Yokogawa have joint engineering and marketing
programs for Wireless products. With the support of Yokogawa engineers located
in Wavetek's Indianapolis and Munich facilities, Wavetek and Yokogawa are
developing products aimed at the Japanese cellular market. The first product is
a cellular tester for the Japanese CDMA market based on Wavetek's 3600D CDMA
Tester product line, which is expected to be introduced in late fiscal 1997.
BACKLOG
As of June 30, 1997, the Company had a firm open order backlog of $22.3
million (compared to $32.4 million as of June 30, 1996), of which it expects
less than $1.0 million may not be shippable prior to September 30, 1997. Backlog
reflects firm customer orders for products and services scheduled for shipment
within 12 months. The level of backlog at any particular time is not necessarily
indicative of future operating performance of the Company. Delivery schedules
may be extended, and orders may be canceled at any time subject to certain
cancellation penalties.
MANUFACTURING
Wavetek has four manufacturing facilities worldwide. All North American
designed products except Test Tools (CATV, LAN and US-designed Wireless
products) are manufactured in Indianapolis. The Company manufactures its
Calibration Instruments products in Norwich, England, its Telecom products in
St. Etienne, France and its German-designed Wireless products in Munich,
Germany. Since the Company outsources certain of its manufacturing to
subcontractors, including the printed circuit boards for its French and German
products, the manufacturing at its St. Etienne and Munich facilities consists
primarily of final assembly and test. These facilities were acquired in the
October 1994 Schlumberger acquisition, and the Company is currently evaluating
consolidation opportunities in order to improve manufacturing efficiency and
capitalize on economies of scale. The Company's Test Tools products are
manufactured by third party suppliers, primarily in Taiwan.
Although the Company attempts to use common, multi-sourced components
throughout its design, certain technological requirements may necessitate the
use of single-sourced, unique components. The Company attempts to minimize its
exposure on these components through careful vendor qualification and
purchasing, though risk exists that these parts may become obsolete,
necessitating redesign or withdrawal of the product from the market.
PROPERTIES AND FACILITIES
The table below sets forth selected relevant statistics for Wavetek's
current facilities:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LEASE
LOCATION FACILITY TYPE/USE SIZE OF FACILITY TITLE EXPIRATION
- ------------------------ ----------------------------------------- -------------------- --------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
San Diego, California Executive offices (1) 4,305 sq. ft. Leased 12/31/1999
Headquarters for LAN and Test Tools 70,000 sq. ft. Leased 6/29/2006
businesses; U.S. distribution center for
Test Tools and Calibration Instruments
(2)
Indianapolis, Indiana U.S. manufacturing center; headquarters 206,000 sq. ft. (3) Leased 10/31/2014
for CATV business; U.S. distribution
center for Communications Test products
</TABLE>
55
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LEASE
LOCATION FACILITY TYPE/USE SIZE OF FACILITY TITLE EXPIRATION
- ------------------------ ----------------------------------------- -------------------- --------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Norwich, England Headquarters for Calibration Instruments 40,000 sq. ft. Owned --
business, including manufacturing; UK 3.2 acres-land Leased 3/31/2103
sales and distribution; European
distribution center for Test Tools
St. Etienne, France Headquarters for Telecom business, 23,414 sq. ft. Leased 9/30/2005
including final assembly and test
Munich, Germany Headquarters for Wireless business, 51,067 sq. ft. Leased 12/31/2002
including final assembly and test; German
sales office
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Gooding has the right to take control of the lease at this facility under
certain circumstances. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
Wavetek has a renewal option on the lease for this facility, permitting it
to extend the term up to an additional five years.
(2) The Company leases this facility from a company controlled by Gooding. See
"Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
(3) 120,739 sq. ft. of this facility are subleased to unrelated parties through
October 31, 1999.
The Company also leases sales offices in Paris, Vienna, Hong Kong,
Singapore, Beijing and Shanghai.
COMPETITION
The Company operates in markets that are highly competitive, and the Company
expects that competition will increase in the future. Some of the industries in
which the Company operates are characterized by rapid technological advances and
emerging industry standards. Failure to keep pace with technological advances
would adversely affect the Company's competitive positions and results of
operations. The Company competes primarily on the basis of technology,
performance, price, brand identity, quality, reliability, distribution and
customer service and support. To remain competitive, the Company must continue
to develop new products, periodically enhance its existing products and compete
effectively in the areas described above. Although the Company believes its
products are competitive in each of these areas, there can be no assurance that
existing or future competitors, some of which have greater financial resources
than the Company, will not introduce comparable or superior products
incorporating more advanced technology at lower prices.
The Company's competitors are numerous, ranging from some of the world's
largest corporations to many relatively small and highly specialized firms.
Although no single company competes in all of the Company's product markets,
some of the major competitors which compete in the individual product markets
include Anritsu Corporation, Fluke Corporation, Hewlett-Packard Company,
Microtest, Inc., Rohde & Schwartz, Inc. and Tektronix, Inc. Some of these
competitors have more extensive engineering, manufacturing and marketing
capabilities and substantially greater financial, technological and personnel
resources than the Company.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
The Company's success and ability to compete depends in part upon protecting
its proprietary technology. The Company relies upon a combination of patents,
trademark and trade secret laws, together with licenses, confidentiality
agreements and other contractual covenants, to establish and protect its
technology and other intellectual property rights.
56
<PAGE>
There can be no assurance that the steps taken by the Company to protect its
proprietary rights will be adequate to deter misappropriation or independent
third-party development of its technology, or that its intellectual property can
be successfully enforced or defended if challenged. Given the rapid development
of technology, there can be no assurance that certain aspects of the Company's
products do not or will not infringe upon the existing or future proprietary
rights of others or that, if licenses or rights are required to avoid
infringement, such licenses or rights could be obtained or obtained on terms
that would not have a material adverse effect on the Company. In any event,
because of the rapid pace of technological change in many of the Company's
product industries, the Company believes that patent protection for its products
is less significant to its success than the knowledge, ability and experience of
its employees and the frequent introduction and market acceptance of new
products and product enhancements. The Company uses a number of trademarks in
its business, including Wavetek-Registered Trademark-,
LANTEK-Registered Trademark- and Stabilock which are registered in various
countries where the Company operates. The Company currently has fourteen patents
and two pending patent applications and expects to rely on patents to a greater
extent in the future.
EMPLOYEES
As of June 30, 1997, the Company had approximately 800 employees. Many of
the Company's employees are highly skilled and the Company's continued success
will depend in part upon its ability to attract and retain these employees. Many
of the Company's manufacturing employees in Europe are members of standard
unions. The Company believes its relationship with its employees is good.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the ordinary course of its business, the Company from time to time is
subjected to legal claims. The Company does not believe that the likely outcome
of any such claims or related lawsuits would have a material adverse effect on
the Company or its ability to develop new products.
A matter is pending in the United States District Court for the Western
District of Washington involving a claim that certain models of the Company's
hand-held DMMs infringe the trade dress of certain Fluke Corporation ("Fluke")
competitive products in violation of Section 43(a) of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C.
Section1125(a) and state statutory and common law, seeking injunctive and
monetary relief of approximately $1 million. Wavetek no longer sells hand-held
DMMs with the trade dress that Fluke alleged infringed its trade dress, and
Wavetek sold such DMMs for a period of less than ten months. The Company and
Fluke have entered into a settlement agreement resolving all of Fluke's claims,
but the action has not yet been dismissed with prejudice due to the inability of
the parties to agree upon the language of a Consent Judgment, which is to be
entered pursuant to the settlement. Under the terms of the settlement, Wavetek
has no financial obligations. However, if the settlement is not finalized, it is
possible that Fluke will be permitted to reassert its claims. The Company does
not believe that the litigation, even if the present settlement is not
finalized, is likely to have a material adverse impact on the Company.
A matter is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern
District of Indiana, involving a claim by Trilithic, Inc. ("Trilithic") that
certain products of the Company infringe Trilithic's patent on a radio frequency
leakage detection system for a CATV system and seeks injunctive and unspecified
monetary relief. The product line potentially affected by this claim, and by a
second patent that has been issued to Trilithic subsequent to the filing of the
lawsuit, had LTM sales of approximately $5.8 million. Trilithic's complaint,
which was served on the Company in March 1997, was the first notice to the
Company of Trilithic's patent. The Company is presently obtaining advice of
counsel as to the claim of infringement and as to the validity and
enforceability of the patent. In the event the outcome of such investigation is
not favorable, the Company could be required to: (i) redesign existing or future
products so that they do not use the rights covered by Trilithic's patent; (ii)
negotiate licenses from Trilithic; or (iii) withdraw existing products or not
introduce future products that are covered by those patent rights. The Company
could also be liable to Trilithic for damages for any infringement since March
1997. The Company does not believe that any such damages are likely to have a
material adverse impact on the Company.
57
<PAGE>
In addition, the Company has been notified by two other competitors that
they believe that certain of the Company's CATV product lines, including in one
case its Stealth line of products, infringe their patents. The Company has
investigated or is currently investigating the validity of these two claims and,
based upon its investigation to date, believes that both of these claims can be
resolved in a manner that will not have a material adverse impact on the
Company. However, there can be no assurance that either or both of these
competitors will not initiate litigation against the Company and may not prevail
in such litigation. To the extent that the Company does not prevail in any such
litigation or either or both of these claims are proven, the Company could be
required to: (i) redesign existing or future products so that they do not use
the rights covered by the patent rights in question; (ii) negotiate licenses or
other rights to use those patent rights; (iii) withdraw existing products or not
introduce future products that are covered by those patent rights; or (iv) pay
damages for any past infringement, any and all of which could have a material
adverse impact on the Company. See "Risk Factors--Dependence on Proprietary
Rights."
58
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Set forth below is certain information regarding each director and executive
officer of the Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
- ----------------------------- --- -------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Terence J. Gooding (1)(3) 63 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Derek T. Morikawa (1) 42 President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
Ben J. Constantini 54 Executive Vice President, Sales and Director
Joseph A. Budano 35 Senior Vice President, North American Operations
Vickie L. Capps 36 Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Kenneth Baker (2) 62 Director
Malcolm R. Bates (1)(3) 62 Director
Kenneth D. Moelis (1) 38 Director
Peter J. Nolan (1)(2)(3) 38 Director
David B. Wilson (2)(3) 38 Director
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Member of the Executive Committee
(2) Member of the Audit Committee
(3) Member of the Compensation Committee
The following are biographies of the Company's executive officers and
directors:
TERENCE J. GOODING, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. In
June 1991, Terence J. Gooding formed a holding company to acquire Wavetek
Corporation. Dr. Gooding has been involved in the management of technology
companies since 1965 when he formed Maxwell Laboratories, which today is a
successful defense contractor. He was President of Kratos (1971-1979), Chairman
of the Board of Cambridge Instruments and Leica plc (1979-1990) and President of
Picker International (1981-1986).
DEREK T. MORIKAWA, PRESIDENT, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND DIRECTOR. Derek
T. Morikawa has been with Wavetek for 11 years, and was promoted to President
and Chief Operating Officer in October 1996. Prior to that he was Executive Vice
President of Operations, managing Wavetek's operating divisions and integrating
the Wireless and Telecom businesses acquired from Schlumberger in October 1994.
Mr. Morikawa has been Vice President and General Manager of the Indianapolis
CATV Division, the San Diego LAN Division and the former Microwave Division of
Wavetek. Prior to joining Wavetek, Mr. Morikawa spent seven years with the
Microwave Instrumentation Division of Hewlett-Packard where he managed the
Product Marketing Department.
BEN J. CONSTANTINI, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, SALES AND DIRECTOR. Ben J.
Constantini joined Wavetek in June 1991 with responsibility for worldwide sales
and customer service. Prior to joining Wavetek, Mr. Constantini was President of
North American Operations for Leica plc. He has also been Senior Vice President,
Sales for Picker International and District Sales Manager for Siemens Medical
Systems, Inc. Prior to that, he spent ten years with General Motors in various
management positions.
JOSEPH A. BUDANO, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS. Joseph
A. Budano joined Wavetek April 1994 as the General Manager of the CATV Division.
Mr. Budano has since been promoted to his current position of Senior Vice
President, North American Operations with responsibility for
59
<PAGE>
Wavetek's CATV, LAN and Test Tools Divisions. Prior to joining Wavetek, Mr.
Budano worked at the Boston Consulting Group as a Management Consultant and held
several positions in Development Engineering and Manufacturing at Motorola's
Paging Products and Land Mobile Products Divisions.
VICKIE L. CAPPS, TREASURER, SECRETARY, VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL
OFFICER. Vickie L. Capps joined Wavetek in October 1992 as Group Controller --
North America and was later promoted to Vice President, Corporate Finance and in
October 1996 to her current position as Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Capps is
also the Secretary and Treasurer of the Company. Prior to joining Wavetek, Ms.
Capps was a Senior Manager at Ernst & Young LLP where she specialized in
providing audit and consulting services, for over ten years, to both publicly
and privately owned corporations in technology and other industries. Ms. Capps
is a Certified Public Accountant.
KENNETH BAKER, DIRECTOR. Kenneth Baker has served as a director of Wavetek
since 1992. Mr. Baker has served as a Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom
since 1968. In the early 1980's he was the Minister of Information Technology
and later was promoted to Margaret Thatcher's Cabinet and served as Environment
Secretary, Education Secretary and Home Secretary. He served as Chairman of the
Conservative Party from 1989 to 1990. Mr. Baker serves on the board of directors
of Hanson plc, Bell Cablemedia Inc. and Millenium Chemicals Inc.
MALCOLM R. BATES, DIRECTOR. Malcolm R. Bates became a director of the
Company on July 21, 1997. Mr. Bates has been Chairman of Pearl Group PLC since
March 1996 and Chairman of Premier Farnell plc since January 1997. Until March
31, 1997, Mr. Bates was the Deputy Managing Director of The General Electric
Company, p.l.c. (GEC), a position he held for twelve years, having joined GEC as
Senior Commercial Director in January 1976. He serves on the board of directors
of several companies, including BICC plc and is a member of the Advisory Board
of Phoenix Equity Partners II. Mr. Bates is also a member of the United Kingdom
Government's Industrial Development Advisory Board, Chairman of Business in the
Arts and a Governor of The University of Westminster.
KENNETH D. MOELIS, DIRECTOR. Kenneth D. Moelis became a director of the
Company upon consummation of the Recapitalization Transactions. Mr. Moelis is a
Managing Director and is in charge of Corporate Finance at DLJ and has been with
DLJ since 1990. Mr. Moelis is also a director of Levitz Furniture Corporation.
PETER J. NOLAN, DIRECTOR. Peter J. Nolan became a director of the Company
upon consummation of the Recapitalization Transactions. He has been an executive
officer and equity owner of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P., a merchant banking
firm which manages GEI, since April 1997. Mr. Nolan had previously been a
Managing Director of DLJ and had been with DLJ since 1990. Mr. Nolan is also a
director of adidas AG, The Recycler, Inc. and M2 Automotive, Inc.
DAVID B. WILSON, DIRECTOR. David B. Wilson became a director of the Company
upon consummation of the Recapitalization Transactions. Mr. Wilson is a
Principal at DLJMB and has been with DLJMB since 1992. From 1989 to 1991, he was
a Vice President at Grauer & Wheat, Inc. Mr. Wilson is also a director of
Manufacturers' Services Limited.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Members of the Board of Directors serve until the next annual meeting of
Stockholders and until a successor has been elected and qualified. Pursuant to
the Stockholders Agreement, the members are designated as follows: (i) two (or
three if an additional director is designated as described in this paragraph) of
such members shall be persons designated by DLJMB for as long as DLJMB and/or
their Permitted Transferees own at least 20% of the outstanding Common Stock of
the Company; (ii) one of such members shall be a person designated by GEI for so
long as GEI and/or its Permitted Transferees shall own at least 5% of the
outstanding Common Stock of the Company; (iii) three (or four if an additional
director is designated as described in this paragraph) of such members will be
persons designated by Gooding for as long as Gooding and/or his Permitted
Transferees own at least 10% of the
60
<PAGE>
outstanding Common Stock of the Company; and (iv) one of such members shall be a
person designated by Gooding for as long as Gooding and/or his Permitted
Transferees own at least 10% of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company,
subject to approval by DLJMB for as long as DLJMB and/or their Permitted
Transferees own at least 20% of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company. In
the event DLJMB and/or their Permitted Transferees own at least 10% but less
than 20% of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company, DLJMB shall have the
right to appoint only two directors. In the event DLJMB and/or their Permitted
Transferees own at least 5% but less than 10% of the outstanding Common Stock of
the Company, DLJMB shall have the right to appoint only one director. In the
event Gooding and/or his Permitted Transferees own at least 5% but less than 10%
of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company, Gooding shall have the right to
appoint only two directors. Prior to a Qualified IPO (as defined in the
Stockholders Agreement), each of DLJMB and Gooding may designate an additional
director. There are currently seven directors of the Company, each of whom is
named under "--Executive Officers and Directors."
The Company's Certificate of Incorporation contains a provision permitted
under the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") eliminating each
director's personal liability for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty
as a director, except to the extent that such exemption from liability or
limitation thereof is not permitted under the DGCL as currently in effect at the
time. The Company's Bylaws authorize the Company to indemnify its present and
former directors, officers and employees against expenses, judgments, fines and
amounts paid in settlement if such person is made a party, or is threatened to
be made a party, to a legal proceeding by reason of the fact that such person is
or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, or was serving in
such position at another company at the request of Wavetek. Such indemnification
is mandatory in certain circumstances and permissive in others, subject to
authorization by the Company's Board of Directors. In addition, the Bylaws
authorize the Company to advance litigation expenses to such person prior to the
final disposition of the legal proceeding.
BOARD COMMITTEES
The Board of Directors has three standing committees: an Executive
Committee, an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee (together, the
"Committees"). The Executive Committee, currently consisting of Messrs. Bates,
Gooding, Moelis, Morikawa and Nolan, has the power to exercise all of the powers
and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business of the
Company, with certain exceptions. The Audit Committee, currently consisting of
Messrs. Baker, Nolan and Wilson, meets with the Company's financial management
and its independent accountants at various times during each year, reviews
internal control conditions, audit plans and results, and makes recommendations
to the Board of Directors concerning the Company's engagement of independent
accountants. The Compensation Committee, currently consisting of Messrs. Bates,
Gooding, Nolan and Wilson, reviews and proposes to the Board of Directors
compensation arrangements for directors and officers of the Company.
61
<PAGE>
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table sets forth the compensation paid in fiscal year 1996 to
the Company's Chief Executive Officer and the Company's four other most highly
compensated executive officers (the "Named Executive Officers").
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION TOTAL
---------------------- AUTO 401(K) ANNUAL
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION SALARY BONUS ALLOWANCE MATCH COMPENSATION
- ------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------- --------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Terence J. Gooding ........................ $ 292,512 $ 202,500 $ 5,820 $ 3,000 $ 503,832
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
Derek T. Morikawa ......................... 182,115 111,000 5,820 3,000 301,935
President and Chief
Operating Officer
Ben J. Constantini ........................ 172,692 105,000 5,820 3,000 286,512
Executive Vice President, Sales
Joseph A. Budano .......................... 130,923 68,300 5,820 3,000 208,043
Senior Vice President, North American
Operations
Vickie L. Capps ........................... 113,124 51,750 5,820 2,351 173,045
Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
</TABLE>
The following table sets forth information concerning individual grants of
stock options made during the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996 to the Named
Executive Officers.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
VALUE AT ASSUMED
NUMBER OF ANNUAL RATES OF
SECURITIES OF PERCENT OF STOCK PRICE
UNDERLYING TOTAL OPTION EXERCISE APPRECIATION
OPTIONS GRANTS IN PRICE PER EXPIRATION ----------------------
NAME GRANTED FISCAL YEAR SHARE DATE 5% 10%
- ----------------------------- ------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Terence J. Gooding........... -- -- -- -- -- --
Derek T. Morikawa............ 3,000 15.7% $ 52.09 4/28/02 $ 212,959 $ 285,332
Ben J. Constantini........... -- -- -- -- -- --
Joseph A. Budano............. 2,000 10.5% 52.09 4/28/02 141,973 190,888
Vickie L. Capps.............. -- -- -- -- -- --
</TABLE>
The following table sets forth information with respect to each of the Named
Executive Officers concerning the exercise of stock options and unexercised
stock options held at September 30, 1996.
62
<PAGE>
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
NUMBER OF OPTIONS AT FISCAL YEAR-END AT FISCAL YEAR-END*
SHARES ACQUIRED VALUE ---------------------------- --------------------------
NAME ON EXERCISE REALIZED EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ------------------------- --------------- ----------- ------------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Terence J. Gooding....... -- -- -- -- -- --
Derek T. Morikawa........ -- -- 3,200 10,800 533,200 1,641,190
Ben J. Constantini....... -- -- -- 4,800 -- 689,088
Joseph A. Budano......... -- -- -- 6,000 -- 867,970
Vickie L. Capps.......... -- -- 200 3,800 33,325 593,585
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* The value of $179.125 per share is used representing the purchase price per
share for the New Equity Investment in the Recapitalization Transactions.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
The Company does not currently have any employment agreements with any of
its directors or executive officers. In connection with the Recapitalization
Transactions, the Company entered into executive severance agreements with each
of the Named Executive Officers providing for a specified level of U.S. benefits
and for a lump sum payment upon termination other than for cause equal to twenty
four months salary if termination occurs in the first month following June 11,
1997, the date on which the Recapitalization Transactions were consummated,
declining by one month for each month thereafter until the twelfth month
following June 11, 1997, after which the lump sum payment will equal twelve
months salary.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The Board of Directors established a Compensation Committee in July 1997.
Messrs. Bates, Gooding, Nolan and Wilson are the members of the Compensation
Committee. Other than Mr. Gooding, none of the members of the Compensation
Committee has served as an officer or employee of the Company. Prior to the
establishment of the Compensation Committee, all decisions relating to
compensation of executive officers were made by the Company's Board of
Directors. For a description of the transactions between the Company and members
of the Compensation Committee and entities affiliated with such members, see
"Certain Relationships and Related Transactions." No executive officer of the
Company serves as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee
of any entity which has one or more executive officers serving as a member of
the Company's Board of Directors or Compensation Committee.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Executive officers of the Company and representatives of the New Equity
Investors who serve on the Board of Directors do not receive any compensation
for such services. Other directors receive $10,000 per year, plus a fee of
$2,500 per Board meeting attended and are reimbursed for their expenses incurred
in connection with attendance of meetings of, and other activities relating to
serving on, the Board of Directors. Members of the Committees of the Board of
Directors receive no additional compensation for their membership in, or
participation in the meetings of, such Committees.
63
<PAGE>
OWNERSHIP OF CAPITAL STOCK
The following table sets forth certain information about persons known to
the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock,
each director of the Company, each named executive officer and all directors and
executive officers of the Company as a group, in each case as of the date of
this Prospectus. There are 4,884,860 shares of Common Stock outstanding. Share
numbers beneficially owned reflect the 10 for 1 stock split that was effected as
part of the Recapitalization Transactions. See "The Recapitalization
Transactions."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES PERCENTAGE
BENEFICIALLY BENEFICIALLY
NAME AND ADDRESS OWNED (1) OWNED
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
Terence J. Gooding (2)(3) ........................................................... 1,526,780 31.3%
DLJ Merchant Banking Partners II, L.P. (4) .......................................... 1,674,810 34.3
277 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10172
Green Equity Investors II, L.P. ..................................................... 753,660 15.4
11111 Santa Monica Boulevard
Suite 2000
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Schroder UK Venture Fund III L.P. (5) ............................................... 431,690 8.8
c/o Peter L. Everson, Director
Schroder Venture Managers Ltd.
22 Church Street
Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda
Yokogawa Electric Corporation ....................................................... 284,240 5.8
2-9-2 Nakacho
Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180
Japan
Derek T. Morikawa (3)(6) ............................................................ 155,000 3.1
Ben J. Constantini (3) .............................................................. 35,000 *
Joseph A. Budano (3) ................................................................ 30,000 *
Vickie L. Capps (3) ................................................................. 16,000 *
Kenneth Baker (7) ................................................................... 31,667 *
Malcolm R. Bates (8) ................................................................ 3,333 *
Kenneth D. Moelis (9) ............................................................... -- --
Peter J. Nolan (10) ................................................................. 753,660 15.4
David B. Wilson (11) ................................................................ -- --
All directors and executive officers as a
group (12) ........................................................................ 4,226,250 84.8
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Less than 1%.
(1) Computed in accordance with Rule 13d-3(d)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended. Includes options that will be fully vested as part of
the Recapitalization Transactions.
(2) Includes 1,050,000 shares held by Gooding's spouse, children and
grandchildren and trusts for the benefit thereof over which Gooding has
investment and voting control.
(3) Address is c/o Wavetek Corporation, 11995 El Camino Real, Suite 301, San
Diego, CA 92130.
(4) Consists of shares held directly by the following investors related to DLJ
Merchant Banking Partners II, L.P.: DLJ Diversified Partners, L.P. ("DLJ
Diversified"), DLJ Offshore Partners II, C.V. ("DLJOP"), DLJMB Funding II,
Inc. ("DLJ Funding"), DLJ EAB Partners, L.P. ("DLJ EAB"), DLJ
64
<PAGE>
First ESC LLC ("DLJ ESC") and UK Investment Plan 1997 Partners ("UK
Investment"). See "The Recapitalization Transactions" and "Plan of
Distribution." The address of each of DLJMB, DLJ Diversified, DLJ Funding,
DLJ EAB and DLJ ESC is 277 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10172. The
address of DLJOP is John B. Gorsiraweg, 14 Willemstad, Curacao, Netherlands
Antilles. The address of UK Investment is 2121 Avenue of the Stars, Los
Angeles, California 90067.
(5) Includes shares owned by Schroder UK Venture Fund III L.P. 2 and Schoder UK
Venture Fund III Trust.
(6) Includes 40,000 shares held in two trusts for the benefit of his children.
Morikawa is the trustee of one of the trusts and his wife is the trustee of
the other.
(7) The address of the registered stockholder is Snow Hill Trustees - Account
SH, Snow Hill Trustees Limited, 1 Snow Hill, London EC1A 2EN. The beneficial
owners of the Common Stock (and number of shares owned) are: (i) Kenneth
Baker (18,000); (ii) Mary Baker (9,000); (iii) Sophia Baker (1,500); and
(iv) Oswin Baker (1,500).
(8) Address is Flat 10, 71 Upper Berkeley St., London, England, WIH 7BD
(9) Address is c/o Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation, 2121
Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067. Mr. Moelis is a Managing
Director of DLJ. Share data for Mr. Moelis excludes shares shown as held by
DLJMB and its affiliates, as to which Mr. Moelis disclaims beneficial
ownership.
(10) Address is c/o Green Equity Investors II, L.P., 11111 Santa Monica
Boulevard, Suite 2000, Los Angeles, CA 90025. The shares shown as
beneficially owned by Mr. Nolan include all of the shares owned of record by
GEI. GEI is a Delaware limited partnership managed by Leonard Green &
Partners, L.P. ("LGP"), which is an affiliate of the general partner of GEI.
Mr. Nolan, either directly (whether through ownership interest or position)
or through one or more intermediaries, may be deemed to control LGP and such
general partner. LGP and such general partner may be deemed to control the
voting and disposition of the shares of Common Stock of the Company owned by
GEI. As such, Mr. Nolan may be deemed to have shared voting and investment
power with respect to all shares held by GEI. However, Mr. Nolan disclaims
beneficial ownership of the securities held by GEI except to the extent of
his respective pecuniary interests therein.
(11) Address is c/o DLJ Merchant Banking Partners II, L.P., 277 Park Avenue, New
York, NY 10172. Mr. Wilson is a Principal at DLJ Merchant Banking II, Inc.,
the general partner of DLJMB and an affiliate of DLJ. Share data for Mr.
Wilson excludes shares shown as held by DLJMB and its affiliates, as to
which Mr. Wilson disclaims beneficial ownership.
(12) There are currently ten individuals in this group, including eight
directors. See "Management." Includes the shares referred to in Note 10
above.
STOCK OPTION PLAN
From time to time, the Company issues stock options to employees of the
Company in order to attract, retain and provide equity incentives to key
employees and to stimulate the efforts of such employees. One quarter of each
grant of stock options becomes exercisable on each anniversary date of their
issuance, so that after four years, all of the options are vested.
Pursuant to the Recapitalization Transactions, 75% of the stock options
existing prior to the Recapitalization Transactions, representing 805,000
shares, were vested and the holders thereof had the right to surrender such
options to the Company for a cash payment equal to the difference between the
purchase price per share of the New Equity Investment and the exercise price of
the options, less a pro rata portion of certain fees payable to DLJ.
Approximately 59% of the stock options existing prior to the Recapitalization
Transactions were surrendered for a cash payment. The aggregate pre-tax cost to
the Company was approximately $7.1 million ($4.3 million net of a related income
tax benefit).
65
<PAGE>
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
During fiscal year 1994, the Company received loans from Gooding aggregating
$4.5 million. Such loans were fully repaid, with interest, on September 30,
1994.
During fiscal year 1994, the Company received a loan from Schroder UK
Venture Fund III L.P. ("Schroder") in the amount of $360,000. Such loan was
fully repaid, with interest, on October 26, 1994.
In September 1995, the Board of Directors of the Company resolved that in
the event Gooding's shareholdings in the Company are reduced to less than 50% of
the outstanding shares, and/or if Gooding's employment as Chief Executive
Officer of the Company is terminated for any reason, Gooding or his nominee
shall have the right, but not the obligation, to take over the lease and
occupancy of the Company's executive offices at 11995 El Camino Real, Suite 301,
San Diego, California 92130, and to purchase all of the leasehold improvements
and fixed assets (including furniture, fixtures, paintings and office equipment)
located in such offices at such time, at depreciated net book value. See
"Business -- Properties and Facilities."
The Company leases its headquarters for its LAN and Test Tools businesses in
San Diego from a corporation controlled by Gooding for an annual rent of
$585,000, plus annual consumer price index adjustments, not to exceed 3% per
annum. The lease expires in June 2006. See "Business -- Properties and
Facilities."
The Company and Gooding were parties to shareholders agreements with
Yokogawa and Schroder, which were terminated as part of the Recapitalization
Transactions. The Company, Gooding, Yokogawa and Schroder entered into the
Stockholders Agreement with the New Equity Investors, which contains provisions
relating to the election of directors. See "Management -- Board of Directors."
The Stockholders Agreement also provides for transfer restrictions on the shares
of Common Stock held by such stockholders, rights of first offer, tag-along
rights, preemptive rights and certain other matters relating to the ownership
and sales of Common Stock of the Company.
The Company is a party to a distribution agreement with Yokogawa pursuant to
which Yokogawa has the right to distribute the Company's products in Japan and a
technical collaboration agreement pursuant to which Wavetek and Yokogawa develop
joint engineering and marketing programs for Wireless products, both of which
were entered into in connection with the purchase by Yokogawa of Common Stock of
the Company in April 1996. See "Business -- Yokogawa Relationship."
66
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
GENERAL
The New Notes will be issued pursuant to the Indenture governing the Old
Notes between the Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee. The terms of the
New Notes are identical in all material reports to the respective terms of the
Old Notes, except that the New Notes have been registered under the Securities
Act and therefore will not be subject to certain restrictions on transfer
applicable to the Old Notes and will not be entitled to registration rights. The
terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of
the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the "Trust
Indenture Act"). The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders of Notes
are referred to the Indenture and the Trust Indenture Act for a statement
thereof. The following summary of the material provisions of the Indenture does
not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
Indenture, including the definitions therein of certain terms used below. Copies
of the Indenture and Registration Rights Agreement are filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. The definitions of
certain terms used in the following summary are set forth below under "--
Certain Definitions." For purposes of this summary, the term "Company" refers
only to Wavetek Corporation and not to any of its Subsidiaries.
The Notes are subordinated in right of payment to all current and future
Senior Debt, including borrowings under the New Credit Agreement. The Subsidiary
Guarantees are subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future
Senior Debt of the Subsidiary Guarantors, including guarantees of the New Credit
Agreement. The Notes, the Subsidiary Guarantees and borrowings under the New
Credit Agreement are effectively subordinated to the indebtedness of the Foreign
Subsidiaries. As of June 30, 1997, the Company and its Subsidiary Guarantors had
approximately $25.0 million of Senior Debt and the Foreign Subsidiaries had
approximately $4.3 million of outstanding debt, all of which would effectively
rank senior to the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees. The Indenture permits
the Company and its Subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, including
Senior Debt, subject to certain limitations, and prohibits the incurrence of any
indebtedness that is senior to the Notes and subordinated to Senior Debt.
The Notes are limited in aggregate principal amount to $85.0 million and
will mature on June 15, 2007. Interest on the Notes will accrue at the rate of
10 1/8% per annum and will be payable semi-annually on June 15 and December 15
of each year, commencing on December 15, 1997, to Holders of record on the
immediately preceding June 1 and December 1. Interest on the Notes will accrue
from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has
been paid, from the Issue Date. Interest will be computed on the basis of a
360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.
Principal of and premium, interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on the
Notes will be payable at the office or agency of the Company maintained for such
purpose within the City and State of New York or, at the option of the Company,
payment of interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, may be made by check mailed
to the Holders of the Notes at their respective addresses set forth in the
register of Holders of Notes; PROVIDED that all payments of principal, premium,
interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, with respect to Global Notes and with
respect to Certificated Notes the Holders of which have given wire transfer
instructions to the Company, will be required to be made by wire transfer of
immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the Holders thereof.
Until otherwise designated by the Company, the Company's office or agency in New
York will be the office of the Trustee maintained for such purpose. The Notes
will be issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof.
SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES
The Company's payment obligations under the Notes are jointly and severally
guaranteed (the "Subsidiary Guarantees") on a full and unconditional senior
subordinated basis by the Subsidiary Guarantors. As of the date of this
Prospectus, Wavetek U.S. Inc. is the only Subsidiary Guarantor. The Subsidiary
Guarantee of each Subsidiary Guarantor is subordinated to the prior payment in
full of all Senior Debt of
67
<PAGE>
the Subsidiary Guarantors, which, as of June 30, 1997 includes approximately
$25.0 million of Indebtedness, which presently consists solely of the Guarantees
of the New Credit Agreement. The obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor under
its Subsidiary Guarantee are limited so as not to constitute a fraudulent
conveyance under applicable law. See, however, "Risk Factors -- Fraudulent
Conveyance Matters."
The Indenture provides that no Subsidiary Guarantor may consolidate with or
merge with or into (whether or not such Subsidiary Guarantor is the surviving
Person), another corporation, Person or entity whether or not affiliated with
such Subsidiary Guarantor unless: (i) subject to the provisions of the following
paragraph, the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger
(if other than such Subsidiary Guarantor) assumes all the obligations of such
Subsidiary Guarantor, pursuant to a supplemental indenture in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, under the Subsidiary Guarantee and the
Indenture; (ii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default
or Event of Default exists; and (iii) the Company would be permitted by virtue
of the Company's pro forma Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, immediately after giving
effect to such transaction, to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness
pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the covenant
described above under the caption "-- Certain Covenants -- Incurrence of
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock." The requirements of clause (iii)
of this paragraph will not apply in the case of a consolidation or merger of a
Subsidiary Guarantor with or into the Company or another Subsidiary Guarantor.
The Indenture provides that in the event of a sale or other disposition of
all of the assets of any Subsidiary Guarantor, by way of merger, consolidation
or otherwise, or a sale or other disposition of all of the capital stock of any
Subsidiary Guarantor, then such Subsidiary Guarantor (in the event of a sale or
other disposition, by way of such a merger, consolidation or otherwise, of all
of the capital stock of such Subsidiary Guarantor) or the corporation acquiring
the property (in the event of a sale or other disposition of all of the assets
of such Subsidiary Guarantor) will be released and relieved of any obligations
under its Subsidiary Guarantee; PROVIDED that the Net Proceeds of such sale or
other disposition are applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of
the Indenture. See "-- Certain Covenants Asset Sales."
SUBORDINATION
The payment of principal of, premium, interest and Liquidated Damages, if
any, on the Notes are subordinated in right of payment, as set forth in the
Indenture, to the prior payment in full in cash of all Senior Debt, whether
outstanding on the date of the Indenture or thereafter incurred.
Upon any distribution to creditors of the Company in a liquidation or
dissolution of the Company or in a bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency,
receivership or similar proceeding relating to the Company or its property, an
assignment for the benefit of creditors or any marshalling of the Company's
assets and liabilities, the holders of Senior Debt will be entitled to receive
payment in full in cash of all Obligations due in respect of such Senior Debt
(including interest after the commencement of any such proceeding at the rate
specified in the applicable Senior Debt whether or not allowable as a claim in
any such proceeding) before the Holders of Notes will be entitled to receive any
payment with respect to the Notes, and until all Obligations with respect to
Senior Debt are paid in full, any distribution to which the Holders of Notes
would be entitled shall be made to the holders of Senior Debt (except that
Holders of Notes may receive Permitted Junior Securities and payments made from
the trust described under "-- Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance").
The Company also may not make any payment upon or in respect of the Notes
(except in Permitted Junior Securities or from the trust described under "Legal
Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance") if (i) a default in the payment of the
principal of, premium, if any, or interest on Designated Senior Debt occurs and
is continuing or (ii) any other default occurs and is continuing with respect to
Designated Senior Debt that permits holders of the Designated Senior Debt as to
which such default relates to accelerate its maturity and the Trustee receives a
notice of such default (a "Payment Blockage Notice") from the
68
<PAGE>
Company or the holders of any Designated Senior Debt. Payments on the Notes may
and shall be resumed (a) in the case of a payment default, upon the date on
which such default is cured or waived and (b) in case of a nonpayment default,
the earlier of the date on which such nonpayment default is cured or waived or
179 days after the date on which the applicable Payment Blockage Notice is
received, unless a payment default on any Designated Senior Debt then exists. No
new period of payment blockage may be commenced unless and until 360 days have
elapsed since the delivery of the immediately prior Payment Blockage Notice. No
nonpayment default that existed or was continuing on the date of delivery of any
Payment Blockage Notice to the Trustee shall be, or be made, the basis for a
subsequent Payment Blockage Notice.
The Indenture further requires that the Company promptly notify holders of
Senior Debt if payment of the Notes is accelerated because of an Event of
Default.
As a result of the subordination provisions described above, in the event of
a liquidation or insolvency, Holders of Notes may recover less ratably than
creditors of the Company who are holders of Senior Debt. As of June 30, 1997,
the principal amount of Senior Debt outstanding was approximately $25.0 million.
The Indenture limits, subject to certain financial tests, the amount of
additional Indebtedness, including Senior Debt, that the Company and its
subsidiaries can incur. See "-- Certain Covenants -- Incurrence of Indebtedness
and Issuance of Preferred Stock."
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
Except as set forth below, the Notes will not be redeemable at the Company's
option prior to June 15, 2002. Thereafter, the Notes will be subject to
redemption at any time at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, upon
not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice, at the redemption prices
(expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and
unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the applicable redemption
date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on June 15 of the
years indicated below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR PERCENTAGE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
<S> <C>
2002.............................................................................. 105.063%
2003.............................................................................. 103.375
2004.............................................................................. 101.688
2005 and thereafter............................................................... 100.000
</TABLE>
Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the first three years after the Issue
Date, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem up to an aggregate
33 1/3% of the principal amount of Notes originally issued at a redemption price
of 110.125% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest
and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the redemption date, with the net cash
proceeds of one or more Public Equity Offerings; PROVIDED that at least 66 2/3%
of the aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued remains outstanding
immediately after such redemption; and PROVIDED, FURTHER, that such redemption
shall occur within 60 days of the date of the closing of such Public Equity
Offering.
If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time, selection of
Notes for redemption will be made by the Trustee in compliance with the
requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the
Notes are listed, or, if the Notes are not so listed, on a pro rata basis, by
lot or by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate; PROVIDED
that no Notes of $1,000 or less shall be redeemed in part. Notices of redemption
shall be mailed by first class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before
the redemption date to each Holder of Notes to be redeemed at its registered
address. Notices of redemption may not be conditional. If any Note is to be
redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to such Note shall
state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. A new Note in
principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued in the
name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Note. Notes called
for redemption become due on the
69
<PAGE>
date fixed for redemption. On and after the redemption date, interest ceases to
accrue on Notes or portions of them called for redemption.
CERTAIN COVENANTS
CHANGE OF CONTROL
Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder of Notes will have
the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part (equal to $1,000
or an integral multiple thereof) of such Holder's Notes pursuant to the offer
described below (the "Change of Control Offer") at an offer price in cash equal
to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid
interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the date of purchase (the "Change of
Control Payment"). Within ten days following any Change of Control, the Company
will mail a notice to each Holder describing the transaction or transactions
that constitute the Change of Control and offering to repurchase Notes on the
date specified in such notice, which date shall be no earlier than 30 days and
no later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed (the "Change of
Control Payment Date"), pursuant to the procedures required by the Indenture and
described in such notice. The Company will comply with the requirements of Rule
14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations
thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection
with the repurchase of the Notes as a result of a Change of Control.
On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Company will, to the extent
lawful, (1) accept for payment all Notes or portions thereof properly tendered
pursuant to the Change of Control Offer, (2) deposit with the Paying Agent an
amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all Notes or
portions thereof so tendered and (3) deliver or cause to be delivered to the
Trustee the Notes so accepted together with an Officers' Certificate stating the
aggregate principal amount of Notes or portions thereof being purchased by the
Company. The Paying Agent will promptly mail to each Holder of Notes so tendered
the Change of Control Payment for such Notes, and the Trustee will promptly
authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to each Holder
a new Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Notes
surrendered, if any; PROVIDED that each such new Note will be in a principal
amount of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof. The Company will publicly
announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable
after the Change of Control Payment Date.
The Change of Control provisions described above will be applicable whether
or not any other provisions of the Indenture are applicable. Except as described
above with respect to a Change of Control, the Indenture does not contain
provisions that permit the Holders of the Notes to require that the Company
repurchase or redeem the Notes in the event of a takeover, recapitalization or
similar transaction.
The New Credit Agreement currently prohibits the Company from purchasing any
Notes and also provides that certain change of control events with respect to
the Company would constitute a default thereunder. Any future credit agreements
or other agreements relating to Senior Debt to which the Company becomes a party
may contain similar restrictions and provisions. In the event a Change of
Control occurs at a time when the Company is prohibited from purchasing Notes,
then prior to purchasing the Notes in a Change of Control Offer, the Company
shall either repay all outstanding Senior Debt that contain such prohibitions or
obtain the requisite consents, if any, under all agreements governing such
outstanding Senior Debt. If the Company does not obtain such a consent or repay
such borrowings, the Company will remain prohibited from purchasing Notes. In
addition, it is possible that the Company will not have sufficient funds to make
the payments due upon a Change of Control. In either such case, the Company's
failure to purchase tendered Notes would constitute an Event of Default under
the Indenture which would, in turn, constitute as default under the New Credit
Agreement. In such circumstances, the subordination provisions in the Indenture
would likely restrict payments to the Holders of Notes. See "Risk Factors --
Possible Inability to Purchase Notes Upon a Change of Control."
70
<PAGE>
The Company will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a
Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the
manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth
in the Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Company,
including any requirement to repay in full any Senior Debt or obtain the
consents of such lenders to such Change of Control Offer as set forth in the
preceding paragraph, and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn
under such Change of Control Offer.
The definition of Change of Control includes a phrase relating to the sale,
lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of "all or substantially all"
of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Although
there is a developing body of case law interpreting the phrase "substantially
all," there is no precise established definition of the phrase under applicable
law. Accordingly, the ability of a Holder of Notes to require the Company to
repurchase such Notes as a result of a sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or
other disposition of less than all of the assets of the Company and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole to another Person or group may be uncertain.
ASSET SALES
The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any of
its Subsidiaries to, consummate an Asset Sale unless (i) the Company (or the
Subsidiary, as the case may be) receives consideration at the time of such Asset
Sale at least equal to the fair market value (evidenced by a resolution of the
Board of Directors set forth in an Officers' Certificate delivered to the
Trustee) of the assets or Equity Interests issued or sold or otherwise disposed
of and (ii) at least 75% of the consideration therefor received by the Company
or such Subsidiary is in the form of cash; PROVIDED that the amount of (x) any
liabilities (as shown on the Company's or such Subsidiary's most recent balance
sheet), of the Company or any Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities and
liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Notes or any guarantee
thereof) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets pursuant to a
customary novation agreement that releases the Company or such Subsidiary from
further liability and (y) any securities, notes or other obligations received by
the Company or any such Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by
the Company or such Subsidiary into cash (to the extent of the cash received),
shall be deemed to be cash for purposes of this provision.
Within 12 months after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale,
the Company may apply such Net Proceeds, at its option, (a) to repay permanently
Senior Debt or Senior Debt of the Subsidiary Guarantors, or (b) to the
acquisition of an interest in another business, the making of a capital
expenditure or the acquisition of other long-term assets, in each case, in the
test instrumentation industry or a business reasonably related thereto. Pending
the final application of any such Net Proceeds, the Company may temporarily
reduce revolving indebtedness under the New Credit Agreement or otherwise invest
such Net Proceeds in any manner that is not prohibited by the Indenture. Any Net
Proceeds from Asset Sales that are not applied or invested as provided in the
first sentence of this paragraph will be deemed to constitute "Excess Proceeds."
When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $5.0 million, the Company
will be required to make an offer to all Holders of Notes (an "Asset Sale
Offer") to purchase the maximum principal amount of Notes that may be purchased
out of the Excess Proceeds, at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100%
of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated
Damages, if any, to the date of purchase, in accordance with the procedures set
forth in the Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of Notes surrendered
by Holders thereof exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Trustee shall
select the Notes to be purchased on a pro rata basis. Upon completion of such
offer to purchase, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero.
71
<PAGE>
RESTRICTED PAYMENTS
The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any of
its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly: (i) declare or pay any dividend or
make any other payment or distribution on account of the Company's or any of its
Subsidiaries' Equity Interests (including, without limitation, any payment in
connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Company) or to the
direct or indirect holders of the Company's or any of its Subsidiaries' Equity
Interests in their capacity as such (other than dividends or distributions
payable in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company);
(ii) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value (including
without limitation, in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the
Company) any Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of
the Company or other Affiliate of the Company (other than any such Equity
Interests owned by the Company or any Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company);
(iii) make any payment on or with respect to, or purchase, redeem, defease or
otherwise acquire or retire for value any Indebtedness that is subordinated to
the Notes, except a payment of interest or principal at Stated Maturity; or (iv)
make any Restricted Investment (all such payments and other actions set forth in
clauses (i) through (iv) above being collectively referred to as "Restricted
Payments"), unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such Restricted
Payment:
(a) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or
would occur as a consequence thereof; and
(b) the Company would, at the time of such Restricted Payment and after
giving pro forma effect thereto as if such Restricted Payment had been
made at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, have been
permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to
the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of
the covenant described above under caption "-- Incurrence of Indebtedness
and Issuance of Preferred Stock"; and
(c) such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other
Restricted Payments made by the Company and its Subsidiaries after the
date of the Indenture (excluding Restricted Payments permitted by clauses
(ii), (iii) and (iv) of the next succeeding paragraph), is less than the
sum of (i) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Company for the
period (taken as one accounting period) from the beginning of the first
fiscal quarter commencing after the date of the Indenture to the end of
the Company's most recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal
financial statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment
(or, if such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, less
100% of such deficit), plus (ii) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds
received by the Company from the issue or sale since the date of the
Indenture of Equity Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified
Stock) or of Disqualified Stock or debt securities of the Company that
have been converted into such Equity Interests (other than Equity
Interests (or Disqualified Stock or convertible debt securities) sold to
a Subsidiary of the Company and other than Disqualified Stock or
convertible debt securities that have been converted into Disqualified
Stock), plus (iii) to the extent that any Restricted Investment that was
made after the date of the Indenture is sold for cash or otherwise
liquidated or repaid for cash, the lesser of (A) the cash return of
capital with respect to such Restricted Investment (less the cost of
disposition, if any) and (B) the initial amount of such Restricted
Investment.
The foregoing provisions will not prohibit (i) the payment of any dividend
within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof, if at said date of
declaration such payment would have complied with the provisions of the
Indenture; (ii) the redemption, repurchase, retirement, defeasance or other
acquisition of any subordinated Indebtedness or Equity Interests of the Company
in exchange for, or out of the net cash proceeds of the substantially concurrent
sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company) of, other Equity Interests of
the Company (other than any Disqualified Stock); PROVIDED that the amount of any
such net cash proceeds that are utilized for any such redemption, repurchase,
retirement, defeasance or other acquisition shall be excluded from clause (c)
(ii) of the preceding paragraph; (iii) the defeasance,
72
<PAGE>
redemption, repurchase or other acquisition of subordinated Indebtedness with
the net cash proceeds from an incurrence of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness;
(iv) the payment of any dividend by a Subsidiary of the Company to the holders
of its common Equity Interests on a pro rata basis; and (v) the repurchase,
redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Equity Interests
of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company held by any member of the
Company's (or any of its Subsidiaries') management pursuant to any management
equity subscription agreement or stock option agreement; PROVIDED that the
aggregate price paid for all such repurchased, redeemed, acquired or retired
Equity Interests shall not exceed $1.0 million in any twelve-month period and
$5.0 million in total and no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and
be continuing immediately after such transaction.
The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) shall be the fair
market value on the date of the Restricted Payment of the asset(s) or securities
proposed to be transferred or issued by the Company or such Subsidiary, as the
case may be, pursuant to the Restricted Payment. The fair market value of any
non-cash Restricted Payment shall be determined by the Board of Directors whose
resolution with respect thereto shall be delivered to the Trustee. Not later
than the date of making any Restricted Payment, the Company shall deliver to the
Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that such Restricted Payment is
permitted and setting forth the basis upon which the calculations required by
the covenant "Restricted Payments" were computed, together with a copy of any
fairness opinion required by the Indenture.
INCURRENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS AND ISSUANCE OF PREFERRED STOCK
The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any of
its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume,
guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently or
otherwise, with respect to (collectively, "incur") any Indebtedness (including
Acquired Debt) and that the Company will not issue any Disqualified Stock and
will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to issue any shares of preferred stock;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Company may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired
Debt) or issue shares of Disqualified Stock if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio
for the Company's most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which
internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on
which such additional Indebtedness is incurred or such Disqualified Stock is
issued would have been at least 2.0 to 1, determined on a pro forma basis
(including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the
additional Indebtedness had been incurred, or the Disqualified Stock had been
issued, as the case may be, at the beginning of such four-quarter period.
The provisions of the first paragraph of this covenant will not apply to the
incurrence of any of the following items of Indebtedness (collectively,
"Permitted Debt"):
(i) the incurrence by the Company of Indebtedness and letters of credit
(with letters of credit being deemed to have a principal amount equal to the
maximum potential liability of the Company and its Subsidiaries thereunder)
under the New Credit Agreement and the incurrence by the Subsidiary Guarantors
of Guarantees thereof; PROVIDED that the aggregate principal amount of all
Indebtedness outstanding under the New Credit Agreement after giving effect to
such incurrence does not exceed $45.0 million less the aggregate amount of all
Net Proceeds of Asset Sales applied to permanently repay any such Indebtedness
or, in the case of any such revolving Indebtedness, permanently reduce
commitments therefor pursuant to the covenant described above under the caption
"-- Asset Sales";
(ii) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of Hedging
Obligations that are incurred for the purpose of fixing or hedging interest rate
risk with respect to any floating rate Indebtedness that is permitted by the
terms of this Indenture to be outstanding or that are incurred by the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries to protect against currency exchange rate risk in the
conduct of its operations;
(iii) the incurrence by the Foreign Subsidiaries of Indebtedness in an
aggregate amount that, when combined with Existing Indebtedness of such Foreign
Subsidiaries (other than Indebtedness described in
73
<PAGE>
clause (iv) below), does not exceed $6.5 million and the incurrence by the
Company of Guarantees of such Indebtedness;
(iv) the incurrence by the Foreign Subsidiaries of Indebtedness in
connection with the issuance of completion bonds, performance guaranties or
letters of credit, and the incurrence by the Company of Guarantees thereof (with
such bonds, guaranties or letters of credit being deemed to have a principal
amount equal to the maximum potential liability of the Foreign Subsidiaries
thereunder) in an aggregate amount that, when combined with such Existing
Indebtedness of such Foreign Subsidiaries (other than Indebtedness described in
clause (iii) above), does not exceed $4.0 million;
(v) the incurrence by the Company and its Subsidiaries of the Existing
Indebtedness;
(vi) the incurrence by the Company of Indebtedness represented by the Notes
and the incurrence by the Subsidiary Guarantors of Indebtedness represented by
the Subsidiary Guarantees;
(vii) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of Permitted
Refinancing Indebtedness in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used
to refund, refinance or replace Indebtedness that was permitted by the Indenture
to be incurred;
(viii) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of
intercompany Indebtedness between or among the Company and any of its Wholly
Owned Subsidiaries; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that (i) if the Company is the obligor on
such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated to the prior
payment in full in cash of all Obligations with respect to the Notes and if a
Subsidiary Guarantor is the obligor on such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is
expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of all Obligations
with respect to the Subsidiary Guarantees and (ii)(A) any subsequent issuance or
transfer of Equity Interests that results in any such Indebtedness being held by
a Person other than the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary and (B) any sale or
other transfer of any such Indebtedness to a Person that is not either the
Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary shall be deemed, in each case, to
constitute an incurrence of such Indebtedness by the Company or such Subsidiary,
as the case may be;
(ix) the incurrence by the Company or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors of
Indebtedness represented by Capital Lease Obligations, mortgage financings or
purchase money obligations, in each case incurred for the purpose of financing
all or any part of the purchase price or cost of construction or improvements of
property used in the business of the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantors, in
an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $5.0 million at any time
outstanding; and
(x) the incurrence by the Company of additional Indebtedness in an aggregate
principal amount (or accreted value, as applicable) at any time outstanding,
including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to refund, refinance
or replace any other Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (x), not to
exceed $15.0 million.
For purposes of determining compliance with this covenant, in the event that
an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of
Permitted Debt described in clauses (i) through (x) above or is entitled to be
incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant, the Company shall, in
its sole discretion, classify such item of Indebtedness in any manner that
complies with this covenant and such item of Indebtedness will be treated as
having been incurred pursuant to only one of such clauses or pursuant to the
first paragraph hereof. Any Indebtedness that may be incurred pursuant to this
covenant may be incurred under the New Credit Agreement.
LIENS
The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any of
its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to
exist any Lien on any asset now owned or hereafter acquired, or any income or
profits therefrom or assign or convey any right to receive income therefrom,
except Permitted Liens.
74
<PAGE>
DIVIDEND AND OTHER PAYMENT RESTRICTIONS AFFECTING SUBSIDIARIES
The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any of
its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer
to exist or become effective any encumbrance or restriction on the ability of
any Subsidiary to (i)(a) pay dividends or make any other distributions to the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries (1) on its Capital Stock or (2) with respect
to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits, or (b)
pay any indebtedness owed to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) make
loans or advances to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (iii) transfer
any of its properties or assets to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,
except for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of (a)
Existing Indebtedness as in effect on the date of the Indenture, (b) the New
Credit Agreement as in effect as of the date of the Indenture, and any
amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements,
refundings, replacements or refinancings thereof, PROVIDED that such amendments,
modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings,
replacement or refinancings are no more restrictive in the aggregate with
respect to such dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in
the New Credit Agreement as in effect on the date of the Indenture, (c) the
Indenture, the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees, (d) applicable law, (e) any
instrument regarding the sale, lease or purchase of any asset or governing
Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person acquired by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries as in effect at the time of such acquisition (except to the extent
such Indebtedness was incurred in connection with or in contemplation of such
acquisition), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person,
or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person, or the
property or assets of the Person, so acquired, PROVIDED that, in the case of
Indebtedness, such Indebtedness was permitted by the terms of the Indenture to
be incurred, (f) by reason of customary non-assignment provisions in licenses or
leases entered into in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past
practices, (g) purchase money obligations or Capital Lease Obligations for
property acquired in the ordinary course of business that impose restrictions of
the nature described in clause (iii) above on the property so acquired, or (h)
Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness, PROVIDED that the restrictions contained in
the agreements governing such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness are no more
restrictive in the aggregate than those contained in the agreements governing
the Indebtedness being refinanced.
LIMITATION ON LAYERING DEBT
The Indenture provides that the Company will not incur, create, issue,
assume, guarantee or otherwise become liable for any Indebtedness that is
subordinate or junior in right of payment to any Senior Debt and senior in any
respect in right of payment to the Notes. In addition, the Indenture provides
that the Subsidiary Guarantors will not incur, create, issue, assume, guarantee
or otherwise become liable for any Indebtedness that is subordinate or junior in
right of payment to any Senior Debt of the Subsidiary Guarantor and senior in
any respect in right of payment to the Subsidiary Guarantees.
TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any of
its Subsidiaries to, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or
assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction, contract,
agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit
of, any Affiliate (each of the foregoing, an "Affiliate Transaction"), unless
(i) such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are at least as favorable as
those that could reasonably be expected to be obtained by the Company or the
relevant Subsidiary in a comparable transaction by the Company or such
Subsidiary with an unrelated Person and (ii) the Company delivers to the Trustee
(a) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate
Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $1.0 million, a
resolution of the Board of Directors set forth in an Officers' Certificate
certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (i) above and
that such Affiliate Transaction has been approved by a majority of the
disinterested members of the Board
75
<PAGE>
of Directors and (b) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of
related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of
$5.0 million, an opinion as to the fairness to the Company of such Affiliate
Transaction from a financial point of view issued by an accounting, appraisal or
investment banking firm of national standing; PROVIDED that the following shall
not be deemed to be Affiliate Transactions: (s) transactions pursuant to the
Distribution Agreement, dated April 23, 1996, and the Technical Collaboration
Agreement, dated as of April 23, 1996, each between the Company or one of its
Subsidiaries and Yokogawa, to the extent that such transactions are on terms
that are at least as favorable as those that could reasonably be expected to be
obtained by the Company or the relevant Subsidiary in a comparable transaction
by the Company or such Subsidiary with an unrelated Person; (t) lease payments,
renewals and extensions under the lease agreement, dated June 29, 1996, between
the Company and Toyon Investments, a corporation controlled by Gooding, to the
extent that aggregate annual lease payments do not exceed $585,000 per year,
plus annual consumer price index adjustments, not to exceed 3% per annum; (u)
any payments or transactions made in accordance with, or that are authorized
under, the Stockholders Agreement, including the engagement or appointment of
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation as underwriter in connection
with an initial public offering; (v) the engagement or appointment by the
Company of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation as its financial
advisor, investment banking firm or arranger with respect to the New Credit
Agreement, to the extent that the fees and expenses under such engagement are
reasonable and customary for such engagements; (w) the exercise by Gooding of
his option to purchase the Company's executive offices at 11995 El Camino Road,
San Diego, California including all the leasehold improvements and fixed assets
therein pursuant to the terms set forth in the resolution of the Company adopted
on September 19, 1995; (x) any employment agreement entered into by the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and consistent
with the past practice of the Company or such Subsidiary; (y) transactions
between or among the Company and/or its Subsidiaries; and (z) Restricted
Payments that are permitted by the provisions of the Indenture described above
under the caption "-- Restricted Payments."
ADDITIONAL SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES
The Indenture provides that if the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall
acquire or create another Subsidiary (other than a Foreign Subsidiary) after the
date of the Indenture, then such newly acquired or created Subsidiary shall
execute a Subsidiary Guarantee and deliver an opinion of counsel, in accordance
with the terms of the Indenture.
The Indenture also provides that 100% of the Capital Stock of all Foreign
Subsidiaries must be owned directly or indirectly by the Company and that the
Company will not allow its Foreign Subsidiaries to acquire or create any
Subsidiaries.
REPORTS
The Indenture provides that, whether or not required by the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), so
long as any Notes are outstanding, the Company will furnish to the Holders of
Notes (i) all quarterly and annual financial information that would be required
to be contained in a filing with the Commission on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if the
Company were required to file such Forms, including a "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and, with respect
to the annual information only, a report thereon by the Company's certified
independent auditors and (ii) all current reports that would be required to be
filed with the Commission on Form 8-K if the Company were required to file such
reports. In addition, whether or not required by the rules and regulations of
the Commission, the Company will file a copy of all such information and reports
with the Commission for public availability (unless the Commission will not
accept such a filing) and make such information available to securities analysts
and prospective investors upon request. In addition, the Company has agreed
that, for so long as any Notes remain outstanding, it will furnish to the
Holders and to
76
<PAGE>
prospective purchasers designated by such Holders, upon their request, the
information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the
Securities Act.
MERGER, CONSOLIDATION OR SALE OF ASSETS
The Indenture provides that the Company may not consolidate or merge with or
into (whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation), or sell, assign,
transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its
properties or assets in one or more related transactions, to another
corporation, Person or entity unless (i) the Company is the surviving
corporation or the entity or the Person formed by or surviving any such
consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or to which such sale,
assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition shall have been
made is a corporation organized or existing under the laws of the United States,
any state thereof or the District of Columbia; (ii) the entity or Person formed
by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or
the entity or Person to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance
or other disposition shall have been made assumes all the obligations of the
Company under the Notes and the Indenture pursuant to a supplemental indenture
in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee; (iii) immediately after such
transaction no Default or Event of Default exists; and (iv) except in the case
of a merger of the Company with or into a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the
Company, the Company or the entity or Person formed by or surviving any such
consolidation or merger (if other than the Company), or to which such sale,
assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition shall have been
made (A) will have Consolidated Net Worth immediately after the transaction
equal to or greater than the Consolidated Net Worth of the Company immediately
preceding the transaction and (B) will, after giving pro forma effect thereto as
if such transaction had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter
period, be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant
to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of the
covenant described above under the caption
"-- Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock."
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
The Indenture provides that each of the following constitutes an Event of
Default: (i) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on, or
Liquidated Damages with respect to, the Notes (whether or not prohibited by the
subordination provisions of the Indenture); (ii) default in payment when due of
the principal of or premium, if any, on the Notes (whether or not prohibited by
the subordination provisions of the Indenture); (iii) failure by the Company to
comply with the provisions described under the captions "-- Certain Covenants --
Change of Control," "-- Asset Sales," "-- Restricted Payments" or "-- Incurrence
of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock"; (iv) failure by the Company
for 60 days after notice to comply with any of its other agreements in the
Indenture or the Notes; (v) except as permitted by the Indenture, any Subsidiary
Guarantee shall be held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or
invalid or shall cease for any reason to be in full force and effect or any
Subsidiary Guarantor, or any Person acing on behalf of any Subsidiary Guarantor,
shall deny or disaffirm its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee; (vi)
default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be
issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money
borrowed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is
guaranteed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) whether such Indebtedness
or guarantee now exists, or is created after the date of the Indenture, which
default (a) is caused by a failure to pay principal when due at final stated
maturity (a "Payment Default") or (b) results in the acceleration of such
Indebtedness prior to its express maturity and, in each case, the principal
amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other
such Indebtedness under which there has been a Payment Default or the maturity
of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $7.5 million or more; (vii) failure
by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to pay final judgments aggregating in
excess of $7.5 million, which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed for a
period of 60 days; and (viii) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with
respect to the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries.
77
<PAGE>
If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders
of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare
all the Notes to be due and payable by notice in writing to the Company and the
Trustee specifying the respective Event of Default and that it is a notice of
acceleration (the "Acceleration Notice"), and the same (i) shall become
immediately due and payable or (ii) if there are any amounts outstanding under
the New Credit Agreement, shall become immediately due and payable upon the
first to occur of an acceleration under the New Credit Agreement or five
Business Days after receipt by the Company and the Representative under the New
Credit Agreement of such Acceleration Notice but only if such Event of Default
is then continuing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of
Default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, with respect to
the Company, any Significant Subsidiary or any group of Subsidiaries that, taken
together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, all outstanding Notes will
become due and payable without further action or notice. Holders of the Notes
may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture.
Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
then outstanding Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or
power. In the event of a declaration of acceleration of the Notes because an
Event of Default has occurred and is continuing as a result of the acceleration
of any Indebtedness described in clause (vi) of the preceding paragraph, the
declaration of acceleration of the Notes shall be automatically annulled if the
holders of any Indebtedness described in clause (vi) have rescinded the
declaration of acceleration in respect of such Indebtedness within 30 days of
the date of such declaration and if (i) the annulment of the acceleration of the
Notes would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent
jurisdiction, and (ii) all existing Events of Default, except nonpayment of
principal or interest or Liquidated Damages on the Notes that became due solely
because of the acceleration of the Notes, have been cured or waived. The Trustee
may withhold from Holders of the Notes notice of any continuing Default or Event
of Default (except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of
principal or interest) if it determines that withholding notice is in their
interest.
In the case of any Event of Default occurring by reason of any willful
action (or inaction) taken (or not taken) by or on behalf of the Company with
the intention of avoiding payment of the premium that the Company would have had
to pay if the Company then had elected to redeem the Notes pursuant to the
optional redemption provisions of the Indenture, an equivalent premium shall
also become and be immediately due and payable to the extent permitted by law
upon the acceleration of the Notes. If an Event of Default occurs prior to June
15, 2002 by reason of any willful action (or inaction) taken (or not taken) by
or on behalf of the Company with the intention of avoiding the prohibition on
redemption of the Notes prior to June 15, 2002, then the premium specified in
the Indenture shall also become immediately due and payable to the extent
permitted by law upon the acceleration of the Notes.
The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the
Notes waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under
the Indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of
interest on, or the principal of, the Notes.
The Company is required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement
regarding compliance with the Indenture, and the Company is required upon
becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, to deliver to the Trustee a
statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.
NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND STOCKHOLDERS
No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company
or any Subsidiary Guarantor, as such, shall have any liability for any
obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor under the Notes, the
Indenture or any Subsidiary Guarantee or for any claim based on, in respect of,
or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of Notes by
accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release
are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. Such waiver may not be
effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it is the
view of the Commission that such a waiver is against public policy.
78
<PAGE>
LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
The Company may, at its option and at any time, elect to have all of its
obligations discharged with respect to the outstanding Notes ("Legal
Defeasance") except for (i) the rights of Holders of outstanding Notes to
receive payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest
and Liquidated Damages on such Notes when such payments are due from the trust
referred to below, (ii) the Company's obligations with respect to the Notes
concerning issuing temporary Notes, registration of Notes, mutilated, destroyed,
lost or stolen Notes and the maintenance of an office or agency for payment and
money for security payments held in trust, (iii) the rights, powers, trusts,
duties and immunities of the Trustee, and the Company's obligations in
connection therewith and (iv) the Legal Defeasance provisions of the Indenture.
In addition, the Company may, at its option and at any time, elect to have the
obligations of the Company released with respect to certain covenants that are
described in the Indenture ("Covenant Defeasance") and thereafter any omission
to comply with such obligations shall not constitute a Default or Event of
Default with respect to the Notes. In the event Covenant Defeasance occurs,
certain events (not including non-payment, bankruptcy, receivership,
rehabilitation and insolvency events) described under "Events of Default" will
no longer constitute an Event of Default with respect to the Notes.
In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, (i) the
Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of
the Holders of the Notes, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable Government
Securities, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in
the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants,
to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest and Liquidated Damages on
the outstanding Notes on the stated maturity or on the applicable redemption
date, as the case may be, and the Company must specify whether the Notes are
being defeased to maturity or to a particular redemption date; (ii) in the case
of Legal Defeasance, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion
of counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming
that (A) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the
Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (B) since the date of the Indenture, there
has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law, in either case to
the effect that, and based thereon such opinion of counsel shall confirm that,
the Holders of the outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for
federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be
subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the
same times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not
occurred; (iii) in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Company shall have
delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel in the United States reasonably
acceptable to the Trustee confirming that the Holders of the outstanding Notes
will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a
result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on
the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been
the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred; (iv) no Default or Event
of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit
(other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds
to be applied to such deposit) or insofar as Events of Default from bankruptcy
or insolvency events are concerned, at any time in the period ending on the 91st
day after the date of deposit; (v) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance
will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under the
New Credit Agreement or any other material agreement or instrument (other than
the Indenture) to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by
which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound; (vi) the Company must
deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that the deposit was not
made by the Company with the intent of preferring the Holders of Notes over the
other creditors of the Company with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying
or defrauding creditors of the Company or others; and (vii) the Company must
deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an opinion of counsel, each
stating that all conditions precedent provided for relating to the Legal
Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.
79
<PAGE>
TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE
A Holder may transfer or exchange Notes in accordance with the Indenture.
The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to
furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the Company may
require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the
Indenture. The Company is not required to transfer or exchange any Note selected
for redemption. Also, the Company is not required to transfer or exchange any
Note for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed.
The registered Holder of a Note will be treated as the owner of it for all
purposes.
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER
Except as provided in the next two succeeding paragraphs, the Indenture or
the Notes may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at
least a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (including,
without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or
tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes), and any existing default or
compliance with any provision of the Indenture or the Notes may be waived with
the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer
or exchange offer for Notes).
Without the consent of each Holder affected, an amendment or waiver may not
(with respect to any Notes held by a non-consenting Holder): (i) reduce the
principal amount of Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement
or waiver, (ii) reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity of any Note
or alter the provisions with respect to the redemption of the Notes (other than
provisions relating to the covenants described above under the caption "--
Certain Covenants -- Change of Control" and "-- Asset Sales"), (iii) reduce the
rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any Note, (iv) waive a
Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any,
or interest on the Notes (except a rescission of acceleration of the Notes by
the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes
and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration), (v)
make any Note payable in money other than that stated in the Notes, (vi) make
any change in the provisions of the Indenture relating to waivers of past
Defaults or the rights of Holders of Notes to receive payments of principal of
or premium, if any, or interest on the Notes, (vii) waive a redemption payment
with respect to any Note (other than a payment required by the covenants
described above under the captions "-- Certain Covenants -- Change of Control"
or "-- Asset Sales") or (viii) make any change in the foregoing amendment and
waiver provisions. In addition, any amendment to the provisions of Article 10 of
the Indenture (which relate to subordination) will require the consent of the
Holders of at least 75% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding if such amendment would adversely affect the rights of Holders of
Notes.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of any Holder of Notes,
the Company and the Trustee may amend or supplement the Indenture or the Notes
to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, to provide for uncertificated
Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes, to provide for the
assumption of the Company's obligations to Holders of Notes in the case of a
merger or consolidation, to make any change that would provide any additional
rights or benefits to the Holders of Notes or that does not adversely affect the
legal rights under the Indenture of any such Holder, or to comply with
requirements of the Commission in order to effect or maintain the qualification
of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.
80
<PAGE>
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
The Indenture contains certain limitations on the rights of the Trustee,
should it become a creditor of the Company, to obtain payment of claims in
certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such
claim as security or otherwise. The Trustee will be permitted to engage in other
transactions; however, if it acquires any conflicting interest it must eliminate
such conflict within 90 days, apply to the Commission for permission to continue
or resign.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes
will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee, subject to
certain exceptions. The Indenture provides that in case an Event of Default
shall occur (which shall not be cured), the Trustee will be required, in the
exercise of its power, to use the degree of care of a prudent man in the conduct
of his own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the Trustee will be under no
obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the
request of any Holder of Notes, unless such Holder shall have offered to the
Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or
expense.
BOOK-ENTRY, DELIVERY AND FORM
The New Notes will be issued in the form of a Global Note (a "Global Note").
Each Global Note will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depositary Trust
Company ("DTC") and registered in the name of DTC or its nominee. Except as set
forth below, each Global Note may be transferred, in whole or in part, only to
DTC or another nominee of DTC. Investors may hold their beneficial interest in a
Global Note directly through DTC if they are participants in such system or
indirectly through organizations which are participants in such system.
DTC is a limited-purpose trust company that was created to hold securities
for its participating organizations (collectively, the "Participants") and to
facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions in such securities
between Participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its
Participants. The Participants include securities brokers and dealers (including
the Initial Purchaser), banks and trust companies, clearing corporations and
certain other organizations. Access to DTC's system is also available to other
entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies (collectively, the
"Indirect Participants") that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship
with a Participant, either directly or indirectly. Persons who are not
Participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only
through the Participants or Indirect Participants.
Upon the issuance of the Global Notes, DTC will credit the accounts of
Participants designated by the Initial Purchasers with portions of the principal
amount of the Global Notes. Ownership of the Notes evidenced by the Global Notes
will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership thereof will be effected only
through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to the interest of
Participant), the Participants and the Indirect Participants. Prospective
purchasers are advised that the laws of some states require that certain persons
take physical delivery in definitive form of securities they own. Consequently,
the ability to transfer Notes evidenced by the Global Notes will be limited to
such extent.
So long as the nominee of DTC is the registered owner or holder of any
Notes, such nominee will be considered the sole owner or Holder under the
Indenture of any Notes evidenced by the Global Notes. Beneficial owners of Notes
evidenced by a Global Note will not be considered the owners or Holders thereof
under the Indenture for any purpose, including with respect to the giving of any
directions, instructions or approvals to the Trustee thereunder. Neither the
Company nor the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect
of the records of DTC or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records
of DTC relating to the Notes. No beneficial owner of an interest in any Global
Note will be able to transfer that interest except in accordance with DTC's
procedures in addition to those provided for under the Indenture.
81
<PAGE>
Payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, interest and
Liquidated Damages, if any, on any Notes registered in the name of the nominee
of DTC on the applicable record date will be payable by the Trustee to or at the
direction of DTC or its nominee in its capacity as the registered Holder under
the Indenture. Under the terms of the Indenture, the Company and the Trustee may
treat the person in whose names Notes, including the Global Notes, are
registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of receiving such payments.
Consequently, neither the Company, the Trustee nor any paying agent of the
Company has or will have any responsibility or liability for the payment of such
amounts to beneficial owners of Notes (including principal, premium, if any,
interest and Liquidated Damages, if any). The Company believes, however, that it
is currently the policy of DTC or its nominee, to immediately credit the
accounts of the relevant Participants with such payments, in amounts
proportionate to their respective holdings of beneficial interests in the
relevant security as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. Payments by the
Participants and the Indirect Participants to the beneficial owners of Notes
will be governed by standing instructions and customary practice and will be the
responsibility of the Participants or the Indirect Participants.
CERTIFICATED NOTES
If (i) the Company notifies the Trustee in writing that DTC or its nominee
is no longer willing or able to act as a depository and the Company is unable to
locate a qualified successor within 90 days or (ii) the Company, at its option,
notifies the Trustee in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of Notes in
the form of Certificated Securities under the Indenture, then, upon surrender by
DTC or its nominee of its Global Notes, Notes in such form will be issued to
each person that DTC or its nominee identify as being the beneficial owner of
the corresponding Notes.
Neither the Company nor the Trustee will be liable for any delay by a holder
of a Global Note or DTC or its nominee in identifying the beneficial owners of
Notes and the Company and the Trustee may conclusively rely on, and will be
protected in relying on, instructions from DTC or its nominee for all purposes.
REGISTRATION RIGHTS; LIQUIDATED DAMAGES
In connection with the sale of the Old Notes, the Company and the Initial
Purchaser entered into the Registration Rights Agreement on the Issue Date.
Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company agreed to file with
the SEC a registration statement on the appropriate form under the Securities
Act with respect to the New Notes (the "Exchange Offer Registration Statement").
The Exchange Offer is being made to satisfy the contractual obligations of the
Company under the Registration Rights Agreement and the Registration Statement
of which this Prospectus forms a part in the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement. If (i) the Company is not required to file the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement or permitted to consummate the Exchange Offer because the
Exchange Offer is not permitted by applicable law or SEC policy or (ii) any
Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities notifies the Company within the
specified time period that (A) it is prohibited by law or SEC policy from
participating in the Exchange Offer or (B) that it may not resell the New Notes
acquired by it in the Exchange Offer to the public without delivering a
prospectus and the prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement is not appropriate or available for such resales or (C) that it is a
broker-dealer and owns Old Notes acquired directly from the Company or an
affiliate of the Company, the Company will file with the SEC a shelf
registration statement (the "Shelf Registration Statement") to cover resales of
the Notes by the Holders thereof who satisfy certain conditions relating to the
provision of information in connection with the Shelf Registration Statement.
The Company will use its best efforts to cause the applicable registration
statement to be declared effective as promptly as possible by the SEC. For
purposes of the foregoing, "Transfer Restricted Securities" means each Old Note
until (i) the date on which such Note has been exchanged by a person other than
a broker-dealer for a New Note in the Exchange Offer, (ii) following the
exchange by a broker-dealer in the Exchange Offer of a Old Note for a New Note,
the
82
<PAGE>
date on which such New Note is sold to a purchaser who receives from such
broker-dealer on or prior to the date of such sale a copy of this Prospectus,
(iii) the date on which such Note has been effectively registered under the
Securities Act and disposed of in accordance with the Shelf Registration
Statement or (iv) the date on which such Note is distributed to the public
pursuant to Rule 144 under the Act.
The Registration Rights Agreement provides that (i) the Company will file an
Exchange Offer Registration Statement with the SEC on or prior to 60 days after
the Issue Date, (ii) the Company will use its best efforts to have the Exchange
Offer Registration Statement declared effective by the SEC on or prior to 120
days after the Issue Date, (iii) unless the Exchange Offer would not be
permitted by applicable law or SEC policy, the Company will commence the
Exchange Offer and use its best efforts to issue on or prior to 45 business days
after the date on which the Exchange Offer Registration Statement was declared
effective by the SEC, New Notes in exchange for all Old Notes tendered prior
thereto in the Exchange Offer and (iv) if obligated to file the Shelf
Registration Statement, the Company will use its best efforts to file the Shelf
Registration Statement with the SEC on or prior to 60 days after such filing
obligation arises (and in any event within 120 days after the Issue Date) and to
cause the Shelf Registration to be declared effective by the SEC on or prior to
120 days after such filing obligation arises. If (a) the Company fails to file
any of the Registration Statements required by the Registration Rights Agreement
on or before the date specified for such filing, (b) any of such Registration
Statements is not declared effective by the SEC on or prior to the date
specified for such effectiveness (the "Effectiveness Target Date"), (c) the
Company fails to consummate the Exchange Offer within 45 business days of the
Effectiveness Target Date with respect to the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement, or (d) the Shelf Registration Statement or the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement is declared effective but thereafter ceases to be
effective or usable in connection with resales of Transfer Restricted Securities
during the periods specified in the Registration Rights Agreement (each such
event referred to in clauses (a) through (d) above a "Registration Default"),
then the Company will pay Liquidated Damages to each Holder of Old Notes, with
respect to the first 90-day period immediately following the occurrence of such
Registration Default in an amount equal to $.05 per week per $1,000 principal
amount of Old Notes held by such Holder. The amount of the Liquidated Damages
will increase by an additional $.05 per week per $1,000 principal amount of Old
Notes with respect to each subsequent 90-day period until all Registration
Defaults have been cured, up to a maximum amount of Liquidated Damages of $.50
per week per $1,000 principal amount of Old Notes. All accrued Liquidated
Damages will be paid by the Company to the Global Note Holder by wire transfer
of immediately available funds or by federal funds check and to Holders of
Certificated Securities by wire transfer to the accounts specified by them or by
mailing checks to their registered addresses if no such accounts have been
specified. Following the cure of all Registration Defaults, the accrual of
Liquidated Damages will cease.
Holders of Old Notes will be required to make certain representations to the
Company (as described in the Registration Rights Agreement) in order to
participate in the Exchange Offer and will be required to deliver information to
be used in connection with the Shelf Registration Statement and to provide
comments on the Shelf Registration Statement within the time periods set forth
in the Registration Rights Agreement in order to have their Notes included in
the Shelf Registration Statement and benefit from the provisions regarding
Liquidated Damages set forth above. See "The Exchange Offer."
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
Set forth below are certain defined terms used in the Indenture. Reference
is made to the Indenture for a full disclosure of all such terms, as well as any
other capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided.
"ACQUIRED DEBT" means, with respect to any specified Person, (i)
Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is
merged with or into or became a Subsidiary of such specified Person, including,
without limitation, Indebtedness incurred in connection with, or in
contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into or becoming a
Subsidiary of such specified Person, and (ii) Indebtedness secured by a Lien
encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person.
83
<PAGE>
"AFFILIATE" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with such specified Person, and in the case of the Company and its
Subsidiaries, shall include Yokogawa until such time as Yokogawa has beneficial
ownership of less than five percent of the Company's Capital Stock. For purposes
of this definition, "control" (including, with correlative meanings, the terms
"controlling," "controlled by" and "under common control with"), as used with
respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the
power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such
Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or
otherwise; PROVIDED that beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the voting
securities of a Person shall be deemed to be control.
"ASSET SALE" means (i) the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of
any assets (including, without limitation, by way of a sale and leaseback) other
than sales of Cash Equivalents and inventory in the ordinary course of business
(PROVIDED that the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole will be governed by the provisions of the Indenture described above under
the caption "-- Certain Covenants -- Change of Control" and/or the provisions
described above under the caption "-- Certain Covenants -- Merger, Consolidation
or Sale of Assets" and not by the provisions of the Asset Sale covenant), and
(ii) the issue or sale by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of Equity
Interests of any of the Company's Subsidiaries, in the case of either clause (i)
or (ii), whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions (a)
that have a fair market value in excess of $2.0 million or (b) for net proceeds
in excess of $2.0 million. Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) a transfer of
assets by the Company to a Wholly Owned Subsidiary or by a Wholly Owned
Subsidiary to the Company or to another Wholly Owned Subsidiary, (ii) an
issuance of Equity Interests by a Wholly Owned Subsidiary to the Company or to
another Wholly Owned Subsidiary, and (iii) a Restricted Payment that is
permitted by the covenant described above under the caption
"-- Certain Covenants -- Restricted Payments" will not be deemed to be Asset
Sales.
"CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATION" means, at the time any determination thereof is
to be made, (i) the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that
would at such time be required to be capitalized on a balance sheet in
accordance with GAAP, or (ii) so long as the Master Lease, dated as of October
21, 1994, as amended, with respect to property in Indianapolis, Indiana, is not
accounted for as a capital lease, the amount of the liability with respect
thereto recorded on the Company's balance sheet.
"CAPITAL STOCK" means (i) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock,
(ii) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares,
interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of
corporate stock, (iii) in the case of a partnership or limited liability
company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited) and
(iv) any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to
receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the
issuing Person.
"CASH EQUIVALENTS" means (i) United States dollars or foreign currency that
is readily exchangeable into United States dollars, (ii) securities issued or
directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any
agency or instrumentality thereof having maturities of not more than 12 months
from the date of acquisition, (iii) certificates of deposit and eurodollar time
deposits with maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition,
bankers' acceptances with maturities not exceeding 12 months and overnight bank
deposits, in each case with any domestic commercial bank having capital and
surplus in excess of $500 million and a Keefe Bank Watch Rating of "B" or
better, (iv) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for
underlying securities of the types described in clauses (ii) and (iii) above
entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified
in clause (iii) above, and (v) commercial paper having the highest rating
obtainable from Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor's Corporation
and in each case maturing within 12 months after the date of acquisition.
84
<PAGE>
"CHANGE OF CONTROL" means the occurrence of any of the following: (i) the
sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of
merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole to any "person" (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange
Act) other than the Principals or their Related Parties (as defined below), (ii)
the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger
or consolidation) the result of which is that any "person" (as defined above),
other than the Principals and their Related Parties, becomes the "beneficial
owner" (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange
Act, except that a person shall be deemed to have "beneficial ownership" of all
securities that such person has the right to acquire, whether such right is
currently exercisable or is exercisable only upon the occurrence of a subsequent
condition), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the Voting Stock of the
Company (measured by voting power rather than number of shares), (iii) the first
day on which a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company
are not Continuing Directors, or (iv) the Company consolidates with, or merges
with or into, any Person or sells, assigns, conveys, transfers, leases or
otherwise disposes of all or substantially all of its assets to any Person, or
any Person consolidates with, or merges with or into, the Company, in any such
event pursuant to a transaction in which any of the outstanding Voting Stock of
the Company is converted into or exchanged for cash, securities or other
property, other than any such transaction where the majority of the members of
the Board of Directors of such Person are Continuing Directors.
"CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW" means, with respect to any Person for any period,
the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period plus (i) an amount
equal to any extraordinary loss, extraordinary provision or provision for
restructuring operations plus any net loss realized in connection with an Asset
Sale (to the extent such losses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net
Income), plus (ii) provision for taxes based on income or profits of such Person
and its Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent that such provision for
taxes was included in computing such Consolidated Net Income, plus (iii)
consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such
period, whether paid or accrued and whether or not capitalized (including,
without limitation, amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue
discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred
payment obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with
Capital Lease Obligations commissions, discounts and other fees and charges
incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers' acceptance financings, and
net payments (if any) pursuant to Hedging Obligations), to the extent that any
such expense was deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income, plus (iv)
depreciation, amortization (including amortization of goodwill and other
intangibles but excluding amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were paid
in a prior period) and other non-cash expenses (excluding any such non-cash
expense to the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash
expenses in any future period or amortization of a prepaid cash expense that was
paid in a prior period) of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period to
the extent that such depreciation, amortization and other non-cash expenses were
deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income, minus (v) non-cash items
increasing such Consolidated Net Income for such period, in each case, on a
consolidated basis and determined in accordance with GAAP; PROVIDED that
Consolidated Net Income shall exclude the impact of foreign currency
translations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provision for taxes on the
income or profits of, and the depreciation and amortization and other non-cash
charges of, a Subsidiary of the referent Person shall be added to Consolidated
Net Income to compute Consolidated Cash Flow only to the extent that a
corresponding amount would be permitted at the date of determination to be
dividended to the Company by such Subsidiary either (i) without prior
governmental approval or (ii) with governmental approval that has been obtained
or that could readily and reasonably be obtained, and without direct or indirect
restriction pursuant to the terms of its charter and all agreements,
instruments, judgments, decrees, orders, statutes, rules and governmental
regulations applicable to that Subsidiary or its stockholders.
"CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME" means, with respect to any Person for any period,
the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such
period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP and
excluding any one-time charge or expense incurred in order to consummate
85
<PAGE>
the Recapitalization Transactions; PROVIDED that (i) the Net Income (but not
loss) of any Person that is not a Subsidiary or that is accounted for by the
equity method of accounting shall be included only to the extent of the amount
of dividends or distributions paid in cash to the referent Person or a Wholly
Owned Subsidiary thereof that is a Subsidiary Guarantor, (ii) the Net Income of
any Subsidiary shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment
of dividends or similar distributions by that Subsidiary of that Net Income is
not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental
approval (unless such governmental approval could be readily and reasonably
obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its charter
or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or
governmental regulation applicable to that Subsidiary or its stockholders, (iii)
the Net Income of any Person acquired in a pooling of interests transaction for
any period prior to the date of such acquisition shall be excluded and (iv) the
cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles shall be excluded.
"CONSOLIDATED NET WORTH" means, with respect to any Person as of any date,
the sum of (i) the consolidated equity of the common stockholders of such Person
and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of such date plus (ii) the respective
amounts reported on such Person's balance sheet as of such date with respect to
any series of preferred stock (other than Disqualified Stock) that by its terms
is not entitled to the payment of dividends unless such dividends may be
declared and paid only out of net earnings in respect of the year of such
declaration and payment, but only to the extent of any cash received by such
Person upon issuance of such preferred stock, less (x) all write-ups (other than
write-ups resulting from foreign currency translations and write-ups of tangible
assets of a going concern business made within 12 months after the acquisition
of such business) subsequent to the date of the Indenture in the book value of
any asset owned by such Person or a consolidated Subsidiary of such Person, (y)
all investments as of such date in unconsolidated Subsidiaries and in Persons
that are not Subsidiaries (except, in each case, Permitted Investments), and (z)
all unamortized debt discount and expense and unamortized deferred charges,
excluding goodwill and other purchased intangibles, as of such date, all of the
foregoing determined in accordance with GAAP.
"CONTINUING DIRECTORS" means, as of any date of determination, any member of
the Board of Directors of the Company who (i) was a member of such Board of
Directors on the date of the Indenture or (ii) was nominated for election or
elected to such Board of Directors pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement or
with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of
such Board at the time of such nomination or election.
"DEFAULT" means any event that is or with the passage of time or the giving
of notice or both would be an Event of Default.
"DESIGNATED SENIOR DEBT" means (i) any Indebtedness outstanding under the
New Credit Agreement and (ii) any other Senior Debt permitted under the
Indenture the principal amount of which is $25.0 million or more and that has
been designated by the Company as "Designated Senior Debt."
"DISQUALIFIED STOCK" means any Capital Stock that, by its terms (or by the
terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is
exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily
redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or redeemable at
the option of the Holder thereof, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date
that is 91 days after the date on which the Notes mature; PROVIDED, that Capital
Stock issued to employees pursuant to agreements providing that the employee may
require the Company to repurchase such Capital Stock in certain circumstances
shall not be deemed to be Disqualified Stock if such agreements provide that the
repurchase rights are subject to the limitations on such repurchases set forth
in the covenant entitled "-- Restricted Payments."
"EQUITY INTERESTS" means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other
rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is
convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).
86
<PAGE>
"EXISTING INDEBTEDNESS" means up to $7.0 million in aggregate principal
amount of Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries (other than
Indebtedness under the New Credit Agreement) in existence on the date of the
Indenture after the Recapitalization Transactions, until such amounts are
repaid.
"FIXED CHARGES" means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum,
without duplication, of (i) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and
its Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued (including, without
limitation, amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount,
non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment
obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital
Lease Obligations commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in
respect of letter of credit or bankers' acceptance financings, and net payments
(if any) pursuant to Hedging Obligations) and (ii) the consolidated interest
expense of such Person and its Subsidiaries that was capitalized during such
period, and (iii) any interest expense on Indebtedness of another Person that is
Guaranteed by such Person or one of its Subsidiaries or secured by a Lien on
assets of such Person or one of its Subsidiaries (whether or not such Guarantee
or Lien is called upon) and (iv) the product of (a) all dividend payments,
whether or not in cash, on any series of preferred stock of such Person or any
of its Subsidiaries, other than dividend payments on Equity Interests payable
solely in Equity Interests of the Company, times (b) a fraction, the numerator
of which is one and the denominator of which is one minus the then current
combined federal, state and local statutory tax rate of such Person, expressed
as a decimal, in each case, on a consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP.
"FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE RATIO" means with respect to any Person for any
period, the ratio of the Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person for such period
to the Fixed Charges of such Person for such period. In the event that the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries incurs, assumes, Guarantees or redeems any
Indebtedness (other than revolving credit borrowings) or issues preferred stock
subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage
Ratio is being calculated but prior to the date on which the event for which the
calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the "Calculation Date"),
then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect
to such incurrence, assumption, Guarantee or redemption of Indebtedness, or such
issuance or redemption of preferred stock, as if the same had occurred at the
beginning of the applicable four-quarter reference period. In addition, for
purposes of making the computation referred to above, (i) acquisitions that have
been made by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including through mergers
or consolidations and including any related financing transactions, during the
four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or
prior to the Calculation Date shall be deemed to have occurred on the first day
of the four-quarter reference period and Consolidated Cash Flow for such
reference period shall be calculated without giving effect to clause (iii) of
the proviso set forth in the definition of Consolidated Net Income, and (ii) the
Consolidated Cash Flow attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in
accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of prior to the
Calculation Date, shall be excluded, and (iii) the Fixed Charges attributable to
discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations
or businesses disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded, but
only to the extent that the obligations giving rise to such Fixed Charges will
not be obligations of the referent Person or any of its Subsidiaries following
the Calculation Date.
"FOREIGN SUBSIDIARY" means, with respect to any person, any Subsidiary of
such person which is incorporated or otherwise organized under the laws of any
jurisdiction other than the United States of America, any state thereof or the
District of Columbia and substantially all of whose consolidated assets are
located outside the United States.
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the
opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of
the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such
other entity as have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting
profession, which are in effect on the date of the Indenture.
87
<PAGE>
"GOODING" means Terence J. Gooding.
"GUARANTEE" means a guarantee (other than by endorsement of negotiable
instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business), direct or
indirect, in any manner (including, without limitation, letters of credit and
reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), of all or any part of any
Indebtedness.
"HEDGING OBLIGATIONS" means, with respect to any Person, the obligations of
such Person under (i) interest rate swap agreements, interest rate cap
agreements and interest rate collar agreements, (ii) other agreements or
arrangements designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in interest
rates or (iii) agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person
against fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates in the conduct of its
operations.
"INDEBTEDNESS" means, with respect to any Person, any indebtedness of such
Person, whether or not contingent, in respect of borrowed money or evidenced by
bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit (or
reimbursement agreements in respect thereof) or banker's acceptances or
representing Capital Lease Obligations or the balance deferred and unpaid of the
purchase price of any property or representing any Hedging Obligations, except
any such balance that constitutes an accrued expense or trade payable, if and to
the extent any of the foregoing indebtedness (other than letters of credit and
Hedging Obligations) would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of such
Person prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as all indebtedness of others
secured by a Lien on any asset of such Person (whether or not such indebtedness
is assumed by such Person) and, to the extent not otherwise included, the
Guarantee by such Person of any indebtedness of any other Person.
"INVESTMENTS" means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such
Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the forms of direct or
indirect loans (including guarantees of Indebtedness or other obligations),
advances or capital contributions (excluding commission, travel and similar
advances to officers and employees made in the ordinary course of business),
purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity
Interests or other securities, together with all items that are or would be
classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP.
If the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company sells or otherwise disposes of
any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company such
that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no
longer a Subsidiary of the Company, the Company shall be deemed to have made an
Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition equal to the fair market
value of the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary not sold or disposed of in an
amount determined as provided in the final paragraph of the covenant described
above under the caption "Certain Covenants -- Restricted Payments."
"LIEN" means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge,
security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether
or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law (including
any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature
thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest in
and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform
Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction).
"NET INCOME" means, with respect to any Person, the net income (loss) of
such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in
respect of preferred stock dividends, excluding, however, (i) any gain (but not
loss), together with any related provision for taxes on such gain (but not
loss), realized in connection with (a) any Asset Sale (including, without
limitation, dispositions pursuant to sale and leaseback transactions) or (b) the
disposition of any securities by such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or the
extinguishment of any Indebtedness of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries and
(ii) any extraordinary or nonrecurring gain (but not loss), together with any
related provision for taxes on such extraordinary or nonrecurring gain (but not
loss).
"NET PROCEEDS" means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale (including, without
limitation, any cash received upon the sale or other disposition of any non-cash
consideration received in any Asset Sale), net of the direct costs relating to
such Asset Sale (including, without limitation, legal, accounting and investment
banking fees, and sales
88
<PAGE>
commissions) and any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof, taxes
paid or payable as a result thereof (after taking into account any available tax
credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements), amounts required to be
applied to repay Indebtedness secured by such assets (other than pursuant to the
New Credit Agreement) and any reserve for adjustment in respect of the sale
price of such asset or assets established in accordance with GAAP.
"NEW CREDIT AGREEMENT" means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of June
11, 1997, by and among the Company and DLJ Capital Funding, Inc. and the banks
named therein, for $45.0 million aggregate principal amount of term loan and
revolving credit borrowings, including any related notes, guarantees, collateral
documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and in
each case as amended, modified, extended, renewed, refunded, replaced or
refinanced from time to time.
"OBLIGATIONS" means any principal, interest, penalties, fees,
indemnifications, reimbursements, costs, expenses, damages and other liabilities
payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.
"PERMITTED INVESTMENTS" means: (a) any Investment in the Company or in a
Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company and that is engaged in the test
instrumentation industry or a business reasonably related thereto; (b) any
Investment in Cash Equivalents, to the extent that such Investment is not made
for speculative investment purposes; (c) any Investment by the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company in a Person, if as a result of such Investment (i)
such Person becomes a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company that is a
Subsidiary Guarantor and that is engaged in the test instrumentation industry or
a business reasonably related thereto or (ii) such Person is merged,
consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially
all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Company or a Wholly Owned
Subsidiary of the Company that is a Subsidiary Guarantor and that is engaged in
the test instrumentation industry or a business reasonably related thereto; (d)
any Restricted Investment made as a result of the receipt of non-cash
consideration from an Asset Sale that was made pursuant to and in compliance
with the covenant described above under the caption "Certain Covenants -- Asset
Sales"; (e) any acquisition of assets in exchange for the issuance of Equity
Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company; and (f) other
Investments in any Person having an aggregate fair market value (measured on the
date each such Investment was made and without giving effect to subsequent
changes in value), when taken together with all other Investments made pursuant
to this clause (f) that are at the time outstanding, not to exceed $5.0 million.
"PERMITTED JUNIOR SECURITIES" means Equity Interests in the Company or
unsecured debt securities that (i) are subordinated to all Senior Debt (and any
debt securities issued in exchange for Senior Debt) on terms at least as
favorable to the Senior Debt as those contained in Article 10 of the Indenture,
(ii) may be guaranteed by the Subsidiary Guarantor on terms at least as
favorable to the Senior Debt as those contained in the Subsidiary Guarantees,
and (iii) have a final maturity and weighted average life to maturity which is
the same as or greater than, the Notes.
"PERMITTED LIENS" means: (i) Liens securing Senior Debt or Senior Debt of
Subsidiary Guarantors that was permitted by the terms of the Indenture to be
incurred; (ii) Liens in favor of the Company or any Subsidiary; (iii) Liens on
property of a Person existing at the time such Person is merged into or
consolidated with the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company; PROVIDED that
such Liens were in existence prior to the contemplation of such merger or
consolidation and do not extend to any assets other than those of the Person
merged into or consolidated with the Company; (iv) Liens on property existing at
the time of acquisition thereof by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company,
PROVIDED that such Liens were in existence prior to the contemplation of such
acquisition; (v) Liens to secure the performance of statutory obligations,
surety or appeal bonds, performance bonds or other obligations of a like nature
incurred in the ordinary course of business; (vi) Liens existing on the date of
the Indenture; (vii) Liens to secure Indebtedness (including Capital Lease
Obligations) permitted by clause (ix) of the second paragraph of the covenant
entitled "Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock" covering
only the assets acquired with such Indebtedness and accessions, modifications,
products and proceeds thereof; (viii) Liens for taxes, assessments or
governmental charges or claims that are not yet delinquent or that are
89
<PAGE>
being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and
diligently concluded, PROVIDED that any reserve or other appropriate provision
as shall be required in conformity with GAAP shall have been made therefor; and
(ix) Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company with respect to obligations that do not exceed $5.0
million at any one time outstanding and that (a) are not incurred in connection
with the borrowing of money or the obtaining of advances or credit (other than
trade credit in the ordinary course of business) and (b) do not in the aggregate
materially detract from the value of the property or materially impair the use
thereof in the operation of business by the Company or such Subsidiary.
"PERMITTED REFINANCING INDEBTEDNESS" means any Indebtedness of the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which
are used to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease or refund other
Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; PROVIDED that: (i) the
principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of such Permitted
Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of (or accreted
value, if applicable), plus accrued interest on, the Indebtedness so extended,
refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded (plus the amount of
premiums, prepayments, penalties, reasonable expenses incurred in connection
therewith); (ii) such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity
date equal to or later than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted
Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to
Maturity of, the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced,
defeased or refunded; (iii) if the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced,
renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded is subordinated in right of payment to
the Notes, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date
later than the final maturity date of, and is subordinated in right of payment
to, the Notes on terms at least as favorable to the Holders of Notes as those
contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being extended,
refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded; and (iv) such Indebtedness
is incurred either by the Company or by the Subsidiary who is the obligor on the
Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or
refunded.
"PRINCIPALS" means Gooding, DLJMB Funding II, Inc., DLJ Merchant Banking
Partners II, L.P., DLJ Diversified Partners, L.P., UK Investment Plan 1997
Partners, DLJ First ESC L.L.C., DLJ Offshore Partners II, C.V, DLJ EAB Partners,
L.P., DLJ Millennium Partners, L.P. and Green Equity Investors II, L.P.
"PUBLIC EQUITY OFFERING" means an initial registered public offering of the
Capital Stock of the Company, and any subsequent registered primary offerings of
Capital Stock of the Company.
"RELATED PARTY" with respect to any Principal means (A) any controlling
stockholder, 80% (or more) owned Subsidiary, or spouse or immediate family
member (in the case of an individual) of such Principal or (B) or trust,
corporation, partnership or other entity, the beneficiaries, stockholders,
partners, owners or Persons beneficially holding an 80% or more controlling
interest of which consist of such Principal and/or such other Persons referred
to in the immediately preceding clause (A).
"REPRESENTATIVE" means (a) the administrative agent under the New Credit
Agreement or (b) the indenture trustee or other trustee, agent or representative
for any other Senior Debt.
"RESTRICTED INVESTMENT" means an Investment other than a Permitted
Investment.
"SENIOR DEBT" means (i) all Obligations (including without limitation
interest accruing after a filing of a petition in bankruptcy whether or not such
interest is an allowable claim in such proceeding) of the Company under the New
Credit Agreement, and (ii) any other Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by
the Company under the terms of the Indenture, unless the instrument under which
such Indebtedness is incurred expressly provides that it is on a parity with or
subordinated in right of payment to the Notes. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in the foregoing, Senior Debt will not include (v) any liability under
the Master Lease, dated as of October 21, 1994, as amended, with respect to
property in Indianapolis, Indiana, (w) any liability for federal, state, local
or other taxes owed or owing by the
90
<PAGE>
Company, (x) any Indebtedness of the Company to any of its Subsidiaries or other
Affiliates, (y) any trade payables or (z) any Indebtedness that is incurred in
violation of the Indenture.
"SENIOR DEBT OF THE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS" means (i) all Guarantees by the
Subsidiary Guarantors of Obligations (including without limitation interest
accruing after a filing of a petition in bankruptcy whether or not such interest
is an allowable claim in such proceeding) of the Company under the New Credit
Agreement, (ii) any Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by the Subsidiary
Guarantor under the terms of the Indenture, unless the instrument under which
such Indebtedness is incurred expressly provides that such Guarantee is on a
parity with or subordinated in right of payment to the Subsidiary Guarantees.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, Senior Debt of the
Subsidiary Guarantors will not include (v) any liability under the Master Lease,
dated as of October 21, 1994, as amended, with respect to property in
Indianapolis, Indiana, (w) any liability for federal, state, local or other
taxes owed or owing by the Subsidiary Guarantor, (x) any Indebtedness of any of
the Subsidiary Guarantors to the Company, any of their Subsidiaries or other
Affiliates thereof, (y) any trade payables or (z) any Indebtedness that is
incurred in violation of the Indenture.
"SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARY" means any Subsidiary that would be a "significant
subsidiary" as defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated
pursuant to the Act, as such Regulation is in effect on the date hereof.
"STATED MATURITY" means, with respect to any installment of interest or
principal on any series of Indebtedness, the date on which such payment of
interest or principal was scheduled to be paid in the original documentation
governing such Indebtedness, and shall not include any contingent obligations to
repay, redeem or repurchase any such interest or principal prior to the date
originally scheduled for the payment thereof.
"STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT" means the Stockholders Agreement dated as of June
11, 1997 by and among certain holders of Capital Stock of the Company.
"SUBSIDIARY" means, with respect to any Person, (i) any corporation,
association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting
power of shares of Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of
any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees
thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such
Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person (or a combination
thereof) and (ii) any partnership (a) the sole general partner or the managing
general partner of which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person or (b)
the only general partners of which are such Person or of one or more
Subsidiaries of such Person (or any combination thereof).
"SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS" means each of (i) Wavetek U.S. Inc. and (ii) any
other subsidiary that executes a Subsidiary Guarantee in accordance with the
provisions of the Indenture, and their respective successors and assigns.
"VOTING STOCK" of any Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such
Person that is at the time entitled to vote in the election of the Board of
Directors of such Person.
"WEIGHTED AVERAGE LIFE TO MATURITY" means, when applied to any Indebtedness
at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the
products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount of each then remaining
installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of
principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (b) the
number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between
such date and the making of such payment, by (ii) the then outstanding principal
amount of such Indebtedness.
"WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY" of any Person means a Subsidiary of such Person
all of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which
(other than directors' qualifying shares) shall at the time be owned by such
Person or by one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person and one or
more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.
"YOKOGAWA" means Yokogawa Electric Corporation, a corporation organized
under the laws of Japan.
91
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF OTHER INDEBTEDNESS
NEW CREDIT AGREEMENT
In connection with the Recapitalization Transactions, the Company entered
into a New Credit Agreement with Fleet National Bank, as Administrative Agent,
DLJ Capital Funding, Inc. ("DLJCF"), as Syndication Agent, and the several
lenders named therein. The following summary of the material terms of the New
Credit Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the New Credit Facility, a copy of which is filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. The
New Credit Agreement provides for a five-year and six month term loan in the
principal amount of $25.0 million and a five year and six month revolving credit
facility providing for borrowings of up to $20.0 million, which includes a
swingline facility. The revolving credit facility under the New Credit Agreement
provides for up to an aggregate of $7.5 million of borrowings in British pounds,
French francs and Deutsche marks. The Company's obligations under the New Credit
Agreement constitute Senior Debt with respect to the Notes.
PRINCIPAL PAYMENTS. The term loan facility is subject to quarterly
amortization commencing in September 1998, in the following aggregate annual
amounts for fiscal years ending September 30: 1998 -- $1.0 million; 1999 --
$4.25 million; 2000 -- $5.25 million; 2001 -- $6.25 million; 2002 -- $6.75
million; and for the three months ending December 31, 2002 -- $1.5 million.
INTEREST RATE. Indebtedness under the New Credit Agreement bears interest,
at the option of the Company, at either (i) the Base Rate (as defined in the New
Credit Agreement) plus 1.5%, or (ii) at the reserve-adjusted Euro-Dollar Rate
(as defined in the New Credit Agreement) plus 2.5%, subject to reduction upon
achievement of certain performance levels and/or credit ratios. Loans under the
swingline facility bear interest at the Base Rate plus 1.5%.
GUARANTEES AND SECURITY. All current and future domestic subsidiaries of
the Company unconditionally guarantee the obligations under the New Credit
Agreement. In addition, all loans are secured by a lien on substantially all
existing and after-acquired property of the Company and its current and future
domestic subsidiaries, including a pledge of 100% of the stock of all domestic
subsidiaries of the Company, 65% of the stock of all foreign subsidiaries of the
Company and all intercompany loans from the Company to the Foreign Subsidiaries.
COVENANTS. The New Credit Agreement contains various affirmative, negative
and financial covenants, including, without limitation; (i) limitations on other
indebtedness, liens, investments, leases and guarantees; (ii) limitations on
redemptions and prepayments of the Notes and other junior debt prior to the
stated maturity thereof; (iii) limitation on mergers, acquisitions and sales of
assets; and (iv) a minimum EBITDA requirement, fixed charge coverage ratio
requirement, a minimum net worth test and a maximum leverage ratio test.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Events of default under the New Credit Agreement include
various events of default customary for such type of agreement. Without
limitation, a failure to make payments when due, noncompliance with covenants
and breaches of representations and warranties, payment defaults on other debt
and a change of control of the Company constitute an event of default.
OTHER DEBT
Wavetek U.S. Inc. had a Business Loan Agreement (the "Existing U.S. Credit
Agreement") with a bank providing for revolving line of credit borrowings of up
to $4.0 million through January 1998. The Existing Credit Agreement was
terminated as part of the Recapitalization Transactions.
The Company's subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, France, Germany and
Austria have agreements with banks providing for short-term revolving advances
and overdraft facilities in an aggregate total amount of approximately $6.5
million. In addition, the bank agreements with such subsidiaries also provide
92
<PAGE>
for issuance of letters of credit and bank guarantees in an aggregate total
amount of approximately $4.0 million. At June 30, 1997, an aggregate amount of
$3.4 million had been borrowed under these facilities. Revolving borrowings
under these agreements bear interest at variable rates ranging from 4.2% to 8.4%
as of June 30, 1997. These bank agreements also provide for long-term borrowings
and are generally secured by the assets of the local subsidiary and the
guarantee of the Company. Most of these agreements also provide for the issuance
of letters of credit and bank guarantees. At June 30, 1997, the Company and its
foreign subsidiaries were contingently liable for outstanding letters of credit
and bank guarantees aggregating $2.1 million. Borrowings under the Company's
revolving bank agreements have been classified as "Notes payable to banks" in
the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements due to the short-term nature of
the revolving advances taken under these agreements.
In connection with the October 1994 acquisition of its Telecom business, the
Company has a promissory note payable to Schlumberger in the amount of 5.2
million French francs ($0.9 million at June 30, 1997). The note is unsecured and
the full principal balance is payable in January 1998. Interest is payable
quarterly at PIBOR plus 0.50% (3.871% at June 30, 1997).
In fiscal 1995, the Company sold its facility in Indianapolis to a third
party investor. In connection with this sale, the Company entered a master lease
agreement with the buyer, under which the Company leased back the facility for a
period of 20 years for an annual rent of $473,000, subject to annual adjustments
based on changes in the consumer price index, not to exceed 3% per annum. In
December 1994, the Company subleased a portion of this facility to a third party
for five years for an annual base rent and common area expense reimbursement of
$387,000. Because of the significance of the sublease in relation to the
Company's master lease of the facility, generally accepted accounting principles
require that the transaction be recorded as a financing transaction, whereby the
building remains on the Company's balance sheet in an amount equal to the net
proceeds from the sale and an offsetting long-term financing obligation has been
recorded. As of June 30, 1997, this financing obligation was $4.1 million.
93
<PAGE>
VALIDITY OF NOTES
The validity of the Notes offered hereby will be passed upon for the Company
by Sullivan & Cromwell, Los Angeles, California.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Wavetek Corporation as of September
30, 1995 and 1996, and for each of the three years in the period ended September
30, 1996, appearing in this Prospectus and Registration Statement have been
audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report
thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such
report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Company is making the Exchange Offer in reliance on the position of the
staff of the Division of Corporation Finance of the Commission as set forth in
certain interpretive letters addressed to third parties in other transactions.
Based on these interpretations by the staff of the Division of Corporation
Finance, and subject to the two immediately following sentences, the Company
believes that New Notes issued pursuant to this Exchange Offer in exchange for
Old Notes may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by a
holder thereof (other than a holder who is a broker-dealer) without further
compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act, provided that such New Notes are acquired in the ordinary course
of such holder's business and that such holder is not participating, and has no
arrangement or understanding with any person to participate, in a distribution
(within the meaning of the Securities Act) of such New Notes. However, any
holder of Old Notes who is an "affiliate" of the Company within the meaning of
Rule 405 under the Securities Act (an "Affiliate") or who intends to participate
in the Exchange Offer for the purpose of distributing New Notes, or any broker-
dealer who purchased Old Notes from the Company to resell pursuant to Rule 144A
or any other available exemption under the Securities Act, (i) will not be able
to rely on the interpretations of the staff of the Division of Corporation
Finance of the Commission set forth in the above-mentioned interpretive letters,
(ii) will not be permitted or entitled to tender such Old Notes in the Exchange
Offer and (iii) must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any sale or other transfer
of such Old Notes unless such sale is made pursuant to an exemption from such
requirements. In addition, as described below, broker-dealers ("Participating
Broker-Dealers") must deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the
Securities Act in connection with any resales of New Notes.
Each holder of Old Notes who wishes to exchange Old Notes for New Notes in
the Exchange Offer will be required to represent that (i) it is not an
Affiliate, (ii) any New Notes to be received by it are being acquired in the
ordinary course of its business, (iii) it has no arrangement or understanding
with any person to participate in a distribution (within the meaning of the
Securities Act) of such New Notes and (iv) if such holder is not a
broker-dealer, such holder is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in,
a distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of such New Notes.
Each Participating Broker-Dealer must acknowledge that it acquired the Old Notes
for its own account as the result of market-making activities or other trading
activities and must agree that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of such New
Notes. The Letter of Transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by
delivering a prospectus, a Participating Broker-Dealer will not be deemed to
admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
Based on the position taken by the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance
of the Commission in the interpretive letters referred to above, the Company
believes that Participating Broker-Dealers may fulfill their prospectus delivery
requirements with respect to the New Notes received upon exchange of such Old
Notes (other than Old Notes which represent an unsold allotment from the
original sale of the Old Notes) with a prospectus meeting the requirements of
the Securities Act, which may be the prospectus prepared
94
<PAGE>
for an exchange offer so long as it contains a description of the plan of
distribution with respect to the resale of such New Notes. Accordingly, this
Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used
by a Participating Broker-Dealer during the period referred to below in
connection with resales of New Notes received in exchange for Old Notes where
such Old Notes were acquired by such Participating Broker-Dealer for its own
account as a result of market-making or other trading activities. The Company
has agreed that this Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time
to time, may be used by a Participating Broker-Dealer in connection with resales
of such New Notes for a period ending one year from the date on which the
Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective (subject to
extension under certain limited circumstances). Any person, including any
Participating Broker-Dealer, who is an Affiliate may not rely on such
interpretive letters and must comply with the registration and prospectus
delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale
transaction. Gooding, an Affiliate of the Company, is the beneficial owner of
$5,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Old Notes. This Prospectus may be used
by Gooding in connection with resales of such Old Notes.
In that regard, each Participating Broker-Dealer who surrenders Old Notes
pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be deemed to have agreed, by execution of
the Letter of Transmittal or delivery of an Agent's Message in lieu thereof,
that, upon receipt of notice from the Company of the occurrence of any event or
the discovery of any fact which makes any statement contained or incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus untrue in any material respect or which causes this
Prospectus to omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the
statements contained or incorporated by reference herein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading or of the occurrence of
certain other events specified in the Registration Rights Agreement, such
Participating Broker-Dealer will forthwith discontinue the disposition of New
Notes pursuant to this Prospectus until the Company has amended or supplemented
this Prospectus and has furnished copies of the amended or supplemented
Prospectus to such Participating Broker-Dealer, or the Company has given notice
that the sale of the New Notes may be resumed, as the case may be.
The Company will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the New
Notes offered hereby. New Notes received by broker-dealers for their own
accounts may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the
over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of
options on the New Notes or a combination of such methods of resale, at market
prices prevailing at the time of resale at prices related to such prevailing
market prices or at negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to
purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in
the form of commissions or concessions from any such broker-dealer and/or the
purchasers of any such New Notes. Any broker-dealer that resells New Notes that
were received by it for its own account in connection with the Exchange Offer
and any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such New Notes
may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act,
and any profit on any such resale of New Notes may be deemed to be underwriting
compensation under the Securities Act. The Letter of Transmittal states that by
acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a
broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the
meaning of the Securities Act.
95
<PAGE>
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
---------
<S> <C>
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.......................................................... F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1995 and 1996 and June 30, 1997 (Unaudited)................ F-3
Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 1996 and
the nine months ended June 30, 1996 and 1997 (Unaudited)................................................. F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for each of the three years in the period ended September
30, 1996 and the nine months ended June 30, 1997 (Unaudited)............................................. F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 1996
and the nine months ended June 30, 1996 and 1997 (Unaudited)............................................. F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................................................................. F-7
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE>
REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Wavetek Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Wavetek
Corporation as of September 30, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated
statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended September 30, 1996. These 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 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
Wavetek Corporation at September 30, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated results
of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended September 30, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
San Diego, California
November 22, 1996
F-2
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(DOLLARS AND SHARES IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 30,
--------------------
1995 1996
--------- --------- JUNE 30,
1997
-----------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents.................................................... $ 3,689 $ 6,126 $ 4,059
Short-term investments, available for sale................................... -- -- 3,000
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $903 in 1995,
$2,023 in 1996 and $2,054 in 1997 (unaudited))............................. 23,098 20,866 25,280
Inventories.................................................................. 17,928 19,308 18,202
Deferred income taxes........................................................ 495 4,505 4,474
Other current assets......................................................... 1,492 1,188 2,226
--------- --------- -----------
Total current assets........................................................... 46,702 51,993 57,241
Property and equipment, net.................................................... 10,491 12,194 14,773
Deferred debt issuance costs, net.............................................. -- -- 4,293
Intangible assets, net......................................................... 4,451 3,867 3,424
Deferred income taxes.......................................................... 608 441 37
Other assets................................................................... 326 357 195
--------- --------- -----------
Total assets................................................................... $ 62,578 $ 68,852 $ 79,963
--------- --------- -----------
--------- --------- -----------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks....................................................... $ 6,263 $ 786 $ 3,377
Trade accounts payable....................................................... 12,306 12,007 15,834
Accrued compensation......................................................... 6,134 7,468 7,162
Income taxes payable......................................................... 792 1,427 2,021
Other current liabilities.................................................... 8,560 8,747 9,095
Current maturities of long-term obligations.................................. 86 95 988
--------- --------- -----------
Total current liabilities...................................................... 34,141 30,530 38,477
Long-term obligations, less current maturities................................. 8,335 5,073 113,995
Deferred income and other liabilities.......................................... 686 561 460
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock, par value $.01; authorized, 15,000 shares; issued and
outstanding, 10,974 shares in 1995 and 1996 and 4,885 shares in 1997
(unaudited)................................................................ 110 110 49
Additional paid-in capital................................................... 5,505 5,538 43,748
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)...................................... 13,271 26,746 (116,660)
Foreign currency translation adjustments..................................... 530 294 (106)
--------- --------- -----------
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)........................................... 19,416 32,688 (72,969)
--------- --------- -----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)........................... $ 62,578 $ 68,852 $ 79,963
--------- --------- -----------
--------- --------- -----------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-3
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(DOLLARS AND SHARES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
----------------------------------------- ----------------------------
1994 1995 1996 1996 1997
------------ ------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales.................................. $ 74,815 $ 133,619 $ 150,993 $ 115,181 $ 118,700
Cost of goods sold..................... 41,373 72,649 72,364 55,779 55,479
------------ ------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Gross margin........................... 33,442 60,970 78,629 59,402 63,221
Operating expenses:
Marketing and selling................ 16,429 32,586 36,197 26,809 27,913
Research and development............. 5,425 12,096 12,917 9,416 11,635
General and administrative........... 6,057 9,391 11,612 8,655 7,878
Stock option compensation related to
recapitalization................... -- -- -- -- 7,061
Provision for restructuring
operations......................... -- -- 1,832 188 --
------------ ------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
27,911 54,073 62,558 45,068 54,487
------------ ------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Operating income....................... 5,531 6,897 16,071 14,334 8,734
Non-operating income (expense):
Interest income...................... 33 90 167 99 254
Interest expense..................... (645) (1,190) (762) (616) (948)
Loss on sale and leaseback
financing.......................... -- (1,824) -- -- --
Other, net........................... (387) (288) (1,036) (488) (861)
------------ ------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
(999) (3,212) (1,631) (1,005) (1,555)
------------ ------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Income before provision for income
taxes................................ 4,532 3,685 14,440 13,329 7,179
Provision for income taxes............. 822 616 965 893 2,728
------------ ------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Net income............................. $ 3,710 $ 3,069 $ 13,475 $ 12,436 $ 4,451
------------ ------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
------------ ------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Net income per share................... $ .37 $ .27 $ 1.17 $ 1.08 $ .40
------------ ------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
------------ ------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Shares used in computation............. 10,100 11,540 11,520 11,485 11,123
------------ ------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
------------ ------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-4
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1994, 1995 AND 1996 AND THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
1997
(DOLLARS AND SHARES IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOREIGN
COMMON STOCK ADDITIONAL CURRENCY TOTAL
---------------------- PAID-IN RETAINED TRANSLATION STOCKHOLDERS'
SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL EARNINGS ADJUSTMENTS EQUITY
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, September 30, 1993.............. 9,940 $ 99 $ 8,081 $ 6,492 $ (80) $ 14,592
Shares issued for cash................. 40 1 49 -- -- 50
Shares repurchased for cash............ (40) (1) (51) -- -- (52)
Return of capital to stockholders...... -- -- (6,958) -- -- (6,958)
Net income............................. -- -- -- 3,710 -- 3,710
Foreign currency translation
adjustments.......................... -- -- -- -- 295 295
--------- ----- ----------- ----------- ----- ------------
Balance, September 30, 1994.............. 9,940 99 1,121 10,202 215 11,637
Shares issued for cash................. 1,570 16 7,529 -- -- 7,545
Shares repurchased for cash............ (576) (6) (3,194) -- -- (3,200)
Stock options exercised................ 40 1 49 -- -- 50
Net income............................. -- -- -- 3,069 -- 3,069
Foreign currency translation
adjustments.......................... -- -- -- -- 315 315
--------- ----- ----------- ----------- ----- ------------
Balance, September 30, 1995.............. 10,974 110 5,505 13,271 530 19,416
Income tax benefit from stock options
exercised............................ -- -- 33 -- -- 33
Net income............................. -- -- -- 13,475 -- 13,475
Foreign currency translation
adjustments.......................... -- -- -- -- (236) (236)
--------- ----- ----------- ----------- ----- ------------
Balance, September 30, 1996.............. 10,974 110 5,538 26,746 294 32,688
Shares repurchased for cash
(UNAUDITED).......................... (8,517) (85) (4,608) (147,857) -- (152,550)
Shares issued for cash, net of related
costs of $644 (UNAUDITED)............ 2,428 24 42,832 -- -- 42,856
Stock options repurchased for cash, net
of income tax benefit (UNAUDITED).... -- -- (14) -- -- (14)
Net income (UNAUDITED)................. -- -- -- 4,451 -- 4,451
Foreign currency translation
adjustments (UNAUDITED).............. -- -- -- -- (400) (400)
--------- ----- ----------- ----------- ----- ------------
Balance, June 30, 1997 (UNAUDITED)....... 4,885 $ 49 $ 43,748 $ (116,660) $ (106) $ (72,969)
--------- ----- ----------- ----------- ----- ------------
--------- ----- ----------- ----------- ----- ------------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-5
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, JUNE 30,
------------------------------- --------------------
1994 1995 1996 1996 1997
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income.......................................................... $ 3,710 $ 3,069 $ 13,475 $ 12,436 $ 4,451
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation expense.............................................. 1,333 2,493 2,453 2,031 2,102
Amortization expense.............................................. 277 554 577 435 430
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs...................... -- -- -- -- 33
Provision for losses on accounts receivable....................... 103 561 1,542 407 252
Loss on sale of building.......................................... -- 1,824 -- -- --
Loss on disposal of property and equipment........................ 97 71 78 95 8
Deferred income................................................... (98) (98) (99) (74) (73)
Deferred income taxes............................................. -- (1,103) (3,843) (2,910) 435
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of
purchased businesses:
Accounts receivable............................................. 485 183 (405) (3,049) (6,948)
Inventories and other assets.................................... 362 1,003 (2,166) (1,989) (335)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses........................... (522) 4,059 2,809 2,687 6,136
Income taxes payable, net....................................... 700 (68) 655 362 540
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities........................... 6,447 12,548 15,076 10,431 7,031
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of business, net of seller financing....................... -- (17,685) -- -- --
Proceeds from sale of business...................................... 946 -- 338 338 --
Purchase of property and equipment.................................. (1,332) (2,920) (4,544) (3,207) (4,784)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment........................ 53 306 91 197 53
Purchase of short-term investments.................................. -- -- -- -- (3,000)
Payments received on notes receivable............................... 386 33 255 165 169
Issuance of notes receivable........................................ -- (117) (90) (90) --
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities................. 53 (20,383) (3,950) (2,597) (7,562)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issuance of common shares for cash.................................. 50 7,595 -- -- 42,856
Repurchase of common shares and stock options for cash.............. (52) (3,200) -- -- (152,564)
Proceeds from sale and leaseback financing.......................... -- 4,321 -- -- --
Proceeds from revolving lines of credit and long-term obligations... 25,770 31,455 14,932 14,324 114,144
Principal payments on revolving lines of credit and long-term
obligations....................................................... (25,537) (32,129) (23,575) (21,802) (1,489)
Debt issuance costs................................................. -- -- -- -- (4,326)
Return of capital to stockholders................................... (6,958) -- -- -- --
Proceeds of loans from stockholders................................. 4,860 -- -- -- --
Repayment of loans from stockholders................................ (4,500) (360) -- -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities................. (6,367) 7,682 (8,643) (7,478) (1,379)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents........ 161 35 (46) (124) (157)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents.................... 294 (118) 2,437 232 (2,067)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period.................... 3,513 3,807 3,689 3,689 6,126
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.......................... $ 3,807 $ 3,689 $ 6,126 $ 3,921 $ 4,059
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest.............................................. $ 527 $ 1,392 $ 753 $ 628 $ 440
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Cash paid for income taxes.......................................... $ 144 $ 1,949 $ 4,133 $ 3,507 $ 1,963
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-6
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
ORGANIZATION
Wavetek Corporation ("the Company") is a leading global designer,
manufacturer and distributor of a broad range of electronic test instruments,
with a primary focus on application-specific instruments for testing voice,
video and data communications equipment and networks. The Company also designs,
manufactures and distributes precision instruments to calibrate and test
electronic equipment and provides repair, upgrade and calibration services for
its products on a worldwide basis. The accompanying consolidated financial
statements include the operations of the Company and its wholly-owned
subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation.
FOREIGN CURRENCY
The accounts of foreign subsidiaries consolidated herein have been
translated from their respective functional currencies into U.S. dollars at
appropriate exchange rates. Cumulative translation adjustments are included as a
separate component of stockholders' equity. Exchange gains and losses from
foreign currency transactions are included in "Other, net" in the accompanying
consolidated statements of income.
INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
The consolidated financial statements at June 30, 1997 and for the nine
month periods ended June 30, 1996 and 1997 are unaudited, but include all
adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which management
considers necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position at such
date and the operating results and cash flows for those periods. Results for
interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results of the entire year or
any future periods.
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.
CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
It is the Company's policy to invest excess funds in highly liquid,
short-term investments. Such investments are comprised primarily of U.S.
Treasury securities, guaranteed obligations of the U.S. government or its
agencies, mutual funds, which invest in U.S. Treasury securities, and money
market accounts and are stated at cost, which approximates market. For purposes
of financial statement presentation, the Company considers all highly liquid
investments with a maturity of three months or less at date of purchase to be
cash equivalents.
INVENTORIES
Inventories are valued at cost determined on the first-in, first-out basis,
not in excess of market.
F-7
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation for financial
statement purposes is computed using the straight-line method based upon the
estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets which range from 3 to 35
years for buildings and improvements and from 3 to 10 years for fixtures and
equipment.
DEFERRED DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS
Costs associated with the issuance of long-term debt have been deferred and
are being amortized over the term of the related debt using the interest method.
Amortization expense for these costs is included in interest expense in the
accompanying consolidated statements of income.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets consist of covenants not to compete and the excess of
purchase price over net tangible assets of businesses acquired (goodwill) and
are recorded at cost. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated lives
ranging from five to fifteen years.
IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS
Effective October 1, 1995, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 121, ACCOUNTING FOR THE IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS
AND FOR LONG-LIVED ASSETS TO BE DISPOSED OF ("SFAS 121"). SFAS 121 establishes
accounting standards for recording the impairment of long-lived assets,
including identifiable intangibles and goodwill. The adoption of SFAS 121 did
not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or the results of
its operations.
REVENUE AND CREDIT RISK
Sales are recognized at the time of shipment. The Company grants credit to
its customers based on an evaluation of the customers' financial condition, and
generally, collateral is not required. Credit losses have traditionally been
minimal and within management's expectations.
NET INCOME PER SHARE
Net income per share has been computed using the weighted average number of
common shares and dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the
periods presented. Common stock equivalents result from outstanding options to
purchase common stock.
In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, EARNINGS PER SHARE ("SFAS 128"),
which is required to be initially adopted by the Company for its reporting
period ending December 31, 1997. At that time, the Company will be required to
change the method currently used to compute net income per share and to restate
all prior periods. Under the new requirements for calculating primary net income
per share, the dilutive effect of stock options will be excluded. The impact is
expected to result in no change to reported net income per share for the fiscal
year ended September 30, 1994, an increase in primary net income per share for
the fiscal
F-8
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
years ended September 30, 1995 and 1996 of $.01 and $.05 per share,
respectively, and the nine month periods ended June 30, 1996 and 1997 of $.05
and $.02 per share, respectively.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED
COMPENSATION ("SFAS 123"), which is effective for the year ending September 30,
1997. SFAS 123 allows companies to either account for stock-based compensation
under the new provisions of SFAS 123 or under the provisions of Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25, ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK ISSUED TO EMPLOYEES ("APB
25"), but requires pro forma disclosure in the footnotes to the financial
statements as if the measurement provisions of SFAS 123 had been adopted. The
Company has continued accounting for its stock-based compensation in accordance
with the provisions of APB 25.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company periodically uses forward exchange contracts to hedge certain
transactions denominated in foreign currencies. Unrealized gains and losses on
forward contracts are deferred and offset against foreign exchange gains or
losses on the underlying hedged item. At September 30, 1996 and June 30, 1997,
the Company had no material forward exchange contracts outstanding.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, REPORTING COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ("SFAS
130"), and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, SEGMENT
INFORMATION ("SFAS 131"). Both of these standards are effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 130 requires that all components of
comprehensive income, including net income, be reported in the financial
statements in the period in which they are recognized. Comprehensive income is
defined as the change in equity during a period from transactions and other
events and circumstances from non owner sources. Net income and other
comprehensive income, including foreign currency translation adjustment, minimum
pension accrual, and unrealized gains and losses on investments, shall be
reported, net of their related tax effect, to arrive at comprehensive income.
The Company intends to adopt SFAS 130 in fiscal 1999 and operating results of
prior periods will be reclassified. The Company's only component of other
comprehensive income is the foreign currency translation adjustment which is
currently reported as part of stockholders' equity. Historically, the Company
has operated in one business segment; however, SFAS 131 redefines segments and
in the future, the Company will be required to disclose certain financial
information about operating segments, products, services and geographic areas in
which they operate. The Company has not determined how operating segments will
be defined for disclosure purposes or which segments will meet the quantitative
requirements for disclosure. The adoption of the standard will have no impact on
the Company's future results of operations or financial position.
F-9
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
2. FINANCIAL STATEMENT DETAILS
Inventories consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------- JUNE 30,
1995 1996 1997
--------- --------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Finished goods.............................................. $ 7,107 $ 7,852 $ 7,124
Work-in-progress............................................ 3,448 5,639 3,990
Materials................................................... 7,373 5,817 7,088
--------- --------- -----------
$ 17,928 $ 19,308 $ 18,202
--------- --------- -----------
--------- --------- -----------
</TABLE>
Property and equipment consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------- JUNE 30,
1995 1996 1997
--------- --------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Building and improvements................................... $ 5,458 $ 5,324 $ 5,779
Fixtures and equipment...................................... 9,890 13,684 17,851
--------- --------- -----------
15,348 19,008 23,630
Less: accumulated depreciation.............................. (4,857) (6,814) (8,857)
--------- --------- -----------
$ 10,491 $ 12,194 $ 14,773
--------- --------- -----------
--------- --------- -----------
</TABLE>
Intangible assets consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------- JUNE 30,
1995 1996 1997
--------- --------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Goodwill.................................................... $ 4,171 $ 4,171 $ 4,171
Covenant not to compete..................................... 1,390 1,390 1,390
--------- --------- -----------
5,561 5,561 5,561
Less: accumulated amortization.............................. (1,110) (1,694) (2,137)
--------- --------- -----------
$ 4,451 $ 3,867 $ 3,424
--------- --------- -----------
--------- --------- -----------
</TABLE>
Other current liabilities consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------- JUNE 30,
1995 1996 1997
--------- --------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Other....................................................... $ 7,752 $ 6,553 $ 8,433
Customer deposits........................................... 808 2,194 662
--------- --------- -----------
$ 8,560 $ 8,747 $ 9,095
--------- --------- -----------
--------- --------- -----------
</TABLE>
F-10
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
3. RECAPITALIZATION TRANSACTIONS
On June 11, 1997, the Company completed the following transactions (the
Recapitalization Transactions): (i) the Company sold an aggregate of 2,428,470
shares of its Common Stock, representing 49.7% of the Common Stock outstanding
following the Recapitalization Transactions, to DLJ Merchant Banking Partners
II, L.P. and its affiliates and Green Equity Investors II, L.P. and its
affiliates for an aggregate purchase price of $43.5 million, less related costs
of $644,000 (the New Equity Investment); (ii) the Company issued $85 million
aggregate principal amount of 10 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes maturing June
15, 2007 (the Notes) (Note 6); (iii) the Company incurred indebtedness of $25
million under a five year and six month term loan facility and entered into a
five year and six month revolving credit facility providing for borrowings of up
to $20 million (the New Credit Agreement) (Note 6); (iv) the Company incurred
aggregate debt issuance costs of $4.3 million in connection with the issuance of
the Notes and with entering the New Credit Agreement; (v) the Company used the
net proceeds from the New Equity Investment, the issuance of the Notes and the
New Credit Agreement to repurchase an aggregate of 8,513,610 shares of Common
Stock from existing stockholders for an aggregate of $152.5 million and to make
cash payments upon surrender of stock options by employees in an aggregate
amount of $7.1 million (Note 9). Such existing stockholders retained 50.3% of
the shares of Common Stock outstanding following the Recapitalization
Transactions.
4. STRATEGIC ALLIANCE AND PURCHASE AND SALE OF BUSINESS
In April 1996, the Company entered into a Strategic Alliance with Yokogawa
Electric Corporation (Yokogawa), a leading Japanese process control and test and
measurement company. Under terms of the Strategic Alliance, Yokogawa acquired
all of the outstanding shares of the Company's Japanese subsidiary for 10
million Japanese Yen (approximately $93,000) and 12% of the Company's Common
Stock from certain of the Company's stockholders. There was no significant gain
or loss on the sale of the Japanese subsidiary. Additionally, Yokogawa will
distribute the Company's products in Japan and Yokogawa and the Company will
collaborate to develop new products for the communications test markets
worldwide. In connection with the June 1997 Recapitalization Transactions (Note
3), the Company repurchased a portion of the Common Stock owned by Yokogawa,
reducing Yokogawa's ownership of the outstanding Common Stock to 5.8%.
In October 1995, the Company sold its Industrial Measurement Instruments
(IMI) product line to a third party for $502,000, resulting in a gain of
$56,000. The Company received $310,000 cash on the closing date. The remaining
proceeds were being paid under the terms of two promissory notes which were
fully repaid in June 1997 ($150,000 was outstanding at September 30, 1996).
Under the terms of the sale agreement, the Company is entitled to receive
royalties from the buyer based on its sales of IMI products for four years
following the closing date. The Company received royalties aggregating $92,000
in fiscal 1996, and $57,000 and $69,000 in the nine months ended June 30, 1996
and 1997, respectively.
In October 1994, the Company acquired certain worldwide assets and
liabilities of the communications test division of Schlumberger for
approximately $16.1 million (the "Schlumberger Acquisition"). Of the total
purchase price, $13.0 million was paid in cash on the closing date and an
additional $2.1 million was paid in cash in April 1995. The remaining balance of
5,167,000 French francs (approximately $900,000 at June 30, 1997) will be paid
under terms of a promissory note due in January 1998 (Note 6). The acquisition
was accounted for as a purchase and the assets and liabilities of the acquired
business were
F-11
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
4. STRATEGIC ALLIANCE AND PURCHASE AND SALE OF BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
recorded at their estimated fair values, including goodwill of $4.2 million.
Additionally, $4.2 million was accrued as an estimate of the costs that would be
incurred to restructure and integrate the acquired business into the Company, of
which $3.4 million had been spent as of September 30, 1996 and June 30, 1997 and
$754,000 was included in other current liabilities in the accompanying balance
sheet at September 30, 1996 ($739,000 as of June 30, 1997). In connection with
this transaction, Schlumberger purchased 57,600 shares of the Company's Common
Stock for $3.0 million in cash. The Company repurchased these shares in
September 1995 for $3.2 million in cash.
5. SALE AND LEASEBACK FINANCING
To raise funds for the Schlumberger Acquisition, in October 1994, the
Company entered into a sale and leaseback financing whereby it sold its facility
in Indianapolis to a third party investor for $4.5 million, resulting in a
charge to income of $1.8 million, representing the excess of the net book value
of the property over the net proceeds received. The Company simultaneously
entered a Master Lease Agreement with the buyer, under which the Company leased
back the facility for a period of 20 years for an annual rental $473,000,
subject to annual adjustments based on the change in the consumer price index,
not to exceed 3.0% per annum. In December 1994, the Company subleased a portion
of this facility to a third party for five years for an annual base rental and
common area expense reimbursement of $387,000. Because of the significance of
the sublease in relation to the Company's master lease of the facility,
generally accepted accounting principles require that the transaction be
recorded as a financing transaction, whereby the building remains on the
Company's balance sheet in an amount equal to the net proceeds from the sale and
an offsetting long-term financing obligation has been recorded.
F-12
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
6. CREDIT AGREEMENTS AND LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS
The Company's U.S. subsidiary had a Business Loan Agreement (Agreement) with
a bank providing for revolving line of credit borrowings of up to $4.0 million.
This Agreement was terminated in June 1997. The Company had no borrowings under
this agreement as of September 30, 1996.
The Company's subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, France, Germany and
Austria also have agreements with banks providing for short-term revolving
advances and overdraft facilities in an aggregate total amount of approximately
$6.5 million. In addition, the bank agreements with such subsidiaries also
provide for issuance of letters of credit and bank guarantees in an aggregate
total amount of approximately $4.0 million. At September 30, 1996 and June 30,
1997, aggregate amounts of $786,000 and $3.4 million, respectively, had been
borrowed under these facilities. Revolving borrowings under these agreements
bear interest at variable rates ranging from 4.863% to 8.25% as of September 30,
1996 (4.20% to 8.40% as of June 30, 1997). These bank agreements also provide
for long-term borrowings (see table below) and are generally secured by the
assets of the local subsidiary and the guarantee of the Company. Most of these
agreements do not have stated expiration dates, but are cancellable by the banks
at any time. The Company's bank agreements also generally provide for the
issuance of letters of credit and bank guarantees. At September 30, 1996 and
June 30, 1997, the Company was contingently liable for outstanding letters of
credit and bank guarantees aggregating $1.3 million and $2.1 million,
respectively. Borrowings under the Company's revolving bank agreements have been
classified as "Notes payable to banks" in the accompanying consolidated balance
sheets due to the short-term nature of the revolving advances taken under these
agreements.
Long-term obligations are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------- JUNE 30,
1995 1996 1997
--------- --------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Senior Subordinated Notes issued in connection with
Recapitalization Transactions (Note 3); total principal
balance due June 15, 2007; interest payable semi-annually on
June 15 and December 15 at 10.125%; secured by guarantee of
Company's subsidiaries in the United States.................. $ -- $ -- $ 85,000
Term Loan payable to banks obtained in connection with
Recapitalization Transactions (Note 3); payable in quarterly
installments commencing September 15, 1998; interest payable
at optional rates (8.1875% at June 30, 1997); secured by the
Company's U.S. assets and a pledge of 65% of the stock of the
Company's foreign subsidiaries............................... -- -- 25,000
Unsecured promissory note issued in connection with
Schlumberger Acquisition (Note 4); total principal balance
due January 1998; interest payable quarterly at PIBOR plus
0.5% (4.063% at September 30, 1996 and 3.871% at June 30,
1997)........................................................ 1,050 1,003 887
</TABLE>
F-13
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
6. CREDIT AGREEMENTS AND LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------- JUNE 30,
1995 1996 1997
--------- --------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Financing obligation recorded in connection with sale and
leaseback of real property (Note 5); payable in monthly
installments of $39, including interest at 9.30%, through
October 2014; secured by Master Lease Agreement of
manufacturing facility....................................... 4,252 4,165 4,096
Term note payable to French bank; repaid in April 1996......... 2,033 -- --
Term note payable to German bank; repaid in May 1996........... 1,086 -- --
--------- --------- ----------
8,421 5,168 114,983
Less current maturities........................................ (86) (95) (988)
--------- --------- ----------
Long-term obligations, less current maturities................. $ 8,335 $ 5,073 $ 113,995
--------- --------- ----------
--------- --------- ----------
</TABLE>
As of September 30, 1996, the future annual principal payments on long-term
obligations outstanding at September 30, 1996 were as follows for fiscal years
ending September 30: 1997 -- $95,000; 1998 -- $1,106,000; 1999 -- $112,000; 2000
- -- $123,000; 2001 -- $135,000 and thereafter -- $3,597,000.
In connection with the Recapitalization Transactions (Note 3), the Company
issued $85 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Subordinated Notes
(Notes) pursuant to an Indenture (the Indenture) between the Company and the
Bank of New York, as trustee. The Notes bear interest at 10.125%, payable
semi-annually on each June 15 and December 15 commencing December 15, 1997. The
total principal balance of the Notes is due June 15, 2007. On or after June 15,
2002, the Notes will be redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in
part, at the following redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal
amount) plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any:
105.063% if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on June 15, 2002;
103.375% if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on June 15, 2003;
101.688% if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on June 15, 2004;
and 100% thereafter. Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the first three years
following the issue date of the Notes, the Company may redeem up to 33 1/3% of
the aggregate principal amount of the Notes with the proceeds of one or more
Public Equity Offerings (as defined in the Indenture) at a redemption price of
110.125% of the principal amount thereof, in each case plus accrued and unpaid
interest and liquidated damages, if any. The Notes are guaranteed on a senior
subordinated basis by the Company's current and future subsidiaries in the
United States. The Indenture requires the Company to comply with various
affirmative, negative, and financial covenants. The Company was in compliance
with all such covenants at June 30, 1997.
Also in connection with the Recapitalization Transactions, the Company
entered into a New Credit Agreement (New Credit Agreement) with a group of five
lending banks (the Lenders) including DLJ Capital Funding, Inc. as Syndication
Agent and Fleet National Bank as Administrative Agent. The New Credit Agreement
provided for a $25 million five year and six month term loan (Term Loan)
borrowed by the Company on June 11, 1997. The Term Loan is repayable in
quarterly installments on the 15th day of each September, December, March and
June commencing September 15, 1998. Total principal payments due in each future
fiscal year are as follows: 1998--$1,000,000; 1999--$4,250,000;
2000--$5,250,000;
F-14
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
6. CREDIT AGREEMENTS AND LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
2001--$6,250,000; 2002--$6,750,000 and; 2003--$1,500,000. The Term Loan may be
prepaid at any time and is subject to mandatory prepayments if the Company
generates Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the New Credit Agreement). The New
Credit Agreement also provides for a five year and six month revolving credit
facility in the amount of $20 million, of which up to $7.5 million may be
borrowed in British pounds, French francs or Deutsche marks. The Company has no
borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility. All borrowings under
the New Credit Agreement bear interest, at the option of the Company, at either
(i) the Base Rate (as defined in the New Credit Agreement) plus 1.5%, or (ii) at
the reserve adjusted Euro-Dollar Rate (as defined in the New Credit Agreement)
plus 2.50%, subject to reduction upon the achievement of certain performance
levels and/or credit ratios. The Term Loan currently bears interest at 8.1875%
through August 14, 1997, with interest payable at the end of each one-month
period. The New Credit Agreement is secured by all of the Company's assets in
the United States (approximately $52.5 million at June 30, 1997) and the pledge
of 100% of the stock of its subsidiaries in the United States and 65% of the
stock of its foreign subsidiaries. The New Credit Agreement requires the Company
to comply with various affirmative, negative, and financial covenants. The
Company was in compliance with all such covenants at June 30, 1997.
The Company incurred aggregate debt issuance costs of $4.3 million in
connection with the issuance of the Notes and with entering into the New Credit
Agreement. Such costs have been deferred and will be amortized over the term of
the related debt using the interest method.
7. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN
The Company has a tax deferred retirement savings plan under Section 401(k)
of the Internal Revenue Code whereby U.S. employees may defer a portion of their
compensation through payroll deductions as contributions to the Plan. The
Company may match a portion of the savings contribution as prescribed in the
Plan. The Company's contributions may be made each year out of accumulated
profits in cash, and are at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Contributions by the Company to the Plan were $211,000, $221,000 and $215,000
for the years ended September 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively, and
$170,000 and $213,000 for the nine months ended June 30, 1996 and 1997,
respectively.
8. LEASE COMMITMENTS
The Company rents certain office and plant facilities under operating leases
which expire at various dates through 2006, except for a land lease in the U.K.
extending to 2103. The leases generally provide that the Company pay the taxes,
insurance and maintenance expenses related to the leased property. Certain
leases include renewal options and/or options to purchase the leased property.
The Company also rents equipment and other facilities on a month-to-month basis.
Total rent expense was $1.2 million, $2.6 million and $2.6 million for the years
ended September 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively, and $2.0 million for each
of the nine month periods ended June 30, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
In 1991, the Company entered into a sale/leaseback arrangement for its San
Diego manufacturing facility with an affiliate of a major stockholder. The lease
runs through June 2006 with the minimum annual rental of $570,000, subject to
annual CPI adjustments. The Company's gain on the transaction was deferred and
is being amortized over the original ten-year lease term.
F-15
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
8. LEASE COMMITMENTS (CONTINUED)
At September 30, 1996, the annual future minimum lease payments under
noncancellable operating leases and the future minimum annual lease receipts
under noncancellable subleases are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LEASE LEASE
PAYMENTS RECEIPTS
----------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
1997................................................................... $ 2,160 $ 345
1998................................................................... 1,754 345
1999................................................................... 1,051 345
2000................................................................... 995 58
2001................................................................... 822 --
Later years............................................................ 3,704 --
----------- -----------
Total minimum lease payments........................................... $ 10,486 $ 1,093
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
</TABLE>
9. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Prior to June 11, 1997, the Company had two classes of Common Stock
outstanding, Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. The rights and preferences
of both classes of common stock were identical, except that holders of Common
Stock were entitled to one vote per share and holders of Class B Common Stock
were entitled to ten votes per share. The Class B Common Stock was convertible,
at the holder's option, into shares of Common Stock on a share for share basis.
Total common stock authorized and issued and outstanding in each period
presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements included two
million shares of Class B Common Stock through June 11, 1997. In connection with
the Recapitalization Transactions (Note 3), all shares of Class B Common Stock
were repurchased by the Company and the Company's Certificate of Incorporation
was amended to eliminate the Class B Common Stock. The Company's Certificate of
Incorporation was also amended effective June 11, 1997 to effect a ten-for-one
stock split of its common stock, which was authorized by the Company's Board of
Directors on May 30, 1997. All share and per share amounts and stock option data
in the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been restated to
retroactively reflect the stock split.
In connection with Yokogawa's purchase of shares of the Company's Common
Stock (Note 4), the Company and its stockholders entered certain agreements with
Yokogawa which provided Yokogawa with certain rights of first refusal through
April 1999 if shares of the Company's Common Stock were offered for sale in
certain circumstances defined by the agreements. Yokogawa was also granted the
right to appoint one member to the Company's Board of Directors. In connection
with the Recapitalization Transactions (Note 3), all such preferential rights of
Yokogawa were terminated effective June 11, 1997.
In accordance with the Company's 1992 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan,
options to purchase an aggregate of up to one million shares of Common Stock may
be issued to employees at an exercise price equal to the fair value of the
shares on the date of grant. At September 30, 1994, 1995, 1996 and at June 30,
1997, options to purchase 560,000, 786,000, 843,000 and 322,400 common shares,
respectively, had been granted and were outstanding at exercise prices ranging
from $1.25 to $12.50 per share. Options to purchase an aggregate of 116,000
shares were exercisable at September 30, 1996 at an exercise price of $1.25 per
share and 139,150 shares were exercisable at June 30, 1997 at exercise prices
ranging from $1.25 to $12.50 per share. All options expire on the earlier of
April 28, 2002, or 90 days after termination of
F-16
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
9. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)
employment. Prior to the Recapitilization Transactions (Note 3), options to
purchase 805,000 common shares had been issued and were outstanding. In
connection with the Recapitalization Transactions, the Company accelerated the
vesting of these outstanding options such that 75% of each option holders'
options became fully vested and the Company offered to make cash payments to
each option holder as compensation for the surrender of all or a portion of such
vested options in a per share amount equal to the price paid to the selling
stockholders in the Recapitalization Transactions. Such surrendering option
holders were also required to pay a pro rata portion of the expenses incurred by
the selling stockholders. Holders of vested options to purchase 472,100 common
shares elected to surrender such options in exchange for payments aggregating
approximately $6.8 million. The amount of such payments, and related employer
expenses of $237,000, were recorded as compensation expense in the accompanying
consolidated statement of income for the nine months ended June 30, 1997.
10. PROVISIONS FOR RESTRUCTURED OPERATIONS
In fiscal year 1996, the Company initiated a plan to restructure certain
corporate management functions, its European manufacturing, service and sales
activities and its San Diego manufacturing activities. The restructuring costs
primarily include expenses for employee severance and close down of certain
manufacturing operations. The restructuring plan is expected to be completed
during fiscal 1997. A provision for the restructuring of $1.8 million is
included in the accompanying consolidated statement of income for fiscal 1996
($188,000 for the nine months ended June 30, 1996).
F-17
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
11. INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes is comprised as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
--------- --------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Federal:
Current.......................................................... $ -- $ 910 $ 2,677
Deferred......................................................... -- (910) (1,945)
--------- --------- ---------
-- -- 732
--------- --------- ---------
State:
Current.......................................................... 21 196 1,015
Deferred......................................................... -- (196) (498)
--------- --------- ---------
21 -- 517
--------- --------- ---------
Foreign:
Current.......................................................... 801 613 1,117
Deferred......................................................... -- 3 (1,401)
--------- --------- ---------
801 616 (284)
--------- --------- ---------
$ 822 $ 616 $ 965
--------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- ---------
</TABLE>
The current provisions for federal and state income tax are lower than the
amounts calculated using statutory rates, as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Federal income tax at statutory rate.......................... 34.0% 34.0% 34.0%
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit................ 4.3 3.5 4.8
Foreign tax rate below federal statutory rate................. -- -- (1.4)
Benefit from foreign sales corporation........................ -- (4.1) (1.0)
Amortization of goodwill...................................... 2.4 2.5 0.8
Non-deductible expenses....................................... 0.3 0.5 0.3
Utilization of previously unbenefited loss carryforwards...... -- (3.0) --
----- ----- -----
41.0 33.4 37.5
Decrease in valuation allowance............................... (22.9) (16.7) (30.8)
----- ----- -----
Effective income tax rate..................................... 18.1% 16.7% 6.7%
----- ----- -----
----- ----- -----
</TABLE>
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 assets and liabilities as of September 30, 1996 and
1995 are set forth in the following table. A valuation allowance of $6.2 million
was recognized at September 30, 1995 as an offset to certain of the deferred tax
assets, as realization of such assets was
F-18
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
11. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
uncertain. The valuation allowance was fully removed as of September 30, 1996,
since it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized.
The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at
September 30, result from:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1996
--------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN
THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Inventories........................................................... $ 1,127 $ 1,634
Accrued and unpaid expenses........................................... 897 1,521
Deferred income....................................................... 262 217
State taxes........................................................... -- 345
U.S. net operating loss and business credit carryforwards............. 1,832 --
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards.............................. 3,483 1,400
--------- ---------
Total deferred tax assets............................................... 7,601 5,117
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets............................. (6,184) --
--------- ---------
1,417 5,117
Deferred tax liability--depreciation differences........................ (314) (171)
--------- ---------
Net deferred tax assets................................................. $ 1,103 $ 4,946
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
</TABLE>
As of September 30, 1996, the Company's French and German subsidiaries had
net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $2.3 million and $1.0 million,
respectively. The French carryforward will expire in 2000 if not previously
utilized and the German carryforward can be used indefinitely.
For the nine months ended June 30, 1996 and 1997, income taxes have been
provided based on the estimated annual effective rate applied to the pretax
income for the interim period.
F-19
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
12. GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
The Company operates in a single industry segment: the design, manufacture
and distribution of electronic test equipment and measurement tools. In the
schedule below, sales, income before provision for taxes and total assets are
reported based on the location of the Company's facilities. Intercompany
transfers are made at arm's length between the various geographic areas.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, JUNE 30,
------------------------------- --------------------
1994 1995 1996 1996 1997
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales:
United States:
Sales to unaffiliated domestic customers................. $ 42,981 $ 54,175 $ 62,069 $ 46,672 $ 44,925
Export sales............................................. 10,309 11,584 16,876 12,212 11,982
Interarea transfers...................................... 3,534 3,942 6,809 5,453 7,852
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
56,824 69,701 85,754 64,337 64,759
Europe:
Sales to unaffiliated customers.......................... 21,525 67,580 70,141 54,929 60,759
Interarea transfers...................................... 4,124 19,929 24,519 17,850 19,962
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
25,649 87,509 94,660 72,779 80,721
Asia:
Sales to unaffiliated customers.......................... -- 280 1,907 1,368 1,034
Interarea transfers...................................... -- 54 24 27 89
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
-- 334 1,931 1,395 1,123
Eliminations............................................... (7,658) (23,925) (31,352) (23,330) (27,903)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Consolidated sales......................................... $ 74,815 $ 133,619 $ 150,993 $ 115,181 $ 118,700
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income before provision for income taxes:
United States............................................ $ 2,613 $ 6,021 $ 17,711 $ 13,950 $ 10,144
Europe................................................... 3,053 (2,162) 3,033 2,986 1,958
Asia..................................................... -- (224) 724 697 (164)
Corporate expenses and eliminations........................ (1,134) 50 (7,028) (4,304) (4,759)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Consolidated income before provision for income taxes...... $ 4,532 $ 3,685 $ 14,440 $ 13,329 $ 7,179
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Assets:
United States............................................ $ 40,496 $ 51,609 $ 82,415 $ 71,770 $ 83,129
Europe................................................... 11,964 34,595 34,958 35,062 41,419
Asia..................................................... 176 935 1,258 1,288 1,463
Eliminations............................................. (17,931) (24,561) (49,779) (39,827) (46,048)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Consolidated total assets.................................. $ 34,705 $ 62,578 $ 68,852 $ 68,293 $ 79,963
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
</TABLE>
F-20
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
13. SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL DATA
The Company's payment obligations under the Notes to be issued in the
Recapitalization Transactions are guaranteed by all of the Company's current and
future domestic subsidiaries (collectively, the "Subsidiary Guarantors"). Such
guarantees are full, unconditional and joint and several. Separate financial
statements of each of the Subsidiary Guarantors are not presented because the
Company's management has deemed that they would not be material to investors.
The following supplemental condensed consolidating financial data sets forth, on
an unconsolidated basis, balance sheets, statements of income and statements of
cash flows data for (i) the Company ("Wavetek Corporation"), (ii) the current
Subsidiary Guarantors and (iii) the Company's current foreign subsidiaries (the
"Foreign Subsidiaries"). The supplemental financial data reflects the
investments of Wavetek Corporation in the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Foreign
Subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting. Certain reclassifications
have been made to provide for uniform disclosure of all periods presented. The
reclassifications are not material.
F-21
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
13. SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL DATA (CONTINUED)
CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
(DOLLARS AND SHARES IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WAVETEK SUBSIDIARY FOREIGN
CORPORATION GUARANTORS SUBSIDIARIES ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................... $ -- $ 2,256 $ 1,433 $ -- $ 3,689
Accounts receivable (less allowance for
doubtful accounts of $903)................ 822 10,209 18,289 (6,222) 23,098
Inventories................................. -- 7,829 10,835 (736) 17,928
Deferred income taxes....................... 187 308 -- -- 495
Other current assets........................ 46 288 1,158 -- 1,492
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
Total current assets.......................... 1,055 20,890 31,715 (6,958) 46,702
Property and equipment, net................... 4,391 2,608 3,492 -- 10,491
Intangible assets, net........................ 3,757 576 138 (20) 4,451
Deferred income taxes......................... 876 49 -- (317) 608
Other assets.................................. 2,420 51 160 (2,305) 326
Investment in subsidiaries.................... 15,253 -- 25 (15,278) --
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
Total assets.................................. $ 27,752 $ 24,174 $ 35,530 $ (24,878) $ 62,578
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks...................... $ -- $ 4,533 $ 1,730 $ -- $ 6,263
Trade accounts payable...................... 974 7,239 10,297 (6,204) 12,306
Accrued compensation........................ 345 1,800 3,989 -- 6,134
Income taxes payable........................ -- 40 752 -- 792
Other current liabilities................... 2,694 1,119 4,765 (18) 8,560
Current maturities of long-term
obligations............................... 84 -- 2 -- 86
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
Total current liabilities..................... 4,097 14,731 21,535 (6,222) 34,141
Long-term obligations, less current
maturities................................... 4,163 -- 6,477 (2,305) 8,335
Deferred income and other liabilities......... 76 945 3 (338) 686
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $.01; authorized,
15,000 shares; issued and outstanding,
10,974 shares............................. 110 -- -- -- 110
Additional paid-in capital.................. 5,505 2,137 12,570 (14,707) 5,505
Retained earnings........................... 13,271 6,361 (5,585) (776) 13,271
Foreign currency translation adjustments.... 530 -- 530 (530) 530
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
Total stockholders' equity.................... 19,416 8,498 7,515 (16,013) 19,416
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity.... $ 27,752 $ 24,174 $ 35,530 $ (24,878) $ 62,578
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
</TABLE>
F-22
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
13. SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL DATA (CONTINUED)
CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
(DOLLARS AND SHARES IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WAVETEK SUBSIDIARY FOREIGN
CORPORATION GUARANTORS SUBSIDIARIES ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................... $ -- $ 4,845 $ 1,281 $ -- $ 6,126
Accounts receivable (less allowance for
doubtful accounts of $2,023).............. 3,042 18,657 15,123 (15,956) 20,866
Inventories................................. (479) 6,277 14,496 (986) 19,308
Deferred income taxes....................... 2,660 1,845 -- -- 4,505
Other current assets........................ 6 148 1,034 -- 1,188
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
Total current assets.......................... 5,229 31,772 31,934 (16,942) 51,993
Property and equipment, net................... 4,495 3,731 4,075 (107) 12,194
Intangible assets, net........................ 3,490 288 99 (10) 3,867
Deferred income taxes......................... 430 182 -- (171) 441
Other assets.................................. 281 196 83 (203) 357
Investment in subsidiaries.................... 32,492 -- 25 (32,517) --
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
Total assets.................................. $ 46,417 $ 36,169 $ 36,216 $ (49,950) $ 68,852
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks...................... $ -- $ -- $ 786 $ -- $ 786
Trade accounts payable...................... 6,168 7,027 14,701 (15,889) 12,007
Accrued compensation........................ 1,454 1,827 4,187 -- 7,468
Income taxes payable........................ -- 460 967 -- 1,427
Other current liabilities................... 1,883 1,884 5,047 (67) 8,747
Current maturities of long-term
obligations............................... 93 -- 2 -- 95
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
Total current liabilities..................... 9,598 11,198 25,690 (15,956) 30,530
Long-term obligations, less current
maturities................................... 4,069 -- 1,207 (203) 5,073
Deferred income and other liabilities......... 62 625 45 (171) 561
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $.01; authorized,
15,000 shares; issued and outstanding,
10,974 shares............................. 110 -- -- -- 110
Additional paid-in capital.................. 5,538 2,137 12,468 (14,605) 5,538
Retained earnings........................... 26,746 22,209 (3,488) (18,721) 26,746
Foreign currency translation adjustments.... 294 -- 294 (294) 294
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
Total stockholders' equity.................... 32,688 24,346 9,274 (33,620) 32,688
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity.... $ 46,417 $ 36,169 $ 36,216 $ (49,950) $ 68,852
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
</TABLE>
F-23
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
13. SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL DATA (CONTINUED)
CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF JUNE 30, 1997
(DOLLARS AND SHARES IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WAVETEK SUBSIDIARY FOREIGN
CORPORATION GUARANTORS SUBSIDIARIES ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................... $ -- $ 3,542 $ 517 $ -- $ 4,059
Short-term investments, available for sale.. -- 3,000 -- -- 3,000
Accounts receivable (less allowance for
doubtful accounts of $2,054).............. (91) 17,181 21,968 (13,778) 25,280
Inventories................................. (479) 6,516 13,532 (1,367) 18,202
Deferred income taxes....................... 2,879 1,595 -- -- 4,474
Other current assets........................ 312 189 1,725 -- 2,226
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Total current assets.......................... 2,621 32,023 37,742 (15,145) 57,241
Property and equipment, net................... 5,445 4,426 4,946 (44) 14,773
Deferred debt issuance costs, net............. 4,293 -- -- -- 4,293
Intangible assets, net........................ 3,290 72 65 (3) 3,424
Deferred income taxes......................... (6) 43 -- -- 37
Other assets.................................. 230 46 104 (185) 195
Investment in subsidiaries.................... 30,646 -- 25 (30,671) --
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Total assets.................................. $ 46,519 $ 36,610 $ 42,882 (46,048) $ 79,963
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks...................... $ -- $ -- $ 3,377 $ -- $ 3,377
Trade accounts payable...................... 2,872 10,031 16,711 (13,780) 15,834
Accrued compensation........................ 470 1,677 5,015 -- 7,162
Income taxes payable........................ (1,559) 2,008 1,572 -- 2,021
Other current liabilities................... 3,574 1,764 3,757 -- 9,095
Current maturities of long-term
obligations............................... 100 -- 888 -- 988
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Total current liabilities..................... 5,457 15,480 31,320 (13,780) 38,477
Long-term obligations, less current
maturities................................... 113,995 -- -- -- 113,995
Deferred income and other liabilities......... 36 393 216 (185) 460
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock, par value $.01; authorized,
15,000 shares; issued and outstanding,
4,885 shares.............................. 49 -- -- -- 49
Additional paid-in capital.................. 43,748 2,137 15,064 (17,201) 43,748
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)..... (116,660) 18,600 (3,612) (14,988) (116,660)
Foreign currency translation adjustments.... (106) -- (106) 106 (106)
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Total stockholders' equity (deficit).......... (72,969) 20,737 11,346 (32,083) (72,969)
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
(deficit).................................... $ 46,519 $ 36,610 $ 42,882 $ (46,048) $ 79,963
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
F-24
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
13. SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL DATA (CONTINUED)
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WAVETEK SUBSIDIARY FOREIGN
CORPORATION GUARANTORS SUBSIDIARIES ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales......................................... $ -- $ 56,824 $ 25,649 $ (7,658) $ 74,815
Cost of goods sold............................ 11 33,711 15,386 (7,735) 41,373
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ------------
Gross margin.................................. (11) 23,113 10,263 77 33,442
Operating expenses:
Marketing and selling....................... -- 11,577 4,852 -- 16,429
Research and development.................... -- 4,413 1,012 -- 5,425
General and administrative.................. 941 3,905 1,222 (11) 6,057
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ------------
941 19,895 7,086 (11) 27,911
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ------------
Operating income.............................. (952) 3,218 3,177 88 5,531
Non-operating income (expense):
Interest income............................. 300 45 46 (358) 33
Interest expense............................ (377) (613) (13) 358 (645)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries........ 4,937 -- -- (4,937) --
Other, net.................................. (198) (37) (158) 6 (387)
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ------------
4,662 (605) (125) (4,931) (999)
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ------------
Income before provision for income taxes...... 3,710 2,613 3,052 (4,843) 4,532
Provision for income taxes.................... -- 21 801 -- 822
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ------------
Net income.................................... $ 3,710 $ 2,592 $ 2,251 $ (4,843) $ 3,710
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ------------
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ------------
</TABLE>
F-25
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
13. SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL DATA (CONTINUED)
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WAVETEK SUBSIDIARY FOREIGN
CORPORATION GUARANTORS SUBSIDIARIES ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales......................................... $ -- $ 69,701 $ 87,843 $ (23,925) $ 133,619
Cost of goods sold............................ (301) 40,090 56,741 (23,881) 72,649
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Gross margin.................................. 301 29,611 31,102 (44) 60,970
Operating expenses:
Marketing and selling....................... (56) 14,092 18,550 -- 32,586
Research and development.................... (43) 4,193 7,946 -- 12,096
General and administrative.................. 2,066 3,192 4,143 (10) 9,391
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
1,967 21,477 30,639 (10) 54,073
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Operating income.............................. (1,666) 8,134 463 (34) 6,897
Non-operating income (expense):
Interest income............................. 147 11 191 (259) 90
Interest expense............................ (495) (232) (722) 259 (1,190)
Loss on sale and leaseback financing........ -- (1,824) -- -- (1,824)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries........ 1,137 -- -- (1,137) --
Other, net.................................. 2,159 (68) (2,318) (61) (288)
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
2,948 (2,113) (2,849) (1,198) (3,212)
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Income before provision for income taxes...... 1,282 6,021 (2,386) (1,232) 3,685
Provision for income taxes.................... (1,837) 1,597 856 -- 616
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Net income.................................... $ 3,119 $ 4,424 $ (3,242) $ (1,232) $ 3,069
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
F-26
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
13. SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL DATA (CONTINUED)
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WAVETEK SUBSIDIARY FOREIGN
CORPORATION GUARANTORS SUBSIDIARIES ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales......................................... $ -- $ 85,754 $ 96,592 $ (31,353) $ 150,993
Cost of goods sold............................ 616 42,141 60,774 (31,167) 72,364
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Gross margin.................................. (616) 43,613 35,818 (186) 78,629
Operating expenses:
Marketing and selling....................... 959 16,215 19,023 -- 36,197
Research and development.................... (52) 5,451 7,518 -- 12,917
General and administrative.................. 3,374 4,323 3,927 (12) 11,612
Provision for restructuring operations...... 1,832 -- -- -- 1,832
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
6,113 25,989 30,468 (12) 62,558
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Operating income.............................. (6,729) 17,624 5,350 (174) 16,071
Non-operating income (expense):
Interest income............................. 142 76 83 (134) 167
Interest expense............................ (388) (77) (431) 134 (762)
Equity in income of subsidiaries............ 17,952 -- -- (17,952) --
Other, net.................................. 483 88 (1,245) (362) (1,036)
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
18,189 87 (1,593) (18,314) (1,631)
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Income before provision for income taxes...... 11,460 17,711 3,757 (18,488) 14,440
Provision for income taxes.................... (2,015) 1,863 1,117 -- 965
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Net income.................................... $ 13,475 $ 15,848 $ 2,640 $ (18,488) $ 13,475
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
F-27
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
13. SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL DATA (CONTINUED)
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WAVETEK SUBSIDIARY FOREIGN
CORPORATION GUARANTORS SUBSIDIARIES ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales......................................... $ -- $ 64,337 $ 74,174 $ (23,330) $ 115,181
Cost of goods sold............................ 232 32,104 46,651 (23,208) 55,779
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Gross margin.................................. (232) 32,233 27,523 (122) 59,402
Operating expenses:
Marketing and selling....................... 722 11,948 14,139 -- 26,809
Research and development.................... (42) 3,856 5,602 -- 9,416
General and administrative.................. 3,067 2,653 2,944 (9) 8,655
Provision for restructuring operations...... 188 -- -- -- 188
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
3,935 18,457 22,685 (9) 45,068
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Operating income.............................. (4,167) 13,776 4,838 (113) 14,334
Non-operating income (expense):
Interest income............................. 71 38 54 (64) 99
Interest expense............................ (291) (77) (312) 64 (616)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries........ 13,236 -- -- (13,236) --
Other, net.................................. 558 213 (897) (362) (488)
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
13,574 174 (1,155) (13,598) (1,005)
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Income before provision for income taxes...... 9,407 13,950 3,683 (13,711) 13,329
Provision for income taxes.................... (3,029) 3,088 834 -- 893
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Net income.................................... $ 12,436 $ 10,862 $ 2,849 $ (13,711) $ 12,436
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
F-28
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
13. SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL DATA (CONTINUED)
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WAVETEK SUBSIDIARY FOREIGN
CORPORATION GUARANTORS SUBSIDIARIES ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales......................................... $ -- $ 64,759 $ 81,844 $ (27,903) $ 118,700
Cost of goods sold............................ (244) 29,351 53,956 (27,584) 55,479
------ ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Gross margin.................................. 244 35,408 27,888 (319) 63,221
Operating expenses:
Marketing and selling....................... 700 13,159 14,054 -- 27,913
Research and development.................... (36) 7,323 4,348 -- 11,635
General and administrative.................. 1,661 2,813 3,411 (7) 7,878
Stock option compensation related to
recapitalization.......................... 1,926 2,318 2,817 -- 7,061
------ ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
4,251 25,613 24,630 (7) 54,487
------ ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Operating income.............................. (4,007) 9,795 3,258 (312) 8,734
Non-operating income (expense):
Interest income............................. 76 221 32 (75) 254
Interest expense............................ (861) -- (162) 75 (948)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries........ 7,259 -- -- (7,259) --
Other, net.................................. 345 128 (1,334) -- (861)
------ ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
6,819 349 (1,464) (7,259) (1,555)
------ ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Income before provision for income taxes...... 2,812 10,144 1,794 (7,571) 7,179
Provision for income taxes.................... (1,639) 3,753 614 -- 2,728
------ ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Net income.................................... $ 4,451 $ 6,391 $ 1,180 $ (7,571) $ 4,451
------ ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
------ ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
F-29
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
13. SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL DATA
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WAVETEK SUBSIDIARY FOREIGN
CORPORATION GUARANTORS SUBSIDIARIES ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities................................... $ (760) $ 4,734 $ 2,473 $ -- $ 6,447
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of business................ 946 -- -- -- 946
Purchase of property and equipment............ (14) (1,038) (280) -- (1,332)
Other investing activities.................... 19 172 248 -- 439
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing
activities................................... 951 (866) (32) -- 53
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from revolving lines of credit and
long-term obligations........................ -- 25,475 295 -- 25,770
Principal payments on revolving lines of
credit and long-term obligations............. (450) (25,075) (12) -- (25,537)
Return of capital to stockholders............. (6,958) -- -- -- (6,958)
Return of capital from subsidiary............. 3,000 (3,000) -- -- --
Proceeds of loans from stockholders........... 860 4,000 -- -- 4,860
Repayment of loans from stockholders.......... (500) (4,000) -- -- (4,500)
Loans from subsidiary to Wavetek
Corporation.................................. 3,836 (3,836) -- -- --
Other financing activities.................... -- -- (2) -- (2)
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities................................... (212) (6,436) 281 -- (6,367)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
cash equivalents............................. -- -- 161 -- 161
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents.................................. (21) (2,568) 2,883 -- 294
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
year......................................... 3 2,886 624 -- 3,513
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
year......................................... $ (18) $ 318 $ 3,507 $ -- $ 3,807
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
F-30
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
13. SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL DATA (CONTINUED)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WAVETEK SUBSIDIARY FOREIGN
CORPORATION GUARANTORS SUBSIDIARIES ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net cash provided by operating activities..... $ 2,248 $ 6,675 $ 3,625 $ -- $ 12,548
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of business, net of seller
financing.................................... (2,057) (1,114) (14,514) -- (17,685)
Purchase of property and equipment............ (132) (1,547) (1,241) -- (2,920)
Other investing activities.................... (89) 30 281 -- 222
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Net cash used in investing activities......... (2,278) (2,631) (15,474) -- (20,383)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issuance of common shares for cash............ 7,595 -- -- -- 7,595
Repurchase of common shares for cash.......... (3,200) -- -- -- (3,200)
Proceeds from sale and leaseback financing.... -- 4,321 -- -- 4,321
Proceeds from revolving lines of credit and
long-term obligations........................ -- 24,428 7,027 -- 31,455
Principal payments on revolving lines of
credit and long-term obligations............. (71) (29,395) (2,663) -- (32,129)
Return of capital to stockholders.............
Dividends from subsidiaries to Wavetek
Corporation.................................. 7,497 (4,000) (3,497) -- --
Proceeds of loans from stockholders...........
Repayment of loans from stockholders.......... (360) -- -- -- (360)
Loans from Wavetek Corporation to
subsidiaries................................. (2,305) -- 2,305 -- --
Capital contributions from Wavetek Corporation
to subsidiaries.............................. (6,568) -- 6,568 -- --
Repayment of loans from subsidiaries to
Wavetek Corporation.......................... (2,540) 2,540 -- -- --
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities................................... 48 (2,106) 9,740 -- 7,682
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
cash equivalents............................. -- -- 35 -- 35
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents.................................. 18 1,938 (2,074) -- (118)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
year......................................... (18) 318 3,507 -- 3,807
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
year......................................... $ -- $ 2,256 $ 1,433 $ -- $ 3,689
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
F-31
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
13. SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL DATA (CONTINUED)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WAVETEK SUBSIDIARY FOREIGN
CORPORATION GUARANTORS SUBSIDIARIES ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net cash provided by operating activities..... $ 1,285 $ 9,252 $ 4,539 $ -- $ 15,076
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of business................ 93 310 (65) -- 338
Purchase of property and equipment............ (236) (2,631) (1,677) -- (4,544)
Other investing activities.................... 107 191 (42) -- 256
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Net cash used in investing activities......... (36) (2,130) (1,784) -- (3,950)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from revolving lines of credit and
long-term obligations........................ -- 11,713 3,219 -- 14,932
Principal payments on revolving lines of
credit and long-term obligations............. (85) (16,246) (7,244) -- (23,575)
Dividends from subsidiaries to Wavetek
Corporation.................................. 553 -- (553) -- --
Loans from Wavetek Corporation to
subsidiaries................................. (3,819) -- 3,819 -- --
Repayment of loans from Wavetek Corporation to
subsidiaries................................. 2,102 -- (2,102) -- --
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Net cash used in financing activities......... (1,249) (4,533) (2,861) -- (8,643)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
cash equivalents............................. -- -- (46) -- (46)
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents.................................. -- 2,589 (152) -- 2,437
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
year......................................... -- 2,256 1,433 -- 3,689
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
year......................................... $ -- $ 4,845 $ 1,281 $ -- $ 6,126
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
F-32
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
13. SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL DATA (CONTINUED)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WAVETEK SUBSIDIARY FOREIGN
CORPORATION GUARANTORS SUBSIDIARIES ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities................................... $ 612 $ 4,843 $ 4,976 $ -- $ 10,431
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of business................ -- 310 28 -- 338
Purchase of property and equipment............ (713) (1,522) (972) -- (3,207)
Other investing activities.................... 14 216 42 -- 272
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Net cash used in investing activities......... (699) (996) (902) -- (2,597)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from revolving lines of credit and
long-term obligations........................ -- 11,713 2,611 -- 14,324
Principal payments on revolving lines of
credit and long-term obligations............. (63) (16,246) (5,493) -- (21,802)
Loans from Waveteck Corporation to
subsidiaries (2,505) -- 2,505 -- --
Repayment of loans from Wavetek Corporation to
subsidiaries................................. 2,102 -- (2,102) -- --
Dividends from subsidiary to Wavetek
Corporation.................................. 553 -- (553) -- --
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities................................... 87 (4,533) (3,032) -- (7,478)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
cash equivalents............................. -- -- (124) -- (124)
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents.................................. -- (686) 918 -- 232
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
period....................................... -- 2,256 1,433 -- 3,689
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.... $ -- $ 1,570 $ 2,351 $ -- $ 3,921
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
F-33
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
13. SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL DATA (CONTINUED)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WAVETEK SUBSIDIARY FOREIGN
CORPORATION GUARANTORS SUBSIDIARIES ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities................................... $ (7,307) $ 13,102 $ 1,236 -- $ 7,031
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of short-term investments............ -- (3,000) -- -- (3,000)
Purchase of property and equipment............ (1,179) (1,565) (2,040) -- (4,784)
Other investing activities.................... 25 160 37 -- 222
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Net cash used in investing activities......... (1,154) (4,405) (2,003) -- (7,562)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issuance of common shares for cash............ 42,856 -- -- -- 42,856
Repurchase of common shares and stock options
for cash..................................... (152,564) -- -- -- (152,564)
Proceeds from revolving lines of credit and
long-term obligations........................ 110,000 -- 4,144 -- 114,144
Principal payments on revolving lines of
credit and long-term obligations............. (68) -- (1,421) -- (1,489)
Debt issuance costs........................... (4,326) -- -- -- (4,326)
Dividends from subsidiaries to Wavetek
Corporation.................................. 11,304 (10,000) (1,304) -- --
Capital contributions from Wavetek Corporation
to subsidiaries.............................. (2,578) -- 2,578 -- --
Repayment of loans from Wavetek Corporation to
subsidiaries................................. 3,837 -- (3,837) -- --
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities................................... 8,461 (10,000) 160 -- (1,379)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
cash equivalents............................. -- -- (157) -- (157)
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents.................................. -- (1,303) (764) -- (2,067)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
period....................................... -- 4,845 1,281 -- 6,126
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.... $ -- $ 3,542 $ 517 $ -- $ 4,059
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
F-34
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO JUNE 30, 1997
AND THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
14. LEGAL CONTINGENCIES
The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims which arise in the
ordinary course of its business. It is management's opinion that the likely
outcome of any such proceedings and claims would not have a material adverse
effect on the Company's future results of operations or financial position.
F-35
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION
All tendered Old Notes, executed Letters of Transmittal, and other related
documents should be directed to the Exchange Agent. Requests for assistance and
for additional copies of the Prospectus, the Letter of Transmittal and other
related documents should be directed to the Exchange Agent.
The Exchange Agent
for the Exchange Offer is
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BY MAIL: FOR INFORMATION CALL: BY HAND OR OVERNIGHT MAIL:
<S> <C> <C>
The Bank of New York Confirm: (212) 815-5789 The Bank of New York
101 Barclay Street, 7E Facsimile: (212) 815-6339 101 Barclay Street
New York, NY 10286 Corporate Trust Services Window
Attn: Shilpa Privedi Ground Level
Reorganization Section New York, NY 10286
Attn: Shilpa Privedi
Reorganization Section
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
(ALTERNATE PAGE FOR MARKET-MAKING PROSPECTUS)
PROSPECTUS
, 1997
$85,000,000
[LOGO]
WAVETEK CORPORATION
10 1/8% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2007
The 10 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 (the "New Notes" or the
"Notes") mature on June 15, 2007. Interest on the Notes will be payable
semi-annually on June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing on December
15, 1997. The Notes will be redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or
in part, at any time on or after June 15, 2002, at the redemption prices set
forth herein, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages (as
defined), if any, to the date of redemption. However, during the first three
years after the Issue Date (as defined), the Company may redeem up to an
aggregate of 33 1/3% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes originally
issued in the Offering with the proceeds of one or more Public Equity Offerings
(as defined) at a redemption price of 110.125% of the principal amount thereof,
in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to
the redemption date; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that at least 66 2/3% of the aggregate
principal amount of Notes originally issued remains outstanding immediately
after such redemption. Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined),
holders of the Notes will have the right to require the Company to purchase all
or any part of their Notes at a price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal
amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any,
to the date of purchase. See "Description of Notes."
The Notes are subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future
Senior Debt (as defined) of the Company, including borrowings under the New
Credit Agreement (as defined). The Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed on
a full and unconditional senior subordinated basis (the "Subsidiary Guarantees")
by the Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined). As of the date of this Prospectus,
Wavetek U.S., Inc. is the only Subsidiary Guarantor. The Subsidiary Guarantees
are subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future Senior Debt of
the Subsidiary Guarantors, including guarantees of the New Credit Agreement. The
Notes, the Subsidiary Guarantees and borrowings under the New Credit Agreement
are effectively subordinated to the indebtedness of the Company's foreign
subsidiaries (as defined). The Indenture permits the Company and its
Subsidiaries to incur additional Indebtedness, including Senior Debt, subject to
certain limitations, and prohibits the incurrence of any Indebtedness by the
Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors that is senior to the Notes or the
Subsidiary Guarantees, as the case may be, and subordinated to Senior Debt of
the Company or Senior Debt of the Subsidiary Guarantors, as the case may be. See
"Description of Notes." At June 30, 1997, the Company had approximately $114.1
million of outstanding debt and stockholders' deficit of $73.0 million. As of
June 30, 1997, the Company and its subsidiaries had approximately $29.3 million
of outstanding debt that effectively ranks senior to the Notes and the
Subsidiary Guarantees. Additional senior debt may be incurred by the Company and
its subsidiaries from time to time, subject to certain restrictions.
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 13 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN MATTERS
THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS IN CONNECTION WITH AN
INVESTMENT IN THE NOTES.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION,
NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE
SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
This Prospectus has been prepared for and is to be used by Donaldson, Lufkin
& Jenrette Securities Corporation in connection with offers and sales of the New
Notes related to market-making transactions, at prevailing market prices, at
prices related thereto or at negotiated prices. The Company will not receive any
of the proceeds of such sales. Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corporation may act as principal or agent in such transactions. The closing of
the Company's exchange offer resulting in the issue of the New Notes occurred on
, 1997. See "Plan of Distribution."
DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
<PAGE>
SECURITIES CORPORATION
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
(ALTERNATE PAGE FOR MARKET-MAKING PROSPECTUS)
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
This Prospectus may be used by DLJ in connection with offers and sales of
the New Notes related to market-making transactions. DLJ may act as principal or
agent in such transactions, including as agent of the New Notes for the
counterparty when acting as principal or as agent for both counterparties, and
may receive compensation in the form of discounts and commissions, including
from both counterparties when they act as agent for both. Such sales will be
made at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at prices related thereto
or at negotiated prices.
For a description of certain relationship and transactions between DLJ and
its affiliates and the Company, see "Management" and "Ownership of Capital
Stock."
DLJ has advised the Company that it currently intends to make a market in
the New Notes. However, DLJ is not obligated to do so and any market-making may
be discontinued at any time without notice. In addition, such market-making
activity will be subject to the limits imposed by the Securities Act and the
Exchange Act. There can be no assurance that an active trading market will
develop or be sustained. See "Risk Factors -- Absence of Public Market for the
Notes."
DLJ may not confirm sales to any accounts over which it exercises
discretionary authority without the prior specific written approval by the
customer.
The Company has agreed to indemnify DLJ against certain liabilities
including liabilities under the Securities Act.
<PAGE>
(ALTERNATE PAGE FOR MARKET-MAKING PROSPECTUS)
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
NO DEALER, SALESMAN OR ANY OTHER PERSON IS AUTHORIZED IN CONNECTION WITH ANY
OFFERING MADE HEREBY TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT
CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY
OR THE INITIAL PURCHASER. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL
OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE SECURITIES TO
WHICH IT RELATES OR ANY OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY
SUCH SECURITIES IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS
UNLAWFUL. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER
SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO
CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE
HEREOF.
------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
<S> <C>
Available Information.......................... 2
Summary........................................ 3
Risk Factors................................... 13
The Recapitalization Transactions.............. 20
Use of Proceeds................................ 20
The Exchange Offer............................. 20
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial
Data......................................... 29
Selected Consolidated Financial Data........... 34
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of
Operations................................... 36
Business....................................... 44
Management..................................... 59
Ownership of Capital Stock..................... 64
Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions................................. 66
Description of Notes........................... 67
Description of Other Indebtedness.............. 92
Validity of Notes.............................. 94
Independent Auditors........................... 94
Plan of Distribution........................... 94
Index to Financial Statements.................. F-1
</TABLE>
[LOGO]
WAVETEK CORPORATION
$85,000,000
10 1/8% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES
DUE 2007
-------------------------------
PROSPECTUS
-------------------------------
DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
SECURITIES CORPORATION
, 1997
- -------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
The Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") authorizes corporations to
limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to the corporation and
its stockholders for monetary damages in connection with the breach of a
director's fiduciary duty of care. The duty of care requires that, when acting
on behalf of the corporation, directors must exercise an informed business
judgment based on all material information reasonably available to them. Absent
the limitation authorized by the DGCL, directors could be accountable to
corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for conduct that does
not satisfy such duty of care. Although the DGCL does not change a director's
duty of care, it enables corporations to limit available relief to equitable
remedies such as injunction or rescission.
The Company's Certificate of Incorporation contains a provision permitted
under the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") eliminating each
director's personal liability for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty
as a director, except to the extent that such exemption from liability or
limitation thereof is not permitted under the DGCL as currently in effect at the
time. The Company's Bylaws authorize the Company to indemnify its present and
former directors, officers and employees against expenses, judgments, fines and
amounts paid in settlement if such person is made a party, or is threatened to
be made a party, to a legal proceeding by reason of the fact that such person is
or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, or was serving in
such position at another company at the request of the Company. Such
indemnification is mandatory in certain circumstances and permissive in others,
subject to authorization by the Company's Board of Directors. In addition, the
Bylaws authorize the Company to advance litigation expenses to such person prior
to the final disposition of the legal proceeding.
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a) Exhibits.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- ----------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S>
3.1* Certificate of Incorporation of Torrey Investments Inc.
3.2* Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Torrey Investments Inc. dated June 25,
1991.
3.3* Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Torrey Investments Inc. dated January 27,
1993.
3.4* Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Torrey Investments Inc. September 21,
1995.
3.5* Certificate of Ownership and Merger of Wavetek Corporation into Torrey Investments Inc. dated
September 21, 1995 (changing name of Torrey Investments Inc. to Wavetek Corporation).
3.6* Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Wavetek Corporation dated June 9, 1997.
3.7* By-laws of Wavetek Corporation.
3.8* Certificate of Merger (restating the Certificate of Incorporation of Wavetek Corporation) of Torrey
Wavetek Acquisition Corporation into Wavetek Corporation dated June 28, 1991.
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Previously filed
II-1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
3.9* Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Wavetek Corporation dated June 28, 1991
(changing the name of Wavetek Corporation to Wavetek U.S. Inc.).
3.10* By-laws of Wavetek U.S. Inc.
4.1* Indenture, dated as of June 11, 1997, among Wavetek Corporation, Wavetek U.S. Inc. and The Bank of
New York, as Trustee.
4.2* Form of Notes (see Exhibit 4.1).
4.3* Form of Subsidiary Guarantee (see Exhibit 4.1).
4.4* A/B Exchange Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 11, 1997, between Wavetek Corporation
and Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette Securities Corporation.
5.1 Opinion of Sullivan & Cromwell regarding the validity of the securities being registered.
8.1* Opinion of Sullivan & Cromwell regarding certain federal income tax matters with respect to the
securities being registered.
10.1* Credit Agreement, dated as of June 11, 1997, among Wavetek Corporation, DLJ Capital Funding, Inc., as
Syndication Agent, Fleet National Bank, as Administrative Agent, and the lenders named therein.
10.2* Stockholders Agreement, dated as of June 11, 1997.
10.3* Stock Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 11, 1997.
10.4 Extraordinary Severance Agreement, dated May 23, 1997 between Wavetek Corporation and Joseph Budano.
10.5 Extraordinary Severance Agreement, dated May 23, 1997 between Wavetek Corporation and Vickie L.
Capps.
10.6 Extraordinary Severance Agreement, dated May 23, 1997 between Wavetek Corporation and Ben J.
Constantini.
10.7 Extraordinary Severance Agreement, dated May 23, 1997 between Wavetek Corporation and Derek T.
Morikawa.
10.8 Wavetek Corporation Executive Benefits Plan dated June 1, 1997.
12.1* Schedule Re: Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
23.2 Consent of Sullivan & Cromwell (included in its opinions filed as Exhibits 5.1 and 8.1 to this
Registration Statement).
24.1* Powers of Attorney (set forth on the signature pages to the Registration Statement).
25.1* Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 on Form T-1 of The Bank of New York.
27.1* Financial Data Schedule.
99.1* Form of Letter of Transmittal.
99.2* Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
99.3* Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, etc.
99.4* Form of Letter to Clients and instructions thereto.
</TABLE>
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKING.
Each of the undersigned Registrants hereby undertakes:
(a)(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933.
II-2
<PAGE>
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in
the Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase
or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any
deviation from the low or high and of the estimated maximum offering
range may be relected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission
pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and
price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate
offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table
in the effective registration statement.
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or
any material change to such information in the Registration Statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to
be the initial BONA FIDE offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(b) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to
Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where
applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant
to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to
be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial BONA FIDE offering thereof.
(c) To respond to requests for information that is incorporated by
reference into the prospectus pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this
Form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the
incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means.
This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the
effective date of the Registration Statement through the date of responding
to the request.
(d) To supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information
concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein,
that was not the subject of and included in the Registration Statement when
it became effective.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the provisions referred to in Item 20, or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction, the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.
II-3
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, each of the Registrants
have duly caused this Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San
Diego, State of California, on this 5th day of September, 1997.
WAVETEK CORPORATION
By: /s/ TERENCE J. GOODING
-----------------------------------
WAVETEK U.S. INC.
By: /s/ TERENCE J. GOODING
-----------------------------------
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment
to the Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- --------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ----------------------
<C> <S> <C>
/s/ TERENCE J. GOODING Chairman of the Board, Chief September 5, 1997
---------------------------------------- Executive Officer of Wavetek
Terence J. Gooding Corporation; Chairman of the Board
of Wavetek, U.S. Inc. (Principal
Executive Officer)
/s/ DEREK T. MORIKAWA* President, Chief Operating Officer September 5, 1997
---------------------------------------- and Director of Wavetek Corporation
Derek T. Morikawa
/s/ BEN J. CONSTANTINI* Executive Vice President, Sales and September 5, 1997
---------------------------------------- Director of Wavetek Corporation
Ben J. Constantini
/s/ VICKIE L. CAPPS Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President September 5, 1997
---------------------------------------- and Chief Financial Officer
Vickie L. Capps (Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer) of Wavetek Corporation and
Wavetek U.S. Inc.
/s/ KENNETH BAKER* Director of Wavetek Corporation September 5, 1997
----------------------------------------
Kenneth Baker
/s/ KENNETH D. MOELIS* Director of Wavetek Corporation September 5, 1997
----------------------------------------
Kenneth D. Moelis
</TABLE>
II-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- --------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ----------------------
<C> <S> <C>
/s/ PETER J. NOLAN* Director of Wavetek Corporation September 5, 1997
----------------------------------------
Peter J. Nolan
/s/ MALCOLM R. BATES* Director of Wavetek Corporation September 5, 1997
----------------------------------------
Malcolm R. Bates
/s/ DAVID B. WILSON* Director of Wavetek Corporation September 5, 1997
----------------------------------------
David B. Wilson
</TABLE>
*By: /s/ TERENCE J. GOODING
-------------------------
Terence J. Gooding
II-5
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- ------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S>
3.1* Certificate of Incorporation of Torrey Investments Inc.
3.2* Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Torrey Investments Inc. dated June 25,
1991.
3.3* Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Torrey Investments Inc. dated January 27,
1993.
3.4* Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Torrey Investments Inc. September 21,
1995.
3.5* Certificate of Ownership and Merger of Wavetek Corporation into Torrey Investments Inc. dated
September 21, 1995 (changing name of Torrey Investments Inc. to Wavetek Corporation).
3.6* Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Wavetek Corporation dated June 9, 1997.
3.7* By-laws of Wavetek Corporation
3.8* Certificate of Merger (restating the Certificate of Incorporation of Wavetek Corporation) of Torrey
Wavetek Acquisition Corporation into Wavetek Corporation dated June 28, 1991.
3.9* Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Wavetek Corporation dated June 28, 1991
(changing the name of Wavetek Corporation to Wavetek U.S. Inc.).
3.10* By-laws of Wavetek U.S. Inc.
4.1* Indenture, dated as of June 11, 1997, among Wavetek Corporation, Wavetek U.S. Inc. and The Bank of
New York.
4.2* Form of Notes (see Exhibit 4.1).
4.3* Form of Subsidiary Guarantee (see Exhibit 4.1).
4.4* A/B Exchange Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 11, 1997, between Wavetek Corporation
and Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette Securities Corporation.
5.1 Opinion of Sullivan & Cromwell regarding the validity of the securities being registered.
8.1* Opinion of Sullivan & Cromwell regarding certain federal income tax matters with respect to the
securities being registered.
10.1* Credit Agreement, dated as of June 11, 1997, among Wavetek Corporation, DLJ Capital Funding, Inc., as
Syndication Agent, Fleet National Bank, as Administrative Agent, and the lenders named therein.
10.2* Stockholders Agreement, dated as of June 11, 1997.
10.3* Stock Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 11, 1997.
10.4 Extraordinary Severance Agreement, dated May 23, 1997 between Wavetek Corporation and Joseph Budano.
10.5 Extraordinary Severance Agreement, dated May 23, 1997 between Wavetek Corporation and Vickie L.
Capps.
10.6 Extraordinary Severance Agreement, dated May 23, 1997 between Wavetek Corporation and Ben J.
Constantini.
10.7 Extraordinary Severance Agreement, dated May 23, 1997 between Wavetek Corporation and Derek T.
Morikawa.
10.8 Wavetek Corporation Executive Benefits Plan dated June 1, 1997.
12.1* Schedule Re: Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
23.2 Consent of Sullivan & Cromwell (included in its opinions filed as Exhibits 5.1 and 8.1 to this
Registration Statement).
24.1* Powers of Attorney (set forth on the signature pages to the Registration Statement).
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
25.1* Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 on Form T-1 of The Bank of New York.
27.1* Financial Data Schedule.
99.1* Form of Letter of Transmittal.
99.2* Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
99.3* Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, etc.
99.4* Form of Letter to Clients and instructions thereto.
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Previously filed
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 5.1
[LETTERHEAD OF SULLIVAN & CROMWELL]
September 8, 1997
Wavetek Corporation,
Wavetek U.S. Inc.,
11995 El Camino Real, Suite 301,
San Diego, CA 92130.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
In connection with the registration under the Securities Act of
1933 (the "Act") of $85,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 10 1/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2007 (the "Securities") of Wavetek Corporation, a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and the Subsidiary Guarantee (the
"Subsidiary Guarantee") of Wavetek U.S. Inc., a Delaware Corporation (the
"Subsidiary Guarantor"), we, as your counsel, have examined such corporate
records, certificates and other documents, and such questions of law, as we have
considered necessary or appropriate for the purposes of this opinion.
Upon the basis of such examination, we advise you that, in our
opinion, when the Registration Statement has
<PAGE>
Wavetek Corporation
-2-
become effective under the Act and the Securities and Subsidiary Guarantee have
been duly executed and authenticated in accordance with the Indenture and issued
and sold as contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Securities will
constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company and the
Subsidiary Guarantee will constitute the valid and legally binding obligation of
the Subsidiary Guarantor, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent
transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability
relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles.
The foregoing opinion is limited to the Federal laws of the United
States, the laws of the State of New York and the General Corporation Law of the
State of Delaware, and we are expressing no opinion as to the effect of the laws
of any other jurisdiction.
We have relied as to certain matters on information obtained from
public officials, officers of the Company and other sources believed by us to be
responsible.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to us under the heading "Validity of
Notes" in the Prospectus. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit
<PAGE>
Wavetek Corporation
-3-
that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7
of the Act.
Very truly yours,
SULLIVAN & CROMWELL
<PAGE>
[Wavetek Letterhead]
May 23, 1997
Mr. Joseph Budano
Senior Vice President
Wavetek Corporation
5808 Churchman Bypass
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Dear Joe:
This letter is to confirm that you will receive an extraordinary severance
payment in the event that your employment with Wavetek is terminated in the
twelve month period following the DLJ Recapitalization.
Your severance payment will consist of the amount that you are entitled to
receive under the terms of the Wavetek Executive Benefits Plan dated June 1,
1997, plus a cash payment equal to 12 months of base salary, declining at the
rate of one month of salary per month, after the Recap.
In accordance with the terms of the Executive Benefits Plan, you will be
required to sign Wavetek's Severance and General Release Agreement.
Please sign below acknowledging that you accept the terms of this extraordinary
severance agreement.
Sincerely,
/s/ Terence J. Gooding
Terence J. Gooding
Chairman
/lsa
Attach.
Acknowledged by: /s/ Joseph Budano Date: 6/2/97
------------------ --------------
<PAGE>
[Wavetek Letterhead]
May 23, 1997
Ms. Vickie L. Capps
Chief Financial Officer
Wavetek Corporation
11995 El Camino Real
Suite 301
San Diego, CA 92130
Dear Vickie:
This letter is to confirm that you will receive an extraordinary severance
payment in the event that your employment with Wavetek is terminated in the
twelve month period following the DLJ Recapitalization.
Your severance payment will consist of the amount that you are entitled to
receive under the terms of the Wavetek Executive Benefits Plan dated June 1,
1997, plus a cash payment equal to 12 months of base salary, declining at the
rate of one month of salary per month, after the Recap.
In accordance with the terms of the Executive Benefits Plan, you will be
required to sign Wavetek's Severance and General Release Agreement.
Please sign below acknowledging that you accept the terms of this extraordinary
severance agreement.
Sincerely,
/s/ Terence J. Gooding
Terence J. Gooding
Chairman
/lsa
Attach.
Acknowledged by: /s/ Vickie L. Capps Date: 5/26/97
------------------- --------------
<PAGE>
[Wavetek Letterhead]
May 23, 1997
Mr. Ben J. Constantini
Executive Vice President Sales
Wavetek Corporation
11995 El Camino Real
Suite 301
San Diego, CA 92130
Dear Ben:
This letter is to confirm that you will receive an extraordinary severance
payment in the event that your employment with Wavetek is terminated in the
twelve month period following the DLJ Recapitalization.
Your severance payment will consist of the amount that you are entitled to
receive under the terms of the Wavetek Executive Benefits Plan dated June 1,
1997, plus a cash payment equal to 12 months of base salary, declining at the
rate of one month of salary per month, after the Recap.
In accordance with the terms of the Executive Benefits Plan, you will be
required to sign Wavetek's Severance and General Release Agreement.
Please sign below acknowledging that you accept the terms of this extraordinary
severance agreement.
Sincerely,
/s/ Terence J. Gooding
Terence J. Gooding
Chairman
/lsa
Attach.
Acknowledged by: /s/ Ben J. Constantini Date: 6/6/97
----------------------- --------------
<PAGE>
[Wavetek Letterhead]
May 23, 1997
Mr. Derek T. Morikawa
President and COO
Wavetek Corporation
11995 El Camino Real
Suite 301
San Diego, CA 92130
Dear Derek:
This letter is to confirm that you will receive an extraordinary severance
payment in the event that your employment with Wavetek is terminated in the
twelve month period following the DLJ Recapitalization.
Your severance payment will consist of the amount that you are entitled to
receive under the terms of the Wavetek Executive Benefits Plan dated June 1,
1997, plus a cash payment equal to 12 months of base salary, declining at the
rate of one month of salary per month, after the Recap.
In accordance with the terms of the Executive Benefits Plan, you will be
required to sign Wavetek's Severance and General Release Agreement.
Please sign below acknowledging that you accept the terms of this extraordinary
severance agreement.
Sincerely,
/s/ Terence J. Gooding
Terence J. Gooding
Chairman
/lsa
Attach.
Acknowledged by: /s/ Derek T. Morikawa Date: 5-23-97
--------------------- --------------
<PAGE>
WAVETEK CORPORATION EXECUTIVE BENEFITS PLAN - FINAL
JUNE 1, 1997
Purpose:
To provide additional benefits for employees who, in the execution of their
responsibilities, are in a position to significantly influence the performance
level of the Company.
Eligibility:
All employees in Grade 19 and above.
Benefits:
- - Enhanced short-term compensation through participation in the Wavetek
Executive Bonus Plan.
- - Long-term compensation through participation in Wavetek's Stock Option
Plan.
- - Additional vacation (for employees in countries where standard vacation is
less than 4 weeks).
Grade 19 - 3 weeks per annum for the first 4 years of employment; 4 weeks
thereafter.
Grade 20 and above - 4 weeks per annum from date of employment.
- - Additional severance pay in the event of termination (subject to signing
Wavetek's Severance and General Release Agreement):
Grade 19 - 13 weeks of base salary - cash payment.
Grade 20 - at the discretion of the Company either (a) a cash payment equal
to 26 weeks of base salary, or (b) continuation of employee's base salary
until the employee obtains employment for a period not to exceed 26 months.
Grade 21 and above - at the discretion of the Company either (a) a cash
payment equal to 52 weeks of base salary, or (b) continuation of employee's
base salary until the employee obtains employment for a period not to
exceed 52 weeks.
- - Automobile allowance:
Grade 20 and above, amount in accordance with country standard.
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE BONUS PLAN - FINAL
Grade 18:
25% of base salary - based on meeting personal objectives, divisional
objectives and financial results.
Grade 19:
30% of base salary - based on personal objectives and divisional (for
divisional employees) or corporate (for corporate employees) objectives and
financial results.
Grade 20:
30% of base salary - based on personal objectives, divisional objectives
and financial results, and corporate objectives and financial results.
Grade 21:
35% of base salary - based on personal objectives, divisional objectives
and financial results, and corporate objectives and financial results.
Grade 22:
40% of base salary - based on personal objectives, corporate objectives and
corporate financial results.
Grade 23:
45% of base salary - based on personal objectives, corporate objectives and
corporate financial results.
Grade 24:
50% of base salary - based on personal objectives, corporate objectives and
corporate financial results.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our report dated November 22, 1996, in Amendment No. 1 to the
Registration Statement (Form S-4) and related Prospectus of Wavetek
Corporation U.S. Inc.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
San Diego, California
September 5, 1997
