SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[x] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 for the Year Ended December 31, 1998.
[ ] TRANSITION PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 for the transition period from ______ to ______.
COMMISSION FILE NO. (0-16577)
CYBEROPTICS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
MINNESOTA 41-1472057
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(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
5900 Golden Hills Drive
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55416
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(612) 542-5000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
Common Stock, no par value
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes _X_ No ___
As of March 17, 1999, the aggregate market value of the registrant's Common
Stock, no par value, held by nonaffiliates of the registrant was $54,048,191
(based on the closing sale price of common stock as of March 17, 1999 as quoted
on the Nasdaq National Market).
As of March 17, 1999, there were 4,959,906 shares of the registrant's Common
Stock, no par value, issued and outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
The responses to items 10, 11, 12 and 13 herein are incorporated by reference to
certain information in the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for its Annual
Meeting of Shareholders to be held June 22, 1999.
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to the
Form 10-K. [X]
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS.
The following Annual Report on Form 10-K contains various "forward
looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities laws. These forward
looking statements represent management's expectations or beliefs concerning
future events, including statements regarding anticipated product introductions,
changes in markets, customers and customer order rates, expenditures in research
and development, growth in revenue, taxation levels, the effects of pricing, and
the ability to continue to price foreign transactions in US currency. These, and
other forward looking statements made by the Company, must be evaluated in the
context of a number of factors that may affect the Company's financial condition
and results of operations, including, but not limited to, the following:
* Approximately 66% of the Company's product sales in 1998 were of two
sensor product lines to original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") of
component placement machines in the surface mount industry;
* The surface mount electronics industry is highly cyclical and has
experienced periodic downturns, including a downturn in mid 1998 from
which it had not fully recovered at January 1, 1999;
* Approximately 57% of the Company's sales in 1998 were to two OEM
customers, the loss of whom, or reduction of purchases from whom, would
have significant adverse effects;
* Approximately 82% of sales in 1998 were export sales, including 44% to
Asia where poor economic conditions have continued;
* The technology for the manufacture of circuit boards changes rapidly
and could cause some of the Company's current products, or products
currently in development, to become obsolete;
* Products that the Company markets may experience quality errors;
* The Company may not have proprietary protection for all of its products
and services;
* The Company contracts for a substantial portion of its manufacturing
and may not be able to control quality;
* Many of the components used in the Company's products must be ordered
with significant lead times that could cause interruption of
manufacturing if not available;
* The Company recently retained new managers in many of its executive
positions who may not be familiar with its operations.
These, and other risks that could effect the Company's operations, are
discussed in more detail in Exhibit 99 to this Form 10-K.
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PART I.
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS
CyberOptics Corporation (the "Company" or "CyberOptics") designs,
manufactures and markets intelligent, non-contact sensors and integrated
systems. Utilizing proprietary laser and optics technology combined with
advanced software and electronics, the Company's products enable manufacturers
to increase operating efficiencies, product yields and quality by measuring the
characteristics and placement of components both during and after the
manufacturing process. The Company was founded in 1984 by Dr. Steven Case, a
professor at the University of Minnesota, to commercialize technology for
non-contact three-dimensional sensing systems. Since 1992, the Company focused
development on new technology and products designed primarily for applications
in the electronics industry.
Most of the products developed and sold by the Company are currently
for applications in the surface mount technology ("SMT") market, including the
measurement of screen printed solder paste, the alignment of electronic
components and the measurement of electronic component lead coplanarity during
automated assembly of circuit boards. The Company's operations have been
significantly affected by the market acceptance of several sensors, the
LaserAlign and the Laser Lead Locator, manufactured for OEMs during the past
seven years. Generating $3.2 million or less than 40% of revenue in 1992, these
sensors contributed over $24.1 million or almost 68% of revenue in 1998. The
Company has also introduced new system products for the SMT market, including
the CyberSentry ("Sentry") system, during this period that contributed to
revenue growth.
The Company's operations during the past three years have been heavily
influenced by market conditions in worldwide microelectronics markets, and
particularly in the SMT segment of these markets. After a particularly robust
microelectronics market in 1995, the market softened in 1996, causing decreased
orders from a significant OEM customer and a slight decline in revenue in 1996.
The microelectronics markets recovered somewhat starting in the fourth quarter
of 1996 and continued into 1997, resulting in increased sales of the LaserAlign
and Laser Lead Locator. The Company also introduced a new version of its Sentry
System in 1997 and broadened distribution of the laser section microscope
("LSM") resulting in increased sales.
The healthy microelectronics market continued through the first quarter
and into the second quarter of 1998. Nevertheless, by the end of the second
quarter of 1998, another softening of the global electronics market, together
with weak economic conditions in Japan and Asia (the largest markets for the
Company's OEM sensor products) resulted in declining sales which continued into
the third quarter of 1998. Although sales recovered somewhat in the fourth
quarter of 1998, they did not reach the levels experienced in the fourth quarter
of 1997 and first quarter of 1998.
In February, 1998, the Company retained Steven Quist as President, a
CyberOptics Board member since 1991 and previously the President of Rosemount
Inc. Steven Case, Chairman of the Company, refocused his efforts on overall
product direction and on strategic relationships. During the second and third
quarters of 1998 the Company reorganized itself into three business units to
provide more definition in sales and marketing, as well as development efforts,
and added new management to support the broader operations it intends to develop
through these business units. William Farmer, formerly head of development,
became Vice President -- OEM Sensors, the largest business unit and the unit
that contributed approximately 73% of the Company's overall sales in 1998.
Michael Wetle became Vice President --SMT Systems, a business unit devoted to
system level sales of products such as Sentry and the LSM, in May 1998. Bruce
Batten, became Vice President -- Industrial Measurement in August 1998, a
business unit that sells products such as range sensors and desktop systems for
general industrial applications. The Company also added Richard Ballintine as
Vice President -- Finance in 1998 as well as Pamela Lampert as full-time Vice
President of Human Resources. The Company believes that the more defined goals
of these business units and the management infrastructure it has added places it
in an improved position to manage growth, either as generated internally or
through acquisitions.
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OPERATIONS AND PRODUCTS
CyberOptics develops, manufactures and sells intelligent, non-contact
sensors and systems for process control and inspection. The Company's products,
used primarily in the electronics industry, enable manufacturers to increase
operating efficiencies, product yields and quality in a variety of industries.
In addition to proprietary hardware designs that combine precision optics,
various light sources, and multiple detectors, the Company's products
incorporate high value-added software that controls the hardware and filters and
converts raw data into application specific information. Software represents a
significant portion of the CyberOptics research and development effort and
distinguishes CyberOptics' intelligent sensors and systems from simpler
data-gathering products.
The Company's operations, and its product offerings, are divided into
three business units: The OEM Sensors Business Unit, the SMT Systems Business
Unit and the Industrial Measurement Business Unit. Information about the results
of operations, and other financial information, from these business units is set
forth in the notes to the Company's consolidated financial statements (included
in Item 8 of this Form 10-K).
OEM SENSORS BUSINESS UNIT
The OEM Sensor Business Unit, which has generated the majority of the
Company's sales during the past three years, develops, manufactures and sells
sensor level products for incorporation into the products of original equipment
manufacturers, primarily in the surface mount industry. This business unit works
closely with its OEM customers to integrate sensors into their equipment for
resale.
PRODUCTS
Two sensors, the LaserAlign and the Laser Lead Locator, account for a
majority of the Company's product sales and the vast majority of sales in the
OEM Sensors Business Unit. These sensors are sold for incorporation into
component placement machines used in the surface mount production line that are
manufactured by a number of different OEM customers. Sales of these products
(primarily LaserAlign) to Juki Corporation and Philips Electronics N.V.,
however, accounted for approximately 30% and 27% of the Company's revenue in
1998, and approximately 22% and 13% of the Company's revenue in 1997.
Accordingly, the Company's revenues and operations are currently heavily
influenced by the level of purchases from these customers and by the health of
the surface mount production industry in which they function.
LASERALIGN. After solder paste has been inspected and measured,
extremely small surface mount components are placed on the solder pads by
component placement machines. CyberOptics' LaserAlign sensors are incorporated
into the heads of component placement machines to ensure accurate component
placement at high production speeds. Various high speed component placement
machine types utilize between one and sixteen LaserAlign sensors per machine.
LaserAlign integrates an intelligent sensor, composed of a laser,
optics and detectors with a microprocessor and software for making specific
measurements. LaserAlign quickly and accurately aligns each component as it is
being transported by the pick-and-place arm for surface mount assembly. Using
non-contact technology, LaserAlign facilitates orientation and placement of
components at much higher speeds than can be achieved using conventional
component centering systems.
The LaserAlign sensor is offered in several different configurations to
satisfy the requirements of the different machines on which it is used. Revenue
from shipment of LaserAlign sensors has been a principal contributor to the
growth of the Company during the past five years and accounted for 59%, 43% and
48% of the Company's revenue in the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, 1996,
respectively, reflecting the somewhat cyclical nature of sales in this industry.
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LASER LEAD LOCATOR. Following placement of the smallest leadless
components, more sophisticated components, including microprocessor chips, are
applied to the printed circuit boards by fine pitch component placement
machines. These components have leads on all sides that are soldered to the
circuit board. Since all of these surface mount leads must make contact with the
solder paste, lead coplanarity is a critical quality factor. Misaligned, bent or
damaged leads will result in missed connections, open circuits and ultimately a
defective end product.
The Laser Lead Locator ensures the coplanarity of component leads. The
Laser Lead Locator, which is incorporated directly into fine pitch component
placement machines, inspects components immediately before placement on the
circuit board to identify defective or damaged leads and determines if all lead
tips lie within the same plane. Components meeting these parameters are placed
on the printed circuit board. Parts falling outside the specified tolerances are
rejected before placement, saving both time and money.
Sales of the Laser Lead Locator constituted 7%, 17% and 13% of the
Company's overall revenues during the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and
1996, respectively. One significant OEM customer ceased purchases of the Laser
Lead Locator in 1998 and appears to have adopted alternative technology.
Accordingly, the Company anticipates lower sales of this product in the
forseeable future.
SPECIALITY PRODUCTS. A substantial number of circuit boards are made
with through-hole technology using high speed drills to fabricate printed
circuit boards. These drills are highly automated and contain multiple drill
heads that cannot be constantly monitored by attendants. CyberOptics
manufactures two process control sensors for measuring characteristics of drill
bits used in drilling holes in printed circuit boards. The first of these, the
ADM, was completed in the third quarter of 1989 and is used to ensure that drill
bits are not damaged and that holes are drilled with the proper size. The second
sensor, the LTC, was completed in May 1990 and is used to detect broken drill
bits so that all of the preprogrammed holes in the circuit board are properly
drilled. Both sensors are sold under an exclusive arrangement to an original
equipment manufacturer of drilling machines for incorporation into its products.
SMT SYSTEMS BUSINESS UNIT
The SMT Systems Business Unit manufactures and sells complete,
stand-alone measurement systems for use in the surface mount industry for
quality control and in-line inspection. These systems are sold directly to the
end-user customer who uses them in the production line or along side a
production line to maintain process and quality control. The products sold by
this business unit include, in most cases, the Company's proprietary sensors as
well as substantial, off the shelf, translation or robotics hardware and
complete computer systems or processors with a substantial software component.
PRODUCTS
SENTRY. The Sentry system measures the deposition of solder paste after
the first step of the SMT assembly process. Because of the small size of the
components that must be placed on each pad of solder paste and the density of
component placement on the circuit board, a significant amount of SMT assembly
problems are related to the quality of solder paste deposition. Misplaced solder
paste, or excess or inadequate amounts of paste can lead to improper connections
or bridges between leads causing an entire circuit board to malfunction.
Introduced in its first commercial format in the first quarter of 1995,
the Sentry system is designed to be installed in existing automated production
lines and to strike a balance between inspection of 100% of each circuit board
and the off-line measurement devices used in quality control laboratories. The
Sentry incorporates a sensor extended on a mechanical robot arm over the
production line that measures the height, area and volume of solder paste pads.
The Sentry can be retrofitted and integrated into most SMT production lines,
providing real time quality control immediately after a printed circuit board
leaves the screen printer and before component placement commences.
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During early 1997, the Company introduced an improved version of the
Sentry capable of performing measurement tasks at a more rapid speed. The
Company is currently engaged in an extensive development project that it expects
will further improve accuracy, resolution and speed of the Sentry and expand the
markets that it serves.
Shipments of the Sentry product accounted for approximately 16%, 17%,
and 15% of the Company's revenue for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997,
and 1996, respectively.
LASER SECTION MICROSCOPE (LSM). The LSM is a low cost instrument for
making height and registration measurement of screen printed solder paste during
the assembly of surface mount circuit boards. One of the principal advantages of
the LSM is its ease of use--unskilled operators can make non-contact
measurements with only minimal training. In February 199, the Company introduced
a new product, the AutoLSM, which includes AutoMeasure(TM) for automatic height
measurement, a redesigned user interface, and a high resolution monitor for
improved image quality.
FIRSTCHECK FIRST ARTICLE INSPECTION TOOL. The Company acquired all
rights to the FirstCheck, a manual first article inspection tool, in February
1999. Consisting of a scanner, a PC and proprietary software, this instrument
scans a printed circuit board and compares the image that is captured to
graphical data in order to confirm the location, shape and orientation of
components on a circuit board after the reflow oven.
INDUSTRIAL MEASUREMENT BUSINESS UNIT
The Company built its commercial business with laser sensors designed
to precisely measure, without contact, the distance to a point on an object. By
applying these sensors in a number of different applications, the Company
developed more specialized sensors and entire systems that serve specific
vertical markets and now are represented by the OEM Sensors and OEM Systems
business units.
The sensors used in the Company's industrial measurement business unit,
and the systems that incorporate them, underwent substantial revision during
1997 and 1998. New sensors and systems were introduced in late 1997 and the
first half of 1998, and the Company's sales reflect the timing of introduction
of the new systems as well as the time required to reestablish distribution of
these products
The sensors and systems sold in this business unit are used in a broad
array of applications in a number of different industries. Included among these
applications are measurement of the thickness of resistive inks applied in the
manufacture of hybrid electronic circuits and encapsulent thickness of
microelectronic packages. The Company intends to refine these applications and
focus future applications and new products on new vertical markets during the
next few years.
PRODUCTS
RANGE SENSORS. The Company's first commercial product was a range
sensor known as the point range sensor or "PRS" that was sold and enhanced for
eleven years in a number of different models with varying resolutions and
working ranges. These products were replaced during 1998 by the digital range
sensor ("DRS") family of sensors.
The Company developed and introduced DRS in late 1997, a new generation
of sensors, the family, designed to replace the PRS product line. The Company
currently offers three DRS sensors that provide working ranges that cover an
extent equal to the seven sensors formerly sold in the PRS line and resolution
equal to the best sensors of the PRS line. The DRS is currently sold with a
control board and software that is compatible with Windows 95 or Windows NT. The
Company also has developed an instrument controller that will allow users to
operate the sensor without a personal computer.
COBRA. The CyberScan Cobra, introduced in 1997 is a low cost single
axis profiling system. The Cobra consists of a DRS sensor that is translated
across a part to produce a profile or cross section. Using the supplied software
the user can make height, length angle, and other two-dimensional measurements.
It is controlled through a simple Windows(R) interface and a separate Pentium
based computer. Cobras have found acceptance measuring hybrid circuits,
automotive gaskets, and other wet applied materials.
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VANTAGE. The Company introduced the CyberScan Vantage System in June of
1998. The Vantage incorporates the DRS sensor and an electro-mechanical stage to
precisely profile complex surfaces in two and three dimensions. A novel stage
design gives the Vantage precise positioning of the part being measured. The
Vantage incorporates a unique offset camera that provides coaxial views of the
laser beam and measurement area. Using an integral Pentium processor and a
Windows(R) interface an operator can make both two and three-dimensional
measurements. The Vantage replaces earlier DOS based profiling systems that used
the PRS sensor such as the CyberScan CX3 and CyberScan 3D. The Company believes
the new software interface and coaxial camera will enhance marketability.
MARKETS AND CUSTOMERS
The vast majority of the Company's products are sold in the
microelectronics market, particularly the portion servicing manufacturers using
SMT. The value of automation is high in this market because the products
produced have high unit costs and are manufactured at speeds too high for
effective human intervention. Moreover, the trend in these industries toward
smaller devices with higher circuit densities and smaller circuit paths requires
manufacturing and testing equipment capable of extremely accurate alignment and
multidimensional measurement such as achieved using non-contact optical sensors.
Customers in these industries, moreover, also employ knowledgeable engineers who
are competent to work with computer-related equipment. The Company's Laser Lead
Locator and LaserAlign products are sold to OEMs serving this market and the
AutoLSM, DRS, and Vantage systems are most often sold to manufacturers in this
market. In addition, the Company's more generalized products, including the DRS,
Cobra and Vantage products, are used in the general measurement and gauging,
precision plastic manufacturing and computer aided design and manufacturing
markets.
The Company sells its products worldwide to many of the leading
manufacturers of electronics and electronic equipment. The Company does not
maintain foreign offices and therefore does not have sales originating from, or
identifiable assets in, geographies other than the United States. The following
table sets forth the percentage of the Company's total sales revenue represented
by total export sales (sales for delivery to countries other than the United
States, including sales delivered through distributors) by location during the
past three years:
Year Ended December 31,
1996 1997 1998
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Asia.................... 51% 50% 44%
Europe.................. 18% 17% 33%
Other (1)............... 1% 2% 4%
(1) Includes export sales in North America, primarily export sales
to Canada and Mexico, which were less than 1% of revenue in
1996, approximately 1% in 1997 and approximately 4% in 1998
See Note 7 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements contained in item
8 of this Form 10-K.
Substantially all of the Company's export sales are negotiated,
invoiced and paid in United States dollars. Accordingly, although changes in
exchange rates do not effect the Company's revenue and income per unit, they can
influence the willingness of customers to purchase units. The poor economic
conditions in Asia have affected the buying patterns of the Company's largest
single OEM customer, as well as several other customers in Japan. Although most
of the products sold by these OEM customers are for re-export to America and
Europe, the significant decrease in capital purchases by their end-user
customers in Asia has affected sales and contributed to the relative decrease in
concentration of sales in Asia during 1998.
SALES AND MARKETING
The Company sells its products through a combination of direct sales
staff and independent distributors. The Company maintains a direct sales staff
at its headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota that call on large house accounts
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and that sell to OEM customers. The Company also has agreements with seven
distributors in North America who focus primarily on products sold to end-users.
Most sales to international end-users of sensors and systems are made through 15
representatives and distributors covering Western Europe, the Pacific Rim and
Brazil.
The Company markets its products through appearances at industry trade
shows, advertising in industry journals and articles published in industry and
technical journals. In addition, the Company's strategic relationships with
customers serve as highly visible references.
BACKLOG
CyberOptics products are typically shipped two weeks to four months
after the receipt of an order. Since 1993, however, certain OEM customers have
placed orders for delivery over as many as 12 months. Product backlog was $5.7
million at December 31, 1998, as compared to $8.7 million at December 31, 1997
and $4.4 million at December 31, 1996. Approximately $4.5 million of the 1999
backlog is deliverable in the first quarter of 1999 and $552,000 is deliverable
in the second quarter of 1999. Although the Company's business is generally not
of a seasonal nature, its sales may vary based on the capital procurement
practices in the electronics industry. Historically, the Company's quarterly
revenue has been largest in the last quarter of the year. The Company's
scheduled backlog at any time may vary significantly based on the timing of
orders from OEM customers. Accordingly, backlog may not be an accurate indicator
of the Company's performance in the future.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Company distinguishes its products primarily on the basis of its
unique technology and on the Company's ability to synthesize several different
technical disciplines to address industry needs. CyberOptics was founded by
research scientists and has retained relationships with academic institutions to
ensure that the most current information on technological developments is
obtained. In addition, the Company actively seeks ongoing strategic customer
relationships with leading product innovators in the markets it serves and
actively investigates the needs of, and seeks input from, these customers to
identify opportunities to improve the manufacturing process. The Company
provides direct interaction between its engineers and scientists and these key
accounts to ensure adoption of current technologies. In some instances, the
Company provides the outsourced research and development for these customers
through funded development contracts that provide the customer with an exclusive
selling period but allows the Company to retain technology and distribution
rights.
CyberOptics believes that continued and timely development of new
products and enhancements to existing products is essential to maintaining its
competitive position. The Company has committed and expects to continue to
commit substantial resources to its research and development effort, which plays
a critical role in maintaining and advancing its position as a leading provider
of optical sensors and systems. CyberOptics' research and development efforts
during 1998 were directed to improving performance of its LaserAlign and Sentry
products for use in process automation in electronics circuit board assembly,
final development and introduction of the DRS product line, and final
development and introduction of the Vantage system. During 1999, CyberOptics
intends to continue to expend significant sums on development of an enhanced
version of the Sentry product, and a new version of the LaserAlign, as well as
several smaller projects for the industrial measurement area. There can be no
assurances that such efforts, or any other research and development efforts of
the Company, will be successful in producing products that respond effectively
to technological changes or new product announcements by others.
Research and development expenses were $7.1 million, $6.4 million, and
$5.9 million for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
These amounts represented 19%, 18% and 21% of revenues, respectively. The
Company anticipates that research and development expenditures will continue at
approximately 19% to 20% of revenue in 1999. Research and development expenses
consist primarily of salaries, project materials and other costs associated with
CyberOptics' ongoing product development and enhancement efforts.
MANUFACTURING
Much of the Company's product manufacturing, consisting primarily of
circuit board manufacturing, component placement and soldering, lens
manufacturing and machined parts production, is contracted with outside
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vendors. Company personnel inspect incoming parts, assemble sensor heads,
calibrate and perform final quality control testing of finished products. The
Company believes that its products are not suited for the large production runs
that would justify the capital investment necessary for complete internal
manufacturing.
A variety of components used in the Company's products are available
only from single sources and involve relatively long order cycles, in some cases
over one year. Although the Company has located alternative sources for most of
such components, use of those alternative components could require substantial
rework of the Company's product designs, resulting in periods during which it
could not satisfy customer orders. Further, although the Company believes it has
identified alternative assembly contractors for most of its subassemblies, an
actual change in such contractors would likely require a period of training and
test. Accordingly, an interruption in a supply relationship or the production
capacity of one or more of such contractors could result in the Company's
inability to deliver one or more products for a period of several months. To
help prevent delays in the shipment of its products, the Company maintains in
inventory, or on scheduled delivery from suppliers, what it believes to be a
sufficient amount of certain components based on forecasted demand (forecast
extends a minimum of 6 months).
COMPETITION
Although the Company believes that its products are unique, competitors
offer technologies and systems that are capable of certain of the visual
inspection and alignment functions performed by the Company's products. The
Company faces competition from a number of companies in the machine vision,
image processing and inspection systems market, some of which are larger and
have greater financial resources.
The Company's OEM Sensor products face competition in the market for
OEM component placement machines primarily from manufacturers of vision (camera
and software based) systems. Potential competitors in these markets include
Cognex Corporation, Robotic Visions Systems, Inc., and ICOS Systems, GmbH.
Competition in this market is based on speed, flexibility, cost and ease of
control. In addition, the Company's products compete with systems developed by
OEMs using their own design staff for incorporation into their products. The
Company's OEM Sensor products have historically competed favorably on the basis
of these factors, and particularly on the basis of speed and cost. Nevertheless,
advances in terms of speed by vision systems have reduced some of the advantages
of the Company's products in some configurations. The Company has introduced
newer configurations adapted by several customers that it believes allow its
sensors, and the component placement machines in which they are incorporated, to
compete favorably based on the speed and accuracy of their performance, and
their price.
The Company's SMT Systems products compete primarily in the market for
3-D solder paste inspection. Competitors in this market include General Scanning
Inc. and Philips Electronics N.V.. In addition, some manufacturers of screen
printing equipment provide optional 2-D solder paste inspection, and other
machine vision companies have started offering 2-D and 3-D solder paste
inspection products. The Company believes that it currently competes effectively
in this market on the basis of price, and that future versions of its products
will compete effectively on the basis of price, performance, ease of
installation and use.
The markets for products of the Company's Industrial Measurement
Business Unit are fragmented and the Company competes with a wide variety of
manufacturers, including Keyence Corporation and UBM GmbH. The Company's
products have competed in this market primarily on the basis of their accuracy
and cost, but also with respect to products such as the Cobra, on ease of use.
The Company does not have extensive distribution in these markets and many of
its competitors benefit from greater name recognition and distribution.
Although the Company believes its current products offer several
advantages in terms of price and suitability for specific applications and
although the Company has attempted to protect the proprietary nature of such
products, it is possible that any of the Company's products could be duplicated
by other companies in the same general market.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 1998, the Company had 185 full-time and seven
part-time employees, including 35 in sales and marketing and customer support,
71 in manufacturing, purchasing and production engineering, 59 in research and
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development and 27 in finance, administration and information services at its
headquarters in Minneapolis. To date, the Company has been successful in
attracting and retaining qualified technical personnel, although there can be no
assurance that this success will continue. None of the Company's employees are
covered by collective bargaining agreements or are members of a union.
PROPRIETARY PROTECTION
The Company relies on the technical expertise and know-how of its
personnel and trade secret protection, as well as on patents, to maintain its
competitive position. The Company attempts to protect its intellectual property
by restricting access to its proprietary methods by a combination of technical
and internal security measures. In addition, the Company makes use of
non-disclosure agreements with customers, consultants, suppliers and employees.
Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that any of the above measures will be
adequate to protect the proprietary technology of the Company.
The Company holds eleven United States patents on a number of its
technologies, including those used in its Laser Lead Locator, LaserAlign and
PRS. In addition, the Company protects the proprietary nature of its software
primarily through copyright and license agreements, but also through close
integration with its hardware offerings. It is the Company's policy to protect
the proprietary nature of its new product developments whenever they are likely
to become significant sources of revenue. No guarantee can be given that the
Company will be able to obtain patent or other protection for other products.
As the number of its products increases and the functionality of those
products expands, the Company believes that it may become increasingly subject
to attempts to duplicate its proprietary technology and to infringement claims.
In some geographic markets, it is the practice of companies to engage in "patent
flooding" by seeking patent protection for multiple functional applications that
are incremental rather than technological advances. The Company has recently
settled litigation relating to such practices. In addition, although the Company
does not believe that any of its products infringe the rights of others, there
can be no assurance that third parties will not assert infringement claims
against the Company in the future or that any such assertion will not require
the Company to enter into a royalty arrangement or result in litigation.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
All of the Company's products which contain lasers are classified as
either Class I, Class II or Class IIIb Laser Products under applicable rules and
regulations of the Center for Devices and Radiological Health ("CDRH") of the
Food and Drug Administration. Such regulations generally require a
self-certification procedure pursuant to which a manufacturer must file with the
CDRH with respect to each product incorporating a laser device, periodic
reporting of sales and purchases and compliance with product labeling standards.
The Company's lasers are generally not harmful to human tissue, but could result
in injury if directed into the eyes of an individual or otherwise misused. The
Company is not aware of any incident involving injury or a claim of injury from
its laser devices and believes that its sensors and sensor systems comply with
all applicable laws for the manufacture of laser devices.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company leases a 70,000 square foot mixed office and warehouse
facility built to its specifications in Golden Valley, Minnesota. The lease,
which is on a triple net basis for a ten year term (from May 1996) with two
three year renewal options, provides for rental payments at approximately $7.50
per square foot initially, increasing to $8.50 per square foot (currently
approximately $605,000 per year). The Company, which holds an option to lease
adjoining space, anticipates that the property will be adequate for its needs
for the foreseeable future.
The Company has sublet its former facility, which is under lease to the
Company through October 1999, for the remaining term of the lease. The Company
charged the difference between the sublease rentals and lease payments
($160,000) to expense during 1996.
10
<PAGE>
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is not currently subject to any material pending or
threatened legal proceedings.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted during the fourth quarter of 1998.
PART II.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Company's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market. The
following table sets forth, for the fiscal periods indicated, the high and low
quotations for the Company's common stock as reported by the Nasdaq National
Market. These prices do not reflect adjustments for retail markups, markdowns or
commissions.
1997 1998
--------------------- ---------------------
Quarter High Low High Low
------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
First $21.63 $12.75 $27.00 $16.25
Second 19.25 15.63 28.88 13.13
Third 34.13 15.00 14.25 10.00
Fourth 37.63 19.38 16.75 8.25
As of March 17, 1998, there were 270 holders of record of the Company's
common stock and the Company estimates that there were approximately 4,000
beneficial holders. The Company has never paid a dividend on its common stock.
Dividends are payable at the discretion of the Board of Directors out of funds
legally available therefor. The board has no current intention of paying
dividends, although it may pay dividends in the future.
11
<PAGE>
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues $ 36,636 $ 35,120 $ 28,062 $ 30,518 $ 15,276
Income from operations 3,184 4,588 885 6,457 2,042
Net income 3,669 4,597 2,180 4,831 1,524
Net income per share - Basic 0.71 0.88 0.39 1.04 0.36
Net income per share - Diluted 0.69 0.83 0.38 0.95 0.35
Working capital $ 32,308 $ 36,236 $ 32,395 $ 28,722 $ 6,902
Total assets 55,177 57,445 50,316 54,740 8,823
Stockholders equity 51,433 53,293 47,468 50,737 7,478
</TABLE>
12
<PAGE>
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
Statements in this management discussion and analysis of financial
condition and results of operations and elsewhere in this Form 10-K that are not
based on historical fact are forward looking and involve certain risks and
uncertainties, including but not limited to the factors set forth in exhibit 99
to this Form 10-K.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth, for the years indicated, certain
financial data derived from the Company's statements of income expressed as a
percentage of revenue, and expressed as a percentage increase from the previous
period's results:
Percentage Change
Percentage of Revenues -----------------
---------------------- Year Ended
Years Ended December 31, December 31,
------------------------ ------------
1998 1997
1998 1997 1996 to 1997 to 1996
---- ---- ---- ------- -------
Revenues 100% 100% 100% 4% 25%
Gross margin 55 55 51 3 36
Research and development
expenses 19 18 21 11 7
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 27 24 27 16 14
Income from operations 9 13 3 (31) 418
Net income 10 13 8 (20) 111
PERFORMANCE BY BUSINESS SEGMENT:
Financial information and other disclosures relating to the Company's
four business segments are provided in this Form 10-K, Item 1, Business
Segments, and in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. In the
discussion of results of operations, certain reclassifications have been made to
revenues in order to include all revenue in segment disclosures. Prior to 1998,
certain revenues, primarily service revenues and sales of miscellaneous
inventory, had not been assigned to a business segment. These reclassifications
had no effect on net income or stockholders' equity.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
Revenues increased 4% to $36.6 million in 1998 from $35.1 million in
1997, and increased 25% in 1997 from $28.1 million in 1996. Increased revenue
levels are primarily the result of growth in the level of demand for Surface
Mount Technology (SMT) sensor products, primarily LaserAlign and Laser Lead
Locator, from OEM customers. Revenues are heavily dependent on the level of
capital spending in the global SMT assembly market, as the Company generates
approximately 90% of its revenues from the sales and service of sensor and
system products used primarily in SMT production. During 1998, revenue growth
was impacted by a slowdown in the level of worldwide demand for SMT production
equipment, following a year of strengthening demand in 1997.
13
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth, for the years indicated, revenues by
business segment:
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
OEM Sensors $26,713 $23,613 $19,457
SMT Systems 7,506 8,542 5,724
Industrial Measurement 2,417 2,965 2,881
Research and Development
------- ------- -------
Total $36,636 $35,120 $28,062
Revenues from the OEM sensor segment increased $3.1 million or 13%
during 1998 compared to 1997, and increased $4.2 million or 21% during 1997
compared to 1996. This segment represented approximately 73% of revenues in
1998, compared to 67% and 69% in 1997 and 1996. Shipments of the Company's
LaserAlign and Laser Lead Locator sensors contributed $24.1 million of revenue
in 1998 compared to $21.1 million in 1997 and $17.2 million in 1996. During
1998, demand for the Company's sensors increased from OEM customers
manufacturing both high-end capacity and mid-range capacity pick and place
equipment. This increase was partially offset by reduced demand for Laser Lead
Locator sensors. During 1997, increased revenues were primarily the result of
growth in shipments to OEM customers manufacturing mid-range capacity pick and
place equipment, the largest segment of the SMT market utilizing the Company's
SMT sensors.
SMT systems segment revenues decreased $1.0 million or 12% during 1998
compared to 1997, following an increase of $2.8 million or 49% during 1997
compared to 1996. SMT systems segment revenues are generated primarily from
sales of the Company's solder paste inspection systems, CyberSentry 2000 and
LSM2, which were introduced in their current versions during the first half of
1997. Decreased SMT systems revenues in 1998 are primarily the result of reduced
shipments of the LSM2, following strong market acceptance of the product in its
initial year of introduction. 1998 CyberSentry 2000 revenues continued at
consistent levels with 1997. Increased SMT systems revenues during 1997 were
primarily the result of shipments of enhanced versions of the Company's solder
paste inspection systems, and to a lesser extent, increased due to a higher
average selling prices achieved as the result of enhancements made to the
systems.
Industrial Measurement segment revenues decreased 18% to $2.4 million
in 1998 compared to 1997, and increased 3% during 1997 compared to 1996. Segment
revenues are generated primarily from the sales of a family of systems and
sensor products used for a wide range of industrial measurement applications.
Revenues from industrial measurement products have been significantly affected
by product changeovers in both the systems and sensor product lines. A new
family of industrial measurement sensors was released during the fourth quarter
of 1997 and a new family of measurement systems was introduced during the first
half of 1998. As the result of these new products and efforts to establish
improved distribution, the Company believes that industrial measurement revenues
will increase and become a larger percentage of revenues in 1999.
International revenue from sales to customers outside of the United
States totaled $29.9 million in 1998, $24.2 million in 1997 and $19.6 million in
1996, comprising 82%, 69% and 70% of total revenue, respectively. Sales of the
Company's products, primarily OEM sensors, in Western Europe, Japan and the rest
of the Far East have increased significantly during the three year period. These
international markets account for a significant portion of the production
capability of capital equipment for the manufacture of electronics, the primary
market for the LaserAlign, Laser Lead Locator and CyberSentry products.
GROSS MARGIN
Gross margin for 1998 remained consistent with 1997 at 55%, compared to
51% in 1996. Gross margin is highly dependent on the volume of revenues over
which to spread the fixed component of cost of sales and the related
14
<PAGE>
realization of manufacturing efficiencies. During 1998, gross margin was
positively impacted by cost containment measures taken by the Company during the
second half of the year, along with higher revenue levels over which to spread
fixed manufacturing costs, reduced material costs on certain high volume
products and additional manufacturing overhead applied to increased inventory
levels. These positive impacts were offset in 1998 primarily by reduced Laser
Lead Locator sales, the Company's highest margin product, and increased warranty
costs. During 1997, gross margin was positively impacted by cost containment
measures taken during late 1996, particularly the 12% workforce reduction
instituted during the third quarter of 1996, increased revenue levels and a
shift in the revenue mix towards higher margin system and sensor products. These
benefits in 1997 were offset somewhat by increased fixed costs associated with
occupying a new facility since May 1996.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES
Research and development expenses increased 11% to $7.1 million in 1998
compared to $6.4 million in 1997 and $5.9 million in 1996. As a percentage of
revenues, research and development expenses were 19% in 1998, compared to 18%
and 21% in 1997 and 1996, respectively. The increase in research and development
expenses reflects the Company's continued commitment to investment in new
product development despite periods of cyclical revenues. Payments to the
Company for customer funded research and development are deferred and recognized
as a reduction of research and development expenses as costs are incurred.
During 1997 and 1996, customer funded research and development recognized as a
reduction of research and development expense totaled $166,000 and $890,000,
respectively. There was no customer funded research and development in 1998.
During 1998, research and development expenses were primarily focused
on continuing development work on the LaserAlign technology, including the next
generation of the LaserAlign family, completion of the new family of industrial
measurement scan stations and sensors and development of additional future
product offerings for solder paste inspection. During 1997, research and
development expenses were primarily focused on the new industrial measurment
products, completion of the CyberSentry 2000 and the LSM2 and continuing
development work on the LaserAlign and Laser Lead Locator technology. The
Company anticipates that development expenses will remain relatively stable as a
percentage of revenues in future periods.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 16% to $9.9
million in 1998 compared to $8.5 million in 1997 and $7.5 million in 1996. As a
percentage of revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses were 27% in
1998 compared to 24% in 1997 and 27% in 1996. During 1998, the dollar increase
in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to increased
personnel and related costs associated with the addition of new senior
executives. These additions were made to strategically position the Company for
future growth by re-organizing the Company into three market focused business
units, and to add depth to the senior management team. In addition, selling,
general and administrative expenses increased as the result of software
licensing and maintenance costs associated with the Company's new enterprise
system and with additional licenses purchased for company wide desktop use.
During 1997, selling, general and administrative expenses increased primarily as
the result of resources added in the sales, service and marketing areas and
additional fixed costs associated with occupying a new facility since May 1996.
Increased 1997 expenses were offset somewhat by reduced legal expenses related
to the Yamaha litigation.
EFFECTIVE TAX RATE
The Company's effective tax rate was 32%, 32% and 31% in 1998, 1997 and
1996, respectively. Benefits from the Company's foreign sales corporation and
the use of the research and development tax credit were primarily responsible
for reducing the effective tax rate below the statutory federal rate. The
Company's federal tax returns for 1995 and 1996 are currently under review by
the Internal Revenue Service. Company management does not believe that the
resolution of this audit will have a material impact on the financial position,
net income or cash flows of the Company.
15
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company invests excess funds not required for current operations in
certain marketable securities. The investment policy for these marketable
securities is approved annually by the Board of Directors and administrated by
management. A third party, at the direction of management, manages the
portfolio. The investment policy dictates that marketable securities consist of
U.S. Government or U.S. Government agency securities with maturities of three
years or less and an average portfolio maturity of not more that 18 months. As
of December 31, 1998 the portfolio of marketable securities had an average term
to maturity of approximately one year. All marketable securities are classified
as available for sale and carried at fair value. Market risk was estimated as
the potential decrease in fair value resulting from a hypothetical one percent
increase in interest rates for the issues contained in the portfolio of
marketable securities which would result in a decrease in the market value of
the portfolio of approximately $300,000. If such a rate increase occurred, the
Company's net income would only be impacted if securities were sold prior to
maturity.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities decreased to $38.5
million as of December 31, 1998 from $41.0 million as of December 31, 1997,
primarily as the result of $6.8 million in cash used to repurchase CyberOptics
common stock and $1.1 million in fixed asset and patent additions. These uses of
cash were partially offset by $4.1 million of cash generated by operations and
$1.1 million in cash provided by other common stock related financing
activities.
The Company generated $4.1 million of cash from operations during 1998,
primarily due to net income of $3.7 million, including $1.6 million of non-cash
expenses for depreciation and amortization and the provision for inventory
obsolescence and a $1.3 million decrease in accounts receivable. The decrease in
accounts receivable is primarily due to the timing of revenues, as the fourth
quarter of 1997 revenue levels were significantly higher than for the comparable
period in 1998. These increases in cash from operations were partially offset by
an increase in inventory of $1.9 million, resulting from inventory purchased to
support a higher than realized revenue, new product introductions, increased
warranty repairs and volume last time purchases of certain critical components.
During 1997, the Company generated $3.6 million of cash from operations,
primarily due to net income of $4.6 million, including $1.4 million of non-cash
expenses, and increases in accrued expenses and income taxes payable. These
increases in cash from operations were primarily offset by increased inventory
of $1.3 million due primarily to inventory purchased for new product
introductions and increased accounts receivable of $2.7 million resulting from
significant fourth quarter sales.
The Company generated $364,000 of cash from investing activities in
1998 compared to using $7.5 million in 1997. The majority of the change in cash
from investing activities is due to changes in the level of investment in
marketable securities resulting from the purchases and sales of those
securities, which provided $1.5 million of cash in 1998 and used $6.4 million in
1997. The Company used approximately $1.0 million of cash in 1998 and 1997 for
purchases of additional equipment and leasehold improvements.
The Company used $5.7 million of cash from financing activities in 1998
and generated $1.1 million of cash from financing activities in 1997. During
1998 and 1997, $6.8 million and $561,000 of cash was used for the repurchase of
500,000 and 41,000 shares of CyberOptics common stock, respectively. Cash
generated from other stock related transactions, primarily stock option
exercises and Employee Stock Purchase Plan share purchases, partially offset
these uses of cash.
During the fourth quarter of 1997 and the first half of 1998, the
Company implemented a new enterprise business system. Total external cost of
implementation was approximately $600,000, the majority of which was capitalized
with depreciation beginning July 1, 1998.
There are no material capital commitments, although management is
aggressively looking for strategic acquisition candidates that it believes will
provide a higher level of return on assets to stockholders. The Company believes
current working capital and anticipated funds from operations will be adequate
for anticipated operating needs.
16
<PAGE>
OTHER FACTORS
Changes in revenues have resulted primarily from changes in the level
of unit shipments and new product introductions. The Company believes that
inflation has not had any significant effect on operations. Substantially all of
the Company's international export sales are negotiated, invoiced and paid in
U.S. dollars. Accordingly, although currency fluctuations do not effect the
Company's revenue and income per unit, they can influence the price
competitiveness of the Company's products relative to other technologies and the
willingness of existing and potential customers to purchase units. In addition,
although many of the OEM sensor products the Company manufactures for foreign
consumption are incorporated into products of our OEM customers that are
re-exported worldwide, the Company's operations have been effected by general
economic conditions associated with currency devaluation in Asia.
YEAR 2000 STATUS
The Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory bodies have
identified the failure of many computer systems and applications to properly
recognize and process date specific information on and after January 1, 2000 as
a significant risk to many companies. Because these "non-compliant" applications
use only two character date fields, many will, unless altered, incorrectly
identify years commencing with the year 2000 as the year 1900, or otherwise
incorrectly report date information. The Company has established a comprehensive
plan to address these issues. The components of the plan include: an assessment
of internal systems vulnerability; a survey of suppliers to determine their
ability to maintain an uninterrupted supply of goods and services; and an
evaluation of the year 2000 issue on Company products.
INTERNAL SYSTEMS. Vendors provide the vast majority of software used
in the Company's business applications. The Company has received documentation
from all vendors supplying software for its primary business applications
confirming year 2000 compliance, including the enterprise-wide information
management system installed in mid-1998, and intends to independently verify
compliance of these vendor supplied systems by June 30, 1999. The Company has
also examined the few internally developed business applications used in
operations for year 2000 compliance and intends to make minor modifications in
any non-compliant applications by September 30, 1999. The Company has
inventoried equipment used in manufacturing processes and expects to make an
initial determination of compliance by April 30, 1999. Finally, the company has
completed the assessment of its technology infrastructure (servers, networks,
and phone systems) and expects to replace or decommission a very minor amount of
hardware where issues are identified by June 30, 1999. Based on this analysis,
the Company does not anticipate a material cost associated with its internal
systems relative to the year 2000 issue.
VENDORS. The Company has identified all major or critical (where a
second source was not readily available) suppliers. These suppliers completed a
Company survey regarding the Year 2000 issue. After evaluating survey responses,
four vendors were identified as needing additional investigation. Currently,
three of the four have satisfactorily addressed concerns and the other vendor
will continue to be monitored. Responses indicated that there was minimal
exposure to an interruption of goods or services from these suppliers. The
Company is not directly linked to any supplier computer systems.
PRODUCTS. The Company has completed an analysis of the potential
effect of the year 2000 issue on the application and system software included in
its products. Although the analysis did not identify any material compliance
issues with regard to software, it did identify a BIOS firmware issue in some
computer components purchased from third party suppliers prior to 1997 and
incorporated into system level products. Where this issue exists, it can cause
the system to report an incorrect date. Although this issue does not affect the
intended functionality of the Company's products, customers who use the computer
or processor for their own purposes may be affected. Customers who may be
potentially affected are being notified by letter and the Company has offered to
provide assistance and hardware as needed at a nominal charge for those
customers desiring assistance. In addition the Company's web-site provides
evaluation guidance for customers as well as potential solutions if a problem is
found. Based on the foregoing, the Company does not believe that there are any
material year 2000 non-compliance issues relating to its products.
COST. The costs associated with the Year 2000 assessment and
corrections, if necessary, and costs anticipated to complete the evaluation are
not material and are not incremental to the Company. Resources have come from
the temporary assignment of existing personnel to these efforts on a part time
basis. However, there can be no assurance that unforeseen factors will not have
a material impact on the Company.
17
<PAGE>
RISKS AND CONTINGENCY PLAN. The Company continues to evaluate the risks
associated with potential Year 2000 related failures. While supplier input has
not identified any year 2000 risk, the failure of a critical supplier to make
its computer system Year 2000 compliant could result in delayed deliveries of
products and services to the Company. If such delays are extended, they could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's business. Because the Company's
Year 2000 readiness is, in part, dependent upon representations from vendors,
and because the testing procedures and inquiries the Company has used and made
might not have identified all issues, the Company cannot state conclusively that
Year 2000 issues will not have a material impact on the Company's operations or
financial condition. To the extent the Company's ongoing Year 2000 readiness
analysis identifies any system, business partner or product that could present
serious Year 2000 issues, a contingency plan will be developed. The Company
anticipates that any such material issue will be identified, and a contingency
plan created, by June 30, 1999.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Included in, and incorporated by reference to, the caption "Financial
Instruments" in Item 7 above.
18
<PAGE>
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CYBEROPTICS CORPORATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)
December 31, 1998 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,963 $ 6,160
Marketable securities 17,142 20,577
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $125 6,362 7,697
Inventories 6,045 4,611
Other current assets 1,540 1,343
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current assets 36,052 40,388
Marketable securities 16,397 14,290
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net 2,571 2,661
Capitalized patent costs, less accumulated amortization
of $452 and $373, respectively 157 106
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets $ 55,177 $ 57,445
========================================================================================================
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable $ 1,215 $ 1,205
Income taxes payable 589 661
Accrued expenses 1,940 2,286
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current liabilities 3,744 4,152
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, no par value, 5,000 shares authorized, none outstanding
Common stock, no par value, 25,000 authorized,
4,950 and 5,341 shares issued and outstanding, respectively 32,735 38,412
Accumulated other comprehensive income 173 25
Retained earnings 18,525 14,856
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total stockholders' equity 51,433 53,293
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 55,177 $ 57,445
========================================================================================================
</TABLE>
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
19
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
CYBEROPTICS CORPORATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Year ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues $ 36,636 $ 35,120 $ 28,062
Cost of revenues 16,499 15,629 13,739
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross margin 20,137 19,491 14,323
Research and development expenses 7,072 6,371 5,937
Selling, general and administrative expenses 9,881 8,532 7,501
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from operations 3,184 4,588 885
Interest income 2,220 2,166 2,275
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes 5,404 6,754 3,160
Provision for income taxes 1,735 2,157 980
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income $ 3,669 $ 4,597 $ 2,180
=====================================================================================
Net income per share - Basic $ 0.71 $ 0.88 $ 0.39
Net income per share - Diluted $ 0.69 $ 0.83 $ 0.38
=====================================================================================
Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic 5,192 5,246 5,528
Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted 5,320 5,555 5,735
=====================================================================================
</TABLE>
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
20
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
CYBEROPTICS CORPORATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)
Year ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 3,669 $ 4,597 $ 2,180
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 1,151 917 768
Provision for doubtful accounts 11 12 8
Provision for inventory obsolesence 455 445 298
Deferred income taxes (160) 20 102
Amortization of restricted stock 72
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable 1,324 (2,678) 3,475
Inventories (1,889) (1,288) (192)
Other current assets (37) 272 (264)
Accounts payable 10 14 454
Income taxes payable (72) 428 (665)
Accrued expenses (346) 862 (944)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 4,188 3,601 5,220
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Maturities of held to maturity marketable securities 8,000 23,146
Proceeds from sales of available for sale
marketable securities 34,330 12,758
Purchases of available for sale marketable securities (32,854) (27,145) (20,455)
Additions to equipment and leasehold improvements (982) (1,025) (2,258)
Additions to patents (130) (86) (68)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities 364 (7,498) 365
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repurchase of common stock (6,830) (561) (6,283)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 419 873 521
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
under Employee Stock Purchase Plan 355 285 181
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options 307 507 231
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities (5,749) 1,104 (5,350)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (1,197) (2,793) 235
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year 6,160 8,953 8,718
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents - end of year $ 4,963 $ 6,160 $ 8,953
=====================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
21
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
CYBEROPTICS CORPORATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Accumulated
Common Stock Other Total
------------------ Comprehensive Retained Stockholders'
(In thousands) Shares Amount Income (Loss) Earnings Equity
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995 5,612 $ 42,658 $ 8,079 $ 50,737
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options 231 231
Exercise of stock options
net of shares exchanged as payment
and subsequently retired 86 521 521
Issuance of common stock under
Employee Stock Purchase Plan 18 181 181
Repurchase of common stock (500) (6,283) (6,283)
Market value adjustments of marketable securities $ (99) (99)
Net income 2,180 2,180
---------
Comprehensive income 2,081
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996 5,216 $ 37,308 $ (99) $ 10,259 $ 47,468
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options 507 507
Exercise of stock options
net of shares exchanged as payment
and subsequently retired 139 873 873
Issuance of common stock under
Employee Stock Purchase Plan 27 285 285
Repurchase of common stock (41) (561) (561)
Market value adjustments of marketable securities 124 124
Net income 4,597 4,597
---------
Comprehensive income 4,721
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997 5,341 $ 38,412 $ 25 $ 14,856 $ 53,293
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options 307 307
Exercise of stock options
net of shares exchanged as payment
and subsequently retired 69 419 419
Issuance of common stock under
Employee Stock Purchase Plan 30 355 355
Repurchase of common stock (500) (6,830) (6,830)
Amortization of restricted stock 10 72 72
Market value adjustments of marketable securities 148 148
Net income 3,669 3,669
---------
Comprehensive income 3,817
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1998 4,950 $ 32,735 $ 173 $ 18,525 $ 51,433
=================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
22
<PAGE>
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CYBEROPTICS CORPORATION
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
NOTE 1 - BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BUSINESS DESCRIPTION
CyberOptics Corporation (the Company) designs and manufactures intelligent
sensors and systems for high-precision, non-contact dimensional measurement and
process control. Utilizing proprietary laser and optics technology combined with
advanced software and electronics, the Company's products enable manufacturers
to increase operating efficiencies, product yields and quality by measuring the
characteristics and placement of components both during and after the
manufacturing process. The Company sells its products worldwide through a
combination of direct sales staff and independent distributors.
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its wholly-owned Foreign Sales Corporation (FSC).
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original
maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company's cash and
cash equivalents consist of funds maintained in money market accounts, U.S.
Government backed obligations and state municipal instruments with a long-term
credit rating of AAA.
MARKETABLE SECURITIES
Marketable securities generally consist of U.S. Government or U.S. Government
backed obligations and state municipal instruments with long-term credit ratings
of AAA. Marketable securities are classified as short-term or long-term in the
balance sheet based on their maturity date and expectations regarding sales. All
marketable securities have maturities of three years or less. Certain marketable
securities held by the Company are subject to call provisions prior to their
maturity date.
As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, all marketable securities are classified as
available for sale, with a carrying amount of $33,539 and $34,867, respectively.
Available for sale securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains
and losses, net of tax, reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity
until realized. These fair values are determined using quoted market prices. The
carrying amounts of securities, for purposes of computing unrealized gains and
losses, are determined by specific identification. The cost of securities sold
is determined by specific identification. Net unrealized holding gains and
losses and realized gains and losses were not significant at December 31, 1998
and 1997 or during the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.
INVENTORIES
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined
using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Appropriate consideration is given
to deterioration, obsolescence, and other factors in evaluating net realizable
value.
EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
Equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost. Significant additions
or improvements extending asset lives are capitalized, while repairs and
maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. In progress costs are
capitalized with depreciation beginning when assets are placed in service.
Depreciation and amortization are recorded using the straight-line method over
the estimated useful lives of the assets or the lease term, ranging from three
to ten years. Gains or losses on dispositions are included in current
operations.
23
<PAGE>
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CYBEROPTICS CORPORATION
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
PATENTS
Patents consist of legal and patent registration costs for protection of the
Company's proprietary sensor technology. The Company amortizes such expenditures
over a three-year period on a straight-line basis commencing upon issuance of
the patent.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenues are recognized upon shipment. Estimated returns and warranty costs are
recorded at the time of sale.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Research and development (R&D) costs, including software development, are
expensed when incurred. Software development costs are required to be expensed
until the point that technological feasibility and proven marketability of the
product are established; costs otherwise capitalizable after such point also are
expensed because they are insignificant. Customer-funded R&D is deferred and
recognized as a reduction of R&D expenses as costs are incurred in the
accompanying statements of income. Customer-funded R&D totaled $166 and $890
during 1997 and 1996 respectively. No customer funded R&D received in 1998.
INCOME TAXES
Deferred income taxes are recorded to reflect the tax consequences in future
years of differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and
liabilities. Income tax expense is the sum of the tax currently payable and the
change in the deferred tax assets and liabilities during the period.
NET INCOME PER SHARE
The number of shares utilized in the denominator of the diluted net income per
share computation has been increased by 128,000, 309,000 and 207,000 shares of
common stock equivalents at December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Options to purchase 285,000 and 94,000 shares of common stock at a weighted
average price of $20.32 and $22.63 were outstanding at December 31, 1998 and
1997 but were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share
because the options exercise price was greater than the average market price of
the common stock. The impact of such options would be antidilutive to this
computation.
NOTE 2 - OTHER FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA
INVENTORIES CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31, 1998 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Raw materials and
purchased parts $ 5,307 $ 3,702
Work in process 1,045 1,106
Finished goods 573 478
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6,925 5,286
Allowance for obsolesence (880) (675)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 6,045 $ 4,611
================================================================================
EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31, 1998 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment $ 4,349 $ 3,083
Leasehold improvements 1,010 986
In progress 315
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5,359 4,384
Accumulated
depreciation and amortization (2,788) (1,723)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 2,571 $ 2,661
================================================================================
ACCRUED EXPENSES CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31, 1998 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wages and benefits $ 701 $ 1,247
Warranty costs 566 350
Other 673 689
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 1,940 $ 2,286
================================================================================
24
<PAGE>
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CYBEROPTICS CORPORATION
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
NOTE 3 - INCOME TAXES
THE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current:
Federal $ 1,820 $ 2,061 $ 872
State 75 76 6
Deferred (160) 20 102
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 1,735 $ 2,157 $ 980
================================================================================
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31, 1998 1997 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventory allowances $ 320 $ 300 $ 238
Vacation accrual 80 70 71
Accounts receivable
allowances 45 45 45
Warranty accrual 205 126 90
Deferred R&D
reimbursement 60
Other, net 40 (11) 46
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net deferred tax asset
included in other
current assets $ 690 $ 530 $ 550
================================================================================
A RECONCILIATION OF THE STATUTORY RATE TO THE EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RATE IS AS
FOLLOWS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal statutory rate 34.0% 34.0% 34.0%
Increase (decrease)
resulting from:
State income taxes, net
of federal benefit 1.1 1.2 0.1
FSC benefit, net of
FSC taxes (3.5) (1.8) (1.0)
R&E credit (4.5) (4.6) (4.4)
Other, net 5.0 3.1 2.3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effective rate 32.1% 31.9% 31.0%
================================================================================
Cash payments of income taxes for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and
1996, were approximately $1,663, $1,033 and $1,491 respectively.
NOTE 4 - OPERATING LEASES
In May 1996, the Company moved into a new office, warehouse and manufacturing
facility. The new facility is leased under a 10 year operating lease that
expires in April 2006. The Company has the option to extend the lease for two
additional three year periods. The lease requires the Company to pay insurance,
property taxes and other operating expenses related to the leased facility.
The facility previously occupied by the Company prior to its moving is leased
under an operating lease that expires in October 1999. The Company has subleased
this facility for the remaining term of the lease. The difference between the
future lease obligation of the Company and the anticipated sublease payments
over the remaining term of the lease of $160 was charged to rental expense
during 1996. Total rental expense for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996, were approximately, $810, $659 and $695, respectively.
At December 31, 1998, the future minimum lease payments required under
noncancellable operating lease agreements, net of $130 in 1999 of sublease
payments, are as follows:
Year ending December 31,
1999 $ 608
2000 564
2001 588
2002 600
2003 600
Thereafter 1,398
- -----------------------------------------------
Total $ 4,358
===============================================
25
<PAGE>
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CYBEROPTICS CORPORATION
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
NOTE 5 - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
In 1996, the stockholders of the Company approved an amendment to the Articles
of Incorporation that increases the number of authorized shares of common stock
from 10,000,000 shares to 25,000,000 shares. In February 1998, the Company's
Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares of common
stock for the purpose of providing the necessary common stock for the Company's
stock option and employee stock purchase plans. In 1998, all 500,000 shares were
repurchased through open market purchases, block transactions or privately
negotiated purchases. In October 1998, the Company's Board of Directors
authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 250,000 shares of common stock.
As of December 31, 1998, no shares had been repurchased under the second
authorization, which expires in October 1999. During 1998, the Company issued
10,000 shares of restricted stock to an executive at the market price on the
issue date of $19.50 per share. Of these shares, 2000 vested upon issuance and
the remaining 8,000 shares vest over 4 years.
NOTE 6 - BENEFIT PLANS
STOCK OPTION PLAN
The Company has three stock option plans for which it has reserved 1,067,000
shares of common stock in the aggregate for issuance to employees, directors,
officers and others. In addition, there are 100,000 shares reserved, and
included in the following summaries, for issuance to an executive that are not
part of the three stock option plans. Reserved shares underlying canceled
options are available for future grant under all plans. Options are granted at
an option price per share equal to or greater than the market value at the date
of grant. Generally, options granted to employees vest over a four-year period
and expire five years after the date of grant. The plans allow for option
holders to tender shares of the Company's common stock as consideration for the
option price. Options exercised by tendering shares are shown at the net amount.
In 1996, the Company canceled and reissued, at the then current market price,
257,800 options to purchase the same number or less shares to those employees
that received stock option grants between May 19, 1995 and August 2, 1996.
THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF STOCK OPTION PLAN ACTIVITY:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares 1998 1997 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Granted 235,050 258,900 590,050
Exercised (77,053) (142,495) (90,212)
Canceled (78,751) (34,650) (339,443)
December 31:
Outstanding 799,496 720,250 638,495
Exercisable 276,334 182,162 181,570
Weighted average exercise price
per share 1998 1997 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Granted $ 17.16 $ 18.31 $ 16.58
Exercised 7.71 6.67 6.66
Canceled 14.00 14.67 20.67
December 31:
Outstanding 15.35 13.79 10.35
Exercisable 12.79 9.54 5.97
================================================================================
Stock options outstanding as of December 31, 1998, had a range of exercise
prices of $3.79 to $25.50 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of
approximately 4.6 years.
THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF OUTSTANDING OPTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998:
Weighted
Exercise Options Options Average
Price Outstanding Exercisable Remaining Life
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than $5.70 12,400 12,400 .57 years
$5.70 to $8.99 25,650 25,650 2.53 years
$9.00 to $13.49 259,021 129,134 4.02 years
$13.50 to $19.99 397,925 83,775 4.33 years
Over $20.00 104,500 25,375 7.68 years
================================================================================
26
<PAGE>
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CYBEROPTICS CORPORATION
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
The Company adopted SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation" in
1996. The Company continued to measure compensation cost for its stock incentive
and option plans using the intrinsic value method of accounting it has
historically used and, therefore, the new standard had no effect on the
Company's operating results.
Had the Company used the fair value method of accounting for its stock option
and incentive plans beginning in 1995 and charged compensation costs against
income over the vesting period, net income and net income per share for 1998,
1997 and 1996 would have been reduced to the following pro forma amounts:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income:
As reported $ 3,669 $ 4,597 $ 2,180
Pro forma $ 2,173 $ 3,591 $ 1,564
Net income per share:
As reported - Basic $ 0.71 $ 0.88 $ 0.39
Pro forma - Basic $ 0.42 $ 0.68 $ 0.28
As reported - Diluted $ 0.69 $ 0.83 $ 0.38
Pro forma - Diluted $ 0.41 $ 0.65 $ 0.27
The pro forma information above only includes stock options granted in 1995 and
subsequent periods. Compensation expense under the fair value method of
accounting will increase over the next few years as additional stock option
grants are considered. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options
granted during 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $9.67, $11.22 and $10.58, respectively.
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options was determined by using
the fair value of each option grant on the date of grant, utilizing the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the following key assumptions:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risk-free interest rates 5.27% 6.39% 5.90%
Expected life 4 YEARS 4 years 4 years
Expected volatility 68.47% 63.97% 57.40%
Expected dividends NONE None None
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
The Company has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan available to eligible employees.
Under terms of the plan, eligible employees may designate from 1 to 10% of their
compensation to be withheld through payroll deductions for the purchase of
common stock at 85% of the lower of the market price on the first or last day of
the offering period. Under the plan, 200,000 shares of common stock have been
reserved for issuance. As of December 31, 1998, 141,631 shares have been issued
under this plan.
401(k) PLAN
The Company has a savings plan pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal
Revenue Code ("the Code"), whereby eligible employees may contribute up to 15%
of their earnings, not to exceed annual amounts allowed under the Code. In
addition, the Company may also make contributions at the discretion of the Board
of Directors. In 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company provided for matching
contributions totaling $157, $144, and $96, respectively.
NOTE 7 - BUSINESS SEGMENTS AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS
Effective at year-end 1998, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) 131, "Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and
Related Information". SFAS 131 requires the management approach in determining
business segments. The management approach designates the internal organization
that is used by management for making operating decisions and assessing
performance as the source of the Company's reportable segments.
27
<PAGE>
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CYBEROPTICS CORPORATION
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
The Company's businesses are organized, managed, and internally reported as four
segments. Management of these segments, with the exception of the Research and
Development segment, are responsible for different product lines and services
and are responsible for managing, on a worldwide basis, revenues as well as
sales and marketing costs.
The Research and Development segment is managed at the corporate level. Resource
decisions and performance assessment are managed by a research and development
committee made up of senior corporate officers.
Research and Development and Corporate Administration are not allocated to
reportable segments. Therefore, management does not represent that these
segments, if operated independently, would report the operating income and other
financial information shown below. The table below presents information about
reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OEM SMT Industrial Research and Corporate Total
Sensors Systems Measurement Development Administration(1) Company
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues 1998 $ 26,713 $ 7,506 $ 2,417 $ 36,636
1997 23,613 8,542 2,965 35,120
1996 19,457 5,724 2,881 28,062
Income from Operations 1998 $ 13,479 $ 2,244 $ (213) $ (7,072) $ (5,254) $ 3,184
1997 12,485 2,471 20 (6,371) (4,017) 4,588
1996 9,821 1,008 98 (5,937) (4,105) 885
Identifiable Assets(2) 1998 $ 7,617 $ 2,644 $ 2,146 $ 42,770 $ 55,177
1997 6,361 4,186 1,761 45,137 $ 57,445
1996 4,728 2,475 1,596 41,517 50,316
</TABLE>
(1) Loss from operations consists of unallocated corporate administrative
expenses.
(2) Segment assets include accounts receivable and inventories. Assets included
in Corporate Administration primarily include cash and marketable
securities, equipment and leasehold improvements, capitalized patent costs,
deferred income taxes, accrued interest and certain prepaid expenses.
28
<PAGE>
THE FOLLOWING SUMMARIZES CERTAIN SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMER INFORMATION:
Significant Percentage
Customer Revenues of Revenues
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year ended
December 31, 1998 A $ 9,700 27%
B $ 10,797 30%
C $ 898 3%
Year ended
December 31, 1997 A $ 4,420 13%
B $ 7,704 22%
C $ 3,246 9%
Year ended
December 31, 1996 A $ 3,855 14%
B $ 7,863 28%
C $ 2,834 10%
As of December 31, 1998, accounts receivable from significant customers A, B and
C were $1,932, $1,432, and $54, respectively. As of December 31, 1997, accounts
receivable from significant customers A, B and C were $1,484, $952 and $367,
respectively.
Export sales amounted to 82%, 69% and 70% of revenues for 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. Substantially all of the Company's export sales are negotiated,
invoiced and paid in U.S. dollars. Export sales by geographic area are
summarized as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Americas $ 1,400 $ 393 $ 143
Europe 12,237 5,964 4,964
Asia 16,169 17,504 14,279
Other 117 298 169
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 29,923 $ 24,159 $ 19,555
================================================================================
NOTE 8 - CONTINGENCIES
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is a defendant in miscellaneous
claims and disputes. While the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with
certainty, management presently believes the disposition of these matters will
not have a material effect on the financial position, results of operations or
cash flows of the Company.
The Company's federal tax returns for 1995 and 1996 are currently under review
by the Internal Revenue Service. While the outcome of any such reviews may have
an impact on the Company's consolidated financial results for a particular
reporting period, the Company's management does not believe that the resolution
of the audit will have a material impact on the financial position, results of
operations or cash flows of the Company.
NOTE 9 - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 (UNAUDITED) MARCH 31 JUNE 30 SEPT. 30 DEC. 31
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues $ 10,630 $ 9,718 $ 7,737 $ 8,551
Gross margin 6,183 5,317 4,077 4,560
Income from operations 1,705 955 72 452
Net income 1,568 1,052 404 645
Net income per share - Basic (1) 0.29 0.20 0.08 0.13
Net income per share - Diluted (1) 0.28 0.19 0.08 0.13
<CAPTION>
1997 (UNAUDITED) MARCH 31 JUNE 30 SEPT. 30 DEC. 31
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues $ 7,080 $ 8,257 $ 9,249 $ 10,534
Gross margin 3,706 4,402 5,353 6,030
Income from operations 371 655 1,638 1,924
Net income 589 809 1,487 1,712
Net income per share - Basic (1) 0.11 0.16 0.28 0.32
Net income per share - Diluted (1) 0.11 0.15 0.27 0.30
</TABLE>
(1) The summation of quarterly per share amounts may not equal the calculation
for the full year, as each quarterly calculation is performed discretely.
29
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT
ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors
and Stockholders of
CyberOptics Corporation
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related
consolidated statements of income, cash flows and stockholders' equity and
comprehensive income present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of CyberOptics Corporation as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management, our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these
statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which
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, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
January 29, 1999
30
<PAGE>
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
NONE.
PART III.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The information contained under the heading "Election of
Directors--Nominees and --Executive Officers" and "Shares Outstanding" of the
Company's definitive proxy statement for its annual meeting of shareholders to
be held June 22, 1999 (hereafter, the "Proxy Statement"), is hereby incorporated
by reference.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information under the heading "Election of Directors--Compensation
of Directors," and "Executive Compensation" of the Proxy Statement is hereby
incorporated by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The information contained under the heading "Shares Outstanding" of the
Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information under the heading "Election of Directors--Compensation
of Directors," of the Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
PART IV.
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a)(1) Financial Statements: See Item 8 to this Form 10-K.
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedule: Schedule II, Valuation and Qualifying
Accounts for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, and the report of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP thereon are attached as Item 14(d).
(a)(3) LIST OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit Number Description
- -------------- -----------
2.1 Asset Purchase Agreement dated February 20, 1999, between the
Company and Electronic Packaging Company.
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of Company, as amended (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997).
3.2 Bylaws of the Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-18
(Registration No. 33-17628C) (the "Registration Statement").
4.1 Restated Stock Option Plan of the Company, as amended
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed October 30, 1997
(file no 33-39091).
4.2 CyberOptics Corporation Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee
Directors, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.2 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed
October 30, 1997 (file no 33-39091).
31
<PAGE>
4.3 CyberOptics Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Company's
quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September
30, 1992).
10.4 Lease Agreement between MEPC American Properties, Inc. and the
Company dated September 15, 1995 (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10 of the Company's Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended
September 30, 1995).
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
99.0 Forward Looking Statements--Cautionary Statement
27.1 Financial Data Schedule (for electronic filing purposes only).
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K have been filed for the quarter ended December 31,
1998.
(d) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES:
32
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors
and Stockholders of
CyberOptics Corporation
Our report on the consolidated financial statements of CyberOptics Corporation
has been included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K under Item 8. In connection
with our audits of such financial statements, we have also audited the related
financial statement schedule listed in item 14 of this Annual Report on Form
10-K.
In our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when
considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole,
presents fairly, in all material respects, the information required to be
included therein.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
January 29, 1999
33
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE II
CYBEROPTICS CORPORATION
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Balance at Charged to Balance
Beginning of Costs and at end of
Description Period Expenses Deductions Period
----------- ------ -------- ---------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Year ended December 31, 1998 $ 125,006 $ 11,470 $ 11,665 $ 124,811
Year ended December 31, 1997 $ 125,566 $ 11,844 $ 12,404 $ 125,006
Year ended December 31, 1996 $ 100,000 $ 8,339 $ 17,227 $ 125,566
<CAPTION>
Balance at Charged to Balance
Beginning of Costs and at end of
Description Period Expenses Deductions Period
----------- ------ -------- ---------- ------
Allowance for obsolete inventory:
Year ended December 31, 1998 $ 675,000 $ 454,753 $ (249,611) $ 880,142
Year ended December 31, 1997 $ 474,846 $ 445,000 $ (244,846) $ 675,000
Year ended December 31, 1996 $ 500,000 $ 297,967 $ (323,121) $ 474,846
</TABLE>
34
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
CYBEROPTICS CORPORATION
Dated: March 16, 1999 By /s/ STEVEN M. QUIST
------------------------
Steven M. Quist,
President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Name Title Date
- ---- ----- ----
/s/ STEVEN K. CASE Chairman and Director (Principal March 16, 1999
- ------------------ Executive Officer)
Steven K. Case
/s/ STEVEN M. QUIST Director and President March 16, 1999
- -------------------
Steven M. Quist
/s/ ALEX B. CIMOCHOWSKI Director March 17, 1999
- -----------------------
Alex B. Cimochowski
Director March __, 1999
- -----------------------
Kathleen P. Iverson
/s/ GEORGE E.KLINE Director March 17, 1999
- ------------------
George E. Kline
/s/ P. June Min Director March 17, 1999
- ------------------
P. June Min
/s/ ERWIN KELEN Director March 17, 1999
- ---------------
Erwin Kelen
/s/ RICHARD BALLINTINE Vice President-Finance March 16, 1999
- ---------------------- (Principal Accounting Officer)
Richard Ballintine
35
EXHIBIT 2.1
ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This Asset Purchase Agreement is made effective the 19th day of February, 1999
(hereinafter, "Effective Date") between CyberOptics Corporation, a corporation
organized under the laws of the State of Minnesota and having a principal place
of business at 5900 Golden Hills Drive, Golden Valley, MN 55416 (hereinafter
"CyberOptics") and Electronic Packaging Company, a corporation organized under
the laws of the State of Texas and having a principal place of business at 2209
Wisconsin St., Suite 101, Dallas, TX 75229-2060 (hereinafter "EPC").
WHEREAS, EPC desires to sell all the intellectual property, know-how and
goodwill associated with its Loaded Board Inspection Business;
WHEREAS, CyberOptics desires to purchase all the intellectual property, know-how
and associated goodwill of EPC's Loaded Board Inspection Business.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the representations, warranties and covenants
contained herein, and intending to be legally bound thereby, the parties agree
as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
1. Definitions. Capitalized terms in this Agreement have the meanings stated in
this Article 1 or defined elsewhere in this Agreement. A reference to a
particular Exhibit is to an Exhibit to this Agreement, each of which is
incorporated into and made a part of this Agreement by that reference. A
reference to a particular Section is to a Section of this Agreement.
1.1 End User Documentation. "End User Documentation" means that
documentation listed on Exhibit A hereto.
1.2 Inventory. "Inventory" means the finished goods inventory for the
Transferred Assets on the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined).
1.3 Know-how. "Know-how" means the trade secrets, engineering drawings,
manufacturing procedures and methods, bills of materials, specifications and
other technical information owned or possessed by EPC with the right to make
available to others, relating to the manufacture, assembly, quality control and
testing of the Products.
1.4 Loaded Board Inspection Business. "Loaded Board Inspection
Business" means the design, manufacture, assembly, marketing, sales and support
for equipment which inspects a printed circuit board which has at least one
component thereon, such equipment designed to indicate that a component is
properly oriented on the board or that a component which has been placed on the
board is the correct component for a particular location.
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1.5 Liens. "Liens" means mortgages, deeds of trust, pledges, taxes,
security interests, liens, leases, licenses, liabilities, encumbrances, costs,
charges and claims of any nature whatsoever, direct or indirect, whether
accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise (including, without limitation, any
agreement to give any of the foregoing).
1.6 Marketing Materials. "Marketing Materials" means substantially all
of the following materials pertaining to the Loaded Board Inspection Business:
(i) preexisting database customer lists, including substantially all (a)
customer and technical support (bug information) databases, and (b) end user
registration databases; (ii) lists of distributors and dealers authorized to
sell copies of the Transferred Software or the Products; (iii) training
materials; and (iv) advertising and promotional materials.
1.7 Other IP. "Other IP" means intellectual property not elsewhere
specified in this Agreement, and shall include inventions related to the
Products, copyrights, maskworks and industrial designs necessary to make, use,
sell, reproduce and make derivative works (in part or in whole) of the Products.
1.8 Patents. "Patents" means all patents, patent applications,
re-issues, divisions, continuations, continuations-in-part, re-examinations,
invention certificates and patents of addition, U.S. or otherwise, deriving
priority, in whole or in part, from the patents or patent applications set forth
in Exhibit B, including any others added thereto by written agreement of the
parties.
1.9 Products. "Products" means the EPC 6000 and the EPC 6500 First
Article (TM) Inspections Systems, and the data sheets therefor set forth in
Exhibit C.
1.10 Transferred Assets. "Transferred Assets" means the End User
Documentation, Inventory, Know-how, Marketing Materials, Other IP, Patents,
Transferred Software and Transferred Marks.
1.11 Transferred Marks. "Transferred Marks" means all of EPC's rights
in the "Bitmap Compare" name (including the Intent-to Use application number
75,437,801 filed February 20, 1998 and the "First Article" name (including the
regular trademark registration 2,188,548 issued September 8, 1998) and the
business and goodwill of EPC associated with such trademarks.
1.12 Transferred Software. "Transferred Software" means one master copy
of the source code and all copies of the object code of the 1) First Article
Inspection Program, which uses scanner technology (FA.EXE); 2) First Article
"Heads-Up" Program (FA900.EXE); 3) Bitmap Comparison Program, which uses scanner
technology (BC.EXE); 4) Model 0900 Repair Inspection "Heads-Up" Program
(CAR900.EXE), and 5) CAD Conversion Program, including other software as set
forth in Exhibit D hereto.
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ARTICLE 2
ACQUIRED AND LICENSED ASSETS
2. Sale of Assets.
2.1 Sale. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement, EPC hereby sells, grants, transfers, conveys, assigns and delivers to
CyberOptics all of EPC' right, title and interest in and to the Transferred
Assets, including the right to make, use, offer for sale and sell the Products
as covered by the Patents, and as evidence thereof shall execute and deliver to
CyberOptics the Assignment of Copyright in substantially the form of Exhibit E,
an Assignment of Patents in substantially the form of Exhibit F and an
Assignment of Trademarks in substantially the form of Exhibit G, and CyberOptics
hereby accepts delivery thereof.
2.2 Consideration.
Cash Payment on Closing Date. Concurrent with the execution and
delivery of this Agreement, CyberOptics shall pay EPC the sum
of Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000) (the "Aggregate
Purchase Price") in immediately available funds. The date of
this Agreement and such transfer is referred to herein as the
"Closing Date". CyberOptics shall pay no other consideration,
other than the payment provided under the provisions of this
Paragraph, to EPC for all rights to its Loaded Board
Inspection Business.
Allocation of Aggregate Purchase Price. EPC and CyberOptics agree to
allocate the tangible Assets according to the stated values on
the Inventory List attached at Exhibit H. The parties agree
not to make a valuation or statement inconsistent with the
valuations directed by the provisions of this Paragraph, for
all income tax purposes or during the course of an audit.
2.3 Transfer Taxes. CyberOptics shall pay and promptly discharge when
due the entire amount of any and all excise, sales, value-added, use,
registration, stamp, transfer and other like taxes ("Transfer Taxes") imposed or
levied by reason of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
Following the date hereof, the parties shall cooperate with each other to the
extent reasonably requested and legally permitted to minimize any such Transfer
Taxes (including, without limitation, by effecting electronic transfer of the
Transferred Software from EPC to CyberOptics and by executing a resale
certificate for Inventory) and EPC will provide information to CyberOptics as
CyberOptics may reasonably request in connection with CyberOptics' discussions
with any taxing authority relating to any Transfer Taxes; provided, however,
that nothing herein shall obligate EPC to appear before, or make any
representations to, either directly or indirectly, any such taxing authority.
2.4 No Liabilities. CyberOptics shall not assume or have any
responsibility for any liability, obligation or commitment of EPC or of its
shareholders of any nature, whether now or hereafter existing and whether or not
related to the Transferred Assets or to the Products, and EPC and its
shareholders shall retain all such liabilities, obligations or commitments.
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ARTICLE 3
CYBEROPTICS' REPRESENTATION AND WARRANTIES
Representations and Warranties of CyberOptics. CyberOptics represents and
warrants to EPC, as follows:
3.1 Organization and Standing: Articles and Bylaws. CyberOptics is a
corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Minnesota
and is in good standing under such laws. CyberOptics has the requisite corporate
power to own and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business
as currently conducted and as proposed to be conducted. CyberOptics is duly
qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in
which the failure to so qualify would have a material adverse effect on its
business or properties.
3.2 Corporate Power. CyberOptics has all requisite corporate power to
execute and deliver this Agreement and all agreements to be executed and
delivered by CyberOptics pursuant to the terms hereof and to carry out and
perform its obligations under the terms of this Agreement and such other
agreements.
3.3 Authorization. All corporate action on the part of CyberOptics,
necessary for the authorization, execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement and any other agreements contemplated hereby has been taken. This
Agreement and any other agreements contemplated hereby, when executed and
delivered by CyberOptics, will constitute valid and binding obligations of
CyberOptics enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.
3.4 Compliance with Other Instruments. CyberOptics is not in violation
of any term of its Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, or in any material
respect of any term or provision of any mortgage, indebtedness, indenture,
contract, agreement, instrument, judgment or decree, order, statute, rule or
regulation applicable to itself. The execution, delivery and performance of and
compliance with this Agreement and any other agreements contemplated hereby,
have not resulted and will not result in any violation of, or conflict with, or
constitute a default under, or result in the creation of, any mortgage, pledge,
lien, encumbrance or charge upon any of the properties or assets of CyberOptics,
and there is no such violation or default that materially and adversely affects
the business of CyberOptics as conducted or as proposed to be conducted, or any
of the properties or assets of CyberOptics.
3.5 Litigation. There are no actions, suits, proceedings or
investigations pending against CyberOptics or its officers or properties before
any court or governmental agency (or, to the best of the its knowledge, is there
any threat thereof) and none that questions the validity of this Agreement or
any other agreement contemplated hereby or any action taken or to be taken in
connection herewith or therewith. CyberOptics is not a party to or specifically
by name subject to the provisions of any order, writ, injunction, judgment or
decree of any court or government agency or instrumentality. There is no action,
suit, proceeding or investigation by CyberOptics currently pending or that
CyberOptics currently intends to initiate.
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3.6 Brokers or Finders. CyberOptics has not incurred, and will not
incur, directly or indirectly, as a result of any action taken by itself, any
liability for brokerage or finders' fees or agents' commissions or any similar
charges in connection with this Agreement.
3.7 Transfers. CyberOptics has no present intention to transfer to any
third party any of the assets acquired hereby, or all or substantially all of
the capital stock of CyberOptics.
3.8 Bankruptcy Proceedings. No petition has been filed by or against
CyberOptics for relief under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar
law; no decree or order for relief has been entered in respect of CyberOptics,
voluntarily or involuntarily, under any such law; and no receiver, liquidator,
sequestrator, trustee, custodian or other officer has been appointed with
respect to CyberOptics or its assets and liabilities pursuant to any such law.
No warrant of attachment, execution or similar process has been executed against
CyberOptics or any of its assets or properties. CyberOptics has not made any
assignment for the benefit of creditors.
ARTICLE 4
EPC'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
4. Representations and Warranties of EPC. EPC and its shareholders, jointly and
severally, represent and warrant to CyberOptics, as follows:
4.1 Organization and Standing: Certificate and Bylaws. EPC is a
corporation duly organized and existing under, and by virtue of, the laws of the
State of Texas and is in good standing under such laws. EPC has the requisite
corporate power to own and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its
business as currently conducted and as proposed to be conducted. EPC is duly
qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in
which the failure to so qualify would have a material adverse effect on its
business or properties.
4.2 Corporate Power. EPC has all requisite corporate power to execute
and deliver this Agreement and all agreements to be executed and delivered by
EPC pursuant to the terms hereof and to carry out and perform its obligations
under the terms of this Agreement and such other agreements.
4.3 Authorization. All corporate action on the part of EPC necessary
for the authorization, execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and
any other agreements contemplated hereby has been taken. This Agreement and any
other agreements contemplated hereby, when executed and delivered by EPC, will
constitute valid and binding obligations of EPC, enforceable in accordance with
their respective terms.
4.4 Brokers or Finders. EPC or its shareholders have not incurred, and
will not incur, directly or indirectly, as a result of any action taken by EPC
or its shareholders, any liability for brokerage or finders' fees or agents'
commissions or any similar charges in connection with this Agreement.
4.5 No Conflict. No consent of any person not a party to this Agreement
and no consent of any governmental authority is required to be obtained on the
part of EPC or its shareholders to
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permit the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
(including without limitation the transfer to CyberOptics of all right, title
and interest in and to the Transferred Assets).
4.6 Litigation. There is no litigation, investigation, arbitration or
other proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of EPC, threatened against EPC,
its shareholders or the Transferred Assets the result of which would have a
material adverse effect on the Transferred Assets.
4.7 Title to Transferred Assets. EPC has good and marketable title to
all of the Transferred Assets, (ii) all of the Transferred Assets are
transferred to CyberOptics free and clear of restrictions on or conditions to
transfer or assignment, and (iii) all of the Transferred Assets are transferred
to CyberOptics free and clear of any Liens, other than the Assumed Contracts.
4.8 Copyrights, Trademarks and Patents. Neither the Products, the
Transferred Software, nor an act of making, using, offering for sale or selling
the Products, to the best of EPC's or its shareholders' knowledge: (i) infringe
any copyright of any third party, (ii) include any trade secrets that have been
misappropriated from any third party, or (iii) infringe any patents of any third
party. To the knowledge of EPC or its shareholders, any proprietary information
relating to the Transferred Assets has been treated as proprietary and
confidential by EPC in accordance with EPC's existing policies.
4.9 Compliance with Other Instruments. To the extent that any of the
following would have a material adverse effect on the ability of EPC to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement: (i) EPC is not in
violation of any term of its Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, or in any
material breach of any term or provision of any mortgage, indebtedness,
indenture, contract, agreement, instrument, judgment or decree, order, statute,
rule or regulation (including labor laws, rules and regulations) applicable to
EPC; (ii) the execution, delivery and performance of and compliance with this
Agreement and any other agreements contemplated hereby, have not resulted and
will not result in any violation of, or conflict with, or constitute a default
under, or result in the creation of, any mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance or
charge upon any of the properties or assets of EPC or of its shareholders, and
there is no such violation or default that materially and adversely affects the
business of EPC as conducted or as proposed to be conducted, or any of the
properties or assets of EPC.
4.10 Bankruptcy Proceedings. No petition has been filed by or against
EPC or its shareholders for relief under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency
or similar law; no decree or order for relief has been entered in respect of
EPC, voluntarily or involuntarily, under any such law; and no receiver,
liquidator, sequestrator, trustee, custodian or other officer has been appointed
with respect to EPC or its assets and liabilities pursuant to any such law. No
warrant of attachment, execution or similar process has been executed against
EPC or any of their assets or properties. EPC has not made any assignment for
the benefit of creditors.
4.11 Transferred Software. Exhibit D sets forth a complete listing of
the source code for the most current version of Transferred Software (as set
forth on a CD), and when considered together with the Know-how, is sufficient to
enable CyberOptics to manufacture Products.
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4.12 Sufficiency of Transferred Software. There is no software required
to operate, develop, manufacture and troubleshoot the Products other than the
Transferred Software.
4.13 Sufficiency of Intellectual Property. Other than the intellectual
property transferred to CyberOptics under the provisions of the assignments in
Exhibits E, F and G, there is no additional intellectual property owned by EPC
or its shareholders which is required to make, use, offer for sale, make
derivative works, reproduce or sell the Products.
4.14 Ownership of Transferred Assets. EPC is the owner of all the
rights in the Transferred Assets and as evidence thereof, shall deliver and
execute for the benefit of CyberOptics a Copyright Assignment, such Assignments
executed for each of the persons who either developed or created the Transferred
Software, a copy of such Agreement set forth at Exhibit I.
ARTICLE 5
NO WARRANTY
5. No Warranty.
CYBEROPTICS ACKNOWLEDGES THAT EPC TRANSFERS THE TRANSFERRED ASSETS "AS
IS" WITHOUT ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES REGARDING FUNCTIONALITY,
PERFORMANCE, USE, OPERATION OR SPECIFICATIONS, AND WITHOUT EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND (EXCEPT THE EXPRESS REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES SET FORTH IN ARTICLE 4 HEREOF), INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO
EVENT SHALL EPC BE LIABLE TO CYBEROPTICS FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, COSTS OF
PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS, OR OTHER SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES.
ARTICLE 6
ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
6. Additional Agreements.
6.1 Confidentiality.
(A) Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees to keep any
information or knowledge obtained pursuant to any provision of
this Agreement, or the negotiation and execution hereof or the
effectuation of the transactions contemplated hereby,
confidential; provided, however, that (i) CyberOptics has no
obligation to keep information or knowledge constituting a
portion of the Transferred Assets confidential, and (ii) the
foregoing shall not apply to information or knowledge which
(a) a party can demonstrate was already lawfully in its
possession prior to the disclosure thereof by the other party
and not subject to a confidentiality obligation, (b) is
generally known to the public and did not become so known
through any violation of law or this Agreement, (c) became
known to the public through no fault of such party, (d) is
later lawfully acquired by such party from other sources, (e)
is
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required to be disclosed by order of court or government
agency with subpoena powers, or (f) is disclosed in the course
of any litigation between any of the parties hereto.
(B) In furtherance of the confidentiality provisions of Paragraph
6.1(A), EPC agrees to execute the two Non-Compete and
Confidentiality Agreements as set forth in Exhibit J.
6.2 Transaction Costs. Each party shall be responsible for its own
costs, expenses and claims (including attorneys' fees) arising out of its
negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement and all transactions
contemplated hereby.
6.3 Transition Assistance. In order to assist CyberOptics in
assimilating the Transferred Assets (not for the purpose of making further
improvements to the Transferred Assets), EPC agrees to provide CyberOptics with
the following:
(A) The services of Stephen J. Foster and Evan J. Evans who shall
make available to CyberOptics in the aggregate up to one
hundred forty (140) hours of consulting time; (ii) who shall
be available to CyberOptics during regular business hours for
a period not to exceed six (6) months after the Closing Date
(even if CyberOptics has not accrued an aggregate of 140 hours
of consulting time at the end of such period); and (iii) whose
salaries and benefits during such period shall be paid by EPC
but whose reasonable travel and other business expenses shall
be reimbursed by CyberOptics within ten (10) days of a request
therefor. Up to forty (40) hours of consulting time shall be
at CyberOptics' facility and up to one hundred (100) hours
shall be at EPC's facilities. EPC shall have no obligation to
replace an individual who is hired by, or enters into an
employment, consulting or similar agreement with CyberOptics.
In the absence of willful misconduct or gross negligence on
the part of the employees of EPC provided hereunder, no claim
shall be made by CyberOptics with respect to the actions of
such employees or EPC' compliance with the provisions of this
Paragraph.
(B) Any modification, translation, improvement or derivative work
(collectively, a "Modification") of the Transferred Software
made by (i) the individual referred to in Paragraph 6.3(A)
during the period of such individual's performance of the
services contemplated by Paragraph 6.3(A), alone or together
with CyberOptics employees, shall be owned solely by
CyberOptics. To the extent EPC would otherwise have any
ownership rights in or to such Modification, EPC hereby
assigns such rights to CyberOptics and will execute any
documentation reasonably necessary to effectuate such
assignment.
6.4 Assistance for Improvements.. EPC agrees to provide reasonable
consulting assistance to CyberOptics, within two years of the Closing Date, to
be performed by the two individuals identified in paragraph 6.3(A), for
improvements which CyberOptics desires to make to the Products or to the
Transferred Software. Such consulting shall be available from EPC only as its
business allows; provided however, that EPC agrees to sign a mutually agreed
upon consulting agreement for services at the rate of one hundred seventy five
($175) dollars per hour, plus reasonable travel expenses.
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6.5 Customer Transition. Both CyberOptics and EPC will use commercially
reasonable efforts to implement a smooth transition of operations to CyberOptics
to the end that any customers of EPC which own any of the Products will
experience as little disruption or delay in supply, support or service as is
reasonably practicable; provided, however, that (i) in the absence of willful
misconduct or gross negligence on EPC's part, no claim shall be made by
CyberOptics with respect to EPC's alleged noncompliance under the provisions of
this Paragraph, and (ii) in the absence of willful misconduct or gross
negligence on the part of CyberOptics, no claim shall be made by EPC with
respect to CyberOptics' alleged noncompliance under the provisions of this
Paragraph. EPC agrees to notify their dealers and distributors that EPC will no
longer offer the Products, and that CyberOptics will now offer the Products.
CyberOptics shall assume the support of those customers which have purchased the
EPC 6000 product before the Closing Date.
6.6 Non-Compete with EPC Spare Parts Exception. For a period of six (6)
years after the Closing Date, EPC will not engage directly or indirectly in the
Loaded Board Inspection Business; provided, however, that 1) EPC may either sell
the EPC 5400 or sell spare parts therefor, to any of the customers listed in
Exhibit K; or 2) sell EPC products within the Loaded Board Inspection Business
to CyberOptics; or 3) provide consulting services to CyberOptics as per the
provision of this Agreement. Ownership of less than 1% of the outstanding stock
of any publicly traded corporation shall not be deemed solely by reason thereof
to be the engagement in such corporation's businesses. If the final judgment of
a court of competent jurisdiction declares that any term or provision of this
Paragraph is invalid or unenforceable, the parties agree that the court making
the determination of invalidity or unenforceability shall have the power to
reduce the scope, duration, or area of the term or provision, to delete specific
words or phrases, or to replace any invalid or unenforceable term or provision
with a term or provision that is valid and enforceable and that comes closest to
expressing the intention of the invalid or unenforceable term or provision, and
this Agreement shall be enforceable as so modified after the expiration of the
time within which the judgment may be appealed.
6.7 License Back to EPC. CyberOptics hereby grants a worldwide,
non-exclusive, fully paid-up, non-transferable license to EPC under the
Transferred Software, for the exclusive purposes of fulfilling the provisions of
Paragraph 6.6.
6.8 Bulk Sales. CyberOptics hereby agrees to waive the requirement, if
any, that EPC comply with any bulk transfer law which may be applicable to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided, that EPC and its
shareholders agree to indemnify and hold harmless CyberOptics with respect to
any noncompliance with such laws and CyberOptics' waiver with respect thereto.
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ARTICLE 7
INDEMNIFICATION
7. Indemnification.
7.1 Agreement to Indemnify. EPC hereby agrees to indemnify and hold
CyberOptics harmless against and in respect of any loss, cost, expense, claim,
liability, deficiency, judgment or damage, including reasonable legal fees and
expenses (individually, a "Loss"; and collectively, "Losses") incurred by
CyberOptics as a result of any inaccuracy in or breach of a representation or
warranty of EPC contained in this Agreement. CyberOptics shall not be entitled
to recover any amount of indemnification claims hereunder unless and until the
aggregate of all such claims exceeds, in the aggregate, $25,000, in which event
CyberOptics shall be entitled to recover all amounts of Losses in excess of
$25,000; provided, however, that in no event shall CyberOptics and its
directors, officers and affiliates be entitled to recover more than the amount
of the Aggregate Purchase Price actually paid by CyberOptics to EPC when EPC's
indemnity obligation hereunder expires.
7.2 Expiration of Indemnification. The indemnification obligations
under the provisions of Paragraph 7.1 and the representations and warranties
contained in this Agreement shall terminate at 5:00 p.m., Central Standard Time
on the first anniversary of the Closing Date, but shall not terminate as to any
Loss asserted prior to such date.
7.3 Procedure for Indemnification.
(A) In the event that CyberOptics shall incur or suffer any Losses
in respect of which indemnification may be sought by such
party pursuant to the provisions of this Article 7,
CyberOptics shall assert a claim for indemnification by
written notice (a "Notice") to EPC briefly stating the nature
and basis of such claim. In the case of Losses arising by
reason of any third party claim, the Notice shall be given
within thirty (30) days of the filing or other written
assertion of any such claim against CyberOptics, and if any
Notice is given after such date, it shall have no effect.
(B) CyberOptics shall provide to EPC on request all information
and documentation reasonably necessary to support and verify
any Losses which CyberOptics believes give rise to a claim for
indemnification hereunder and shall give EPC reasonable access
to all books, records and personnel in the possession or under
the control of CyberOptics which would have bearing on such
claim; provided, however, that to the extent CyberOptics is
prohibited by reasonable provisions of any third-party
nondisclosure agreement from providing EPC with any of the
foregoing, CyberOptics agrees to use its best efforts to
obtain the consent of such third party to the disclosure of
the information and documentation as contemplated under the
provisions of this Paragraph.
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(C) In the case of third party claims for which indemnification is
sought, EPC shall have the option (i) to conduct any
proceedings or negotiations in connection therewith, (ii) to
take all other steps to settle or defend any such claim, and
(iii) to employ counsel to contest any such claim or liability
in the name of CyberOptics or otherwise; however, EPC shall
notify CyberOptics of their intentions with respect to any of
the foregoing within thirty (30) days after receipt of notice
of any such claims. In any event, CyberOptics shall be
entitled to participate at its own expense (which expense
shall not constitute a Loss) with its own counsel in any
proceedings relating to any third party claim, including
without limitation settlement negotiations. If CyberOptics
shall settle such claim, any such settlement without the prior
written consent of EPC shall not be determinative of the
amount of any Loss or of any entitlement to indemnification.
EPC and CyberOptics agree to cooperate reasonably with each
other in connection with the defense of any claim. EPC will
have no liability to CyberOptics for any breach of
representations and warranties based on (i) modification of
the Transferred Software. Subject to the provisions of
Paragraph 7.1, if and to the extent EPC is responsible
pursuant hereto to indemnify CyberOptics in respect of a
third-party claim, then within ten (10) days after the
occurrence of a settlement or judgment with respect to such
third party claim, EPC shall deliver to CyberOptics cash equal
to the amount of any Losses (or such portion thereof as EPC
shall be responsible for pursuant to the provisions hereof).
Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 7.1, in the event that
any Losses incurred by CyberOptics do not involve payment by
CyberOptics of a third party claim, then, if and to the extent
EPC is responsible pursuant hereto to indemnify CyberOptics
against such Losses, EPC shall, within ten (10) days after
agreement on the amount of Losses or the determination of the
amount by an arbitrator in accordance with the provisions of
Paragraph 7.4 hereof, deliver to CyberOptics cash equal to the
amount of such Losses (or the portion thereof as EPC shall be
responsible for pursuant to the provisions hereof).
7.4 Arbitration. Any controversy involving a claim by an indemnified
party pursuant to this Article 7 shall be finally settled by arbitration in
Minneapolis, Minnesota, in accordance with the then-current Commercial
Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (or of any successor
association), and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be
entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Such arbitration shall be
conducted by an arbitrator chosen by mutual agreement of CyberOptics and EPC.
Failing such agreement, the arbitration shall be conducted by three independent
arbitrators, none of whom shall have any competitive interest with CyberOptics
or EPC: CyberOptics shall choose one such arbitrator, EPC shall choose one such
arbitrator, and such two arbitrators shall mutually select a third such
arbitrator. Any decision of two such arbitrators shall be binding on CyberOptics
and EPC. If the matter in dispute is related to patents, the arbitrators shall
be registered Patent Attorneys. There shall be limited discovery prior to the
arbitration hearing, subject to the discretion of the arbitrators, as follows:
(a) exchange of witness lists and copies of documentary evidence and documents
related to or arising out of the issues to be arbitrated, (b) depositions of all
party witnesses, and (c) such other depositions as may be allowed by the
arbitrator upon a showing of good cause. Each party shall pay its own costs and
expenses (including counsel fees) of any such arbitration except that the
arbitrator can compel one party to pay all or a portion of the other party's
costs and expenses.
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7.5 Sole Remedy. The provisions of this Article 7 constitute the sole
remedy of CyberOptics for any breach of a representation or warranty by EPC.
ARTICLE 8
MISCELLANEOUS
8. General Provisions. The provisions of this Article 8 shall apply to this
Agreement and its Exhibits.
8.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota, regardless of its provisions
on the conflict of laws.
8.2 Jurisdiction. Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 7.4, all
disputes arising out of this Agreement will be subject to the exclusive
jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in Minneapolis,
Minnesota, and the parties consent to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction of
such courts.
8.3 Successors and Assigns. Except as specifically otherwise provided
herein, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding
upon, the successors, assigns, heirs, executors and administrators of the
parties hereto.
8.4 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally or by commercial
delivery service, or mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt
requested) or sent via telecopy (with acknowledgement of complete transmission)
to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party
as shall be specified by like notice):
(i) if to EPC, to:
Cynthia J. Whitehead
President and CEO
Electronic Packaging Company
2209 Wisconsin St., Suite 101
Dallas, TX 75229-2060
(ii) if to CyberOptics, to:
Steven M. Quist
President
CyberOptics Corporation
5900 Golden Hills Dr.
Golden Valley, MN 55416
Each such notice or other communication shall for all purposes of this Agreement
be treated as effective or having been given when delivered at the address of
the party to be notified; provided,
47
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however, that such address shall have been furnished to the person giving notice
(as specified above) and the address shall be at an entity that maintains
regular business hours (except for holidays) throughout the entire year. In the
event that the address furnished is not at an entity that maintains regular
business hours, notice shall be deemed given upon the earlier of personal
delivery or, if sent by mail, at the earlier of its receipt or 72 hours after
deposit in a regularly maintained receptacle for the deposit of the U.S. mail,
addressed and mailed as aforesaid.
8.5 Delays or Omissions. Except as provided herein (including, without
limitation, in Paragraph 7.3 hereof), no delay or omission to exercise any
right, power or remedy accruing to any party hereunder upon any breach or
default of CyberOptics or EPC under this Agreement shall impair any such right,
power or remedy of such party, nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any
such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of or in any similar
breach or default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any single
breach or default be deemed a waiver of any other breach or default theretofore
or thereafter occurring. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or
character on the part of any party of any breach or default under this
Agreement, or any waiver on the part of any party of any provisions or
conditions of this Agreement, must be in writing and shall be effective only to
the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under
this Agreement or by law or otherwise afforded to any such holder, shall be
cumulative and not alternative.
8.6 Expenses. CyberOptics and EPC shall bear their own expenses
(including attorney fees) incurred on its behalf with respect to this Agreement
and the transactions contemplated hereby.
8.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be enforceable against the parties actually
executing such counterparts and all of which together shall constitute one
instrument.
8.8 Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement
becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal,
unenforceable or void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect
without said provision, provided that no such severability shall be effective if
it materially changes the economic benefit of this Agreement to any party.
8.9 Titles and Subtitles. The titles and subtitles used in this
Agreement are used for convenience only and are not considered in construing or
interpreting this Agreement.
8.10 Mutual Drafting. This Agreement is the joint product of
CyberOptics and EPC, and each provision hereof has been subject to the mutual
consultation, negotiation and agreement of CyberOptics and EPC, and shall not be
construed for or against any party hereto on account of the alleged or
demonstrated responsibility of any particular party or parties for the drafting
of such provision.
8.11 Attorneys' Fees. If one party brings an action against the other
party to enforce its rights under this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be
entitled to recover its reasonable costs and expenses, including reasonable
attorneys' fees and costs, incurred in connection with such action, including
any appeal of such action.
48
<PAGE>
8.12 Representation of Counsel. EPC is represented by counsel for the
purposes of the subject matter of this Agreement, and further, that it has had
adequate time to consider the provisions of this Agreement and the advise of its
counsel before entering into this Agreement.
8.13 Entire Agreement: Amendment. This Agreement and the Incorporated
Documents constitute the full and entire understanding and agreement between the
parties with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof, and no party shall be
liable or bound to any other party in any manner by any representations,
warranties or covenants except as specifically set forth herein or therein.
Except as expressly provided herein, neither this Agreement nor any term hereof
may be amended, waived, discharged or terminated other than by a written
instrument signed by the party against whom enforcement of any such amendment,
waiver, discharge or termination is sought.
ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO:
ELECTRONIC PACKAGING COMPANY CYBEROPTICS CORPORATION
- ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Cynthia J. Whitehead Steven M. Quist
President & CEO President
Date: Date:
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
49
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements of
CyberOptics Corporation on Form S-8 (File Nos. 33-21092, 33-41509, 33-41515,
33-50510, 33-80838 and 33-39091) of our reports dated January 29, 1999, on our
audits of the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule
of CyberOptics Corporation as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1998 which reports are included in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
PricewaterhouseCooper LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 19, 1999
50
EXHIBIT 99.0
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
Statements regarding the future prospects of the Company must be
evaluated in the context of a number of factors that may materially affect its
financial condition and results of operations. Disclosure of these factors is
intended to permit the Company to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions
of the PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995. Most of these factors
have been discussed in prior filings by the Company with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Although the Company has attempted to list the factors that
it is currently aware may have an impact on its operations, other factors may in
the future prove to be important and the following list should not necessarily
be considered comprehensive.
INDUSTRY CONCENTRATION AND CYCLICALITY. The majority of the Company's
revenue is directly or indirectly related to capital expenditures in the
electronics industry. This industry is highly cyclical and has historically
experienced periodic downturns which often have had a severe effect on capital
expenditures. During the second half of 1998, the market for capital goods in
the electronics industry has deteriorated, which could continue to effect the
Company's order rate for the next few quarters. For the foreseeable future, the
Company's operations will continue to be dependent on the capital expenditures
in this industry which, in turn, is largely dependent on the market demand for
products containing integrated circuits. Although the Company's products have
been, and continue to be, used in a variety of industries outside the
electronics industry, the Company's current product development and marketing is
focused on electronics and its business and results of operations would be
significantly and adversely affected by a slowdown in this industry.
DEPENDENCE UPON PRINCIPAL OEM CUSTOMERS. The Company's revenue levels
continue to be largely dependent on the order rates of its large OEM customers.
For the year ended December 31, 1998, two of the Company's customers, Juki
Corporation and Philips Electronics N.V. , accounted for approximately 57% of
the Company's revenues. In addition, the Company's five principal customers
(including Juki and Philips), in aggregate accounted for approximately 65% of
the Company's revenues for such period. During the first quarter of 1998, the
Company was notified by its largest OEM customer that there would be a reduction
in its first half of 1999 order rate, resulting in reduced revenue levels in
such period when compared to the same period in 1998. The loss of, or a
significant curtailment of purchases by, any one or more of these OEM has a
material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.
DEPENDENCE ON OUTSIDE CONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS. The Company currently
contracts with third party assembly houses for a substantial portion of the
purchase and assembly of components of its products. Although the Company
endeavors to inspect and internally test most components prior to final
assembly, reliance on outside contractors reduces its control over quality and
delivery schedules. The failure by one or more of these subcontractors to
deliver quality components in a timely manner could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's results of operations. In addition, a number of the
components used in the Company's products are available from only a single
supplier or from a limited number of suppliers. Some of these components have
relatively long order cycles, in some cases over one year, and the timely
availability of these components to the Company is dependent on the Company's
ability to develop accurate forecasts of customer volume requirements. Any
interruption in or termination of supply of these components, or material change
in the purchase terms, including pricing, of any of these components, or a
reduction in their quality or reliability, could have a material adverse effect
on the Company's business and results of operations.
51
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DEPENDENCE ON PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS. The Company's revenues continue to be
dependent on product sales from two sensor product lines sold to OEM customers.
For the year ended December 31, 1998, approximately 66% of the Company's
revenues were from shipments of LaserAlign and Laser Lead Locator sensors to OEM
customers. These products have historically competed favorably in the
marketplace and the Company continues to introduce newer configurations in
response to customer requirements. However, a significant reduction in the use
of these products by OEM equipment manufacturers would have a material adverse
effect on the Company's results of operations.
PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGY AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. The Company relies
heavily on its proprietary hardware designs and software technology. Although
the Company uses a variety of methods to protect its technology, it relies most
heavily on patents and trade secrets. There can be no assurance that the steps
taken by the Company will be adequate to deter misappropriation of its
technology, that any patents issued to the Company will not be challenged,
invalidated or circumvented, or that the rights granted thereunder will provide
a competitive advantage to the Company. In addition, there remains the
possibility that others will "reverse engineer" the Company's products in order
to determine their method of operation and introduce competing products or that
others will develop competing technology independently. Any such adverse
circumstances could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of
operations.
As the number of its products increases, the markets in which its
products are sold expands, and the functionality of those products grows and
overlaps with products offered by competitors, the Company believes that it may
become increasingly subject to infringement claims. Although the Company does
not believe any of its products or proprietary rights infringe the rights of
third parties, there can be no assurances that infringement claims will not be
asserted against the Company in the future or that any such claims will not
require the Company to enter into royalty arrangements or result in costly
litigation.
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL AND NEW EXECUTIVE MANAGERS. The Company is
highly dependent upon the technical expertise, management and leadership of Dr.
Steven K. Case, Chairman and director of the Company and Steven M. Quist,
President and director of the Company, as well as other members of the Company's
senior management team, many of whom would be difficult to replace. Although the
Company has a $2,000,000 key-man insurance policy on Dr. Case and Mr. Quist and
has retained other experienced and qualified senior managers, the loss of the
services of Dr. Case, Mr. Quist or other key personnel could have a material
adverse effect on the Company.
During 1998, the Company retained two new business unit managers and
other senior executive officers in key operational positions. These managers
were retained to add to the depth of management talent at the senior level and
help position the Company for future internal growth and potential acquisitions.
While these officers bring substantial prior experience to the Company, they may
not be familiar with the operational environment at the Company and the markets
it serves.
TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE AND NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT. The market for the
Company's products is characterized by rapidly changing technology. Technologies
employed in the circuit board production industry, particularly the surface
mount portion of the industry, continue to change rapidly and new technology
could cause a portion of the Company's products to become obsolete at any time.
Accordingly, the Company believes that its future success will depend upon its
ability to continue to develop and introduce new products with improved price
and performance. In order to develop such new products successfully, the Company
is dependent upon close relationships with its customers and their willingness
to share information about their requirements and participate in joint
development
52
<PAGE>
efforts with the Company. There can be no assurance that the Company's customers
will continue to provide it with timely access to such information or that the
Company will be able to develop and market such new products successfully and
respond effectively to technological changes or new product announcements by
others.
INTERNATIONAL REVENUE. In the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and
1996 sales of the Company's products to customers outside the United States
accounted for approximately 82%, 69%, and 70%, respectively, of the Company's
revenue. The Company anticipates that international revenue will continue to
account for a significant portion of its revenues. The Company's operating
results are subject to the risks inherent in international sales, including, but
not limited to, various regulatory requirements, political and economic changes
and disruptions, transportation delays, difficulties in staffing and managing
foreign sales operations, and potentially adverse tax consequences. In addition,
fluctuations in exchange rates may render the Company's products less
competitive relative to local product offerings. There can be no assurance that
these factors will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's future
international sales and, consequently, on the Company's operating results.
COMPETITION. The Company competes with other vendors of optical
sensors, with vendors of machine vision systems, and with the internal
engineering efforts of the Company's current or prospective customers, many of
which may have greater financial and other resources than the Company. There can
be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete successfully in the
future or that the Company will not be required to incur significant costs in
connection with its engineering research, development, marketing and customer
service efforts to remain competitive. Moreover, the Company's principal
customers operate within the electronics industry, which is highly competitive
and highly dependent upon its suppliers' ability to provide high quality, cost
efficient products. Competitive pressures may result in price erosion or other
factors which will adversely affect the Company's financial performance.
QUARTERLY FLUCTUATIONS. The Company has experienced quarterly
fluctuations in operating results and anticipates that these fluctuations will
continue. These fluctuations have been caused by various factors, including the
capital procurement practices of its customers and the electronics industry in
general, the timing and acceptance of new product introductions and
enhancements, and the timing of product shipments and marketing. Future
operating results may fluctuate as a result of these and other factors,
including the Company's ability to continue to develop innovative products, the
introduction of new products by the Company's competitors, the Company's product
and customer mix, the level of competition and overall trends in the economy.
POSSIBLE VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE. The Company believes that factors
such as the announcement of new products by the Company or its competitors,
market conditions in the electronics and precision measurement industries in
general and quarterly fluctuations in financial results could cause the market
price of the Common Stock to vary substantially. In recent years, the stock
market has experienced price and volume fluctuations that have particularly
affected the market prices for many high technology companies and which often
have been unrelated to the operating performance of such companies. The market
volatility may adversely affect the market price of the Company's Common Stock.
53
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