10-K 1 d435715d10k.htm FORM 10-K Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

 

þ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012

or

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number: 01-14010

Waters Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   13-3668640

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

34 Maple Street

Milford, Massachusetts 01757

(Address, including zip code, of principal executive offices)

(508) 478-2000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

  Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
  New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
 

Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value

$0.01 per share

  New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

  None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  þ        No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨        No  þ

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  þ        No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  þ        No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) 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 this Form 10-K.    þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or smaller reporting company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer  þ   Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨   

Smaller reporting company  ¨

 

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨        No  þ

State the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2012: $6,966,563,351.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of February 22, 2013: 85,886,844

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference in Part III.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

WATERS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

INDEX

 

Item
No.

          Page  
       PART I       
  1.       Business      1   
  1A.       Risk Factors      10   
  1B.       Unresolved Staff Comments      14   
  2.       Properties      14   
  3.       Legal Proceedings      15   
  4.       Mine Safety Disclosures      16   
   Executive Officers of the Registrant      16   
       PART II       
  5.       Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities      17   
  6.       Selected Financial Data      19   
  7.       Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      19   
  7A.       Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk      35   
  8.       Financial Statements and Supplementary Data      38   
  9.       Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure      78   
  9A.       Controls and Procedures      78   
  9B.       Other Information      78   
       PART III       
  10.       Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance      79   
  11.       Executive Compensation      79   
  12.       Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters      79   
  13.       Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence      80   
  14.       Principal Accountant Fees and Services      80   
       PART IV       
  15.       Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules      81   
   Signatures      86   


Table of Contents

PART I

 

Item 1: Business

General

Waters Corporation (“Waters®” or the “Company”) is an analytical instrument manufacturer that primarily designs, manufactures, sells and services, through its Waters Division, high performance liquid chromatography (“HPLC”), ultra performance liquid chromatography (“UPLC®” and together with HPLC, referred to as “LC”) and mass spectrometry (“MS”) technology systems and support products, including chromatography columns, other consumable products and comprehensive post-warranty service plans. These systems are complementary products that are frequently employed together (“LC-MS”) and sold as integrated instrument systems using a common software platform and are used along with other analytical instruments. Through its TA Division (“TA®”), the Company primarily designs, manufactures, sells and services thermal analysis, rheometry and calorimetry instruments. The Company is also a developer and supplier of software-based products that interface with the Company’s instruments and are typically purchased by customers as part of the instrument system.

The Company’s products are used by pharmaceutical, life science, biochemical, industrial, nutritional safety, environmental, academic and governmental customers working in research and development, quality assurance and other laboratory applications. The Company’s LC and LC-MS instruments are utilized in this broad range of industries to detect, identify, monitor and measure the chemical, physical and biological composition of materials, as well as to purify a full range of compounds. These instruments are used in drug discovery and development, including clinical trial testing, the analysis of proteins in disease processes (known as “proteomics”), nutritional safety analysis and environmental testing. The Company’s thermal analysis, rheometry and calorimetry instruments are used in predicting the suitability of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, water, polymers and viscous liquids for uses in various industrial, consumer goods and healthcare products, as well as for life science research.

Waters, organized as a Delaware corporation in 1991, is a holding company that owns all of the outstanding common stock of Waters Technologies Corporation, its operating subsidiary. Waters became a publicly-traded company with its initial public offering (“IPO”) in November 1995. Since the IPO, the Company has added two significant and complementary technologies to its range of products with the acquisitions of TA Instruments in May 1996 and Micromass Limited (“Micromass®”) in September 1997.

Business Segments

The Company’s business activities, for which financial information is available, are regularly reviewed and evaluated by the chief operating decision makers. As a result of this evaluation, the Company determined that it has two operating segments: Waters Division and TA Division. The Company operates in the analytical instruments industry by designing, manufacturing, distributing and servicing instrument systems, columns and other chemistry consumables that can be integrated and used along with other analytical instruments. The Company’s two operating segments, Waters Division and TA Division, have similar economic characteristics; product processes; products and services; types and classes of customers; methods of distribution and regulatory environments. Because of these similarities, the two segments have been aggregated into one reporting segment for financial statement purposes.

Information concerning revenues and long-lived assets attributable to each of the Company’s products, services and geographic areas is set forth in Note 14 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Waters Division

High Performance and Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography

HPLC is a standard technique used to identify and analyze the constituent components of a variety of chemicals and other materials. The Company believes that HPLC’s performance capabilities enable it to separate and

 

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identify approximately 80% of all known chemicals and materials. As a result, HPLC is used to analyze substances in a wide variety of industries for research and development purposes, quality control and process engineering applications.

The most significant end-use markets for HPLC are those served by the pharmaceutical and life science industries. In these markets, HPLC is used extensively to identify new drugs, develop manufacturing methods and assure the potency and purity of new pharmaceuticals. HPLC is also used in a variety of other applications, such as analyses of foods and beverages for nutritional labeling and compliance with safety regulations, the testing of water and air purity within the environmental testing industry, as well as applications in other industries, such as chemical and consumer products. HPLC is also used by universities, research institutions and governmental agencies, such as the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and their international counterparts that mandate testing requiring HPLC instrumentation.

Traditionally, a typical HPLC system has consisted of five basic components: solvent delivery system, sample injector, separation column, detector and data acquisition unit. The solvent delivery system pumps solvents through the HPLC system, while the sample injector introduces samples into the solvent flow. The chromatography column then separates the sample into its components for analysis by the detector, which measures the presence and amount of the constituents. The data acquisition unit, usually referred to as the instrument’s software or data system, then records and stores the information from the detector.

In 2004, Waters introduced a novel technology that the Company describes as ultra performance liquid chromatography that utilizes a packing material with small, uniform diameter particles and a specialized instrument, the ACQUITY UPLC®, to accommodate the increased pressure and narrow chromatographic bands that are generated by these small particles. By using the ACQUITY UPLC, researchers and analysts are able to achieve more comprehensive chemical separations and faster analysis times in comparison with many analyses performed by HPLC. In addition, in using ACQUITY UPLC, researchers have the potential to extend the range of applications beyond that of HPLC, enabling them to uncover new levels of scientific information. While offering significant performance advantages, ACQUITY UPLC is also compatible with the Company’s software products and the general operating protocols of HPLC. For these reasons, the Company’s customers and field sales and support organizations are well positioned to utilize this new technology and instrument. In 2010, Waters introduced the ACQUITY UPLC® H-Class instrument system, which incorporates the performance of ACQUITY UPLC with the operational familiarity of traditional HPLC systems. The ACQUITY UPLC H-Class is a streamlined system that brings together the flexibility and simplicity of quaternary solvent blending and a flow-through needle injector to deliver the advanced performance expected of UPLC-type separations. The ACQUITY UPLC H-Class delivers high resolution, sensitivity and improved through-put while maintaining the robustness and reliability for which the ACQUITY systems are known. In 2011, the Company introduced the ACQUITY UPLC® I-Class instrument system. The ACQUITY UPLC I-Class provides a powerful solution to a critical need by successfully analyzing compounds that are limited in amount or availability amid a complex matrix. The ACQUITY UPLC I-Class system maximizes peak capacity to enhance MS sensitivity; it provides the lowest carryover, complementing MS sensitivity and extending MS linear dynamic range; and it has been purposefully engineered for the lowest dispersion. In 2012, the Company introduced UltraPerformance Convergence ChromatographyTM (“UPC2™”) with the release of the ACQUITY® UPC2™ system. This new technology marries the unrealized potential of supercritical fluid chromatography (“SFC”) with the proven UPLC technology, using carbon dioxide as the primary mobile phase. By varying mobile phase strength, pressure, temperature and stationary phase with UPC2, a user can separate, detect and quantify structural analogs, isomers, enantiomeric and diasteriomeric mixtures – all compounds or samples that challenge today’s laboratories.

Waters manufactures LC instruments that are offered in configurations that allow for varying degrees of automation, from component configured systems for academic research applications to fully automated systems for regulated testing, and that have a variety of detection technologies, from ultra-violet (“UV”) absorbance to MS, optimized for certain analyses. The Company also manufactures tailored LC systems for the analysis of

 

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biologics, as well as an LC detector utilizing evaporative light scattering technology to expand the usage of LC to compounds that are not amenable to UV absorbance detection.

The primary consumable products for LC are chromatography columns. These columns are packed with separation media used in the LC testing process and are replaced at regular intervals. The chromatography column contains one of several types of packing material, typically stationary phase particles made from silica. As the sample flows through the column, it is separated into its constituent components.

Waters HPLC columns can be used on Waters-branded and competitors’ LC systems. The Company believes that it is one of the few suppliers in the world that processes silica, packs columns and distributes its own products. In doing so, the Company believes it can better ensure product consistency, a key attribute for its customers in quality control laboratories, and can react quickly to new customer requirements. The Company believes that its ACQUITY UPLC lines of columns are used nearly exclusively on its ACQUITY UPLC instrument systems and, furthermore, that its ACQUITY UPLC instrument primarily uses ACQUITY UPLC columns.

The Company’s chemistry consumable products also include environmental and nutritional safety testing products. Environmental laboratories use these products for quality control and proficiency testing and also purchase product support services required to help with their federal and state mandated accreditation requirements or with quality control over critical pharmaceutical analysis. In addition, the Company provides tests to identify and quantify mycotoxins in various agricultural commodities. These test kits provide reliable, quantitative detection of particular mycotoxins through the choice of flurometer, LC-MS or HPLC.

Mass Spectrometry and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

MS is a powerful analytical technology that is used to identify unknown compounds, to quantify known materials and to elucidate the structural and chemical properties of molecules by measuring the masses of individual molecules that have been converted into ions.

The Company believes it is a market leader in the development, manufacture, sale and distribution of MS instruments. These instruments are typically integrated and used along with other complementary analytical instruments and systems, such as LC, chemical electrophoresis, chemical electrophoresis chromatography and gas chromatography. A wide variety of instrumental designs fall within the overall category of MS instrumentation, including devices that incorporate quadrupole, ion trap, time-of-flight (“Tof”) and classic magnetic sector technologies. Furthermore, these technologies are often used in tandem to maximize the efficacy of certain experiments.

Currently, the Company offers a wide range of MS instrument systems utilizing various combinations of quadrupole, Tof, ion mobility and magnetic sector designs. These instrument systems are used in drug discovery and development, as well as for environmental, clinical and nutritional safety testing. The majority of mass spectrometers sold by the Company are designed to utilize an LC system as the sample introduction device. These products supply a diverse market with a strong emphasis on the life science, pharmaceutical, biomedical, clinical, food and beverage and environmental market segments worldwide.

MS is an increasingly important detection technology for LC. The Company’s smaller-sized mass spectrometers, such as the single quadrupole detector (“SQD”) and the tandem quadrupole detector (“TQD”), are often referred to as LC “detectors” and are typically sold as part of an LC system or as an LC system upgrade. Larger quadrupole systems, such as the Xevo® TQ and Xevo® TQ-S instruments, are used primarily for experiments performed for late-stage drug development, including clinical trial testing. Quadrupole time-of-flight (“Q-TofTM”) instruments, such as the Company’s SYNAPT® G2-S, are often used to analyze the role of proteins in disease processes, an application sometimes referred to as “proteomics”. In 2010, the Company introduced the Xevo TQ-S instrument system, which is designed for the most demanding UPLC/MS/MS applications. Also in 2010, the Company introduced the Xevo® G2 Q-TofTM instrument system. The Xevo G2 Q-Tof is one of the most sensitive, exact mass quantitative and qualitative bench-top MS/MS instrument systems developed because

 

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it combines the integrated workflow benefits of Engineered SimplicityTM found in existing Xevo Q-Tof instrument systems with the QuanTofTM technology of the SYNAPT® G2 instrument system. In 2011, the Company introduced the SYNAPT® G2-S HDMS instrument system. The SYNAPT G2-S incorporates both high-sensitivity Waters StepWaveTM ion transfer optics and Triwave® ion mobility technologies along with a suite of new informatics tools to enhance qualitative and quantitative high resolution performance. In 2012, the Company introduced the Xevo® G2-S Q-TofTM and Xevo® G2-S Tof mass spectrometers, bringing StepWave ion technology to its bench-top time-of-flight mass spectrometers.

LC and MS are typically embodied within an analytical system tailored for either a dedicated class of analyses or as a general purpose analytical device. An increasing percentage of the Company’s customers are purchasing LC and MS components simultaneously and it has become common for LC and MS instrumentation to be used within the same laboratory and operated by the same user. The descriptions of LC and MS above reflect the historical segmentation of these analytical technologies and the historical categorization of their respective practitioners. Increasingly in today’s instrument market, this segmentation and categorization is becoming obsolete as a high percentage of instruments used in the laboratory embody both LC and MS technologies as part of a single device. In response to this development and to further promote the high utilization of these hybrid instruments, the Company has organized its Waters Division to develop, manufacture, sell and service integrated LC-MS systems.

Based upon reports from independent marketing research firms and publicly-disclosed sales figures from competitors, the Company believes that it is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of LC and LC-MS instrument systems, chromatography columns and other consumables and related services. The Company also believes that it has the leading LC and LC-MS market share in the United States, Europe and Asia, and believes it may have a market share position in Japan that ranks second to a domestic supplier.

The Company has been a developer and supplier of software-based products that interface with the Company’s instruments. The Company recently introduced a new UNIFI® software platform. The UNIFI Scientific Information System is the culmination of a multi-year effort to bring all of Waters’ preexisting, disparate software systems under one operating system. UNIFI joins Waters’ suite of informatics products – Empower®, Chromatography Data Software, MassLynx® Mass Spectrometry Software and NuGenesis® Scientific Data Management System, each of which is used daily to support innovations within world-leading institutions. UNIFI is the industry’s first comprehensive software that seamlessly integrates UPLC chromatography, mass spectrometry, and informatics data workflows in one platform.

In July 2012, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Blue Reference, Inc. (“Blue Reference”), a U.S.-based developer and distributor of software products used for the real-time mining and analysis of multiple-application scientific databases, for $14 million in cash. The Company will integrate the Blue Reference technology into current and future software product platforms to further differentiate its offerings by providing customers with a more efficient scientific information assessment process, where there is an ongoing need for immediacy and interactivity of multiple scientific databases.

Waters Division Service

Services provided by Waters enable customers to maximize technology productivity, support customer compliance activities and provide transparency into enterprise resource management efficiencies. The customer benefits from improved budget control, data-driven technology adoption and accelerated workflow at a site or on a global perspective. The Company considers its service offerings to be highly differentiated from our competition, as evidenced by the consistent increase in service revenues each year. Our principal competitors in the service market include PerkinElmer, Inc., Agilent Technologies, Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. and General Electric Company. These competitors can provide services on Waters instruments to varying degrees and always present competitive risk.

The servicing and support of instruments, software and accessories is an important source of revenue and represents over 25% of sales for the Waters Division. These revenues are derived primarily through the sale of

 

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support plans, demand service, customer training and performance validation services. Support plans typically involve scheduled instrument maintenance and an agreement to promptly repair a non-functioning instrument in return for a fee described in a contract that is priced according to the configuration of the instrument.

TA Division

Thermal Analysis, Rheometry and Calorimetry

Thermal analysis measures the physical characteristics of materials as a function of temperature. Changes in temperature affect several characteristics of materials, such as their physical state, weight, dimension and mechanical and electrical properties, which may be measured by one or more thermal analysis techniques, including calorimetry. Consequently, thermal analysis techniques are widely used in the development, production and characterization of materials in various industries, such as plastics, chemicals, automobiles, pharmaceuticals and electronics.

Rheometry instruments complement thermal analyzers in characterizing materials. Rheometry characterizes the flow properties of materials and measures their viscosity, elasticity and deformation under different types of “loading” or other conditions. The information obtained under such conditions provides insight into a material’s behavior during processing, packaging, transport, usage and storage.

Thermal analysis and rheometry instruments are heavily used in material testing laboratories and, in many cases, provide information useful in predicting the suitability of fine chemicals, polymers and viscous liquids for various industrial, consumer goods and healthcare products, as well as for life science research. As with systems offered through the Waters Division, a range of instrument configurations is available with increasing levels of sample handling and information processing automation. In addition, systems and accompanying software packages can be tailored for specific applications. For example, the Q-SeriesTM family of differential scanning calorimeters includes a range of instruments, from basic dedicated analyzers to more expensive systems that can accommodate robotic sample handlers and a variety of sample cells and temperature control features for analyzing a broad range of materials. In 2010, TA introduced the Nano ITC Low Volume system, which is engineered to provide isothermal titration calorimetry capabilities for applications with limited sample sizes. Also in 2010, TA introduced the DMA-RH Accessory, which is designed to be used with the Q800 Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer to allow the mechanical properties of a sample to be analyzed under controlled and/or varying conditions of both relative humidity and temperature. In 2011, TA introduced the Discovery DSC, Discovery TGA and Discovery Hybrid Rheometer, which provide unmatched measurement performance in the fields of differential scanning calorimetry and rheometry.

In July 2011, the Company acquired Anter Corporation (“Anter”), a manufacturer of thermal analyzers used to measure thermal expansion and shrinkage, thermal conductivity and resistivity, thermal diffusivity and specific heat capacity of a wide range of materials, especially materials used in high temperature applications, for $11 million in cash. Anter systems provide critical information to scientists that develop and characterize ceramics, metals and glasses for use in a wide range of industries, including electronics, energy and aerospace.

In January 2012, the Company acquired Baehr Thermoanalyse GmbH (“Baehr”), a German manufacturer of a wide range of thermal analyzers, for $12 million in cash, including the assumption of $1 million of debt. Key products developed by Baehr include horizontal, optical, and quenching dilatometer systems that measure thermal expansion to high temperatures with high precision, high temperature viscometers, and high temperature TGA/DTA systems. Baehr systems provide critical information to researchers that develop materials for use in a wide range of industries including electronics, energy, automotive, and aerospace.

TA Service

Similar to the Waters Division, the servicing and support of TA’s instruments is an important source of revenue and represents approximately 25% of sales for the TA Division. TA sells, supports and services TA’s product offerings through its headquarters in New Castle, Delaware. TA operates independently from the Waters

 

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Division, though most of its overseas offices are situated in Waters Division’s facilities to achieve operational efficiencies. TA has dedicated field sales and service operations. Service sales are primarily derived from the sale of support plans, replacement parts and billed labor fees associated with the repair, maintenance and upgrade of installed systems.

Customers

The Company typically has a broad and diversified customer base that includes pharmaceutical accounts, other industrial accounts, universities and governmental agencies. Purchase of the Company’s instrument systems is often dependent on its customers’ capital spending, or funding as in the cases of governmental, academic and research institutions, which can fluctuate from year to year. The pharmaceutical segment represents the Company’s largest sector and includes multinational pharmaceutical companies, generic drug manufacturers, contract research organizations (CROs) and biotechnology companies. The Company’s other industrial customers include chemical manufacturers, polymer manufacturers, food and beverage companies and environmental testing laboratories. The Company also sells to various universities and governmental agencies worldwide. The Company’s technical support staff works closely with its customers in developing and implementing applications that meet their full range of analytical requirements. During 2012, 53% of the Company’s sales were to pharmaceutical accounts, 33% to other industrial accounts and 14% to university and governmental agencies.

The Company typically experiences an increase in sales in the fourth quarter, as a result of purchasing habits for capital goods of customers that tend to exhaust their spending budgets by calendar year end. The Company does not rely on any single customer or one group of customers for a material portion of its sales. During fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, no single customer accounted for more than 3% of the Company’s net sales.

Sales and Service

The Company has one of the largest direct sales and service organizations in the industry, focused exclusively on the various instrument systems’ installed base. Across these product technologies, using respective specialized sales and service forces, the Company serves its customer base with 94 sales offices throughout the world as of December 31, 2012 and approximately 3,000, 2,900 and 2,700 field representatives in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. This investment in sales and service personnel serves to maintain and expand the Company’s installed base of customers. The Company’s sales representatives have direct responsibility for account relationships, while service representatives work in the field to install instruments, train customers and minimize instrument downtime. In-house, technical support representatives work directly with customers, providing them assistance with applications and procedures on Company products. The Company provides customers with comprehensive information through various corporate and regional internet websites and product literature, and also makes consumable products available through electronic ordering facilities and a dedicated catalog.

Manufacturing and Distribution

The Company provides high quality LC products by overseeing each stage of the production of its instruments, columns and chemical reagents. The Company currently assembles a portion of its LC instruments at its facility in Milford, Massachusetts, where it performs machining, assembly and testing. The Milford facility maintains quality management and environmental management systems in accordance with the requirements of ISO 9001:2008, ISO 13485:2003 and ISO 14001:2004, and adheres to applicable regulatory requirements (including the FDA Quality System Regulation and the European In-Vitro Diagnostic Directive). The Company outsources manufacturing of certain electronic components, such as computers, monitors and circuit boards, to outside vendors that can meet the Company’s quality requirements. In addition, the Company outsources the manufacturing of certain LC instrument systems and components to well-established contract manufacturing firms in Singapore. The Company’s Singapore entity manages all Asian outsourced manufacturing as well as the distribution of all products to Asia. The Company continues to pursue outsourcing opportunities as they may arise but believes it maintains adequate supply chain and manufacturing capabilities in the event of disruption or natural disasters.

 

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The Company manufactures and distributes its LC columns at its facilities in Taunton, Massachusetts and Wexford, Ireland, where it processes, sizes and treats silica and polymeric media that are packed into columns, solid phase extraction cartridges and bulk shipping containers. The Wexford facility also manufactures and distributes certain data, instruments and software components for the Company’s LC, MS and TA product lines. The Company’s Taunton facility is certified to ISO 9001:2008. The Wexford facility is certified to ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 13485:2003. VICAM® manufactures antibody resin and magnetic beads that are packed into columns and kits in Milford, Massachusetts and Nixa, Missouri. Environmental Resource Associates manufactures environmental proficiency kits in Golden, Colorado.

The Company manufactures and distributes its MS products at its facilities in Manchester, England, Cheshire, England and Wexford, Ireland. Certain components or modules of the Company’s MS instruments are manufactured by long-standing outside contractors. Each stage of this supply chain is closely monitored by the Company to maintain high quality and performance standards. The instruments, components or modules are then returned to the Company’s facilities where its engineers perform final assembly, calibrations to customer specifications and quality control procedures. The Company’s MS facilities are certified to ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 13485:2003.

TA’s thermal analysis, rheometry and calorimetry products are manufactured and distributed at the Company’s New Castle, Delaware, Lindon, Utah and Huellhorst, Germany facilities. Similar to MS, elements of TA’s products are manufactured by outside contractors and are then returned to the Company’s facilities for final assembly, calibration and quality control. The Company’s New Castle facility is certified to ISO 9001:2008 standards.

Raw Materials

The Company purchases a variety of raw materials, primarily consisting of high temperature alloy sheet metal and castings, forgings, pre-plated metals and electrical components from various vendors. The materials used by the Company’s operations are generally available from a number of sources and in sufficient quantities to meet current requirements subject to normal lead times. The Company is subject to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act requiring disclosure as to whether certain materials (tantalum, tin, gold and tungsten), known as conflict minerals, which may be contained in the Company’s products are mined from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and adjoining countries. These rules are likely to impose additional costs and may introduce new risks related to the Company’s ability to verify the origin of any conflict minerals contained in its products.

Research and Development

The Company maintains an active research and development program focused on the development and commercialization of products that both complement and update its existing product offering. The Company’s research and development expenditures for 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $96 million, $92 million and $84 million, respectively. Nearly all of the Company’s current LC products are developed at the Company’s main research and development center located in Milford, Massachusetts, with input and feedback from the Company’s extensive field organizations and customers. The majority of the Company’s MS products are developed at facilities in England and nearly all of the Company’s current thermal analysis products are developed at the Company’s research and development center in New Castle, Delaware. At December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, there were 777, 741 and 697 employees, respectively, involved in the Company’s research and development efforts. The Company has increased research and development expenses from its continued commitment to invest significantly in new product development and existing product enhancements, and as a result of acquisitions. Despite the Company’s active research and development programs, there can be no assurances that the Company’s product development and commercialization efforts will be successful or that the products developed by the Company will be accepted by the marketplace.

 

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Employees

The Company employed approximately 5,900, 5,700 and 5,400 employees at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, with approximately 45% of the Company’s employees located in the United States. The Company believes its employee relations are generally good. The Company’s employees are not unionized or affiliated with any internal or external labor organizations. The Company firmly believes that its future success largely depends upon its continued ability to attract and retain highly skilled employees.

Competition

The analytical instrument systems market is highly competitive. The Company encounters competition from several worldwide manufacturers and other companies in both domestic and foreign markets for each of its three technologies. The Company competes in its markets primarily on the basis of product performance, reliability, service and, to a lesser extent, price. Competitors continuously introduce new products or have instrument businesses that are generally more diversified than the Company’s business. Some competitors have greater financial and other resources than the Company.

In the markets served by the Waters Division, the Company’s principal competitors include: Agilent Technologies, Inc., Shimadzu Corporation, Bruker Corporation, Danaher Corporation and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. In the markets served by the TA Division, the Company’s principal competitors include: PerkinElmer, Inc., Mettler-Toledo International Inc., NETZSCH-Geraetebau GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Malvern Instruments Ltd., Anton-Paar and General Electric Company.

The market for consumable LC products, including separation columns, is highly competitive and more fragmented than the analytical instruments market. The Company encounters competition in the consumable columns market from chemical companies that produce column chemicals and small specialized companies that pack and distribute columns. The Company believes that it is one of the few suppliers that processes silica, packs columns and distributes its own products. The Company competes in this market on the basis of reproducibility, reputation, performance and, to a lesser extent, price. The Company’s principal competitors for consumable products include: Phenomenex, Inc., Supelco, Inc., Agilent Technologies, Inc., General Electric Company, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. and Merck and Co., Inc. The ACQUITY UPLC instrument is designed to offer a predictable level of performance when used with ACQUITY UPLC columns and the Company believes that the expansion of the ACQUITY UPLC instrument base will enhance its chromatographic column business because of the high level of synergy between ACQUITY UPLC columns and the ACQUITY UPLC instrument.

Patents, Trademarks and Licenses

The Company owns a number of United States and foreign patents and has patent applications pending in the United States and abroad. Certain technology and software has been acquired or is licensed from third parties. The Company also owns a number of trademarks. The Company’s patents, trademarks and licenses are viewed as valuable assets to its operations. However, the Company believes that no one patent or group of patents, trademark or license is, in and of itself, essential to the Company such that its loss would materially affect the Company’s business as a whole.

Environmental Matters and Climate Change

The Company is subject to federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances that (i) govern activities or operations that may have adverse environmental effects, such as discharges to air and water as well as handling and disposal practices for solid and hazardous wastes, and (ii) impose liability for the costs of cleaning up and certain damages resulting from sites of past spills, disposals or other releases of hazardous substances. The Company believes that it currently conducts its operations and has operated its business in the past in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws. From time to time, Company operations have resulted or may result in noncompliance with environmental laws or liability for cleanup pursuant to environmental laws. The

 

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Company does not currently anticipate any material adverse effect on its operations, financial condition or competitive position as a result of its efforts to comply with environmental laws.

The Company is sensitive to the growing global debate with respect to climate change. An internal sustainability working group develops increasingly robust data with respect to the Company’s utilization of carbon producing substances in an effort to continuously reduce the Company’s carbon footprint. In 2012, the Company published a sustainability report identifying the various actions and behaviors the Company has adopted concerning its commitment to both the environment and the broader topic of social responsibility. See Item 1A, Risk Factors – The effects of climate change could harm the Company’s business, for more information on the potential significance of climate change legislation. See also Note 14 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for financial information about geographic areas.

Available Information

The Company files or furnishes all required reports with the SEC. The public may read and copy any materials the Company files or furnishes with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

The Company is an electronic filer and the SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the SEC electronic filing website is http://www.sec.gov. The Company also makes available, free of charge on its website, its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. The website address for Waters Corporation is http://www.waters.com and SEC filings can be found under the caption “Investors”.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain of the statements in this Form 10-K and the documents incorporated herein, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), with respect to future results and events, including statements regarding, among other items, anticipated trends or growth in the Company’s business, including, but not limited to, the growth rate of sales, particularly in China; new product launches and the associated costs, such as the amortization expense related to UNIFI; geographic sales mix of business; anticipated expenses, including interest expense, capitalized software costs and effective tax rates; the impact of foreign currency translation; the impact of the Company’s various ongoing tax audit examinations, unexpected shifts in income between tax jurisdictions and litigation matters; the impact of the loss of intellectual property protection; the effect of new accounting pronouncements; the adequacy of the Company’s supply chain and manufacturing capabilities and facilities; use of the Company’s debt proceeds; the impact of regulatory compliance; the Company’s expected cash flow, borrowing capacity, debt repayment and refinancing; the Company’s ability to fund working capital, capital expenditures (including facility expansion and consolidation projects), service debt, repay outstanding lines of credit, make authorized share repurchases and potential acquisitions, particularly in the U.S.; future impairment charges; the Company’s contributions to defined benefit plans; the Company’s expectations regarding the payment of dividends; the Company’s expectations regarding changes to its financial position; compliance with applicable environmental laws; and the impact of recent acquisitions on sales and earnings.

Many of these statements appear, in particular, under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of this Form 10-K. Statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of the words “believes”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “expects”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “intends”, “suggests”, “appears”, “estimates”, “projects”, “should” and similar expressions, whether in the

 

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negative or affirmative. These statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the control of the Company, including, and without limitation:

 

   

Current global economic, sovereign and political conditions and uncertainties, particularly regarding the European debt crisis and the overall stability of the Euro and its suitability as a single currency; the Company’s ability to access capital and maintain liquidity in volatile market conditions of customers; changes in timing and demand by the Company’s customers and various market sectors, particularly if they should reduce capital expenditures or are unable to obtain funding, as in the cases of governmental, academic and research institutions; the effect of mergers and acquisitions on customer demand; and the Company’s ability to sustain and enhance service.

 

   

Negative industry trends; introduction of competing products by other companies and loss of market share; pressures on prices from customers or resulting from competition; regulatory, economic and competitive obstacles to new product introductions; lack of acceptance of new products; expansion of our business in developing markets; spending by certain end-markets and ability to obtain alternative sources for components and modules.

 

   

Foreign exchange rate fluctuations that could adversely affect translation of the Company’s future financial operating results and condition of its non-U.S. operations.

 

   

Increased regulatory burdens as the Company’s business evolves, especially with respect to the FDA and EPA, among others, as well as regulatory, environmental and logistical obstacles affecting the distribution of the Company’s products, completion of purchase order documentation by our customers and ability of customers to obtain letters of credit or other financing alternatives.

 

   

Risks associated with lawsuits, particularly involving claims for infringement of patents and other intellectual property rights.

 

   

The impact and costs incurred from changes in accounting principles and practices or tax rates; shifts in taxable income in jurisdictions with different effective tax rates; and the outcome of and costs associated with ongoing and future tax audit examinations or changes in respective country legislation affecting the Company’s effective rates.

Certain of these and other factors are further described below in Item 1A, Risk Factors, of this Form 10-K. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements, whether because of these factors or for other reasons. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this annual report on Form 10-K and are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements included in this report. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

 

Item 1A: Risk Factors

The Company is subject to risks common to companies in the analytical instrument industry, including, but not limited to, the following:

Global economic conditions may decrease demand for the Company’s products and harm our financial results.

The Company is a global business that may be adversely affected by changes in global economic conditions. These changes in global economic conditions may affect the demand for the Company’s products and services and may result in a decline in sales in the future. There can be no assurance regarding demand for the Company’s products and services in the future.

Disruption in worldwide financial markets could adversely impact the Company’s access to capital and financial condition.

Financial markets in the U.S., Europe and Asia have experienced times of extreme disruption in recent years, including, among other things, sharp increases in the cost of new capital, credit rating downgrades and bailouts,

 

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severely diminished capital availability and severely reduced liquidity in money markets. Financial and banking institutions have also experienced disruptions, resulting in large asset write-downs, higher costs of capital, rating downgrades and reduced desire to lend money. There can be no assurance that there will not be future deterioration or prolonged disruption in financial markets or financial institutions. Any future deterioration or prolonged disruption in financial markets or financial institutions in which the Company participates may impair the Company’s ability to access its existing cash, utilize its existing syndicated bank credit facility, funded by such financial institutions, and impair its ability to access sources of new capital. The Company’s cost of any new capital raised and interest expense would increase if this were to occur.

The Company’s financial results are subject to changes in customer demand, which may decrease for a number of reasons, many beyond the Company’s control.

The demand for the Company’s products is dependent upon the size of the markets for its LC, LC-MS, thermal analysis, rheometry and calorimetry products; the timing and level of capital spending and expenditures of the Company’s customers; changes in governmental regulations, particularly affecting drug, food and drinking water testing; funding available to governmental, academic and research institutions; general economic conditions and the rate of economic growth in the Company’s major markets; and competitive considerations. The Company typically experiences an increase in sales in its fourth quarter, as a result of purchasing habits for capital goods by customers that tend to exhaust their spending budgets by calendar year end. There can be no assurance that the Company’s results of operations or financial condition will not be adversely impacted by a change in any of the factors listed above or the continuation of uncertain global economic conditions.

Additionally, the analytical instrument market may, from time to time, experience low sales growth. Approximately 53% and 52% of the Company’s net sales in 2012 and 2011, respectively, were to the worldwide pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, which may be periodically subject to unfavorable market conditions and consolidations. Unfavorable industry conditions could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

Competitors may introduce more effective or less expensive products than the Company’s, which could result in decreased sales.

The analytical instrument market and, in particular, the portion related to the Company’s HPLC, UPLC, LC-MS, thermal analysis, rheometry and calorimetry product lines, is highly competitive and subject to rapid changes in technology. The Company encounters competition from several international instrument manufacturers and other companies in both domestic and foreign markets. Some competitors have instrument businesses that are generally more diversified than the Company’s business, but are typically less focused on the Company’s chosen markets. There can be no assurance that the Company’s competitors will not introduce more effective and less costly products than those of the Company or that the Company will be able to increase its sales and profitability from new product introductions. There can be no assurance that the Company’s sales and marketing forces will compete successfully against the Company’s competitors in the future.

The Company’s financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected if the Company is unable to maintain a sufficient level of cash flow in the U.S.

The Company had approximately $1,178 million in debt and $1,539 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of December 31, 2012. As of December 31, 2012, the Company also had the ability to borrow an additional $428 million from its existing, committed credit facilities. Most of the Company’s debt is in the U.S. There is a substantial cash requirement in the U.S. to fund operations and capital expenditures, service debt interest obligations, finance potential acquisitions and continue authorized stock repurchase programs. A majority of the Company’s cash is generated from foreign operations, with $1,489 million of the Company’s cash held by foreign subsidiaries. The Company’s financial condition and results of operations could be adversely impacted if the Company is unable to maintain a sufficient level of cash flow in the U.S. to address these requirements through (1) cash from U.S. operations, (2) efficient, cost-effective and timely distribution of cash from non-U.S. subsidiaries, (3) the Company’s ability to access its existing cash and revolving credit facility and (4) other sources of capital obtained at an acceptable cost.

 

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Debt covenants, and the Company’s failure to comply with them, could negatively impact the Company’s capital and financial results.

The Company’s debt is subject to restrictive debt covenants that limit the Company’s ability to engage in certain activities that could otherwise benefit the Company. These debt covenants include restrictions on the Company’s ability to enter into certain contracts or agreements that may limit the Company’s ability to make dividend or other payments, secure other indebtedness, enter into transactions with affiliates and consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. The Company is also required to meet specified financial ratios under the terms of the Company’s debt agreements. The Company’s ability to comply with these financial restrictions and covenants is dependent on the Company’s future performance, which is subject to, but not limited to, prevailing economic conditions and other factors, including factors that are beyond the Company’s control, such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates, changes in technology and changes in the level of competition.

Disruption of operations at the Company’s manufacturing facilities could harm the Company’s financial condition.

The Company manufactures LC instruments at facilities in Milford, Massachusetts and through a subcontractor in Singapore; chemistry separation columns at its facilities in Taunton, Massachusetts and Wexford, Ireland; MS products at its facilities in Manchester, England, Cheshire, England and Wexford, Ireland; thermal analysis and rheometry products at its facilities in New Castle, Delaware and other instruments and consumables at various other locations as a result of the Company’s acquisitions. Any prolonged disruption to the operations at any of these facilities, whether due to labor difficulties, destruction of or damage to any facility or other reasons, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

The Company’s international operations may be negatively affected by foreign political and regulatory changes, related to either a specific country or a larger region. Currency and economic disruptions and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

Approximately 71% of the Company’s net sales in both 2012 and 2011 were outside of the United States and were primarily denominated in foreign currencies. In addition, the Company has considerable manufacturing operations in Ireland and the United Kingdom, as well as significant subcontractors located in Singapore. As a result, a significant portion of the Company’s sales and operations are subject to certain risks, including adverse developments in the foreign political, regulatory and economic environment, in particular, the financial difficulties and debt burden experienced by a number of European countries; the instability and possible dissolution of the Euro as a single currency; sudden movements in a country’s foreign exchange rates due to a change in a country’s sovereign risk profile or foreign exchange regulatory practices; tariffs and other trade barriers; difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations; and associated adverse operational, contractual and tax consequences.

Additionally, the U.S. dollar value of the Company’s net sales, cost of sales, operating expenses, interest, taxes and net income varies with currency exchange rate fluctuations. Significant increases or decreases in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to certain foreign currencies could have a material adverse effect or benefit on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

The loss of key members of management could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

The operation of the Company requires managerial and operational expertise. None of the Company’s key management employees have an employment contract with the Company and there can be no assurance that such individuals will remain with the Company. If, for any reason, such key personnel do not continue to be active in management, the Company’s results of operations or financial condition could be adversely affected.

 

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Failure to adequately protect intellectual property could have an adverse and material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

The Company vigorously protects its intellectual property rights and seeks patent coverage on all developments that it regards as material and patentable. However, there can be no assurance that any patents held by the Company will not be challenged, invalidated or circumvented or that the rights granted thereunder will provide competitive advantages to the Company. Conversely, there could be successful claims against the Company by third-party patent holders with respect to certain Company products that may infringe the intellectual property rights of such third parties. The Company’s patents, including those licensed from others, expire on various dates. If the Company is unable to protect its intellectual property rights, it could have an adverse and material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

The Company’s business would suffer if the Company were unable to acquire adequate sources of supply.

Most of the raw materials, components and supplies purchased by the Company are available from a number of different suppliers; however, a number of items are purchased from limited or single sources of supply and disruption of these sources could have, at a minimum, a temporary adverse effect on shipments and the financial results of the Company. A prolonged inability to obtain certain materials or components could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations and could result in damage to its relationships with its customers and, accordingly, adversely affect the Company’s business.

The Company’s sales would deteriorate if the Company’s outside contractors fail to provide necessary components or modules.

Certain components or modules of the Company’s LC and MS instruments are manufactured by long-standing outside contractors, including the manufacturing of LC instrument systems and related components by well-established contract manufacturing firms in Singapore. Disruptions of service by these outside contractors could have an adverse effect on the supply chain and the financial results of the Company. A prolonged inability to obtain these components or modules could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

The Company’s financial results are subject to unexpected shifts in pre-tax income between tax jurisdictions and changing application of tax law.

The Company is subject to rates of income tax that range from 0% to in excess of 35% in various jurisdictions in which it conducts business. In addition, the Company typically generates a substantial portion of its income in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. Geographical shifts in income from previous quarters’ projections caused by factors including, but not limited to, changes in volume and product mix and fluctuations in foreign currency translation rates, could therefore have potentially significant favorable or unfavorable effects on the Company’s income tax expense, effective tax rate and results of operations. In addition, governments in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates implement changes to tax laws and regulations from time to time. Any changes in corporate income tax rates or regulations regarding transfer pricing or repatriation of dividends or capital, as well as changes in the interpretation of existing tax laws and regulations, in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates could adversely affect the Company’s cash flow and lead to increases in its overall tax burden, which would negatively affect the Company’s profitability.

Disruption or unforeseen problems with the security, maintenance or upgrade of the Company’s information systems could have an adverse effect on the Company’s operations and financial condition.

The Company relies on its technology infrastructure, among other functions, to interact with suppliers, sell products and services, fulfill contract obligations, ship products, collect and make payments and otherwise conduct business. The Company’s technology infrastructure may be vulnerable to damage or interruption from, but not limited to, natural disasters, power loss, telecommunication failures, terrorist attacks, computer viruses, unauthorized access to customer or employee data and other attempts to harm the Company’s systems. Any prolonged disruption to the Company’s technology infrastructure, at any of its facilities, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

 

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The effects of climate change could harm the Company’s business.

The Company’s manufacturing processes for certain of its products involve the use of chemicals and other substances that are regulated under various international, federal, state and local laws governing the environment. In the event that any future climate change legislation would require that stricter standards be imposed by domestic or international environmental regulatory authorities with respect to the use and/or levels of possible emissions from such chemicals and/or other substances, the Company may be required to make certain changes and adaptations to its manufacturing processes. Any such changes could have a material adverse effect on the financial statements of the Company.

Another potential effect of climate change is an increase in the severity of global weather conditions. The Company’s manufacturing facilities are located in the United States, United Kingdom and Ireland. In addition, the Company manufactures a growing percentage of its HPLC, UPLC and MS products in both Singapore and Wexford, Ireland. Severe weather conditions, including earthquakes, hurricanes and/or tsunamis, could potentially cause significant damage to the Company’s manufacturing facilities in each of these countries. The effects of such damage and the resulting disruption of manufacturing operations could have a material adverse impact on the financial results of the Company.

Compliance failures could harm the Company’s business.

The Company is subject to regulation by various federal, state and foreign governments and agencies in areas including, among others, health and safety, import/export, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and environmental laws and regulations. A portion of the Company’s operations are subject to regulation by the FDA and similar foreign regulatory agencies. These regulations are complex and govern an array of product activities, including design, development, labeling, manufacturing, promotion, sales and distribution. Any failure by the Company to comply with applicable governmental regulations could result in product recalls, the imposition of fines, restrictions on the Company’s ability to conduct or expand its operations or the cessation of all or a portion of its operations.

Some of the Company’s operations are subject to domestic and international laws and regulations with respect to the manufacturing, handling, use or sale of toxic or hazardous substances. This requires the Company to devote substantial resources to maintain compliance with those applicable laws and regulations. If the Company fails to comply with such requirements in the manufacturing or distribution of its products, it could face civil and/or criminal penalties and potentially be prohibited from distributing or selling such products until they are compliant.

Some of the Company’s products are also subject to the rules of certain industrial standards bodies, such as the International Standards Organization. The Company must comply with these rules, as well as those of other agencies, such as the United States Occupational Health and Safety Administration. Failure to comply with such rules could result in the loss of certification and/or the imposition of fines and penalties which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations.

The Company is subject to the rules of the SEC under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act requiring disclosure as to whether certain materials (tantalum, tin, gold and tungsten), known as conflict minerals, which may be contained in the Company’s products are mined from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and adjoining countries. These rules are likely to impose additional costs and may introduce new risks related to the Company’s ability to verify the origin of any conflict minerals contained in its products.

 

Item 1B: Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

 

Item 2: Properties

Waters operates 22 United States facilities and 80 international facilities, including field offices. In 2011, the Company purchased land in the United Kingdom to construct a new facility, which will consolidate certain

 

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existing primary MS research, manufacturing and distribution locations. The Company believes that this new building and its other existing facilities are suitable and adequate for its current production level and for reasonable growth over the next several years. The Company’s primary facilities are summarized in the table below.

Primary Facility Locations

 

Location

  

Function (1)

  

Owned/Leased

Golden, CO

   M, R, S, D, A    Leased

New Castle, DE

   M, R, S, D, A    Owned

Milford, MA

   M, R, S, D, A    Owned

Taunton, MA

   M, R    Owned

Nixa, MO

   M, S, D, A    Leased

Pittsburgh, PA

   M, R, S, D, A    Leased

Lindon, UT

   M, R, S, D, A    Leased

Cheshire, England

   M, R, D, A    Leased

Manchester, England

   M, R, S, A    Leased

St. Quentin, France

   S, A    Leased

Huellhorst, Germany

   M, R, S, D, A    Owned

Wexford, Ireland

   M, R, D, A    Owned

Etten-Leur, Netherlands

   S, D, A    Owned

Romania

   R, A    Leased

Singapore

   R, S, D, A    Leased

 

(1) M = Manufacturing; R = Research; S = Sales and Service; D = Distribution; A = Administration

The Company operates and maintains 13 field offices in the United States and 69 field offices abroad in addition to sales offices in the primary facilities listed above. The Company’s field office locations are listed below.

Field Office Locations (2)

 

United States

  

International

Irvine, CA

   Australia    Israel    Switzerland

Pleasanton, CA

   Austria    Italy    Taiwan

Schaumburg, IL

   Belgium    Japan    United Kingdom

Wood Dale, IL

   Brazil    Korea   

Columbia, MD

   Canada    Mexico   

Beverly, MA

   Czech Republic    Netherlands   

Ann Arbor, MI

   Denmark    Norway   

Morrisville, NC

   Finland    People’s Republic of China

Parsippany, NJ

   France    Portugal   

Westlake, OH

   Germany    Poland   

Huntingdon, PA

   Hungary    Puerto Rico   

Bellaire, TX

   India    Spain   

Spring, TX

   Ireland    Sweden   

 

(2) The Company operates more than one field office within certain states and foreign countries.

 

Item 3: Legal Proceedings

From time to time, the Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes it has meritorious arguments in its current litigation matters

 

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and believes any outcome, either individually or in the aggregate, will not be material to the Company’s financial position or results of operations. In June 2012, a $3 million payment was made to settle a complaint that was filed against the Company alleging patent infringement.

The Company has been engaged in ongoing patent litigation with Agilent Technologies GmbH (“Agilent”) in Germany. In July 2005, Agilent brought an action against the Company alleging that certain features of the Alliance pump continued to infringe certain of its patents. In August 2006, following a trial in this action, the German court ruled that the Company did not infringe the patents. Agilent filed an appeal in this action. A hearing on this appeal was held in January 2008. The appeals court affirmed the finding of the trial court that the Company did not infringe and Agilent appealed this finding to the German Federal Court of Justice. In December 2012, Agilent won this appeal and the Company recorded a $4 million provision for damages and fees estimated to be incurred in connection with this litigation.

 

Item 4: Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Officers of the Company are elected annually by the Board of Directors and hold office at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The following persons serve as executive officers of the Company:

Douglas A. Berthiaume, 64, has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company since February 1996 and has served as Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company since August 1994. Mr. Berthiaume also served as President of the Company from August 1994 to January 2002. In March 2003, Mr. Berthiaume once again became President of the Company. From 1990 to 1994, Mr. Berthiaume served as President of the Waters Chromatography Division of Millipore. Mr. Berthiaume is the Chairman of the Children’s Hospital Trust Board and a Trustee of the Children’s Hospital Medical Center and The University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation.

Arthur G. Caputo, 61, has been Executive Vice President since March 2003 and President of the Waters Division since January 2002. Previously, he was the Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Marketing of the Company since August 1994. He joined Millipore in October 1977 and held a number of positions in sales. Previous roles include Senior Vice President and General Manager of Millipore’s North American Business Operations responsible for establishing the Millipore North American Sales Subsidiary and General Manager of Waters’ North American field sales, support and marketing functions.

Elizabeth B. Rae, 55, has been Vice President of Human Resources since October 2005 and Vice President of Worldwide Compensation and Benefits since January 2002. She joined Waters in January 1996 as Director of Worldwide Compensation. Prior to joining Waters she held senior human resources positions in retail, healthcare and financial services companies.

John Ornell, 55, has been Vice President, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer since June 2001. He joined Millipore in 1990 and previously served as Vice President, Operations. During his years at Waters, he has also been Vice President of Manufacturing and Engineering, had responsibility for Operations Finance and Distribution and had a senior role in the successful implementation of the Company’s worldwide business systems.

Mark T. Beaudouin, 58, has been Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company since April 2003. Prior to joining Waters, he served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of PAREXEL International Corporation, a bio/pharmaceutical services company, from January 2000 to April 2003. Previously, from May 1985 to January 2000, Mr. Beaudouin served in several senior legal management positions, including Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of BC International, Inc., a development stage biotechnology company, First Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of J. Baker, Inc., a diversified retail company, and General Counsel and Secretary of GenRad, Inc., a high technology test equipment manufacturer.

 

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PART II

 

Item 5: Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company’s common stock is registered under the Exchange Act, and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WAT. As of February 22, 2013, the Company had 167 common stockholders of record. The Company has not declared or paid any dividends on its common stock in its past three fiscal years and does not plan to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. The Company has not made any sales of unregistered equity securities in the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 or 2010.

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

Equity compensation plan information is incorporated by reference from Part III, Item 12, Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters, of this document and should be considered an integral part of this Item 5.

STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following performance graph and related information shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into such filing.

The following graph compares the cumulative total return on $100 invested as of December 31, 2007 (the last day of public trading of the Company’s common stock in fiscal year 2007) through December 31, 2012 (the last day of public trading of the common stock in fiscal year 2012) in the Company’s common stock, the NYSE Market Index and the SIC Code 3826 Index. The return of the indices is calculated assuming reinvestment of dividends during the period presented. The Company has not paid any dividends since its IPO. The stock price performance shown on the graph below is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.

COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN SINCE DECEMBER 31, 2007

AMONG WATERS CORPORATION, NYSE MARKET INDEX AND SIC CODE 3826 INDEX – LABORATORY ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTS

 

LOGO

 

      2007      2008      2009      2010      2011      2012  

WATERS CORPORATION

     100.00         46.35         78.36         98.28         93.65         110.18   

NYSE MARKET INDEX

     100.00         60.74         77.92         88.36         84.96         98.55   

SIC CODE INDEX

     100.00         56.68         83.60         118.52         99.91         129.85   

 

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Market for Registrant’s Common Equity

The quarterly range of high and low close prices for the Company’s common stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange is as follows:

 

     Price Range  

For the Quarter Ended

   High      Low  

April 2, 2011

   $ 87.93      $ 74.68  

July 2, 2011

   $ 99.56      $ 85.96  

October 1, 2011

   $ 99.16      $ 72.19  

December 31, 2011

   $ 83.14      $ 71.61  

March 31, 2012

   $ 94.03      $ 73.71  

June 30, 2012

   $ 93.99      $ 76.15  

September 29, 2012

   $ 85.24      $ 74.66  

December 31, 2012

   $ 89.33      $ 78.89  

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

The following table provides information about purchases by the Company during the three months ended December 31, 2012 of equity securities registered by the Company under the Exchange Act (in thousands, except per share data):

 

Period

   Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
     Average
Price Paid
per Share
     Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of  Publicly
Announced
Programs (1) (2)
     Maximum Dollar
Value of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Programs
 

September 30 to October 27, 2012

          $             $ 703,642  

October 28 to November 24, 2012

     360      $ 82.98        360      $ 673,769  

November 25 to December 31, 2012

     360      $ 85.33        360      $ 643,050  
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Total

     720      $ 84.16        720      $ 643,050  
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

(1) The Company purchased an aggregate of 2.2 million shares of its outstanding common stock in 2012 in open market transactions pursuant to a repurchase program that was announced in February 2011 (the “2011 Program”). The 2011 Program authorized the repurchase of up to $500 million of common stock in open market transactions over a two-year period and is now effectively completed.

 

(2) The Company purchased an aggregate of 1.3 million shares of its outstanding common stock in 2012 in open market transactions pursuant to a repurchase program that was announced in May 2012 (the “2012 Program”). The 2012 Program authorized the repurchase of up to $750 million of common stock in open market transactions over a two-year period.

 

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Item 6:    Selected Financial Data

The following table sets forth selected historical consolidated financial and operating data for the periods indicated. The statement of operations and balance sheet data is derived from audited financial statements for the years 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008. The Company’s financial statements as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012 are included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, in Part II of this Form 10-K.

 

In thousands, except per share

and employees data

   2012     2011      2010      2009      2008  

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:

             

Net sales

   $ 1,843,641     $ 1,851,184      $ 1,643,371      $ 1,498,700      $ 1,575,124  

Income from operations before income taxes

   $ 487,625     $ 509,252      $ 437,863      $ 386,652      $ 372,192  

Net income

   $ 461,443     $ 432,968      $ 381,763      $ 323,313      $ 322,479  

Net income per basic common share

   $ 5.25     $ 4.77      $ 4.13      $ 3.37      $ 3.25  

Weighted-average number of basic common shares

     87,841       90,833        92,385        95,797        99,199  

Net income per diluted common share

   $ 5.19     $ 4.69      $ 4.06      $ 3.34      $ 3.21  

Weighted-average number of diluted common shares and equivalents

     88,979       92,325        94,057        96,862        100,555  

BALANCE SHEET AND OTHER DATA:

             

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

   $ 1,539,025     $ 1,281,351      $ 946,419      $ 630,257      $ 428,522  

Working capital, including current maturities of debt

   $ 1,753,484     $ 1,340,241      $ 1,200,791      $ 777,808      $ 666,796  

Total assets

   $ 3,168,150     $ 2,723,234      $ 2,327,670      $ 1,907,931      $ 1,622,898  

Long-term debt

   $ 1,045,000     $ 700,000      $ 700,000      $ 500,000      $ 500,000  

Stockholders’ equity

   $ 1,467,357     $ 1,226,578      $ 1,068,797      $ 848,949      $ 661,005  

Employees

     5,860       5,672        5,381        5,216        5,033  

 

Item 7:    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Business and Financial Overview

The Company has two operating segments: the Waters Division and the TA Division (“TA®”). The Waters Division’s products and services primarily consist of high performance liquid chromatography (“HPLC”), ultra performance liquid chromatography (“UPLC®” and together with HPLC, referred to as “LC”), mass spectrometry (“MS”) and chemistry consumable products and related services. TA products and services primarily consist of thermal analysis, rheometry and calorimetry instrument systems and service sales. The Company’s products are used by pharmaceutical, life science, biochemical, industrial, nutritional safety, environmental, academic and governmental customers. These customers use the Company’s products to detect, identify, monitor and measure the chemical, physical and biological composition of materials and to predict the suitability of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, water, polymers and viscous liquids in consumer goods and healthcare products.

 

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The Company’s operating results are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:

 

     Year Ended December 31,     % change  
     2012     2011     2010     2012 vs.
2011
    2011 vs.
2010
 

Product sales

   $ 1,280,507     $ 1,322,136     $ 1,166,627       (3 %)      13

Service sales

     563,134       529,048       476,744       6     11
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net sales

     1,843,641       1,851,184       1,643,371             13

Total cost of sales

     737,614       730,493       653,303       1     12
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     1,106,027       1,120,691       990,068       (1 %)      13

Gross profit as a % of sales

     60.0     60.5     60.2    

Selling and administrative expenses

     477,270       490,011       445,456       (3 %)      10

Research and development expenses

     96,004       92,347       84,274       4     10

Purchased intangibles amortization

     13,829       9,733       10,406       42     (6 %) 

Litigation provisions

     7,434                  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     511,490       528,600       449,932       (3 %)      17

Operating income as a % of sales

     27.7     28.6     27.4    

Interest expense, net

     (23,865     (19,348     (12,069     23     60
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations before income taxes

     487,625       509,252       437,863       (4 %)      16

Provision for income taxes

     26,182       76,284       56,100       (66 %)      36
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 461,443     $ 432,968     $ 381,763       7     13
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income per diluted common share

   $ 5.19     $ 4.69     $ 4.06       11     16

Sales were flat in 2012 as compared to 2011, as a 4% increase in combined sales of chemistry consumables and services was offset by a 4% decrease in instrument system sales. The increase in service sales was from higher renewal rates of service plans, as well as higher service demand billings from the Company’s installed base of customers. The decline in instrument system sales was generally attributable to timing of capital spending by our customers across all regions, except China, as a result of uncertain global economic conditions and the weakening of both the Euro, which impacted sales due to the effect of foreign currency translation, and Indian rupee, which effectively increased the price of the systems for certain customers. The effect of foreign currency translation negatively impacted 2012 sales by 2% across all products and services. The 2011 increase in sales of 13% as compared to 2010 was attributable to increased spending by the Company’s pharmaceutical, industrial and chemical analysis customers on new and existing LC, MS and TA products. The sales growth in 2011 was also attributable to an increase in demand for the ACQUITY UPLC® H-Class, Xevo® Q-TofTM, Xevo® TQ-S and SYNAPT® G2-S instrument systems. The effect of foreign currency translation increased sales by 3% in 2011 and had minimal impact on 2010 sales.

Sales to pharmaceutical customers increased 1% and 13% in 2012 and 2011, respectively. The increase in 2012 was primarily a result of increased spending on chemistry consumables and services. The increase in 2011 was due to increased sales of instrument systems, particularly ACQUITY UPLC H-Class, Xevo Q-Tof, Xevo TQ-S and SYNAPT G2-S instrument systems, and chemistry consumables and services. Combined sales to industrial and environmental customers decreased 2% in 2012 and increased 15% in 2011. Combined global sales to governmental and academic customers decreased 4% in 2012 and increased 5% in 2011. The decreases in 2012 sales were primarily attributable to timing of capital spending by our customers as a result of uncertain global economic conditions and the weakening of the Euro and Indian rupee, while the increases in 2011 were primarily attributable to sales of newly introduced LC and LC-MS systems as global economic conditions improved as compared to 2010.

 

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The 3% decrease in operating income in 2012 as compared to 2011 was primarily due to one-time charges included in purchased intangibles amortization and litigation provisions and the effects of foreign currency translation. Included in purchased intangibles amortization in 2012 is $4 million of amortization expense related to the discontinuance of a product trade name intangible asset. The Company recorded $7 million of litigation provisions in 2012 for damages and fees estimated to be incurred in connection with complaints filed against the Company relating to patent infringement lawsuits. The Company paid $3 million of these litigation provisions in 2012. Foreign currency translation decreased 2012 operating profit by approximately $14 million. The Company expects the impact of foreign currency translation in 2013 to have a neutral effect on sales but negatively impact operating profits when compared to 2012, based on current exchange rates. This is primarily due to the mix of sales and costs in Japan and Europe, where a weaker Japanese Yen is expected to be offset by a stronger Euro.

The 17% increase in operating income in 2011 as compared to 2010 was primarily from increases in sales volumes and the favorable effect of foreign currency translation. Foreign currency translation accounted for approximately $26 million and $6 million of the increase in operating income in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Net income per diluted share was primarily impacted by the following factors in 2012, 2011 and 2010:

 

   

2011 and 2010 benefited from higher sales volumes, product mix and the leveraging of lower growth in operating expenses.

 

   

Foreign currency translation decreased net income per diluted share by $0.14 in 2012 and added $0.24 and $0.06 to net income per diluted share in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

   

In 2012, the Company refinanced certain of its inter-company debt arrangements, which enabled the Company to record a $36 million tax benefit related to the recognition of a deferred tax asset associated with a non-U.S. net operating loss carryforward. In 2012, the Company also recorded a $6 million tax benefit related to a tax audit settlement in the U.S. These tax benefits added $0.48 per diluted share in 2012.

 

   

In 2010, the Company recorded an $8 million tax benefit related to a tax audit settlement in the United Kingdom and a $2 million tax benefit related to the resolution of a pre-acquisition tax exposure. These tax benefits added $0.10 per diluted share in 2010. The impact from the shift in pretax income between tax rate jurisdictions increased net income per diluted share by $0.14 in 2010 after excluding this one-time transaction.

 

   

The impact of lower weighted-average shares outstanding resulting from the Company’s share repurchase program, offset by the incremental interest expense on borrowings to repurchase those shares, increased net income per diluted share $0.14, $0.01 and $0.06 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company plans to continue the share repurchase program in 2013.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $449 million, $497 million and $458 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The $48 million decrease in operating cash flow in 2012 when compared to 2011 was primarily a result of an increase of 7 days in days-sales-outstanding (“DSO”), payments in 2012 of amounts earned under the Company’s 2011 management incentive plans, higher U.S. tax payments and a $3 million litigation payment. The increase in operating cash flow in 2011 when compared to 2010 was primarily a result of higher net income and was also impacted by the payment in 2011 of amounts earned under the Company’s 2010 management incentive plans.

Within cash flows used in investing activities, capital expenditures related to property, plant, equipment and software capitalization were $105 million, $85 million and $63 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Capital expenditures were higher in 2012 and 2011 due to a multi-year project to consolidate certain existing primary MS research, manufacturing and distribution locations. As of December 31, 2012, the Company has spent a total of $52 million related to this project and expects to incur capital expenditures in the next few years in the range of $25 million to $50 million to finish construction of this facility.

 

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In 2012, the Company acquired three businesses, its Israeli sales and service distributor, Baehr Thermoanalyse GmbH (“Baehr”) and Blue Reference, Inc., for a total of $31 million, net of cash acquired and including the assumption of $1 million of debt. Collectively, these acquisitions are expected to add approximately $13 million of sales in 2013 and be slightly accretive to earnings. The Company acquired Anter Corporation for $11 million in cash in 2011. The Company continues to evaluate the acquisition of businesses, product lines and technologies to augment the Waters and TA operating divisions.

Within cash flows used in financing activities, the Company received $29 million, $60 million and $101 million of proceeds from stock plans in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Fluctuations in these amounts were primarily attributable to changes in the Company’s stock price and the expiration of stock option grants. In May 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $750 million of its outstanding common stock over a two-year period. During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company repurchased $290 million, $364 million and $292 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock, respectively, under the May 2012 authorization and previously announced stock repurchase programs. The Company believes that it has the financial flexibility to fund these share repurchases given current cash and debt levels, as well as to invest in research, technology and business acquisitions to further grow the Company’s sales and profits. In August 2012, as permitted by the credit agreement dated July 2011 (the “2011 Credit Agreement”), the Company increased the revolving facility commitment by $200 million, bringing the total amount of the revolving facility commitment to $900 million. There were no other changes to the terms and conditions of the 2011 Credit Agreement. The Company will use the proceeds from the increased revolving facility commitment for general corporate purposes.

Results of Operations

Sales by Geography

Geographic sales information is presented below for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended December 31,      % change  
     2012      2011      2010      2012 vs.
2011
    2011 vs.
2010
 

Net Sales:

             

United States

   $ 531,912      $ 530,606      $ 499,535              6

Europe

     549,341        574,770        494,638        (4 %)      16

Asia:

             

China

     212,701        175,409        147,389        21     19

Japan

     207,340        211,893        187,581        (2 %)      13

Asia Other

     215,612        222,082        205,679        (3 %)      8
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Asia

     635,653        609,384        540,649        4     13

Other

     126,735        136,424        108,549        (7 %)      26
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net sales

   $ 1,843,641      $ 1,851,184      $ 1,643,371              13
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

In 2012, sales were lower in all major regions, except for the U.S., which remained flat, and Asia, where China’s sales grew 21% as compared to 2011. The sales growth in all regions in 2011 as compared to 2010 was attributable to increased spending by the Company’s pharmaceutical, industrial and chemical analysis customers on LC, MS and TA products. The overall sales growth in Asia in 2012 was driven by China but was tempered by lower sales in India, mostly due to lower Alliance instrument systems sales as a weaker Indian rupee increased the price of these systems, which are priced in U.S. dollars. The sales growth in China in 2012 can be attributed to strong customer demand in pharmaceutical, governmental, industrial and chemical analysis markets. The decline in Europe’s sales in 2012 was due to a 6% negative effect of foreign currency translation. Europe’s 2011 sales benefited from strong demand from pharmaceutical and chemical analysis customers and the effect of foreign currency translation increased Europe’s sales by 5%. The decline in the rest of the world’s sales in 2012

 

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was due to lower demand of instrument systems from pharmaceutical, governmental and academic customers, while the 26% increase in the rest of the world’s sales in 2011 was primarily attributable to strong customer demand of instrument systems across all markets. The Company anticipates demand for instrument systems to improve in 2013 across most major regions, with the exception of China, where the demand for instrument systems is expected to continue at a double-digit growth rate.

Waters Division Net Sales

Net sales for the Waters Division’s products and services are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended December 31,     % change  
     2012      % of
Total
    2011      % of
Total
    2010      % of
Total
    2012 vs.
2011
    2011 vs.
2010
 

Waters instrument systems

   $ 828,458        51   $ 878,367        53   $ 772,631        53     (6 %)      14

Chemistry

     294,787        18     292,506        18     264,368        18     1     11
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

        

Total Waters Division product sales

     1,123,245          1,170,873          1,036,999          (4 %)      13

Waters service

     509,412        31     480,553        29     434,352        29     6     11
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Waters Division net sales

   $ 1,632,657        100   $ 1,651,426        100   $ 1,471,351        100     (1 %)      12
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Waters instrument system sales (LC and MS technology-based) decreased 6% in 2012, which was primarily attributable to the timing of capital spending by our customers as a result of uncertain global economic conditions and the weakening of both the Euro, which impacted sales due to the effect of foreign currency translation, and Indian rupee, which effectively increased the price of the systems for certain customers. The 14% increase in instrument systems sales in 2011 was primarily attributable to higher demand from the Company’s pharmaceutical and industrial customers and the adoption and uptake in sales from the ACQUITY UPLC H-Class, Xevo Q-Tof and Xevo TQ-S instrument systems. Chemistry consumables sales increased 1% in 2012, with the effect of foreign currency translation negatively impacting chemistry consumables sales by 2%. The 11% increase in chemistry consumables sales in 2011 was driven primarily by higher demand for chemistry consumable products, including increased sales of ACQUITY UPLC lines of columns, and by the bundling of chromatography columns with growing LC system sales. Waters Division service sales increased 6% and 11% in 2012 and 2011, respectively, due to increased sales of service plans and higher service demand billings to a higher installed base of customers. The effect of foreign currency translation decreased Waters Division sales across all products and services by 2% in 2012 and increased sales 3% in 2011.

In 2012, Waters Division sales increased 3% in Asia, while sales were flat in the U.S and decreased 5% in Europe and 6% in the rest of the world. Asia experienced double-digit sales growth rates in China in 2012, particularly in the pharmaceutical, governmental, industrial and chemical analysis markets. The 2012 growth in China was offset by a decline in capital expenditures by customers in India, mostly due to lower Alliance instrument systems sales as a weaker Indian rupee increased the price of these systems, which are priced in U.S. dollars. The decline in Europe’s sales was due to a 6% negative effect of foreign currency translation.

In 2011, Waters Division sales in Europe increased 16%, with the effect of foreign currency translation increasing Europe’s sales by 5%. Waters Division sales in Europe benefited from strong demand for instrument systems from pharmaceutical and chemical analysis customers. Waters Division sales in Asia in 2011 increased 13% due to strong sales in China and a 4% increase due to the effects of foreign currency translation. In 2011, Waters Division sales in the U.S. increased 5% and sales to the rest of the world increased 25%. Foreign currency translation had minimal impact on sales in the rest of world in 2011.

 

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TA Division Net Sales

Net sales for the TA Division’s products and services are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended December 31,     % change  
     2012      % of
Total
    2011      % of
Total
    2010      % of
Total
    2012 vs.
2011
    2011 vs.
2010
 

TA instrument systems

   $ 157,262        75   $ 151,263        76   $ 129,628        75     4     17

TA service

     53,722        25     48,495        24     42,392        25     11     14
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total TA net sales

   $ 210,984        100   $ 199,758        100   $ 172,020        100     6     16
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The increase in TA instrument system sales in both 2012 and 2011 was primarily a result of higher demand for instrument systems from TA’s industrial customers, as well as revenue associated with the shipment of the new Discovery instrument systems. TA service sales increased in both 2012 and 2011 due to sales of service plans and billings to a higher installed base of customers. The effect of foreign currency translation decreased TA’s sales by 1% in 2012 and increased sales 3% in 2011. Recent acquisitions added approximately 4% to TA’s sales in 2012 and 1% in 2011. TA’s 2012 sales increased in the U.S., Europe and Asia, while sales to the rest of the world declined. TA’s sales increased in each territory in 2011.

Gross Profit

Gross profit decreased 1% in 2012 as compared to 2011, while gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased from 60.5% to 60.0%, primarily due to changes in instrument systems product mix and the negative effects of foreign currency translation. Gross profit increased 13% in 2011 as compared to 2010, while gross profit as a percentage of sales increased from 60.2% to 60.5%, due to sales volume leveraging manufacturing fixed costs and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation.

Gross profit as a percentage of sales is affected by many factors, including, but not limited to, price, product mix, foreign currency translation and product costs of instrument systems and associated software platforms. The cost and amortization of capitalized software development costs for the Company’s recently introduced ACQUITY® UPC2™ and UNIFI® products may affect the Company’s product mix and associated gross profit in 2013. The Company also expects that the impact of foreign currency translation will negatively affect gross profit, based on current exchange rates.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses decreased 3% in 2012 and increased 10% in 2011. The decrease in selling and administrative expenses in 2012 was a result of the favorable impact of foreign currency translation and lower incentive compensation in 2012 as compared to 2011. The increase in selling and administrative expenses in 2011 was a result of the Company’s investment in headcount additions, principally in sales and service; higher merit and fringe benefit costs; higher sales and incentive compensation costs; and foreign currency translation. As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative expenses were 25.9% for 2012 compared to 26.5% for 2011 and 27.1% for 2010. The Company expects selling and administrative expenses to increase in 2013 as a result of headcount additions and acquisitions in 2012, as well as restored incentive compensation levels, based on projected 2013 results.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses increased 4% and 10% in 2012 and 2011, respectively, primarily due to additional headcount and development costs incurred on new products.

Purchased Intangibles Amortization

In 2012, the Company incurred a one-time $4 million charge to purchased intangibles amortization expense related to the discontinuance of a product trade name intangible asset.

 

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Table of Contents

Litigation Provision

The Company recorded $7 million of litigation provisions in 2012 for damages and fees estimated to be incurred in connection with complaints filed against the Company relating to patent infringement lawsuits. The Company paid $3 million of these litigation provisions in 2012.

Interest Expense

The increases in net interest expense in 2012 and 2011 were primarily attributable to an increase in average borrowings, as well as higher interest rates paid on fixed-rate debt.

Provision for Income Taxes

The four principal jurisdictions in which the Company manufactures are the U.S., Ireland, the United Kingdom and Singapore, where the marginal effective tax rates are approximately 37.5%, 12.5%, 23.25% and 0%, respectively. The Company has a contractual tax rate in Singapore of 0% through March 2016, based upon achievement of contractual milestones that the Company expects to continue to meet. The current statutory tax rate in Singapore is 17%. The Company’s effective tax rate is influenced by many significant factors, including, but not limited to, the wide range of income tax rates in jurisdictions in which the Company operates; sales volumes and profit levels in each tax jurisdiction; changes in tax laws, tax rates and policies; the outcome of various ongoing tax audit examinations; and the impact of foreign currency transactions and translation. As a result of variability in these factors, the Company’s effective tax rates in the future may not be similar to the effective tax rates for the current or prior year.

The Company’s effective tax rates were 5.4%, 15.0% and 12.8% in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The income tax provision for 2012 included a $36 million tax benefit related to the Company’s refinancing of certain of its inter-company debt arrangements, which enabled the Company to recognize a deferred tax asset associated with a non-U.S. net operating loss carryforward. In 2012, the Company also recorded a $6 million tax benefit related to a tax audit settlement in the U.S. These tax benefits decreased the Company’s effective tax rate by 8.6 percentage points in 2012. Included in the income tax provision for 2011 is a $2 million tax benefit related to the reversal of a reserve for interest related to a tax audit settlement in the United Kingdom. This tax benefit decreased the Company’s effective tax rate by 0.3 percentage points in 2011. Included in the 2010 income tax provision was an $8 million tax benefit related to a tax audit settlement in the United Kingdom and $2 million of tax benefit related to the resolution of a pre-acquisition tax exposure. These tax benefits decreased the Company’s effective tax rate by 2.1 percentage points in 2010. The remaining differences between the effective tax rates for 2012, 2011 and 2010 were primarily attributable to differences in the proportionate amounts of pre-tax income recognized in jurisdictions with different effective tax rates.

On January 2, 2013, the U.S. enacted legislation that retroactively extended the research and development tax credit (“R&D Tax Credit”) for two years, from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2013. The Company expects that its income tax provision for the first quarter of 2013 will include the entire benefit of the R&D Tax Credit attributable to 2012, which is estimated to be approximately $2 million, and the first quarter of 2013. The Company will continue to record the benefit of the R&D Tax Credit in subsequent quarters in 2013.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

Net income

   $ 461,443     $ 432,968     $ 381,763  

Depreciation and amortization

     68,831       66,387       62,558  

Stock-based compensation

     29,183       27,579       24,852  

Deferred income taxes

     (52,219     (5,824     (15,037

Change in accounts receivable

     (39,836     (12,528     (43,286

Change in inventories

     (21,655     (18,838     (37,036

Change in accounts payable and other current liabilities

     563       (11,845     52,017  

Change in deferred revenue and customer advances

     11,005       2,630       9,433  

Other changes

     (8,035     16,845       22,592  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     449,280       497,374       457,856  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (296,394     (355,976     (411,515

Net cash used in financing activities

     (66,535     (60,422     (60,252

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     10,694       (5,484     (18,702
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   $ 97,045     $ 75,492     $ (32,613
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash Flow from Operating Activities

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2011

Net cash provided by operating activities was $449 million and $497 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively. The changes within net cash provided by operating activities in 2012 as compared to 2011 include the following significant changes in the sources and uses of net cash provided by operating activities, aside from the increase in net income:

 

   

The increases in net income and deferred income taxes in 2012 were primarily attributable to a $36 million tax benefit related to the Company’s refinancing of certain of its inter-company debt arrangements, which enabled the Company to recognize a deferred tax asset associated with a non-U.S. net operating loss carryforward.

 

   

The change in accounts receivable in 2012 compared to 2011 was primarily attributable to timing of payments made by customers and timing of sales in 2012 as compared to 2011. DSO was 71 days at December 31, 2012 and 64 days December 31, 2011.

 

   

The 2012 change in inventories was primarily attributable to the increase in inventory related to new products expected to be launched in 2013.

 

   

The 2012 change in accounts payable and other current liabilities was impacted by an increase in accrued income taxes, which was offset by higher U.S. tax payments. In addition, accounts payable and other current liabilities was impacted by lower levels of incentive compensation earned in 2012 as compared to 2011, as well as the payment of the 2011 incentive compensation in 2012 and timing of payments to vendors.

 

   

Net cash provided from deferred revenue and customer advances in both 2012 and 2011 was a result of an increase in new service contracts, as well as a higher installed base of customers renewing annual service contracts.

 

   

Other changes were attributable to variation in the timing of various provisions, expenditures and accruals in other current assets, other assets and other liabilities.

 

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Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2010

Net cash provided by operating activities was $497 million and $458 million in 2011 and 2010, respectively. The changes within net cash provided by operating activities in 2011 when compared to 2010 include the following significant changes in the sources and uses of net cash provided by operating activities, aside from the increase in net income:

 

   

The change in accounts receivable in 2011 compared to 2010 was primarily attributable to timing of payments made by customers and higher sales volumes in 2011 as compared to 2010. DSO was 64 days at December 31, 2011 and 67 days at December 31, 2010.

 

   

The 2011 change in inventories was attributable to the increase in inventory related to the introduction of new products and associated spare parts launched in 2011.

 

   

The 2011 change in accounts payable and other current liabilities was a result of timing of payments to vendors and a decrease in income taxes payable in the current year as a result of the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards in the U.S. The 2010 change in accounts payable and other current liabilities was a result of increases in accounts payable and accrued income taxes.

 

   

Net cash provided from deferred revenue and customer advances in both 2011 and 2010 was a result of the higher installed base of customers renewing annual service contracts.

 

   

Other changes were attributable to variation in the timing of various provisions, expenditures and accruals in other current assets, other assets and other liabilities.

Cash Used in Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $296 million, $356 million and $412 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Additions to fixed assets and capitalized software were $105 million, $85 million and $63 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Capital expenditures were higher in 2012 and 2011 due to a multi-year project to consolidate certain existing primary MS research, manufacturing and distribution locations. As of December 31, 2012, the Company has spent a total of $52 million related to this project and expects to incur capital expenditures in the next few years in the range of $25 million to $50 million to finish construction of this facility.

During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company purchased $1,816 million, $1,749 million and $1,235 million of short-term investments, respectively, while $1,655 million, $1,490 million and $886 million of short-term investments matured, respectively. Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired, were $31 million and $11 million during 2012 and 2011, respectively. There were no business acquisitions in 2010.

Cash Used in Financing Activities

In August 2012, as permitted by the 2011 Credit Agreement, the Company increased the revolving facility commitment by $200 million, bringing the total amount of the revolving facility commitment to $900 million. There were no other changes to the terms and conditions of the 2011 Credit Agreement. The term loan facility and the revolving facility both mature on July 28, 2016 and require no scheduled prepayments before that date.

The interest rates applicable to the 2011 Credit Agreement are, at the Company’s option, equal to either the base rate (which is the highest of (i) the prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 1/2%, or (iii) the one month LIBOR rate plus 1%) or the applicable 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 or 12 month LIBOR rate, in each case, plus an interest rate margin based upon the Company’s leverage ratio, which can range between 0 to 20 basis points and between 85 basis points and 120 basis points, respectively. The facility fees on these credit agreements range between 15 basis points and 30 basis points. These credit agreements require that the Company comply with an interest coverage ratio test of not less than 3.50:1 and a leverage ratio test of not more than 3.25:1 for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, respectively. In addition, the credit agreement includes negative covenants,

 

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affirmative covenants, representations and warranties and events of default that are customary for investment grade credit facilities. As of December 31, 2012, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants.

The Company issued and sold senior unsecured notes with a face value of $200 million in both 2011 and 2010. The Company used the proceeds from the issuance of these senior unsecured notes to repay other outstanding debt and for general corporate purposes. Interest on both issuances of senior unsecured notes is payable semi-annually. The Company may redeem some of the notes at any time in an amount not less than 10% of the aggregate principal amount outstanding, plus accrued and unpaid interest, plus the applicable make-whole amount. These senior unsecured notes require that the Company comply with an interest coverage ratio test of not less than 3.50:1 and a leverage ratio test of not more than 3.50:1 for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, respectively. In addition, these senior unsecured notes include customary negative covenants, affirmative covenants, representations and warranties and events of default.

During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company’s net debt borrowings increased by $186 million, $225 million and $134 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had a total of $1,178 million in outstanding debt, which consisted of $400 million in outstanding notes, $300 million borrowed under a term loan facility under the 2011 Credit Agreement, $470 million borrowed under revolving credit facility under the 2011 Credit Agreement and $8 million borrowed under various other short-term lines of credit. At December 31, 2012, $125 million of the outstanding portions of the revolving facilities have been classified as short-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets due to the fact that the Company expects to utilize this portion of the revolving line of credit to fund its working capital needs. It is the Company’s intention to pay the short-term portions of the outstanding revolving line of credit balance during the subsequent twelve months following the respective period end date. The remaining $345 million of the outstanding portions of the revolving facilities have been classified as long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, as no repayments are required prior to the maturity date in 2016 and this portion is not expected to be repaid within the next twelve months. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had a total amount available to borrow under existing credit agreements of $428 million after outstanding letters of credit.

In May 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $750 million of its outstanding common stock over a two-year period. During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company repurchased 3.5 million, 4.5 million and 4.4 million shares at a cost of $290 million, $364 million and $292 million, respectively, under the May 2012 authorization and previously announced programs. As of September 29, 2012, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 6.0 million shares of its common stock under the now expired share repurchase program authorized in February 2011 for an aggregate cost of $497 million. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had purchased an aggregate of 1.3 million shares at a cost of $107 million under the May 2012 program, leaving $643 million authorized for future repurchases. In addition, the Company repurchased $6 million, $6 million and $4 million of common stock during 2012, 2011 and 2010 related to the vesting of restricted stock units.

The Company received $29 million, $60 million and $101 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options and the purchase of shares pursuant to the Company’s employee stock purchase plan in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The Company had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $1,539 million as of December 31, 2012. The majority of the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments are generated from foreign operations, with $1,489 million held by foreign subsidiaries at December 31, 2012. Due to the fact that most of the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments are held outside of the U.S., the Company must manage and maintain sufficient levels of cash flow in the U.S. to fund operations and capital expenditures, service debt and interest, finance potential U.S. acquisitions and continue to repurchase shares under the authorized stock repurchase program in the U.S. These U.S. cash requirements are funded primarily by the Company’s cash flow from U.S. operations and the use of the Company’s revolving credit facilities.

 

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Management believes, as of the date of this report, that its financial position, particularly in the U.S., along with expected future cash flows from earnings based on historical trends, the ability to raise funds from external sources and the borrowing capacity from existing, committed credit facilities will be sufficient to service debt and fund working capital and capital spending requirements, authorized share repurchase amounts, potential acquisitions and any adverse final determination of ongoing litigation and tax audit examinations. In addition, there have been no recent significant changes to the Company’s financial position, nor are there any anticipated changes, to warrant a material adjustment related to indefinitely reinvested foreign earnings.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

The following is a summary of the Company’s known contractual obligations as of December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

 

     Payments Due by Year (1)  
     Total      2013      2014      2015      2016      2017      2018      After 2018  

Notes payable and debt

   $ 132,781      $ 132,781      $      $      $      $      $      $  

Interest on senior unsecured notes

     80,721        15,205        15,205        11,768        10,465        10,205        7,656        10,217  

Long-term debt

     1,045,000                      100,000        695,000                      250,000  

Operating leases

     78,112        23,243        18,135        11,456        7,259        5,260        4,315        8,444  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,336,614      $ 171,229      $ 33,340      $ 123,224      $ 712,724      $ 15,465      $ 11,971      $ 268,661  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Does not include normal purchases made in the ordinary course of business and uncertain tax positions discussed below.

 

  The interest rates applicable to term loan and revolving loans under the 2011 Credit Agreement are, at the Company’s option, equal to either the base rate (which is the highest of (i) the prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 1/2%, or (iii) the one month LIBOR rate plus 1%) or the applicable 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 or 12 month LIBOR rate, in each case, plus an interest rate margin based upon the Company’s leverage ratio, which can range between 0 to 20 basis points and between 85 basis points and 120 basis points, respectively. The facility fee on the 2011 Credit Agreement ranges between 15 basis points and 30 basis points. The 2011 Credit Agreement requires that the Company comply with an interest coverage ratio test of not less than 3.50:1 and a leverage ratio test of not more than 3.25:1 for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, respectively. In addition, the 2011 Credit Agreement includes negative covenants, affirmative covenants, representations and warranties and events of default that are customary for investment grade credit facilities. As of December 31, 2012, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants.

The following is a summary of the Company’s known commercial commitments as of December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

 

     Amount of Commitments Expiration Per Period  
     Total      2013      2014      2015      2016      2017      2018      After 2018  

Letters of credit

   $ 18,035      $ 16,249      $ 1,786      $      $      $      $      $  

The Company licenses certain technology and software from third parties. Fees paid for licenses were less than $1 million in each of the years 2012, 2011 and 2010. Future minimum license fees payable under existing license agreements as of December 31, 2012 are immaterial.

From time to time, the Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes it has meritorious arguments in its current litigation matters and believes any outcome, either individually or in the aggregate, will not be material to the Company’s financial position or results of operations. See Item 3, Legal Proceedings, of Part I of this Form 10-K.

 

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The Company has long-term liabilities for deferred employee compensation, including pension and supplemental executive retirement plans. The payments related to the supplemental retirement plan are not included above since they are dependent upon when the employee retires or leaves the Company and whether the employee elects lump-sum or annuity payments. During fiscal year 2013, the Company expects to contribute approximately $8 million to $10 million to the Company’s defined benefit plans.

In order to accommodate future sales growth, the Company purchased land in the United Kingdom in 2011 to consolidate certain existing primary MS research, manufacturing and distribution locations in the United Kingdom into one facility. As of December 31, 2012, the Company has spent a total of $52 million related to this project and expects to incur capital expenditures in the next few years in the range of $25 million to $50 million to finish construction of this facility. The Company believes it can fund the construction of this facility with cash flows from operating activities and its borrowing capacity from committed credit facilities.

The Company accounts for its uncertain tax return reporting positions in accordance with the accounting standards for income taxes, which require financial statement reporting of the expected future tax consequences of uncertain tax return reporting positions on the presumption that all relevant tax authorities possess full knowledge of those tax reporting positions, as well as all of the pertinent facts and circumstances, but prohibit any discounting of any of the related tax effects for the time value of money. If all of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits accrued as of December 31, 2012 were to become recognizable in the future, the Company would record a total reduction of approximately $64 million in its income tax provision.

The Company’s uncertain tax positions are taken with respect to income tax return reporting periods beginning after December 31, 1999, which are the periods that generally remain open to income tax audit examination by the concerned income tax authorities. The Company continuously monitors the lapsing of statutes of limitations on potential tax assessments for related changes in the measurement of unrecognized tax benefits, related net interest and penalties, and deferred tax assets and liabilities.

The Company is currently engaged in continuing communications with tax authorities in the U.S., Japan and various other jurisdictions regarding examinations of the Company’s tax returns related to matters for which the Company has previously recorded uncertain tax benefits. During 2012, the Company did not record any material changes in the measurement of any unrecognized tax benefits related to these ongoing tax audit examinations. As of December 31, 2012, the Company anticipates that it will be able to resolve certain of these ongoing tax audit examinations during the next twelve months. As of December 31, 2012, the Company expects to record a reduction in the measurement of its unrecognized tax benefits and related net interest and penalties in the range of approximately $5 million to $39 million within the next twelve months due to the lapsing of statutes of limitations on potential tax assessments and the settlement of ongoing tax audit examinations, and does not otherwise expect to record any other material changes within the next twelve months. These amounts have been classified as accrued income taxes in the consolidated balance sheets.

The Company has not paid any dividends and has no plans, at this time, to pay any dividends in the future.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has not created, and is not party to, any special-purpose or off-balance sheet entities for the purpose of raising capital, incurring debt or operating parts of its business that are not consolidated (to the extent of the Company’s ownership interest therein) into the consolidated financial statements. The Company has not entered into any transactions with unconsolidated entities whereby it has subordinated retained interests, derivative instruments or other contingent arrangements that expose the Company to material continuing risks, contingent liabilities or any other obligation under a variable interest in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to the Company.

The Company enters into standard indemnification agreements in its ordinary course of business. Pursuant to these agreements, the Company indemnifies, holds harmless and agrees to reimburse the indemnified party for

 

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losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party, generally the Company’s business partners or customers, in connection with patent, copyright or other intellectual property infringement claims by any third party with respect to its current products, as well as claims relating to property damage or personal injury resulting from the performance of services by the Company or its subcontractors. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited. Historically, the Company’s costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims relating to such indemnity agreements have been minimal and management accordingly believes the estimated fair value of these agreements is immaterial.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Summary

The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent liabilities. Critical accounting policies are those that are central to the presentation of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations that require management to make estimates about matters that are highly uncertain and that would have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations given changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period or use of different estimates that reasonably could have been used in the current period. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its policies and estimates. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. There are other items within the Company’s consolidated financial statements that require estimation, but are not deemed critical as defined above. Changes in estimates used in these and other items could potentially have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Sales of products and services are generally recorded based on product shipment and performance of service, respectively. The Company’s deferred revenue on the consolidated balance sheets consists of the obligation on instrument service contracts and customer payments received in advance, prior to shipment of the instrument. At December 31, 2012, the Company had current and long-term deferred revenue liabilities of $121 million and $23 million, respectively. Revenue is recognized when all of the following revenue recognition criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred; the vendor’s fee is fixed or determinable; collectibility is reasonably assured and, if applicable, upon acceptance when acceptance criteria with contractual cash holdback are specified. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales, net of amounts invoiced to the customer per the order.

Product shipments, including those for demonstration or evaluation, and service contracts are not recorded as revenues until a valid purchase order or master agreement is received specifying fixed terms and prices. The Company generally recognizes product revenue when legal title has transferred and risk of loss passes to the customer. The Company structures its sales arrangements as shipping point or international equivalent and, accordingly, recognizes revenue upon shipment. In some cases, destination based shipping terms are included in sales arrangements, in which cases revenue is generally recognized when the products arrive at the customer site.

The Company’s method of revenue recognition for certain products requiring installation is in accordance with multiple-element revenue recognition accounting standards. With respect to the installation obligations, the larger of the contractual cash holdback or the best estimate of selling price of the installation service is deferred when the product is shipped and revenue is recognized as a multiple-element arrangement when installation is complete. The Company determines the best estimate of selling price of installation based upon a number of factors, including hourly service billing rates, estimated installation hours and comparisons of amounts charged by third parties.

 

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Instrument service contracts are typically billed at the beginning of the maintenance period. The amount of the service contract is amortized ratably to revenue over the instrument maintenance period. There are no deferred costs associated with the service contract as the cost of the service is recorded when the service is performed. No revenue is recognized until all revenue recognition criteria have been met.

Sales of software are accounted for in accordance with the accounting standards for software revenue recognition. The Company’s software arrangements typically include software licenses and maintenance contracts. Software license revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, collection is probable, and there are no significant post-delivery obligations remaining. The revenue associated with the software maintenance contract is recognized ratably over the maintenance term. Unspecified rights to software upgrades are typically sold as part of the maintenance contract on a when-and-if-available basis. The Company uses the residual method to allocate software revenue when a transaction includes multiple elements and vendor specific objective evidence of the fair value of undelivered elements exists. Under the residual method, the fair value of the undelivered element (maintenance) is deferred and the remaining portion of the arrangement fee is allocated to the delivered element (software license) and is recognized as revenue.

Loss Provisions on Accounts Receivable and Inventory

The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. The Company does not request collateral from its customers, but collectibility is enhanced through the use of credit card payments and letters of credit. The Company assesses collectibility based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, past transaction history with the customer, the credit-worthiness of the customer, industry trends and the macro-economic environment. Historically, the Company has not experienced significant bad debt losses. Sales returns and allowances are estimates of future product returns related to current period revenue. Material differences may result in the amount and timing of revenue for any period if management made different judgments or utilized different estimates for sales returns and allowances for doubtful accounts. The Company’s accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2012 was $405 million, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns of $8 million.

The Company values all of its inventories at the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out basis (“FIFO”). The Company estimates revisions to its inventory valuations based on technical obsolescence, historical demand, projections of future demand, including that in the Company’s current backlog of orders, and industry and market conditions. If actual future demand or market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional write-downs may be required. The Company’s inventory balance at December 31, 2012 was recorded at its net realizable value of $230 million, which is net of write-downs of $18 million.

Long-Lived Assets, Intangible Assets and Goodwill

The Company assesses the impairment of identifiable intangibles, long-lived assets and goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors the Company considers important which could trigger impairment include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

   

significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, particularly as it pertains to capitalized software and patent costs;

 

   

significant negative industry or economic trends, competitive products and technologies; and

 

   

significant changes or developments in strategic technological collaborations or legal matters which affect the Company’s capitalized patents, purchased technology, trademarks and intellectual properties, such as licenses.

 

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When the Company determines that the carrying value of an individual intangible asset, long-lived asset or goodwill may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators, an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows produced by that intangible asset, long-lived asset or goodwill, including its eventual residual value, is compared to the carrying value to determine whether impairment exists. In the event that such cash flows are not expected to be sufficient to recover the carrying amount of the asset, the asset is written-down to its estimated fair value. Net intangible assets, long-lived assets and goodwill amounted to $220 million, $273 million and $317 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2012.

The Company performs annual impairment reviews of its goodwill on January 1 of each year. For goodwill impairment review purposes, the Company has two reporting units, the Waters Division and TA Division. The Company currently does not expect to record an impairment charge in the foreseeable future; however, there can be no assurance that, at the time future reviews are completed, a material impairment charge will not be recorded. The factors that could cause a material goodwill impairment charge in the future include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

   

significant decline in the Company’s projected revenue, earnings or cash flows;

 

   

significant adverse change in legal factors or business climate;

 

   

significant decline in the Company’s stock price or the stock price of comparable companies;

 

   

adverse action or assessment by a regulator; and

 

   

unanticipated competition.

Warranty

Product warranties are recorded at the time revenue is recognized for certain product shipments. While the Company engages in extensive product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of its component suppliers, the Company’s warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates, material usage and service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. Should actual product failure rates, material usage or service delivery costs differ from the Company’s previous estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required. At December 31, 2012, the Company’s warranty liability was $12 million.

Income Taxes

As part of the process of preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Company is required to estimate its income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates. This process involves the Company estimating its actual current tax exposure together with assessing changes in temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items, such as depreciation, amortization and inventory reserves, for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within the consolidated balance sheets. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates, or the Company adjusts these estimates in future periods, the Company may need to establish an additional valuation allowance which could materially impact its financial position and results of operations.

The accounting standards for income taxes require that a company continually evaluate the necessity of establishing or changing a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, depending on whether it is more likely than not that the actual benefit of those assets will be realized in future periods. In addition, the Company accounts for its uncertain tax return reporting positions in accordance with the income taxes accounting standards, which require financial statement reporting of the expected future tax consequences of uncertain tax return reporting positions on the presumption that all relevant tax authorities possess full knowledge of those tax reporting positions, as well as all of the pertinent facts and circumstances, but prohibit any discounting of any of the related tax effects for the time value of money. At December 31, 2012, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $64 million, $39 million of which are classified as current liabilities and $25 million of which are classified as long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

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Litigation

As described in Item 3, Legal Proceedings, of Part I of this Form 10-K, the Company is a party to various pending litigation matters. With respect to each pending claim, management determines whether it can reasonably estimate whether a loss is probable and, if so, the probable range of that loss. If and when management has determined, with respect to a particular claim, both that a loss is probable and that it can reasonably estimate the range of that loss, the Company records a charge equal to either its best estimate of that loss or the lowest amount in that probable range of loss. The Company will disclose additional exposures when the range of loss is subject to considerable uncertainty.

With respect to the specific claims referenced in Item 3, Legal Proceedings, of Part I of this Form 10-K, management of the Company to date has been able to make this determination and thus has recorded charges with respect to those claims. As developments occur in these matters and additional information becomes available, management of the Company will reassess the probability of any losses and of their range, which may result in its recording additional charges which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

Pension and Other Retirement Benefits

Assumptions used in determining projected benefit obligations and the fair values of plan assets for the Company’s pension plans and other retirement benefits are evaluated periodically by management. Changes in assumptions are based on relevant company data. Critical assumptions, such as the discount rate used to measure the benefit obligations and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, are evaluated and updated annually. The Company has assumed that the weighted-average expected long-term rate of return on plan assets will be 7.12% for its U.S. benefit plans and 1.88% for its non-U.S. benefit plans.

At the end of each year, the Company determines the discount rate that reflects the current rate at which the pension liabilities could be effectively settled. The Company determined the discount rate based on the analysis of the Mercer Pension Discount Curve for high quality investments as of December 31, 2012 that best matched the timing of the plan’s future cash flows for the period to maturity of the pension benefits. Once the interest rates were determined, the plan’s cash flow was discounted at the spot interest rate back to the measurement date. At December 31, 2012, the Company determined the weighted-average discount rate to be 3.90% for the U.S. benefit plans and 3.10% for the non-U.S. benefits plans.

A one-quarter percentage point increase in the discount rate would decrease the Company’s net periodic benefit cost for the Waters Retirement Plan by less than $1 million. A one-quarter percentage point increase in the assumed long-term rate of return would decrease the Company’s net periodic benefit cost for the Waters Retirement Plan by less than $1 million.

Stock-based Compensation

The accounting standards for stock-based compensation require that all share-based payments to employees be recognized in the statements of operations based on their fair values. The Company has used the Black-Scholes model to determine the fair value of its stock option awards. Under the fair-value recognition provisions of this statement, share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized as expense over the vesting period. Determining the fair value of share-based awards at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating stock price volatility and employee stock option exercise behaviors. If actual results differ significantly from these estimates, stock-based compensation expense and the Company’s results of operations could be materially impacted. As stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations is based on awards that ultimately are expected to vest, the amount of the expense has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. These accounting standards require forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience. If factors change and the Company employs different assumptions in the application of these accounting standards, the compensation expense that

 

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the Company records in future periods may differ significantly from what the Company has recorded in the current period. The Company recognizes the expense using the straight-line attribution method.

As of December 31, 2012, unrecognized compensation costs and related weighted-average lives over which the costs will be amortized were as follows (in millions):

 

     Unrecognized
Compensation
Costs
     Weighted-Average
Life in Years
 

Stock options

   $ 47        3.7  

Restricted stock units

     27        3.1  

Restricted stock

     1        1.6  
  

 

 

    

Total

   $ 75        3.5  
  

 

 

    

Recent Accounting Standard Changes and Developments

Information regarding recent accounting standard changes and developments is incorporated by reference from Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this document and should be considered an integral part of this Item 7. See Note 2 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for recently adopted and issued accounting standards.

 

Item 7A: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company operates on a global basis and is exposed to the risk that its earnings, cash flows and stockholders’ equity could be adversely impacted by fluctuations in currency exchange rates and interest rates. The Company attempts to minimize its exposures by using certain financial instruments, for purposes other than trading, in accordance with the Company’s overall risk management guidelines.

The Company is primarily exposed to currency exchange-rate risk with respect to certain inter-company balances, forecasted transactions and cash flow, and net assets denominated in Euro, Japanese Yen, British Pound and Singapore Dollar. The Company manages its foreign currency exposures on a consolidated basis, which allows the Company to analyze exposures globally and take into account offsetting exposures in certain balances. In addition, the Company utilizes derivative and non-derivative financial instruments to further reduce the net exposure to currency fluctuations.

The Company is also exposed to the risk that its earnings and cash flows could be adversely impacted by fluctuations in interest rates. The Company’s policy is to manage interest costs by using a mix of fixed and floating rate debt that management believes is appropriate. At times, to manage this mix in a cost efficient manner, the Company has periodically entered into interest rate swaps in which the Company agrees to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and floating interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed upon notional amount.

Derivative Transactions

The Company records its derivative transactions in accordance with the accounting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities, which establish the accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. All derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are required to be recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value as either assets or liabilities. If the derivative is designated as a fair-value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income and are recognized in earnings when the hedged item

 

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affects earnings; ineffective portions of changes in fair value are recognized in earnings. In addition, disclosures required for derivative instruments and hedging activities include the Company’s objectives for using derivative instruments, the level of derivative activity the Company engages in, as well as how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect the Company’s financial position and performance.

The Company currently uses derivative instruments to manage exposures to foreign currency risks. The Company’s objectives for holding derivatives are to minimize foreign currency risk using the most effective methods to eliminate or reduce the impact of foreign currency exposures. The Company documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items and links all derivatives designated as fair value, cash flow or net investment hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets or to specific forecasted transactions. In addition, the Company considers the impact of its counterparties’ credit risk on the fair value of the contracts as well as the ability of each party to execute under the contracts. The Company also assesses and documents, both at the hedges’ inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows associated with the hedged items.

The Company enters into forward foreign exchange contracts, principally to hedge the impact of currency fluctuations on certain inter-company balances and short-term assets and liabilities. Principal hedged currencies include the Euro, Japanese Yen, British Pound and Singapore Dollar. The periods of these forward contracts typically range from one to three months and have varying notional amounts, which are intended to be consistent with changes in the underlying exposures. Gains and losses on these forward contracts are recorded in selling and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. At December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company held forward foreign exchange contracts with notional amounts totaling $134 million, $161 million and $136 million, respectively.

The Company’s foreign currency exchange contracts included in the consolidated balance sheets are classified as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 

Other current assets

   $ 1,173      $ 81  

Other current liabilities

   $ 693      $ 1,317  

The following is a summary of the activity in the statements of operations related to the forward foreign exchange contracts (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2012      2011     2010  

Realized gains (losses) on closed contracts

   $ 4,186      $ (2,233   $ (8,138

Unrealized gains (losses) on open contracts

     1,716        (1,035     (39
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cumulative net pre-tax gains (losses)

   $ 5,902      $ (3,268   $ (8,177
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Assuming a hypothetical adverse change of 10% in year-end exchange rates (a strengthening of the U.S. dollar), the fair market value of the forward contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2012 would decrease pre-tax earnings by approximately $13 million.

The Company is exposed to the risk of interest rate fluctuations from the investments of cash generated from operations. The Company’s cash equivalents represent highly liquid investments, with original maturities of 90 days or less, primarily in bank deposits, U.S. and U.K. treasury bill money market funds and commercial paper. Investments with longer maturities are classified as short-term investments, and are held primarily in U.S. treasury bills, Canadian government U.S. dollar-denominated treasury bills and commercial paper, bank deposits

 

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and investment-grade commercial paper. The Company maintains balances in various operating accounts in excess of federally insured limits, and in foreign subsidiary accounts in currencies other than U.S. dollars. As of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, $1,489 million out of $1,539 million and $1,200 million out of $1,281 million, respectively, of the Company’s total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments were held by foreign subsidiaries and may be subject to material tax effects on distribution to U.S. legal entities. As of December 31, 2012, the Company has no holdings in auction rate securities or commercial paper issued by structured investment vehicles.

The Company’s cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments are not subject to significant interest rate risk due to the short maturities of these instruments. As of December 31, 2012, the carrying value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents approximated fair value.

 

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Item 8:    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework, our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2012.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Waters Corporation

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Waters Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included 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. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/    PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP            

Boston, Massachusetts

February 26, 2013

 

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WATERS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     December 31,  
     2012     2011  
     (In thousands, except per share
data)
 
ASSETS   

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 481,035     $ 383,990  

Short-term investments

     1,057,990       897,361  

Accounts receivable, less allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns of $8,240 and $8,584 at December 31, 2012 and

    

December 31, 2011, respectively

     404,556       367,085  

Inventories

     229,565       212,864  

Other current assets

     84,580       80,804  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     2,257,726       1,942,104  

Property, plant and equipment, net

     273,279       237,095  

Intangible assets, net

     220,145       191,992  

Goodwill

     316,834       297,071  

Other assets

     100,166       54,972  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 3,168,150     $ 2,723,234  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   

Current liabilities:

    

Notes payable and debt

   $ 132,781     $ 290,832  

Accounts payable

     54,724       55,317  

Accrued employee compensation

     31,910       49,949  

Deferred revenue and customer advances

     121,470       109,922  

Accrued income taxes

     60,888       9,449  

Accrued warranty

     12,353       13,258  

Other current liabilities

     90,116       73,136  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     504,242       601,863  

Long-term liabilities:

    

Long-term debt

     1,045,000       700,000  

Long-term portion of retirement benefits

     101,225       92,970  

Long-term income tax liability

     24,772       72,613  

Other long-term liabilities

     25,554       29,210  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term liabilities

     1,196,551       894,793  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,700,793       1,496,656  

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 7, 8, 9, 10 and 13)

    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, 5,000 shares authorized, none issued at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011

            

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 400,000 shares authorized, 153,696 and 152,757 shares issued, 86,390 and 88,996 shares outstanding at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively

     1,537       1,528  

Additional paid-in capital

     1,155,504       1,089,959  

Retained earnings

     3,512,890       3,051,447  

Treasury stock, at cost, 67,306 and 63,761 shares at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively

     (3,176,179     (2,880,301

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (26,395     (36,055
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     1,467,357       1,226,578  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 3,168,150     $ 2,723,234  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim consolidated financial statements.

 

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WATERS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  
     (In thousands, except per share data)  

Product sales

   $ 1,280,507     $ 1,322,136     $ 1,166,627  

Service sales

     563,134       529,048       476,744  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net sales

     1,843,641       1,851,184       1,643,371  

Cost of product sales

     501,660       506,073       453,779  

Cost of service sales

     235,954       224,420       199,524  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total cost of sales

     737,614       730,493       653,303  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     1,106,027       1,120,691       990,068  

Selling and administrative expenses

     477,270       490,011       445,456  

Research and development expenses

     96,004       92,347       84,274  

Purchased intangibles amortization

     13,829       9,733       10,406  

Litigation provisions (Note 9)

     7,434              
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     511,490       528,600       449,932  

Interest expense

     (28,073     (21,971     (13,924

Interest income

     4,208       2,623       1,855  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations before income taxes

     487,625       509,252       437,863  

Provision for income taxes

     26,182       76,284       56,100  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 461,443     $ 432,968     $ 381,763  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income per basic common share

   $ 5.25     $ 4.77     $ 4.13  

Weighted-average number of basic common shares

     87,841       90,833       92,385  

Net income per diluted common share

   $ 5.19     $ 4.69     $ 4.06  

Weighted-average number of diluted common shares and equivalents

     88,979       92,325       94,057  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim consolidated financial statements.

 

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WATERS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  
     (In thousands)  

Net income

   $ 461,443     $ 432,968     $ 381,763  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

      

Foreign currency translation

     17,279       (12,644     (24,568

Unrealized (losses) gains on investments before income taxes

     (995     966       19  

Income tax benefit (expense)

     348       (339     (7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrealized (losses) gains on investments, net of tax

     (647     627       12  

Retirement liability adjustment

     (11,092     (18,835     (4,328

Income tax benefit

     4,120       6,592       1,515  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Retirement liability adjustment, net of tax

     (6,972     (12,243     (2,813

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     9,660       (24,260     (27,369
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

   $ 471,103     $ 408,708     $ 354,394  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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WATERS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  
     (In thousands)  

Cash flows from operating activities:

  

Net income

   $ 461,443     $ 432,968     $ 381,763  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Provisions for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable

     2,256       3,265       2,926  

Provisions on inventory

     10,725       10,131       10,897  

Stock-based compensation

     29,183       27,579       24,852  

Deferred income taxes

     (52,219     (5,824     (15,037

Depreciation

     37,422       36,531       34,421  

Amortization of intangibles

     31,409       29,856       28,137  

Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

      

Increase in accounts receivable

     (39,836     (12,528     (43,286

Increase in inventories

     (21,655     (18,838     (37,036

(Increase) decrease in other current assets

     (7,136     4,309       2,402  

Decrease (increase) in other assets

     1,473       (12,071     2,472  

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other current liabilities

     563       (11,845     52,017  

Increase in deferred revenue and customer advances

     11,005       2,630       9,433  

(Decrease) increase in other liabilities

     (15,353     11,211       3,895  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     449,280       497,374       457,856  

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Additions to property, plant, equipment and software capitalization

     (104,749     (85,436     (62,740

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (31,016     (11,100      

Purchase of short-term investments

     (1,815,988     (1,749,161     (1,234,671

Maturity of short-term investments

     1,655,359       1,489,721       885,896  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (296,394     (355,976     (411,515

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Proceeds from debt issuances

     218,324       598,528       315,641  

Payments on debt

     (32,107     (373,751     (181,358

Payments of debt issuance costs

     (497     (4,523     (1,498

Proceeds from stock plans

     28,869       60,153       100,584  

Purchase of treasury shares

     (295,878     (370,835     (296,292

Excess tax benefit related to stock option plans

     10,568       32,239       10,809  

Proceeds from (payments for) derivative contracts

     4,186       (2,233     (8,138
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (66,535     (60,422     (60,252

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     10,694       (5,484     (18,702
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     97,045       75,492       (32,613

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     383,990       308,498       341,111  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 481,035     $ 383,990     $ 308,498  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information:

      

Income taxes paid

   $ 59,446     $ 50,313     $ 39,688  

Interest paid

   $ 28,305     $ 19,658     $ 10,564  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim consolidated financial statements.

 

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WATERS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

     Number of
Common
Shares
     Common
Stock
     Additional
Paid-In
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
     Treasury
Stock
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
     (In thousands)  

Balance December 31, 2009

     148,831      $ 1,488      $ 808,345     $ 2,236,716      $ (2,213,174   $ 15,574     $ 848,949  

Net income

                         381,763                    381,763  

Other comprehensive loss

                                      (27,369     (27,369

Issuance of common stock for employees:

                 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

     62        1        3,457                          3,458  

Stock options exercised

     1,933        19        97,107                          97,126  

Tax benefit related to stock option plans

                   10,809                          10,809  

Release of valuation allowance

                   25,873                          25,873  

Treasury stock

                                (296,292           (296,292

Stock-based compensation

     228        3        24,477                          24,480  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance December 31, 2010

     151,054      $ 1,511      $ 970,068     $ 2,618,479      $ (2,509,466   $ (11,795   $ 1,068,797  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

                         432,968                    432,968  

Other comprehensive loss

                                      (24,260     (24,260

Issuance of common stock for employees:

                 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

     58        1        4,149                          4,150  

Stock options exercised

     1,381        14        55,989                          56,003  

Tax benefit related to stock option plans

                   32,239                          32,239  

Release of valuation allowance

                   176                          176  

Treasury stock

                                (370,835           (370,835

Stock-based compensation

     264        2        27,338                          27,340  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance December 31, 2011

     152,757      $ 1,528      $ 1,089,959     $ 3,051,447      $ (2,880,301   $ (36,055   $ 1,226,578  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

                         461,443                    461,443  

Other comprehensive income

                                      9,660       9,660  

Issuance of common stock for employees:

                 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

     66        1        4,660                          4,661  

Stock options exercised

     630        6        24,202                          24,208  

Tax benefit related to stock option plans

                   10,568                          10,568  

Increase in valuation allowance

                   (2,354                        (2,354

Treasury stock

                                (295,878           (295,878

Stock-based compensation

     243        2        28,469                          28,471  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance December 31, 2012

     153,696      $ 1,537      $ 1,155,504     $ 3,512,890      $ (3,176,179   $ (26,395   $ 1,467,357  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1    Description of Business and Organization

Waters Corporation (“Waters®” or the “Company”) is an analytical instrument manufacturer that primarily designs, manufactures, sells and services, through its Waters Division, high performance liquid chromatography (“HPLC”), ultra performance liquid chromatography (“UPLC®” and together with HPLC, referred to as “LC”) and mass spectrometry (“MS”) technology systems and support products, including chromatography columns, other consumable products and comprehensive post-warranty service plans. These systems are complementary products that are frequently employed together (“LC-MS”) and sold as integrated instrument systems using a common software platform and are used along with other analytical instruments. LC is a standard technique and is utilized in a broad range of industries to detect, identify, monitor and measure the chemical, physical and biological composition of materials, and to purify a full range of compounds. MS instruments are used in drug discovery and development, including clinical trial testing, the analysis of proteins in disease processes (known as “proteomics”), nutritional safety analysis and environmental testing. LC-MS instruments combine a liquid phase sample introduction and separation system with mass spectrometric compound identification and quantification. Through its TA Division (“TA®”), the Company primarily designs, manufactures, sells and services thermal analysis, rheometry and calorimetry instruments, which are used in predicting the suitability of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, water, polymers and viscous liquids for various industrial, consumer goods and healthcare products, as well as for life science research. The Company is also a developer and supplier of software-based products that interface with the Company’s instruments and are typically purchased by customers as part of the instrument system.

2    Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent liabilities. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, product returns and allowances, bad debts, inventory valuation, equity investments, goodwill and intangible assets, warranty and installation provisions, income taxes, contingencies, litigation, retirement plan obligations and stock-based compensation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual amounts may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Risks and Uncertainties

The Company is subject to risks common to companies in the analytical instrument industry, including, but not limited to, global economic and financial market conditions, fluctuations in customer demand, development by its competitors of new technological innovations, levels of debt and debt service requirements, risk of disruption, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, dependence on key personnel, protection and litigation of proprietary technology, shifts in taxable income between tax jurisdictions and compliance with regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and similar foreign regulatory authorities and agencies.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, most of which are wholly owned. The Company consolidates entities in which it owns or controls fifty percent or more of the voting shares. All material inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated.

 

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Translation of Foreign Currencies

For most of the Company’s foreign operations, assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date, while revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Any resulting translation gains or losses are included in accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company’s net sales derived from operations outside the United States were 71% in 2012, 71% in 2011 and 70% in 2010. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in net income in the consolidated statements of operations and were not material for the years presented.

Seasonality of Business

The Company typically experiences an increase in sales in the fourth quarter, as a result of purchasing habits for capital goods of customers that tend to exhaust their spending budgets by calendar year end.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments

Cash equivalents represent highly liquid investments, with original maturities of 90 days or less, primarily in bank deposits, U.S. and U.K. treasury bill money market funds and commercial paper. Investments with longer maturities are classified as short-term investments, and are held primarily in U.S. treasury bills, Canadian government U.S. dollar-denominated treasury bills and commercial paper, bank deposits and investment-grade commercial paper.

Short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale in accordance with the accounting standards for investments in debt and equity securities. All available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair market value and any unrealized holding gains and losses, to the extent deemed temporary, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity, net of the related tax effects. If any adjustment to fair value reflects a decline in the value of the investment, the Company considers all available evidence to evaluate the extent to which the decline is “other than temporary” and marks the investment to market through a charge to the statement of operations. The Company classifies its investments as short-term investments exclusive of those categorized as cash equivalents. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had short-term investments with a cost of $1,058 million and $897 million, respectively, which approximated market value.

The Company maintains balances in various operating accounts in excess of federally insured limits, and in foreign subsidiary accounts in currencies other than U.S. dollars. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, $1,489 million out of $1,539 million and $1,200 million out of $1,281 million, respectively, of the Company’s total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments were held by foreign subsidiaries and may be subject to material tax effects on distribution to U.S. legal entities.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the existing accounts receivable. The allowance is based on a number of factors, including historical experience and the customer’s credit-worthiness. The allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed on at least a quarterly basis. Past due balances over 90 days and over a specified amount are reviewed individually for collectibility. Account balances are charged against the allowance when the Company feels it is probable that the receivable will not be recovered. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers.

 

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The following is a summary of the activity of the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

 

     Balance at
Beginning of Period
     Additions      Deductions     Balance at
End of Period
 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Sales Returns:

          

2012

   $ 8,584      $ 7,298      $ (7,642   $ 8,240  

2011

   $ 6,196      $ 9,932      $ (7,544   $ 8,584  

2010

   $ 6,723      $ 5,508      $ (6,035   $ 6,196  

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company sells its products and services to a significant number of large and small customers throughout the world, with net sales to the pharmaceutical industry of approximately 53% in 2012, 52% in 2011 and 52% in 2010. None of the Company’s individual customers accounted for more than 3% of annual Company sales in 2012, 2011 or 2010. The Company performs continuing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral, but in certain circumstances may require letters of credit or deposits. Historically, the Company has not experienced significant bad debt losses.

Inventory

The Company values all of its inventories at the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out basis (“FIFO”).

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided to offset any net deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Appropriate short-term and long-term liabilities have also been recorded to recognize uncertain tax return reporting positions.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense, while the costs of significant improvements are capitalized. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: buildings — fifteen to thirty years; building improvements — five to ten years; leasehold improvements — the shorter of the economic useful life or life of lease; and production and other equipment — three to ten years. Upon retirement or sale, the cost of the assets disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the consolidated balance sheets and related gains or losses are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations. There were no material gains or losses from retirement or sale of assets in 2012, 2011 and 2010.

Asset Impairments

The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment in accordance with the accounting standards for property, plant and equipment. Whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, the Company evaluates the fair value of the asset, relying on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, operating results, business plans, economic projections and anticipated future cash

 

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flows. Any change in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of the Company’s evaluation is separately identified in the consolidated statements of operations.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The Company tests for goodwill impairment using a fair-value approach at the reporting unit level annually, or earlier, if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Additionally, the Company performs an annual goodwill impairment assessment for its reporting units as of January 1 each year. The goodwill and other intangible assets accounting standards define a reporting unit as an operating segment, or one level below an operating segment, if discrete financial information is prepared and reviewed by management. For goodwill impairment review purposes, the Company has two reporting units, the Waters Division and TA Division. Goodwill is allocated to the reporting units at the time of acquisition. Under the impairment test, if a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value, goodwill impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill. The fair value of reporting units was estimated using a discounted cash flows technique, which includes certain management assumptions, such as estimated future cash flows, estimated growth rates and discount rates.

The Company’s intangible assets include purchased technology; capitalized software development costs; costs associated with acquiring Company patents, trademarks and intellectual properties, such as licenses; debt issuance costs and acquired in-process research and development (“IPR&D”). Purchased intangibles are recorded at their fair market values as of the acquisition date and amortized over their estimated useful lives, ranging from one to fifteen years. Other intangibles are amortized over a period ranging from one to thirteen years. Debt issuance costs are amortized over the life of the related debt. Acquired IPR&D is amortized from the date of completion over its estimated useful life. In addition, acquired IPR&D will be tested for impairment until completion of the acquired programs.

Software Development Costs

The Company capitalizes internal and external software development costs for products offered for sale in accordance with the accounting standards for the costs of software to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed. Capitalized costs are amortized to cost of sales over the period of economic benefit, which approximates a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related software products, generally three to five years. The Company capitalized $34 million and $29 million of direct expenses that were related to the development of software in 2012 and 2011, respectively. Net capitalized software included in intangible assets totaled $138 million and $115 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, see Note 6, “Goodwill and Other Intangibles”.

The Company capitalizes internal software development costs for internal use in accordance with the accounting standards for goodwill and other intangible assets. Capitalized internal software development costs are amortized over the period of economic benefit which approximates a straight-line basis over ten years. Net capitalized internal software included in property, plant and equipment totaled $3 million at both December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Investments

The Company accounts for its investments that represent less than twenty percent ownership, and for which the Company does not have significant influence, using the accounting standards for investments in debt and equity securities. Investments for which the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence, and for which there is not a readily determinable market value, are accounted for under the cost method of accounting.

 

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The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of its investments accounted for under the cost method of accounting and carries them at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value. For investments in which the Company owns or controls between twenty and forty-nine percent of the voting shares, or over which it exerts significant influence over operating and financial policies, the equity method of accounting is used. The Company’s share of net income or losses of equity investments is included in the consolidated statements of operations and was not material in any period presented. All investments at December 31, 2012 and 2011 are included in other assets and amounted to $3 million and $4 million, respectively.

Fair Value Measurements

In accordance with the accounting standards for fair value measurements and disclosures, certain of the Company’s assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012 and 2011. Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize observable data, such as quoted prices in active markets. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs utilize unobservable data points for which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

The following table represents the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

 

     Total at
December 31,
2012
     Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
for  Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Assets:

           

Cash equivalents

   $ 146,232      $       $ 146,232      $   

Short-term investments

     1,057,990               1,057,990         

Waters 401(k) Restoration Plan assets

     24,827               24,827         

Foreign currency exchange contract agreements

     1,173               1,173         
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,230,222      $       $ 1,230,222      $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Foreign currency exchange contract agreements

   $ 693      $       $ 693      $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 693      $       $ 693      $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The following table represents the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

 

     Total at
December 31,
2011
     Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Assets:

           

Cash equivalents

   $ 142,966      $       $ 142,966      $   

Short-term investments

     897,361               897,361         

Waters 401(k) Restoration Plan assets

     20,667               20,667         

Foreign currency exchange contract agreements

     81               81         
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,061,075      $       $ 1,061,075      $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Foreign currency exchange contract agreements

   $ 1,317      $       $ 1,317      $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,317      $       $ 1,317      $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The fair values of the Company’s cash equivalents, short-term investments, 401(k) restoration plan assets and foreign currency exchange contracts are determined through market and observable sources and have been classified as Level 2. These assets and liabilities have been initially valued at the transaction price and subsequently valued, typically utilizing third-party pricing services. The pricing services use many inputs to determine value, including reportable trades, benchmark yields, credit spreads, broker/dealer quotes, current spot rates and other industry and economic events. The Company validates the prices provided by third-party pricing services by reviewing their pricing methods and obtaining market values from other pricing sources. After completing these validation procedures, the Company did not adjust or override any fair value measurements provided by third-party pricing services as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments

The Company’s cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and variable interest rate debt are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value. The carrying value of the Company’s fixed interest rate debt was $400 million at both December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The fair value of the Company’s fixed rate debt is estimated using discounted cash flow models, based on estimated current rates offered for similar debt under current market conditions for the Company. The fair value of the Company’s fixed interest rate debt was $413 million and $410 million at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Derivative Transactions

The Company operates on a global basis and is exposed to the risk that its earnings, cash flows and stockholders’ equity could be adversely impacted by fluctuations in currency exchange rates and interest rates.

The Company records its derivative transactions in accordance with the accounting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities, which establish the accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. All

 

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derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are required to be recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value as either assets or liabilities. If the derivative is designated as a fair-value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income and are recognized in earnings when the hedged item affects earnings; ineffective portions of changes in fair value are recognized in earnings. In addition, disclosures required for derivative instruments and hedging activities include the Company’s objectives for using derivative instruments, the level of derivative activity the Company engages in, as well as how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect the Company’s financial position and performance.

The Company currently uses derivative instruments to manage exposures to foreign currency risks. The Company’s objectives for holding derivatives are to minimize foreign currency risk using the most effective methods to eliminate or reduce the impact of foreign currency exposures. The Company documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items and links all derivatives designated as fair value, cash flow or net investment hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets or to specific forecasted transactions. In addition, the Company considers the impact of its counterparties’ credit risk on the fair value of the contracts as well as the ability of each party to execute under the contracts. The Company also assesses and documents, both at the hedges’ inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows associated with the hedged items.

The Company enters into forward foreign exchange contracts, principally to hedge the impact of currency fluctuations on certain inter-company balances and short-term assets and liabilities. Principal hedged currencies include the Euro, Japanese Yen, British Pound and Singapore Dollar. The periods of these forward contracts typically range from one to three months and have varying notional amounts, which are intended to be consistent with changes in the underlying exposures. Gains and losses on these forward contracts are recorded in selling and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. At December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company held forward foreign exchange contracts with notional amounts totaling $134 million, $161 million and $136 million, respectively.

The Company’s foreign currency exchange contracts included in the consolidated balance sheets are classified as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31, 2012      December 31, 2011  

Other current assets

   $ 1,173      $ 81  

Other current liabilities

   $ 693      $ 1,317  

The following is a summary of the activity in the statements of operations related to the forward foreign exchange contracts (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2012      2011     2010  

Realized gains (losses) on closed contracts

   $ 4,186      $ (2,233   $ (8,138

Unrealized gains (losses) on open contracts

     1,716        (1,035     (39
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cumulative net pre-tax gains (losses)

   $ 5,902      $ (3,268   $ (8,177
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Stockholders’ Equity

In May 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $750 million of its outstanding common stock over a two-year period. During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company repurchased 3.5 million, 4.5 million and 4.4 million shares at a cost of $290 million, $364 million and $292 million, respectively, under the May 2012 authorization and previously announced programs. As of December 31, 2012, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 6.0 million shares of its common stock for an aggregate cost of $497 million under the February 2011 repurchase program, which is now expired. During 2012, the Company repurchased 1.3 million shares at a cost of $107 million under the May 2012 repurchase program, leaving $643 million authorized for future purchases. In addition, the Company repurchased $6 million, $6 million and $4 million of common stock during 2012, 2011 and 2010 related to the vesting of restricted stock units. The Company believes it has the resources to fund the common stock repurchases as well as to pursue acquisition opportunities in the future.

Revenue Recognition

Sales of products and services are generally recorded based on product shipment and performance of service, respectively. The Company’s deferred revenue on the consolidated balance sheets consists of the obligation on instrument service contracts and customer payments received in advance, prior to shipment of the instrument. Revenue is recognized when all of the following revenue recognition criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred; the vendor’s fee is fixed or determinable; collectibility is reasonably assured and, if applicable, upon acceptance when acceptance criteria with contractual cash holdback are specified. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales, net of amounts invoiced to the customer per the order.

Product shipments, including those for demonstration or evaluation, and service contracts are not recorded as revenue until a valid purchase order or master agreement is received specifying fixed terms and prices. The Company generally recognizes product revenue when legal title has transferred and risk of loss passes to the customer. The Company structures its sales arrangements as shipping point or international equivalent and, accordingly, recognizes revenue upon shipment. In some cases, destination based shipping terms are included in sales arrangements, in which cases revenue is generally recognized when the products arrive at the customer site.

The Company’s method of revenue recognition for certain products requiring installation is in accordance with the multiple-element revenue recognition accounting standards. With respect to the installation obligations, the larger of the contractual cash holdback or the best estimate of selling price of the installation service is deferred when the product is shipped and revenue is recognized as a multiple-element arrangement when installation is complete. The Company determines the best estimate of selling price of installation based upon a number of factors, including hourly service billing rates, estimated installation hours and comparisons of amounts charged by third parties.

Instrument service contracts are typically billed at the beginning of the maintenance period. The amount of the service contract is amortized ratably to revenue over the instrument maintenance period. There are no deferred costs associated with the service contract as the cost of the service is recorded when the service is performed. No revenue is recognized until all revenue recognition criteria have been met.

Sales of software are accounted for in accordance with the accounting standards for software revenue recognition. The Company’s software arrangements typically include software licenses and maintenance contracts. Software license revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, collection is probable, and there are no significant post-delivery obligations remaining. The revenue associated with the software maintenance contract is recognized ratably over

 

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the maintenance term. Unspecified rights to software upgrades are typically sold as part of the maintenance contract on a when-and-if-available basis. The Company uses the residual method to allocate software revenue when a transaction includes multiple elements and vendor specific objective evidence of the fair value of undelivered elements exists. Under the residual method, the fair value of the undelivered element (maintenance) is deferred and the remaining portion of the arrangement fee is allocated to the delivered element (software license) and recognized as revenue.

Returns and customer credits are infrequent and are recorded as a reduction to sales. Rights of return are not included in sales arrangements. Revenue associated with products that contain specific customer acceptance criteria is not recognized before the customer acceptance criteria are satisfied. Discounts from list prices are recorded as a reduction to sales.

Product Warranty Costs

The Company accrues estimated product warranty costs at the time of sale, which are included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations. While the Company engages in extensive product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of its component supplies, the Company’s warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates, material usage and service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. The amount of the accrued warranty liability is based on historical information, such as past experience, product failure rates, number of units repaired and estimated costs of material and labor. The liability is reviewed for reasonableness at least quarterly.

The following is a summary of the activity of the Company’s accrued warranty liability for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

 

     Balance at
Beginning  of Period
     Accruals  for
Warranties
     Settlements
Made
    Balance at
End of Period
 

Accrued warranty liability:

          

2012

   $ 13,258      $ 7,212      $ (8,117   $ 12,353  

2011

   $ 11,272      $ 10,175      $ (8,189   $ 13,258  

2010

   $ 10,109      $ 7,618      $ (6,455   $ 11,272  

Advertising Costs

All advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in selling and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Advertising expenses for 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $13 million, $11 million and $10 million, respectively.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses are comprised of costs incurred in performing research and development activities, including salaries and benefits, facilities costs, overhead costs, contract services and other outside costs. Research and development expenses are expensed as incurred.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has two stock-based compensation plans, which are described in Note 11, “Stock-Based Compensation”.

 

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Earnings Per Share

In accordance with the earnings per share accounting standards, the Company presents two earnings per share (“EPS”) amounts. Income per basic common share is based on income available to common shareholders and the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented. Income per diluted common share includes additional dilution from potential common stock, such as stock issuable pursuant to the exercise of stock options outstanding.

Comprehensive Income

The Company accounts for comprehensive income in accordance with the accounting standards for comprehensive income, which establish the accounting rules for reporting and displaying comprehensive income. These standards require that all components of comprehensive income be reported in a financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements.

Subsequent Events

The Company did not have any material subsequent events.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In June 2011, a new accounting standard was issued relating to the presentation of comprehensive income. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In September 2011, amended accounting guidance was issued for goodwill in order to simplify how companies test goodwill for impairment. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In July 2012, amended accounting guidance was issued for indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill in order to simplify how companies test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. This guidance is effective for annual and interim indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

3    Inventories

Inventories are classified as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31,  
     2012      2011  

Raw materials

   $ 73,280      $ 71,993  

Work in progress

     16,133        12,293  

Finished goods

     140,152        128,578  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total inventories

   $ 229,565      $ 212,864  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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4    Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     December 31,  
     2012     2011  

Land and land improvements

   $ 35,734     $ 34,665  

Buildings and leasehold improvements

     196,554       174,582  

Production and other equipment

     317,285       288,274  

Construction in progress

     37,750       20,560  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property, plant and equipment

     587,323       518,081  

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (314,044     (280,986
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 273,279     $ 237,095  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company retired and disposed of approximately $6 million, $6 million and $9 million of property, plant and equipment, respectively, most of which was fully depreciated and no longer in use. Gains and losses on disposal were immaterial.

5    Acquisitions

The Company accounts for business acquisitions under the accounting standards for business combinations and the results of each acquisition have been included in the Company’s consolidated results from the respective acquisition dates.

In July 2012, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Blue Reference, Inc. (“Blue Reference”), a U.S.-based developer and distributor of software products used for the real-time mining and analysis of multiple-application scientific databases, for $14 million in cash. The Company will integrate the Blue Reference technology into the current and future software product platforms to further differentiate its offerings by providing customers with a more efficient scientific information assessment process, where there is an ongoing need for immediacy and interactivity of multiple scientific databases. The purchase price of the acquisition was allocated to tangible and intangible assets and assumed liabilities based on their estimated fair values. The Company has allocated $8 million of the purchase price to intangible assets comprised of completed technology and $1 million to customer relationships and other intangibles. The Company is amortizing acquired technology over seven years and the customer relationships and other intangibles over five years. The remaining purchase price of $8 million has been accounted for as goodwill. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.

In February 2012, the Company acquired the net assets of its Israeli sales and service distributor for $6 million in cash. The Company has allocated $2 million of the purchase price to intangible assets comprised of customer relationships. The Company is amortizing the customer relationships over ten years. The remaining purchase price of $4 million has been accounted for as goodwill. The goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.

In January 2012, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Baehr Thermoanalyse GmbH (“Baehr”), a German manufacturer of a wide range of thermal analyzers, for $12 million in cash, including the assumption of $1 million of debt. Baehr was acquired to expand TA’s thermal analysis instrument product offering and to leverage the Company’s distribution channels. The purchase price of the acquisition was allocated to tangible and intangible assets and assumed liabilities based on their estimated fair values. The Company has allocated $4 million of the purchase price to intangible assets comprised of completed technology and $1 million to customer relationships and other intangibles. The Company is amortizing the customer relationships and the

 

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acquired technology over ten years. The remaining purchase price of $7 million has been accounted for as goodwill. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.

The following table presents the fair values, as determined by the Company, of 100% of the assets and liabilities owned and recorded in connection with the acquisitions of Blue Reference, the Israeli sales and service distributor and Baehr (in thousands):

 

Cash

   $ 1,148  

Accounts receivable

     319  

Inventory

     2,887  

Property, plant and equipment

     1,254  

Other assets

     412  

Goodwill

     18,460  

Intangible assets

     15,966  
  

 

 

 

Total assets acquired

     40,446  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     2,896  

Debt

     732  

Deferred tax liability

     4,654  
  

 

 

 

Cash consideration paid

   $ 32,164  
  

 

 

 

In July 2011, the Company acquired the net assets of Anter Corporation (“Anter”), a manufacturer of thermal analyzers used to measure thermal expansion and shrinkage, thermal conductivity and resistivity, thermal diffusivity and specific heat capacity of a wide range of materials, for $11 million in cash. Anter was acquired to expand TA’s thermal analysis instrument product offering and to leverage the Company’s distribution channels. The purchase price of the acquisition was allocated to tangible and intangible assets and assumed liabilities based on their estimated fair values. The Company has allocated $4 million of the purchase price to intangible assets comprised of customer relationships and acquired technology. The Company is amortizing the customer relationships over six years and the acquired technology over ten years. These intangible assets are being amortized over a weighted-average period of nine years. The remaining purchase price of $6 million has been accounted for as goodwill. The goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.

The principal factor that resulted in recognition of goodwill in these acquisitions is that the purchase price was based in part on cash flow projections assuming the integration of any acquired technology, distribution channels and products with the Company’s products, which is of considerably greater value than utilizing each of the acquired companies’ technology, customer access or products on a stand-alone basis. The goodwill also includes value assigned to assembled workforce, which cannot be recognized as an intangible asset. In each acquisition, the sellers provided the Company with customary representations, warranties and indemnification, which would be settled in the future if and when a breach of the contractual representation or warranty condition occurs. The acquisitions of Blue Reference, the Israeli sales and service distributor and Baehr are expected to add approximately $13 million to the Company’s sales in 2013. The pro forma effect of the ongoing operations for Waters, Blue Reference, the Israeli sales and service distributor, Baehr and Anter as though these acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of the periods covered by this report is insignificant.

6    Goodwill and Other Intangibles

The carrying amount of goodwill was $317 million and $297 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company’s acquisitions increased goodwill by $18 million (See Note 5) and the effect of foreign currency translation increased goodwill by $2 million in 2012.

 

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The Company’s intangible assets included in the consolidated balance sheets are detailed as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
     Weighted-
Average
Amortization
Period
     Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
     Weighted-
Average
Amortization
Period
 

Purchased intangibles

   $ 154,749      $ 94,498        11 years       $ 138,001      $ 80,023        10 years   

Capitalized software

     293,589        155,394        5 years         253,379        138,573        5 years  

Licenses

     7,112        6,361        6 years         6,597        6,039        6 years   

Patents and other intangibles

     40,290        19,342        8 years         33,698        15,048        8 years  
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total

   $ 495,740      $ 275,595        7 years       $ 431,675      $ 239,683        7 years   
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

    

During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company acquired $16 million of purchased intangibles as a result of the acquisitions of Blue Reference, an Israeli sales and service distributor and Baehr (Note 5). Amortization expense for intangible assets was $31 million, $30 million and $28 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Included in amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 is a one-time $4 million charge to purchased intangibles amortization expense related to the discontinuance of a product trade name intangible asset. Amortization expense for intangible assets is estimated to be between $40 million and $45 million per year for each of the next five years. The estimated significant increase in amortization expense is due to amortization associated with capitalized software costs related to the launch of new software product platforms in the first quarter of 2013. The carrying value of the new software platform was approximately $102 million as of December 31, 2012 and will be amortized over ten years.

7    Debt

In July 2011, the Company entered into a new credit agreement (the “2011 Credit Agreement”) that provides for a $700 million revolving facility and a $300 million term loan facility. In August 2012, as provided for in the 2011 Credit Agreement, the Company increased the revolving facility commitment by $200 million, bringing the total amount of the revolving facility commitment to $900 million. There were no other changes to the terms and conditions of the 2011 Credit Agreement. The Company will use the proceeds from the increased revolving facility commitment for general corporate purposes. The revolving facility and term loan facility both mature on July 28, 2016 and require no scheduled prepayments before that date.

The interest rates applicable to the 2011 Credit Agreement are, at the Company’s option, equal to either the base rate (which is the highest of (i) the prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 1/2%, or (iii) the one month LIBOR rate plus 1%) or the applicable 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 or 12 month LIBOR rate, in each case, plus an interest rate margin based upon the Company’s leverage ratio, which can range between 0 to 20 basis points and between 85 basis points and 120 basis points, respectively. The facility fee on the 2011 Credit Agreement ranges between 15 basis points and 30 basis points. The 2011 Credit Agreement requires that the Company comply with an interest coverage ratio test of not less than 3.50:1 and a leverage ratio test of not more than 3.25:1 for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, respectively. In addition, the 2011 Credit Agreement includes negative covenants, affirmative covenants, representations and warranties and events of default that are customary for investment grade credit facilities. At December 31, 2012, $125 million of the outstanding portions of the revolving facilities have been classified as short-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets due to the fact that the Company expects to utilize this portion of the revolving line of credit to fund its working capital needs and can repay and re-borrow from the facility without penalty. The remaining $345 million of the outstanding portions of the revolving facilities have been classified as long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, as no repayments are required prior to the maturity date in 2016 and this portion is not expected to be repaid within the next twelve months.

 

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During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company issued and sold senior unsecured notes with a face value of $200 million. As of both December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had a total of $400 million of outstanding senior unsecured notes. Interest on the senior unsecured notes is payable semi-annually each year. The Company may prepay all or some of the senior unsecured notes at any time in an amount not less than 10% of the aggregate principal amount outstanding, plus the applicable make-whole amount. In the event of a change in control (as defined in the note purchase agreement) of the Company, the Company may be required to prepay the senior unsecured notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest. These notes require that the Company comply with an interest coverage ratio test of not less than 3.50:1 and a leverage ratio test of not more than 3.50:1 for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, respectively. In addition, these notes include customary negative covenants, affirmative covenants, representations and warranties and events of default.

As of December 31, 2012, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.

The Company had the following outstanding debt at December 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):

 

     December 31,  
     2012      2011  

Foreign subsidiary lines of credit

   $ 7,781      $ 10,832  

2011 Credit Agreement

     125,000        280,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total notes payable and debt

     132,781        290,832  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Senior unsecured notes — Series A — 3.75%, due February 2015

     100,000        100,000  

Senior unsecured notes — Series B — 5.00%, due February 2020

     100,000        100,000  

Senior unsecured notes — Series C — 2.50%, due March 2016

     50,000        50,000  

Senior unsecured notes — Series D — 3.22%, due March 2018

     100,000        100,000  

Senior unsecured notes — Series E — 3.97%, due March 2021

     50,000        50,000  

2011 Credit Agreement

     645,000        300,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

     1,045,000        700,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt

   $ 1,177,781      $ 990,832  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had a total amount available to borrow of $428 million and $419 million, respectively, after outstanding letters of credit, under the 2011 Credit Agreement. The weighted-average interest rates applicable to the senior unsecured notes and 2011 Credit Agreement borrowings collectively were 2.11% and 2.33% at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The Company and its foreign subsidiaries also had available short-term lines of credit totaling $107 million and $109 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, for the purpose of short-term borrowing and issuance of commercial guarantees. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the weighted-average interest rates applicable to the short-term borrowings were 2.00% and 2.02%, respectively.

 

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8    Income Taxes

Income tax data for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  

The components of income from operations before income taxes areas follows:

        

Domestic

   $ 116,071      $ 102,998      $ 60,470  

Foreign

     371,554        406,254        377,393  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 487,625      $ 509,252      $ 437,863  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

The current and deferred components of the provision for income taxes on operations are as follows:

      

Current

   $ 78,401     $ 82,108     $ 71,137  

Deferred

     (52,219     (5,824     (15,037
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 26,182     $ 76,284     $ 56,100  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The jurisdictional components of the provision for income taxes on operations are as follows:

      

Federal

   $ 39,840     $ 33,242     $ 21,599  

State

     5,599       5,661       3,491  

Foreign

     (19,257     37,381       31,010  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 26,182     $ 76,284     $ 56,100  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The differences between income taxes computed at the United States statutory rate and the provision for income taxes are summarized as follows:

      

Federal tax computed at U.S. statutory income tax rate

   $ 170,669     $ 178,238     $ 153,252  

State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit

     3,639       3,679       2,269  

Net effect of foreign operations

     (108,893     (102,528     (97,312

Recognition of deferred tax asset associated with a non-U.S. net operating loss

     (36,410            

Other, net

     (2,823     (3,105     (2,109
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

   $ 26,182     $ 76,284     $ 56,100  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company’s effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were 5.4%, 15.0% and 12.8%, respectively. The income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2012 included a $36 million tax benefit related to the Company’s refinancing of certain of its inter-company debt arrangements, which enabled the Company to recognize a deferred tax asset associated with a non-U.S. net operating loss carryforward. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company also recorded a $6 million tax benefit related to a tax audit settlement in the U.S. These tax benefits decreased the Company’s effective tax rate by 8.6 percentage points in the year ended December 31, 2012. Included in the income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2011 is $2 million of tax benefit related to the reversal of reserves for interest related to an audit settlement in the United Kingdom. This tax benefit decreased the Company’s effective tax rate by 0.3 percentage points in the year ended December 31, 2011. Included in the income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2010 is an $8 million tax benefit related to a tax audit settlement in the United Kingdom and

 

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$2 million of tax benefit related to the resolution of a pre-acquisition tax exposure. These tax benefits decreased the Company’s effective tax rate by 2.1 percentage points in the year ended December 31, 2010. The remaining differences between the effective tax rates for 2012, 2011 and 2010 were primarily attributable to differences in the proportionate amounts of pre-tax income recognized in jurisdictions with different effective tax rates.

The tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards which give rise to deferred tax assets and deferred tax (liabilities) are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31,  
     2012     2011  

Deferred tax assets:

    

Net operating losses and credits

   $ 119,405     $ 18,242  

Depreciation

     14,555       12,990  

Stock-based compensation

     25,024       22,616  

Deferred compensation

     29,666       27,442  

Revaluation of equity investments

     3,919       4,941  

Inventory

     3,658       3,226  

Accrued liabilities and reserves

     36,711       30,371  

Other

     19,038       11,349  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

     251,976       131,177  

Valuation allowance

     (93,576     (10,248
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance

     158,400       120,929  

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Capitalized software

     (15,726     (13,263

Amortization

     (3,980     (9,818

Indefinite-lived intangibles

     (18,252     (17,665

Other

     (4     (171
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

     (37,962     (40,917
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets

   $ 120,438     $ 80,012  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets of $51 million and $56 million are included in other current assets and $69 million and $24 million are included in other assets at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the deferred tax assets associated with net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards and the related valuation allowance increased due to the aforementioned tax benefit related to the Company’s refinancing of inter-company debt arrangements. This deferred tax asset was established for $111 million, for which a $75 million valuation allowance was established and a $36 million tax benefit was recorded in the income tax provision. The Company’s net deferred tax assets associated with net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards are approximately $35 million as of December 31, 2012, which represent the future tax benefit of foreign net operating loss carryforwards that do not expire under current law.

The income tax benefits associated with non-qualified stock option compensation expense recognized for tax purposes and credited to additional paid-in capital were $11 million, $32 million and $11 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

At December 31, 2012, there were unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries of approximately $2 billion. The Company has not provided for U.S. income taxes or foreign withholding taxes on these earnings as it is the Company’s current intention to permanently reinvest these earnings outside the U.S. Because of the complexity

 

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of U.S. and foreign tax rules applicable to the distribution of earnings from foreign subsidiaries to U.S. legal entities, the determination of the unrecognized deferred tax liability on these earnings is not practicable.

The Company accounts for its uncertain tax return reporting positions in accordance with the accounting standards for income taxes, which require financial statement reporting of the expected future tax consequences of those tax reporting positions on the presumption that all concerned tax authorities possess full knowledge of those tax reporting positions, as well as all of the pertinent facts and circumstances, but prohibit any discounting of those unrecognized tax benefits for the time value of money.

The following is a summary of the activity of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

 

     2012     2011      2010  

Balance at the beginning of the period

   $ 73,199     $ 71,523      $ 77,924  

Realization of uncertain U.S. tax benefits

     (5,625             

Realization of uncertain U.K. tax benefits

                  (9,996

Realization of uncertain pre-acquisition tax benefits

                  (1,500

Net (decrease) increase in other uncertain tax benefits

     (3,184     1,676        5,095  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at the end of the period

   $ 64,390     $ 73,199      $ 71,523  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company’s uncertain tax positions are taken with respect to income tax return reporting periods beginning after December 31, 1999, which are the periods that generally remain open to income tax audit examination by the concerned income tax authorities. The Company continuously monitors the lapsing of statutes of limitations on potential tax assessments for related changes in the measurement of unrecognized tax benefits, related net interest and penalties, and deferred tax assets and liabilities. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company reclassified $39 million of its unrecognized tax benefits to short-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, leaving $25 million classified as long-term liabilities.

The Company is currently engaged in continuing communications with tax authorities in the U.S., Japan and various other jurisdictions regarding examinations of the Company’s tax returns related to matters for which the Company has previously recorded uncertain tax benefits. During 2012, the Company did not record any material changes in the measurement of any unrecognized tax benefits related to these ongoing tax audit examinations. As of December 31, 2012, the Company anticipates that it will be able to resolve certain of these ongoing tax audit examination processes during the next twelve months. As of December 31, 2012, the Company expects to record a reduction in the measurement of its unrecognized tax benefits and related net interest and penalties in the range of approximately $5 million to $39 million within the next twelve months due to the lapsing of statutes of limitations on potential tax assessments and the settlement of ongoing tax audit examinations, and does not otherwise expect to record any other material changes within the next twelve months. These amounts have been classified as accrued income taxes in the consolidated balance sheets.

9    Litigation

The Company is involved in various litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes the outcome of these matters will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In June 2012, a $3 million payment was made to settle a complaint that was filed against the Company alleging patent infringement.

The Company has been engaged in ongoing patent litigation with Agilent Technologies GmbH (“Agilent”) in Germany. In July 2005, Agilent brought an action against the Company alleging that certain features of the

 

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Alliance pump continued to infringe certain of its patents. In August 2006, following a trial in this action, the German court ruled that the Company did not infringe the patents. Agilent filed an appeal in this action. A hearing on this appeal was held in January 2008. The appeals court affirmed the finding of the trial court that the Company did not infringe and Agilent appealed this finding to the German Federal Court of Justice. In December 2012, Agilent won this appeal and the Company recorded a $4 million provision for damages and fees estimated to be incurred in connection with this litigation. The accrued patent litigation expense is in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2012 and 2011.

10    Other Commitments and Contingencies

Lease agreements, expiring at various dates through 2026, cover buildings, office equipment and automobiles. Rental expense was $30 million, $28 million and $27 million during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Future minimum rents payable as of December 31, 2012 under non-cancelable leases with initial terms exceeding one year are as follows (in thousands):

 

2013

   $ 23,243  

2014

     18,135  

2015

     11,456  

2016

     7,259  

2017 and thereafter

     18,019  

The Company licenses certain technology and software from third parties. Fees paid for licenses were less than $1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. Future minimum license fees payable under existing license agreements as of December 31, 2012 are immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2013 and thereafter.

From time to time, the Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes it has meritorious arguments in its current litigation matters and believes any outcome, either individually or in the aggregate, will not be material to the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

The Company enters into standard indemnification agreements in its ordinary course of business. Pursuant to these agreements, the Company indemnifies, holds harmless and agrees to reimburse the indemnified party for losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party, generally the Company’s business partners or customers, in connection with patent, copyright or other intellectual property infringement claims by any third party with respect to its current products, as well as claims relating to property damage or personal injury resulting from the performance of services by the Company or its subcontractors. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited. Historically, the Company’s costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims relating to such indemnity agreements have been minimal and management accordingly believes the estimated fair value of these agreements is immaterial.

11    Stock-Based Compensation

In May 2012, the Company’s shareholders approved the Company’s 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (“2012 Plan”). As of December 31, 2012, the 2012 Plan has 5.6 million shares available for grant in the form of incentive or non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, restricted stock units or other types of awards. The Company issues new shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options or restricted stock unit conversion. Under the 2012 Plan, the exercise price for stock options may not be less than the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant. The 2012 Plan is scheduled to terminate on May 9, 2022. Options generally will expire no later than ten years after the date on which they are granted and will become exercisable as directed by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and generally vest

 

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in equal annual installments over a five-year period. A SAR may be granted alone or in conjunction with an option or other award. Shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units may be issued under the 2012 Plan for such consideration as is determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards outstanding.

In May 2009, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan under which eligible employees may contribute up to 15% of their earnings toward the quarterly purchase of the Company’s common stock. The plan makes available 0.9 million shares of the Company’s common stock, which includes the remaining shares available under the 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. As of December 31, 2012, 1.1 million shares have been issued under both the 2009 and 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plans. Each plan period lasts three months beginning on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year. The purchase price for each share of stock is the lesser of 90% of the market price on the first day of the plan period or 100% of the market price on the last day of the plan period. Stock-based compensation expense related to this plan was $1 million, $1 million and less than $1 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation costs in accordance with the accounting standards for stock-based compensation, which require that all share-based payments to employees be recognized in the statements of operations based on their fair values. The Company recognizes the expense using the straight-line attribution method. The stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations is based on awards that ultimately are expected to vest; therefore, the amount of expense has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. The stock-based compensation accounting standards require forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience. If actual results differ significantly from these estimates, stock-based compensation expense and the Company’s results of operations could be materially impacted. In addition, if the Company employs different assumptions in the application of these standards, the compensation expense that the Company records in the future periods may differ significantly from what the Company has recorded in the current period.

The consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 include the following stock-based compensation expense related to stock option awards, restricted stock, restricted stock unit awards and the employee stock purchase plan (in thousands):

 

     2012      2011      2010  

Cost of sales

   $ 2,694      $ 2,566      $ 2,483  

Selling and administrative expenses

     22,679        21,891        19,197  

Research and development expenses

     3,810        3,122        3,172  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total stock-based compensation

   $ 29,183      $ 27,579      $ 24,852  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of both December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company has capitalized stock-based compensation costs of less than $1 million in inventory in the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company has capitalized stock-based compensation costs of $2 million and $3 million, respectively, in capitalized software in the consolidated balance sheets.

Stock Options

In determining the fair value of the stock options, the Company makes a variety of assumptions and estimates, including volatility measures, expected yields and expected stock option lives. The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company uses

 

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implied volatility on its publicly-traded options as the basis for its estimate of expected volatility. The Company believes that implied volatility is the most appropriate indicator of expected volatility because it is generally reflective of historical volatility and expectations of how future volatility will differ from historical volatility. The expected life assumption for grants is based on historical experience for the population of non-qualified stock optionees. The risk-free interest rate is the yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term approximating the expected term used as the input to the Black-Scholes model. The relevant data used to determine the value of the stock options granted during 2012, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:

 

Options Issued and Significant Assumptions Used to Estimate Option Fair Values

   2012     2011     2010  

Options issued in thousands

     699       658       667  

Risk-free interest rate

     1.0     1.1     2.0

Expected life in years

     6       6       6  

Expected volatility

     0.265       0.376       0.271  

Expected dividends

                  

 

Weighted-Average Exercise Price and Fair Value of Options on the Date of Grant

   2012      2011      2010  

Exercise price

   $ 86.55      $ 79.10      $ 78.21  

Fair value

   $ 23.97      $ 29.67      $ 23.97  

The following table summarizes stock option activity for the plans for the year ended December 31, 2012 (in thousands, except per share data):

 

     Number of Shares     Exercise Price per
Share
     Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 

Outstanding at December 31, 2011

     4,809     $ 21.39 to $79.15      $ 56.71  

Granted

     699     $ 75.94 to $87.06      $ 86.55  

Exercised

     (630   $ 21.39 to $79.05      $ 38.40  

Canceled

     (69   $ 41.20 to $77.94      $ 64.10  
  

 

 

      

Outstanding at December 31, 2012

     4,809     $ 23.19 to $87.06      $ 63.34  
  

 

 

      

The following table details the weighted-average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at December 31, 2012 by range of exercise prices (in thousands, except per share data):

 

Exercise

Price Range

   Number of Shares
Outstanding
     Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
     Remaining
Contractual Life of
Options Outstanding
     Number of Shares
Exercisable
     Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
 

$23.19 to $48.99

     1,592      $ 41.06        2.9        1,479      $ 41.07  

$49.00 to $78.99

     1,325      $ 63.59        5.7        1,028      $ 63.77  

$79.00 to $87.06

     1,892      $ 81.91        9.1        361      $ 79.15  
  

 

 

          

 

 

    

Total

     4,809      $ 63.34        6.1        2,868      $ 54.00  
  

 

 

          

 

 

    

During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the total intrinsic value of the stock options exercised (i.e., the difference between the market price at exercise and the price paid by the employee to exercise the options) was $31 million, $67 million and $45 million, respectively. The total cash received from the exercise of these stock options was $24 million, $56 million and $97 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The aggregate intrinsic value of the outstanding stock options at December 31, 2012 was $114 million. Options exercisable at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were 2.9 million, 2.9 million and 3.7 million, respectively. The weighted-average exercise prices of options exercisable at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $54.00, $47.95 and $43.45, respectively. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of the exercisable outstanding stock options at December 31, 2012 was 4.3 years.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

At December 31, 2012, the Company had 4.8 million stock options which are vested and expected to vest. The intrinsic value, weighted-average price and remaining contractual life of the vested and expected to vest stock options were $114 million, $63.18 and 6.0 years, respectively, at December 31, 2012.

As of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, there were $45 million, $45 million and $38 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested stock option awards that are expected to vest. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.7 years.

Restricted Stock

During each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company granted 12 thousand shares of restricted stock. The restrictions on these shares lapse at the end of a three-year period. The weighted-average fair value per share on the grant date of the restricted stock granted in 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $75.94, $78.10 and $61.63, respectively. The Company has recorded $1 million of compensation expense in each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, related to the restricted stock grants. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had 36 thousand unvested shares of restricted stock outstanding with a total of $1 million of unrecognized compensation costs. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.

Restricted Stock Units

The following table summarizes the unvested restricted stock unit award activity for the year ended December 31, 2012 (in thousands, except for per share amounts):

 

     Shares     Weighted-Average
Price
 

Unvested at December 31, 2011

     654     $ 57.94  

Granted

     161     $ 87.81  

Vested

     (225   $ 55.21  

Forfeited

     (16   $ 61.83  
  

 

 

   

Unvested at December 31, 2012

     574     $ 67.28  
  

 

 

   

Restricted stock units are generally issued annually in February and vest in equal annual installments over a five-year period. The amount of compensation costs recognized for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 on the restricted stock units expected to vest were $13 million, $13 million and $12 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2012, there were $24 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to the restricted stock unit awards that are expected to vest. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.1 years.

12    Earnings Per Share

Basic and diluted EPS calculations are detailed as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2012  
     Net Income      Weighted-Average
Shares
     Per Share  
     (Numerator)      (Denominator)      Amount  

Net income per basic common share

   $ 461,443        87,841      $ 5.25  

Effect of dilutive stock option, restricted stock and restricted stock unit securities

        1,138     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income per diluted common share

   $ 461,443        88,979      $ 5.19  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2011  
     Net Income      Weighted-Average
Shares
     Per Share  
     (Numerator)      (Denominator)      Amount  

Net income per basic common share

   $ 432,968        90,833      $ 4.77  

Effect of dilutive stock option, restricted stock and restricted stock unit securities

        1,492     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income per diluted common share

   $ 432,968        92,325      $ 4.69  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2010  
     Net Income      Weighted-Average
Shares
     Per Share  
     (Numerator)      (Denominator)      Amount  

Net income per basic common share

   $ 381,763        92,385      $ 4.13  

Effect of dilutive stock option, restricted stock and restricted stock unit securities

        1,672     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income per diluted common share

   $ 381,763        94,057      $ 4.06  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company had 2.0 million, 1.3 million and 2.5 million stock options that were antidilutive, respectively, due to having higher exercise prices than the Company’s average stock price during the period. These securities were not included in the computation of diluted EPS. The effect of dilutive securities was calculated using the treasury stock method.

13    Retirement Plans

U.S. employees are eligible to participate in the Waters Employee Investment Plan, a 401(k) defined contribution plan, immediately upon hire. Employees may contribute from 1% to 30% of eligible pay on a pre-tax basis and the Company makes matching contributions of 100% for contributions up to 6% of eligible pay. Employees are 100% vested in employee and Company matching contributions. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company’s matching contributions amounted to $12 million, $12 million and $11 million, respectively.

The Company maintains two defined benefit plans in the U.S. for which the pay credit accruals have been frozen, the Waters Retirement Plan and the Waters Retirement Restoration Plan (collectively, the “U.S. Pension Plans”). The Company also sponsors other employee benefit plans in the U.S., including a retiree healthcare plan, which provides reimbursement for medical expenses and is contributory. There are various employee benefit plans outside the United States (both defined benefit and defined contribution plans). Certain non-U.S. defined benefit plans (“Non-U.S. Pension Plans”) are included in the disclosures below, which are required under the accounting standards for retirement benefits.

During 2012, the Company identified additional defined benefit pension plans in certain non-U.S. countries that had not historically been accounted for in accordance with GAAP in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The cumulative impact of these plans was (i) an understatement of the Company’s long-term pension liability of $6 million, an understatement of accumulated other comprehensive income of $4 million and an understatement of long-term deferred tax assets of $2 million and (ii) an omission of pension disclosures in previous years that resulted in the 2012 projected benefit obligation and plan assets increasing $25 million and $18 million, respectively. The impact of these adjustments was reflected in the related 2012 fair value and other pension disclosures below.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The Company corrected the errors describe above through an out-of-period adjustment to the consolidated balance sheet and statements of comprehensive income and stockholders’ equity during the first quarter of the year ended December 31, 2012. The errors did not impact the Company’s consolidated statement of operations or statement of cash flows. Management concluded that the adjustments described above to correct the cumulative effect of the omission of these plans were not material to the results for the first quarter of 2012 or for the year ended December 31, 2012. In addition, management concluded that the omission of these plans was not material to any previously issued annual or quarterly financial statements, individually or in the aggregate.

The Company contributed $3 million, $2 million and $2 million in the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, to the non-U.S. plans that were previously omitted from the required disclosures. The Company contributed $11 million, $10 million and $9 million in the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, to the remaining non-U.S. plans (primarily defined contribution plans) which are currently outside of the scope of the required disclosures. The eligibility and vesting of non-U.S. plans are generally consistent with local laws and regulations.

The net periodic pension cost is made up of several components that reflect different aspects of the Company’s financial arrangements as well as the cost of benefits earned by employees. These components are determined using the projected unit credit actuarial cost method and are based on certain actuarial assumptions. The Company’s accounting policy is to reflect in the projected benefit obligation all benefit changes to which the Company is committed as of the current valuation date; use a market-related value of assets to determine pension expense; amortize increases in prior service costs on a straight-line basis over the expected future service of active participants as of the date such costs are first recognized; and amortize cumulative actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the larger of the market-related value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation over the expected future service of active participants.

Summary data for the U.S. Pension Plans, U.S. retiree healthcare plan and Non-U.S. Pension Plans are presented in the following tables, using the measurement dates of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The summary of the projected benefit obligations at December 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands):

 

    2012     2011  
    U.S.
Pension
Plans
    U.S.
Retiree
Healthcare
Plan
    Non-U.S.
Pension
Plans*
    U.S.
Pension
Plans
    U.S.
Retiree
Healthcare
Plan
    Non-U.S.
Pension
Plans*
 

Projected benefit obligation, January 1

  $ 136,256     $ 9,146     $ 29,195     $ 118,459     $ 7,724     $ 29,504  

Service cost

    9       1,447       4,318       7       1,214       1,872  

Interest cost

    5,806       350       1,988       6,166       364       1,079  

Actuarial losses

    6,184       325       5,790       13,884       331       439  

Disbursements

    (3,208     (480     (1,011     (2,260     (487     (1,462

Plan amendments

                                  (2,640

Other plans*

                25,041                    

Currency impact

                (464                 403  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Projected benefit obligation, December 31

  $ 145,047     $ 10,788     $ 64,857     $ 136,256     $ 9,146     $ 29,195  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Certain Non-U.S. Pension Plans were omitted from prior year’s disclosure. The current year disclosure has been adjusted to include these plans.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The accumulated benefit obligations at December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     2012      2011  
     U.S.
Pension
Plans
     U.S.
Retiree
Healthcare
Plan
   Non-U.S.
Pension
Plans*
     U.S.
Pension
Plans
     U.S.
Retiree
Healthcare
Plan
   Non-U.S.
Pension
Plans*
 

Accumulated benefit obligation

   $ 145,045      **    $ 55,937      $ 136,240      **    $ 26,210  

 

* Certain Non-U.S. Pension Plans were omitted from prior year’s disclosure. The current year disclosure has been adjusted to include these plans.
** Not applicable.

The summary of the fair value of the plan assets at December 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     2012     2011  
     U.S.
Pension
Plans
    U.S.
Retiree
Healthcare
Plan
    Non-U.S.
Pension
Plans*
    U.S.
Pension
Plans
    U.S.
Retiree
Healthcare
Plan
    Non-U.S.
Pension
Plans*
 

Fair value of assets, January 1

   $ 91,610     $ 4,319     $ 12,798     $ 93,187     $ 3,808     $ 11,934  

Actual return on plan assets

     11,761       516       1,007       (1,844     61       271  

Company contributions

     6,409       275       4,243       2,527       268       1,874  

Employee contributions

           727       566             669        

Disbursements

     (3,208     (480     (1,011     (2,260     (487     (1,462

Other plans*

                 18,382                    

Currency impact

                 (126                 181  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of assets, December 31

   $ 106,572     $ 5,357     $ 35,859     $ 91,610     $ 4,319     $ 12,798  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Certain Non-U.S. Pension Plans were omitted from prior year’s disclosure. The current year disclosure has been adjusted to include these plans.

The summary of the funded status of the plans at December 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     2012     2011  
     U.S.
Pension
Plans
    U.S.
Retiree
Healthcare
Plan
    Non-U.S.
Pension
Plans*
    U.S.
Pension
Plans
    U.S.
Retiree
Healthcare
Plan
    Non-U.S.
Pension
Plans*
 

Projected benefit obligation

   $ (145,047   $ (10,788   $ (64,857   $ (136,256   $ (9,146   $ (29,195

Fair value of plan assets

     106,572       5,357       35,859       91,610       4,319       12,798  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Projected benefit obligation in excess of fair value of plan assets

   $ (38,475   $ (5,431   $ (28,998   $ (44,646   $ (4,827   $ (16,397
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Certain Non-U.S. Pension Plans were omitted from prior year’s disclosure. The current year disclosure has been adjusted to include these plans.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The summary of the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets for the plans at December 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     2012     2011  
     U.S.
Pension
Plans
    U.S.
Retiree
Healthcare
Plan
    Non-U.S.
Pension
Plans*
    U.S.
Pension
Plans
    U.S.
Retiree
Healthcare
Plan
    Non-U.S.
Pension
Plans*
 

Long-term assets

   $     $     $ 1,407     $     $     $ 1,817  

Current liabilities

     (140     (283     (175     (149           (108

Long-term liabilities

     (38,335     (5,148     (30,230     (44,497     (4,827     (18,106
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net amount recognized at December 31

   $ (38,475   $ (5,431   $ (28,998   $ (44,646   $ (4,827   $ (16,397
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Certain Non-U.S. Pension Plans were omitted from prior year’s disclosure. The current year disclosure has been adjusted to include these plans.

The summary of the components of net periodic pension costs for the plans for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 is as follows (in thousands):

 

    2012     2011     2010  
    U.S.
Pension
Plans
    U.S.
Retiree
Healthcare
Plan
    Non-U.S.
Pension
Plans*
    U.S.
Pension
Plans
    U.S.
Retiree
Healthcare
Plan
    Non-U.S.
Pension
Plans*
    U.S.
Pension
Plans
    U.S.
Retiree
Healthcare
Plan
    Non-U.S.
Pension
Plans*
 

Service cost

  $ 9     $ 720     $ 3,752     $ 7     $ 545     $ 1,872     $ 55     $ 427     $ 1,710  

Interest cost

    5,806       350       1,988       6,166       364       1,079       6,315       356       1,027  

Expected return on plan assets

    (7,619     (287     (838     (7,443     (277     (313     (7,123     (226     (329

Net amortization:

                 

Prior service credit

          (54     (267           (53     (89           (53      

Net actuarial loss

    3,009             367       1,782             37       1,095             11  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net periodic pension cost

  $ 1,205     $ 729     $ 5,002     $ 512     $ 579     $ 2,586     $ 342     $ 504     $ 2,419  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Certain Non-U.S. Pension Plans were omitted from prior year’s disclosure. The current year disclosure has been adjusted to include these plans.

 

69


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The summary of the changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 is as follows (in thousands):

 

    2012     2011     2010  
    U.S.
Pension
Plans
    U.S.
Retiree
Healthcare
Plan
    Non-U.S.
Pension
Plans*
    U.S.
Pension
Plans
    U.S.
Retiree
Healthcare
Plan
    Non-U.S.
Pension
Plans*
    U.S.
Pension
Plans
    U.S.
Retiree
Healthcare
Plan
    Non-U.S.
Pension
Plans*
 

Prior service cost

  $     $     $     $     $     $ (3,619   $     $     $  

Net gain (loss) arising during the year

    2,042       96       5,622       23,170       546       481       5,198       (605     627  

Amortization:

                 

Prior service credit

          54       267             53       89             53        

Net loss

    (3,009           (367     (1,782           (37     (1,095           (11

Other Plans*

                5,970                                      

Currency impact

                424                   55                   253  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income

  $ (967   $ 150     $ 11,916     $ 21,388     $ 599     $ (3,031   $ 4,103     $ (552   $ 869  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Certain Non-U.S. Pension Plans were omitted from prior year’s disclosure. The current year disclosure has been adjusted to include these plans.

The summary of the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income in stockholders’ equity for the plans at December 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     2012     2011  
     U.S.
Pension
Plans
    U.S.
Retiree
Healthcare
Plan
    Non-U.S.
Pension
Plans*
    U.S.
Pension
Plans
    U.S.
Retiree
Healthcare
Plan
    Non-U.S.
Pension
Plans*
 

Net loss

   $ (56,479   $ (395   $ (13,674   $ (57,446   $ (299   $ (2,416

Prior service credit

           105       2,938             159       3,527  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (56,479   $ (290   $ (10,736   $ (57,446   $ (140   $ 1,111  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Certain Non-U.S. Pension Plans were omitted from prior year’s disclosure. The current year disclosure has been adjusted to include these plans.

The summary of the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) expected to be included in next year’s net periodic benefit cost for the plans at December 31, 2012 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     2012  
     U.S.
Pension
Plans
    U.S.
Retiree
Healthcare
Plan
     Non-U.S.
Pension
Plans
 

Net loss

   $ (3,523   $      $ (523

Prior service credit

           54        248  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ (3,523   $ 54      $ (275
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The plans’ investment asset mix is as follow at December 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

     2012     2011  
     U.S.
Pension
Plans
    U.S.
Retiree
Healthcare
Plan
    Non-U.S.
Pension
Plans*
    U.S.
Pension
Plans
    U.S.
Retiree
Healthcare
Plan
    Non-U.S.
Pension
Plans*
 

Equity securities

     65     57     0     62     61     0

Debt securities

     33     22     0     35     27     0

Cash and cash equivalents

     2     21     17     3     12     45

Insurance contracts and other

     0     0     83     0     0     55
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100     100     100     100     100     100
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Certain Non-U.S. Pension Plans were omitted from prior year’s disclosure. The current year disclosure has been adjusted to include these plans.

The plans’ investment policies include the following asset allocation guidelines:

 

     U.S. Pension and U.S. Retiree
Healthcare Plans
     Non-U.S.
Pension Plans

Policy Target
 
     Policy Target     Range     

Equity securities

     60     40% -80%         0

Debt securities

     25     20% -60%         0

Cash and cash equivalents

     5     0% - 20%         20

Other

     10     0% - 20%         80

The asset allocation policy for the U.S. Pension Plans and U.S. retiree healthcare plan was developed in consideration of the following long-term investment objectives: achieving a return on assets consistent with the investment policy, achieving portfolio returns which exceed the average return for similarly invested funds and maximizing portfolio returns with at least a return of 2.5% above the one-year constant maturity Treasury bond yield over reasonable measurement periods and based on reasonable market cycles.

Within the equity portfolio of the U.S. retirement plans, investments are diversified among market capitalization and investment strategy. The Company targets a 20% allocation of its U.S. retirement plans’ equity portfolio to be invested in financial markets outside of the United States. The Company does not invest in its own stock within the U.S. retirement plans’ assets.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The fair value of the Company’s retirement plan assets are as follows at December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

 

     Total at
December 31,
2012
     Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets

(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 

U.S. Pension Plans:

           

Mutual funds(a)

   $ 93,061      $ 92,830      $ 231      $  

Common stocks(b)

     4,886        4,886                

Cash equivalents(c)

     2,359               2,359         

Hedge funds(d)

     6,266                      6,266  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total U.S. Pension Plans

     106,572        97,716        2,590        6,266  

U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan:

           

Mutual funds(e)

     4,236        4,236                

Cash equivalents(c)

     1,121               1,121         
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan

     5,357        4,236        1,121         

Non-U.S. Pension Plans*:

           

Cash equivalents(c)

     6,162        6,162                

Bank and insurance investment contracts(f)

     29,697                      29,697  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Non-U.S. Pension Plans

     35,859        6,162               29,697  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fair value of retirement plan assets

   $ 147,788      $ 108,114      $ 3,711      $ 35,963  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The fair value of the Company’s retirement plan assets are as follows at December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

 

     Total at
December 31,
2011
     Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets

(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 

U.S. Pension Plans:

           

Mutual funds(g)

   $ 78,631      $ 78,327      $ 304      $  

Common stocks(b)

     3,911        3,911                

Cash equivalents(c)

     3,050               3,050         

Hedge funds(d)

     6,018                      6,018  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total U.S. Pension Plans

     91,610        82,238        3,354        6,018  

U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan:

           

Mutual funds(h)

     3,798        3,798                

Cash equivalents(c)

     521               521         
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan

     4,319        3,798        521         

Non-U.S. Pension Plans*:

           

Cash equivalents(c)

     5,759        5,759                

Bank and insurance investment contracts(f)

     7,039                      7,039  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Non-U.S. Pension Plans

     12,798        5,759               7,039  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fair value of retirement plan assets

   $ 108,727      $ 91,795      $ 3,875      $ 13,057  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

* Certain Non-U.S. Pension Plans were omitted from prior year’s disclosure. The current year disclosure has been adjusted to include these plans.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

(a) The mutual fund balance in the U.S. Pension Plans are invested in the following categories: 34% in the common stock of large-cap U.S. companies, 27% in the common stock of international growth companies, and 39% in fixed income bonds issued by U.S. companies and by the U.S. government and its agencies.
(b) Represents primarily amounts invested in common stock of technology, healthcare, financial, energy and consumer staples and discretionary U.S. companies.
(c) Primarily represents money market funds held with various financial institutions.
(d) Hedge fund invests in both short and long term U.S. common stocks. Management of the hedge funds has the ability to shift investments from value to growth strategies, from large to small capitalization stocks and from a net long position to a net short position.
(e) The mutual fund balance in the U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan is invested in the following categories: 63% in the common stock of large-cap U.S. companies, 9% in the common stock of international growth companies and 28% in fixed income bonds of U.S. companies and U.S. government.
(f) Amount represents bank and insurance guaranteed investment contracts.
(g) The mutual fund balance in the U.S. Pension Plans are invested in the following categories: 38% in the common stock of large-cap U.S. companies, 23% in the common stock of international growth companies, and 39% in fixed income bonds issued by U.S. companies and by the U.S. government and its agencies.
(h) The mutual fund balance in the U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan is invested in the following categories: 61% in the common stock of large-cap U.S. companies, 9% in the common stock of international growth companies and 30% in fixed income bonds of U.S. companies and U.S. government.

The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of the Level 3 retirement plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):

 

     Total      Hedge
Funds
     Insurance
Guaranteed
Investment
Contracts
 

Fair value of assets, December 31, 2010

   $ 10,795      $ 4,882      $ 5,913  

Net purchases (sales) and appreciation (depreciation)

     2,262        1,136        1,126  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair value of assets, December 31, 2011

     13,057        6,018        7,039  

Net purchases (sales) and appreciation (depreciation)

     4,524        248        4,276  

Other Plans*

     18,382               18,382  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair value of assets, December 31, 2012

   $ 35,963      $ 6,266      $ 29,697  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

* Certain Non-U.S. Pension Plans were omitted from prior year’s disclosure. The current year disclosure has been adjusted to include these plans.

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:

 

     2012     2011     2010  
     U.S.     Non-U.S.     U.S.     Non-U.S.     U.S.     Non-U.S.  

Discount rate

     3.90     3.10     4.33     3.29     5.31     3.63

Increases in compensation levels

     4.75     2.59     4.75     2.91     4.75     2.90

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the pension cost at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:

 

     2012     2011     2010  
     U.S.     Non-U.S.     U.S.     Non-U.S.     U.S.     Non-U.S.  

Discount rate

     4.26     3.29     5.10     3.63     5.95     4.05

Return on assets

     7.12     1.88     7.20     2.50     6.86     3.07

Increases in compensation levels

     4.75     2.91     4.75     2.90     4.75     2.94

To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, the Company considered historical returns and future expectations for returns for each asset class, as well as the target asset allocation of the pension portfolio and historical expenses paid by the plan. A one-quarter percentage point increase in the assumed long-term rate of return on assets would decrease the Company’s net periodic benefit cost for the Waters Retirement Plan by less than $1 million. A one-quarter percentage point increase in the discount rate would decrease the Company’s net periodic benefit cost for the Waters Retirement Plan by less than $1 million.

During fiscal year 2013, the Company expects to contribute a total of approximately $8 million to $10 million to the Company’s defined benefit plans. Estimated future benefit payments as of December 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     U.S. Pension and
Retiree Healthcare Plans
     Non-U.S.
Pension
Plans
     Total  

2013

   $ 5,368      $ 939      $ 6,307  

2014

     6,399        1,104        7,503  

2015

     7,129        1,321        8,450  

2016

     7,483        3,950        11,433  

2017

     8,138        2,010        10,148  

2018 - 2022

     53,346        13,705        67,051  

14    Business Segment Information

The accounting standards for segment reporting establish standards for reporting information about operating segments in annual financial statements and require selected information for those segments to be presented in interim financial reports of public business enterprises. They also establish standards for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers. The Company’s business activities, for which discrete financial information is available, are regularly reviewed and evaluated by the chief operating decision makers. As a result of this evaluation, the Company determined that it has two operating segments: Waters Division and TA Division.

Waters Division is primarily in the business of designing, manufacturing, distributing and servicing LC and MS instruments, columns and other chemistry consumables that can be integrated and used along with other analytical instruments. TA Division is primarily in the business of designing, manufacturing, distributing and servicing thermal analysis, rheometry and calorimetry instruments. The Company’s two divisions are its operating segments and each has similar economic characteristics; product processes; products and services; types and classes of customers; methods of distribution and regulatory environments. Because of these similarities, the two segments have been aggregated into one reporting segment for financial statement purposes. Please refer to the consolidated financial statements for financial information regarding the one reportable segment of the Company.

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Net sales for the Company’s products and services are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

 

     2012      2011      2010  

Product net sales:

        

Waters instrument systems

   $ 828,458      $ 878,367      $ 772,631  

Chemistry

     294,787        292,506        264,368  

TA instrument systems

     157,262        151,263        129,628  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total product sales

     1,280,507        1,322,136        1,166,627  

Service net sales:

        

Waters service

     509,412        480,553        434,352  

TA service

     53,722        48,495        42,392  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total service sales

     563,134        529,048        476,744  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net sales

   $ 1,843,641      $ 1,851,184      $ 1,643,371  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Geographic sales information is presented below for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

 

     2012      2011      2010  

Net Sales:

        

United States

   $ 531,912      $ 530,606      $ 499,535  

Europe

     549,341        574,770        494,638  

Asia:

        

China

     212,701        175,409        147,389  

Japan

     207,340        211,893        187,581  

Asia Other

     215,612        222,082        205,679  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Asia

     635,653        609,384        540,649  

Other

     126,735        136,424        108,549  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net sales

   $ 1,843,641      $ 1,851,184      $ 1,643,371  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Other category includes Canada, Latin America and Puerto Rico. Net sales are attributable to geographic areas based on the region of destination. None of the Company’s individual customers accounts for more than 3% of annual Company sales.

Long-lived assets information at December 31, 2012 and 2011 is presented below (in thousands):

 

     2012      2011  

Long-lived assets:

     

United States

   $ 173,932      $ 180,750  

Europe

     89,389        46,082  

Japan

     964        1,228  

Asia

     7,503        7,702  

Other

     1,491        1,333  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total long-lived assets

   $ 273,279      $ 237,095  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Other category includes Canada, Latin America and Puerto Rico. Long-lived assets exclude goodwill, other intangible assets and other assets.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

15    Unaudited Quarterly Results

The Company’s unaudited quarterly results are summarized below (in thousands, except per share data):

 

2012

   First
Quarter
    Second
Quarter
    Third
Quarter
    Fourth
Quarter
    Total  

Net sales

   $ 420,458     $ 451,465     $ 449,952     $ 521,766     $ 1,843,641  

Cost of sales

     167,290       179,259       182,702       208,363       737,614  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     253,168       272,206       267,250       313,403       1,106,027  

Selling and administrative expenses

     117,119       122,682       115,322       122,147       477,270  

Research and development expenses

     23,347       23,943       23,756       24,958       96,004  

Purchased intangibles amortization

     2,485       2,458       6,427       2,459       13,829  

Litigation provisions

           3,000             4,434       7,434  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     110,217       120,123       121,745       159,405       511,490  

Interest expense

     (6,491     (6,878     (7,107     (7,597     (28,073

Interest income

     769       1,031       1,184       1,224       4,208  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations before income taxes

     104,495       114,276       115,822       153,032       487,625  

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)

     15,829       16,552       16,713       (22,912     26,182  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 88,666     $ 97,724     $ 99,109     $ 175,944     $ 461,443  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income per basic common share

     1.00       1.11       1.13       2.03       5.25  

Weighted-average number of basic common shares

     88,992       88,317       87,411       86,712       87,841  

Net income per diluted common share

     0.98       1.09       1.12       2.00       5.19  

Weighted-average number of diluted common shares and equivalents

     90,269       89,381       88,451       87,851       88,979  

 

2011

   First
Quarter
    Second
Quarter
    Third
Quarter
    Fourth
Quarter
    Total  

Net sales

   $ 427,603     $ 447,627     $ 454,534     $ 521,420     $ 1,851,184  

Cost of sales

     169,829       176,103       180,318       204,243       730,493  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     257,774       271,524       274,216       317,177       1,120,691  

Selling and administrative expenses

     117,124       125,439       121,211       126,237       490,011  

Research and development expenses

     22,254       23,014       23,372       23,707       92,347  

Purchased intangibles amortization

     2,501       2,504       2,369       2,359       9,733  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     115,895       120,567       127,264       164,874       528,600  

Interest expense

     (4,083     (5,052     (6,159     (6,677     (21,971

Interest income

     713       813       613       484       2,623  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations before income taxes

     112,525       116,328       121,718       158,681       509,252  

Provision for income tax expense

     18,036       16,253       20,461       21,534       76,284  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 94,489     $ 100,075     $ 101,257     $ 137,147     $ 432,968  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income per basic common share

     1.03       1.09       1.12       1.54       4.77  

Weighted-average number of basic common shares

     91,649       91,662       90,688       89,324       90,833  

Net income per diluted common share

     1.01       1.07       1.10       1.51       4.69  

Weighted-average number of diluted common shares and equivalents

     93,313       93,271       92,060       90,566       92,325  

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The Company typically experiences an increase in sales in the fourth quarter, as a result of purchasing habits for capital goods of customers that tend to exhaust their spending budgets by calendar year end. Selling and administrative expenses are typically higher in the second and third quarters over the first quarter in each year as the Company’s annual payroll merit increases take effect. Selling and administrative expenses will vary in the fourth quarter in relation to performance in the quarter and for the year. The Company recorded litigation provisions in the second and fourth quarters of 2012 for damages and fees estimated to be incurred in connection with complaints filed against the Company relating to patent infringement lawsuits (Note 9). In the third quarter of 2012, the Company incurred a one-time $4 million charge to purchased intangibles amortization expense related to the discontinuance of a product trade name intangible asset (Note 6). In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company recorded a $36 million tax benefit related to the reduction in a deferred tax asset valuation reserve associated with the Company’s refinancing of certain of its inter-company debt arrangements, which enabled the Company to recognize a deferred tax asset associated with a non-U.S. net operating loss carryforward (Note 8). In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company also recorded a $6 million tax benefit related to a tax audit settlement in the U.S. In the second quarter of 2011, the Company recorded $2 million of tax benefit related to the reversal of reserves for interest related to an audit settlement in the United Kingdom.

 

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Item 9:     Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A:     Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer (principal executive and principal financial officer), with the participation of management, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form 10-K. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2012 (1) to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding the required disclosure and (2) to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

See Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting in Item 8 on page 38 of this Form 10-K.

Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

See the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in Item 8 on page 39 of this Form 10-K.

Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

No change was identified in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended December 31, 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B:     Other Information

None.

 

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Table of Contents

PART III

 

Item 10: Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Information regarding the Company’s directors is contained in the definitive proxy statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the headings “Election of Directors”, “Directors Meetings and Board Committees”, “Corporate Governance”, “Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors” and “Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers”. Information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is contained in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the heading “Section 16(A) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.” Information regarding the Company’s Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert is contained in the definitive proxy statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the headings “Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors” and “Directors Meetings and Board Committees”. Such information is incorporated herein by reference. Information regarding the Company’s executive officers is contained in Part I of this Form 10-K.

The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) that applies to all of the Company’s employees (including its executive officers) and directors and that is in compliance with Item 406 of Regulation S-K. The Code has been distributed to all employees of the Company. In addition, the Code is available on the Company’s website, www.waters.com, under the caption “Governance”. The Company intends to satisfy the disclosure requirement regarding any amendment to, or waiver of a provision of, the Code applicable to any executive officer or director by posting such information on its website. The Company shall also provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy of the Code. Any such request must be made in writing to the Secretary of the Company, c/o Waters Corporation, 34 Maple Street, Milford, MA 01757.

The Company’s corporate governance guidelines and the charters of the audit committee, compensation committee, and nominating and corporate governance committee of the Board of Directors are available on the Company’s website, www.waters.com, under the caption “Governance”. The Company shall provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy of any of the foregoing materials. Any such request must be made in writing to the Secretary of the Company, c/o Waters Corporation, 34 Maple Street, Milford, MA 01757.

The Company has not made any material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

Item 11: Executive Compensation

This information is contained in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the headings “Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers”, “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Compensation Committee Report”. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 12: Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Except for the Equity Compensation Plan information set forth below, this information is contained in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the heading “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management”. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Table of Contents

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2012 about the Company’s common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants, and rights under its existing equity compensation plans (in thousands):

 

     A      B      C  
     Number of Securities to
be Issued Upon Exercise
of Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
     Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
     Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation
Plans (excluding
securities reflected in
column (A))
 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

     4,809      $ 63.34        6,594  

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

                    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     4,809      $ 63.34        6,594  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See Note 11, Stock-Based Compensation, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the material features of the Company’s equity compensation plans.

 

Item 13: Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence

This information is contained in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the headings “Directors Meetings and Board Committees”, “Corporate Governance” and “Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers”. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 14: Principal Accountant Fees and Services

This information is contained in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the headings “Ratification of Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and “Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors”. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15: Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a) Documents filed as part of this report:

 

  (1) Financial Statements:

The consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries are filed as part of this Form 10-K and are set forth on pages 40 to 77. The report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, dated February 26, 2013, is set forth on page 39 of this Form 10-K.

 

  (2) Financial Statement Schedule:

See (c) below.

 

  (3) Exhibits:

 

 Exhibit
Number

  

Description of Document

  3.1    Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Waters Corporation.(1)
  3.2    Certificate of Amendment of Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Waters Corporation, dated as of May 12, 1999.(4)
  3.3    Certificate of Amendment of Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Waters Corporation, dated as of July 27, 2000.(7)
  3.4    Certificate of Amendment of Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Waters Corporation, dated as of May 25, 2001.(9)
  3.5    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Waters Corporation, dated as of May 11, 2010.(22)
10.1    Waters Corporation Second Amended and Restated 1996 Long-Term Performance Incentive Plan.(6)(*)
10.2    Waters Corporation 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.(2)(*)
10.3    Amended and Restated Waters Corporation 1996 Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan, Effective January 1, 2008.(19)(*)
10.4    Waters Corporation Amended and Restated 1996 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan.(6)(*)
10.5    Waters Corporation Retirement Plan.(3)(*)
10.6    First Amendment to the Waters Corporation 2003 Equity Incentive Plan.(12)(*)
10.7    Form of Director Stock Option Agreement under the Waters Corporation 2003 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended.(13)(*)
10.8    Form of Director Restricted Stock Agreement under the Waters Corporation 2003 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended.(13)(*)
10.9    Form of Executive Officer Stock Option Agreement under the Waters Corporation 2003 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended.(13)(*)
10.10    Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of July 28, 2011, among Waters Corporation, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., JP Morgan Europe Limited and other Lenders party thereto.(24)
10.11    First Amendment to the Waters Corporation Second Amended and Restated 1996 Long-Term Performance Incentive Plan.(10)(*)

 

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 Exhibit
Number

  

Description of Document

10.12    Form of Amendment to Stock Option Agreement under the Waters Corporation Second Amended and Restated 1996 Long-Term Performance Incentive Plan.(14)(*)
10.13    Waters Corporation 2003 Equity Incentive Plan.(11)(*)
10.14    Form of Executive Officer Stock Option Agreement under the Waters Corporation Second Amended and Restated 1996 Long-Term Performance Incentive Plan.(14)(*)
10.15    2008 Waters Corporation Management Incentive Plan.(19)(*)
10.16    Second Amendment to the Waters Corporation 2003 Equity Incentive Plan.(15)(*)
10.17    December 1999 Amendment to the Waters Corporation 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.(5)(*)
10.18    March 2000 Amendment to the Waters Corporation 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.(5)(*)
10.19    June 1999 Amendment to the Waters Corporation 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.(8)(*)
10.20    July 2000 Amendment to the Waters Corporation 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.(8)(*)
10.21    Second Amendment to the Waters Corporation Second Amended and Restated 1996 Long-Term Performance Incentive Plan.(16)(*)
10.22    Third Amendment to the Waters Corporation 2003 Equity Incentive Plan.(16)(*)
10.23    Amended and Restated Waters Retirement Restoration Plan, effective January 1, 2008.(19)(*)
10.24    Amended and Restated Waters 401(k) Restoration Plan, effective January 1, 2008.(17)(*)
10.25    Change of Control/Severance Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2008, between Waters Corporation and Mark T. Beaudouin.(18)(*)
10.26    Change of Control/Severance Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2008, between Waters Corporation and Douglas A. Berthiaume.(18)(*)
10.27    Change of Control/Severance Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2008, between Waters Corporation and Arthur G. Caputo.(18)(*)
10.28    Change of Control/Severance Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2008, between Waters Corporation and William J. Curry.(18)(*)
10.29    Change of Control/Severance Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2008, between Waters Corporation and John Ornell.(18)(*)
10.30    Change of Control/Severance Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2008, between Waters Corporation and Elizabeth B. Rae.(18)(*)
10.31    Waters Corporation 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (20)(*)
10.32    Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2010, between Waters Corporation and the purchases named therein.(21)
10.33    First Amendment to the Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2010.(23)
10.34    Note Purchase Agreement, dated March 15, 2011, between Waters Corporation and the purchases named therein.(23)
10.35    Incremental Commitment Agreement, dated as of August 9, 2012, among Waters Corporation, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and other Lenders party thereto.(26)
10.36    Waters Corporation 2012 Equity Incentive Plan.(25)(*)

 

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 Exhibit
Number

  

Description of Document

10.37    Form of Waters 2012 Stock Option Agreement—Executive Officers.(27)(*)
10.38    Form of Waters 2012 Stock Option Agreement—Directors.(27)(*)
10.39    Form of Waters 2012 Restricted Stock Agreement—Directors.(27)(*)
21.1    Subsidiaries of Waters Corporation.
23.1    Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm.
31.1    Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1    Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.(**)
32.2    Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.(**)
101    The following materials from Waters Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and (vi) Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.(**)

 

  (1) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K dated March 29, 1996 (File No. 001-14010).

 

  (2) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit B of the Registrant’s 1996 Proxy Statement (File No. 001-14010).

 

  (3) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-96934).

 

  (4) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-Q dated August 11, 1999 (File No. 001-14010).

 

  (5) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K dated March 30, 2000 (File No. 001-14010).

 

  (6) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-Q dated May 8, 2000 (File No. 001-14010).

 

  (7) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-Q dated August 8, 2000 (File No. 001-14010).

 

  (8) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K dated March 27, 2001 (File No. 001-14010).

 

  (9) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K dated March 28, 2002 (File No. 001-14010).

 

(10) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-Q dated August 12, 2002 (File No. 001-14010).

 

(11) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form S-8 dated November 20, 2003 (File No. 333-110613).

 

(12) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K dated March 12, 2004 (File No. 001-14010).

 

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(13) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-Q dated November 10, 2004 (File No. 001-14010).

 

(14) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K dated March 15, 2005 (File No. 001-14010).

 

(15) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-Q dated August 5, 2005 (File No. 001-14010).

 

(16) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K dated March 1, 2007 (File No. 001-14010).

 

(17) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-Q dated November 2, 2007 (File No. 001-14010).

 

(18) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K dated February 29, 2008 (File No. 001-14010).

 

(19) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K dated February 27, 2009 (File No. 001-14010).

 

(20) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form S-8 dated July 10, 2009 (File No. 333-160507).

 

(21) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K dated February 26, 2010 (File No. 001-14010).

 

(22) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-Q dated August 6, 2010 (File No. 001-14010).

 

(23) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-Q dated May 6, 2011 (File No. 001-14010).

 

(24) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-Q dated August 5, 2011 (File No. 001-14010).

 

(25) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form S-8 dated September 5, 2012 (File No. 333-183721).

 

(26) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-Q dated November 2, 2012 (File No. 001-14010).

 

(27) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K dated December 11, 2012 (File No. 001-14010).

 

  (*) Management contract or compensatory plan required to be filed as an Exhibit to this Form 10-K.

 

(**) This exhibit shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any filing, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates it by reference.

(b) See Item 15 (a) (3) above.

(c) Financial Statement Schedule:

 

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WATERS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

For each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012

 

     Balance at
Beginning
of Period
     Charged to
Provision for
Income Taxes*
    Amounts
Recorded in
Additional Paid-
In Capital**
    Balance at
End of
Period
 

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets:

         

2012

   $ 10,248      $ 80,974     $ 2,354     $ 93,576  

2011

   $ 10,361      $ 63     $ (176   $ 10,248  

2010

   $ 83,683      $ (47,449   $ (25,873   $ 10,361  

 

* These amounts have been recorded as part of the income statement provision for income taxes. The income statement effects of these amounts have largely been offset by amounts related to changes in other deferred tax balance sheet accounts.
** During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recorded amounts associated with the tax benefit related to stock option plans in additional paid-in capital. During the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company released valuation allowances on a portion of the deferred tax assets created by the tax benefit related to stock option plans that had been previously established in additional paid-in capital.

 

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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.

 

WATERS CORPORATION
/S/    WILLIAM J. CURRY        

William J. Curry

Vice President, Corporate Controller

and Principal Accounting Officer

(duly authorized and chief accounting officer)

Date: February 26, 2013

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 26, 2013.

 

/S/    DOUGLAS A. BERTHIAUME        

Douglas A. Berthiaume

   Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)

/S/    JOHN ORNELL        

John Ornell

   Vice President, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer)

/S/    JOSHUA BEKENSTEIN        

Joshua Bekenstein

   Director

/S/    DR. MICHAEL J. BERENDT        

Dr. Michael J. Berendt

   Director

/S/    EDWARD CONARD        

Edward Conard

   Director

/S/    DR. LAURIE H. GLIMCHER        

Dr. Laurie H. Glimcher

   Director

/S/    CHRISTOPHER A. KUEBLER        

Christopher A. Kuebler

   Director

/S/    WILLIAM J. MILLER        

William J. Miller

   Director

/S/    JOANN A. REED        

JoAnn A. Reed

   Director

/S/    THOMAS P. SALICE        

Thomas P. Salice

   Director

 

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