corresp
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1049 Camino Dos Rios
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Phone:805.373.4545
Fax: 805.373.4450 |
February 22, 2011
Securities and Exchange Commission
Division of Corporation Finance
10 F Street NE
Washington, D.C. 20549-7010
Attention: John Cash, Accounting Branch Chief
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Re: |
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Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2010
Filed March 2, 2010
File No. 1-15295 |
Dear Mr. Cash:
Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (the Company or Teledyne) hereby provides
additional information as requested by the SEC Staff during our teleconference call on
January 27, 2011, related to the above-referenced filing, which has been discussed with Ernst
& Young LLP, the Companys independent registered public accounting firm, including its
National Office. The information provided describes our identification of operating segments
and how they are aggregated to reportable segments.
Reportable Segment Realignment
For our 2010 Form 10-K reporting, we plan to revise our segment reporting. Our former
Electronics and Communication (E&C) reportable segment will now be reported as two separate
reportable segments. Additionally, recent events have affected our segment reporting of the
Aerospace Engines and Components reportable segment and we have realigned and changed the reporting
structure of the Energy and Power Systems reportable segment which is an insignificant segment.
These changes are further described in the following paragraphs.
We have identified the following operating segments and the related reportable segments:
Securities and Exchange Commission
Page 2
February 22, 2011
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Operating Segment |
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New Reportable Segment |
1
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Environmental Instrumentation
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Digital Imaging and Instrumentation |
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2
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Marine Instrumentation
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Digital Imaging and Instrumentation |
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3
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Digital Imaging
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Digital Imaging and Instrumentation |
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4
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Aerospace and Defense Electronics
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Aerospace and Defense Electronics |
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5
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Engineered Products and Services
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Engineered Systems |
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6
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Energy Systems
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Engineered Systems |
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7
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Turbine Engines
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Engineered Systems |
Electronics and Communications Segment
Our former E&C reportable segment will now report as two separate segments which are the
Digital Imaging and Instrumentation (DI&I) segment and the Aerospace and Defense Electronics (A&DE)
segment. There are three operating segments in the DI&I reportable segment which are Digital
Imaging, Environmental Instrumentation and Marine Instrumentation. There is one operating segment
for the A&DE reportable segment.
Energy and Power Systems Segment
The Energy and Power Systems (E&PS) reportable segment represented sales of $69.4 million
(less than 4% of Teledynes total sales) in 2010. The three operating segments that comprised the
E&PS reportable segment have been restructured into the Aerospace and Defense Electronics and the
Engineered Systems segment. The Battery Products operating segment with revenue of $15.5 million is
now part of the Aerospace and Defense Electronics segment as its economic characteristics are
similar to this segment. The Energy Systems and Turbine Engines operating segments with total
revenue of $53.9 million are now part of the Engineered Systems segment as their economic
characteristics are similar to this segment. Restructuring and eliminating this insignificant
reportable segment which is below the required quantitative thresholds (it is <10% of sales)
better aligns the individual operating segments with other operating segments in similar markets
and products and responsible management.
Aerospace Engines and Components Segment
In December 2010, we announced an agreement to sell Teledynes general aviation piston engine
businesses, which comprise the Aerospace Engines and Components (AE&C) reportable segment. We
anticipate that this transaction will close during the first quarter of 2011. As a result, the AE&C
reportable segment has been classified as a discontinued operation and is no longer a reportable
segment.
Securities and Exchange Commission
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February 22, 2011
The above changes and recent events result in the following change to our reportable segments:
FY 2010
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Historic Segment Reporting |
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Reportable Segment |
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Revenue $M |
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% of Total |
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1 |
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Electronics and Communication |
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$ |
1,294.9 |
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73 |
% |
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2 |
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Engineered Systems |
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$ |
279.9 |
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16 |
% |
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3 |
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Aerospace Engines and Components |
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$ |
133.7 |
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8 |
% |
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4 |
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Energy and Power Systems |
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$ |
69.4 |
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3 |
% |
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Total |
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$ |
1,777.9 |
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100 |
% |
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Proforma Segment Reporting |
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Reportable Segment |
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Revenue $M |
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% of Total |
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1 |
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Digital Imaging and Instrumentation |
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$ |
695.7 |
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42 |
% |
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2 |
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Aerospace and Defense Electronics |
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$ |
614.7 |
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37 |
% |
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3 |
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Engineered Systems |
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$ |
333.8 |
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21 |
% |
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Total |
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$ |
1,644.2 |
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100 |
% |
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Discontinued Operations |
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Aerospace Engines and Components |
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$ |
133.7 |
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Identification of Operating Segments
In determining our operating segments we considered the criteria under Financial Accounting
Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) ASC 280 Segment Reporting. We
determined that each of our product lines are an operating segment since they meet the criteria of
ASC 280-10-50-1 which includes the following three characteristics:
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It engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur
expenses. |
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Its operating results by product line are provided regularly to the Chief
Operating Decision Maker (CODM). |
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Its discrete financial information is available for each product line. |
The CODM is receiving discrete financial data at the reportable segment level on a monthly
basis and does not receive product line information in the monthly financial
reporting package. The CODM will only receive discrete product line financial information in the
quarterly operations review meetings.
Historically, we have had four operating segments which equaled our four reportable segments.
In our revised reportable segment structure, we will have seven operating segments (eight operating
segments for comparative purposes, if we included the discontinued operation) which are considered
for aggregation as described below.
Aggregation Criteria
ASC 280 allows for individual operating segments to be aggregated for reporting purposes if
certain criteria are met. We evaluated our operating segments for aggregation on the basis of the
criteria listed below.
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ASC 280-10-50-11 states that operating segments may be aggregated into a single reportable
segment if aggregation is consistent with the objective and basic principles of ASC 280, if
the operating segments have similar economic characteristics, and if the operating segments
are similar in all of the following areas: |
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The nature of the products and services |
Securities and Exchange Commission
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February 22, 2011
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The nature of the production processes |
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The type or class of customer for their products and services |
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The methods used to distribute their products or provide their services |
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If applicable, the nature of the regulatory environment, for example,
banking, insurance, or public utilities. |
After evaluating our operating segments considering the aggregation criteria described above,
we have aggregated our operating segments to the following reportable segments from continuing
operations:
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2010 Revenue |
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% to Total |
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1. |
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Digital Imaging and Instrumentation |
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$695.7 million |
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42 |
% |
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2. |
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Aerospace and Defense Electronics |
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$614.7 million |
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37 |
% |
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3. |
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Engineered Systems |
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$333.8 million |
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21 |
% |
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Total |
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$1,644.2 million |
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Operating Segment |
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Reportable Segment |
1
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Environmental Instrumentation
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Digital Imaging and Instrumentation |
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2
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Marine Instrumentation
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Digital Imaging and Instrumentation |
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3
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Digital Imaging
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Digital Imaging and Instrumentation |
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4
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Aerospace and Defense Electronics
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Aerospace and Defense Electronics |
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5
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Engineered Products and Services
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Engineered Systems |
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6
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Energy Systems
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Engineered Systems |
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7
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Turbine Engines
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Engineered Systems |
The following discussion further expands on the characteristics mentioned above for the
DI&I and Engineered Systems reportable segment and why the operating segments can be aggregated to
determine our reportable segments:
Digital Imaging and Instrumentation Segment
The three operating segments in the Digital Imaging and Instrumentation (DI&I) reportable
segment are as follows: Digital Imaging, Environmental Instrumentation and Marine Instrumentation.
The following summarizes why the three operating segments of the DI&I reportable segment are
similar based on the characteristics outlined in the guidance.
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Similar economic characteristics: |
The operating segments have similar economic characteristics based on the following
factors. The cost structures are similar by operating segment as they rely on similar
production processes, capital equipment, distribution methods, sharing of resources and
expertise as described further below. Our
Securities and Exchange Commission
Page 5
February 22, 2011
operating segments are measured based on similar
operations metrics and year over year performance.
Average gross margins for the Environmental Instrumentation and Marine Instrumentation
operating segments which have revenues totaling $573.2 million are less than 10% of each
other averaging 42%. Average contribution margins are 46%, 43% and 38%, for the
Environmental Instrumentation, Marine Instrumentation and Digital Imaging operating
segments, respectively. The Digital Imaging operating segment, with sales of $122.5
million, has an average gross margin of 30% which is lower than the other two operating
segments due to recent acquisitions that have non-recurring acquisition or integration
costs included in gross margins. We expect Digital Imagings long-term gross margins to
improve as integration efforts proceed and new product development strategies mature and it
will be in line with the other two operating segments. In fiscal 2011 and 2012, we
anticipate the Digital Imaging gross margin to improve to over 33% and 41%, respectively.
We believe this will bring Digital Imaging to similar
economic characteristics as the other DI&I operating segments. We also believe this will be
sustained for the long-term.
We have various initiatives to increase the Digital Imaging product offering and grow
sales and increase margins of these products. The Digital Imaging products we offer started
with an acquisition in 2006 with an additional acquisition in 2008 and in 2010. We
currently have various contracts for low rate initial production of new products which have
lower margins, but should transition to higher margin future production orders. Also, we
had recent inventory write-offs in 2010 in this operating segment and new product
production problems which negatively impacted gross margin. We expect to transition to more
fixed-price contracts versus cost-type contracts. These short term factors affect the
profitability of Digital Imaging. The Digital Imaging operating segment at maturity meets
all the similar criteria with the other two operating segments. Also, if Digital Imaging
was not part of the DI&I reportable segment it would not meet the quantitative threshold
under ASC 280 as it would be insignificant at 7.5% of total sales from continuing
operations.
It is common that operating segments may provide services, components or subsystems to
be incorporated into another operating segments higher-level product (i.e. vertical
integration). The gross margins of individual products within a suite of products may vary,
but the ability to market and sell products requires the complete product offering.
Therefore, one must look at the aggregation of these operating segments to understand the
trends in sales and overall profits and related future cash flows and how they move
together.
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The nature of the products and services: |
The DI&I operating segments design, manufacture and sell technically complex and
highly engineered electronic instrumentation that is primarily sold to regulated markets.
The operating segments in this reportable segment develop
Securities and Exchange Commission
Page 6
February 22, 2011
new products and offer services
based on assumed market demand. That is, products and services are developed by the
operating segments and then offered to customers often as a catalog or standard product
based on an ongoing product development roadmap or pipeline. The operating segments provide
specialized electronic systems, instrumentation, components and services that address niche
market applications in marine, environmental, and digital imaging markets. Compared to the
A&DE reportable segment, these operating segments also provide a greater amount of
aftermarket sales, repair services and field support.
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The nature of the production processes: |
The DI&I operating segments primarily manufacture and assemble electronic components
and products using similar production processes, capital equipment and quality processes.
Quality assurance procedures, major electronic cost components and performance metrics are
similar. Production processes for the operating segments within this reportable segment are
generally characterized by light electronics assembly, not requiring a sterile environment.
While a minority of the products produced and sold by the reportable segment do require a clean
room using semiconductor processes, these products are used internally as components for
other DI&I products (i.e. vertical integration).
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The type or class of customer for their products and services: |
The end markets for these operating segments are generally characterized by a high
number of individual customers, which are geographically diverse (i.e. a more global
customer base). The customers that purchase these products have similar requirements
regarding product performance or business contracting practices whether they are foreign or
domestic, or commercial or government agencies. In addition, customer demand across these
operating segments generally changes rapidly, and these operating segments have less
backlog (i.e. otherwise known as short cycle businesses).
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The methods used to distribute their products or provide their services: |
Given the more fragmented, global customer base, these operating segments more often
sell to customers through external sales representatives with some direct sales personnel.
They also exhibit in industry specific trade shows and pursue customer specific sales
initiatives where employees from multiple operating segments participate.
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The nature of the regulatory environment, for example, banking, insurance, or public
utilities: |
The DI&I operating segments sell into selected regulated markets. For example products
sold are subject to regulation promulgated by Environmental Protection Agency, Food and
Drug Administration, Nuclear Regulatory Commission and similar agencies.
In addition, we gave consideration to the following:
Securities and Exchange Commission
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February 22, 2011
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The manner in which an entity operates its business and the nature of those operations: |
Each operating segment operates under the Teledyne umbrella and each has the name
Teledyne in their business name as well as in many of their brand names. Additionally, the
reportable segment shares expertise over manufacturing operational excellence programs, new
product development initiatives, purchasing programs, distribution channels and related
research and development, as well as common selling efforts such as customer trade shows.
The DI&I reportable segment sponsors customer-specific trade shows where employees from
within the reportable segment participate.
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Whether the components support and benefit from common research and development
projects: |
The operating segments in this reportable segment share new product development
initiatives and related research and development. The DI&I businesses cooperate on
internally funded new product development and also
jointly pursue and conduct customer sponsored research and development programs.
The segment president monitors the DI&I reportable segment activities via daily
communications, weekly conference calls, regular on-site facility visits and quarterly business
reviews. The revenue generation, manufacturing expertise, product development and selling efforts
of these operating segments are tightly linked and are impacted by each others efforts.
Based on the above, the operating segments in the DI&I reportable segment are similar and can
be aggregated under ASC 280.
Engineered Systems Segment
The Engineered Systems reportable segment applies the skills of its extensive staff of
engineers and scientists to provide innovative systems engineering and integration, advanced
technology application, software development, and advanced manufacturing solutions to space,
military, environmental, energy and power, chemical, biological, and nuclear systems and missile
defense requirements. For the programs within Engineered Systems, the U.S. government is the
ultimate customer or sponsor. To satisfy our contracts with customers, our engineers and scientists
are deployed based on their technical expertise and geographic location. For example, a major
portion of the engineering services provided are performed by operating segment employees at
customers facilities. The Engineered Systems reportable segment has three operating segments which
are Engineered Products and Services, Turbine Engines and Energy Systems.
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Similar economic characteristics: |
The operating segments have similar economic characteristics based on the following
factors. The cost structures and the target return on sales for each
Securities and Exchange Commission
Page 8
February 22, 2011
operating segment is
within the same general range. The operating segments are measured based on similar
operations metrics and year over year performance. Gross margins of the operating segments
average approximately 16% and do not vary significantly, less than 10% of each other.
Aggregation of these operating segments is the most effective way to understand the trends
in sales and overall profits and related future cash flows.
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The nature of the products and services: |
The operating segments provide systems engineering and integration services, advanced
technology application, software development, and one of a kind or low rate production of
advanced manufacturing, assembly, and test processes. Certain operating segments design,
develop, and manufacture technically complex and highly engineered products. The operating
segments sell products and services primarily to U.S. government sponsored sectors
including the following: missile defense engineering, space programs and services,
chemical, biological, and nuclear systems, remote power systems, turbine engines and
hydrogen and oxygen gas generator products.
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The nature of the production processes: |
The operating segments produce products that are one of kind or low rate production
products. The products are highly engineered and share certain production systems and
equipment. The operating segments have quality systems in place. The majority of the
reportable segments work is under the Aerospace, Defense, and Commercial umbrella of
either ISO9001:2008 or AS9100B Quality Management System requirements.
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The type or class of customer for their products and services: |
The Engineered Systems operating segments sell into selected regulated markets.
Regulating Agencies include, but are not limited to the following: the U.S. Department of
Defense, Department of State, Department of Commerce, Department of Energy, the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration and certain
states Departments of Transportation, Health, and Environmental Protection, the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations 10CFR50 Appendix B, UCNI -
Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information, and the ECI (Export Controlled Information).
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The methods used to distribute their products or provide their services: |
The primary mechanism for distribution of products and services in these operating
segments is direct selling to the customer. To a lesser extent, nonemployee sales
representatives are utilized. We participate in industry specific trade shows and
symposiums. Operating segments may also jointly market themselves to specific customers.
Securities and Exchange Commission
Page 9
February 22, 2011
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The nature of the regulatory environment, for example, banking, insurance, or public
utilities: |
The operating segments sell into regulated markets as described above.
The reportable segment president monitors the Engineered Systems activities via daily
communications, weekly conference calls, regular on-site facility visits and quarterly business
reviews. The revenue generation, manufacturing expertise, product development and selling efforts
of these business units are tightly linked and are impacted by each others efforts.
Based on the above, the operating segments in the Engineered Systems reportable segment are
similar and can be aggregated under ASC 280.
Aerospace and Defense Electronics Segment
There is only one operating segment in A&DE and therefore the operating segment is the same as
the reportable segment. For reference, in contrast to the DI&I reportable segment, the markets of
the A&DE reportable segment are generally characterized as discussed below.
The A&DE gross margin is approximately 30%, since this reportable segment can have a higher
materials cost content given the unique requirements of aerospace and defense specifications, and a
greater degree of production processes requiring sterile environments.
The A&DE reportable segment sells electronic products into markets regulated by the Federal
Aviation Administration and the U.S. Department of Defense. Many of the A&DE products are either
fully or partially customized to meet specific requirements. More specifically, the products and
services of the A&DE reportable segment are most often specifically developed by the businesses to
meet a customer-furnished specification or requirement.
The A&DE reportable segment also has many common customers and a greater concentration of
domestic versus international. Finally, customer demand generally evolves slowly, sales cycles have
a long duration, and have more backlog (i.e. otherwise known as long cycle businesses).
Securities and Exchange Commission
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February 22, 2011
Conclusion
Based on the analysis described above, our operating segments within the DI&I and Engineered
Systems reportable segments, respectively, are similar and therefore have been aggregated for
reporting purposes under ASC 280 as reporting separately will not add significantly to the
investors understanding of our company. In future filings, beginning with our 2010 Form 10-K, we
will disclose that we elected to aggregate certain operating segments and we will realign our
segment reporting consistent with our discussion above.
Additionally, under ASC 350 Intangibles Goodwill and other, beginning with FY 2010, we
will test for goodwill impairment at the operating segment level which represents our reporting
units. Therefore, we will test impairment of goodwill at the seven operating segments mentioned
above, three for DI&I, one for A&DE and three for Engineered Systems. As previously stated to the
Staff, we will also expand our disclosure in future filings to discuss the determination of our
reporting units as well as our methodology for determining the fair value of each reporting unit.
We also confirm to the Staff that our goodwill impairment testing results would not have changed if
this new reporting structure was in place for all periods presented.
If you have any questions regarding this response letter, please contact the undersigned at
(805) 373-4611 or, in my absence, Susan L. Main, Vice President and Controller of the Company, at
(805) 373-4720. Additionally, we are available to discuss our response in a telephone conversation,
at your convenience, if you believe it would be beneficial to do so.
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Sincerely,
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/s/ Dale A. Schnittjer
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Dale A. Schnittjer |
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Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
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cc:
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F.V. Cahouet Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee, Teledyne Technologies
Incorporated |
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R. Mehrabian Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Teledyne Technologies
Incorporated |
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J. T. Kuelbs Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Teledyne
Technologies Incorporated |
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G. Birkenbeuel Ernst & Young LLP |