ROPER TECHNOLOGIES INC - Quarter Report: 2012 October (Form 10-Q)

Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	51-0263969 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
6901 Professional Pkwy. East, Suite 200 Sarasota, Florida (Address of principal executive offices)	34240 (Zip Code)
(941) 556-2601 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

þ Large accelerated filer	¨ Accelerated filer
¨ Non-accelerated filer      (do not check if smaller reporting company)	¨ Smaller reporting company

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PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements (unaudited):
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	4
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	6
	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity	7
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	8
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	15
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	23
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	24
PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	25
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	25
Item 6.	Exhibits	25
	Signatures	26

		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2012			2011			2012			2011
Net sales		$	747,641		$	712,705		$	2,183,579		$	2,057,885
Cost of sales			331,086			330,149			978,223			948,170
Gross profit			416,555			382,556			1,205,356			1,109,715
Selling, general and administrative expenses			233,298			215,341			673,011			636,530
Income from operations			183,257			167,215			532,345			473,185
Interest expense			16,456			15,373			47,016			48,265
Loss on extinguishment of debt			1,043			-			1,043			-
Other expense/(income), net			1,380			(690	)		2,444			(8,644	)
Earnings before income taxes			164,378			152,532			481,842			433,564
Income taxes			47,670			42,251			142,012			127,993
Net earnings		$	116,708		$	110,281		$	339,830		$	305,571
Net earnings per share:
Basic		$	1.19		$	1.15		$	3.49		$	3.19
Diluted			1.17			1.12			3.41			3.11
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic			97,876			96,083			97,460			95,792
Diluted			99,757			98,308			99,543			98,285
Dividends declared per common share		$	0.1375		$	0.1100		$	0.4125		$	0.3300

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Roper Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Roper Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Roper Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (unaudited)

(in thousands)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Roper Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

September 30, 2012

1.	Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to state fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Roper Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Roper" or the "Company") for all periods presented.  The December 31, 2011 financial position data included herein was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K ("Annual Report") but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").

Roper's management has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. You should read these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conjunction with Roper's consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in its 2011 Annual Report filed on February 24, 2012 with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

2.	Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an amendment to accounting rules related to the testing of indefinite-lived intangibles.  The new accounting rules permit an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test prescribed under current accounting rules.  The guidance is effective for annual and interim tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012; however, early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect these rules to have a material effect on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

In May 2011, the FASB issued an amendment to accounting and disclosures related to fair value measurement. This amendment results in common principles and requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. Roper adopted this guidance on January 1, 2012.  The guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

In June 2011, the FASB issued an amendment to the disclosure of comprehensive income. This amendment requires the presentation of total comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. Roper adopted this guidance on January 1, 2012.  The guidance did not have an impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flows as it is disclosure only in nature.

In September 2011, the FASB issued new accounting rules related to testing goodwill for impairment.  The new accounting rules permit an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value.  If it is concluded that this is the case, it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test prescribed under current accounting rules.  Otherwise, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required.  Roper adopted this guidance on January 1, 2012.  The Company does not expect these rules to have a material effect on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

3.	Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share were calculated using net earnings and the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the respective period. Diluted earnings per share were calculated using net earnings and the weighted average number of shares of common stock and potential common stock outstanding during the respective period. Potentially dilutive common stock consisted of stock options and the premium over the conversion price on Roper's senior subordinated convertible notes based upon the trading price of Roper's common stock. The effects of potential common stock were determined using the treasury stock method.  Weighted average shares outstanding are as shown below (in thousands):

For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 there were 540,266 and 589,666 outstanding stock options, respectively, that were not included in the determination of diluted earnings per share because doing so would have been antidilutive; this compares to 773,500 and 763,500 outstanding stock options, respectively, that would have been antidilutive for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011.

4.	Business Acquisitions

On August 22, 2012, Roper acquired 100% of the shares of Sunquest Information Systems, Inc. ("Sunquest"), a leading provider of diagnostic and laboratory software solutions to healthcare providers, in a $1.416 billion all-cash transaction. The Company acquired Sunquest in order to complement and expand its medical platform.  Sunquest is reported in the Medical & Scientific Imaging segment.

The Company expensed transaction costs of $6.4 million related to the acquisition as corporate general and administrative expenses, as incurred.

The following table (in thousands) summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.  The allocation of the purchase price is considered preliminary pending final intangible asset valuations and tax adjustments.

The majority of the goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.  Of the $669 million of acquired intangible assets acquired, $98 million was assigned to trade names that are not subject to amortization. The remaining $571 million of acquired intangible assets have a weighted-average useful life of approximately 18 years. The intangible assets that make up that amount include customer relationships of $460 million (20 year weighted-average useful life) and software of $111 million (12 year weighted-average useful life).

Roper's results for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 included results from Sunquest between August 22, 2012 and September 30, 2012.  In that period, Sunquest contributed $21.0 million in revenue and $0.2 million of earnings (inclusive of deal-related costs) to Roper's results.  The following unaudited pro forma summary presents consolidated information as if the acquisition of Sunquest had occurred on January 1, 2011 (amounts in thousands, except per share data):

 

		Pro forma
		Three months ended September 30,								Nine months ended September 30,
		2012				2011				2012				2011
Sales		$	780,278			$	752,172			$	2,320,497			$	2,177,821
Net income			128,226				118,862				380,046				320,991
Earnings per share, basic			1.31				1.24				3.90				3.35
Earnings per share, diluted			1.29				1.21				3.82				3.27

 

 

 

Pro forma earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were adjusted by $50.6 million and $7.1 million, respectively, for non-recurring acquisition and other costs. Pro forma earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were adjusted by $41.3 million and $3.0 million, respectively, for non-recurring acquisition and other costs. Adjustments were also made to pro forma earnings for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 for recurring changes in amortization, interest expense and taxes related to the acquisition.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Roper also acquired the assets of Shanghai Hao Ying Measurement & Control Technology Co, Ltd. ("Hao Ying") on January 5, 2012, the shares of Cambridge Viscosity, Inc. ("Cambridge") on February 27, 2012 and the assets of Ascension Technology Corporation ("Ascension") on May 31, 2012.  Hao Ying and Cambridge are reported in the Energy Systems & Controls segment.  Ascension is reported in the Medical & Scientific Imaging segment.  These acquisitions were immaterial.

5.	Stock Based Compensation

The Roper Industries, Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Incentive Plan is a stock based compensation plan used to grant incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights or equivalent instruments to Roper's employees, officers and directors.

Roper's stock purchase plan allows employees in the U.S. and Canada to designate up to 10% of eligible earnings to purchase Roper's common stock at a 5% discount to the average closing price of the stock at the beginning and end of a quarterly offering period. The common stock sold to the employees may be either treasury stock, stock purchased on the open market, or newly issued shares.

 

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The following table provides information regarding the Company's stock based compensation expense (in thousands):

 

Stock Options - In the nine month period ended September 30, 2012, 531,100 options were granted with a weighted average fair value of $30.19 per option. During the same period in 2011, 753,500 options were granted with a weighted average fair value per share of $24.45. All options were issued at grant date fair value, which is defined by the Plan as the closing price of Roper's common stock on the date of grant.

Roper records compensation expense for employee stock options based on the estimated fair value of the options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Historical data, among other factors, is used to estimate the expected price volatility, the expected dividend yield, the expected option life and the expected forfeiture rate. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the estimated life of the option. The following weighted average assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of options granted during current and prior year periods using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model:

Cash received from option exercises for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was $40.1 million and $14.5 million, respectively.

Restricted Stock Awards - During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, 358,807 restricted stock awards were granted with a weighted average fair value per share of $95.10. During the same period in 2011, 339,330 awards were granted with a weighted average fair value per share of $74.27. All grants were issued at grant date fair value.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, 205,405 restricted awards vested with a weighted average grant date fair value per share of $55.98, at a weighted average vest date fair value per share of $94.57.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan - During the nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, participants of the employee stock purchase plan purchased 17,410 and 20,628 shares, respectively, of Roper's common stock for total consideration of $1.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively. All shares were purchased from Roper's treasury shares.

6.	Inventories

7.

Goodwill

Other relates to an immaterial correction of tax adjustments for iTradeNetwork, Inc., acquired in 2010.  This adjustment only impacts goodwill and had no impact on debt covenants.

 

 

8.	Other Intangible Assets, net

 

		Cost			Accumulated amortization			Net book value
		(in thousands)
Assets subject to amortization:
Customer related intangibles		$	1,022,134		$	(302,156	)	$	719,978
Unpatented technology			193,915			(72,358	)		121,557
Software			49,395			(35,833	)		13,562
Patents and other protective rights			25,398			(17,699	)		7,699
Trade secrets			1,500			(1,361	)		139
Assets not subject to amortization:
Trade names			231,207			-			231,207
Balances at December 31, 2011		$	1,523,549		$	(429,407	)	$	1,094,142
Assets subject to amortization:
Customer related intangibles		$	1,502,947		$	(358,525	)	$	1,144,422
Unpatented technology			199,112			(89,504	)		109,608
Software			160,542			(40,500	)		120,042
Patents and other protective rights			27,679			(19,661	)		8,018
Trade secrets			1,500			(1,465	)		35
Assets not subject to amortization:
Trade names			330,561			-			330,561
Balances at September 30, 2012		$	2,222,341		$	(509,655	)	$	1,712,686

Amortization expense of other intangible assets was $79,335 and $73,466 during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

9.

Debt

On July 27, 2012, the Company entered into a new $1.5 billion unsecured credit facility (the "2012 Facility") with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and a syndicate of lenders, which replaced its existing unsecured credit facility, composed of a $750 million revolving credit facility, dated as of July 7, 2008 (the "2008 Facility"). The 2012 Facility is composed of a five year $1.5 billion revolving credit facility. The Company recorded a $1.0 million non-cash debt extinguishment charge in the third quarter of 2012 related to the early termination of the 2008 Facility. This charge reflects the unamortized fees associated with the 2008 Facility and was reported as other expense.  The Company may also, subject to compliance with specified conditions, request term loans or additional revolving credit commitments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $350 million.  

 

The interest rate on the borrowings under the credit facility is calculated based upon various recognized indices plus a margin as defined in the credit agreement.  At September 30, 2012, there were $1.05 billion of outstanding borrowings under the 2012 Facility, with an interest rate of 1.29%.

 

The facility contains various affirmative and negative covenants which, among other things, limit Roper's ability to incur new debt, prepay subordinated debt, make certain investments and acquisitions, sell assets and grant liens, make restricted payments (including the payment of dividends on its common stock) and capital expenditures, or change its line of business. Roper is also subject to financial covenants which require the Company to limit its consolidated total leverage ratio and to maintain a consolidated interest coverage ratio. The most restrictive covenant is the consolidated total leverage ratio which is limited to 3.5.

 

10.	Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Roper's long-term debt at September 30, 2012 included $500 million of fixed-rate senior notes due 2019, with a fair value of approximately $610 million.  Short-term debt included $500 million of fixed-rate senior notes due 2013, with a fair value of approximately $526 million, based on the trading prices of the notes, which is a Level 2 measurement in the FASB fair value hierarchy, and $42 million of fixed-rate convertible notes that were reported at fair value due to the ability of note holders to exercise the conversion option of the notes.

The Company manages interest rate risk by maintaining a combination of fixed- and variable-rate debt, which may include interest rate swaps to convert fixed-rate debt to variable-rate debt, or to convert variable-rate debt to fixed-rate debt.   At September 30, 2012 an aggregate notional amount of $500 million in interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges effectively changed Roper's $500 million senior notes due 2013 with a fixed interest rate of 6.625% to a variable-rate obligation at a weighted average spread of 4.377% plus the 3 month London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR").

The swaps are recorded at fair value in the balance sheet as an asset or liability, and the changes in fair value of both the interest rate swap and the hedged senior notes due 2013 are recorded as interest expense. At September 30, 2012, the fair value of the swap was an asset balance of $8.0 million and was reported in other current assets, with a corresponding increase of $7.7 million in the notes being hedged, which was reported as current portion of long-term debt.  The impact on earnings for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 was immaterial. The Company has determined the swaps to be Level 2 in the FASB fair value hierarchy, and uses inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, including interest rates, yield curves and credit risks in order to value the instruments.

11.	Contingencies

Roper, in the ordinary course of business, is the subject of, or a party to, various pending or threatened legal actions, including product liability and employment practices. The Company is vigorously contesting all lawsuits that, in general, are based upon claims of the kind that have been customary over the past several years. After analyzing the Company's contingent liabilities on a gross basis and, based upon past experience with resolution of its product liability and employment practices claims and the limits of the primary, excess, and umbrella liability insurance coverages that are available with respect to pending claims, management believes that adequate provision has been made to cover any potential liability not covered by insurance, and that the ultimate liability, if any, arising from these actions should not have a material adverse effect on Roper's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Over recent years there has been an increase in certain U.S. states in asbestos-related litigation claims against numerous industrial companies. Roper or its subsidiaries have been named defendants in some such cases. No significant resources have been required by Roper to respond to these cases and the Company believes it has valid defenses to such claims and, if required, intends to defend them vigorously. Given the state of these claims it is not possible to determine the potential liability, if any.

Roper's financial statements include accruals for potential product liability and warranty claims based on its claims experience. Such costs are accrued at the time revenue is recognized. A summary of the warranty accrual activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 is presented below (in thousands):

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12.	Business Segments

Sales and operating profit by industry segment are set forth in the following table (dollars in thousands):

 

*Segment operating profit is before unallocated corporate general and administrative expenses. These expenses were $24,453 and $14,860 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $58,362 and $41,806 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

 

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 as filed on February 24, 2012 with the SEC and the notes to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report.

Information About Forward-Looking Statements

This report includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. In addition, we, or our executive officers on our behalf, may from time to time make forward-looking statements in reports and other documents we file with the SEC or in connection with oral statements made to the press, potential investors or others. All statements that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements."  The words "estimate," "plan," "project," "intend," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding our expected financial position, business, financing plans, business strategy, business prospects, revenues, working capital, liquidity, capital needs, interest costs and income, in each case relating to our company as a whole, as well as statements regarding acquisitions, potential acquisitions and the benefits of acquisitions.

Forward-looking statements are estimates and projections reflecting our best judgment and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. These statements are based on our management's beliefs and assumptions, which in turn are based on currently available information. Examples of forward-looking statements in this report include but are not limited to our expectations regarding our ability to generate operating cash flows and reduce debt and associated interest expense and our expectations regarding growth through acquisitions. Important assumptions relating to the forward-looking statements include, among others, assumptions regarding demand for our products, the cost, timing and success of product upgrades and new product introductions, raw materials costs, expected pricing levels, the timing and cost of expected capital expenditures, expected outcomes of pending litigation, competitive conditions, general economic conditions and expected synergies relating to acquisitions, joint ventures and alliances. These assumptions could prove inaccurate. Although we believe that the estimates and projections reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, our expectations may prove to be incorrect. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to the following:

·	general economic conditions;

·	difficulty making acquisitions and successfully integrating acquired businesses;

·	any unforeseen liabilities associated with future acquisitions;

·	limitations on our business imposed by our indebtedness;

·	unfavorable changes in foreign exchange rates;

·	difficulties associated with exports;

·	risks and costs associated with our international sales and operations;

·	increased directors' and officers' liability and other insurance costs;

·	risk of rising interest rates;

·	product liability and insurance risks;

·	increased warranty exposure;

·	future competition;

·	the cyclical nature of some of our markets;

·	reduction of business with large customers;

·	risks associated with government contracts;

·	changes in the supply of, or price for, raw materials, parts and components;

·	environmental compliance costs and liabilities;

·	risks and costs associated with asbestos-related litigation;

·	potential write-offs of our substantial intangible assets;

·	our ability to successfully develop new products;

·	failure to protect our intellectual property;

·	economic disruption caused by terrorist attacks, health crises or other unforeseen events; and

·	the factors discussed in other reports filed with the SEC.

We believe these forward-looking statements are reasonable; however, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations. Further, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update any of these statements in light of new information or future events.

Overview

Roper Industries, Inc. ("Roper," "we" or "us") is a diversified growth company that designs, manufactures and distributes energy systems and controls, medical and scientific imaging products and software, industrial technology products and radio frequency ("RF") products and services. We market these products and services to selected segments of a broad range of markets, including RF applications, medical, water, energy, research, education, software-as-a-service ("SaaS")-based information networks, security and other niche markets.

We pursue consistent and sustainable growth in earnings by emphasizing continuous improvement in the operating performance of our existing businesses and by acquiring other carefully selected businesses that offer high value-added, engineered products and solutions and are capable of achieving growth and maintaining high margins. Our acquisitions have represented both bolt-ons to existing businesses and new strategic platforms. We strive for high cash and earnings returns from our investments.

 

 

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"). A discussion of our significant accounting policies can be found in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 included in our Annual Report.

GAAP offers acceptable alternative methods for accounting for certain issues affecting our financial results, such as determining inventory cost, depreciating long-lived assets and recognizing revenue. We have not changed the application of acceptable accounting methods or the significant estimates affecting the application of these principles in the last three years in a manner that had a material effect on our financial statements.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the use of estimates, assumptions, judgments and interpretations that can affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and other supplemental disclosures.

The development of accounting estimates is the responsibility of our management. Our management discusses those areas that require significant judgments with the audit committee of our board of directors. The audit committee reviews all financial disclosures to be included in our filings with the SEC. Although we believe the positions we have taken with regard to uncertainties are reasonable, others might reach different conclusions and our positions can change over time as more information becomes available. If an accounting estimate changes, its effects are accounted for prospectively or through a cumulative catch up adjustment.

Our most significant accounting uncertainties are encountered in the areas of accounts receivable collectibility, inventory valuation and utilization, future warranty obligations, revenue recognition, including percentage-of-completion, income taxes and goodwill and indefinite-lived asset impairment analyses. These issues, except for income taxes (which are not allocated to our business segments), affect each of our business segments. These issues are evaluated primarily using a combination of historical experience, current conditions and relatively short-term forecasting.

Accounts receivable collectability is based on the economic circumstances of customers and credits given to customers after shipment of products, including in certain cases, credits for returned products. Accounts receivable are regularly reviewed to determine customers who have not paid within agreed upon terms, whether these amounts are consistent with past experiences, what historical experience has been with amounts deemed uncollectible and the impact that current and near-term forecast economic conditions might have on collection efforts in general and with specific customers. The returns and other sales credit allowance is an estimate of customer returns, exchanges, discounts or other forms of anticipated concessions and is treated as a reduction in revenue. The returns and other sales credit histories are analyzed to determine likely future rates for such credits. Our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, sales returns and sales credits was $14.4 million, or 2.9% of total gross accounts receivable at September 30, 2012, as compared to $10.6 million, or 2.4% of total gross accounts receivable at December 31, 2011. The allowance will fluctuate as a percentage of sales based on specific identification of allowances needed due to changes in our business as well as the write-off of uncollectible receivables.

We regularly compare inventory quantities on hand against anticipated future usage, which we determine as a function of historical usage or forecasts related to specific items in order to evaluate obsolescence and excessive quantities. When we use historical usage, this information is also qualitatively compared to business trends to evaluate the reasonableness of using historical information as an estimate of future usage. Business trends can change rapidly and these events can affect the evaluation of inventory balances. At September 30, 2012, inventory reserves for excess and obsolete inventory were $40.2 million, or 16.0% of gross inventory cost, as compared to $35.2 million, or 14.7% of gross inventory cost, at December 31, 2011. The inventory reserve as a percent of gross inventory cost will fluctuate based upon specific identification of reserves needed based upon changes in our business as well as the physical disposal of obsolete inventory.

Most of our sales are covered by warranty provisions that generally provide for the repair or replacement of qualifying defective items for a specified period after the time of sale, typically 12 months. Future warranty obligations are evaluated using, among other factors, historical cost experience, product evolution and customer feedback. At September 30, 2012, the accrual for future warranty obligations was $9.6 million or 0.3% of annualized third quarter sales and was consistent with prior quarters.

Revenues related to the use of the percentage-of-completion method of accounting are dependent on a comparison of total costs incurred to date to total estimated costs for a project. During the nine month period ended September 30, 2012, we recognized $89.8 million of net sales using this method. In addition, $106.7 million of net sales related to unfinished percentage-of-completion contracts had yet to be recognized at September 30, 2012. Contracts accounted for under this method are generally not significantly different in profitability from revenues accounted for under other methods.

Income taxes can be affected by estimates of whether, and within which jurisdictions, future earnings will occur and if, how and when cash is repatriated to the U.S., combined with other aspects of an overall income tax strategy. Additionally, taxing jurisdictions could retroactively disagree with our tax treatment of certain items, and some historical transactions have income tax effects going forward. GAAP requires these future effects to be evaluated using current laws, rules and regulations, each of which can change at any time and in an unpredictable manner. Our third quarter effective income tax rate was 29.0% and was higher than the prior year rate of 27.7%. The increase is due to a decrease in research and development ("R&D") deductions.

The evaluation of the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles is required to be performed on an annual basis and on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. We perform the annual analysis during our fourth quarter.

 

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Results of Operations

General

The following tables set forth selected information for the periods indicated. Dollar amounts are in thousands and percentages are the particular line item shown as a percentage of net sales. Percentages may not foot due to rounding.

 

Three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to three months ended September 30, 2011

Net sales for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 were $747.6 million as compared to $712.7 million in the prior year quarter, an increase of 5%. The increase was the result of organic growth of 2% and a 4% increase in sales from acquisitions, partially offset by a negative 1% foreign exchange impact.

In our Industrial Technology segment, net sales were up 7% to $199.0 million in the third quarter of 2012 as compared to $185.3 million in the third quarter of 2011.  Organic growth accounted for 10% of the increase in sales and was partially offset by a 3% decrease from foreign exchange.  The increase in organic sales was due to increased sales in our materials testing and fluid handling businesses.  Gross margins increased to 51.5% in the third quarter of 2012 as compared to 49.2% in the third quarter of 2011 due to operating leverage on higher sales volume. Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses as a percentage of net sales remained constant at 21.1% in the both the current and prior year quarters. The resulting operating profit margins were 30.5% in the third quarter of 2012 as compared to 28.2% in the third quarter of 2011.

Net sales in our Energy Systems & Controls segment increased by 5% to $158.2 million during the third quarter of 2012 compared to $150.4 million in the third quarter of 2011. Organic sales increased by 3% while acquisitions added $6 million, or 4%, offset partially by a negative 2% foreign exchange impact.    The increase in organic sales was due to increased demand in industrial process and nuclear plant inspection end markets.  Gross margins increased to 55.5% in the third quarter of 2012 compared to 54.4% in the third quarter of 2011 due to operating leverage on higher sales volume. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales were 28.4% in the third quarter of 2012, compared to 28.7% in the prior year quarter due to operating leverage on higher sales volume. As a result, operating margins were 27.1% in the third quarter of 2012 as compared to 25.7% in the third quarter of 2011.

In our Medical & Scientific Imaging segment net sales increased by 10% to $172.5 million in the third quarter of 2012 as compared to $156.5 million in the third quarter of 2011.  The change was comprised of negative organic growth of 3%, a 14% increase from acquisitions, and negative 1% from foreign exchange.  We experienced continued growth in our medical businesses, which was more than offset by weakness in camera sales into research markets.  Gross margins increased to 64.9% in the third quarter of 2012 from 63.3% in the third quarter of 2011 due to the higher gross margin profile of our acquired businesses. SG&A as a percentage of net sales decreased to 38.2% in the third quarter of 2012 as compared to 38.6% in the third quarter of 2011. As a result, operating margins were 26.8% in the third quarter of 2012 as compared to 24.7% in the third quarter of 2011.

In our RF Technology segment, net sales were $218.0 million in the third quarter of 2012 as compared to $220.6 million in the third quarter of 2011, a decrease of 1%.  The decrease was due to large installation projects in gas network monitoring and university card systems during 2011 that have since been completed. Gross margins increased to 52.4% in the third quarter of 2012, as compared to 50.1% in the prior year quarter due to a more favorable mix between products and software in the current year quarter. SG&A as a percentage of sales in the third quarter of 2012 was 25.8% as compared to 26.2% in the prior year due to cost control initiatives. As a result, operating profit margins were 26.6% in the third quarter of 2012 as compared to 23.8% in the third quarter of 2011.

Corporate expenses were $24.5 million, or 3.3% of sales, in the third quarter of 2012 as compared to $14.9 million, or 2.1% of sales, in the third quarter of 2011. The increase was due to $6.3 million of acquisition expense related to the Sunquest acquisition, higher equity compensation (as a result of higher stock prices) and other compensation related costs.

Interest expense in the third quarter of 2012 was $16.5 million as compared to $15.4 million in the third quarter of 2011, due to higher average debt balances which were offset in part by lower average interest rates.

Other expense in the third quarter of 2012 was $1.4 million as compared to other income of $0.7 million in the third quarter of 2011.  Other expense and income in both 2012 and 2011 were due primarily to foreign exchange losses and gains at our non-U.S. based companies.

Our third quarter effective income tax rate was 29.0% as compared to the prior year rate of 27.7%. The increase is due to a decrease in R&D deductions.

 

At September 30, 2012, the functional currencies of our European and Canadian subsidiaries were stronger against the U.S. dollar compared to currency exchange rates at June 30, 2012. The currency changes resulted in a pre-tax decrease of $40.3 million in the foreign exchange component of comprehensive earnings for the current year quarter. Approximately $22 million of the total adjustment is related to goodwill and does not directly affect our expected future cash flows. During the quarter ended September 30, 2012 the functional currencies of our European and Canadian subsidiaries were weaker against the U.S. dollar as compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2011.  The difference between the operating profits for these companies for the third quarter of 2012 compared to the prior year quarter, translated into U.S. dollars, was approximately 1%.

Net orders were $719.7 million for the quarter, $1.2 million higher than the third quarter 2011 net order intake of $718.6 million.  Acquisitions contributed 4% to the current quarter orders, offsetting declines in organic growth of 2% and a negative 2% foreign exchange impact. Overall, our order backlog at September 30, 2012 was up 12% as compared to September 30, 2011.

Nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2011

Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $2.2 billion as compared to $2.1 billion in the prior year nine month period, an increase of 6%. The increase is comprised of a 4% increase in organic sales, an increase of 3% from acquisitions and a negative impact of 1% from foreign currency.

In our Industrial Technology segment, net sales increased by 11% to $598.1 million in the first nine months of 2012 as compared to $538.7 million in the first nine months of 2011.  The increase was due to increased sales in our materials testing and fluid handling businesses.  Gross margins were 50.8% for the first nine months of 2012 as compared to 49.9% in the first nine months of 2011 due primarily to operating leverage on higher sales volume.  SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales were 20.7%, as compared to 22.1% in the prior year nine month period, due primarily to operating leverage on higher sales volume.  The resulting operating profit margins were 30.1% in the first nine months of 2012 as compared to 27.9% in the first nine months of 2011.

Net sales in our Energy Systems & Controls segment increased by 8% to $461.5 million during the first nine months of 2012 compared to $425.8 million in the first nine months of 2011.  The increase was comprised of organic growth of 6%, a 4% increase from acquisitions and a negative 2% foreign exchange impact. The increase in organic sales was due to increased demand in industrial process and nuclear plant inspection end markets. Gross margins were 55.1% in the first nine months of 2012, compared to 54.6% in the first nine months of 2011, due to operating leverage from higher sales volume. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales were 29.4% as compared to 29.8% in the prior year nine month period due to operating leverage from higher sales volume. Operating margins were 25.7% in the first nine months of 2012 as compared to 24.8% in first nine months of 2011.

In our Medical & Scientific Imaging segment, net sales increased 7% to $486.2 million in the first nine months of 2012 as compared to $452.8 million in the first nine months of 2011.  The change was comprised of negative organic growth of 1%, a 9% increase from acquisitions, and negative 1% from foreign exchange.  We experienced continued growth in our medical businesses, which was more than offset by weakness in camera sales into research markets.  Gross margins increased to 64.7% in the first nine months of 2012 from 63.0% in the first nine months of 2011, due primarily to product mix. SG&A as a percentage of net sales was unchanged at 38.9% in the nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. Operating margins were 25.8% in the first nine months of 2012 as compared to 24.1% in the first nine months of 2011.

In our RF Technology segment, net sales were $637.8 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $640.6 million in the first nine months of 2011, a decrease of 1%. The decrease in sales was due primarily to a large installation project in water and gas network monitoring during 2011 that has since been completed. Gross margins were 52.2% as compared to 50.4% in the prior year nine month period due to product mix.  SG&A as a percentage of sales in the first nine months of 2011 was 26.0%, a decrease from 26.9% in the prior year due to product mix.  Operating profit margins were 26.1% in 2012 as compared to 23.5% in 2011.

Corporate expenses increased by $16.6 million to $58.4 million, or 2.7% of sales, in the first nine months of 2012 as compared to $41.8 million, or 2.0% of sales, in the first nine months of 2011. The increase was due to $6.4 million of acquisition expense related to the Sunquest acquisition, higher equity compensation (as a result of higher stock prices) and other compensation related costs.

Interest expense of $47.0 million for the first nine months of 2012 was relatively unchanged as compared to $48.3 million in the first nine months of 2011.

Other expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $2.4 million, due primarily to foreign exchange losses at our non-U.S. based companies, as compared to other income of $8.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2011, due primarily to a $6.9 million foreign currency remeasurement gain on an intercompany note.

Income taxes were 29.5% of pretax earnings in the first nine months of both 2012 and 2011.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Selected cash flows for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

Operating activities - Net cash provided by operating activities in the third quarter of 2012 was $38.9 million higher than the third quarter of 2011, due primarily to higher net earnings and amortization in the current quarter, improved receivables collections and increases in accrued liabilities related to the timing of payables.   In the nine month period ending September 30, 2012, operating cash flow increased $57.1 million over the prior year nine month period due to higher net income and amortization as well as decreased inventory levels and improved receivables collections.

Investing activities - Cash used in investing activities during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was primarily for business acquisitions and capital expenditures.

Financing activities - Cash provided by financing activities in the third quarter of 2012 was for revolver borrowings offset partially by dividends and principal debt payments.  Cash used in financing activities in the third quarter of 2011 was primarily for debt payments and dividends.

Cash provided by financing activities in the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 was for revolver borrowings offset partially by dividends and principal debt payments.  Cash used in financing activities in the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 was primarily for debt payments and dividends.

 

 

 

Total debt at September 30, 2012 consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):

* Shown including fair value swap adjustment of $7,651.

Our principal unsecured credit facility, $500 million senior notes due 2013, $500 million senior notes due 2019 and senior subordinated convertible notes provide substantially all of our daily external financing requirements. The interest rate on the borrowings under the credit facility is calculated based upon various recognized indices plus a margin as defined in the credit agreement.  At September 30, 2012, the interest rate on the revolver loans was 1.29%.  At September 30, 2012, there were $1.05 billion of outstanding borrowings under the facility, $5.2 million of other debt in the form of capital leases and several smaller facilities that allow for borrowings or the issuance of letters of credit in various foreign locations to support our non-U.S. businesses and $39 million of outstanding letters of credit.

The cash and short-term investments at our foreign subsidiaries at September 30, 2012 totaled $260 million.  Repatriation of these funds for use in domestic operations would expose us to a potential additional tax impact.  We consider this cash to be permanently reinvested and have no plans to repatriate these funds.  We expect that our available borrowing capacity combined with cash flows expected from existing business will be sufficient to fund operating requirements in the U.S.

We were in compliance with all debt covenants related to our credit facilities throughout the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Net working capital (total current assets, excluding cash, less total current liabilities, excluding debt) was $302.3 million at September 30, 2012 compared to $293.1 million at December 31, 2011 reflecting increases in working capital due primarily to increases in receivables partially offset by an increase in deferred revenue. Total debt increased to $2.10 billion at September 30, 2012 compared to $1.09 billion at December 31, 2011 due to revolver borrowings for the Sunquest acquisition, offset in part by revolver and convertible debt principal payments. Our leverage is shown in the following table:

 

 

At September 30, 2012, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes.

Capital expenditures of $29.2 million and $29.1 million were incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We expect capital expenditures for the balance of the year to be comparable to prior years as a percentage of sales.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Information regarding new accounting pronouncements is included in Note 2 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Outlook

Current geopolitical uncertainties could adversely affect our business prospects. A significant terrorist attack or other global conflict could cause changes in world economies that would adversely affect us. It is impossible to isolate each of these factor's effects on current economic conditions. It is also impossible to predict with any reasonable degree of certainty what or when any additional events may occur that also will similarly disrupt the economy.

We maintain an active acquisition program; however, future acquisitions will be dependent on numerous factors and it is not feasible to reasonably estimate if or when any such acquisitions will occur and what the impact will be on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Such acquisitions may be financed by the use of existing credit lines, future cash flows from operations, the proceeds from the issuance of new debt or equity securities or some combination of these methods.

We anticipate that our recently acquired companies as well as our other companies will generate positive cash flows from operating activities, and that these cash flows will permit the reduction of currently outstanding debt. However, the rate at which we can reduce our debt during 2012 (and reduce the associated interest expense) will be affected by, among other things, the financing and operating requirements of any new acquisitions and the financial performance of our existing companies; and none of these factors can be predicted with certainty.

ITEM 3.           QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to interest rate risks on our outstanding borrowings, and to foreign currency exchange risks on our transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We are also exposed to equity market risks pertaining to the traded price of our common stock.

We manage interest rate risk by maintaining a combination of fixed- and variable-rate debt, which may include interest rate swaps to convert fixed-rate debt to variable-rate debt, or to convert variable-rate debt to fixed-rate debt.  At September 30, 2012, an aggregate notional amount of $500 million in interest rate swaps effectively converted our $500 million senior notes due 2013 with a fixed interest rate of 6.625% to a variable-rate obligation at a weighted average spread of 4.377% plus 3 month LIBOR.

At September 30, 2012, we had $542 million of fixed-rate borrowings.  Our $500 million senior notes due 2019 have a fixed interest rate of 6.25%, and our senior unsecured convertible notes due 2034 have a fixed interest rate of 3.75%. At September 30, 2012, the prevailing market rates for long-term notes similarly rated to our $500 million senior notes due 2013 and $500 million senior notes due 2019 were 4.5% to 2.8% lower, respectively, than the fixed rates on our senior notes.  At September 30, 2012, outstanding variable-rate borrowings consisted of $1.05 billion in revolver borrowings and $500 million in interest rate swaps. An increase in interest rates of 1% would increase our annualized pretax interest costs by approximately $15.5 million.

Several of our companies have transactions and balances denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Most of these transactions or balances are denominated in Euros, Canadian dollars, British pounds, or Danish krone. Sales by companies whose functional currency was not the U.S. dollar were 24% of our total sales in the third quarter of 2012 and 57% of these sales were by companies with European functional currencies. The U.S. dollar strengthened against the functional currencies of our European subsidiaries and the Canadian dollar during the third quarter of 2012 versus the third quarter of 2011.  If these currency exchange rates had been 10% different throughout the third quarter of 2012 compared to currency exchange rates actually experienced, the impact on our net earnings would have been approximately $2.7 million.

At September 30, 2012, the functional currencies of most of our European subsidiaries were weaker and the Canadian dollar was stronger against the U.S. dollar compared to currency exchange rates at December 31, 2011. The changes in these currency exchange rates resulted in a pretax decrease in net assets of $25 million that was reported as a component of comprehensive earnings, $13 million of which was attributed to goodwill. Goodwill changes from currency exchange rate changes do not directly affect our reported earnings or cash flows.

The trading price of our common stock influences the valuation of stock option grants and the effects these grants have on net income. The stock price also influences the computation of potentially dilutive common stock which includes both stock awards and the premium over the conversion price on our senior subordinated convertible notes to determine diluted earnings per share. The stock price also affects our employees' perceptions of various programs that involve our common stock. We believe the quantification of the effects of these changing prices on our future earnings and cash flows is not readily determinable.

As required by SEC rules, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report ("Evaluation Date"). This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer. Based on this evaluation as of the Evaluation Date, these officers have concluded that the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act are accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There were no changes to our internal controls during the period covered by this quarterly report that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

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Information pertaining to legal proceedings can be found in Note 11 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report, and is incorporated by reference herein.

For information regarding factors that could affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, see the risk factors discussion in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 as filed on February 24, 2012 with the SEC. See also, "Information about Forward-Looking Statements" included in Part I, Item 2 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.