ROPER TECHNOLOGIES INC - Quarter Report: 2013 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[X]

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013.

OR

[  ]

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

For the transition period from                 to                .

Commission File Number   1-12273

ROPER INDUSTRIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

     

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.  þ Yes ¨  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, 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).  þ Yes ¨  No

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

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

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's common stock as of November 1, 2013 was 99,309,540.

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ROPER INDUSTRIES, INC.

REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Roper Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Roper Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

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, 2013

1.	Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 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, comprehensive income and cash flows of Roper Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Roper" or the "Company") for all periods presented. The December 31, 2012 financial position data included herein was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K ("Annual Report") filed on February 25, 2013 with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") 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, 2013 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 Annual Report.

2.	Recent Accounting Pronouncements

The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") establishes changes to accounting principles under GAAP in the form of accounting standards updates ("ASUs") to the FASB's Accounting Standards Codification.  The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs.  Any ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have an immaterial impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

In July 2012, the 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.   Roper adopted this guidance on January 1, 2013.  The guidance did not have an impact on the Company's 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, 2013 there were 551,850 and 601,350 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 540,266 and 589,666 outstanding stock options, respectively, that would have been antidilutive for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012.

4.	Business Acquisitions

On May 1, 2013, Roper acquired 100% of the shares of Managed Health Care Associates, Inc. ("MHA"), in a $1.0 billion all-cash transaction.  MHA is a leading provider of services and technologies to support the diverse and complex needs of alternate site health care providers who deliver services outside of an acute care hospital setting. The acquisition of MHA complements and expands the Company's medical platform.  MHA is reported in the Medical & Scientific Imaging segment.

During the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, the Company expensed transaction costs of $2.5 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 tax-related adjustments.  Pro forma data has not been provided as the acquisition of MHA was not material to the Company's operations.

The fair value of current assets acquired also includes an adjustment of $35.0 million for administrative fees related to customer purchases that occurred prior to the acquisition date but not reported to MHA until after the acquisition date. In the ordinary course, these administrative fees are recorded as revenue when reported; however, GAAP accounting for business acquisitions requires the Company to estimate the amount of purchases occurring prior to the acquisition date and record the fair value of the administrative fees to be received from those purchases as an accounts receivable at the date of acquisition. The Company also recorded a fair value liability of $8.6 million included in current liabilities related to corresponding revenue-share obligation owed to customers that generated the administrative fees.  Both of these fair value adjustments were fully amortized as of September 30, 2013.

The majority of the goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.  Of the $466 million of intangible assets acquired, $28 million was assigned to trade names that are not subject to amortization. The remaining $438 million of acquired intangible assets have a weighted-average useful life of approximately 20 years. The intangible assets that make up that amount include customer relationships of $433 million (20 year weighted-average useful life) and technology of $5 million (3 year weighted-average useful life).

On August 22, 2012, Roper acquired 100% of the shares of Sunquest Information Systems, Inc. ("Sunquest").  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.  This supplemental pro forma information does not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisition of Sunquest been completed on January 1, 2011, nor is it indicative of any future results. Amounts shown are in thousands, except per share data:

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

5.	Stock Based Compensation

The Roper Industries, Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Incentive Plan (the "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.

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, 2013, 560,350 options were granted with a weighted average fair value of $36.87 per option. During the same period in 2012, 531,100 options were granted with a weighted average fair value of $30.19 per option. 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 the current and prior year periods using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model:

Cash received from option exercises for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $20.5 million and $40.1 million, respectively.

Restricted Stock Awards - During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, 357,240 restricted stock awards were granted with a weighted average fair value of $116.76 per restricted share. During the same period in 2012, 358,807 awards were granted with a weighted average fair value of $95.10 per restricted share. All grants were issued at grant date fair value.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, 123,762 restricted awards vested with a weighted average grant date fair value of $63.65 per restricted share, at a weighted average vest date fair value of $120.92 per restricted share.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan - During the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, participants of the employee stock purchase plan purchased 15,458 and 17,410 shares, respectively, of Roper's common stock for total consideration of $1.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively. All shares were purchased from Roper's treasury shares.

6.	Inventories

The components of inventories at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows (in thousands)

7.	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The carrying value of goodwill by segment is as follows (in thousands):

 

Other intangible assets are comprised of (in thousands):

Amortization expense of other intangible assets was $108,223 and $79,335 during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

8.

Debt

On June 6, 2013, the Company completed a public offering of $800 million aggregate principal amount of 2.05% senior unsecured notes due October 1, 2018.  The notes were issued at 99.791% of their principal amount.  The net proceeds were used to pay a portion of the outstanding revolver balance under Roper's revolving credit facility.

The notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 2.05% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning October 1, 2013.

Roper may redeem some or all of these notes at any time or from time to time, at 100% of their principal amount, plus a make-whole premium based on a spread to U.S. Treasury securities.

The notes are unsecured senior obligations of the Company and rank equally in right of payment with all of its existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.  The notes are effectively subordinated to any existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness.  The notes are not guaranteed by any of Roper's subsidiaries and are effectively subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of its subsidiaries.

On August 15, 2013, $500 million of senior notes matured, and were repaid using borrowings from the Company's $1.5 billion revolving credit facility.

Roper's 3.75% senior subordinated convertible notes due 2034 became convertible on January 15, 2009.  During the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, 4,471 notes were converted for $7.1 million in cash.  No gain or loss was recorded upon these conversions.  In addition, a related $0.4 million deferred tax liability associated with excess deductions recorded for tax purposes was relieved to additional paid-in capital upon the conversions.

At September 30, 2013, the conversion price on the outstanding notes was $470.55.  If converted at September 30, 2013, the value would exceed the $10 million principal amount of the notes by approximately $25 million and could result in the issuance of 190,306 shares of Roper's common stock.

9.	Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Roper's debt at September 30, 2013 included $2.2 billion of fixed-rate senior notes with the following fair values (in millions):

The fair values of the senior notes are based on the trading prices of the notes, which the Company has determined to be Level 2 in the FASB fair value hierarchy.  Short-term debt included $10 million of fixed-rate convertible notes which were at fair value due to the ability of note holders to exercise the conversion option of the notes.

On August 15, 2013, an aggregate notional amount of $500 million in interest rate swaps expired.  The swaps had been designated as fair value hedges which had 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").

10.	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, 2013 is presented below (in thousands):

* During the second quarter of 2013, the Company identified a vendor-supplied component within a refrigeration system valve that did not meet its quality standards, and $9.1 million was expensed to cover the estimated cost of replacing the faulty components for customers.

11.	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 $20,917 and $24,453 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $61,699 and $58,362 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

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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 for the year ended December 31, 2012 as filed on February 25, 2013 with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("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."  Forward-looking statements may be indicated by words or phrases such as "anticipate," "estimate," "plans," "expects," "projects," "should," "will," "believes" or "intends" and similar words and phrases. These statements reflect management's current beliefs and are not guarantees of future performance. They involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement.

Examples of forward-looking statements in this report include but are not limited to statements regarding operating results, the success of our internal operating plans, our expectations regarding our ability to generate operating cash flows and reduce debt and associated interest expense, profit and cash flow expectations, the prospects for newly acquired businesses to be integrated and contribute to future growth 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:

·	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 goodwill and other intangible assets;

·	our ability to successfully develop new products;

·	failure to protect our intellectual property;

·	the effect of, or change in, government regulations (including tax);

·	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 radio frequency ("RF") products, services and application software, industrial technology products, energy systems and controls and medical and scientific imaging products and software. We market these products and services to 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 services, engineered products and solutions and are capable of achieving growth and maintaining high margins. Our acquisitions have represented both financial bolt-ons and new strategic platforms. We strive for high cash and earnings returns from our investments.

Critical Accounting Policies

There were no material changes during the three or nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 to the items that we disclosed as our critical accounting policies and estimates in "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 25, 2013.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

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

 

 

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.

 

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Three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to three months ended September 30, 2012

Net sales for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 were $827.8 million as compared to $747.6 million in the prior year quarter, an increase of 11%. The increase was the result of organic growth of 3% and an 8% increase in sales from acquisitions.

In our Industrial Technology segment, net sales were up 1% to $200.7 million in the third quarter of 2013 as compared to $199.0 million in the third quarter of 2012 due to increased sales in our fluid handling businesses.  Gross margins decreased to 50.5% in the third quarter of 2013 as compared to 51.5% in the third quarter of 2012 due to product mix. Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses as a percentage of net sales were 20.2% in the third quarter of 2013, compared to 21.1% in the prior year quarter due to product mix. The resulting operating profit margins were 30.3% in the third quarter of 2013 as compared to 30.5% in the third quarter of 2012.

Net sales in our Energy Systems & Controls segment decreased by 2% to $155.1 million during the third quarter of 2013 compared to $158.2 million in the third quarter of 2012, due to decreased demand in nuclear plant inspection end markets offset in part by increased demand for control systems for oil and gas applications.  Gross margins increased to 56.8% in the third quarter of 2013 compared to 55.5% in the third quarter of 2012 due to product mix. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales were 30.3% in the third quarter of 2013, compared to 28.4% in the prior year quarter due to negative operating leverage on lower sales volume. As a result, operating margins were 26.5% in the third quarter of 2013 as compared to 27.1% in the third quarter of 2012.

In our Medical & Scientific Imaging segment, net sales increased by 38% to $237.3 million in the third quarter of 2013 as compared to $172.5 million in the third quarter of 2012. The change was comprised of a 35% increase from acquisitions, organic growth of 3%, and a small negative impact from foreign exchange.  We experienced continued growth in our medical businesses, offset in part by weakness in camera sales into research markets.  Gross margins increased to 70.5% in the third quarter of 2013 from 64.9% in the third quarter of 2012 due to the higher gross margin profile of our acquired businesses. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 40.2% in the third quarter of 2013 as compared to 38.2% in the third quarter of 2012 due to SG&A expenses at MHA in which the corresponding revenues were not recognizable under GAAP (see Note 4 of the notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). As a result, operating margins were 30.3% in the third quarter of 2013 as compared to 26.8% in the third quarter of 2012.

In our RF Technology segment, net sales were $234.7 million in the third quarter of 2013 as compared to $218.0 million in the third quarter of 2012, an increase of 8%.  The increase was due primarily to growth in our toll and traffic and university card systems businesses. Gross margins increased to 53.6% in the third quarter of 2013, as compared to 52.4% in the prior year quarter due to a more favorable mix between products and software in the current year quarter. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales in the third quarter of 2013 were 25.3% as compared to 25.8% in the prior year. As a result, operating profit margins were 28.3% in the third quarter of 2013 as compared to 26.6% in the third quarter of 2012.

Corporate expenses were $20.9 million, or 2.5% of net sales, in the third quarter of 2013 as compared to $24.5 million, or 3.3% of net sales, in the third quarter of 2012. The decrease was due to $6.3 million of acquisition expense related to the Sunquest acquisition in the prior year quarter, offset in part by higher equity compensation (as a result of higher stock prices) and other compensation related costs in the current year quarter.

Interest expense in the third quarter of 2013 was $24.7 million as compared to $16.5 million in the third quarter of 2012, due to higher average debt balances related to acquisitions, offset in part by lower average interest rates.

Other income in the third quarter of 2013 was $0.4 million as compared to other expense of $1.4 million in the third quarter of 2012.  Other income and expense in both 2013 and 2012 were due primarily to foreign exchange losses and gains at our non-U.S. based companies.

Our third quarter effective income tax rate was 30.1% as compared to the prior year rate of 29.0%. The increase is due to increased revenues and resulting pretax income in higher tax jurisdictions, primarily the United States.

 

At September 30, 2013, the functional currencies of our European subsidiaries were stronger and the Canadian dollar was weaker against the U.S. dollar compared to currency exchange rates at June 30, 2013. The currency changes resulted in a pre-tax increase of $33.7 million in the foreign exchange component of comprehensive earnings for the current year quarter. Approximately $17 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, 2013 the Canadian dollar and British pound were weaker, and the functional currencies of our other European subsidiaries were stronger against the U.S. dollar as compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2012.  The difference between the operating profits for these companies for the third quarter of 2013 compared to the prior year quarter, translated into U.S. dollars, was approximately 1%.

Net orders were $838.3 million for the third quarter of 2013, $118.5 million higher than the third quarter 2012 net order intake of $719.7 million.  Organic growth contributed 7%, and acquisitions contributed 10% to the current quarter orders. Overall, our order backlog at September 30, 2013 was up 7% as compared to September 30, 2012.

Nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2012

Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were $2.3 billion as compared to $2.2 billion in the prior year nine month period, an increase of 8%.  The increase was due primarily to acquisitions, offset in part by a small negative impact from foreign currency.

In our Industrial Technology segment, net sales decreased by 3% to $580.5 million in the first nine months of 2013 as compared to $598.1 million in the first nine months of 2012.  The decrease was due primarily to the loss of a customer at our water metering business and lower sales at our materials testing business.  Gross margins were 51.1% for the first nine months of 2013 as compared to 50.8% in the first nine months of 2012 due primarily to product mix.  SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales were 22.8%, as compared to 20.7% in the prior year nine month period, due primarily to a $9.1 million pretax charge for warranty expense at one of our subsidiaries, Hansen Technologies, to provide its customers with replacements for refrigeration valves that included a vendor-supplied component that did not meet Roper quality standards.  The resulting operating profit margins were 28.3% in the first nine months of 2013 as compared to 30.1% in the first nine months of 2012.

Net sales in our Energy Systems & Controls segment decreased by 1% to $456.0 million during the first nine months of 2013 compared to $461.5 million in the first nine months of 2012, due to lower sales of pressure sensors for industrial applications and non-destructive testing systems for nuclear plants which was offset in part by increased demand for control systems for oil and gas applications.  Gross margins were 56.2% in the first nine months of 2013, compared to 55.1% in the first nine months of 2012, due to product mix. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales were 30.3% as compared to 29.4% in the prior year nine month period due to product mix. Operating margins were 26.0% in the first nine months of 2013 as compared to 25.7% in first nine months of 2012.

In our Medical & Scientific Imaging segment, net sales increased 33% to $645.7 million in the first nine months of 2013 as compared to $486.2 million in the first nine months of 2012.  The change was comprised of a 35% increase from acquisitions, negative organic growth of 2%, and a small negative foreign exchange impact.  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 68.3% in the first nine months of 2013 from 64.7% in the first nine months of 2012, due to the higher gross margin profile of our acquired businesses. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales were 40.5% in the nine month period ended September 30, 2013 as compared to 38.9% in the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 due to SG&A expenses at MHA in which the corresponding revenues were not recognizable under GAAP (see Note 4 of the notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).  Operating margins were 27.8% in the first nine months of 2013 as compared to 25.8% in the first nine months of 2012.

In our RF Technology segment, net sales were $666.7 million in the first nine months of 2013 compared to $637.8 million in the first nine months of 2012, an increase of 5%. The increase was due primarily to growth in our toll and traffic, university card systems and security solutions businesses. Gross margins in the first nine months of 2013 were 53.4% as compared to 52.2% in the prior year nine month period due to product mix.  SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales in the first nine months of 2013 were 25.8% as compared to 26.0% in the first nine months of 2012.  Operating profit margins were 27.6% in 2013 as compared to 26.1% in 2012.

Corporate expenses increased by $3.3 million to $61.7 million, or 2.6% of net sales, in the first nine months of 2013 as compared to $58.4 million, or 2.7% of net sales, in the first nine months of 2012. The increase was due to higher equity compensation (as a result of higher stock prices) offset in part by decreased acquisition costs over the prior year nine month period.

Interest expense was $67.9 million for the first nine months of 2013 as compared to $47.0 million for the first nine months of 2012, due to higher average debt balances related to acquisitions, offset in part by lower average interest rates.

Other income in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $0.4 million, due primarily to a one-time pretax gain related to a legal settlement offset by foreign exchange losses at our non-U.S. based companies, as compared to other expense of $2.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, due primarily to foreign exchange losses at our non-U.S. based companies.

Income taxes were 27.9% of pretax earnings in the first nine months of 2013 as compared to 29.5% of pretax earnings in the first nine months of 2012.  The reduction was due to $6 million in discrete tax benefits related to the enactment of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 ("ATRA"), as well as a $6 million benefit from the adjustment of tax balances which were immaterial to any covered period, offset in part by increased revenues and resulting pretax income in higher tax jurisdictions, primarily the United States.

At September 30, 2013, the Canadian dollar and British pound were weaker, and the functional currencies of our other European subsidiaries were stronger against the U.S. dollar as compared to currency exchange rates at December 31, 2012. The currency changes resulted in a pretax decrease of $11 million in the foreign exchange component of comprehensive earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, $7 million of which was related to goodwill.  Goodwill changes from currency exchange rate changes do not directly affect our reported earnings or cash flows.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 the Canadian dollar and British pound were weaker, and the functional currencies of our other European subsidiaries were stronger against the U.S. dollar as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  The difference between the operating profits for these companies for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2012, translated into U.S. dollars, was approximately 1%.

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Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Selected cash flows for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in millions):

 

Operating activities - Net cash provided by operating activities in the third quarter of 2013 was $50.3 million higher than the third quarter of 2012, due primarily to improved receivables collection and increased earnings net of intangible amortization related to acquisitions.   In the nine month period ending September 30, 2013, operating cash flow increased $100.6 million over the prior year nine month period due to improved receivables collection and increased earnings net of intangible amortization related to acquisitions.

Investing activities - Cash used in investing activities during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was primarily for business acquisitions and capital expenditures.

Financing activities - Cash used in financing activities in the third quarter of 2013 was for the repayment of our $500 million of senior notes which matured on August 15, 2013, offset in part by revolver borrowings used to repay the notes.  Cash provided by financing activities in the third quarter of 2012 was for revolver borrowings offset partially by dividends and principal debt payments.

Cash provided by financing activities in the nine month period ended September 30, 2013 was primarily for principal debt borrowings for acquisitions, offset in part by principal debt payments and dividends.  Cash provided by financing activities in the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 was from revolver borrowings offset partially by dividends and principal debt payments.

Total debt at September 30, 2013 consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):

The interest rate on borrowings under our $1.5 billion credit facility is calculated based upon various recognized indices plus a margin as defined in the credit agreement. At September 30, 2013, there were $390 million of outstanding borrowings under the facility.  At September 30, 2013, we had $6.1 million of other debt in the form of capital leases, 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 $40 million of outstanding letters of credit.

On June 6, 2013, we completed a public offering of $800 million aggregate principal amount of 2.05% senior unsecured notes due 2018. See Note 8 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the notes.

The cash and short-term investments at our foreign subsidiaries at September 30, 2013 totaled $357 million.  Repatriation of these funds under current regulatory and tax law for use in domestic operations would expose us to additional taxes.  We expect existing cash and cash equivalents, cash generated by our U.S. operations, our unsecured credit facility, as well as our expected ability to access the capital markets, will be sufficient to fund operating requirements in the U.S. for the foreseeable future.

We were in compliance with all debt covenants related to our credit facilities throughout the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Net working capital (total current assets, excluding cash, less total current liabilities, excluding debt) was $307.3 million at September 30, 2013 compared to $307.8 million at December 31, 2012, reflecting decreased working capital due primarily to increases in deferred revenue and MHA revenue-share obligations offset in part by increases in deferred tax assets related primarily to the MHA acquisition.

 

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Total debt was $2.61 billion at September 30, 2013 compared to $2.02 billion at December 31, 2012 due to borrowings to fund acquisitions offset in part by the use of operating cash flows to reduce outstanding debt.  Our leverage is shown in the following table (in thousands):