Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010

 

OR

 

o         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 0-16244

 


 

VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Delaware

 

11-2989601

(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

 

Terminal Drive
Plainview, New York

 

11803

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (516) 677-0200

 

Website: www.veeco.com

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x No o

 

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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o  No o

 

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):

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer x

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Smaller reporting company o

(Do not check if a Smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o No x

 

40,541,835 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, were outstanding as of the close of business on April 27, 2010.

 

 

 



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SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Report”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Discussions containing such forward-looking statements may be found in Part 1. Items 2 and 3 hereof, as well as within this Report generally. In addition, when used in this Report, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates,” “plans,” “intends,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the following:

 

·                  Our failure to successfully implement outsourcing activities or failure of our outsourcing partners to perform as anticipated could adversely affect our results of operations and our ability to realize the benefits of the recent increase in MOCVD order volume;

 

·                  Manufacturing interruptions or delays could affect our ability to meet customer demand, while the failure to estimate customer demand accurately could result in excess or obsolete inventory and/or liabilities to our suppliers for products no longer needed;

 

·                  We rely on a limited number of suppliers, some of which are sole-source suppliers;

 

·                  Our backlog is subject to customer cancellation or modification and such cancellation could result in decreased sales and increased provisions for excess and obsolete inventory and/or liabilities to our suppliers for products no longer needed;

 

·                  Our sales to HB LED and data storage manufacturers are highly dependent on these manufacturers’ sales for consumer electronics applications, which can experience significant volatility due to seasonal and other factors. This could materially adversely impact our future results of operations;

 

·                  Negative worldwide economic conditions could result in a decrease in our net sales and an increase in our operating costs, which could adversely affect our business and operating results;

 

·                  We are exposed to the risks of operating a global business, including the need to obtain export licenses for certain of our shipments;

 

·                  We are exposed to risks associated with our entrance into the emerging solar industry;

 

·                  The timing of our orders, shipments, and revenue recognition may cause our quarterly operating results to fluctuate significantly;

 

·                  We operate in industries characterized by rapid technological change;

 

·                  We face significant competition;

 

·                  We depend on a limited number of customers that operate in highly concentrated industries;

 

·                  The cyclicality of the industries we serve directly affects our business;

 

·                  Our sales cycle is long and unpredictable;

 

·                  Our inability to attract, retain, and motivate key employees could have a material adverse effect on our business;

 

·                  The price of our common shares may be volatile and could decline significantly;

 

·                  We are subject to foreign currency exchange risks;

 

·                  The enforcement and protection of our intellectual property rights may be expensive and could divert our

 

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valuable resources;

 

·                  We may be subject to claims of intellectual property infringement by others;

 

·                  Our acquisition strategy subjects us to risks associated with evaluating and pursuing these opportunities and integrating these businesses;

 

·                  We may be required to take additional impairment charges for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets or definite-lived intangible and long-lived assets;

 

·                  Changes in accounting pronouncements or taxation rules or practices may adversely affect our financial results;

 

·                  We are subject to the internal control evaluations and attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act;

 

·                  We are subject to risks of non-compliance with environmental, health and safety regulations;

 

·                  We have significant operations in California and other locations which could be materially and adversely impacted, in the event of a natural disaster or other significant disruption;

 

·                  We have adopted certain measures that may have anti-takeover effects which may make an acquisition of our Company by another company more difficult; and

 

·                  The matters set forth in this Report generally, including the risk factors set forth in “Part 2. Item 1A. Risk Factors.”

 

Consequently, such forward-looking statements should be regarded solely as the Company’s current plans, estimates, and beliefs. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

 

Available Information

 

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, information statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The public may obtain information by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is http://www.sec.gov.

 

Internet Address

 

We maintain a website where additional information concerning our business and various upcoming events can be found. The address of our website is www.veeco.com. We provide a link on our website, under Investors — Financial Information — SEC Filings, through which investors can access our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to such reports. These filings are posted to our Internet site, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with the SEC.

 

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VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC.

 

INDEX

 

 

 

Page

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements:

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited)

5

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2010 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2009

6

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited)

7

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

8

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

17

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

27

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

27

 

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

29

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

29

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

29

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

30

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net sales

 

$

163,231

 

$

62,849

 

Cost of sales

 

92,882

 

42,467

 

Gross profit

 

70,349

 

20,382

 

Operating (income) expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

23,420

 

18,607

 

Research and development

 

16,440

 

12,886

 

Amortization

 

1,685

 

1,829

 

Restructuring

 

(179

)

4,431

 

Other, net

 

(153

)

1,486

 

Total operating expenses

 

41,213

 

39,239

 

Operating income (loss)

 

29,136

 

(18,857

)

Interest expense, net

 

1,782

 

1,709

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

27,354

 

(20,566

)

Income tax provision

 

1,310

 

378

 

Net income (loss)

 

26,044

 

(20,944

)

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

(42

)

Net income (loss) attributable to Veeco

 

$

26,044

 

$

(20,902

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) per common share attributable to Veeco:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.67

 

$

(0.66

)

Diluted

 

$

0.62

 

$

(0.66

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

38,784

 

31,515

 

Diluted

 

42,269

 

31,515

 

 

Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

26,044

 

$

(20,944

)

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation

 

(673

)

(1,665

)

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

25,371

 

(22,609

)

Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

(42

)

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Veeco

 

$

25,371

 

$

(22,567

)

 

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

 

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Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

194,047

 

$

148,589

 

Short-term investments

 

155,500

 

135,000

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

89,828

 

84,358

 

Inventories

 

84,959

 

77,564

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

10,238

 

7,819

 

Deferred income taxes

 

3,029

 

3,105

 

Total current assets

 

537,601

 

456,435

 

Property, plant and equipment at cost, net

 

56,968

 

59,389

 

Goodwill

 

59,422

 

59,422

 

Intangible assets, net

 

27,165

 

29,697

 

Other assets

 

491

 

429

 

Total assets

 

$

681,647

 

$

605,372

 

Liabilities and equity

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

35,836

 

$

29,112

 

Accrued expenses

 

117,375

 

106,445

 

Deferred profit

 

6,362

 

2,520

 

Income taxes payable

 

1,341

 

829

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

216

 

212

 

Total current liabilities

 

161,130

 

139,118

 

Deferred income taxes

 

5,039

 

5,039

 

Long-term debt

 

101,649

 

100,964

 

Other non-current liabilities

 

717

 

1,192

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

413,112

 

359,059

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

681,647

 

$

605,372

 

 

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

 

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Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

26,044

 

$

(20,944

)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

4,986

 

5,556

 

Amortization of debt discount

 

741

 

693

 

Non-cash equity-based compensation

 

2,170

 

1,398

 

Non-cash inventory write-off

 

 

1,526

 

Non-cash restructuring

 

(179

)

 

Deferred income taxes

 

152

 

222

 

Other, net

 

(2

)

39

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(4,536

)

20,709

 

Inventories

 

(7,161

)

4,960

 

Accounts payable

 

6,690

 

(4,470

)

Accrued expenses, deferred profit and other current liabilities

 

15,173

 

(7,209

)

Other, net

 

(2,373

)

(348

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

41,705

 

2,132

 

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(1,122

)

(2,418

)

Payments for net assets of businesses acquired

 

 

(9,644

)

Proceeds from the redemption of short-term investments

 

40,025

 

 

Payments for purchases of short-term investments

 

(60,500

)

 

Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment

 

13

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(21,584

)

(12,062

)

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from stock option exercises

 

26,968

 

 

Restricted stock tax withholdings

 

(456

)

(2

)

Repayments of long-term debt

 

(52

)

(48

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

26,460

 

(50

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

(1,123

)

(771

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

45,458

 

(10,751

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

148,589

 

103,799

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

194,047

 

$

93,048

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash investing and financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers from property, plant and equipment to inventory

 

$

1,123

 

$

360

 

Transfers from inventory to property, plant and equipment

 

850

 

23

 

Sale of property, plant and equipment with note receivable

 

140

 

 

 

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

 

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Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 1—Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Veeco Instruments Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “Veeco,” the “Company” or “we”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S.”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation (consisting of normal recurring accruals) have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2010, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2010. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 

Consistent with prior years, we report interim quarters, other than fourth quarters which always end on December 31, on a 13-week basis ending on the last Sunday within such period. The interim quarter ends are determined at the beginning of each year based on the 13-week quarters. The 2010 interim quarter ends are March 28, June 27 and September 26. The 2009 interim quarter ends were March 29, June 28 and September 27. For ease of reference, we report these interim quarter ends as March 31, June 30 and September 30 in our interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

 

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of basic weighted average shares outstanding and diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

 

38,784

 

31,515

 

Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock awards and units

 

2,533

 

 

Dilutive effect of convertible notes

 

952

 

 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

 

42,269

 

31,515

 

 

Net income (loss) per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, the effect of approximately 3.8 million stock options and 0.6 million restricted shares were excluded from the computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding due to the net loss sustained in the period as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

 

Our convertible notes meet the criteria for determining the effect of the assumed conversion using the treasury stock method of accounting, as long as we have the ability and the intent to settle the principal amount of the Notes in cash. Under the terms of these notes, we may pay the principal amount of converted notes in cash or in shares of common stock. We have indicated that we intend to pay the principal amount in cash. Using the treasury stock method, it was determined that the impact of the assumed conversion for the three months ended March 31, 2010, had a dilutive affect of 952,000 common equivalent shares and for the three months ended March 31, 2009, the impact was anti-dilutive, due to the net loss sustained in the period. The effect of the assumed converted shares is dependent on the stock price at the time of the conversion. The maximum number of common equivalent shares issuable upon conversion at March 31, 2010 was approximately 5.4 million. See Note 6 for further details on our debt.

 

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Short-Term Investments

 

We determine the appropriate balance sheet classification of our investments at the time of purchase and evaluate the classification at each balance sheet date. As part of our cash management program, we maintain a portfolio of marketable securities which are classified as available-for-sale. These securities include certificates of deposit placed through an account registry service (“CDARS”) with maturities of greater than three months but less than one year when purchased in principal amounts that, when aggregated with interest to accrue over the term, will not exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limits. These securities are carried at cost, which approximates market value.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

We use derivative financial instruments to minimize the impact of foreign exchange rate changes on earnings and cash flows. In the normal course of business, our operations are exposed to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. In order to reduce the effect of fluctuating foreign currencies on short-term foreign currency-denominated intercompany transactions and other known foreign currency exposures, we enter into monthly forward contracts. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Our forward contracts are not expected to subject us to material risks due to exchange rate movements because gains and losses on these contracts are intended to offset exchange gains and losses on the underlying assets and liabilities. The forward contracts are marked-to-market through earnings. We conduct our derivative transactions with highly rated financial institutions in an effort to mitigate any material credit risk. The aggregate foreign currency exchange gain (loss) included in determining the condensed consolidated results of operations was approximately $0.1 million and ($1.4) million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Included in the aggregate foreign currency exchange gain (loss) were gains related to forward contracts of $0.1 million and $0.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010, and 2009, respectively. These amounts were recognized and are included in other, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of March 31, 2010, approximately $0.1 million of gains related to forward contracts are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and were subsequently received in April 2010. As of December 31, 2009, approximately $0.2 million of gains related to forward contracts were included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and subsequently received in January 2010. Monthly forward contracts with a notional amount of $6.7 million for the month of April 2010 were entered into in March.

 

The weighted average notional amount of derivative contracts outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2010 was approximately $3.2 million.

 

Note 2— Equity-Based Compensation Plans

 

Equity-Based Compensation

 

Equity-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the employee requisite service period. The following compensation expense was included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Equity-based compensation expense

 

$

2,170

 

$

1,398

 

 

As of March 31, 2010, the total unrecognized compensation related to nonvested stock and stock option awards is $8.3 million and $9.7 million, respectively. The related weighted average period over which we expect that such unrecognized compensation will be recognized is approximately 2.6 years for nonvested stock awards and 2.0 years for option awards.

 

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Stock Option and Restricted Stock Activity

 

A summary of our restricted stock awards including restricted stock units for the three months ended March 31, 2010, is presented below:

 

 

 

Shares
(000s)

 

Weighted
Average Grant-
Date Fair Value

 

Nonvested at January 1, 2010

 

892

 

$

12.97

 

Granted

 

36

 

32.81

 

Vested

 

(40

)

14.39

 

Forfeited (including cancelled awards)

 

(13

)

14.38

 

Nonvested at March 31, 2010

 

875

 

13.69

 

 

A summary of our stock option awards for the three months ended March 31, 2010, is presented below:

 

 

 

Shares
(000s)

 

Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (000s)

 

Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (in years)

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2010

 

4,506

 

$

16.35

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

71

 

32.81

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(1,386

)

19.46

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited (including cancelled options)

 

(33

)

13.78

 

 

 

 

 

Expirations of vested options

 

(1

)

20.25

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at March 31, 2010

 

3,157

 

15.40

 

$

65,327

 

5.0

 

Options exercisable at March 31, 2010

 

842

 

19.80

 

$

20,431

 

2.6

 

 

Note 3—Balance Sheet Information

 

Accounts Receivable, net

 

Accounts receivable are shown net of the allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.8 million and $0.9 million as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (principally first-in, first-out) or market. Inventories consist of (in thousands):

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Raw materials

 

$

48,125

 

$

49,013

 

Work in process

 

31,509

 

21,560

 

Finished goods

 

5,325

 

6,991

 

 

 

$

84,959

 

$

77,564

 

 

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Accrued Warranty

 

We estimate the costs that may be incurred under the warranty we provide and record a liability in the amount of such costs at the time the related revenue is recognized. Factors that affect our warranty liability include product failure rates, material usage and labor costs incurred in correcting product failures during the warranty period.  We periodically assess the adequacy of our recognized warranty liability and adjust the amount as necessary.  Changes in our warranty liability during the period are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three months ended
March 31

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Balance as of beginning of period

 

$

7,556

 

$

6,892

 

Warranties issued during the period

 

1,608

 

426

 

Settlements made during the period

 

(1,559

)

(775

)

Balance at end of period

 

$

7,605

 

$

6,543

 

 

Note 4—Segment Information

 

We manage the business, review operating results and assess performance, as well as allocate resources, based upon three separate reporting segments that reflect the market focus of each business. The Light Emitting Diode (“LED”) & Solar Process Equipment segment consists of metal organic chemical vapor deposition (“MOCVD”) systems, molecular beam epitaxy (“MBE”) systems, thermal deposition sources, and other types of deposition systems used to deposit materials on flexible and glass substrates. These systems are primarily sold to customers in the high-brightness LED (“HB LED”) and solar industries, as well as to scientific research customers. This segment has product development and marketing sites in Somerset, New Jersey, St. Paul, Minnesota and Lowell, Massachusetts. The Data Storage Process Equipment segment consists of the ion beam etch, ion beam deposition, diamond-like carbon, physical vapor deposition and dicing and slicing products sold primarily to customers in the data storage industry.  This segment has product development and marketing sites in Plainview, New York, Ft. Collins, Colorado and Santa Barbara, California. In our Metrology segment, we design and manufacture atomic force microscopes, scanning probe microscopes, stylus profilers and optical interferometers used to provide critical surface measurements in research and production environments. This broad line of products is used in universities, research facilities and scientific centers worldwide. In production environments such as semiconductor, data storage and other broad industries, our metrology instruments enable customers to monitor their products throughout the manufacturing process to improve yields, reduce costs and improve product quality. This segment has product development and marketing sites in Camarillo and Santa Barbara, California and Tucson, Arizona.

 

We evaluate the performance of our reportable segments based on income (loss) from operations before interest, income taxes, amortization and certain items (“Segment profit (loss)”), which is the primary indicator used to plan and forecast future periods. The presentation of this financial measure facilitates meaningful comparison with prior periods, as management believes segment profit (loss) reports baseline performance and thus provides useful information. The other excluded items include restructuring (credits) expenses, asset impairment charges, inventory write-offs and equity-based compensation expense. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of critical accounting policies.

 

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Table of Contents

 

The following tables present certain data pertaining to our reportable product segments and a reconciliation of segment profit (loss) to income (loss) before income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and goodwill and total assets as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 (in thousands):

 

 

 

LED & Solar
Process
Equipment

 

Data Storage
Process
Equipment

 

Metrology

 

Unallocated
Corporate
Amount

 

Total

 

Three months ended March 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

111,504

 

$

23,245

 

$

28,482

 

$

 

$

163,231

 

Segment profit (loss)

 

$

29,817

 

$

3,197

 

$

2,932

 

$

(3,134

)

$

32,812

 

Interest, net

 

 

 

 

1,782

 

1,782

 

Amortization

 

796

 

383

 

447

 

59

 

1,685

 

Equity-based compensation

 

467

 

215

 

304

 

1,184

 

2,170

 

Restructuring

 

 

(179

)

 

 

(179

)

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

$

28,554

 

$

2,778

 

$

2,181

 

$

(6,159

)

$

27,354

 

Three months ended March 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

22,202

 

$

16,905

 

$

23,742

 

$

 

$

62,849

 

Segment loss

 

$

(3,712

)

$

(1,632

)

$

(2,705

)

$

(1,624

)

$

(9,673

)

Interest, net

 

 

 

 

1,709

 

1,709

 

Amortization

 

775

 

405

 

577

 

72

 

1,829

 

Equity-based compensation

 

156

 

252

 

236

 

754

 

1,398

 

Restructuring

 

734

 

1,386

 

2,124

 

187

 

4,431

 

Inventory write-offs

 

 

1,526

 

 

 

1,526

 

Loss before income taxes

 

$

(5,377

)

$

(5,201

)

$

(5,642

)

$

(4,346

)

$

(20,566

)

 

 

 

LED & Solar
Process
Equipment

 

Data Storage
Process
Equipment

 

Metrology

 

Unallocated
Corporate
Amount

 

Total

 

As of March 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

$

51,989

 

$

 

$

7,433

 

$

 

$

59,422

 

Total assets

 

$

182,814

 

$

50,034

 

$

81,213

 

$

367,586

 

$

681,647

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

$

51,989

 

$

 

$

7,433

 

$

 

$

59,422

 

Total assets

 

$

178,406

 

$

54,106

 

$

72,912

 

$

299,948

 

$

605,372

 

 

Corporate total assets are comprised principally of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

 

Note 5—Income Taxes

 

We had approximately $1.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, which predominantly relate to positions taken on our foreign tax returns and all of which represent the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective income tax rate in future periods.

 

We or one of our subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. All material federal income tax matters have been concluded for years through 2006 subject to subsequent utilization of net operating losses generated in such years. All material state and local income tax matters have been concluded for years through 2005. The majority of our foreign jurisdictions have been reviewed through 2007 with only a few jurisdictions having open tax years between 2004 and 2007. None of our tax returns are currently under examination in the federal and foreign jurisdictions.

 

We recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The total accrual for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions was approximately $0.5 million as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

 

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Note 6—Debt

 

Convertible Notes

 

The convertible notes are initially convertible into 36.7277 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equivalent to a conversion price of $27.23 per share or a premium of 38% over the closing market price for Veeco’s common stock on April 16, 2007). Holders may convert the notes at any time during the period beginning on January 15, 2012 through the close of business on the second day prior to April 15, 2012 and earlier upon the occurrence of certain events including our common stock trading at prices equal to 130% of the conversion price for a specified period. We pay interest on these notes on April 15 and October 15 of each year. The notes are unsecured and are effectively subordinated to all of our senior and secured indebtedness, and to all indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries.

 

In May 2008, accounting guidance was issued that requires a portion of convertible debt to be allocated to equity. We implemented the new guidance as of January 1, 2009 and have applied it retrospectively to all periods presented, as required.  This guidance requires issuers of convertible debt that can be settled in cash to separately account for (i.e., bifurcate) a portion of the debt associated with the conversion feature and reclassify this portion to equity. The liability portion, which represents the fair value of the debt without the conversion feature, is accreted to its face value over the life of the debt using the effective interest method by amortizing the discount between the face amount and the fair value. The amortization is recorded as interest expense. The convertible notes are subject to such accounting guidance since they may be settled in cash upon conversion. Thus, as a result of the adoption of this accounting guidance, we reclassified approximately $16.3 million from long-term debt to additional paid-in capital effective as of the date of issuance of the notes. This reclassification created a $16.3 million discount on the debt that is amortized over the remaining life of the notes, which will be through April 15, 2012. For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, we recorded approximately $0.7 million of additional interest expense in each period resulting from the amortization of the debt discount. This additional interest expense did not require the use of cash.

 

The components of interest expense recorded on the notes for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three months ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contractual interest

 

$

1,089

 

$

1,089

 

Amortization of the discount on the notes

 

741

 

693

 

Total interest expense on the notes

 

$

1,830

 

$

1,782

 

Effective interest rate

 

6.9

%

6.8

%

 

The carrying amounts of the liability and equity components of the notes as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

March 31,
2010

 

December 31,
2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying amount of the equity component

 

$

16,318

 

$

16,318

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal balance of the liability component

 

$

105,574

 

$

105,574

 

Less: unamortized discount

 

6,752

 

7,493

 

Net carrying value of the liability component

 

$

98,822

 

$

98,081

 

 

At March 31, 2010, $105.6 million of the notes outstanding had a fair value of approximately $172.7 million.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Mortgage Payable

 

We also have a mortgage payable, with approximately $3.0 million outstanding at March 31, 2010. The mortgage accrues interest at an annual rate of 7.91%, and the final payment is due on January 1, 2020. The fair value of the mortgage at March 31, 2010 was approximately $3.3 million.

 

Note 7— Fair Value Measurements

 

We have categorized our assets and liabilities recorded at fair value based upon the fair value hierarchy. The levels of fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 

·                  Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access.

 

·                  Level 2 inputs utilize other-than-quoted prices that are observable, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.

 

·                  Level 3 inputs are unobservable and are typically based on our own assumptions, including situations where there is little, if any, market activity.

 

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, we categorize such assets or liabilities based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset.

 

Both observable and unobservable inputs may be used to determine the fair value of positions that are classified within the Level 3 category. As a result, the unrealized gains and losses for assets within the Level 3 category presented below may include changes in fair value that were attributable to both observable (e.g., changes in market interest rates) and unobservable (e.g., changes in historical company data) inputs.

 

As of March 31, 2010, major categories of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis under Level 2 consisted of CDARS totaling $211.0 million, treasury bills totaling $62.0 million and derivative instruments totaling $0.1 million. As of December 31, 2009, major categories of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis under Level 2 consisted of CDARS totaling $180.0 million and derivative instruments totaling $0.2 million. The Company had no Level 1 and Level 3 assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

 

CDARS and treasury bills are carried at cost, which approximates market value. Accordingly, no gains or losses (realized/ unrealized) have been incurred.

 

Derivative instruments include foreign currency forward contracts to hedge certain foreign currency transactions. Derivative instruments are valued using standard calculations/models that are primarily based on observable inputs, including foreign currency exchange rates, volatilities and interest rates.

 

As of March 31, 2010, major categories of assets and liabilities measured at fair value under Level 3 on a nonrecurring basis consisted of property, plant and equipment totaling $57.0 million, goodwill totaling $59.4 million, intangible assets totaling $27.2 million, an asset retirement obligation totaling ($0.2) million and a restructuring liability totaling ($1.5) million. As of December 31, 2009, major categories of assets and liabilities measured at fair value under Level 3 on a nonrecurring basis consisted of property, plant and equipment totaling $59.4 million, goodwill totaling $59.4 million, intangible assets totaling $29.7 million, an asset retirement obligation totaling ($0.2) million and a restructuring liability totaling ($2.5) million. The Company had no Level 1 or Level 2 assets and liabilities measured on a nonrecurring basis at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Note 8— Commitments, Contingencies and Other Matters

 

Restructuring and Other (Credits) Charges

 

During 2007, management initiated a profit improvement plan, resulting in personnel severance costs associated with a reduction of our workforce which included management, administration and manufacturing employees’ companywide. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2007, we took additional measures to improve profitability, including a reduction of discretionary expenses, realignment of our sales organization to more closely match current market and regional opportunities, and consolidation of certain engineering groups within our data storage business, which included the discontinuation of two products. During 2008 and 2009, we continued our multi-quarter plan to improve profitability and reduce and contain spending. We made progress against the initiatives that management set in 2007, continued our restructuring plan and executed activities with a focus on creating a more cost effective organization, with a greater percentage of variable costs. These activities included downsizing and consolidating some locations, reducing our workforce, consultants and discretionary expenses and realigning our sales organization and engineering groups.

 

In conjunction with these activities, we recorded a of restructuring credit of approximately $0.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and restructuring charges of approximately $4.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2009, and inventory write-offs of $1.5 million, included in cost of sales in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations, associated with the discontinuance of certain products in connection with transitioning to outsourced manufacturing during the three months ended March 31, 2009. Restructuring for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three months ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Personnel severance and related costs

 

$

 

$

4,386

 

Lease-related and other (credits) costs

 

(179

)

45

 

 

 

$

(179

)

$

4,431

 

 

Personnel severance and related costs

 

During the first quarter of 2009, we recorded $4.4 million in personnel severance and related costs resulting from a headcount reduction of approximately 140 employees. This reduction in workforce included executives, management, administration, sales and service personnel and manufacturing employees’ companywide.

 

Lease-related and other (credits) costs

 

During the first quarter of 2010, we had a change in estimate relating to one of our leased facilities. As a result, we incurred a restructuring credit of $0.2 million, consisting primarily of the remaining lease payment obligations and estimated property taxes for a portion of the facility we will occupy, offset by a reduction in expected sublease income. We made certain assumptions in determining the credit, which included a reduction in estimated sublease income and terms of the sublease as well as the estimated discount rate to be used in determining the fair value of the remaining liability. We developed these assumptions based on our understanding of the current real estate market as well as current market interest rates. The assumptions are based on management’s best estimates, and will be adjusted periodically if new information is obtained.

 

During the first quarter of 2009, we incurred charges related to various moving and consolidation activities.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Restructuring liability

 

The following is a reconciliation of the liability for the 2009 and 2008 restructuring charge from inception through March 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 

 

 

LED & Solar
Process
Equipment

 

Data Storage Process
Equipment

 

Metrology

 

Unallocated
Corporate

 

Total

 

Short-term liability

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease-related costs 2008

 

$

 

$

 

$

259

 

$

1,189

 

$

1,448

 

Personnel severance charges 2008

 

732

 

477

 

879

 

1,405

 

3,493

 

Total charged to accrual 2008

 

732

 

477

 

1,138

 

2,594

 

4,941

 

Lease-related costs 2009

 

190

 

803

 

13

 

 

1,006

 

Personnel severance charges 2009

 

1,005

 

1,826

 

2,830

 

636

 

6,297

 

Total charged to accrual 2009

 

1,195

 

2,629

 

2,843

 

636

 

7,303

 

Reversal of lease-related costs 2010

 

 

(108

)

 

 

(108

)

Short-term/long-term reclassification 2008

 

 

 

 

892

 

892

 

Short-term/long-term reclassification 2009

 

 

148

 

 

1,084

 

1,232

 

Short-term/long-term reclassification 2010

 

 

44

 

 

267

 

311

 

Cash payments 2008

 

(72

)

(207

)

(604

)

(1,627

)

(2,510

)

Cash payments 2009

 

(1,502

)

(2,561

)

(3,362

)

(1,982

)

(9,407

)

Cash payments 2010

 

(289

)

(156

)

(15

)

(656

)

(1,116

)

Balance as of March 31, 2010

 

$

64

 

$

266

 

$

 

$

1,208

 

$

1,538

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term liability

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease-related costs 2008

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

2,684

 

$

2,684

 

Lease-related costs 2009

 

 

377

 

 

 

377

 

Reversal of lease-related costs 2010

 

 

(71

)

 

 

(71

)

Short-term/long-term reclassification 2008

 

 

 

 

(892

)

(892

)

Short-term/long-term reclassification 2009

 

 

(148

)

 

(1,084

)

(1,232

)

Short-term/long-term reclassification 2010

 

 

(44

)

 

(267

)

(311

)

Other adjustments

 

 

 

 

(172

)

(172

)

Balance as of March 31, 2010

 

$

 

$

114

 

$

 

$

269

 

$

383

 

 

The balance of the short-term restructuring liability relating to personnel severance charges is expected to be paid over the next three months. The long-term liability will be paid over the remaining life of the leases for the former corporate headquarters and a former Data Storage Process Equipment facility, which expire in June 2011 and May 2012, respectively. We have not incurred and currently do not anticipate or expect to incur additional restructuring charges during 2010.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

Executive Summary

 

We design, manufacture, market and service enabling solutions for customers in the high brightness (“HB”) light emitting diode (“LED”) (“HB LED”), solar, data storage, scientific research, semiconductor, and industrial markets. We have leading technology positions in our three segments: LED & Solar Process Equipment, Data Storage Process Equipment, and Metrology.

 

In our LED & Solar segment, we design and manufacture metal organic chemical vapor deposition (“MOCVD”) systems, molecular beam epitaxy (“MBE”) systems and sources, and other types of deposition systems such as web and glass coaters, which we sell to manufacturers of HB LEDs and solar panels, as well as to scientific research customers.

 

In our Data Storage segment, we design and manufacture ion beam etch, ion beam deposition, diamond-like carbon, physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, and dicing and slicing systems primarily used to create thin film magnetic heads (“TFMHs”) that read and write data on hard disk drives.

 

In our Metrology segment, we design and manufacture atomic force microscopes (“AFMs”), scanning probe microscopes (“SPMs”), stylus profilers, and optical interferometers used to provide critical surface measurements in research and production environments. This broad line of products is used in universities, research facilities and scientific centers worldwide. In production environments such as semiconductor, data storage and other industries, our metrology instruments enable customers to monitor their products throughout the manufacturing process to improve yields, reduce costs, and improve product quality.

 

We currently maintain facilities in Arizona, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey and New York, with sales and service locations in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, France, England, Germany, Netherlands, Japan, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand.

 

Highlights of the First Quarter of 2010

 

·                  Revenue was $163.2 million, a 159.7% increase from the first quarter of 2009.

·                  Orders were $267.8 million, up 404.9% from the first quarter of 2009.

·                  Net income was $26.0 million, or $0.62 per share, compared to a net loss of $20.9 million, or ($0.66) per share, in the first quarter of 2009.

·                  Gross margins were 43.1%, compared to 32.4% in the first quarter of 2009.

 

Outlook

 

With record backlog of $502 million at the end of March 2010 Veeco continues to have very strong business momentum beginning the second quarter.  We continue to experience high levels of activity in our LED & Solar business, similar to the last three quarters, with multi-tool system orders being quoted across a large number of customers.  Our K465i is performing well in the market and we are increasing manufacturing capacity to satisfy customer demand.  In the first quarter of 2010, we shipped 48 systems, with a goal to ship more than 75 systems in the second quarter.  We are currently planning to further build capacity to ship more than 100 and 120 systems in the third and fourth quarters, respectively.  As a result, 2010 is currently forecasted to be a strong year of revenue and profit growth for our LED & Solar business.  We believe the HB LED industry is at the beginning of a multi-year MOCVD investment cycle as HB LEDs increase their penetration in laptop and TV backlighting and gain momentum for general illumination.  We continue to invest in our new copper, indium, gallium, selenide (“CIGS”) Solar business, with a goal to build a “best of breed” deposition product line and ultimately help to drive CIGS technology as a low-cost, high efficiency solar technology. We currently plan to begin shipping our first new CIGS deposition systems to customers in Asia during the second quarter of 2010.

 

In 2010, our Data Storage business is also currently anticipated to perform well as customers invest in capacity additions and next-generation recording head technology.  In Metrology we are winning in the market due to our new AFM products. We currently expect both of these businesses to gain share and grow revenue and profits in 2010.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Our outlook discussion above constitutes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our expectations regarding future results are subject to risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Risks associated with our ability to achieve these results are set forth in Items 1, 1A, 3, 7 and 7A in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, as well as any modifications or revisions to risk factors contained in our subsequent filings with the SEC

 

You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates they are made.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Results of Operations:

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009

 

Consistent with prior years, we report interim quarters, other than fourth quarters which always end on December 31, on a 13-week basis ending on the last Sunday within such period. The interim quarter ends are determined at the beginning of each year based on the 13-week quarters. The 2010 interim quarter ends are March 28, June 27 and September 26. The 2009 interim quarter ends were March 29, June 28 and September 27. For ease of reference, we report these interim quarter ends as March 31, June 30 and September 30 in our interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

The following table shows our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, percentages of sales, and comparisons between the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dollar and

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Percentage

 

 

 

March 31,

 

Change

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Year to Year

 

Net sales

 

$

163,231

 

100.0

%

$

62,849

 

100.0

%

$

100,382

 

159.7

%

Cost of sales

 

92,882

 

56.9

 

42,467

 

67.6

 

50,415

 

118.7

 

Gross profit

 

70,349

 

43.1

 

20,382

 

32.4

 

49,967

 

245.2

 

Operating (income) expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

23,420

 

14.3

 

18,607

 

29.6

 

4,813

 

25.9

 

Research and development

 

16,440

 

10.1

 

12,886

 

20.5

 

3,554

 

27.6

 

Amortization

 

1,685

 

1.0

 

1,829

 

2.9

 

(144

)

(7.9

)

Restructuring

 

(179

)

(0.1

)

4,431

 

7.1

 

(4,610

)

*

 

Other, net

 

(153

)

(0.1

)

1,486

 

2.4

 

(1,639

)

*

 

Total operating expenses

 

41,213

 

25.2

 

39,239

 

62.4

 

1,974

 

5.0

 

Operating income (loss)

 

29,136

 

17.8

 

(18,857

)

(30.0

)

47,993

 

*

 

Interest expense, net

 

1,782

 

1.1

 

1,709

 

2.7

 

73

 

4.3

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

27,354

 

16.8

 

(20,566

)

(32.7

)

47,920

 

*

 

Income tax provision

 

1,310

 

0.8

 

378

 

0.6

 

932

 

246.6

 

Net income (loss)

 

26,044

 

16.0

 

(20,944

)

(33.3

)

46,988

 

*

 

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

(42

)

0.0

 

42

 

*

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Veeco

 

$

26,044

 

16.0

%

$

(20,902

)

(33.3

)%

$

46,946

 

*

 

 


* Not Meaningful

 

Net Sales and Orders

 

Net sales of $163.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 were up 159.7% compared to the comparable 2009 quarter. The following is an analysis of net sales and orders by segment and by region (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

Orders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Dollar and Percentage

 

Three months ended

 

Dollar and Percentage

 

Book to Bill

 

 

 

March 31,

 

Change

 

March 31,

 

Change

 

Ratio

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Year to Year

 

2010

 

2009

 

Year to Year

 

2010

 

2009

 

Segment Analysis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LED & Solar Process Equipment

 

$

111,504

 

$

22,202

 

$

89,302

 

402.2

%

$

211,663

 

$

28,521

 

$

183,142

 

642.1

%

1.90

 

1.28

 

Data Storage Process Equipment

 

23,245

 

16,905

 

6,340

 

37.5

 

26,373

 

7,818

 

18,555

 

237.3

 

1.13

 

0.46

 

Metrology

 

28,482

 

23,742

 

4,740

 

20.0

 

29,808

 

16,711

 

13,097

 

78.4

 

1.05

 

0.70

 

Total

 

$

163,231

 

$

62,849

 

$

100,382

 

159.7

%

$

267,844

 

$

53,050

 

$

214,794

 

404.9

%

1.64

 

0.84

 

Regional Analysis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Americas

 

$

27,211

 

$

19,969

 

$

7,242

 

36.3

%

$

32,243

 

$

11,572

 

$

20,671

 

178.6

%

1.18

 

0.58

 

Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”)

 

23,756

 

18,261

 

5,495

 

30.1

 

39,125

 

11,304

 

27,821

 

246.1

 

1.65

 

0.62

 

Japan

 

10,425

 

5,476

 

4,949

 

90.4

 

6,786

 

6,926

 

(140

)

(2.0

)

0.65

 

1.26

 

Asia Pacific

 

101,839

 

19,143

 

82,696

 

432.0

 

189,690

 

23,248

 

166,442

 

715.9

 

1.86

 

1.21

 

Total

 

$

163,231

 

$

62,849

 

$

100,382

 

159.7

%

$

267,844

 

$

53,050

 

$

214,794

 

404.9

%

1.64

 

0.84

 

 

Sales and orders increased in each segment in the first quarter of 2010 compared with the first quarter in 2009 due to our customers’ requirements in response to increasingly favorable economic conditions compared to 2009. LED & Solar Process Equipment sales were up 402.2% from the first quarter of 2009 primarily due to an increase in end user demand for HB-LED backlighting applications and strong customer acceptance of Veeco’s

 

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newest generation systems. Data Storage Process Equipment segment sales were up 37.5% from the first quarter of 2009 due to an increase in demand by our data storage customers as the economy begins to improve. Additionally, Metrology sales were up 20.0% from the first quarter of 2009, due to higher demand in the semiconductor, research and industrial markets as the economy begins to improve. By region, net sales increased by 432.0% in the Asia Pacific region, primarily due to MOCVD sales to HB LED customers, while sales in the Americas, EMEA and Japan also increased 36.3%, 30.1% and 90.4%, respectively. We believe that there will continue to be period-to-period variations in the geographic distribution of sales.

 

Orders for the first quarter of 2010 increased 404.9% from the first quarter of 2009. By segment, the 642.1% increase in orders for LED & Solar Process Equipment was principally driven by HB-LED based manufacturers increasing production for television and laptop backlighting applications. The 237.3% increase in Data Storage Process Equipment orders resulted from an increase in demand by our data storage customers. The 78.4% increase in Metrology orders is due to higher demand in the semiconductor, research and industrial markets.

 

Our book-to-bill ratio for the first quarter of 2010, which is calculated by dividing orders received in a given time period by revenue recognized in the same time period, was 1.64 to 1, reflecting the increasingly favorable economic conditions experienced in the last two quarters, specifically related to our LED & Solar Process Equipment segment. Our backlog as of March 31, 2010 was $502.1 million, compared to $402.0 million as of December 31, 2009. During the quarter ended March 31, 2010, we experienced backlog adjustments of approximately $4.5 million, consisting of $3.2 million for customer delayed shipments and $1.3 million of adjustments related to foreign currency translation.  For certain sales arrangements we require a deposit for a portion of the sales price before shipment. As of March 31, 2010 we had customer deposits and advanced billings of $80.0 million.

 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit for the first quarter of 2010, was 43.1%, compared to 32.4% in the first quarter of 2009. LED & Solar Process Equipment gross margins increased to 42.8% from 29.2% in the first quarter of 2009, primarily due to a significant increase in sales volume as well as favorable product mix. Data Storage Process Equipment gross margins increased to 39.6% from 27.4% in the prior-year period, due to the favorable impact of cost reductions from a reduced workforce, lower facility costs associated with closing and consolidating facilities and the outsourcing of certain Data Storage Process Equipment product manufacturing to Asia. In the first quarter of 2009 gross margins were also negatively impacted by a charge of $1.5 million for the write-off of inventory associated with certain discontinued data storage product lines. Metrology gross margins increased to 47.1% from 39.1%, principally due to higher sales volume and a reduction in service spending.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $4.8 million, or 25.9%, from the first quarter of 2009, primarily due to an increase in bonus and profit sharing expense, equity-based compensation, travel and entertainment expenses and salary and related expenses associated primarily with the significant increase in business activity in our LED & Solar Process Equipment segment. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 14.3% in the first quarter of 2010 from 29.6% in the first quarter of 2009.

 

Research and development expenses increased $3.6 million from the first quarter of 2009, primarily due to increased spending in our LED & Solar Process Equipment segment to support future growth. As a percentage of sales, research and development decreased to 10.1% in the first quarter of 2010 from 20.5% in the first quarter of 2009.

 

Restructuring included a credit of approximately $0.2 million during the first quarter of 2010 due to a change in estimate for one of our leased facilities. Restructuring expense of  $4.4 million for the first quarter of 2009 consists primarily of personnel severance costs resulting from a reduction in workforce associated with management’s restructuring plan.

 

Other, net for the first quarter of 2010 includes a foreign currency exchange gain of $(0.1) million compared to a loss of $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2009. In the first quarter of 2009, foreign currency exchange rates were impacted by the significant strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Euro.

 

Income Taxes

 

Our provision for income taxes consists of U.S., state and local and foreign taxes in amounts necessary to

 

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align our year-to-date tax provision with the effective tax rate we expect to achieve for the full year. For the quarter ended March 31, 2010, we recorded a provision for income taxes of $1.3 million compared to $0.4 million for the same period in 2009. The 2010 provision for income taxes included $1.0 million relating to our foreign operations and $0.3 million relating state and local taxes. The 2009 provision for income taxes included $0.2 million relating to our foreign operations and $0.2 million relating to state and local taxes.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Historically, our principal capital requirements have included the funding of acquisitions, capital expenditures and repayment of debt. We traditionally have generated cash from operations and debt and stock issuances. Our ability to generate sufficient cash flows from operations is dependent on the continued demand for our products and services. A summary of the cash flow activity for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

26,044

 

$

(20,944

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

41,705

 

$

2,132

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(21,584

)

(12,062

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

26,460

 

(50

)

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

 

(1,123

)

(771

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

45,458

 

(10,751

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

148,589

 

103,799

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

194,047

 

$

93,048

 

 

We had a net increase in cash of $45.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010. Cash provided by operations was $41.7 million for this period, as compared to cash provided by operations of $2.1 million for the comparable 2009 period. Net income adjusted for non-cash items provided operating cash flows of $33.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, whereas $11.5 million of net cash from operations was used in the comparable 2009 period. Net cash provided by operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 included a net change in net operating assets and liabilities that provided $7.8 million of cash. Inventories increased by approximately $7.2 million, principally due to an increase in purchases to support the significant MOCVD orders when compared to the first quarter of 2009. Accounts receivable increased $4.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010, due to higher sales volume when compared to the fourth quarter of 2009. Accrued expenses and other current liabilities increased $15.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010, due primarily to an increase in customer deposits, partially offset by the payment of management bonuses and profit sharing in the first quarter of 2010. Accounts payable also increased by $6.7 million during the first quarter of 2010 due to the higher level of business activity.

 

Cash used in investing activities of $21.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 primarily related to the net purchases of short-term investments of $20.5 million and $1.1 million in capital expenditures principally in our LED & Solar Process Equipment segment. Cash used in investing activities of $12.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 primarily related to the $9.6 million earn-out payment with respect to the Mill Lane acquisition, and $2.4 million in capital expenditures principally in our LED & Solar Process Equipment segment. During the remainder of 2010, we estimate we will invest an additional $26.6 million in capital expenditures primarily related to lab tools for high-growth opportunities, as well as for plant expansion and building improvements.

 

Cash provided by financing activities of $26.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 primarily related to stock option exercises. Cash used in financing activities of $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 primarily related to mortgage payments on our facility in St. Paul, Minnesota.

 

As of March 31, 2010, we have outstanding $105.6 million aggregate principal amount of 4.125% convertible subordinated notes due April 15, 2012 (the “Notes”). We pay interest on the Notes on April 15 and October 15 of each year. We have previously engaged in repurchase transactions of our Notes and may enter into similar transactions in the future depending on market conditions, our cash position and other factors.

 

The Notes are initially convertible into 36.7277 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of

 

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Notes (equivalent to a conversion price of $27.23 per share or a premium of 38% over the closing market price for Veeco’s common stock on April 16, 2007). Holders may convert the Notes at any time during the period beginning on January 15, 2012 through the close of business on the second day prior to April 15, 2012 and earlier upon the occurrence of certain events including our common stock trading at prices equal to 130% of the conversion price for a specified period, which is at least 20 trading days during the 30 consecutive trading days of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter and only during such fiscal quarter. At the end of the first quarter of 2010 our common stock was trading at prices equal to or above 130% of the conversion price for the specified period and, as a result, the Notes will be convertible during the second quarter of 2010.  If the Notes are converted, we have the ability and intent to pay the principal balance of notes tendered for conversion in cash. We will re-perform this test each quarter up to and including the fourth quarter of 2011.

 

We believe that existing cash balances together with cash generated from operations will be sufficient to meet our projected working capital and other cash flow requirements for the next twelve months, as well as our contractual obligations. We believe we will be able to meet our obligation to repay the $105.6 million of outstanding Notes that mature on April 15, 2012 through a combination of conversion of the Notes outstanding, cash and short-term investments on hand, cash generated from operations, and other means.

 

In 2006 we purchased 19.9% of the common stock of Fluens Corporation (“Fluens”). On May 14, 2009, we acquired the remaining 80.1% of Fluens for $1.5 million and an earn-out arrangement based on future performance. No gain or loss was recognized upon the purchase of the 80.1% portion. The difference between the purchase price including the earn-out consideration and the amount by which noncontrolling interest was reduced on the balance sheet was attributed to equity of Veeco. Such difference amounted to approximately $1.0 million, and was recorded as additional paid-in capital. We paid $0.5 million of the $1.5 million purchase price of the 80.1% remaining portion of Fluens upon closing, as well as $0.2 million in respect of the earn-out arrangement for periods prior to 2009. We paid a second installment of $0.5 million of the purchase price on September 30, 2009. We paid the remaining $0.5 million of the $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2010, which was included in accrued expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2009.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

There have been no significant changes to our “Contractual Obligations” table in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

 

General:  Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Management continually monitors and evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to bad debts, inventories, intangible and other long-lived assets, income taxes, warranty obligations, restructuring costs, and contingent liabilities, including potential litigation. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We consider certain accounting policies related to revenue recognition, the valuation of inventories, the impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, the impairment of long-lived assets, fair value measurements, warranty costs, the accounting for income taxes, and share-based compensation to be critical policies due to the estimation processes involved in each.

 

Revenue Recognition:  We recognize revenue based on current accounting guidance provided by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). Our revenue transactions include sales of products under multiple-element arrangements.  Revenue under these arrangements is allocated to each element based upon its estimated fair market value.

 

We consider a broad array of facts and circumstances when evaluating each of our sales arrangements in determining when to recognize revenue, including specific terms of the purchase order, contractual obligations to the customer, the complexity of the customer’s post delivery acceptance provisions, customer creditworthiness and the installation process.  Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured and no uncertainties exist regarding customer acceptance.  For

 

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transactions on which we recognize systems revenue, either at the time of shipment or delivery, our contractual arrangements with customers do not contain provisions for right of return or forfeiture, refund or other purchase price concessions.  Sales arrangements are reviewed on a case-by-case basis; however, our products generally fall into one of two categories; either instruments or systems, for which we have established revenue recognition protocols as described below.

 

Instruments - For standard products produced according to our published specifications, principally metrology instruments sold typically to universities, research facilities and scientific centers and in general industrial applications where installation is inconsequential or perfunctory and no substantive customer acceptance provisions exist, revenue is recognized when title and risk of loss pass to the customer, either at time of shipment or delivery.  Acceptance of the product by the customer is based upon meeting standard published specifications.  Customer acceptance provisions include initial setup at the customer site, performance of functional test procedures and calibration testing of the basic features and functionality of the product.  These provisions are a replication of the testing performed in our facilities prior to shipment.  The skills and equipment required to complete installation of such instruments are not specialized and are readily available in the market and are often performed by distributors or representative organizations.

 

Systems - Process equipment systems and certain metrology systems, which are sold to manufacturers in the LED, solar, data storage and semiconductor industries and are used in manufacturing facilities and commercial production environments typically include process acceptance criteria based upon Veeco and/or customer specifications.  We are generally required to install these products and demonstrate compliance with acceptance tests at the customer’s facility.  Generally, based upon the terms of the sales arrangement, these products are sold with a retention (typically 10% to 20% of the sales contract value) which is payable by the customer when installation and field acceptance is completed. Such installations are not considered complex and are not deemed essential to the functionality of the equipment because they do not involve significant changes to the features or capabilities of the equipment or involve building complex interfaces or connections.  Installation normally represents only 2% - 4% of the fair value of the sales contract.   Sales arrangements for these systems are bifurcated into separate units of accounting or elements based on objective evidence of fair value. The two elements are the system and installation of the system. The amount of revenue allocated to each element is based upon its relative fair value. The price charged when the system or installation service is sold separately generally determines fair value.  The value of the installation service is based upon the fair value of the service performed, including labor, which is based upon the estimated time to complete the installation at hourly rates, and material components. We recognize revenue for the system or delivered element since the delivered item has value to the customer on a standalone basis, there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered item (i.e., the installation service) and delivery or performance of the undelivered item is considered probable and substantially in our control, based on our historical experience.  The value of the undelivered element is the greater of the fair value of the installation or the portion of the sales price that will not be received until the installation is completed (i.e., the retention amount). System revenue is generally recognized upon shipment or delivery provided title and risk of loss has passed to the customer. Revenue from installation services is recognized at the time acceptance is received from the customer. If the arrangement does not meet all the above criteria, the entire amount of the sales arrangement is deferred until the criteria have been met or all elements have been delivered to the customer or been completed.

 

For new products, new applications of existing products, or for products with substantive customer acceptance provisions where performance cannot be fully assessed prior to meeting customer specifications at the customer site, revenue is recognized upon completion of installation and receipt of final customer acceptance. Since title to goods generally passes to the customer upon shipment or delivery and 80% to 90% of the contract amount becomes payable at that time, inventory is relieved and accounts receivable is recognized for the amount billed at the time of shipment. The profit on the amount billed for these transactions is deferred and recognized as deferred profit in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

In Japan, where our contractual terms with customers generally specify risk of loss and title transfers upon customer acceptance, revenue is recognized and the customer is billed upon receipt of written customer acceptance.

 

Revenue related to maintenance and service contracts is recognized ratably over the applicable contract term.  Component and spare part revenue is recognized at the time of shipment or delivery in accordance with the terms of the applicable sales arrangement.

 

Inventory Valuation:  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (principally first-in, first-out method) or market. Management evaluates the need to record adjustments for impairment of inventory on a quarterly basis. Our policy is to assess the valuation of all inventories, including raw materials, work-in-process, finished goods, and spare parts and

 

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other service inventory. Obsolete inventory or inventory in excess of management’s estimated usage for the next 12 month’s requirements is written-down to its estimated market value, if less than its cost. Inherent in the estimates of market value are management’s estimates related to our future manufacturing schedules, customer demand, technological and/or market obsolescence, possible alternative uses, and ultimate realization of excess inventory.

 

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Asset Impairment:  The Company does not amortize goodwill or intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, but instead tests the balances in these asset accounts for impairment at least annually at the reporting unit level. Our policy is to perform this annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. Impairment indicators include, among other conditions, cash flow deficits, a historical or anticipated decline in revenue or operating profit, adverse legal or regulatory developments, and a material decrease in the fair value of some or all of the assets.

 

Pursuant to relevant accounting pronouncements we are required to determine if it is appropriate to use the operating segment as defined under accounting guidance as the reporting unit, or one level below the operating segment, depending on whether certain criteria are met.  We have identified four reporting units that are required to be reviewed for impairment.  The reporting units are Data Storage Process Equipment, LED & Solar Process Equipment, AFM and Optical Metrology.  AFM and Optical Metrology comprise the Metrology operating segment.  In identifying the reporting units management considered the economic characteristics of operating segments including the products and services provided, production processes, types or classes of customer and product distribution.

 

We perform this impairment test by first comparing the fair value of our reporting units to their respective carrying amount. When determining the estimated fair value of a reporting unit, we utilize a discounted future cash flow approach since reported quoted market prices are not available for our reporting units. Developing the estimate of the discounted future cash flow requires significant judgment and projections of future financial performance. The key assumptions used in developing the discounted future cash flows are the projection of future revenues and expenses, working capital requirements, residual growth rates and the weighted average cost of capital. In developing our financial projections, we consider historical data, current internal estimates and market growth trends.  Changes to any of these assumptions could materially change the fair value of the reporting unit. We reconcile the aggregate fair value of our reporting units to the Company’s adjusted market capitalization as a supporting calculation. The adjusted market capitalization is calculated by multiplying the average share price of our common stock for the last ten trading days prior to the measurement date by the number of outstanding common shares and adding a control premium.

 

If the carrying value of the reporting units exceed the fair value we would then compare the implied fair value of our goodwill to the carrying amount in order to determine the amount of the impairment, if any.

 

Definite-Lived Intangible and Long-Lived Asset Impairment: Long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and intangible assets with definite useful lives, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Impairment indicators include, among other conditions, cash flow deficits, a historical or anticipated decline in revenue or operating profit, adverse legal or regulatory developments, and a material decrease in the fair value of some or all of the assets. Assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there is identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows generated by other asset groups. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.

 

Fair Value Measurements: Accounting guidance for our non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities requires that we disclose the type of inputs we use to value our assets and liabilities, based on three categories of inputs as defined in such. Level 1 inputs are quoted, unadjusted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the company has the ability to access at the measurement date.  Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. These requirements apply to our long-lived assets, goodwill, and intangible assets. We use Level 3 inputs to value all of such assets, and the methodology we use to value such assets has not changed since December 31, 2009. The Company primarily applies the market approach for recurring fair value measurements.

 

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Warranty Costs:  We estimate the costs that may be incurred under the warranty we provide and record a liability in the amount of such costs at the time the related revenue is recognized. Estimated warranty costs are determined by analyzing specific product and historical configuration statistics and regional warranty support costs. Our warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates, material usage, and labor costs incurred in correcting product failures during the warranty period. Unforeseen component failures or exceptional component performance can also result in changes to warranty costs. If actual warranty costs differ substantially from our estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required.

 

Income Taxes:  As part of the process of preparing our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, we are required to estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating the actual current tax expense, together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The carrying value of our deferred tax assets is adjusted by a valuation allowance to recognize the extent to which the future tax benefits will be recognized on a more likely than not basis. Our net deferred tax assets consist primarily of net operating loss and tax credit carry forwards, and timing differences between the book and tax treatment of inventory, acquired intangible assets and other asset valuations. Realization of these net deferred tax assets is dependent upon our ability to generate future taxable income.

 

We record valuation allowances in order to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. In assessing the adequacy of recorded valuation allowances, we consider a variety of factors, including the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, future taxable income, and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. Under the relevant accounting guidance, factors such as current and previous operating losses are given significantly greater weight than the outlook for future profitability in determining the deferred tax asset carrying value.  If we are able to realize part or all of the domestic deferred tax assets in future periods, we will reduce our provision for income taxes with a release of the valuation allowance in an amount that corresponds with the income tax liability generated.

 

Relevant accounting guidance addresses the determination of how tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the financial statements. Under such guidance, we must recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such uncertain tax positions are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution. We had approximately $1.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, which predominantly relate to positions taken on our foreign tax returns and all of which represent the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective income tax rate in future periods.

 

Equity-Based Compensation: Equity-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the employee requisite service period.  In order to determine the fair value of stock options on the date of grant, we apply the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Inherent in the model are assumptions related to risk-free interest rate, dividend yield, expected stock-price volatility and option life.

 

The risk-free rate assumed in valuing the options is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the expected term of the option. The dividend yield assumption is based on the Company’s historical and future expectation of dividend payouts. While the risk-free interest rate and dividend yield are less subjective assumptions, typically based on factual data derived from public sources, the expected stock-price volatility and option life assumptions require a level of judgment which make them critical accounting estimates.

 

We use an expected stock-price volatility assumption that is a combination of both historical volatility, calculated based on the daily closing prices of our common stock over a period equal to the expected term of the option and implied volatility, utilizing market data of actively traded options on our common stock, which are obtained from public data sources. We believe that the historical volatility of the price of our common stock over the expected term of the option is a strong indicator of the expected future volatility and that implied volatility takes into consideration market expectations of how future volatility will differ from historical volatility.  Accordingly, we believe a combination of both historical and implied volatility provides the best estimate of the future volatility of the market price of our common stock.

 

The expected term, representing the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding, is estimated using a lattice-based model incorporating historical post vest exercise and employee termination behavior.

 

We estimate forfeitures using our historical experience, which is adjusted over the requisite service period

 

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based on the extent to which actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from such estimates. Because of the significant amount of judgment used in these calculations, it is reasonably likely that circumstances may cause the estimate to change.

 

With regard to the weighted-average option life assumption, we consider the exercise behavior of past grants and model the pattern of aggregate exercises.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Subsequent Events: The FASB has issued amended guidance for Subsequent Events. The amendment removes the requirement for an SEC filer to disclose a date through which subsequent events have been evaluated in both issued and revised financial statements. Revised financial statements include financial statements revised as a result of either correction of an error or retrospective application of U.S. GAAP. The FASB also clarified that if the financial statements have been revised, then an entity that is not an SEC filer should disclose both the date that the financial statements were issued or available to be issued and the date the revised financial statements were issued or available to be issued. The FASB believes these amendments remove potential conflicts with the SEC’s literature. In addition, the amendments require an entity that is a conduit bond obligor for conduit debt securities that are traded in a public market to evaluate subsequent events through the date of issuance of its financial statements and must disclose such date. All of the amendments were effective upon issuance (February 24, 2010) except for the use of the issued date for conduit debt obligors. That amendment is effective for interim or annual periods ending after June 15, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Fair Value Measurements: In January 2010, the FASB issued amended guidance for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. This update requires some new disclosures and clarifies existing disclosure requirements about fair value measurement. The FASB’s objective is to improve these disclosures and, thus, increase the transparency in financial reporting. Specifically, this update requires that a reporting entity disclose separately the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and describe the reasons for the transfers; and in the reconciliation for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs, a reporting entity should present separately information about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements. In addition, this update clarifies the requirements of existing disclosures. For purposes of reporting fair value measurement for each class of assets and liabilities, a reporting entity needs to use judgment in determining the appropriate classes of assets and liabilities; and a reporting entity should provide disclosures about the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. This update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted. The Company does not believe that this guidance will have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Revenue Recognition: In October 2009, the FASB issued amended guidance related to multiple-element arrangements which requires an entity to allocate arrangement consideration at the inception of an arrangement to all of its deliverables based on their relative selling prices. This update eliminates the use of the residual method of allocation and requires the relative-selling-price method in all circumstances. All entities must adopt the guidance no later than the beginning of their first fiscal year beginning on or after June 15, 2010. Entities may elect to adopt the guidance through either prospective application for revenue arrangements entered into, or materially modified, after the effective date or through retrospective application to all revenue arrangements for all periods presented. The Company does not believe that this guidance will have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

In October 2009, the FASB issued amended guidance that is expected to significantly affect how entities

 

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account for revenue arrangements that contain both hardware and software elements. As a result, many tangible products that rely on software will be accounted for under the revised multiple-element arrangements revenue recognition guidance, rather than the software revenue recognition guidance. The revised guidance must be adopted by all entities no later than fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. An entity must select the same transition method and same period for the adoption of both this guidance and the revisions to the multiple-element arrangements guidance noted above.  The Company does not believe that this guidance will have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

Our net sales to foreign customers represented approximately 83.9% of our total net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2010, and 69.1% for the comparable 2009 period. We expect that net sales to foreign customers will continue to represent a large percentage of our total net sales. Our net sales denominated in foreign currencies represented approximately 10.1% of our total net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2010, and 14.4% for the comparable 2009 period.

 

The aggregate foreign currency exchange gain (loss) included in determining the condensed consolidated results of operations was approximately $0.1 million and ($1.4) million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Included in the aggregate foreign currency exchange gain (loss) were gains related to forward contracts of $0.1 million and $0.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010, and 2009, respectively. These amounts were recognized and are included in other, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

We are exposed to financial market risks, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The changes in currency exchange rates that have the largest impact on translating our international operating profit are the Japanese Yen and the Euro. We use derivative financial instruments to mitigate these risks. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. We generally enter into monthly forward contracts to reduce the effect of fluctuating foreign currencies on short-term foreign currency-denominated intercompany transactions and other known currency exposures. The weighted average notional amount of derivative contracts outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2009 was approximately $3.2 million.

 

As of March 31, 2010, approximately $0.1 million of gains related to forward contracts were included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and were subsequently received in April 2010. As of December 31, 2009, approximately $0.2 million of gains related to forward contracts were included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and were subsequently received in January 2010. Monthly forward contracts with a notional amount of $6.7 million for the month of April 2010 were entered into in March 2010 and will be settled in April 2010. The fair value of the contracts at inception was zero, which did not significantly change at March 31, 2010.

 

We believe that based upon our hedging program, a 10% change in foreign exchange rates would have an immaterial impact on the consolidated results of operations. We believe that this quantitative measure has inherent limitations because, as discussed in the first paragraph of this section, it does not take into account any governmental actions or changes in either customer purchasing patterns or our financing and operating strategies.

 

Assuming first quarter 2010 variable debt and investment levels, the effect of a one-point change in interest rates would not have a material effect on net interest expense.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

Our senior management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls

 

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and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive officer or officers and principal financial officer or officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

We have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures under the supervision of and with the participation of management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

There have been no significant changes in our internal controls or other factors during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2010 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

 

We are involved in various legal proceedings arising in the normal course of our business. We do not believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

 

Information regarding risk factors appears in the “Safe Harbor Statement” at the beginning of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in Part I — Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, each of the following exhibits has been previously filed with the SEC by the Company under File No. 0-16244.

 

Number

 

Description

 

Incorporated by Reference to the
Following Document:

 

 

 

 

 

10.1

 

Employment Agreement dated December 17, 2009 (effective January 18, 2010) between David D. Glass and Veeco Instruments Inc.

 

*

10.2

 

Veeco Instruments Inc. 2010 Management Bonus Plan dated January 22, 2010

 

*

10.3

 

Veeco Instruments Inc. 2010 Special Profit Sharing Plan dated February 15, 2010

 

*

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a—14(a) or Rule 15d—14(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

 

*

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a—14(a) or Rule 15d—14(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

 

*

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002.

 

*

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002.

 

*

 


*

Filed herewith

 

 

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date:  April 28, 2010

 

 

Veeco Instruments Inc.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ JOHN R. PEELER

 

 

John R. Peeler

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

By:

/s/ DAVID D. GLASS

 

 

David D. Glass

 

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Unless otherwise indicated, each of the following exhibits has been previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the Company under File No. 0-16244.

 

Number

 

Description

 

Incorporated by Reference to the
Following Document:

 

 

 

 

 

10.1

 

Employment Agreement dated December 17, 2009 (effective January 18, 2010) between David D. Glass and Veeco Instruments Inc.

 

*

10.2

 

Veeco Instruments Inc. 2010 Management Bonus Plan dated January 22, 2010

 

*

10.3

 

Veeco Instruments Inc. 2010 Special Profit Sharing Plan dated February 15, 2010

 

*

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a—14(a) or Rule 15d—14(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

 

*

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a—14(a) or Rule 15d—14(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

 

*

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002.

 

*

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002.

 

*

 


*       Filed herewith

 

31