Bio-Rad Laboratories
BIO
#2398
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$7.88 B
Marketcap
$292.42
Share price
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Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. is an American manufacturer of products for the life science research and clinical diagnostics markets.

Bio-Rad Laboratories - 10-Q quarterly report FY


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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1997.

OR

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

For the transition period from ____________ to ____________.

Commission file number 1-7928

BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

A Delaware Corporation 94-1381833
(State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation) Identification No.)

1000 Alfred Nobel Drive, Hercules, California 94547
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (510) 724-7000


Indicate by check 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 month (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 ___

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's
classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date--

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares Outstanding
Title of each Class at October 31, 1997
<S> <C>
Class A Common Stock,
Par Value $1.00 per share 9,816,971

Class B Common Stock,
Par Value $1.00 per share 2,601,595

</TABLE>
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements


BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
1997 1996 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET SALES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 99,491 $ 96,559 $311,097 $304,812

Cost of goods sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44,656 40,712 135,400 129,256

GROSS PROFIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54,835 55,847 175,697 175,556

Selling, general and administrative expense . 39,935 37,287 121,202 113,780

Product research and development expense . . 10,991 9,745 33,004 28,957

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . 3,909 8,815 21,491 32,819

Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (219) (779) (779) (2,362)

Investment income, net. . . . . . . . . . . . 420 481 1,318 1,781

Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (480) 415 (1,187) (677)

INCOME BEFORE TAXES . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,630 8,932 20,843 31,561

Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . 1,016 2,233 5,836 7,890

NET INCOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,614 $ 6,699 $ 15,007 $ 23,671
======== ======== ======== ========

Earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.21 $0.55 $1.22 $1.93
======== ======== ======== ========
Weighted average common shares . . . . . . . 12,264 12,289 12,278 12,276
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

1
BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30, December 31,
1997 1996
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,672 $ 9,390
Accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89,319 97,795
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82,411 69,738
Prepaid expenses, taxes and other current assets. . . . . 25,737 21,612
Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202,139 198,535

Net property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 74,783 71,862
Marketable securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15,185 7,432
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,790 7,096
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $299,897 $284,925
======== ========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt. . $ 4,516 5,542
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27,846 21,262
Accrued payroll and employee benefits . . . . . . . . . . 22,976 23,717
Sales, income and other taxes payable . . . . . . . . . . 4,361 3,988
Other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24,653 24,630

Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84,352 79,139
Long-term debt, net of current maturities . . . . . . . . 4,718 6,721
Deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15,998 15,557

Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105,068 101,417

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 2,300,000 shares
authorized; none outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . -- --
Class A common stock, $1.00 par value, 15,000,000 shares
authorized; outstanding - 9,814,441 at September 30, 1997
and 9,740,922 at December 31, 1996 . . . . . . . . . . 9,814 9,741
Class B common stock, $1.00 par value, 6,000,000 shares
authorized; outstanding - 2,601,595 at September 30, 1997
and 2,579,803 at December 31, 1996 . . . . . . . . . . 2,602 2,580
Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,230 17,067
Class A treasury stock, 163,975 shares at September 30, 1997
and 31,216 shares at December 31, 1996 at cost. . . . . (4,473) (839)
Class B treasury stock, 30,000 shares at September 30, 1997
and 30,000 shares at December 31, 1996 at cost. . . . . (800) (800)
Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165,880 151,003
Currency translation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (658) 3,570
Net unrealized holding gain on marketable securities. . . 4,234 1,186
Total stockholders' equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194,829 183,508

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity . . . . $299,897 $284,925
======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

2
BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION> Nine Months Ended
September 30,
1997 1996
<S> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Cash received from customers . . . . . . . . . . . . $310,386 $306,034
Cash paid to suppliers and employees . . . . . . . . (283,612) (266,093)
Interest paid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (804) (2,998)
Income tax payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (9,539) (12,824)
Miscellaneous receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 551
Net cash provided by operating activities. . . . . . 16,511 24,670

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (16,092) (10,317)
Payments for acquisitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . (787) --
Marketable securities investment activity, net . . . (3,797) 736
Foreign currency hedges, net . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,734 1,075
Net cash used in investing activities. . . . . . . . (17,942) (8,506)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings under line-of-credit arrangements . . (599) (6,116)
Long-term borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31,375 --
Payments on long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . (33,563) (657)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock . . . . . . . 1,258 1,145
Treasury stock activity, net . . . . . . . . . . . . (3,764) (652)

Net cash used in financing activities . . . . . . . (5,293) (6,280)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash . . . . . . . . . 2,006 647

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents. . . (4,718) 10,531
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period. . . . . 9,390 14,774

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period. . . . . . . . $ 4,672 $ 25,305
======== ========
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 15,007 $ 23,671
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization. . . . . . . . . . . 13,147 12,201
Foreign currency hedge transactions, net . . . . . (2,918) (1,503)
Gains on disposition of marketable securities. . . (927) (843)
Decrease in accounts receivable. . . . . . . . . . 2,993 2,809
(Increase) decrease in inventories . . . . . . . . (14,302) 447
(Increase) decrease in other current assets . . . (4,381) 450
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other
current liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,941 (6,731)
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable . . . 598 (4,404)
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1,647) (1,427)

Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . $ 16,511 $ 24,670
======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
3
BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. ("Bio-Rad" or the
"Company"), reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of
management, necessary to a fair statement of the results of the
interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal
recurring nature. The condensed consolidated financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to
consolidated financial statements contained in the Company's
Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1996 (the Company's
1996 Annual Report). Certain amounts in the financial statements
of the prior year have been reclassified to be consistent with
the 1997 presentation.

2. INVENTORIES
<TABLE>
The principal components of inventories are as follows:
<CAPTION>
September 30, December 31,
1997 1996
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Raw materials $ 32,638 $ 26,920
Work in process 20,947 19,866
Finished goods 28,826 22,952

$ 82,411 $ 69,738
======== ========
</TABLE>

3. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
<TABLE>
The principal components of property, plant and equipment are as
follows:
<CAPTION>
September 30, December 31,
1997 1996
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Land and improvements $ 8,057 $ 8,057
Buildings and leasehold
improvements 52,278 52,050
Equipment 114,871 107,847
-------- --------
175,206 167,954
Less accumulated depreciation 100,423 96,092

Net property, plant and equipment $ 74,783 $ 71,862
======== ========
</TABLE>


4
4.   EARNINGS PER SHARE

In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per Share", effective for financial
statements issued for periods ending after December 15, 1997.
Under SFAS 128, Bio-Rad will be required to disclose basic
earning per share and diluted earnings per share. Earnings per
share as currently reported by Bio-Rad are equal to basic
earnings per share as defined in SFAS 128. Historically, Bio-Rad
has not been subject to certain provisions of the Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 15 because common stock equivalents
as defined within that statement resulted in dilution of less
than 3%.
















5
ITEM 2.   Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Results of
Operations and Financial Condition.

This discussion should be read in conjunction with the
information contained both in this report and in the Company's
Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31,
1996.
<TABLE>
The following table shows operating income and expense items as a
percentage of net sales:
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Year Ended
September 30, September 30, December 31,
1997 1996 1997 1996 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Cost of goods sold 44.9 42.2 43.5 42.4 43.5
Gross profit 55.1 57.8 56.5 57.6 56.5

Selling, general and
administrative 40.2 38.6 39.0 37.3 37.1

Product research and
development 11.0 10.1 10.6 9.5 9.5

Restructuring costs - - - - 0.6

Income from operations 3.9 9.1 6.9 10.8 9.3
===== ===== ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>

Three Months Ended September 30, 1997 Compared to
Three Months Ended September 30, 1996

Corporate Results - Sales, Margins and Expenses

Bio-Rad's net sales (sales) in the third quarter of 1997
increased 3% to $99.5 million from $96.6 million reported in the
third quarter of 1996. The effects of a strengthened U.S. dollar
reduced the increase in consolidated sales compared to sales
based on 1996 exchange rates by approximately $5 million or 5%.
Compared to the third quarter of 1996, sales increased 11% in
Analytical Instruments, 4% in Clinical Diagnostics and were
unchanged in Life Science. During the third quarter of 1997, the
increased Analytical Instruments sales were principally to U.S.
semiconductor customers. The growth in Clinical Diagnostics is
attributable to both the segment's control business and clinical
chromatography business. The effects of differences in foreign
exchange rates in 1997 compared to 1996 negatively impacted
Analytical Instruments by 4.4%, Clinical Diagnostics by 6.1% and
Life Science by 4.7%. Competition remains fierce across all
segments and globally governments continue to try to limit the
growth in healthcare related spending.

6
Consolidated gross margin decreased to 55.1% for the third
quarter of 1997 from 57.8% for the third quarter of 1996. The
decrease occurred in both the Life Science and Clinical
Diagnostics segments of the Company's business. The impact of a
strengthened U.S. dollar results in lower margins because a
disproportionate share of the Company's products are manufactured
in the U.S.. A strengthened U.S. dollar has the effect of
lowering international sales revenue and related gross margin.
Competition from local manufacturers often limit Bio-Rad's
ability to raise prices. Additional contributing factors to the
lower margin were selective discounting and higher than expected
post sales support costs.

Selling, general and administrative expense (SG&A) rose to 40.2%
of sales in the third quarter of 1997 from 38.6% of sales in the
third quarter of 1996. Since the first quarter of 1997 absolute
dollar expenditures have remained flat. Reduced expenses outside
the U.S., caused by the impact of the strengthening U.S. dollar,
were offset by growth in the U.S. as the Company maintained its
investment in direct sales, sales support, service and improved
automated systems to meet customer requirements.

Product research and development expense (R&D) increased from the
third quarter of 1996, both in absolute dollars and as a percent
of sales. As part of Bio-Rad's ongoing commitment to long-term
growth, R&D spending increased significantly in the Life Science
and Analytical Instruments segments of the Company's business,
while spending in the Clinical Diagnostics segment remained
essentially flat.

Corporate Results - Non-Operating Items

Interest expense was $0.6 million less in the third quarter of
1997 than the comparable period of 1996 principally as a result
of lower average borrowings. Average borrowings in the third
quarter of 1997 were 68% less than average borrowings in the same
period of 1996 as a result of the early extinguishment of $20.0
million of subordinated notes in December 1996.

Investment income in both years includes gains on sales of
marketable securities and interest income from short-term
investments. No significant items were included in other income
and expense for the third quarter of 1997 or the third quarter of
1996.

The Company's effective tax rate for the third quarter of 1997
was 28% compared to 25% for all of 1996. The tax rate for both
years reflects the utilization of foreign loss carryforwards,
foreign sales corporation benefits and foreign tax credits. The
benefits available in 1997 will not be available at the same
level as 1996 and should continue to decline over the next
several years.

7
Nine Months Ended September 30, 1997 Compared to
Nine Months Ended September 30, 1996

Corporate Results - Sales, Margins and Expenses

Bio-Rad's sales for the nine month period ended September 30,
1997 were $311.1 million, 2% greater than sales for the period
ended September 30, 1996. On a year-to-date basis, the effects
of a strengthened U.S. dollar decreased consolidated sales
compared to sales based on 1996 exchange rates by approximately
$13 million. Sales increased 3% in Life Science, 1% in Clinical
Diagnostics and 1% in Analytical Instruments. Sales growth in
the Life Science segment is attributed to new product
introductions in the latter part of 1996 and early 1997; the
impact of foreign exchange reduced overall growth by
approximately 5%. Excluding the effects of the strengthened U.S.
dollar, sales increased 8% in Life Science, 6% in Clinical
Diagnostics and 4% in Analytical Instruments. During the first
quarter of 1996 both Analytical Instruments and Life Science
benefited from the Japanese government financially stimulating
the local economy with funds for capital expenditures; this was
not repeated in 1997.

1997 year-to-date consolidated gross margins are down 1% from the
comparable period of 1996. Gross margins in each segment have
been adversely affected by the impact of a strengthened U.S.
dollar. Additionally, Life Science has experienced increased
warranty and service expenses and Analytical Instruments absorbed
an unfavorable impact from excess manufacturing overhead in the
United States.

SG&A increased to 39.0% of sales for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 from 37.3% in the same period of 1996. SG&A
spending has remained constant throughout 1997, it has increased
in absolute dollars in all segments compared to 1996. The
majority of the increased spending has been in personnel,
advertising and travel expenses. Management continues to review
SG&A spending in an effort to make only the necessary
improvements to the Company's selling infrastructure to allow for
improved customer service levels.

R&D spending increased in the nine months ended September 30,
1997, both in absolute dollars and as a percent of sales. As
part of Bio-Rad's continuing commitment to long-term growth, the
Company continues to expand R&D. Compared to the nine months
ended September 30, 1996, spending increased in both the Life
Science and Analytical Instruments segments by over 20%. R&D
spending was relatively unchanged in Clinical Diagnostics.


8
Corporate Results - Non-Operating Items

Interest expense was $1.6 million less for the period ended
September 30, 1997 than the comparable period of 1996 principally
as a result of lower average borrowings. The Company has a debt
to equity ratio of less than 5% which is at a 20-year historical
low.

Investment income in both years includes gains on sales of
marketable securities and interest income from short-term
investments.

Net other income and expense in the period ended September 30,
1997 includes net exchange losses, goodwill amortization and non-
operating legal costs. Bio-Rad regularly enters into forward
foreign exchange contracts as a hedge against revaluation of
foreign currency denominated intercompany receivables and
payables. Net other income and expense in the nine months period
ended September 30, 1996 was primarily non-operating legal costs
partially offset by net exchange gains.

As expected, the Company's effective tax rate increased from 25%
to 28% for the September 30, 1997 year-to-date period. The tax
rate for both years reflects the utilization of foreign loss
carryforwards, foreign sales corporation benefits and foreign tax
credits. However, the benefits realized in 1997 will not be at
the same level as 1996 and should continue to decline over the
next several years.

Financial Condition

At September 30, 1997, the Company had available $4.7 million in
cash and cash equivalents, $56.7 million under its principal
revolving credit agreement and $15.2 million of marketable
securities at market value, most of which could be readily
converted to cash.

Net cash provided by operations was $16.5 million for the year-
to-date September 30, 1997 compared to $24.7 million for the
comparable period of 1996. During the third quarter of 1997, the
Company continued to repurchase common stock, an action begun in
July 1996 when the Board of Directors authorized the spending of
up to $4 million. In early July 1997, the Board of Directors
authorized the Company to repurchase up to an additional $4
million of common stock over an indefinite period of time. To
date, the Company has repurchased $6.7 million of common stock,
which will be used to satisfy the Company's obligations under the
employee stock purchase and stock option plans. Management
continues to believe shareholder value can be improved through
the selective repurchase of the Company's stock.


9
Available funds and cash flow from operations are adequate to
meet the Company's objectives for operations, research and
development and modest external growth. Bio-Rad remains well
positioned to make a substantial strategic acquisition should the
opportunity arise. Bio-Rad has announced that they have signed a
letter of intent for Bio-Rad to purchase certain assets that
comprise the quality controls business of Chiron Diagnostics
Corporation (exclusive of blood gas controls). The completion of
the transaction is subject to government approval and the
execution of a final purchase and sale agreement. Should Bio-Rad
choose to fund the entire purchase from its revolving credit
agreement, the transaction is estimated to utilize approximately
one-half of the capacity. Beyond this opportunity, no material
acquisitions appear to have reached a stage beyond exploratory
discussions.

At September 30, 1997, consolidated accounts receivable decreased
by $8.5 million from December 31, 1996. Excluding the effects of
the strengthened U.S. dollar, accounts receivable decreased by
$3.0 million. The decrease is temporary in nature and will most
likely increase during the fourth quarter which historically has
much higher sales volumes and a larger mix of instrument sales
which involve a more intensive sales and collection effort.
Management regularly reviews receivables and takes selective
steps where advantageous to accelerate customer payments.

At September 30, 1997, consolidated net inventories were $12.7
million higher than at December 31, 1996. The increase in
inventory occurred principally in the Life Science segment as a
result of some sourcing difficulties related to new product
introductions and planned increases in anticipation of demand in
the fourth quarter. Additionally, some increase has occurred due
to temporary shipping difficulties. These challenges should be
remediated by year end. Management continues to monitor
inventory levels and regularly reviews the impact of obsolescence
in current inventory caused by the introduction of new products.

















10
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

(a) Exhibits

The following documents are filed as part of this report:

Exhibit No.
10.6 Employees' Deferred Profit Sharing Retirement Plan
(Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 1997).

10.9.4 Amendment dated as of June 30, 1997 to the Credit
Agreement as of February 18, 1994, by and among the
Registrant, the Lenders and the First National Bank of
Chicago, as agent.

11.1 Computation of Earnings Per Share.

27.1 Financial Data Schedule.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

There were no reports on Form 8-K for the quarter ended September 30,
1997.






















11
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 thereto duly authorized.

BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC.
(Registrant)



Date: November 13, 1997 /s/ Sanford S. Wadler
Sanford S. Wadler, Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary



Date: November 13, 1997 /s/ James R. Stark
James R. Stark,
Corporate Controller










12