UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2005
OR
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 000-22418
ITRON, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
2818 North Sullivan Road
Spokane, Washington 99216-1897
(509) 924-9900
(Address and telephone number of registrant’s principal executive offices)
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 ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
As of October 31, 2005, there were outstanding 24,782,504 shares of the registrant’s common stock, no par value, which is the only class of common stock of the registrant.
Table of Contents
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1: Financial Statements (Unaudited)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
Revenues
Sales
Service
Total revenues
Cost of revenues
Total cost of revenues
Gross profit
Operating expenses
Sales and marketing
Product development
General and administrative
Amortization of intangible assets
Restructurings
Total operating expenses
Operating income
Other income (expense)
Interest income
Interest expense
Other income (expense), net
Total other income (expense)
Income before income taxes
Income tax (provision) benefit
Net income
Earnings per share
Basic net income per share
Diluted net income per share
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
Basic
Diluted
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, net
Inventories
Deferred income taxes, net
Other
Total current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net
Intangible assets, net
Goodwill
Total assets
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Wages and benefits payable
Current portion of debt
Current portion of warranty
Unearned revenue
Total current liabilities
Long-term debt
Project financing debt
Warranty
Other obligations
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 7 and 10)
Shareholders’ equity
Preferred stock
Common stock
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net
Accumulated deficit
Total shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Operating activities
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Employee stock plan income tax benefits
Amortization of prepaid debt fees
Realized currency translation gains
Deferred income tax benefit
Other, net
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable
Other long-term obligations
Cash provided by operating activities
Investing activities
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
Acquisitions, net of cash and cash equivalents
Payment of contingent purchase price for acquisition
Cash used by investing activities
Financing activities
New borrowings
Change in short-term borrowings, net
Payments on debt
Issuance of common stock
Prepaid debt fees
Cash provided (used) by financing activities
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
Non-cash transactions:
Taxes on contingent purchase price payable for acquisition
Reclassification of prepaid debt fees
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes
Interest
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2005
(Unaudited)
In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “Itron” and the “Company” refer to Itron, Inc.
Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Consolidation
The condensed consolidated financial statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are unaudited and reflect entries necessary for the fair presentation of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, of Itron and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All entries required for the fair presentation of the financial statements are of a normal recurring nature. Inter-company transactions and balances are eliminated upon consolidation.
We consolidate all entities in which we have a greater than 50% ownership interest. We also consolidate entities in which we have a 50% or less investment and over which we have control. We account for entities in which we have a 50% or less investment and exercise significant influence under the equity method of accounting. Entities in which we have less than a 20% investment and do not exercise significant influence are accounted for under the cost method. We consider for consolidation any variable interest entity of which we are the primary beneficiary. We are not the primary beneficiary of any variable interest entities.
Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding interim results. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the 2004 audited financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC on March 11, 2005. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year or for any other fiscal period.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts receivable are recorded for invoices issued to customers in accordance with our contractual arrangements. Unbilled receivables are recorded when revenues are recognized upon product shipment or service delivery and invoicing occurs at a later date. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on our historical experience of bad debts and is increased if the estimated uncollectible amount is greater. Accounts receivable are written-off against the allowance when we believe an account, or a portion thereof, is no longer collectible.
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out method. Cost includes raw materials and labor, plus applied direct and indirect costs. Service inventories consist primarily of sub-assemblies and components necessary to support post-sale maintenance. A large portion of our low-volume manufacturing and all of our repair services for our domestic handheld meter reading units are provided by an outside vendor in which we have a 30% equity interest. Consigned inventory at the outside vendor affiliate was $2.7 million at September 30, 2005 and $1.9 million at December 31, 2004.
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Property, Plant and Equipment and Equipment used in Outsourcing
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally thirty years for buildings and three to five years for equipment, computers and furniture, or over the term of the applicable lease, if shorter. Project management costs incurred in connection with installation and equipment used in outsourcing contracts are depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the useful life or the term of the contract. Costs related to internally developed software and software purchased for internal uses are capitalized based on Statement of Position 98-1, Accounting for Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. We have no major planned maintenance activities.
We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. There were no significant impairments in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004. If there were an indication of impairment, management would prepare an estimate of future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If these cash flows were less than the carrying amount of the assets, an impairment loss would be recognized to write down the assets to their estimated fair value.
Debt Issue Costs
Debt issue costs represent direct costs incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt and are recorded in other noncurrent assets. These costs are amortized to interest expense over the lives of the respective debt issues using the effective interest method. When debt is repaid early, the portion of unamortized debt issue costs related to the early principal repayment is written-off and included in interest expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Acquisitions
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141, Business Combinations, we utilize the purchase method of accounting for business combinations. Business combinations accounted for under the purchase method include the results of operations of the acquired business from the date of acquisition. Net assets of the company acquired and intangible assets that arise from contractual/legal rights, or are capable of being separated, are recorded at their fair values at the date of acquisition. The balance of the purchase price after fair value allocations represents goodwill. Amounts allocated to in-process research and development (IPR&D) are expensed in the period of acquisition.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill is tested for impairment each year as of October 1 or more frequently if a significant event occurs under the guidance of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Intangible assets with a finite life are amortized based on estimated discounted cash flows over estimated useful lives and tested for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. We use estimates in determining the value of goodwill and intangible assets, including estimates of useful lives of intangible assets, discounted future cash flows and fair values of the related operations. We forecast discounted future cash flows at the reporting unit level based on estimated future revenues and operating costs, which take into consideration factors such as existing backlog, expected future orders, supplier contracts and general market conditions.
We offer industry standard warranties on our hardware products and large application software products. Standard warranty accruals represent the estimated cost of projected warranty claims and are based on historical and projected product performance trends, business volume assumptions, supplier information and other business and economic projections. Thorough testing of new products in the development stage helps identify and correct potential warranty issues prior to manufacturing. Continuing quality control efforts during manufacturing limit our exposure to warranty claims. If our quality control efforts fail to detect a fault in one of our products, we could experience an increase in warranty claims. We track warranty claims to identify potential warranty trends. If an unusual trend is noted, an additional warranty accrual may be assessed and recorded when a failure event is probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated. Management continually evaluates the sufficiency of the warranty provisions and makes adjustments when necessary. The warranty allowances may fluctuate due to changes in estimates for material, labor and other costs we may incur to replace projected product failures, and we may incur additional warranty and related expenses in the future with respect to new or established product. The long-term warranty balance includes estimated warranty claims beyond one year.
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A summary of the warranty accrual account activity is as follows:
Beginning balance
SEM acquisition - opening balance adjustment
New warranty accruals
Adjustments to pre-existing items
Claims activity
Ending balance
Less: current portion of warranty
Long-term warranty
Total warranty expense, which consists of new warranty accruals for product warranties issued and adjustments to pre-existing items, totaled approximately $2.5 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 and approximately $5.4 million and $3.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Warranty expense is classified within cost of sales.
In 2003, we established a warranty accrual for the product replacement of an electric automatic meter reading (AMR) module due to the failure of a specific component from a supplier. Product replacement work was substantially completed for this specific AMR module during 2004, resulting in a decline in claims activity for the 2005 periods. The increase in new warranty accruals in 2005, compared with 2004, is primarily due to our Electricity Metering business.
Health Benefits
We are self insured for a substantial portion of the cost of employee group health insurance. We purchase insurance from a third party, which provides individual and aggregate stop loss protection for these costs. Each reporting period, we record the costs of our health insurance plan including paid claims, the change in the estimate of incurred but not reported (IBNR) claims, taxes and administrative fees (collectively the Plan Costs). Plan Costs were approximately $1.7 million and $2.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Plan Costs were approximately $5.3 million and $6.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The IBNR accrual, which is included in wages and benefits payable, was $1.1 million and $1.8 million at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively.
Contingencies
An estimated loss for a contingency is charged to income if it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. We evaluate, among other factors, the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of loss. Changes in these factors could materially affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recorded for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of our assets and liabilities. These deferred taxes are measured using the tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. We establish a valuation allowance for a portion of the deferred tax asset when we believe it is more likely than not the deferred tax asset will not be utilized.
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Deferred tax liabilities have been recorded on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 introduced a special one-time dividends-received deduction on the repatriation of certain foreign earnings to a U.S. taxpayer, provided certain criteria are met. We do not expect to repatriate foreign earnings under the provision of this Act.
Foreign Exchange
Our condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in U.S. dollars. Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are denominated in foreign currencies and are translated to U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet date. Revenues, costs of revenues and expenses for these subsidiaries are translated using a weighted average rate for the relevant reporting period. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are included, net of tax, in other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity. Gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations for balances that are not denominated in the local currency are included in results of operations unless those balances arose from intercompany transactions deemed to be long-term in nature. Currency gains and losses for this exception are included, net of tax, in other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity.
Revenue Recognition
Sales consist of hardware, software license fees, custom software development, field and project management service and engineering, consulting and installation service revenues. Service revenues include post-sale maintenance support and outsourcing services. Outsourcing services encompass installation, operation and maintenance of meter reading systems to provide meter information to a customer for billing and management purposes. Outsourcing services can be provided for systems we own as well as those owned by our customers.
Revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables are divided into separate units of accounting if the delivered item(s) have value to the customer on a standalone basis, there is objective and reliable evidence of fair value of the undelivered item(s) and delivery/performance of the undelivered item(s) is probable. The total arrangement consideration is allocated among the separate units of accounting based on their relative fair values and the applicable revenue recognition criteria considered for each unit of accounting. For our standard contract arrangements that combine deliverables such as hardware, meter reading system software, installation and maintenance services, each deliverable is generally considered a single unit of accounting. The amount allocable to a delivered item is limited to the amount that we are entitled to bill and collect and is not contingent upon the delivery/performance of additional items.
Revenues are recognized when (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (3) the sales price is fixed or determinable and (4) collectibility is reasonably assured. Hardware revenues are generally recognized at the time of shipment, receipt by customer, or, if applicable, upon completion of customer acceptance provisions. For software arrangements with multiple elements, the timing of revenue recognition is dependent upon vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE) of fair value for each of the elements. The availability of VSOE affects the timing of revenue recognition, which can vary from recognizing revenue at the time of delivery of each element, to the percentage of completion method or ratably over the performance period. If the implementation services are essential to the software arrangement, revenue is recognized using the percentage of completion methodology. Hardware and software post-sale maintenance support fees are recognized ratably over the life of the related service contract. Under outsourcing arrangements, revenue is recognized as services are provided.
Unearned revenue is recorded for products or services that have not been provided but have been invoiced under contractual agreements or paid for by a customer, or when products or services have been provided but the criteria for revenue recognition have not been met.
Product and Software Development Expenses
Product and software development expenses primarily include payroll and other employee benefit costs. For software to be marketed or sold, financial accounting standards require the capitalization of development costs after technological feasibility is established. Due to the relatively short period between technological feasibility and the completion of product development, the insignificance of related costs and the immaterial nature of these costs, we do not capitalize software development costs. All product and software development costs are expensed when incurred.
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Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share (EPS) is calculated using net income divided by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is similar to basic EPS except that the weighted average common shares outstanding are increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive stock-based awards had been exercised. Diluted EPS assumes that common shares were issued upon the exercise of stock-based awards for which the market price exceeded the exercise price, less shares that could have been repurchased with the related proceeds (treasury stock method). In periods when we report a net loss, diluted net loss per share is the same as basic net loss per share. In such circumstances, we exclude all outstanding stock-based awards from the calculation of diluted net loss per common share because including such awards among the weighted average shares outstanding would be anti-dilutive.
Stock-Based Compensation
We have granted stock-based awards to purchase shares of our common stock to directors and employees at fair market value on the date of grant. SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, allows companies to either expense the estimated fair value of stock-based awards or to continue to follow the intrinsic value method set forth in Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, but disclose the pro forma effects on net income (loss) had the fair value of the awards been expensed. We elected to continue to apply APB Opinion No. 25 in accounting for our stock-based compensation plans and disclose the pro forma effects of applying the fair value provisions of SFAS No. 123.
Had the compensation cost for our stock-based compensation plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards under those plans consistent with the method prescribed in SFAS No. 123, our net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:
Net income (loss)
As reported
Deduct: Stock-based compensation, net of tax
Pro forma net income (loss)
Basic net income (loss) per share
Pro forma
Diluted net income (loss) per share
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The weighted average fair value of awards granted was $50.29 and $22.64 during the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The weighted average fair value of awards granted was $36.59 and $21.00 during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model using the following assumptions:
Dividend yield
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Expected life (years)
Volatility measures the amount that a stock price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate during a period. The risk-free interest rate is the rate available as of the option date on zero-coupon U.S. government issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the option. The expected life is the weighted average expected life for the entire award based on the fixed period of time between the date the option is granted and the date the award is fully exercised. Factors to be considered in estimating the expected life are the vesting period of the award and the average period of time similar awards have remained outstanding in the past. The decreases in the expected life and volatility assumptions are the result of increased option activity in 2005.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Because of various factors affecting future costs and operations, actual results could differ from estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts in 2004 have been reclassified to conform to the 2005 presentation.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement No. 151, Inventory Costs—an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, which clarifies the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage). This Statement requires that those items be recognized as current-period charges regardless of whether they meet the criterion of “so abnormal.” In addition, this Statement requires that an allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of this Statement are effective for inventory costs incurred on or after January 1, 2006. While we believe this Statement is not likely to have a material effect on our financial statements, the impact of adopting the new rule is dependent on events in future periods, and as such, an estimate of the impact cannot be determined.
On December 16, 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123R), which requires companies to expense the fair value of equity awards over the required service period. We have not yet quantified the effects of the adoption of SFAS 123R, but the adoption of SFAS 123R will decrease gross profit, increase operating expenses, affect the tax rate and materially affect net income. The pro forma effects on net income (loss) and EPS if we had applied the fair value recognition provisions of the original SFAS No. 123 on stock compensation awards are disclosed above. Such pro forma effects of applying the original SFAS No. 123 may not be indicative of the effects of adopting SFAS 123R, since the provisions of the two statements differ.
SFAS 123R will be effective for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2006. The Statement will be implemented on a prospective basis for new awards, awards modified, repurchased or cancelled after January 1, 2006 and unvested options previously granted.
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Note 2: Earnings Per Share and Capital Structure
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS:
Basic earnings per share:
Net income available to common shareholders
Diluted earnings per share:
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock-based awards
Adjusted weighted average number of shares outstanding
The dilutive effect of stock-based awards is calculated using the treasury stock method. Under this method, EPS is computed as if the awards were exercised at the beginning of the period (or at time of issuance, if later) and as if the funds obtained thereby were used to repurchase common stock at the average market price during the period. Weighted average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution, include the incremental shares that would be issued upon the assumed exercise of stock-based awards. At September 30, 2005 and 2004, we had stock-based awards outstanding of approximately 2.5 million and 4.1 million at average option exercise prices of $20.88 and $12.73, respectively. Approximately 11,000 and 1.6 million stock-based awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, because they were anti-dilutive. Approximately 316,000 and 1.2 million stock-based awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, because they were anti-dilutive. These stock-based awards could be dilutive in future periods.
During May 2005, we sold 1.7 million shares of common stock at a price of $36.50 per share in an underwritten public offering. Proceeds to the Company totaled approximately $59.6 million after payment of the underwriting discount and approximately $200,000 in other expenses. The proceeds of the public offering were used to pay down borrowings under our senior secured term loan.
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Note 3: Certain Balance Sheet Components
Trade (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $627 and $1,312)
Unbilled revenue
Total accounts receivable, net
Materials
Work in process
Finished goods
Total manufacturing inventories
Service inventories
Total inventories
Machinery and equipment
Equipment used in outsourcing
Computers and purchased software
Buildings, furniture and improvements
Land
Total cost
Accumulated depreciation
Depreciation expense was $3.0 million and $3.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Depreciation expense was $9.7 million and $8.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
A summary of the allowance for doubtful accounts activity is as follows:
Provision (benefit) for doubtful accounts
Recoveries
Accounts charged off
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Note 4: Business Combinations
On July 1, 2004, we completed the acquisition of our Electricity Metering business. This acquisition added electricity meter manufacturing and sales to our operations, and now represents our Hardware Solutions—Electricity Metering operating segment.
During the fourth quarter of 2004, we expensed $6.4 million of IPR&D, which consisted primarily of next generation technology, valued at $5.7 million. At September 30, 2005, we estimate the research and development to be approximately 85% complete with a cost to complete the development of approximately $400,000 over the next three to six months.
In 2004, we accrued approximately $800,000 as an adjustment to goodwill for the employee severance costs associated with the relocation of our Quebec, Canada facility acquired with the acquisition of our Electricity Metering business. As of September 30, 2005, approximately $700,000 had been paid to employees, leaving a remaining accrual of approximately $100,000, which will be completely paid by the end of the second quarter of 2006.
Note 5: Identified Intangible Assets
The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of our intangible assets, other than goodwill, were as follows:
Core-developed technology
Patents
Capitalized software
Distribution and production rights
Customer contracts
Trademarks and tradenames
Total identified intangible assets
Intangible asset amortization expense was approximately $9.7 million and $7.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 and approximately $29.1 million and $11.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Estimated annual amortization expense is as follows:
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Beyond 2009
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Note 6: Goodwill
We test goodwill for impairment as of October 1 of each year. On July 1, 2004, we completed the acquisition of our Electricity Metering business and recorded a preliminary allocation of the purchase price based on estimated fair values of assets and liabilities at September 30, 2004. Goodwill decreased in the fourth quarter of 2004 after a more comprehensive valuation analysis was completed, resulting in a significantly higher amount allocated to identifiable intangible assets, with a significantly lower amount allocated to goodwill. We continued to make adjustments to the purchase price through June 2005 as the valuations of assets and liabilities were finalized. Goodwill decreased in 2005 primarily due to $2.1 million specifically related to changes in the estimated warranty liability at July 1, 2004. Goodwill balances can also increase or decrease, with a corresponding change in other comprehensive income (loss), as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The change in goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 is as follows:
Goodwill balance, January 1
Goodwill adjustments
Effect of change in exchange rates
Goodwill balance, September 30
The following table reflects changes in goodwill for each reporting segment during the first nine months of 2005:
SoftwareSolutions
TotalCompany
Goodwill balance, January 1, 2005
Goodwill balance, September 30, 2005
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Note 7: Debt
The components of our borrowings are as follows:
Senior Secured Credit Facility
Term Loan
Revolving Credit Line
Senior Subordinated Notes
Project Financing
Current Portion of Debt
Total Long-term Debt
Our senior secured credit facility (credit facility) consists of an original $185 million seven-year senior secured term loan (term loan or term debt) and a $55 million five-year senior secured revolving credit line (revolver). The outstanding term loan balance at September 30, 2005 was $28.0 million while the revolver had no outstanding borrowings. The credit facility is guaranteed by all of our operating subsidiaries (except our foreign subsidiaries and an outsourcing project financing subsidiary), all of which are wholly owned. Debt issuance costs are amortized over the life of the credit facility using the effective interest method. Unamortized debt issuance costs were approximately $9.6 million and $13.5 million at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively.
In April 2005, we completed two amendments to our credit facility. The amendments included a 50 basis point reduction in the term loan interest rate and increases to our maximum consolidated leverage and senior debt ratios. In addition, we obtained the ability to increase our revolver commitment from $55 million to $75 million at a future date, as defined in the April 2005 amendment. We also increased our letter of credit limit to $55 million and added the ability to increase it to $65 million at a future date. Our required minimum quarterly principal payments are $324,000 for the next 17 quarters ($1.3 million annually) with the remaining balance to be paid in four installments over the last six quarters, maturing in 2011. Optional repayments of the term loan are permitted without penalty or premium. Additional mandatory prepayments, based on 75% of defined excess cash flows, the issuance of capital stock or the sale of assets as defined by the borrowing agreement, would all decrease the minimum payments at maturity. Interest rates on the term loan are based on the London InterBank Offering Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.75% or the Wells Fargo Bank, National Association’s prime rate (Prime) plus 0.75%. We had no mandatory prepayment requirement during 2004. We made optional prepayments on the term loan of $121.0 million during the first nine months of 2005 and $34.0 million during the second half of 2004.
At September 30, 2005, $1.3 million of the $28.0 million in term debt was classified as current, based on the mandatory principal payments defined in the amended borrowing agreement. At December 31, 2004, $34.9 million of the $150.1 million outstanding balance on the term loan was classified as current and $115.2 million was classified as long-term. The classification between current and long-term debt at December 31, 2004 was based on the mandatory principal payments defined in the borrowing agreement, as well as an additional $33.0 million of optional prepayments we expected to make during the first six months of 2005 in order to remain in compliance with our debt covenants. We were in compliance with all of our debt covenants at September 30, 2005, which require us to maintain certain consolidated leverage and coverage ratios on a quarterly basis, as well as customary covenants that place restrictions on the incurrence of debt, the payment of dividends, certain investments and mergers.
Interest rates on the revolver vary depending on our consolidated leverage ratio and are based on LIBOR plus 2.0% to 3.0%, or Prime plus 1.0% to 2.0%, payable at various intervals depending on the term of the borrowing. The annual commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolver varies from 0.375% to 0.50%. We incur annual letter of credit fees based on (a) a fronting fee of 0.125% and (b) a letter of credit fee that varies from 2.0% to 3.0%. Revolver borrowings can be made at any time through June 2009, at which time any borrowings outstanding must be repaid. At September 30, 2005 there were no borrowings outstanding under the revolver and $22.7 million was utilized by outstanding standby letters of credit resulting in $32.3 million available for additional borrowings.
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In June 2005, we terminated an interest rate swap and cap that we placed in the fourth quarter of 2004 for approximately $416,000 and $48,000, respectively, compared with fair market values of approximately $224,000 and $69,000, respectively at December 31, 2004. The derivative instruments were initially designated as cash flow hedges; however, as a result of the optional prepayments on our term loan in the fourth quarter of 2004, we determined the cash flow hedges were ineffective in the same quarter as they were purchased, resulting in the recognition through interest expense of the changes in fair value. At September 30, 2005, we held no derivative instruments.
On May 10, 2004, we completed a private placement of $125 million aggregate principal amount of 7.75% notes, due in 2012. The notes are discounted to a price of 99.265 to yield 7.875%, with a balance of $124.2 million at September 30, 2005. On February 17, 2005, we completed an exchange of the notes for substantially identical registered notes, except that the new notes are generally transferable and do not contain certain terms with respect to registration rights and liquidation damages. The discount on the notes will be accreted and the debt issuance costs will be amortized over the life of the notes. Fixed interest payments of approximately $4.8 million are required every six months, in May and November. The notes are subordinated to our senior secured credit facility and are guaranteed by all of our operating subsidiaries (except our foreign subsidiaries and an outsourcing project financing subsidiary), all of which are wholly owned. The notes contain covenants, which place restrictions on the incurrence of debt, the payment of dividends, certain investments and mergers. Some or all of the notes may be redeemed at our option at any time on or after May 15, 2008, at certain specified premium prices. At any time prior to May 15, 2007, we may, at our option, redeem up to 35% of the notes with the proceeds of certain sales of our common stock.
In conjunction with project financing for one of our outsourcing contracts, we issued a note secured by the assets of the project with monthly interest payments at an annual interest rate of 7.6%, maturing May 31, 2009. The project financing loan had an outstanding balance of $3.4 million at September 30, 2005.
Minimum Payments on Debt
The senior secured credit facility, notes and project financing agreements stipulate a minimum repayment schedule at September 30, 2005 as follows:
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Note 8: Restructurings
During 2004, we implemented a new internal organizational structure, which resulted in several actions to reduce spending and eliminate certain unprofitable activities. As a result, we reduced our staffing by approximately 260 employees and incurred restructuring expenses of $7.7 million. Approximately $13,000 in severance costs remained to be paid to employees at September 30, 2005. Accrued liabilities associated with restructuring efforts were approximately $79,000 and $2.5 million at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively, and consisted of the following:
Accrual balance at December 31, 2004
Addition/adjustments to accruals
Cash payments
Accrual balance at September 30, 2005
Accrual balance at December 31, 2003
Accrual balance at September 30, 2004
The liability for lease terminations is recorded within accrued expenses and the liability for employee severance is recorded within wages and benefits payable. Lease termination and related costs are dependent on our ability to sublease vacant space and are reported as general and administrative. Severance and lease termination costs are not allocated to the reporting segments.
Note 9: Income Taxes
We estimate our 2005 annual effective income tax rate will be approximately 34%. Our effective income tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 35% and can vary from period to period due to fluctuations in operating results, new or revised tax legislation, changes in the level of business performed in domestic and international jurisdictions, research credits, expirations of research credits and loss carryforwards, IPR&D charges, state income taxes and extraterritorial income exclusion tax benefits. In the second quarter of 2005, we completed a study of federal research tax credits for the years 1997 through 2004, recognizing a $5.9 million net tax benefit. The Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004 and the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 were signed into law in October 2004. The only provision that had a significant income tax effect on the Company was the extension of research credits through December 31, 2005. We estimate the 2005 net benefit will be approximately $1.2 million. Due primarily to these credits, we had a net tax benefit of $963,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005
Our effective income tax rate of 38% for the three months ended September 30, 2004 was higher than the full year 2004 effective income tax rate of 36%, as a result of changes in estimated taxes due in future periods, partially offset by tax credit adjustments in the third quarter.
Note 10: Commitments and Contingencies
Guarantees and Indemnifications
Under FASB Interpretation 45, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, we will record a liability for certain types of guarantees and indemnifications for agreements entered into or amended subsequent to December 31, 2002. No liabilities were required to be recorded as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004.
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We maintain bid and performance bonds for certain customers. Bonds in force were $8.0 million and $7.3 million at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. Bid bonds guarantee that we will enter into a contract consistent with the terms of the bid. Performance bonds provide a guarantee to the customer for future performance, which usually covers the installation phase of a contract and may on occasion cover the operations and maintenance phase of outsourcing contracts.
We also have standby letters of credit to guarantee our performance under certain contracts. The outstanding amounts of standby letters of credit were $22.7 million and $23.3 million at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively.
We generally provide an indemnification related to the infringement of any patent, copyright, trademark or other intellectual property right on software or equipment within our sales contracts, which indemnifies the customer from and pays the resulting costs, damages and attorneys’ fees awarded against a customer with respect to such a claim provided that (a) the customer promptly notifies us in writing of the claim and (b) we have the sole control of the defense and all related settlement negotiations. The terms of the indemnification normally do not limit the maximum potential future payments. We also provide an indemnification for third party claims resulting from damages caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of our employees/agents in connection with the performance of certain contracts. The terms of the indemnification generally do not limit the maximum potential payments.
Legal Matters
We are subject to various legal proceedings and claims of which the outcomes are subject to significant uncertainty. Our policy is to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes related to legal matters, as well as ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of the liability required, if any, for these contingencies is made after an analysis of each known issue in accordance with SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, and related pronouncements. In accordance with SFAS No. 5, a liability is recorded when we determine that a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Additionally, we disclose contingencies for which a material loss is reasonably possible, but not probable. At September 30, 2005, there were no contingencies requiring accrual or disclosure.
Note 11: Segment Information
We have two operating groups (Hardware Solutions and Software Solutions) and three operating segments. Software Solutions is a single segment, whereas Hardware Solutions is comprised of two segments, Meter Data Collection and Electricity Metering. For these three operating segments, management has three primary measures of segment performance: revenue, gross profit (margin) and operating income (loss). Revenues for each operating segment are reported according to product lines. There are no inter-operating segment revenues. Within Hardware Solutions, costs of sales are based on standard costs, which include materials, direct labor, warranty expense and an overhead allocation, as well as variances from standard costs. Software cost of sales include distribution and documentation costs for applications sold, along with other labor and operating costs for custom software development, project management, consulting and systems support. Hardware and software cost of services include materials, labor and overhead. Operating expenses directly associated with each operating segment may include sales, marketing, product development or administrative expenses.
Corporate operating expenses, interest revenue, interest expense, equity in the income (loss) of investees accounted for by the equity method, amortization expense and income tax expense (benefit) are not allocated to the operating segments, nor included in the measure of segment profit or loss. Assets and liabilities are not allocated to the operating segments, except for the Electricity Metering operating segment, which is individually maintained and reviewed. At September 30, 2005, Electricity Metering had total assets of $263.6 million. Approximately 60% of depreciation expense was allocated to the operating segments, with the remaining portion unallocated at September 30, 2005 and 2004.
We classify sales in the United States and Canada as domestic revenues. International revenues were $10.3 million and $5.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 and $28.2 million and $13.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The increase in international revenues for the third quarter of 2005 was due to higher handheld system sales.
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Operating Segment Products
Operating Segment
Major Products
Hardware Solutions— Meter Data Collection:
Hardware Solutions— Electricity Metering:
Software Solutions:
Operating Segment Information
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
Hardware Solutions
Meter Data Collection
Electricity Metering
Total Hardware Solutions
Software Solutions
Total Company
Operating income (loss)
Other unallocated costs
Corporate unallocated
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No customer represented more than 10% of total Company revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004. One customer accounted for approximately 13% of Electricity Metering revenues and 6% of total Company revenues for the third quarter of 2005. A different customer accounted for approximately 11% of Meter Data Collection revenues and 7% of total Company revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.
Note 12: Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) adjustments are reflected as an increase (decrease) to shareholders’ equity and are not reflected in results of operations. Operating results adjusted to reflect comprehensive income (loss) items during the period, net of tax, were as follows:
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
Total comprehensive income, net
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, was approximately $1.1 million and $954,000 at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively, and consisted of adjustments for foreign currency translation only.
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Note 13: Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
The senior secured credit facility and the notes are guaranteed by all of our operating subsidiaries (except for our foreign subsidiaries and an outsourcing project financing subsidiary), all of which are wholly owned. The guarantees are joint and several, full, complete and unconditional. There are currently no restrictions on the ability of the subsidiary guarantors to transfer funds to the parent company. The following condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared and presented pursuant to SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10, “Financial Statements of Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities Registered or Being Registered.”
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
Three Months Ended September 30, 2005
Income tax provision
Equity in earnings of guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries
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Three Months Ended September 30, 2004
Income (loss) before income taxes
Equity in earnings (losses) of non-guarantor subsidiaries
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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005
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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004
Equity in earnings of non-guarantor subsidiaries
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Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
Intercompany accounts receivable
Intercompany other
Intercompany notes receivable
Intercompany accounts payable and accrued expenses
Short-term intercompany advances
Intercompany notes payable
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
Accumulated earnings (deficit)
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
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December 31, 2004
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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Equity in earnings (losses) of guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries
Interest expense as a result of pushdown of debt
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)
Intercompany transactions, net
Acquisition/transfer of property, plant and equipment
Cash transferred to/payments received from parent, net
Cash transferred to/payments received from guarantor subsidiaries, net
Cash transferred to/payments received from non-guarantor subsidiaries, net
Intercompany notes, net
Cash provided (used) by investing activities
Cash received from/payments made to guarantor subsidiaries, net
Cash received from/payments made to non-guarantor subsidiaries, net
Cash received from/payments made to parent, net
Cash used by financing activities
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Pushdown of debt and related costs from Parent Company to Guarantor Subsidiary, net of payments
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Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Realized currency translation gain
Cash provided (used) by operating activities
Cash transferred to parent
Cash transferred to non-guarantor subsidiaries
Cash received from non-guarantor subsidiaries
Transfer to escrow for senior subordinated notes
Cash received from guarantor subsidiaries
Payments on intercompany notes payable
Cash paid to parent
Cash provided by financing activities
Pushdown of debt and related costs from Parent Company to Guarantor Subsidiary
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Note 14: Subsequent Events
During October 2005, we made $3.0 million of optional prepayments on our senior secured credit facility term loan, bringing the outstanding balance to $25.0 million at November 4, 2005.
On October 27, 2005, we signed an agreement with Jubilation Enterprises, LLC and Telect, Inc., a privately-held telecommunication equipment manufacturer, to purchase Jubilation’s 198,000 square foot building for approximately $19.8 million, consisting of both real and personal property, subject to customary due diligence and other closing conditions. The building is located in Liberty Lake, Washington, which is close to our current headquarters building in Spokane. Closing is expected to occur by December 31, 2005. We expect to take possession of the building in April 2006 and to begin moving operations in the third quarter of 2006. During the period from closing to our possession, we will lease the facility back to Telect, which is using it as its headquarters. We expect to partially finance the purchase with a loan. Our existing 141,000 square foot headquarters facility will be listed for sale.
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Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and notes included in this report, and with our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 11, 2005.
Our SEC filings are available free of charge under the Investor Relations section of our website at www.itron.com as soon as practicable after they are filed with or furnished to the SEC. In addition, our filings are available at the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov) and at the SEC’s Headquarters at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549, or by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
Certain Forward-Looking Statements
This document contains forward-looking statements concerning our operations, financial performance, sales, earnings growth, cost reduction programs and other items. These statements reflect our current plans and expectations and are based on information currently available as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. When included in this discussion, the words “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “projects,” “estimates,” “future” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, these words are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions and estimates, which could be inaccurate, and which are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to vary materially from those anticipated. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, 1) the rate and timing of customer demand for our products, 2) rescheduling of current customer orders, 3) changes in estimated liabilities for product warranties, 4) changes in laws and regulations (including Federal Communications Commission licensing actions), 5) future acquisitions and 6) other factors. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We do not have any obligation or undertaking to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. For a more complete description of these and other risks, see “Risks Relating to Our Business” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, which was filed with the SEC on March 11, 2005.
Results of Operations
We derive the majority of our revenues from sales of products and services to utilities. Sales revenues may include hardware, software licenses, custom software development, field and project management services and engineering, consulting and installation services. Service revenues include post-sale maintenance support and outsourcing services. Outsourcing services encompass installation, operation and maintenance of meter reading systems to provide meter information to a customer for billing and management purposes for systems we own as well as those owned by our customers. Hardware cost of sales are based on standard costs, which include materials, direct labor, warranty expense and an overhead allocation, as well as variances from standard costs. Software cost of sales include distribution and documentation costs for applications sold, along with other labor and operating costs for custom software development, project management, consulting and systems support. Hardware and software cost of services include materials, labor and overhead.
Highlights
On July 1, 2004, we completed the acquisition of our Electricity Metering business. Third quarter results for both 2005 and 2004 reflect a full quarter of operations for our Electricity Metering business. Year-to-date results in 2005 include nine months of Electricity Metering operations compared with three months in 2004.
Industry wide utility capital spending on automatic meter reading (AMR) has increased significantly in 2005, compared with 2004. The increased utility capital spending and the Electricity Metering acquisition have resulted in a significant increase to our new order bookings and backlog in 2005. Total new order bookings in the third quarter and first nine months of 2005 were $212 million and $506 million compared with $98 million and $230 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2004. Total backlog was $325 million at September 30, 2005, compared with $177 million at September 30, 2004. Included in third quarter 2005 new order bookings was a contract with Progress Energy, Inc. for 2.7 million electronic meters with embedded AMR, worth approximately $120 million.
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In 2005, increased revenues from Electricity Metering, higher volumes for AMR and operating efficiencies have resulted in a growth in earnings that is higher than our percentage growth in revenues. Operating cash flow has also increased significantly in 2005.
Revenues and Gross Margins
Total Revenues and Gross Margins
The following graphs present our revenues and gross margins for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004.
(in millions, except gross margins)
Sales revenues increased $21.4 million and $125.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared with the same periods in 2004, primarily as a result of increased hardware sales, including AMR gas modules, handheld systems and electricity meters. Service revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 declined by $2.7 million and $348,000, respectively, due to the phase out of a $4.2 million contract manufacturing service arrangement provided to a former affiliate offset by increased software maintenance fees.
No customer represented more than 10% of total revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 or 2004. Our 10 largest customers accounted for approximately 31% and 22% of total revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively. During the same periods in 2004, our 10 largest customers accounted for approximately 31% of total revenues in each period.
Gross Margins
As a percentage of revenue, sales gross margin for the third quarter of 2005 increased two percentage points, compared with 2004, as a result of higher hardware sales and a favorable mix of products. Sales gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 remained constant, compared with 2004. Service gross margin increased six percentage points in the three months ended September 30, 2005, compared with the same period in 2004, primarily due to a contract manufacturing service arrangement for a former affiliate that was phased out by December 31, 2004. Revenues from this arrangement were
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approximately $4.2 million in the third quarter of 2004. Service gross margin increased one percentage point in the nine months ended September 30 2005, compared with the same period in 2004, primarily due to increased software maintenance revenues.
Segment Revenues, Gross Margin and Operating Income (Loss)
We have two operating groups (Hardware Solutions and Software Solutions) and three operating segments. Software Solutions is a single segment, whereas Hardware Solutions is comprised of two segments, Meter Data Collection and Electricity Metering. For these three operating segments, management has three primary measures of segment performance: revenue, gross profit (margin) and operating income (loss). There are no inter-operating segment revenues. Assets and liabilities are not allocated to the operating segments, except for the Electricity Metering operating segment, which is individually maintained and reviewed. Approximately 60% of depreciation expense was allocated to the operating segments, with the remaining portion unallocated at September 30, 2005 and 2004.
We classify sales in the United States and Canada as domestic revenues. International revenues were $10.3 million and $5.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 and $28.2 million and $13.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The increase in international revenues for the third quarter of 2005 was due to higher handheld system sales. International revenues increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared with 2004, due to the addition of our Electricity Metering business.
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AMR related to electricity meters can be reflected in either our Meter Data Collection or Electricity Metering segments. Included in Meter Data Collection are standalone electric AMR modules we manufacture that are attached to mechanical electricity meters, AMR circuit boards that we manufacture for insertion into other vendors’ solid-state electricity meters and royalties for licensing our electric AMR technology. Included in Electricity Metering are our solid-state meters with our AMR technology as well as some contract manufacturing for inserting other vendors’ AMR technology into our solid-state meters.
The following tables and discussion highlight significant changes in trends or components of revenues and gross margin for each segment.
Segment Revenues
Segment Gross Profit and Margin
Operating
Margin
Segment Operating Income (Loss)
Hardware Solutions—Meter Data Collection: Meter Data Collection revenues in the quarter were $70.6 million compared with $56.8 million in 2004, an increase of $13.8 million, or 24%. The increase was due to higher AMR gas module sales, higher handheld system revenues and increased contract manufacturing services and royalties related to embedding our AMR technology into other electricity meter vendors’ solid-state meters. Offsetting the increases were decreased implementation services and sales of third-party hardware. We shipped approximately 1.2 million AMR modules in the third quarter of 2005, compared with 900,000 in the third quarter of 2004. There were no customers that represented more than 10% of Meter Data Collection revenues in the third quarter of 2005 or 2004.
Gross margin increased three percentage points for the third quarter of 2005, compared with the third quarter of 2004, due primarily to the higher mix of standalone gas AMR modules and handhelds.
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Meter Data Collection revenues increased $3.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared with the same period in 2004, due to increased shipments of standalone gas AMR modules, increased handheld sales and increased contract manufacturing services and royalties related to embedding our AMR technology into other electricity meter vendors’ solid-state meters. Those increases were partially offset by fewer shipments of electric and water standalone AMR modules, lower average selling prices for AMR modules, in particular electric modules, and decreases in implementation services and third-party hardware sales. Standalone electric AMR module shipments have declined as we are shipping an increasing portion of our electric AMR technology in the form of meters with embedded AMR.
Year-to-date standalone electric, gas and water AMR module shipments were 3.1 million in 2005, compared with 2.8 million in 2004. There were no customers that represented more than 10% of Meter Data Collection revenues for the first nine months of 2005. One customer represented 11% of Meter Data Collection revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.
Gross margin decreased two percentage points for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared with the same period in 2004. Reductions in gross margin due to lower average selling prices for AMR modules, in particular electric, and lower implementation margins were partially offset by gross margin improvements due to a higher mix of gas AMR modules and higher handheld sales.
Average selling prices for AMR modules declined as a result of competitive pricing pressures driven partially by the licensing of certain of our electric AMR technology to a competitor and as a result of larger contracts, which generally have lower pricing on a per unit basis. The licensing of our electric AMR technology to a competitor was pursuant to a licensing and sales agreement required by the consent decree entered into with the Federal Trade Commission in connection with the Electricity Metering acquisition. The sales portion of the agreement expires in the fourth quarter of 2005.
Meter Data Collection operating expenses were $5.5 million, or 8% of revenues, in the third quarter of 2005, compared with $5.2 million, or 9% of revenues, for the third quarter of 2004. Year-to-date operating expenses were $15.8 million in 2005 compared with $15.6 million in the same period of 2004, and were 9% of revenues in both periods.
Hardware Solutions—Electricity Metering: We completed the acquisition of our Electricity Metering business on July 1, 2004. Third quarter results for both 2005 and 2004 represent a full quarter of operations for this business. The nine months ended September 30, 2005 reflect nine months of Electricity Metering operations, while the nine months ended September 30, 2004 only reflect three months of Electricity Metering operations.
Electricity Metering revenues in the quarter were $58.6 million compared with $54.2 million in 2004. Residential meter sales increased approximately $9.2 million in 2005 compared with 2004, offset by slightly lower commercial and industrial meter sales in the 2005 quarter. Also offsetting the increase in residential meter sales was the phase out during the last half of 2004, of contract manufacturing services for a former affiliate. Revenues from these services were approximately $4.2 million in the third quarter of 2004.
We shipped approximately 1.2 million electricity meters in the quarter compared with approximately 850,000 in the third quarter of 2004. The growth in unit shipments of 39% is approximately twice the revenue growth rate due to the higher mix of residential meters as well as lower average selling prices in 2005. Year-to-date in 2005, electricity meter shipments were approximately 3.4 million.
Approximately 48% and 40% of meters shipped during the quarter and year-to-date periods in 2005 were equipped with Itron AMR technology, compared with 32% in the third quarter of 2004. In addition, 13% and 17% of those shipments in the third quarter and first nine months of 2005 were equipped with other vendors’ AMR technology compared with 25% in the third quarter of 2004.
One customer represented 13% of Electricity Metering revenues in the third quarter of 2005. No customer represented more than 10% of Electricity Metering revenues in the third quarter of 2004 or for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004.
Electricity Metering gross margin was 41% in the third quarter of 2005, compared with 39% in the third quarter of 2004. Third quarter 2004 margins were approximately four percentage points lower than they otherwise would have been due to a purchase accounting adjustment at July 1, 2004 that increased the book value of finished goods inventory to expected sales price less certain costs. Gross margin in the 2004 quarter was also lower due to $4.2 million in contract manufacturing services for the former affiliate, which were at very low margin. Gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was 42%. Although average sale prices of meters declined during 2005, the decrease was partially offset by lower manufacturing costs. In addition, a smart metering pilot project in Ontario, Canada, affected year-to-date gross margins. Electricity Metering gross margins can vary from period to period due to changes in the mix of meters sold.
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Operating expenses for Electricity Metering were $4.0 million and $3.9 million for the third quarter of 2005 and 2004, respectively, and $12.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, or approximately 7% of revenue for each period. Operating expenses for Electricity Metering are lower as a percentage of revenue, compared with Meter Data Collection, due to lower product development and marketing expenses as a result of a more narrowly focused product portfolio.
Hardware Solutions—Other unallocated costs: Sales and administrative expenses not directly associated with either the Meter Data Collection or Electricity Metering operations are classified as “Hardware Solutions-Other unallocated costs.” These costs increased approximately $600,000 and $5.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared with the same periods in 2004, primarily due to increased incentive sales compensation and the addition of Electricity Metering. As a percentage of revenue, these costs remained constant at 5% for both periods of 2005 and 2004.
Software Solutions: Revenues were $400,000 and $2.1 million higher for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared with the same periods in the prior year. For both periods in 2005, higher software license fees and maintenance revenues were offset by lower professional service revenues. Third quarter and year-to-date gross margins in 2005 increased three and six percentage points, respectively, due to a proportionately higher content of revenues from licenses and maintenance. There were no customers that represented more than 10% of Software Solutions revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004.
Workforce and facility reductions during 2004 have contributed to lower operating losses in 2005. However, gross margin dollars for Software Solutions are not yet sufficient to cover current operating expenses due primarily to significant investment in product development. Software Solutions operating expenses decreased $1.6 million in the third quarter of 2005, compared with the third quarter of 2004, and decreased as a percentage of revenue from 81% to 65% for the same period. Software Solutions operating expenses decreased $5.5 million in the first nine months of 2005, compared with the same period in 2004, and decreased as a percentage of revenue from 84% to 64% for the same period.
Corporate unallocated: Operating expenses not directly associated with an operating segment are classified as “Corporate unallocated.” These expenses increased $5.4 million in the third quarter of 2005, compared with the same period in 2004, due to increased intangible asset amortization attributable to Electricity Metering and additional general and administrative expenses. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to increased costs for Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, increased audit and tax fees and the accrual of employee bonus and profit sharing accruals in 2005. These operating expenses increased $25.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared with the same period in 2004, primarily due to increased intangible asset amortization expense and corporate expenses attributable to the Electricity Metering acquisition. Increases in 2005 were partially offset by decreases in restructuring charges.
Backlog of Orders
Our sales include annual or multi-year contracts, which are subject to rescheduling and cancellation by customers due to the long-term nature of the contracts, as well as follow-on or add-on orders with existing customers. Electricity Metering typically has long-term non-binding commitments with customers for meter purchases that are subject to changes in volumes or time periods. As purchase orders are released against those commitments, they are included in bookings. Bookings for a reported period represent contracts and purchase orders received during a specified period.
Total backlog represents committed but undelivered purchase orders. Twelve-month backlog represents the portion of total backlog that we estimate will be earned over the next twelve months. Bookings and backlog exclude maintenance-related activity. Backlog is not a complete measure of our future business as we have a significant portion of our business that is book-and-ship, and as bookings and backlog can fluctuate significantly due to the timing of large project awards.
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Information on bookings and backlog is summarized by quarter as follows:
Quarter Ended
June 30, 2005
March 31, 2005
September 30, 2004
June 30, 2004
March 31, 2004
December 31, 2003
Beginning total backlog, plus bookings, less sales revenues will not always equal ending total backlog due to miscellaneous contract adjustments and other factors.
Operating Expenses
The following table details our total operating expenses in dollars and as a percent of revenues.
Amortization of intangibles
Operating expenses increased for the first nine months of 2005, compared with 2004, primarily due to our acquisition of our Electricity Metering business on July 1, 2004. Third quarter results for both 2005 and 2004 represent a full quarter of operations for our Electricity Metering business.
Sales and marketing, product development and general and administrative expenses (SP&G) increased $3.9 million in the third quarter of 2005 compared with the third quarter of 2004. Sales and marketing increased $1.7 million primarily due to increased incentive sales compensation. General and administrative expenses increased $2.3 million due to professional services for Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, increased audit and tax fees and employee bonus and profit sharing accruals in 2005. However, as a percentage of revenues, SP&G decreased period-over-period due to a more narrowly focused product portfolio for Electricity Metering, compared with Meter Data Collection and Software Solutions. SP&G increased $19.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared with the same period in 2004, primarily as a result of our Electricity Metering business.
Amortization of intangible assets increased as a result of the addition of $167.1 million in amortizable intangible assets from the acquisition of our Electricity Metering business on July 1, 2004.
Restructuring expenses were $390,000 for the first nine months of 2005, compared with $4.0 million in the first nine months of 2004. During 2004, we implemented a new internal organizational structure, which resulted in several actions to reduce spending and eliminate certain unprofitable activities. The 2005 restructuring expenses were incurred in the first quarter associated with additional costs for those activities. No additional restructuring expenses have occurred for 2005.
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In-Process Research and Development Expenses
The July 1, 2004 acquisition of our Electricity Metering business resulted in $6.4 million of in-process research and development (IPR&D) expense, which we recognized in the fourth quarter of 2004, as follows:
Discount
Rate Appliedto IPR&D
Electricity Metering business
The IPR&D consisted primarily of next generation technology, valued at $5.7 million. We have estimated the research and development to be approximately 85% complete, with a cost to complete the development of approximately $400,000 over the next three to six months. We have a high degree of confidence that we will be able to complete the development of these in-process development projects as we believe we have no major technological hurdles and no significant resource constraints. In addition, the development of these projects is not dependent on a single individual. However, if the projects are not completed in a reasonable time frame, we may face increasing competition from competitors that are able to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements.
Other Income (Expense)
The following table shows the components of other income (expense):
For the quarter, interest expense is lower in 2005, compared with 2004 primarily because we have paid down the term bank debt we issued in July of 2004 in connection with the acquisition of our Electricity Metering business. Year-to-date in 2005, interest expense was higher than in 2004 as the term bank debt and the senior subordinated notes issued in May 2004 were outstanding for a longer period of time. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, interest expense included approximately $1.3 million and $4.3 million of amortization related to prepaid debt fees, compared with $750,000 and $1.2 million for the same periods in 2004.
Other income (expense) consists primarily of foreign currency gains and losses, which can vary from period to period, as well as other non-operating events or transactions. During the third quarter and first nine months of 2005, other income (expense) consisted primarily of foreign currency fluctuations. During the first nine months of 2004, we recorded a state tax refund of approximately $500,000 and an investment impairment of $775,000.
We estimate our 2005 annual effective income tax rate will be approximately 34%. Our effective income tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 35% and can vary from period to period due to fluctuations in operating results, new or revised tax legislation, changes in the level of business performed in domestic and international jurisdictions, research credits, expirations of research credits and loss carryforwards, IPR&D charges, state income taxes and extraterritorial income
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exclusion tax benefits. In the second quarter of 2005, we completed a study of federal research tax credits for the years 1997 through 2004, recognizing a $5.9 million net tax benefit. The Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004 and the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 were signed into law in October 2004. The only provision that had a significant income tax effect on the Company was the extension of research credits through December 31, 2005. We estimate the 2005 net benefit will be approximately $1.2 million. Due primarily to these credits, we had a net tax benefit of $963,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.
Financial Condition
Cash Flow Information:
Operating activities: Cash provided by operating activities increased $22.1 million in the first nine months of 2005, compared with first nine months of 2004. Increased revenues generated an additional $92.4 million in cash, which was offset by an increase of $64.7 million in cash paid to suppliers and employees and $5.6 million in cash paid for interest and taxes.
Investing activities: During May 2005, we received $2.6 million in proceeds from the sale of our manufacturing facility in Quebec, Canada. We used $10.3 million in cash for property, plant and equipment purchases during the first nine months of 2005, compared with $10.0 million during the first nine months of 2004. We used $256 million for our Electricity Metering business acquisition in the second quarter of 2004, with no comparable activity during the same period in 2005. We made $2.0 million in cash-earnout payments during the first half of 2004 related to a 2003 acquisition.
Financing activities: In 2005, an equity offering in May generated $59.8 million in net proceeds and employee stock purchase plan purchases and stock-based award exercises (employee stock transactions) generated $22.5 million in cash. Offsetting those proceeds were $121.0 million of optional repayments and $1.1 million in minimum mandatory repayments on our term loan debt during the first nine months of 2005. In 2004, in connection with the acquisition of our Electricity Metering business, we received $309.1 million in net proceeds from the issuance of new debt. In the first nine months of 2004, employee stock transactions generated an additional $4.8 million in cash and we had net borrowings of $10.0 million on our revolving line of credit. Offsetting those were $34.9 million in repayments on debt during the first nine months of 2004.
We had no off-balance sheet financing agreements at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, except for operating lease commitments.
Liquidity, Sources and Uses of Capital:
We have historically funded our operations and growth with cash flow from operations, borrowings and issuances of our stock. At September 30, 2005, we had $11.9 million in cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents historically have been invested in investments rated A or better by Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s and have market interest rates. We are exposed to changes in interest rates on cash equivalents.
Our senior secured credit facility (credit facility) consists of an original $185 million seven-year senior secured term loan (term loan or term debt) and a $55 million five-year senior secured revolving credit line (revolver). The outstanding term loan balance at
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September 30, 2005 was $28.0 million while the revolver had no outstanding borrowings. Our senior secured credit facility provides us with the future ability to increase our revolver commitment from $55 million to $75 million, and to increase our letter of credit limit from $55 million to $65 million. The credit facility is guaranteed by all of our operating subsidiaries (except our foreign subsidiaries and an outsourcing project financing subsidiary), all of which are wholly owned. Debt issuance costs are amortized over the life of the credit facility using the effective interest method. Unamortized debt issuance costs were approximately $9.6 million and $13.5 million at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively.
Our required minimum quarterly principal payments are $324,000 for the next 17 quarters ($1.3 million annually) with the remaining balance to be paid in four installments over the last six quarters, maturing in 2011. Optional repayments of the term loan are permitted without penalty or premium. Additional mandatory prepayments, based on 75% of defined excess cash flows, the issuance of capital stock or the sale of assets as defined by the borrowing agreement, would all decrease the minimum payments at maturity. Interest rates on the term loan are based on the London InterBank Offering Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.75% or the Wells Fargo Bank, National Association’s prime rate (Prime) plus 0.75%. We had no mandatory prepayment requirement during 2004. We made optional prepayments on the term loan of $121.0 million during the first nine months of 2005 and $34.0 million during the second half of 2004.
At September 30, 2005, we held no derivative instruments.
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We have an employee bonus and profit sharing plan in which most of our employees participate. During 2004, the performance goals were not met; however a discretionary payout of approximately $500,000 was made during the first quarter of 2005 for fiscal year 2004. The performance measures established for the 2005 bonus and profit sharing plan are based on achievement of specified levels of earnings. We accrued approximately $2.8 million and $6.7 million under this plan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005.
Our net deferred tax assets consist primarily of accumulated net operating losses and tax credits, some of which are limited by Internal Revenue Code Sections 382 and 383 (Section 382 and Section 383). The limited deferred tax assets resulted from acquisitions. We expect to utilize tax loss carryforwards and available tax credits to offset taxes otherwise due on regular taxable income in upcoming years. During 2005, we expect to pay approximately $1.2 million in cash for federal alternative minimum tax, international taxes and various state tax obligations. We expect to begin making significant cash payments for federal tax purposes beginning in 2007, based on current projections that net operating loss carryforwards not limited by Section 382 will be fully utilized in 2006 and our remaining tax credits not limited by Section 383 will be fully utilized in 2007.
Working capital at September 30, 2005 was $87.8 million compared with $58.1 million at December 31, 2004. The increase in working capital primarily results from a $33.6 million reduction in the current portion of our term debt from December 31, 2004 to September 30, 2005, offset by a $14.4 million reclassification of deferred taxes from current to non-current. The deferred tax reclassification is due to stock-option exercises and disqualifying dispositions, which result in reduced taxable income deferring the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards into subsequent years.
We expect to continue to expand our operations and grow our business through a combination of internal new product development, licensing technology from or to others, distribution agreements, partnership arrangements and acquisitions of technology or other companies. We expect these activities to be funded from existing cash, cash flow from operations, borrowings and the issuance of common stock or other securities. We believe existing sources of liquidity will be sufficient to fund our existing operations and obligations for at least the next year and foreseeable future, but offer no assurances. Our liquidity could be affected by the stability of the energy and water industries, competitive pressures, international risks, intellectual property claims and other factors described under “Risks Relating to Our Business” within Item 1 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, which was filed with the SEC on March 11, 2005, as well as in our “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” within Item 3 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
We are subject to various legal proceedings and claims of which the outcomes are subject to significant uncertainty. Our policy is to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes related to legal matters, as well as ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of the liability required, if any, for these contingencies is made after an analysis of each known issue in accordance with SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, and related pronouncements. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 5, a liability is recorded when we determine that a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Additionally, we disclose contingencies for which a material loss is reasonably possible, but not probable. At September 30, 2005, there were no contingencies requiring accrual or disclosure.
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Critical Accounting Policies
Revenue Recognition: The majority of our revenues are recognized when products are shipped to or received by a customer or when services are provided. We have certain customer arrangements with multiple elements. For such arrangements, we determine the estimated fair value of each element and then allocate the total arrangement consideration among the separate elements based on the relative fair value percentages. Revenues for each element are then recognized based on the type of element, such as 1) when the products are shipped, 2) services are delivered, 3) percentage of completion when implementation services are essential to the software performance, 4) upon customer acceptance provisions or 5) transfer of title. Fair values represent the estimated price charged when an item is sold separately. We review our fair values on an annual basis or more frequently if a significant trend is noted. Under outsourcing arrangements, revenue is recognized as services are provided. Hardware and software post-sale maintenance support fees are recognized ratably over the performance period. Revenue can vary significantly from period to period based on the timing of orders and the application of revenue recognition criteria. Use of the percentage of completion method for revenue recognition requires estimating the cost to complete a project. The estimation of costs through completion of a project is subject to many variables such as the length of time to complete, changes in wages, subcontractor performance, supplier information and business volume assumptions. Changes in underlying assumptions/estimates may adversely or positively affect financial performance.
Unearned revenue is recorded for products or services when the criteria for revenue recognition have not been met. The majority of unearned revenue relates to annual billing terms for post-sale maintenance and support agreements.
Warranty: We offer industry standard warranties on our hardware products and large application software products. Standard warranty accruals represent the estimated cost of projected warranty claims and are based on historical and projected product performance trends, business volume assumptions, supplier information and other business and economic projections. Thorough testing of new products in the development stage helps identify and correct potential warranty issues prior to manufacturing. Continuing quality control efforts during manufacturing limit our exposure to warranty claims. If our quality control efforts fail to detect a fault in one of our products, we could experience an increase in warranty claims. We track warranty claims to identify potential warranty trends. If an unusual trend is noted, an additional warranty accrual may be assessed and recorded when a failure event is probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated. Management continually evaluates the sufficiency of the warranty provisions and makes adjustments when necessary. The warranty allowances may fluctuate due to changes in estimates for material, labor and other costs we may incur to replace projected product failures, and we may incur additional warranty and related expenses in the future with respect to new or established products.
Inventories: Items are removed from inventory using the first-in, first-out method. Inventories include raw materials, sub-assemblies and finished goods. Inventory amounts include the cost to manufacture the item, such as the cost of raw materials, labor and other applied direct and indirect costs. We review our inventory for obsolescence and marketability. If the estimated market value, which is based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions, falls below the original cost, the inventory value is reduced to the market value. If technology rapidly changes or actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets: Goodwill and intangible assets are primarily the result of our acquisitions in 2004, 2003 and 2002. We use estimates in determining the value of goodwill and intangible assets, including estimates of useful lives of intangible assets, discounted future cash flows and fair values of the related operations. We test goodwill for impairment each year as of October 1st, under the guidance of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. We forecast discounted future cash flows at the reporting unit level, which consists of our operating segments, based on estimated future revenues and operating costs, which take into consideration factors such as existing backlog, expected future orders, supplier contracts and general market conditions. Changes in our forecasts or cost of capital may result in asset value adjustments, which could have a significant affect on our current and future results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Intangible assets with a finite life are amortized based on estimated discounted cash flows over estimated useful lives and are tested for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.
Deferred Income Taxes: We estimate the expected realizable value of deferred tax assets. As of September 30, 2005, we have a valuation allowance of $6.8 million to reduce our deferred tax assets relating to select net operating losses and federal tax credits as we believe it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized. We do not have a valuation allowance on any other deferred tax asset because we believe that the assets are more likely than not to be realized. While we have considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the appropriateness of a valuation allowance, in the event we were to determine we would have a change in the realization of the net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset or valuation allowance would be made.
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Compensation Plans: We have compensation plans that offer a range of award amounts for the achievement of a various annual performance and financial targets. Actual award amounts will be determined at the end of the year if the performance and financial targets are met. As the bonuses are being earned during the year, we must estimate a compensation accrual each quarter based on the progress towards achieving the goals, the estimated financial forecast for the year and the probability of achieving various results. An accrual is recorded if management deems it probable that a target will be achieved and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Although we monitor our annual forecast and the progress towards achievement of goals, the actual results at the end of the year may warrant a bonus award that is significantly greater or less than the assessments made in earlier quarters.
Legal Contingencies: We are subject to various legal proceedings and claims of which the outcomes are subject to significant uncertainty. Our policy is to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes related to legal matters, as well as ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of the liability required, if any, for these contingencies is made after an analysis of each known issue in accordance with SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, and related pronouncements. In accordance with SFAS No. 5, a liability is recorded when we determine that a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Additionally, we disclose contingencies for which a material loss is reasonably possible, but less than probable. At September 30, 2005, there were no contingencies requiring accrual or disclosure.
In November 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement No. 151, Inventory Costs—an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, which clarifies the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage). This Statement requires that those items be recognized as current-period charges regardless of whether they meet the criterion of “so abnormal.” In addition, this Statement requires that an allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of this Statement are effective for inventory costs incurred on or after January 1, 2006. While we believe this Statement will not have a material effect on our financial statements, the impact of adopting the new rule is dependent on events that could occur in future periods, and as such, an estimate of the impact cannot be determined.
On December 16, 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004),Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123R), which requires companies to expense the fair value of equity awards over the required service period. We have not yet quantified the effects of the adoption of SFAS 123R, but the adoption of SFAS 123R will decrease gross profit, increase operating expenses, affect the tax rate and will materially affect net income. The pro forma effects on net income (loss) and earnings per share if we had applied the fair value recognition provisions of the original SFAS No. 123 on stock compensation awards are disclosed in Note 1 of the financial statements. Such pro forma effects of applying the original SFAS No. 123 may be indicative of the effects of adopting SFAS 123R, however the provisions of the two statements differ.
Subsequent Events
During October 2005, we made $3.0 million of optional prepayments on our senior secured credit facility term loan, bringing the outstanding balance to $25.0 million as of November 4, 2005.
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Item 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk: The table below provides information about our financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. Weighted average variable rates in the table are based on implied forward rates in the LIBOR yield curve as of October 7, 2005 and our estimated ratio of funded debt to EBITDA, which determines our rate margin. The table below illustrates the scheduled minimum repayment of principal over the remaining lives of our debt at September 30, 2005:
Fixed Rate Debt
Average interest rate
Senior Subordinated Notes (1)
Variable Rate Debt
Revolving credit line (2)
Term loan debt (3)
Based on a sensitivity analysis as of September 30, 2005, we estimate that if market interest rates for the fourth quarter of 2005 average one percentage point higher than in the table above, our earnings before income taxes in 2005 would decrease by approximately $71,000.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk: We conduct business in a number of foreign countries and, therefore, face exposure to adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates. International revenues were 7% of our total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Since we do not typically use derivative instruments to manage foreign currency exchange rate risks, the consolidated results of operations in U.S. dollars are subject to fluctuation as foreign exchange rates change. In addition, our foreign currency exchange rate exposures may change over time as business practices evolve and could have a material affect on our financial results.
Our primary exposure is related to non-U.S. dollar denominated sales, cost of sales and operating expenses in our foreign subsidiary operations. This means we are subject to changes in the consolidated results of operations expressed in U.S. dollars. Other international business, consisting primarily of shipments from the United States to foreign distributors and customers in the Pacific Rim and Latin America, is predominantly denominated in U.S. dollars, which reduces our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. In some cases where sales from the United States are not denominated in U.S. dollars, we may hedge our foreign exchange risk by selling the expected foreign currency receipts forward. There have been, and there may continue to be, large period-to-period fluctuations in the relative portions of international revenues that are denominated in foreign currencies.
Risk-sensitive financial instruments in the form of inter-company trade receivables are mostly denominated in U.S. dollars, while inter-company notes may be denominated in local foreign currencies. As foreign currency exchange rates change, inter-company trade receivables may affect current earnings, while inter-company notes may be re-valued and result in unrealized translation gains or losses that are reported in other comprehensive income (loss).
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Because our earnings are affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, we have performed a sensitivity analysis assuming a hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in the value of the dollar relative to the currencies in which our transactions are denominated. At September 30, 2005, the analysis indicated that such market movements would not have had a material effect on our consolidated results of operations or on the fair value of any risk-sensitive financial instruments. The model assumes foreign currency exchange rates will shift in the same direction and relative amount. However, exchange rates rarely move in the same direction. This assumption may result in the overstatement or understatement of the affect of changing exchange rates on assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency. Consequently, the actual effects on operations in the future may differ materially from results of the analysis for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. We may, in the future, experience greater fluctuations in U.S. dollar earnings from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We will continue to monitor and assess the affect of foreign currency fluctuations and may institute hedging alternatives.
Item 4: Controls and Procedures
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PART II: OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1: Legal Proceedings
We are subject to various legal proceedings and claims of which the outcomes are subject to significant uncertainty. Our policy is to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes related to legal matters, as well as ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of the liability required, if any, for these contingencies is made after an analysis of each known issue in accordance with SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, and related pronouncements. In accordance with SFAS No. 5, a liability is recorded when we determine that a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Additionally, we disclose contingencies for which a material loss is reasonably possible, but less than probable. At September 30, 2005, there were no contingencies requiring accrual or disclosure.
Item 4: Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
No matters were submitted to a vote of shareholders of Itron during the third quarter of 2005.
Item 5: Other Information
(a) On August 1, 2005, the Long-Term Performance Plan (LTPP) for senior management and key executive officers was amended to redefine payouts in the event of a change in employment.
(b) Not applicable.
Item 6: Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibits
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) 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, in the City of Spokane, State of Washington, on the 4th day of November, 2005.
/S/ STEVEN M. HELMBRECHT
Steven M. Helmbrecht
Sr. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
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