Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

 

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

For the quarterly period ended October 2, 2009

Or

 

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

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File No. 000-25705

 

 

GSI Group Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

New Brunswick, Canada   98-0110412

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

125 Middlesex Turnpike

Bedford, Massachusetts, USA

  01730
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(781) 266-5700

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

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 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  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

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

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   x
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   x

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

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of August 31, 2010, there were 100,026,395 of the Registrant’s common shares, no par value, issued and outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

GSI GROUP INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Item No.

        Page
No.

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   1

ITEM 1.

   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    1
   CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)    1
   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)    2
   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)    3
   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)    4

ITEM 2.

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS    42

ITEM 3.

   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK    63

ITEM 4.

   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES    63

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

   64

ITEM 1.

   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS    64

ITEM 1A.

   RISK FACTORS    64

ITEM 2.

   UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS    80

ITEM 3.

   DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES    80

ITEM 4.

   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS    80

ITEM 5.

   OTHER INFORMATION    80

ITEM 6.

   EXHIBITS    81

SIGNATURES

   82


Table of Contents

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

GSI GROUP INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)

 

     October 2,
2009
    December 31,
2008
 
     (Unaudited)        
ASSETS     

Current Assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 53,216      $ 69,001   

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,859 and $1,687, respectively

     40,542        50,494   

Income taxes receivable

     26,281        30,038   

Inventories

     72,364        78,508   

Deferred tax assets

     11,312        11,106   

Deferred cost of goods sold

     31,827        20,507   

Deferred debt financing costs

     5,022        5,999   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     7,997        9,569   
                

Total current assets

     248,561        275,222   

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $49,089 and $45,309, respectively

     50,890        54,439   

Deferred tax assets

     24,226        23,802   

Deferred cost of goods sold

     —          23,133   

Investments in auction rate securities

     14,709        25,065   

Other assets

     4,549        2,133   

Intangible assets, net

     64,201        71,460   

Goodwill

     45,063        45,063   
                

Total Assets

   $ 452,199      $ 520,317   
                
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Current Liabilities

    

Debt (Note 7)

   $ 188,066      $ 185,115   

Accounts payable

     16,311        20,286   

Accrued compensation and benefits (Note 2)

     5,567        8,452   

Deferred revenue

     59,228        45,061   

Deferred tax liabilities

     487        486   

Other accrued expenses (Note 2)

     17,079        23,892   
                

Total current liabilities

     286,738        283,292   

Deferred revenue

     —          39,164   

Deferred tax liabilities

     30,116        30,131   

Accrued restructuring, net of current portion

     1,471        1,072   

Income taxes payable

     5,363        5,166   

Accrued pension liability (Note 2)

     3,908        4,026   

Other liabilities (Note 2)

     5,514        4,569   
                

Total liabilities

     333,110        367,420   

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)

    

Stockholders’ Equity:

    

Common shares, no par value; Authorized shares: unlimited; Issued and outstanding: 47,843,229 and 47,567,874, respectively

     330,896        330,896   

Additional paid-in capital

     12,372        10,733   

Accumulated deficit

     (224,282     (184,716

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (161     (4,236
                

Total GSI Group Inc. stockholders’ equity

     118,825        152,677   

Noncontrolling interest

     264        220   
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     119,089        152,897   
                

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

   $ 452,199      $ 520,317   
                

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

 

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Table of Contents

GSI GROUP INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     October 2,
2009
    September 26,
2008
    October 2,
2009
    September 26,
2008
 
     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  

Sales

   $ 55,067      $ 71,443      $ 181,879      $ 192,137   

Cost of goods sold

     32,768        48,557        111,528        124,086   
                                

Gross profit

     22,299        22,886        70,351        68,051   
                                

Operating expenses:

        

Research and development and engineering

     6,472        8,874        21,473        23,829   

Selling, general and administrative

     14,840        16,674        44,279        46,911   

Amortization of purchased intangible assets

     1,438        1,646        4,658        2,749   

Acquisition-related in-process research and development charge

     —          12,142        —          12,142   

Restructuring, restatement related costs and other

     3,410        3,073        14,800        4,206   

Pre-petition professional fees

     2,222        —          4,172        —     
                                

Total operating expenses

     28,382        42,409        89,382        89,837   
                                

Loss from operations

     (6,083     (19,523     (19,031     (21,786

Interest income

     38        595        267        2,763   

Interest expense

     (7,105     (2,892     (21,336     (2,927

Foreign exchange transaction gains (losses)

     239        (2     (1,102     269   

Other income (expense), net

     (745     16        (583     158   
                                

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

     (13,656     (21,806     (41,785     (21,523

Income tax benefit

     (739     (7,600     (2,395     (7,081
                                

Loss from continuing operations

     (12,917     (14,206     (39,390     (14,442

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

     —          (19     (132     310   
                                

Consolidated net loss

     (12,917     (14,225     (39,522     (14,132

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (49     (4     (44     (4
                                

Net loss attributable to GSI Group Inc.

     (12,966     (14,229     (39,566     (14,136
                                

Loss from continuing operations attributable to GSI Group Inc. per common share:

        

Basic

   $ (0.27   $ (0.34   $ (0.83   $ (0.35

Diluted

   $ (0.27   $ (0.34   $ (0.83   $ (0.35

Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to GSI Group, Inc. per common share:

        

Basic

   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 0.01   

Diluted

   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 0.01   

Net loss attributable to GSI Group Inc. per common share:

        

Basic

   $ (0.27   $ (0.34   $ (0.83   $ (0.34

Diluted

   $ (0.27   $ (0.34   $ (0.83   $ (0.34

Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic

     47,822        41,677        47,715        41,792   

Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted

     47,822        41,677        47,715        41,792   

Amounts attributable to GSI Group Inc.:

        

Loss from continuing operations

     (12,966     (14,210     (39,434     (14,446

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

     —          (19     (132     310   
                                

Net loss

   $ (12,966   $ (14,229     (39,566   $ (14,136
                                

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

 

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Table of Contents

GSI GROUP INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

     Nine Months Ended  
     October 2,
2009
    September 26,
2008
 
     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Consolidated net loss

     (39,522     (14,132

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

    

(Income) loss from operations of discontinued operations

     132        (309

Depreciation and amortization

     13,505        11,656   

Provision for uncollectible receivables

     490        146   

Provision for inventory obsolescence

     1,461        5,717   

Acquisition related in-process research and development charge

     —          12,142   

Step-up value of acquired inventory sold

     139        366   

Share based compensation

     1,746        2,342   

Deferred income taxes

     (644     (713

Earnings from equity investment

     (363     (147

Gain on sale of property and assets

     (225     (1,306

Gain on sale of auction rate securities

     (1,832     —     

Non-cash interest expense

     3,928        274   

Non-cash restructuring charges

     56        —     

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from business acquired (Note 2):

    

Accounts receivable

     6,225        26,287   

Inventories

     2,856        7,503   

Deferred costs

     9,780        (8,105

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     1,377        1,582   

Deferred revenue

     (20,695     6,507   

Deferred rent

     (238     3,733   

Accounts payable, accruals and taxes receivable and payable

     (6,353     (403

Changes in other non-current assets and liabilities

     (1,080     15   

Cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations

     (132     816   
                

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     (29,389     53,971   

Cash flows from investing activities (Note 2):

    

Acquisition of Excel

     —          (368,711

Cash received in acquisition of Excel

     —          10,430   

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (872     (16,404

Proceeds from the sale of auction rate securities

     13,564        —     

Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment

     560        3,211   
                

Cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     13,252        (371,474

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from issuance of debt

     —          210,000   

Payments for debt issuance costs

     —          (6,472

Purchases of the Company’s common shares

     —          (6,439

Net proceeds from the issuance of share capital

     —          63   

Excess tax benefit of stock options

     —          23   
                

Cash provided by financing activities

     —          197,175   

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

     352        82   
                

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (15,785     (120,246

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period (1)

     69,001        172,387   
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period (1)

     53,216        52,141   
                

Supplemental disclosure of non cash financing activity:

    

Issuance of warrants

   $ —        $ 26,302   

Supplemental disclosure of non cash investing activity:

    

Auction rate securities

   $ 1,380      $ 875  

 

(1) The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows include cash and cash equivalent balances (in thousands) of $0, and $2 of discontinued operations for the nine months ended October 2, 2009, and September 26, 2008, respectively.

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

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. Organization, Presentation and Significant Events

GSI Group Inc. (“GSIG”) and its subsidiaries (collectively “the Company”) designs, develops, manufactures and sells photonics-based solutions (consisting of lasers, laser systems and electro-optical components), precision motion devices, associated precision motion control technology and systems. Its customers incorporate its technology into their products or manufacturing processes, for a wide range of applications in a variety of markets, including: industrial, scientific, electronics, semiconductor, medical and aerospace. The Company operates in three segments: Precision Technology, Semiconductor Systems, and Excel Technology, Inc. (“Excel”). The Company’s principal markets are in North America, Europe, Japan and Asia-Pacific. The Company exists under the laws of New Brunswick, Canada.

Acquisition of Excel Technology, Inc.

In August 2008, the Company acquired Excel, a designer, manufacturer and marketer of photonics-based solutions consisting of lasers, laser-based systems, precision motion devices and electro-optical components, primarily for industrial and scientific applications. Excel, which was headquartered in East Setauket, New York, manufactures its products in plants located in the United States and Germany, and sells its products to customers worldwide, both directly and indirectly through resellers and distributors. The Company acquired Excel in exchange for a cash payment of $368.7 million, including transaction costs, a portion of which was financed with proceeds received from the issuance of $210.0 million of 11% Senior Notes due 2013 (the “2008 Senior Notes”). This loan is discussed further in Notes 7 and 16 to Consolidated Financial Statements. Subsequent to the acquisition of Excel, the Company established a third segment which was comprised solely of the operations of the newly acquired entity. In 2009, the Company changed the structure of its internal organization in a manner that caused the composition of its reportable segments to change. More specifically, certain portions of a specific product line within the Precision Technology segment were transferred to the Excel segment. The Company’s reportable segment financial information has been restated to reflect the updated reportable segment structure for all periods presented. See Note 3 to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details regarding the Excel transaction.

Divestiture of U.S. General Optics Business

On October 8, 2008, the Company completed the sale of its General Optics business (the “U.S. Optics Business”), located in Moorpark, California, for $21.6 million, which represented a gain of $8.7 million, net of tax. The sale of the U.S. Optics Business is reported as Gain on Disposal of Discontinued Operations in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2008. This business was part of the Company’s Precision Technology segment. The results of operations of the U.S. Optics Business have been reclassified and reported as income from discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. See Note 4 to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details regarding the sale of the U.S. Optics Business.

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filing

On December 12, 2008, the Company announced that it had received four letters from certain holders of the 2008 Senior Notes issued in connection with the acquisition of Excel, alleging that the Company had failed to comply with the covenant in the governing Senior Notes Indenture (the “2008 Senior Note Indenture”), that required it to file its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Reports on Form 10-K within the time frames set forth in the SEC’s rules and regulations. Specifically, the letters alleged that the Company failed to file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 26, 2008 (the “2008 Q3 Report”) within the time period specified by the rules and regulations of the SEC and that if such failure continued for 60 days from the date that the Company received notices of such failure from holders comprising at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2008 Senior Notes then outstanding, such failure would constitute an event of default. The Company notified the trustee under the 2008 Senior Note Indenture that the letters did not constitute proper notice as required by the terms of the 2008 Senior Note Indenture, and continued working diligently to complete the review by its Audit Committee and to file its 2008 Q3 Report to avoid any claim of an “Event of Default” from occurring under the 2008 Senior Note Indenture. Upon receipt of the letters from the note holders, the Company commenced discussions with certain of the noteholders and, on June 30, 2009, announced that the Company had reached an agreement with certain beneficial owners holding greater than 75% of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the 2008 Senior Notes on a non-binding term sheet to consensually restructure its outstanding obligations under the 2008 Senior Notes.

As discussed below and in further detail in Note 16 to Consolidated Financial Statements, on November 20, 2009 (the “Petition Date”), GSIG and two of its United States subsidiaries, GSI Group Corporation (“GSI US”) and MES International, Inc. (“MES” and, collectively with GSIG and GSI US, the “Debtors”), filed voluntary petitions for relief (the “Chapter 11 Petitions”) under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”) (the “Chapter 11 Cases”).

 

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Table of Contents

GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Following the Petition Date, the Debtors continued to operate their business as “debtors-in-possession” under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and orders of the Bankruptcy Court. In late December 2009, the United States Trustee overseeing the Chapter 11 Cases appointed an Official Committee of Equity Security Holders (the “Equity Committee”) to represent the interests of the Company’s equity holders.

On May 14, 2010, the Debtors entered into a Restructuring Plan Support Agreement (the “May Plan Support Agreement”) with the Equity Committee, the individual members of the Equity Committee (the “Committee Members”) and eight of ten beneficial holders (the “Consenting Noteholders”) of the 2008 Senior Notes. The Consenting Noteholders held 88.1% of the outstanding principal amount of the 2008 Senior Notes. Pursuant to the May Plan Support Agreement which superseded the previous plan support agreement, the Equity Committee, the Committee Members and the Consenting Noteholders agreed to support a modified plan, in the form of the Fourth Modified Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization for the Debtors (the “May Plan”).

On May 24, 2010, the Debtors filed with the Bankruptcy Court a modified joint Chapter 11 plan of reorganization for the Debtors, which was further supplemented on May 27, 2010 to provide for minor modifications to the May Plan (as supplemented, the “Final Chapter 11 Plan”). On May 27, 2010, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order confirming and approving the Final Chapter 11 Plan and the plan documents.

On July 23, 2010 (the “Effective Date”) the Debtors consummated their reorganization through a series of transactions contemplated by the Final Chapter 11 Plan, and the Final Chapter 11 Plan became effective pursuant to its terms. Refer to Note 16 to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information concerning the Chapter 11 Cases including a description of material agreements the Company entered into on the Effective Date pursuant to the terms of the Final Chapter 11 Plan.

NASDAQ Delisting Determination

On November 3, 2009, the NASDAQ Hearing Panel (the “Panel”) of the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”) notified the Company that it had determined to delist the Company’s common shares from the NASDAQ Global Select Market and to suspend trading in the Company’s common shares effective at the open of market on November 5, 2009. The Panel’s determination was made in connection with the Company’s non-compliance with the filing requirements set forth in Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) due to the delayed filing of certain of the Company’s periodic reports. As permitted by NASDAQ rules, the Company timely appealed the Panel’s determination to the NASDAQ Listing and Hearing Review Council (the “Listing Council”). On January 15, 2010, the Listing Council notified the Company that it affirmed the Panel’s decision to delist the Company’s securities. On March 15, 2010, the Company received notification from the NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC Board of Directors (the “NASDAQ Board”) that the NASDAQ Board had declined to call for review the January 15, 2010 decision of the Listing Council. Accordingly, pursuant to Listing Rule 5825, the Listing Council’s decision represents the final decision of NASDAQ. In accordance with Listing Rule 5830 and Rule 12d2-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, NASDAQ filed an application on Form 25 with the SEC on April 5, 2010, to delist the Company’s securities from NASDAQ. The application became effective on April 15, 2010.

Prior to November 4, 2009, the Company’s common shares were traded on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “GSIG”. From November 5, 2009 through November 19, 2009, the Company’s common shares were quoted on Pink OTC Markets, Inc., under the trading symbol “GSIG”. Following the Company’s filing of the Chapter 11 Petitions on November 20, 2009, its common shares were quoted on Pink OTC Markets, Inc. under the trading symbol “GSIGQ”. Following the Company’s emergence from bankruptcy on July 23, 2010, its common shares have been quoted on Pink OTC Markets Inc., under the trading symbol “LASR.PK”.

Going Concern

On November 20, 2009, GSIG, together with two of its subsidiaries, voluntarily filed petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. Under the Bankruptcy Code, the Company’s status as a bankruptcy debtor automatically accelerated the payment of the debt arising under the 2008 Senior Notes. Accordingly, this debt has been classified as current as of December 31, 2008 and October 2, 2009 in the Company’s accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Operating in bankruptcy imposed significant risks and uncertainties on the Company’s business.

However, the Company emerged from bankruptcy on July 23, 2010 and in connection therewith completed a rights offering pursuant to which it sold common shares for approximately $85 million (the “Rights Offering”). The proceeds from the Rights Offering were used to pay down a portion of the obligations due with respect to the 2008 Senior Notes. The remaining obligations due with respect to the 2008 Senior Notes for unpaid principal and accrued interest were satisfied through the issuance of the Company’s common shares, the payment of cash and the issuance of new 12.25% Senior Secured PIK Election Notes (the “New Notes”) which mature in July 2014. As a result of the Company’s emergence from bankruptcy and the associated restructuring of its debt obligations, the Company believes it has sufficient liquidity to fund its operations through at least December 31, 2010.

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company in U.S. dollars and in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, applied on a consistent basis.

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and the instructions to Form 10-Q and the provisions of Regulation S-X pertaining to interim financial statements. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.

The interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. In the opinion of management, all adjustments and accruals necessary for a fair presentation have been made and include only normal recurring adjustments and accruals. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year or for any future periods.

Basis of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of GSI Group Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, including the accounts of Excel since August 20, 2008. The accounts of Excel include its 50% owned joint venture, Excel Laser Technology Private Limited (Excel SouthAsia JV), since it is a variable interest entity and the Company is the primary beneficiary of the joint venture. The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include the assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses of Excel SouthAsia JV over which the Company exercises control. The Company records noncontrolling interest in its consolidated statements of operations for the ownership interest of the minority owners of Excel SouthAsia JV. Financial information related to the joint venture is not considered material to the consolidated financial statements. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Comparative Amounts

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation in the financial statements and notes thereto as of and for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2009. These reclassifications had no effect on the Company’s previously reported results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

Additionally, the Company has corrected the presentation of certain items in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2008 and the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 26, 2008. These corrections relate to the following: (i) Correction of certain amounts previously reported within investing activities to operating activities in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 26, 2008. Previously reported operating cash flows of $42.8 million has been corrected to $54.0 million. Previously reported investing cash flows of ($360.3) million has been corrected to ($371.5) million. (ii) Correction $0.1 million previously reported within accrued pension liability to other accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2008 and (iii) Correction of $0.6 million previously reported within other liabilities to accrued compensation and benefits in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2008. These corrections had no effect on the Company’s previously reported results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting periods. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, assumptions and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition; allowance for doubtful accounts; inventory costing and reserves; the assessment of warranty reserves; the valuation of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets; accounting for business combinations; share-based payments; employee benefit plans; accounting for restructuring activities; accounting for income taxes and related valuation allowances; and, accounting for loss contingencies. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist principally of money market funds invested in U.S. Treasury Securities and repurchase agreements of U.S. Treasury Securities that have original maturities of 90 days or less. The Company does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk related to its cash equivalents.

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

Financial instruments with remaining maturities within one year from the balance sheet date are classified as current. Financial instruments with remaining maturities more than one year from the balance sheet date are classified as long-term.

Long-Term Investments

As of October 2, 2009, the Company held auction rate securities, recorded at a fair value of $14.7 million, and with a par value of $16.8 million. As of December 31, 2008, the Company held auction rate securities, recorded at a fair value of $25.1 million, and with a par value of $32.3 million. These securities were acquired as part of the Company’s purchase of Excel in 2008. These auction rate notes are student loans backed by the federal government and are privately insured. Current capital market conditions have impacted the Company’s ability to liquidate certain auction rate securities. Liquidity for these auction rate securities is typically provided by an auction process that resets the applicable interest rate at pre-determined intervals, usually every 7, 28, 35 or 90 days. In the past, the auction process has allowed investors to roll over their holdings or obtain immediate liquidity by selling the securities at par. Due to the current capital market conditions, an investor’s ability to sell auction rate securities at par has been adversely affected. Due to the uncertainty in the market as to when these auction rate notes will be refinanced or the auctions will resume, the Company has classified these instruments as long-term assets available for sale. If the credit ratings of the issuer, the bond insurers or the collateral deteriorates further, or if the issuers of these auction rate securities are unable to successfully close further auctions, the Company may further reduce the carrying value of these investments and may in the future be required to record impairment charges against these investments, some of which may be considered other-than-temporary impairment charges. From January 1, 2009 through October 2, 2009, the Company recorded $1.4 million of other comprehensive income attributable to the change in unrealized gains relating to assets still held at October 2, 2009. From the date of the Company’s acquisition of Excel through December 31, 2008, the Company recorded $0.1 million of other comprehensive income attributable to the change in unrealized gains relating to assets still held at December 31, 2008.

During the three months ended October 2, 2009, the Company sold $0.3 million in par value of its auction rate securities valued at $0.2 million for $0.3 million in proceeds which resulted in the recognition of realized gains of approximately $0.1 million. During the nine months ended October 2, 2009, the Company sold $15.5 million in par value of its auction rate securities valued at $11.7 million for $13.6 million in proceeds which resulted in the recognition of realized gains of approximately $1.9 million related to the sale of these securities. The gains realized upon the sale of the auction rate securities are recorded in other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2009. No losses were realized upon the sale of any auction rate securities during the three or nine months ended October 2, 2009. The Company determines the cost of a security sold and the amount to be reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings based on the specific identification method. During the three and nine months ended October 2, 2009, no amounts were reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings related to the sale of the Company’s auction rate securities. See Note 16 to Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of sales of auction rate securities after October 2, 2009.

At October 2, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had a 25.1% equity investment in a privately held company located in the United Kingdom, valued at $1.3 million and $0.8 million at October 2, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, and included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company uses the equity method to record the results of this entity. In relation to this investment, the Company recognized income of $363,000 and $147,000 for the nine months ended October 2, 2009 and September 26, 2008, respectively, which are shown in other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. In relation to this investment, the Company recognized income of $127,000 and $5,000 for the three months ended October 2, 2009 and September 26, 2008, respectively, which are shown in other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Fair Value Measurements

On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (formerly Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”) with no impact to its consolidated results and financial position. ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and enhances disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Valuation techniques must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

ASC 820 establishes a value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the third is considered unobservable:

 

   

Level 1. Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets which the Company can access.

 

   

Level 2. Observable inputs other than those described in Level 1.

 

   

Level 3. Unobservable inputs.

On January 1, 2009, the Company implemented the guidance in ASC 820 related to all nonrecurring fair value measurements of nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities in accordance with FASB Staff Position No. 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (codified within ASC 820). However, no significant nonrecurring fair value measurements were conducted during the nine months ended October 2, 2009.

The following table summarizes the Company’s assets and liabilities, as of October 2, 2009, that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

 

     October 2,
2009
   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant Other
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)

Cash equivalents (1)

   $ 4,807    $ 4,807    $ —      $ —  

Auction rate securities (2)

     14,709      —        —        14,709
                           

Total

   $ 19,516    $ 4,807    $ —      $ 14,709
                           

 

(1) Cash equivalents are valued at quoted market prices in active markets.
(2) Auction rate securities are valued based on assumptions that market participants might use in their estimates of fair value (including, among other factors, underlying collateral and lack of liquidity).

The following table summarizes the Company’s assets and liabilities, as of December 31, 2008, that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

 

     December 31,
2008
   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant Other
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)

Cash equivalents (1)

   $ 36,324    $ 36,324    $ —      $ —  

Auction rate securities (2)

     25,065      —        —        25,065
                           

Total

   $ 61,389    $ 36,324    $ —      $ 25,065
                           

 

(1) Cash equivalents are valued at quoted market prices in active markets.
(2) Auction rate securities are valued based on assumptions that market participants might use in their estimates of fair value (including, among other factors, underlying collateral and lack of liquidity).

The following table summarizes the activity during the nine months ended October 2, 2009 with respect to the auction rate securities, where fair value is determined by Level 3 inputs (in thousands):

 

Balance at December 31, 2008

   $ 25,065   

Sales

     (11,736

Unrealized gains

     1,380   

Unrealized losses

     —     
        

Balance at October 2, 2009

   $ 14,709   
        

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

See Note 7 to Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of the estimated fair value of the Company’s 2008 Senior Notes.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount. The Company generally does not require collateral for trade accounts receivable. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses resulting from the inability of the Company’s customers to make required payments. The Company determines the allowance based on a variety of factors including the age of amounts outstanding relative to their contractual due date, specific customer factors, and other known risks and economic trends in industries. Charges booked to the allowance for doubtful accounts are recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses, and are recorded in the period that they are determined to be uncollectible.

Inventories

Inventories, which include materials and conversion costs, are stated at the lower of cost or market, using the first-in, first-out method. Market is defined as replacement cost for raw materials and net realizable value for other inventories. Demo inventory is recorded at the lower of cost or its net realizable value.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, adjusted for any impairment, less accumulated depreciation. The Company uses the straight-line method to calculate the depreciation of its fixed assets over their estimated useful lives. Estimated useful lives for buildings and improvements range from 3 to 60 years and for machinery and equipment from 1 to 13 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of their useful lives or lease terms, including any renewal period options that are expected to be exercised. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

The Company undertakes a review of its property, plant and equipment carrying values whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The Company relies on the guidance included in ASC 360-10-35-15, “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (formerly SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”) when conducting these reviews. No impairment charges related to property, plant and equipment were recorded during the three and nine months ended October 2, 2009 or September 26, 2008.

Business Combinations

For business combinations consummated prior to January 1, 2009, the Company determined and allocated the purchase price of an acquired company to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as well as to in-process research and development as of the business combination date in accordance with SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations.” The purchase price allocation process requires the Company to use significant estimates and assumptions, including fair value estimates, as of the business combination date including:

 

   

estimated fair values of intangible assets;

 

   

expected costs to complete any in-process research and development projects;

 

   

estimated income tax assets and liabilities assumed from the acquiree; and,

 

   

estimated fair value of pre-acquisition contingencies assumed from the acquiree.

While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions as a part of the purchase price allocation process to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the business combination date, its estimates and assumptions are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the purchase price allocation period, the Company records adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with a corresponding offset to goodwill. Generally, with the exception of unresolved income tax matters, any adjustment to assets acquired or liabilities assumed subsequent to the purchase price allocation period is included in operating results in the period in which the adjustment is determined.

For business combinations consummated prior to January 1, 2009, in-process research and development costs have been expensed when acquired and represent the estimated fair value as of the dates of acquisition of in-process projects acquired that have not yet reached technological feasibility and have no alternative future uses.

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted ASC 805, “Business Combinations” (formerly SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations”).

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price in a business combination over the fair value of the acquired tangible and intangible net assets. In connection with its acquisition of Excel, the Company acquired certain trade names that are classified as intangible assets with indefinite lives. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles are not amortized but they are required to be assessed for impairment at least annually to ensure their current fair values exceed their carrying values.

The Company also has certain intangible assets that are amortized over their estimated useful lives. These definite-lived intangible assets were acquired in connection with the Company’s historic business combinations. The Company’s most significant intangible assets are acquired technology, customer relationships, and trademarks and trade names. All definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over the periods in which their economic benefits are expected to be realized. In addition to the Company’s review of the carrying values of intangible assets, the Company also reviews the useful life assumptions, including the classification of certain intangible assets as ‘indefinite-lived’, on a periodic basis to determine if changes in circumstances warrant revisions to them.

The Company’s product lines generally correspond with its reporting units which is the level at which the Company evaluates its goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets for impairment. All of the Company’s goodwill and intangible assets reside in the Precision Technology and Excel segments.

Impairment Charges

Impairment analyses of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are conducted in accordance with ASC 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other” (formerly SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”). The Company tests its goodwill balances annually in the beginning of the second quarter or more frequently if indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest that impairment may exist. In performing the test, the Company utilizes the two-step approach which requires a comparison of the carrying value of each of the Company’s reporting units to the fair value of these reporting units. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company calculates the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill and compares it to the goodwill’s carrying value. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference. The fair value of a reporting unit is based on the discounted cash flow forecast for the reporting unit. Those forecasts are derived from a set of assumptions similar to those discussed above with respect to the initial assessment of the fair value of intangible assets acquired in a business combination. The carrying values of each reporting unit include assets and liabilities which relate to the reporting unit’s operations. Additionally, reporting units that benefit from corporate assets or liabilities are allocated a portion of those corporate assets and liabilities on a systematic, proportional basis.

As mentioned above, the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets represent trade names that were acquired in the August 2008 Excel acquisition. The Company assesses these indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis as of the beginning of the second quarter, and more frequently if indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest that impairment may exist. The Company will also periodically reassess these indefinite-lived intangible assets’ continuing classification as indefinite-lived. The fair values of the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets are based upon discounted cash flow forecasts. If the fair value of an intangible asset is less than its carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded to reflect the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the impaired asset.

Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The carrying amounts of definite-lived intangible assets and other long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever changes in events or circumstances indicate their carrying values may not be recoverable. The impairment analyses are conducted in accordance with ASC 360-10-35-15. The recoverability of carrying value is determined by comparison of the reporting unit’s carrying value to its future undiscounted cash flows. When this test indicates the potential for impairment, a fair value assessment is performed. The fair values are derived from discounted cash flow forecasts for the particular intangible asset and are derived from a set of assumptions similar to those discussed above with respect to the initial assessment of fair value of intangible assets acquired in a business combination.

Once impairment is determined and measured, an impairment charge is recorded to reflect the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the impaired asset. In addition to evaluating the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, the Company also assesses its other long-lived assets for impairment in accordance with the provisions of ASC 360-10-35-15. This process is discussed above under “Property, plant and equipment.”

The most recent annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test was performed as of the beginning of the second quarter of 2009 noting no impairment. No impairment charges were recorded during the three and nine months ended October 2, 2009 or September 26, 2008.

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable, risk of loss has passed to the customer and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Revenue recognition requires judgment and estimates, which may affect the amount and timing of revenue recognized in any given period.

The Company follows the provisions of ASC 605-25, “Multiple Element Arrangements” (formerly Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) No. 00-21, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables”) for all multiple element arrangements. Under ASC 605-25, the Company assesses whether the deliverables specified in a multiple element arrangement should be treated as separate units of accounting for revenue recognition purposes and whether objective and reliable evidence of fair value exists for these separate units of accounting. The Company applies the residual method when objective and reliable evidence of fair value exists for all of the undelivered elements in a multiple element arrangement. When objective and reliable evidence of fair value does not exist for all of the undelivered elements in a multiple element arrangement, the Company recognizes revenue under the multiple units shipped methodology, whereby revenue is recognized in each period based upon the lowest common percentage of the products shipped in the period. This approximates a proportional performance model of revenue recognition. This generally results in a partial deferral of revenue to a later reporting period. No revenue is recognized unless one or more units of each product has been delivered.

Although certain of the Company’s products contain operating and application software, the Company has determined the software element is incidental in accordance with ASC 985-605, “Software Revenue Recognition” (formerly AICPA Statement of Position (“SOP”) No. 97-2, “Software Revenue Recognition” and EITF No. 03-05, “Applicability of AICPA Statement of Position 97-2 to Non-Software Deliverables in an Arrangement Containing More-Than-Incidental Software”).

The Company determines the unit of accounting for certain transactions based on the guidance in ASC 985-605 (formerly AICPA’s Technical Practice Aid (“TPA”) 5100.39, “Software Revenue Recognition for Multiple Element Arrangements”). In particular, multiple purchase orders may be deemed to be interrelated and considered to constitute a multiple element arrangement for accounting purposes.

Semiconductor Systems transactions are generally multiple element arrangements which may include hardware, software, installation, training, an initial standard warranty, and optional extended warranty arrangements. The Company generally designs, markets and sells these products as standard configurations. For those standard configurations where acceptance criteria, if any, exist and are demonstrated prior to shipment, revenue is recorded at the time of shipment. For those cases where acceptance criteria cannot be demonstrated prior to shipment of a product or if a significant amount of fees are due upon acceptance, the Company recognizes revenue upon customer acceptance. Acceptance is generally required for sales of Semiconductor Systems segment products to Japanese customers, sales of “New Products”, which are considered by the Company, for purposes of revenue recognition determination, to be either (a) a product that is newly released to all customers, including a product which may have been existing previously, but which has been substantially upgraded with respect to its features or functionality; or, (b) the sale of an existing product to a customer who has not previously purchased that product. The Company follows a set of predetermined criteria when changing the classification of a New Product to a standard configuration whereby acceptance criteria are considered to be demonstrated at the time of shipment.

Precision Technology and Excel transactions include both single element and multiple element transactions. Multiple element transactions may include two or more products and occasionally also contain installation, training or preventative maintenance plans. Revenue is generally recognized under the multiple units shipped methodology described above.

The Company’s Semiconductor Systems segment also sells spare parts and consumable items, which are not subject to acceptance criteria. Revenue for these spare parts and consumable items is generally recognized under the multiple units shipped methodology described above.

Installation is generally a routine process that occurs within a short period of time from delivery and the Company has concluded that this obligation is inconsequential and perfunctory. As such, for transactions that include installation, and for which customer acceptance has not been deemed necessary in order to record the revenue, the cost of installation is accrued at the time product revenue is recorded and no related revenue is deferred. Historically, the costs of installation have not been significant.

The initial standard warranty for product sales is accounted for under the provisions of ASC 450, “Contingencies” (formerly SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies”) as the Company has the ability to ascertain the probable likelihood of the liability, and can estimate the amount of the liability. A provision for the estimated cost related to warranty is recorded to cost of goods sold at the time revenue is recognized. The Company’s estimate of costs to service the warranty obligations are based on historical experience and expectations of future conditions. To the extent the Company experiences increased warranty claims or increased costs associated with servicing those claims, revisions to the estimated warranty liability are recorded as increases or decreases to the accrual at that time, with an offsetting entry recorded to cost of goods sold.

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The Company also sells optional extended warranty services, and preventative maintenance contracts, at the time of their product purchase. The Company accounts for these agreements in accordance with provisions of ASC 605-20-25-3, “Separately Priced Extended Warranty and Product Maintenance Contracts” (formerly FASB Technical Bulletin (“FTB”) 90-1, “Accounting for Separately Priced Extended Warranty and Product Maintenance Contracts”) under which it recognizes the separately priced extended warranty and preventative maintenance fees over the associated period.

The Company, at the request of its customers, may at times perform professional services for its customers, generally for the maintenance and repairs of products previously sold to those customers. These services are usually in the form of time and materials based contracts which are short in their duration. Revenue for time and material services is recorded at the completion of services requested under a customer’s purchase order. Customers may, at times subsequent to the initial product sale, purchase a service contract whereby services, including preventative maintenance plans, are provided over a defined period, generally one year. Revenue for such service contracts are recorded ratably over the period of the contract.

The Company typically negotiates trade discounts and agreed terms in advance of order acceptance and records any such items as a reduction of revenue. The Company’s revenue recognition policy allows for revenue to be recognized under arrangements where the payment terms are 180 days or less, presuming all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. From time to time, based on the Company’s review of customer creditworthiness and other factors, the Company may provide its customers with payment terms that exceed 180 days. To the extent all other revenue recognition criteria have been met, the Company recognizes revenue for these extended payment arrangements as the payments become due.

The Company has significant deferred revenue included in its accompanying consolidated balance sheets, with balances (including both current and long-term amounts) of $59.2 million and $84.2 million as of October 2, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. A significant majority of these amounts relate to arrangements whereby the entire arrangement has been accounted for as deferred revenue, as there is no fair value for one or more of the undelivered elements. Upon the final delivery of the undelivered element(s) of the arrangement, the revenue will be recorded for that arrangement. To a much lesser extent, the deferred revenue balances relate to either: (a) the unrecognized portion of a multiple element arrangements that is being recognized into revenue over a ratable basis as associated services are performed; (b) arrangements not currently recognizable due to the arrangement not being fixed and determinable at its inception; (c) the future amortization to revenue of extended warranty contracts and preventative maintenance plans; (d) revenue deferrals for product shipments with FOB destination shipping terms; and (e) deposits from customers against future orders. The classification of deferred revenue, and deferred cost of goods sold, is based on the Company’s expectations relative to when the revenue will be recognizable, based on facts known to the Company as of the date its financial statements are released.

Deferred Cost of Goods Sold

The Company defers the corresponding direct costs associated with the deferred revenue. These deferred costs have been recorded as deferred cost of goods sold, in the current and long-term sections of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as appropriate, and are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as cost of goods sold when the related revenue is expected to be recognized. These costs represent the direct and incremental costs that are attributable to the product whose revenue is being deferred.

Research and Development and Engineering Costs

Internal costs relating to research and development and engineering costs incurred for new products and enhancements to existing products are expensed as incurred.

Product Warranty

The Company generally warrants its products for material and labor to repair and service the system. The standard warranty is generally a period of up to 12 months, with the exception of two product lines, DRC Encoders and JK Lasers, both being product lines that are included in the Precision Technology segment, and which have a warranty period of 24 months. The accounting for warranty provisions is discussed in the “Revenue Recognition” section of this Note 2.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company has stock-based compensation plans which are more fully described in Note 9 to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company recognizes the fair value of all share-based payments to employees as expense.

Shipping & Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are recorded in cost of goods sold.

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Foreign Currency Translation

The financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries outside the United States have been translated into United States dollars in accordance with ASC 830, “Foreign Currency Matters” (formerly SFAS No. 52, “Foreign Currency Translation”). Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated from foreign currencies into United States dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet date. Sales and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate in effect for the period. Accordingly, gains and losses resulting from translating foreign currency financial statements are reported as a separate component of other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in net income (loss) in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Foreign exchange transaction losses, net, were $1.1 million and foreign exchange transaction gains, net, were $269,000 for the nine months ended October 2, 2009 and September 26, 2008, respectively. Foreign exchange transaction gains, net, were $239,000 and foreign exchange transaction losses, net, were $2,000 for the three months ended October 2, 2009 and September 26, 2008, respectively. These amounts arose primarily from transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency, as well as from gains or (losses) on derivative contracts.

Restructuring, Restatement Related Costs and Other

In accounting for its restructuring activities, the Company follows the provisions of ASC 420, “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations” (formerly SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities”). In accounting for these obligations, the Company makes assumptions related to the amounts of employee severance, benefits, and related costs and to the time period over which facilities will remain vacant, sublease terms, sublease rates and discount rates. Estimates and assumptions are based on the best information available at the time the obligation has arisen. These estimates are reviewed and revised as facts and circumstances dictate; changes in these estimates could have a material effect on the amount previously expensed against the Company’s earnings, and currently accrued on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

The costs incurred to third parties, including auditors, attorneys, forensic accountants, and other advisors that relate to the restatement of the Company’s previously issued financial statements as reported in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2008 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 26, 2008, including, the SEC investigation, certain shareholder actions and the internal FCPA investigation have been included within the Company’s restructuring, restatement related costs and other charges in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Pre-Petition Professional Fees

Pre-petition professional fees represent costs incurred during 2009 prior to the Company’s bankruptcy filing related to the financial and legal advisors retained by the Company to assist in the analysis of debt restructuring alternatives, as well as costs incurred by the Company related to financial and legal advisors retained by the noteholders pursuant to certain binding agreements between the two parties.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table provides the details of accumulated other comprehensive loss at:

 

     October 2, 2009     December 31, 2008  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   $ 3,227      $ (839

Unrealized gain on auction rate securities

     1,456        80   

Pension liability

     (4,844     (3,477
                

Total accumulated other comprehensive loss

   $ (161   $ (4,236
                

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Comprehensive Income (loss)

The components of comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     October 2,
2009
    September 26,
2008
    October 2,
2009
    September 26,
2008
 

Consolidated net loss

   $ (12,917   $ (14,225   $ (39,522   $ (14,132

Foreign currency translation adjustments (1)

     1,655        (3,922     4,066        (2,613

Unrealized gain on auction rate securities, net of tax

     610        540        1,376        540   

Pension liability, net of tax

     56        297        (1,367     301   
                                

Consolidated comprehensive loss

   $ (10,596   $ (17,310   $ (35,447   $ (15,904

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (49     (4     (44     (4
                                

Comprehensive loss attributable to GSI Group Inc.

   $ (10,645   $ (17,314   $ (35,491   $ (15,908
                                

 

(1) The foreign currency translation adjustments are primarily related to the movement in the British Pound, Japanese Yen and European Union Euro.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company’s primary objective for holding derivative financial instruments is to manage currency risk. In accordance with ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” (formerly SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”), the Company’s accounting policies for these instruments are based on whether they meet the criteria for designation as hedging transactions, including cash flow, or net investment hedges. The Company did not have any derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting under ASC 815 at October 2, 2009 or December 31, 2008. In cases when the Company does have derivative contracts, it records all derivatives at fair value as assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet and any changes are recognized in other income (expense), net.

When the Company enters into foreign currency derivative contracts, the contracts are generally for less than six months duration with the purpose of hedging foreign currency risk on sales transactions. At October 2, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company held no derivative contracts.

Net Income (loss) Per Common Share

Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. For diluted net income (loss) per common share, the denominator also includes any dilutive outstanding stock options, restricted stock and warrants determined using the treasury stock method. Common and common share equivalent disclosures are (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended    Nine Months Ended
     October 2,
2009
   September 26,
2008
   October 2,
2009
   September 26,
2008

Weighted average common shares outstanding

   47,822    41,677    47,715    41,792

Dilutive potential common shares (1)

   —      —      —      —  
                   

Diluted common shares

   47,822    41,677    47,715    41,792
                   

Excluded from diluted common shares calculation—stock options, restricted stock and warrants that are anti-dilutive

   521    7,738    845    7,534
                   

 

(1) Due to the Company’s net loss position for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2009 and September 26, 2008, all dilutive shares are excluded as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Accounting for Income Taxes

The liability method is used to account for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is established to reduce the deferred tax assets if it is “more likely than not” that the related tax benefits will not be realized in the future.

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements

On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51” (SFAS No. 160) (codified within ASC 810, “Consolidation”). SFAS No. 160 establishes accounting, reporting and disclosure standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Upon the adoption of SFAS No. 160, the Company reclassified the amount attributable to its 50% noncontrolling interest in Excel South Asia JV (previously referred to as minority interest) from liabilities to a separate component of stockholders’ equity on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests is now shown separately from parent net income (loss) in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Prior periods have been restated to reflect the presentation and disclosure requirements of the new guidance.

Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities-an amendment of FASB statement No. 133” (SFAS No. 161) (codified within ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging”). SFAS No. 161 requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities and thereby improves the transparency of financial reporting. At initial adoption, SFAS No. 161 encourages, but does not require, comparative disclosures for earlier periods. The Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 161 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows because the Company did not have any derivative instruments or hedging activities outstanding during the nine months ended October 2, 2009.

Business Combinations

On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (SFAS No. 141(R)) (codified within ASC 805, “Business Combinations”). SFAS No. 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for the method in which the acquirer of a business recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. SFAS No. 141(R) also provides guidance for recognizing and measuring the goodwill acquired in the business combination and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. The Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 141(R) did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows because the Company did not consummate any business combinations during the nine months ended October 2, 2009.

Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets

On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted FSP No. 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (FSP No. 142-3) (codified within ASC 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other”), which amends the factors that must be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life over which to amortize the cost of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142 (codified within ASC 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other”). FSP No. 142-3 amends paragraph 11(d) of SFAS No. 142 to require an entity to consider its own assumptions about renewal or extension of the term of the arrangement, consistent with its expected use of the asset. FSP No. 142-3 also requires the following incremental disclosures for renewable intangible assets: the weighted-average period prior to the next renewal or extension (whether explicit and implicit) for each major intangible asset class; the entity’s accounting policy for the treatment of costs incurred to renew or extend the term of a recognized intangible asset; and, for intangible asset renewed or extended during the period: (1) for entities that capitalize renewal or extension costs, the costs incurred to review or extend the asset, for each major intangible asset class; and, (2) the weighted-average period prior to the next renewal or extension (whether explicit and implicit) for each major intangible asset class. The Company’s adoption of FSP No. 142-3 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Fair Value Measurements

On April 4, 2009, the Company adopted FSP No. 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly” (FSP No. 157-4) (codified

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

within ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”), which provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with SFAS No. 157 when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased. This FSP re-emphasizes that regardless of market conditions the fair value measurement is an exit price concept as defined in SFAS No. 157. This FSP clarifies and includes additional factors to consider in determining whether there has been a significant decrease in market activity for an asset or liability and provides additional clarification on estimating fair value when the market activity for an asset or liability has declined significantly. The scope of this FSP does not include assets and liabilities measured under level 1 inputs. The Company’s adoption of FSP No. 157-4 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

On April 4, 2009, the Company adopted FSP No. 107-1 and Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) No. 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” (FSP No. 107-1 and APB No. 28-1) (codified within ASC 825, “Financial Instruments”). FSP No. 107-1 and APB No. 28-1 amend SFAS No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” (codified within ASC 825, “Financial Instruments”), to require publicly-traded companies, as defined in APB No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting” (codified within ASC 270, “Interim Reporting”) to provide disclosures on the fair value of financial instruments in interim financial statements. The Company’s adoption of FSP No. 107-1 and APB No. 28-1 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

On April 4, 2009, the Company adopted FSP Nos. 115-2 and 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments” (FSP Nos. 115-2 and 124-2) (codified within ASC 320, “Investments-Debt and Equity Securities”). This FSP amends the requirements for the recognition and measurement of other-than-temporary impairments for debt securities by modifying the pre-existing “intent and ability” indicator. Under FSP No. 115-2, for impaired debt securities, an other-than-temporary impairment is triggered when there is intent to sell the security, it is more likely than not that the security will be required to be sold before recovery, or the security is not expected to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. Additionally, FSP No. 115-2 changes the presentation of other-than-temporary impairments in the income statement for those impairments attributed to credit losses. The Company’s adoption of FSP Nos. 115-2 and 124-2 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Subsequent Events

On April 4, 2009, the Company adopted SFAS No. 165, “Subsequent Events” (SFAS No. 165) (codified within ASC 855, “Subsequent Events”) which establishes general standards of accounting for, and disclosure of, events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. SFAS No. 165 originally required all companies to disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated for disclosure and recognition. In February 2010, the FASB issued an amendment to SFAS No. 165 (ASU 2010-09, “Subsequent Events-Amendments to Certain Recognition and Disclosure Requirements”) which removed the requirement for an SEC filer to disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated for disclosure and recognition in issued and revised financial statements. ASU 2010-09 is effective immediately, with the exception of the use of the issued date for conduit debt obligors, for which the effective date is interim or annual periods ending after June 15, 2010. The Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 165 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company will adopt ASU 2010-09 effective in 2010, but does not expect that the adoption will have an impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Recodification of Accounting Standards

On July 4, 2009, the Company adopted SFAS No. 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles—a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162” (SFAS No. 168). SFAS No. 168 establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification as the source of authoritative accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 168 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows; however, the adoption of SFAS No. 168 changed the manner in which the Company references accounting standards beginning with the interim reporting period ended on October 2, 2009.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue Recognition

In September 2009, the FASB’s Emerging Issues Task Force issued EITF No. 08-1, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables” (EITF No. 08-1) (codified within ASU 2009-13, “Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements”). EITF No. 08-1 amends existing revenue recognition accounting pronouncements that are currently within the scope of EITF No. 00-21, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables” (codified within ASC 605-25, “Multiple Element Arrangements”). EITF No. 08-1

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

provides two significant changes to the existing multiple element revenue recognition guidance. First, this guidance removes the requirement to have objective and reliable evidence of fair value for undelivered elements in an arrangement and will result in more deliverables being treated as separate units of accounting. The second change modifies the manner in which the transaction consideration is allocated across the separately identified deliverables. These changes may result in entities recognizing more revenue up-front, and entities will no longer be able to apply the residual method and defer the fair value of undelivered elements. Upon adoption, each separate unit of accounting must have an estimated selling price, which can be based on management’s estimate when there is no other means to determine the fair value of that undelivered item, and the arrangement consideration is allocated based on the elements’ relative selling price. This accounting guidance is effective no later than fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010 but may be early adopted as of the first quarter of an entity’s fiscal year. Entities may elect to adopt this accounting guidance either through prospective application to all revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified after the date of adoption or through a retrospective application to all revenue arrangements for all periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that its adoption of EITF No. 08-1 will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The Company anticipates that it will adopt EITF No. 08-1 effective January 1, 2011 on a prospective basis.

Accounting for Entities in Bankruptcy and Coming Out of Bankruptcy

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. 90-7-1, “An Amendment of AICPA Statement of Position 90-7” (codified within ASC 852, “Reorganizations”). FSP No. 90-7-1 nullifies certain requirements regarding changes in accounting principles that will be applicable to the financial statements of an entity emerging from bankruptcy. Any changes in accounting principles required within the twelve months following the implementation of fresh start accounting by such an entity are no longer required to be adopted at the time fresh start accounting is implemented. Entities emerging from bankruptcy that implement fresh start accounting should only follow accounting standards in effect at the date fresh start accounting is implemented, including any standards eligible for early adoption. The Company will assess the impact of the application of this standard if fresh start accounting is required upon emergence from bankruptcy.

3. Business Combinations

Acquisition of Excel Technology, Inc.

On August 20, 2008, the Company acquired 78.6% of the outstanding common shares of Excel. Thereafter, the Company commenced a tender offering for all remaining Excel common shares. On August 27, 2008, the Company had obtained 92.8% of Excel’s outstanding shares and performed a short form merger to acquire Excel’s remaining outstanding shares. On August 29, 2008, the Company completed its acquisition of Excel for a cash purchase price of $368.7 million, including: a payment of $32.00 per outstanding common share of Excel; a payment of $32.00 less the strike price of each outstanding option for the purchase of common stock and restricted share of common stock; and transaction costs. In addition to these payments, employee termination costs totaling $18.4 million were paid to the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of Excel; these costs have not been included in the purchase price, but are included in the allocation of the purchase consideration. Excel provides complementary products, technologies, and distribution channels. The Company believes that the combined Company will provide its customers a significantly broader product offering. The Company has initiated the integration of key operating units, and those activities are either complete or well underway. These synergistic efforts have enabled substantial cost savings initiatives. Certain integration activities have been delayed due to the Company’s restatement of its financial results as reported in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 26, 2008 and the Chapter 11 Cases. The Company previously expected to complete the integration of Excel with its existing operations by the end of 2010. As a result of the bankruptcy filing on November 20, 2009 and a change in the Company’s Board of Directors, the previous plan is being reevaluated.

The Company accounted for the acquisition as a purchase. The Company has included Excel’s results of operations with the Company’s results beginning August 20, 2008. Subsequent to the acquisition of Excel, the Company established a third segment which was comprised solely of the operations of the newly acquired entity. In 2009, the Company changed the structure of its internal organization in a manner that caused the composition of its reportable segments to change. More specifically, certain portions of a specific product line within the Precision Technology segment were transferred to the Excel segment. The Company’s reportable segment financial information has been restated to reflect the updated reportable segment structure for all periods presented. The Company has recorded the assets purchased and liabilities assumed (collectively, the “net assets”) based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 141, the excess of the total purchase consideration over the fair value of net assets is recorded to goodwill. The goodwill recognized on the Excel acquisition reflects synergies and other benefits expected to be realized from the combination of the two businesses following the acquisition. The goodwill recorded in connection with this acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes.

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

A summary of the purchase price allocation is as follows (in thousands):

 

Total Purchase Consideration:

  

Cash paid to shareholders

   $ 347,730

Cash paid to option holders and restricted stockholders

     12,674

Transaction fees

     8,307
      

Total Purchase Consideration

   $ 368,711
      

Allocation of the Purchase Consideration:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

     10,430

Long-term investments (auction rate securities)

     24,985

Accounts receivable

     20,435

Inventories

     37,690

Income tax receivable

     7,002

Deferred tax assets

     3,442

Property, plant and equipment

     33,050

Identifiable intangible assets

     132,685

In-process research and development charge

     12,142

Goodwill

     149,941

Other assets

     2,292
      

Total assets acquired

     434,094
      

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     15,554

Income taxes payable

     348

Deferred tax liabilities, non-current

     47,541

Other liabilities

     1,940
      

Total liabilities assumed

     65,383
      

Net assets acquired

   $ 368,711
      

The deferred tax liability primarily relates to the tax impact of future tax amortization associated with the identified intangible assets acquired, the adjustment in fair value of certain tangible assets acquired, and the difference between book and tax basis for original issue discount on the debt. The estimated taxes are based on an expected effective tax rate of 36.35%.

The Company used the income approach to determine fair value of the intangible assets. This approach calculates fair value by discounting the after-tax cash flows back to a present value. The baseline data for this analysis were based on the cash flow estimates used to price the transaction. Cash flows were forecasted for each intangible asset, and then discounted based on an appropriate discount rate. In estimating the useful life of the amortizable intangible assets, the Company considered ASC 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other”, Subsection 30-35-3 (formerly paragraph 11 of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”), which lists the pertinent factors to be considered when estimating the useful life of an intangible asset. These factors included a review of the expected use by the combined company of the assets acquired; the expected useful life of any other asset (or group of assets) related to the acquired assets; legal, regulatory or other contractual provisions that may limit the useful life of an acquired asset or may enable the extension of the useful life of an acquired asset without substantial cost; the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors; and the level of maintenance expenditures required to obtain the expected future cash flows from the asset. Definite-lived intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis.

The value assigned to in-process research and development was determined using an income approach by estimating the costs to develop the acquired technology into commercially viable products, estimating the resulting net cash flows from the projects, and discounting the net cash flows to their present value. At the date of acquisition, the development of these projects had not yet reached technological feasibility, and had no alternative future uses. Accordingly, the Company has expensed the value of this research and development at the acquisition date. Due to the nature of the forecasts and the risks associated with the developmental projects, a discount rate of 15.0% was used to discount the net cash flows to their present value. The successful development of new products and product enhancements is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown, including unanticipated delays, access to capital, budget overruns, technical problems and other difficulties that could result in the abandonment or substantial change in the design, development and commercialization of these new products and enhancements. Given the uncertainties inherent with product development and introduction, there can be no assurance that any of the combined Company’s product development efforts will be successful on a timely basis or within budget, if at all. The failure of the combined Company to develop new products and product enhancements on a timely basis or within budget could harm the combined Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The following assets are the identifiable intangible assets acquired and their respective weighted average lives (dollars in thousands):

 

     Amount    Weighted Average
Life (Years)

Amortizable intangible assets:

     

Core technology

   $ 42,355    9.9

Customer relationships

     44,764    11.9

Customer backlog

     3,186    1.0

Non-compete agreements

     8,040    2.9
         

Amortizable intangible assets

     98,345    10.0
         

Non-amortizable intangible assets:

     

Trade names

     34,340   
         

Total identifiable intangible assets

   $ 132,685   
         

The Company undertook an impairment review of its goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment) at December 31, 2008 due to the significant downturn in the global economy in 2008, particularly in the fourth quarter. Included in the impairment charge recorded as of December 31, 2008 totaling $215.1 million were impairments of the goodwill, intangible assets and fixed assets from the Company’s acquisition of Excel totaling $182.7 million. These assets were reduced by $114.1 million, $66.5 million and $2.1 million, respectively. In addition, the Company undertook an impairment review of its goodwill and intangible assets at December 31, 2009 due to the filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. As a result of this review, goodwill and the definite-lived customer relationship intangible asset for the Excel segment were each impaired by approximately $0.5 million.

Acquisition of the U.K. Beryllium Business

On June 1, 2007, the Company acquired the beryllium mirror and structures business of U.K.-based Thales Optronics (Taunton) Ltd, (the “U.K. Beryllium Business”) for $3.0 million, consisting of $2.5 million in payments to former shareholders, plus $0.5 million in acquisition related expenses. The acquisition helped strengthen the Company’s market position in optical scanning. The acquisition was accounted for under SFAS No. 141. The Company allocated the costs of acquisition to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the fair values at the acquisition date. In performing this analysis, the fair value of the net assets acquired was greater than the purchase price. In accordance with SFAS No. 141, the excess of the fair value of the acquired net assets over the purchase cost was allocated on a pro rata basis to the acquired long term assets, which consisted of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. The results of operations of this business are included in the Precision Technology segment of the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date. Total assets acquired were $3.8 million and liabilities assumed were $0.8 million.

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Supplementary Pro Forma Information (Unaudited)

The following unaudited pro forma information presents a summary of consolidated results of operations of the Company and Excel as if the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of each of the periods presented with pro forma adjustments to give effect to amortization of intangible assets, an increase in interest expense on acquisition financing and certain other adjustments together with related tax effects. The unaudited pro forma financial information excludes the material, non-recurring charge for the purchased in-process research and development charge of $12.1 million. No pro-forma information has been presented for the acquisition of the U.K. Beryllium Business, because such information is not material to the Company’s financial results. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information is presented for informational purposes only. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of what the financial position or results of operations actually would have been had the merger been completed at the dates indicated. In addition, the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information does not purport to project the future financial position or operating results of the combined Company after completion of the acquisition (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

     Three Months
Ended
September 26,
2008
    Nine Months
Ended
September 26,
2008
 

Sales

   $ 90,191      $ 290,924   
                

Loss from continuing operations

     (12,939     (19,578

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (19     309   
                

Net loss attributable to GSI Group Inc.

   $ (12,958   $ (19,269
                

Loss from continuing operations per share—basic

   $ (0.31   $ (0.47

Income (loss) from discontinued operations per share—basic

     —          0.01   
                

Net loss attributable to GSI Group Inc. per common share—basic

   $ (0.31   $ (0.46
                

Loss from continuing operations per share—assuming dilution

   $ (0.31   $ (0.47

Income (loss) from discontinued operations per share—assuming dilution

     —          0.01   
                

Net loss attributable to GSI Group Inc. per common share—assuming dilution

   $ (0.31   $ (0.46
                

4. Discontinued Operations

The Company evaluates its businesses and product lines periodically for strategic fit within its operations. On July 3, 2008, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell its U.S. Optics Business located in Moorpark, California and part of the Company’s Precision Technology segment for $21.6 million. The sale was closed on October 8, 2008. The Company includes all current and historical earnings from the U.S. Optics Business in the income (loss) from discontinued operations on the consolidated statement of operations. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain on the sale of this business totaling $8.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2008.

In accordance with ASC 360, “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (formerly SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”), the following amounts, related to the U.S. Optics Business, have been segregated from continuing operations and included in discontinued operations—net of tax, in the consolidated statement of operations (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     October 2,
2009
   September 26,
2008
    October 2,
2009
    September 26,
2008
 

Sales of discontinued business

   $ —      $ 2,625      $ —        $ 9,150   
                               

Pre-tax income (loss) of discontinued business

     —        148        (132     535   

Provision for taxes on income of discontinued business

     —        (167     —          (225
                               

Income (loss) from discontinued business attributable to GSI Group Inc.—net of tax

   $ —      $ (19   $ (132   $ 310   
                               

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The assets and liabilities relating to the U.S. Optics Business have been segregated from other of the Company’s assets and liabilities. During the nine months ended October 2, 2009, the Company recorded an additional charge of $0.1 million related to discontinued operations associated with an insurance premium adjustment; however, the Company did not have any significant continuing involvement with the operations of this component after the disposal transaction. Net cash flows of the Company’s discontinued operations from each of the categories of operating, investing and financing were not significant for the three and nine month periods ended October 2, 2009 and September 26, 2008.

5. Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Impairment Charges

Goodwill

Goodwill is recorded when the consideration for an acquisition exceeds the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. There were no changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the nine months ended October 2, 2009. Goodwill by reportable segment is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Reportable Segment     
     Excel    Precision
Technology
   Total

Balance at December 31, 2008

   $ 35,818    $ 9,245    $ 45,063
                    

Balance at October 2, 2009

   $ 35,818    $ 9,245    $ 45,063
                    

Intangible Assets

As of October 2, 2009, intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     October 2, 2009
     Gross Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
    Net Carrying
Amount
   Weighted Average
Remaining Life
(Years)

Amortizable intangible assets:

          

Patents and acquired technology

   $ 61,495    $ (38,860   $ 22,635    6.6

Customer relationships

     33,681      (10,832     22,849    9.4

Customer backlog

     2,355      (2,355     —      —  

Non-compete agreements

     4,870      (2,159     2,711    1.8

Trademarks, trade names and other

     5,756      (2,777     2,979    9.5
                        

Amortizable intangible assets

     108,157      (56,983     51,174    7.8
                        

Non-amortizable intangible assets:

          

Trade names

     13,027      —          13,027   
                        

Totals

   $ 121,184    $ (56,983   $ 64,201   
                        

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

As of December 31, 2008, intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     December 31, 2008
     Gross Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
    Net Carrying
Amount
   Weighted Average
Remaining Life
(Years)

Amortizable intangible assets:

          

Patents and acquired technology

   $ 60,940    $ (35,593   $ 25,347    7.3

Customer relationships

     33,681      (8,779     24,902    10.1

Customer backlog

     2,355      (1,155     1,200    0.7

Non-compete agreements

     4,870      (1,010     3,860    2.6

Trademarks, trade names and other

     5,589      (2,465     3,124    10.2
                        

Amortizable intangible assets

     107,435      (49,002     58,433    8.2
                        

Non-amortizable intangible assets:

          

Trade names

     13,027      —          13,027   
                        

Totals

   $ 120,462    $ (49,002   $ 71,460   
                        

All definite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their remaining life. Amortization expense for customer relationships, customer backlog, non-compete agreements and definite-lived trademarks, trade names and other are included in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and was $1.4 million and $1.6 million for the three month periods ended October 2, 2009 and September 26, 2008, respectively, and $4.6 million and $2.7 million for the nine month periods ended October 2, 2009 and September 26, 2008, respectively. Amortization expense for the patents and acquired technology are included in cost of goods sold in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and was $1.0 million and $1.2 million for the three month periods ended October 2, 2009 and September 26, 2008, respectively, and $2.9 million for each of the nine month periods ended October 2, 2009 and September 26, 2008.

Estimated amortization expense for each succeeding period after October 2, 2009 is as follows (in thousands):

 

Year Ending December 31,

   Cost of Goods
Sold
   Operating
Expenses
   Total

2009 (3 months from October 2, 2009)

   $ 972    $ 1,146    $ 2,118

2010

     3,889      4,511      8,400

2011

     3,847      3,590      7,437

2012

     3,165      2,722      5,887

2013

     3,165      2,722      5,887

Thereafter

     7,597      13,848      21,445
                    

Total

   $ 22,635    $ 28,539    $ 51,174
                    

Impairment Charges

The Company undertook an impairment review of its goodwill and intangible assets at December 31, 2009 due to the filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. An impairment charge of $1.0 million was recorded on these assets in the fourth quarter of 2009.

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

6. Supplementary Balance Sheet Information

The following tables provide the details of selected balance sheet items as of October 2, 2009 and December 31, 2008:

Inventories

 

     October 2,
2009
   December 31,
2008
     (In thousands)

Raw materials

   $ 37,241    $ 41,355

Work-in-process

     18,030      17,548

Finished goods

     11,854      13,751

Demo inventory

     4,233      5,068

Consigned inventory

     1,006      786
             

Total inventories

   $ 72,364    $ 78,508
             

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

 

     October 2,
2009
   December 31,
2008
     (In thousands)

Prepaid expenses

   $ 2,004    $ 4,411

U.K. buildings held for sale

     3,484      3,376

Other current assets

     2,509      1,782
             

Total

   $ 7,997    $ 9,569
             

At December 31, 2008, the Company had two properties in the U.K. classified as assets held for sale with net book values of $0.2 million and $3.2 million, respectively. The Company completed the sale of one of these properties in February 2009 for proceeds of $0.4 million. The Company recorded a gain on the sale of this asset of $0.2 million. The gain on the sale of the asset is reflected in other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended October 2, 2009. The remaining U.K. property continued to be held for sale as of October 2, 2009 until it was sold during the quarter ended December 31, 2009 in October 2009. The proceeds received on the sale of this property totaled $3.5 million, which is approximately equivalent to the net book value of the asset on the date of sale; therefore, no gain or loss was recorded on the sale. Both properties held for sale at December 31, 2008 are associated with the Precision Technology segment.

At December 31, 2007, the Company had a third property in the U.K. classified as held for sale with a net book value of $1.5 million. The Company completed the sale of this property during the three months ended June 27, 2008 for proceeds of $3.2 million and recorded a gain on the sale of the asset of $1.7 million in the same period. The gain on the sale is reflected in other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 26, 2008. This property is associated with the Precision Technology segment.

Other Accrued Expenses

 

     October 2,
2009
   December 31,
2008
     (In thousands)

Accrued interest

   $ 2,956    $ 8,342

Accrued penalty to warrant holders

     3,612      805

Accrued warranty

     3,132      3,793

Accrued professional fees

     1,978      2,076

Accrued third party sales commissions

     254      604

Customer deposits

     462      484

Accrued restructuring, current portion

     1,494      2,969

Deferred rent, current portion

     343      343

Other

     2,848      4,476
             

Total

   $ 17,079    $ 23,892
             

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Accrued Warranty

 

     October 2,
2009
    December 31,
2008
 
     (In thousands)  

Balance at beginning of the year

   $ 3,793      $ 4,216   

Assumed in Excel acquisition

     —          1,214   

Charged to costs and expenses

     1,369        6,618   

Use of provision

     (2,137     (7,948

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

     107        (307
                

Balance at end of period

   $ 3,132      $ 3,793   
                

Other Liabilities

 

     October 2,
2009
   December 31,
2008
     (In thousands)

Deferred rent

   $ 4,116    $ 4,355

Other

     1,398      214
             

Total

   $ 5,514    $ 4,569
             

7. Debt

On August 20, 2008 (the “Closing Date”), the Company issued to various investors $210.0 million of unsecured senior notes (the “2008 Senior Notes”) pursuant to the terms of an indenture (the “2008 Senior Note Indenture”), along with detachable warrants (the “Warrants”) for the purchase of 5,882,520 of the Company’s common shares, for collective net proceeds to the Company of $203.5 million. The proceeds were used to fund a portion of the Company’s acquisition of Excel, and the 2008 Senior Notes carry a fixed interest rate of 11.0%. The Warrants were net exercised by the holders in October 2008, in exchange for 5,858,495 common shares of the Company. The Company ascribed a fair value to the Warrants in the amount of $26.3 million as of the Closing Date. The fair value was based upon the Black-Scholes option pricing model, assuming a risk-free interest rate of 3.0%, an expected term of 5.0 years, a volatility rate of 85.0% and a 0.0% dividend yield.

The 2008 Senior Notes pay interest semi-annually on February 15th and August 15th and mature in August 2013. Following the first anniversary of the Closing Date, the Company had the right to redeem up to 50% of the 2008 Senior Notes at par without penalty. Following the third anniversary of the Closing Date, the Company had the right to redeem up to 100% of the 2008 Senior Notes at par without penalty. The 2008 Senior Note Indenture contained covenants that restricted the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends, create liens, make investments, sell assets, repurchase securities, or engage in specified transactions with affiliates. As discussed in Note 1 to Consolidated Financial Statements, GSIG and two of its wholly-owned United States subsidiaries filed for bankruptcy on November 20, 2009. Under the Bankruptcy Code, the Company’s status as a bankruptcy debtor automatically accelerated the 2008 Senior Notes. Accordingly, the 2008 Senior Notes are classified as a current liability in the Company’s accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of October 2, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

The $26.3 million of value ascribed to the warrants was recorded as a discount against the 2008 Senior Notes. This discount was being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the life of the 2008 Senior Notes. In connection with the issuance of the 2008 Senior Notes, the Company incurred $6.5 million in issuance fees which are classified as current assets at December 31, 2008. These issuance fees were being amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the contractual term of the 2008 Senior Notes. As of October 2, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the unamortized portion of the valuation of the warrants was $21.9 million and $24.9 million, respectively, and the unamortized debt issuance costs were $5.0 million and $6.0 million, respectively. The 2008 Senior Notes, net of the value of the warrants, constitute a net carrying value of $188.1 million and $185.1 million at October 2, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. For the three months ended October 2, 2009 and September 26, 2008, the total amount recorded to interest expense, including accretion of the fair value of the Warrants and amortization of the debt

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

issuance costs, was $7.1 million and $2.8 million, respectively. For the nine months ended October 2, 2009 and September 26, 2008, the total amount recorded to interest expense, including accretion of the discount and amortization of the debt issuance costs, was $21.3 million and $2.8 million, respectively.

As discussed further in Note 1, the Company failed to timely file its annual and quarterly reports. Pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement (the “RRA”) with the Warrant holders, the Company notified the Warrant holders that it was indefinitely suspending its registration statement on Form S-3. Under the RRA, monetary penalties accrue and are payable to the warrant holders for failure to maintain an effective registration statement, subject to certain terms and conditions more specifically set forth therein. In 2008, the Company incurred penalties under the RRA, and as a result has recorded an expense and corresponding accrued liability of $0.8 million as of December 31, 2008. The Company continued to incur penalties in 2009. As of October 2, 2009, the accrued warranty penalty totaled $3.6 million. The maximum penalty payments payable under these provisions is approximately $3.8 million.

Pursuant to the Final Chapter 11 Plan, on July 23, 2010 upon emergence from bankruptcy, $10.0 million of the 2008 Senior Notes were repaid in cash and the remaining 2008 Senior Notes were cancelled and replaced by $107.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 12.25% Senior Secured PIK Election Notes (the “New Notes”) which mature on July 23, 2014. See Note 16 to Consolidated Financial Statements for information concerning transactions related to the Chapter 11 Cases.

Fair Value of Debt

No public trades occurred in the 2008 Senior Notes during the three months ended October 2, 2009. The Company engaged in ongoing negotiations regarding the value of the 2008 Senior Notes and an appropriate restructuring plan throughout this time period with the lender group and others. Thus, although the actual value of the 2008 Senior Notes may have varied materially if trading had taken place, the Company estimates that the fair value of the 2008 Senior Notes as of October 2, 2009 is its associated par value.

8. Stockholders’ Equity

Capital stock

The authorized capital of the Company consists of an unlimited number of common shares without nominal or par value. Holders of common shares are entitled to one vote per share. Holders of common shares are entitled to receive dividends, if and when declared by the Board of Directors, and to share ratably in its assets legally available for distribution to the stockholders in the event of liquidation. Holders of common shares have no redemption or conversion rights.

Warrants

As discussed in Note 7, in August 2008 the Company issued Warrants which were later net exercised in October 2008 for an aggregate of 5,858,495 common shares.

Shareholders Rights Plan

At the annual meeting of shareholders held on May 15, 2008, shareholders approved a resolution approving the continuation, amendment and restatement of the Company’s shareholders rights plan.

Prior to the 2008 annual meeting of shareholders, the board of directors of the Company approved an amended and restated shareholder rights plan agreement to be dated May 15, 2008 (the “Rights Plan”), if approved by shareholders at such meeting. The Rights Plan was originally approved by the Company’s shareholders on May 26, 2005 and its continued existence had to be approved and confirmed by independent shareholders on or before the date of the Company’s 2008 annual meeting of shareholders or the Rights Plan would expire. The Rights Plan was cancelled in connection with the Company’s emergence from the Chapter 11 proceedings. See Note 16 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The amended and restated shareholder rights plan continues to create a right (which is only triggered if a person or a control group acquires 20% or more of the Company’s issued and outstanding publicly traded common shares) for each shareholder, other than the acquiring person or its associates or affiliates, to acquire additional common shares of the Company at one-half of the then market price at the time of exercise. The net effect of an exercise is to dilute the prospective acquirer’s share position, and inhibits a change of control event unless the rights plan has been withdrawn or the buyer makes a bid that is permitted by the terms of the plan.

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The rights plan is intended to give the Company’s Board of Directors more time and control over any sale process and increase the likelihood of maximizing shareholder value.

Stock Repurchase Plan

In December 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program providing for the repurchase of up to $15.0 million in shares of the Company’s common shares. In February 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an increase in the Stock Repurchase Program up to a total of $40.0 million. The Company repurchased and retired 772,467 shares, 816,830 shares, and 381,300 shares in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively, at an aggregate cost of $6.4 million, $7.8 million, and $3.8 million, respectively. The program was suspended in May 2008 as a result of the Company’s decision to acquire Excel. At October 2, 2009, $21.9 million remains available for future Company purchases under this program. In connection with the Chapter 11 Cases, the stock repurchase program was cancelled.

9. Share-Based Compensation

The Company has several share-based compensation plans, including the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, under which stock-based grants may be issued and several other plans under which no new grants will be made. The 2006 Equity Incentive Plan provides for grants of various stock-based awards including, but not limited to, stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock. Since 2006, the Company has issued only restricted stock in the form of time and performance-based grants to senior executives, key employees and directors.

2006 Equity Incentive Plan

On May 15, 2006, shareholders of the Company approved the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan which provides for the sale or grant of various awards of, or the value of, the Company’s common shares including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and performance shares and units, performance-based awards, and stock grants, to officers, directors, employees and certain consultants to the Company. The maximum number of shares of the Company’s common shares which may be issued pursuant to the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan is 9,406,000 shares, including a 2.5 million share increase as approved by the Company’s shareholders at the May 2008 annual meeting, and subject to adjustment in the event of certain corporate events and reduced by the number of shares already issued pursuant to awards under the Company’s 1992 and 1995 Equity Incentive Plans. The plan has a ten year term. As of October 2, 2009, there were 4,246,784 common shares available for future issuance under this plan. The 2006 Equity Incentive Plan was cancelled upon the Company’s emergence from bankruptcy. See Note 16 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company recorded compensation expense related to restricted stock awards issued under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan totaling $0.4 million and $0.8 million in the three month periods ended October 2, 2009 and September 26, 2008, respectively, and $1.7 million and $2.3 million in the nine month periods ended October 2, 2009 and September 26, 2008, respectively. Approximately $0.1 million of the compensation expense recognized during the three and nine month periods ended October 2, 2009 relates to awards that are accounted for as share-based liabilities under ASC 718. The share-based liabilities relate to the Company’s obligations arising from its commitment to issue shares of restricted stock and common stock to the members of its Board of Directors as compensation for their services provided as members of the Company’s Board of Directors. The associated liability is reported within other accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of October 2, 2009. The expense associated with the Company’s share-based liabilities is reported within selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine month periods ended October 2, 2009. No awards were accounted for as share-based liabilities during the three and nine month periods ended September 26, 2008. No other issuances were made under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan during the nine months ended October 2, 2009. Stock compensation expense is primarily included in selling, general, and administrative expenses, and as an increase to additional paid-in capital on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Earnings before income taxes were reduced by these amounts. As the restricted stock is issuable to the holder, subject to vesting provisions, with no consideration payable by the holder, the grant date fair value per share is based on the quoted stock price on the date of the grant.

        It is the Company’s policy to issue new shares for equity awards. For awards that vest based solely on service conditions, the Company recognizes compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally from the grant of the awards through the end of the vesting period. For awards with vesting that is contingent upon the achievement of performance conditions, the Company recognizes compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally from the grant of the awards through the end of the vesting period, for each separately vesting tranche of the award. Restricted stock awards have generally been issued with a three-year vesting period. The Company reduces the compensation expense by an estimated forfeiture rate which is based on actual experience. The Company assesses the likelihood that performance-based shares will be earned based on the probability of meeting the performance criteria. For those performance-based awards that are deemed probable of achievement, an expense is recorded, and for those awards that are deemed not probable of achievement no expense is recorded. The Company assesses the probability of achievement each quarter.

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The table below summarizes activity relating to restricted stock awards issued under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan:

 

     Number of
Shares
(in thousands)
    Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

Nonvested restricted stock at December 31, 2008

   760      $ 8.84

Granted

   —        $ —  

Vested

   (275   $ 8.93

Forfeited

   (75   $ 8.18
            

Nonvested restricted stock at October 2, 2009

   410      $ 8.90
            

The Company’s restricted stock awards consist of both time-based and performance-based awards. Based on the Company’s estimates of forfeitures of time-based awards, and estimates relative to performance-based awards’ vesting and forfeitures, the Company would record aggregate compensation expense of $1.2 million subsequent to July 3, 2009, over a weighted average life of 1.0 years.

Other Incentive Compensation Plans

The Company has several stock option plans and a warrant plan with outstanding grants that pre-date the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. In 2005, the unvested options were accelerated. No new options will be granted under pre-2006 equity plans. All pre-2006 equity plans were also cancelled upon the Company’s emergence from bankruptcy. Stock option and warrant activity under these plans is presented below:

 

     Number of
Shares
(in thousands)
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term in
Years
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (millions)

Outstanding at December 31, 2008

   430      $ 9.49    1.46 years    $ —  

Granted

   —             

Exercised

   —             

Forfeited and expired

   (167   $ 8.98      
                  

Outstanding at October 2, 2009

   263      $ 9.82       $  
                        

Exercisable at October 2, 2009

   263      $ 9.82    1.49 years    $ —  
                        

The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying options and warrants and the quoted price of common shares for the options and warrants that were in the money at October 2, 2009. There were no in the money shares at October 2, 2009.

10. Employee Benefit Plans

U.K. Defined Benefit Pension Plan

The Company maintains a pension plan in the United Kingdom that consists of two components: the Final Salary Plan (the “U.K. Plan”), which is a defined benefit plan, and the Retirement Savings Plan, which is a defined contribution plan. In 1997, membership to the U.K. Plan was closed and in 2003 the Company was allowed to stop accruing additional benefits to the participants. Benefits under the U.K. Plan were based on the employees’ years of service and compensation. Most of the beneficiaries of this plan are no longer employed by the Company. The Company follows a pension funding policy based on widely used actuarial methods as permitted by regulatory authorities. The funded amounts reflect actuarial assumptions regarding compensation, interest and other projections. The assets of the U.K. Plan consist primarily of equity, real estate and fixed income securities of U.K. and foreign issuers.

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Pension and other benefit costs reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations are based on the projected benefit method of valuation. Within the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, pension plan benefit liabilities are included in accrued pension liability.

The table below sets forth the estimated net periodic pension cost (benefit) for the U.K. Plan (in thousands):

 

     Three Months
Ended
    Nine Months
Ended
 
     October 2,
2009
    September 26,
2008
    October 2,
2009
    September 26,
2008
 

Components of the net periodic pension cost (benefit):

        

Service cost

   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Interest cost

     350        412        990        1,200   

Expected return on plan assets

     (345     (465     (974     (1,329

Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation (asset)

     —          —          —          —     

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

     —          —          —          —     

Amortization of (gain) loss

     36       23        101       45   
                                

Net periodic pension cost (benefit)

   $ 41      $ (30   $ 117      $ (84
                                

Japan Defined Benefit Pension Plan

The Company maintains a tax qualified pension plan in Japan that covers substantially all Japanese employees. The Company deposits funds in various fiduciary-type arrangements and/or purchases annuities. Benefits are based on years of service and the employee’s compensation at retirement. Employees with less than twenty years of service to the Company receive a lump sum benefit payout. Employees with twenty or more years of service to the Company, receive a benefit that is guaranteed for a certain number of years. Participants may under certain circumstances, receive a benefit upon termination of employment.

The assumptions that are used to value the costs and obligations of the plan reflect the Japanese economic environment. The Company continues to fund the plan sufficient to meet current benefits as well as fund a portion of future benefits as permitted by regulatory authorities.

Pension and other benefit costs reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations are based on the projected benefit method of valuation. Within the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, pension plan benefit liabilities are included in accrued pension liability.

The table below sets forth the estimated net periodic pension cost (benefit) for the Japan defined benefit pension plan (in thousands):

 

     Three Months
Ended
    Nine Months
Ended
 
     October 2,
2009
    September 26,
2008
    October 2,
2009
    September 26,
2008
 

Components of the net periodic pension cost (benefit):

        

Service cost

   $ 63     $ 51     $ 186     $ 154   

Interest cost

     8       6        23        19   

Expected return on plan assets

     (1     (1     (2     (4

Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation (asset)

     20       17       59       52  

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

     —          —          —          —     

Amortization of (gain) loss

     —          —          —          —     
                                

Net periodic pension cost (benefit)

   $ 90      $ 73      $ 266      $ 221   
                                

11. Income Taxes

At the end of each interim reporting period, the Company determines its estimated annual effective tax rate, which is revised, as required, at the end of each successive interim period based on facts known at that time. The estimated annual effective tax rate is applied to the year-to-date pre-tax income at the end of each interim period. The tax effect of significant unusual items is reflected in the period in which they occur. Since the Company is incorporated in Canada, it is required to use Canada’s statutory tax rate of 31.5% in the determination of the estimated annual effective tax rate. The Company’s reported effective tax rate for continuing

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

operations of 5.73% for the nine months ended October 2, 2009 differed from the expected Canadian federal statutory rate of 31.5%, primarily due to the mix of jurisdictions in which the Company earns its income, the increase in the Company’s liability for uncertain tax positions, and the increase in the Company’s valuation allowance, offset in part by the increase in interest receivable resulting from the IRS audit for the tax years from 1999 to 2002 and the increase in the potential refunds and accrued interest income from the impending refunds claimed on the federal amended returns for the tax years from 2000 to 2008.

As part of the process of preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Company is required to estimate its income tax provision (benefit) in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates. This process involves estimating the current income tax provision (benefit) together with assessing the future effects of temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amount and the tax bases of assets and liabilities.

The Company records a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that a portion of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company has considered historical losses, future taxable income, and expected reversals of existing temporary differences in assessing the need for a valuation allowance. With two exceptions discussed further below, the Company has not provided any additional federal or state income taxes or foreign withholding taxes on the undistributed earnings as such earnings have been indefinitely reinvested in the business as defined in the provisions of FAS109 (codified within ASC 740, “Income Taxes”) as well as Accounting Principles Board (APB) 23 (codified within ASC 740, “Income Taxes”). In general, the determination of the amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to the undistributed earnings is not practicable because of the complexities associated with its hypothetical calculation. However, in the Company’s 2009 financial statements, deferred tax was provided with respect to two dividend transactions that the Company ultimately consummated in 2010. Notwithstanding the 2010 dividend, the Company continues to assert that the remaining undistributed earnings are indefinitely reinvested.

As of October 2, 2009, the Company had total unrecognized tax benefits of $5.4 million, all of which, if recognized would favorably affect its effective tax rate. The Company expects that the changes in the unrecognized benefits within the next twelve months will not be material. Given the uncertainty regarding when the authorities will complete their examinations and the possible outcomes of their examinations, a current estimate of the range of reasonably possible significant increases or decreases in income tax that may occur within the next twelve months cannot be made.

The reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning of the first quarter and the end of the third quarter of 2009 is as follows:

 

Balance at January 1, 2009

   $  5,166

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

     27

Additions for tax positions of prior years

     170

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

     —  

Settlements

     —  
      

Balance at October 2, 2009

   $ 5,363
      

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. As of October 2, 2009, the Company had approximately $0.8 million of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions.

The Company files state and federal income tax returns in the United States and in foreign jurisdictions. Generally, the Company is no longer subject to United States federal, state or local, or foreign income tax examinations by tax authorities for the years before 2000 as these years have been effectively settled as described in FSP FIN 48-1 “Definition of Settlement in FASB Interpretation No. 48” (codified within ASC 740, “Income Taxes”). Currently, the Company is under examination in the United States for tax years 2000 through 2005. The Company’s income tax returns may be reviewed in the following countries and for the following periods under the appropriate statute of limitations: United States (2006-present), Canada (2003-present), United Kingdom (2006-present), and Germany (2006-present).

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

12. Restructuring, Restatement Related Costs and Other

The following table summarizes restructuring, restatement related costs and other expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations:

 

     Three Months Ended    Nine Months Ended  
     October 2,
2009
   September 26,
2008
   October 2,
2009
   September 26,
2008
 
     (In thousands)  

United Kingdom restructuring

   $ 37    $ —      $ 748    $ (322

Germany restructuring

     1,579      16      1,582      147   

Novi restructuring

     —        45      —        1,369   

Bedford restructuring

     —        3,012      11      3,012   
                             

Restructuring charges

     1,616      3,073      2,341      4,206   

Restatement related costs and other charges

     1,794      —        12,459      —     
                             

Total restructuring, restatement related costs and other charges

   $ 3,410    $ 3,073    $ 14,800    $ 4,206   
                             

Restructuring Charges

The Company’s initial estimate for its liability for ongoing costs associated with workforce reductions and abandoned lease facilities are recorded at fair value. Generally, the expense and liability recorded is calculated using discounted cash flows of the Company’s estimated ongoing severance obligations and lease obligations, including contractual rental and build-out commitments, net of estimated sublease rentals, offset by related sublease costs. In estimating the expense and liability for its lease obligations, the Company estimated: (i) The costs to be incurred to satisfy rental and build-out commitments under the lease, (ii) The lead time necessary to sublease the space, (iii) The projected sublease rental rates, and (iv) The anticipated duration of subleases. The Company used a credit adjusted risk free rate of approximately 5% to discount the estimated cash flows for obligations with payments due in excess of one year.

The Company reviews its assumptions and estimates quarterly and updates its estimates of the liability as changes in circumstances require. The Company’s estimates have changed in the past, and may change in the future, resulting in additional adjustments to the estimate of the liability, and the effect of any such adjustments could be material. Changes to the Company’s estimate of the liability are recorded as additional restructuring expense (benefit). In addition, because the Company’s estimate of the liability includes the application of a discount rate to reflect the time-value of money, the Company records imputed interest costs related to the liability each period. These costs are reflected in restructuring expense (benefit) on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

United Kingdom Restructuring

In 2007, the Company implemented a plan to expand its manufacturing operations in China and restructure its manufacturing operations in the United Kingdom. These actions are part of the Precision Technology segment’s overall plan to expand its presence in Asia and increase profitability. The restructuring expense in 2007 related to this plan was $6.7 million. The charge was comprised of $2.6 million in employee termination benefits, $3.1 million in inventory write-offs, $0.7 million in direct costs associated with the manufacturing transition to China, and $0.3 million related to facility consolidations. The inventory write-offs were charged to restructuring, restatement related costs and other charges as they related to discontinued product offerings, and not recurring activities. These restructuring efforts were largely completed in 2007.

On February 29, 2008 and June 27, 2008, the Company executed agreements to sell assets related to its otherwise discontinued Impact product line, and certain assets related to its Laser Mark and Excimer Laser product lines within the Precision Technology segment. The majority of the assets sold in the transaction represent inventory that had already been written off and were included as part of the restructuring charges recorded in 2007. Payments received on asset sales that are due beyond one year are recorded as restructuring benefits when they are received. Accordingly, the sales resulted in a restructuring benefit of $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 26, 2008. No amounts were received during the three months ended September 26, 2008 or the three and nine months ended October 2, 2009.

        In December 2008, the Company announced the transfer of all volume related manufacturing from its Rugby, U.K. facility within the Precision Technology segment, to the Company’s facilities in China and the then-newly acquired Excel manufacturing sites. These activities have been completed in 2009, at a total cost of $4.7 million, which is comprised of non-cash land and building impairment charges of $3.6 million, employee severance costs of $1.0 million and facility related charges of $0.1 million. In December 2008, the Company recorded $3.9 million of this total to restructuring expense. It was comprised of $3.6 million of non-cash land and building impairment charges and $0.3 million of employee severance costs. In addition to the amount recorded to restructuring, restatement related costs and other expense, the Company recorded a charge of $0.6 million for inventory write-offs

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

against cost of goods sold in 2008. During the nine months ended October 2, 2009, the Company recorded $0.7 million, in restructuring costs related to this restructuring plan. The amounts were comprised entirely of employee severance costs.

Germany Restructuring

As a result of restructuring programs undertaken in 2000 through 2004, and the subsequent sublease of the Company’s Munich, Germany facility within the Precision Technology segment in May 2007 through the end of its lease term, the Company carried a $1.1 million accrual for the cost of this lease as of December 31, 2008. As noted above, the Company regularly reviews its assumptions with respect to excess space, including contractual lease payments and expected proceeds from the sublessor. Following this review, the Company recorded adjustments to the restructuring accrual in each of 2008 and 2007. During the three months ended October 2, 2009, the Company determined that it would no longer recover sublease payments from the subtenant. Accordingly, the previous estimate of future sublease payments was revised. As a result, the Company recorded an additional restructuring charge of $1.4 million during the three and nine months ended October 2, 2009 related to the revised sublease assumptions. As a result of changes in the present value of the net cash flows from expected sublease income and lease expenses, the Company recorded an additional restructuring expense of $0.1 million during the nine months ended September 26, 2008. As of October 2, 2009, cumulative expense related to this restructuring plan is $4.2 million. The remaining accrual of $2.5 million will be paid ratably over the remaining term of the lease, which expires in January 2013.

On July 23, 2009, the Company initiated certain restructuring activities to consolidate its German sales and distribution operations for the Precision Technology segment located in Munich, Germany with those of Excel Technology Europe, located in Darmstadt, Germany. The Company’s lease obligations related to the facility in Darmstadt, Germany were acquired in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Excel in August 2008. These consolidation activities have been completed in 2009, at a total cost of $0.2 million, which is comprised entirely of facility related charges including a lease termination fee, required remaining lease payments and move related costs. Of the total restructuring charge of $0.2 million incurred during the three months ended October 2, 2009, $0.1 million was paid prior to December 31, 2009. The remaining $0.1 million is expected to be paid during the first six months of 2010.

Novi Restructuring

In the second quarter of 2008, the Company implemented a plan to close its Novi, Michigan facility, which provided U.S. sales, applications and service support to a product line included in the Company’s Precision Technology segment. The Novi facility was consolidated within the Company’s Bedford, Massachusetts facility. In connection with this action, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $1.4 million during the three months ended June 27, 2008, consisting of $0.7 million for employee severance costs and $0.7 million in lease abandonment and related costs. The majority of the employee severance payments were made in 2008 and the remaining amounts have been paid in 2009. The lease costs are being paid ratably over the duration of the lease, which ends in 2012.

Bedford Restructuring

In September 2008, the Company consolidated its operations and facilities in Massachusetts to a new facility in Bedford, Massachusetts. At that time, the Company implemented a plan to reduce its United States workforce by approximately 50 people and took a restructuring charge in the third quarter of 2008 of $3.0 million for severance costs. The Company charged $1.2 million of this amount to the Semiconductor Systems segment; $0.7 million to the Precision Technology segment; and $1.1 million against corporate operations. The workforce reduction is expected to save the Company $6.8 million in annual salary and related costs. In December 2008, in connection with its consolidation of the historic Scanner business with the then-newly acquired Scanner business of Excel, Cambridge Technology, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $0.3 million relating to employee severance costs. The $0.3 million restructuring charge was charged to the Precision Technology segment. The majority of these employee severance payments were made in 2008, and the remaining amounts have been paid in 2009.

Restatement Related Costs and Other Charges

        During the three and nine months ended October 2, 2009, the Company incurred costs to third parties, including auditors, attorneys, forensic accountants, and other advisors, that relate to the restatement of the Company’s previously issued financial statements as reported in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2008 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 26, 2008, including, the SEC investigation, certain shareholder actions and the internal FCPA investigation. These costs are charged to expense as incurred and are included in the Company’s restructuring, restatement related costs and other charges for the respective periods in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The costs incurred were $1.8 million during the three months ended October 2, 2009 and $12.5 million during the nine months ended October 2, 2009. No such amounts were incurred during the three and nine months ended September 26, 2008.

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Rollforward of Accrued Expenses Related to Restructuring

The following table summarizes the accrual activity related to the Company’s restructuring charges recorded on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):

 

Balance at December 31, 2008

   $ 2,519   

Restructuring charges (benefits), net

     2,341   

Cash payments

     (2,091

Non-cash write-offs or other adjustments

     196   
        

Balance at October 2, 2009

   $ 2,965   
        

As of October 2, 2009 and December 31, 2008, $1.5 million and $1.1 million, respectively, of accrued restructuring charges were included in long-term liabilities classified as accrued restructuring, net of current portion in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The current portion of accrued restructuring charges is included in other accrued expenses. See Note 6 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

13. Commitments and Contingencies

Operating leases

The Company leases certain equipment and facilities under operating lease agreements. Most of these lease agreements expire between 2010 and 2020. In the United Kingdom, where longer lease terms are more common, the Company has land leases that extend through 2078. Under the terms of the facility leases, the Company is responsible to pay real estate taxes and other operating costs. In connection with its acquisition of Excel in 2008, the Company assumed fourteen new facility leases used in manufacturing, research and development, sales and administration. The rent on certain leases is subject to escalation clauses in future years.

In 2007, the Company signed a 12-year lease for a 147,000 square foot facility in Bedford, Massachusetts. The terms of the lease provide the Company with two renewal options for periods of five years each. The Company consolidated its Natick, Massachusetts; Billerica, Massachusetts and Wilmington, Massachusetts operations into this facility. The consolidation was completed in the second quarter of 2008. Under the terms of the lease agreement, the landlord waived the first 5.5 months rent (representing a savings of $0.7 million). This savings is being amortized as a reduction to rent expense over the life of the lease, and is included within deferred rent classified as other accrued expenses or other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets based on the associated amortization period. The Company incurred $14.3 million in expenditures through December 31, 2008 to fit-up and occupy the Bedford facility, of which the landlord provided $4.0 million in allowances. These expenditures were completed as of December 31, 2008. The landlord allowance has been included in the Company’s accompanying consolidated balance sheets in property, plant and equipment, and within deferred rent classified as other accrued expenses or other liabilities based on the associated amortization period. The property, plant and equipment balance is being amortized to depreciation expense ratably over the life of the lease, and the landlord allowance is being offset as a reduction to rent expense, ratably over the life of the lease.

In February 2010, the Company entered into an Amended Lease Agreement with 125 Middlesex Turnpike, LLC to reduce the term of its current lease at 125 Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford, Massachusetts from 12 years (of which approximately 10 years were remaining) to 3 years from the new effective date of May 27, 2010. The rental payment will continue at $0.1 million per month. In the aggregate, the modification reduces the Company’s obligations under the current lease by approximately $10.8 million, of which $0.9 million relates to 2013, $1.6 million relates to 2014 and $8.3 million relates to periods thereafter.

Legal Proceedings

The Company’s French subsidiary, GSI Lumonics SARL (“Lumonics”), is subject to a claim by a customer, SCGI, that a Laserdyne 890 system delivered in 1999 had unresolved technical problems. During the third quarter of 2005, GSI France, parent of Lumonics, filed for bankruptcy protection, which was granted by the French court on July 7, 2005. On April 18, 2006, the court fixed SCGI’s claim against Lumonics at 598,079 Euros, plus court costs and expert fees of 85,945 Euros. SCGI accepted the court’s determination and demanded that the Liquidator bring an action in the United Kingdom against GSI Group Ltd., the parent corporation of GSI France. The Company does not believe it will be required to make any payments regarding this action. Accordingly, nothing has been accrued in the Company’s accompanying consolidated financial statements with respect to this claim.

On December 12, 2008, in connection with the delayed filing of its results for the quarter ended September 26, 2008, and the announcement of a review of revenue transactions, a putative shareholder class action alleging federal securities violations was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts against the Company, a former officer and a then current officer and director.

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Specifically, the complaint alleges that the Company and the individual defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, and seeks recovery of damages in an unspecified amount. The action was brought on behalf of a putative class of shareholders who purchased the Company’s stock between April 30, 2008 and December 3, 2008. A lead plaintiff, Mason Tenders District Council Trust Funds, was appointed on May 8, 2009. On July 1, 2009, the Court ordered lead plaintiff to file a consolidated or amended complaint within 30 days of the Company’s filing of restatements for certain of its historical financial results with the SEC. As of October 2, 2009, nothing has been accrued in the Company’s accompanying consolidated financial statements. In May 2010, the parties reached an agreement in principle to settle the litigation. The settlement covers purchasers of the common stock of the Company between February 27, 2007 and June 30, 2009. On July 30, 2010, a Motion for Certification of a Settlement Class and for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement was filed with the court. The settlement is subject to preliminary and final approval by the United States District Court. Although the settlement agreement has not yet been approved by the United States District Court, the total settlement amount is well within the Company’s insurance policy limits; the Company’s contribution to the settlement amount would be limited to the balance of the company’s self-insured retention.

The Company is also subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe that the outcome of these claims will have a material adverse effect upon its financial condition or results of operations but there can be no assurance that any such claims, or any similar claims, would not have a material adverse effect upon its financial condition or results of operations.

Chapter 11 Cases

On November 20, 2009, the Debtors filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for Delaware. On May 27, 2010, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order confirming and approving the Final Chapter 11 Plan for the Debtors and the Plan Documents (as defined in the Final Chapter 11 Plan). On July 23, 2010, the Debtors consummated their reorganization through a series of transactions contemplated by the Final Chapter 11 Plan, and the Final Chapter 11 Plan became effective pursuant to its terms. Certain claims under the Final Chapter 11 Plan remain subject to final resolution.

In connection with the Chapter 11 Cases, the Bankruptcy Court fixed May 19, 2010 as the deadline for the filing of proofs of claim against the Debtors by all governmental units holding claims against the Debtors that arose prior to the petition date. On April 8, 2010, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) filed amended proofs of claim aggregating approximately $7.7 million. On July 13, 2010, the Company filed a complaint, GSI Group Corporation v. United States of America, in Bankruptcy Court to recover refunds totaling approximately $18.8 million in federal income taxes the Company overpaid to the IRS relating to tax years 2000 through 2008, together with applicable interest. The complaint includes an objection to the IRS’ proofs of claim which the Company believes are not allowable claims and should be expunged in their entirety.

On May 13, 2010, the SEC filed a proof of claim in an indeterminate amount for penalties, disgorgement, and prejudgment interest arising from possible violations of the federal securities laws. As noted below, the SEC has been conducting a formal investigation into certain pre-bankruptcy transactions and practices involving the Company and sent a “Wells Notice” to the Company on September 16, 2010. Based on their investigation, the SEC indicated in their proof of claim that they may file a civil action against the Company in an appropriate forum. The Company is unable to predict the outcome of this matter but, as noted below, the Company is cooperating fully with the SEC’s investigation.

In addition, under the terms of the Final Chapter 11 Plan, the Company is obligated to make additional payments to the holders of Senior Notes Claims in its Chapter 11 Cases if the amount of certain claims under the Final Chapter 11 Plan exceeds $22.5 million. The additional payment would equal approximately $1.00 for each dollar by which the $22.5 million cap amount is exceeded. The Company cannot make a final determination of the amount, if any, the Company may owe as a result of this provision until certain claims filed in connection with its Chapter 11 Cases, including the IRS and SEC claims described above, are finally resolved. The amount of such claims, based on the known and estimated amount of such claims, is currently well below the $22.5 million cap amount. Accordingly, nothing has been accrued in the Company’s accompanying consolidated financial statements with respect to this potential obligation.

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

SEC Investigation

On May 14, 2009, the Company received a notice from the SEC indicating that the SEC is conducting a formal investigation relating to its historical accounting practices and the restatement of its historical consolidated financial statements. On September 16, 2010, the Company received a “Wells Notice” from the SEC, stating that the Staff is considering recommending that the Commission institute a civil injunctive action or administrative proceeding against the Company, alleging that the Company violated various provisions of the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act, and providing the Company with the opportunity to make a submission to the Staff in connection therewith. In connection with the contemplated action, the SEC may seek a permanent injunction or cease-and-desist order, disgorgement, prejudgment interest and the imposition of a civil penalty. The Company is cooperating fully with the SEC’s investigation.

Issuance of Unregistered Securities

The Company inadvertently issued unregistered shares of common stock under its 2006 Equity Incentive Plan as a result of its inadvertent failure to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-8. The 2006 Equity Incentive Plan was approved by the Company’s shareholders in May 2006. From March 2007 through March 2010, the Company issued approximately 773,037 duly authorized common shares with a total fair market value at the date of issuance of approximately $3,889,796 to fifty-two employees and directors under its 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. As a result, the Company may be subject to civil litigation, enforcement proceedings, fines, sanctions and/or penalties. The Company’s common shares, including those issued under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, were exchanged for new common shares in connection with the Company’s emergence from bankruptcy pursuant to the exemption from registration under §1145 of the Bankruptcy Code and are now freely tradable by holders who are not deemed to be underwriters.

Guarantees and Indemnifications

In the normal course of its operations, the Company executes agreements that provide for indemnification and guarantees to counterparties in transactions such as business dispositions, the sale of assets, sale of products and operating leases. Additionally, the by-laws of the Company require it to indemnify certain current or former directors, officers, and employees of the Company against expenses incurred by them in connection with each proceeding in which he or she is involved as a result of serving or having served in certain capacities. Indemnification is not available with respect to a proceeding as to which it has been adjudicated that the person did not act in good faith in the reasonable belief that the action was in the best interests of the Company. On June 5, 2009, the board of directors of the Company approved a form of indemnification agreement to be implemented by the Company with respect to its directors and officers. The form of indemnification agreement provides, among other things, that each director and officer of the Company who signs the indemnification agreement shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against all expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such officer or director in connection with any proceeding by reason of his or her relationship with the Company. In addition, the form of indemnification agreement provides for the advancement of expenses incurred by such director or officer in connection with any proceeding covered by the indemnification agreement, subject to the conditions set forth therein and to the extent such advancement is not prohibited by law. The indemnification agreement also sets out the procedures for determining entitlement to indemnification, the requirements relating to notice and defense of claims for which indemnification is sought, the procedures for enforcement of indemnification rights, the limitations on and exclusions from indemnification, and the minimum levels of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance to be maintained by the Company.

Credit Risks and Other Uncertainties

The Company maintains financial instruments such as cash and cash equivalents, and trade receivables. From time to time, certain of these instruments may subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk whereby one institution may hold a significant portion of the cash and cash equivalents, or one customer may compose a large portion of the accounts receivable balances.

There was no concentration of credit risk related to the Company’s position in trade accounts receivable as of either October 2, 2009 or December 31, 2008. No individual customer represented 10% or more of the Company’s outstanding accounts receivable at October 2, 2009 or December 31, 2008. Credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivables is generally minimized because of the diversification of the Company’s operations, as well as its large customer base and its geographical dispersion.

The Company acquired certain auction rate securities in connection with its purchase of Excel. In current markets, the fair value of these auction rate securities is not able to be ascertained by observable inputs. See Note 2 to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

Certain of the components and materials included in the Company’s laser systems and optical products are currently obtained from single source suppliers. There can be no assurance that a disruption of this outside supply would not create substantial manufacturing delays and additional cost to the Company.

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The Company’s operations involve a number of other risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the cyclicality of the semiconductor and electronics markets, the effects of general economic conditions, rapidly changing technology, and international operations.

14. Segment Information

The Company identifies its reportable segments based on its operating and reporting structure. As a result of the Company’s acquisition of Excel in 2008, it reassessed its segment reporting based on the operating and reporting structure of the combined company. In 2008, the Company concluded that the acquisition of Excel resulted in the establishment of a third segment which was comprised solely of the operations of the then-newly acquired entity. In 2009, the Company changed the structure of its internal organization in a manner that caused the composition of its reportable segments to change. More specifically, certain portions of a specific product line within the Precision Technology segment were transferred to the Excel segment. The Company’s reportable segment financial information has been restated to reflect the updated reportable segment structure for all periods presented. The Company’s reportable segments and their principal activities consist of the following:

Precision Technology

This segment’s products include technologies for precision motion, linear and rotary motion control, medical printers, lasers, electro-optical components and precision optics used in a broad range of commercial and semiconductor applications. These products are used in the electronics, aerospace, materials processing, data storage, imaging and other light industrial markets. The products are designed and manufactured at the Company’s facilities in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Semiconductor Systems

The Company’s Semiconductor Systems segment’s products are designed and manufactured at its facility in the United States. Specific applications include laser repair to improve yields in the production of memory chips; laser marking systems for work-in-process management and traceability of silicon wafers; laser trimming of linear and mixed signal integrated circuits and chip resistors; and inspection of solder paste and component placement on printed circuit boards. The Semiconductor Systems segment also derives significant revenues from parts and service to its installed base.

Excel

This segment’s products include lasers, electro-optical components, precision optics and photonics-based solutions primarily consisting of laser systems used in a broad range of commercial and scientific research applications. These products are used in the electronics, aerospace, materials processing, data storage, imaging and other light industrial markets. The products are designed and manufactured at the Company’s facilities in the United States and Europe.

Reportable Segment Financial Information

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     October 2,
2009
    September 26,
2008
    October 2,
2009
    September 26,
2008
 
     (In thousands)  

Sales

        

Precision Technology

   $ 19,756      $ 32,575      $ 59,698      $ 116,899   

Semiconductor Systems

     5,128        17,116        36,717        55,025   

Excel

     32,648        22,403        93,085        22,403   

Intersegment sales elimination

     (2,465     (651     (7,621     (2,190
                                

Total

   $ 55,067      $ 71,443      $ 181,879      $ 192,137   
                                

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended    Nine Months Ended
     October 2,
2009
    September 26,
2008
   October 2,
2009
    September 26,
2008
     (In thousands)

Gross Profit

         

Precision Technology

   $ 8,129      $ 9,409    $ 24,119      $ 41,322

Semiconductor Systems

     1,159        3,923      13,071        17,213

Excel

     14,502        9,264      37,481        9,264

Intersegment sales elimination

     (1,491     290      (4,320     252
                             

Total

   $ 22,299      $ 22,886    $ 70,351      $ 68,051
                             

The Company reports operating expenses and its assets on a consolidated basis to the chief operating decision maker.

Significant Customers

At October 2, 2009, no customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s accounts receivable balance. At December 31, 2008, no customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s accounts receivable balance.

15. Related Party Transactions

Richard B. Black, the Chairman of the Company prior to the Company’s emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, is also the President and Chief Executive Officer of ECRM, Inc., a company which manufactures laser systems equipment for the printing and publishing industry and which is a customer of the Company. All sales to ECRM, Inc. were made pursuant to the Company’s standard contract terms and conditions. The Nominating and Governance Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors has reviewed and confirmed that ECRM, Inc. received no favored commercial treatment.

The Company recorded sales and raw material purchases from Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd., a significant shareholder. The amounts and terms of these transactions were equivalent to similar third-party transactions.

The following table summarizes the related party transactions in the consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended    Nine Months Ended
     October 2,
2009
   September 26,
2008
   October 2,
2009
   September 26,
2008

Sales to ECRM, Inc.

   $ 39    $ —      $ 197    $ 245

Sales to Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd.

     278      769      655      2,791

Purchases from Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd.

     3      60      36      107

The following table summarizes the related party transactions on the balance sheet (in thousands):

 

     October 2,
2009
   December 31,
2008

Accounts receivable from ECRM, Inc.

   $ 51    $ 162

Accounts receivable from Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd.

     281      204

Accounts payable to Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd.

     —        —  

16. Subsequent Events

NASDAQ Delisting Determination

        On November 3, 2009, the NASDAQ Hearing Panel (the “Panel”) of the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”) notified the Company that it had determined to delist its common shares from the NASDAQ Global Select Market and to suspend trading in the Company’s common shares effective at the open of market on November 5, 2009. The Panel’s determination was made in connection with the Company’s non-compliance with the filing requirements set forth in Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) due to the delayed filing of certain of the Company’s periodic reports. As permitted by NASDAQ rules, the Company timely appealed the Panel’s determination to the NASDAQ Listing and Hearing Review Council (the “Listing Council”). On January 15, 2010, the Listing Council notified the Company that it had affirmed the Panel’s decision to delist the Company’s securities. On March 15, 2010, the Company received notification from the NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC Board of Directors (the “NASDAQ Board”) that the NASDAQ Board has declined to call for review the January 15, 2010 decision of the Listing Council. Accordingly, pursuant to Listing Rule 5825, the Listing Council’s decision represents the final decision of NASDAQ. In accordance with Listing Rule 5830 and Rule 12d2-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, NASDAQ filed an application on Form 25 with the SEC on April 5, 2010, to delist the Company’s securities from NASDAQ. The application became effective April 15, 2010. Following the Company’s emergence from bankruptcy on July 23, 2010, the Company’s common shares have been quoted on Pink OTC Markets Inc., under the trading symbol “LASR.PK”.

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Auction Rate Securities

As discussed in Note 2 to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has holdings in auction rate securities. During the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company sold $3.8 million par value securities valued at $2.9 million for $3.4 million in proceeds which resulted in the recognition of realized gains of approximately $0.5 million. During the first half of 2010, the Company sold its remaining $13.0 million par value securities valued at $10.4 million for $11.4 million in proceeds which resulted in the recognition of realized gains of approximately $1.0 million.

Settlement of Class Action

In May 2010, the parties to the putative class action described in Note 14 reached an agreement in principle to settle the litigation. The settlement covers purchasers of the common stock of the Company between February 27, 2007 and June 30, 2009. On July 30, 2010, a Motion for Certification of a Settlement Class and for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement was filed with the court. The settlement is subject to preliminary and final approval by the United States District Court. Although the settlement agreement has not yet been approved by the United States District Court, the total settlement amount is well within the Company’s insurance policy limits; the Company’s contribution to the settlement amount would be limited to the balance of the company’s self-insured retention.

SEC Investigation

On May 14, 2009, the Company received a notice from the SEC indicating that the SEC is conducting a formal investigation relating to the Company’s historical accounting practices and the restatement of its historical consolidated financial statements. On September 16, 2010, the Company received a “Wells Notice” from the SEC, stating that the Staff is considering recommending that the Commission institute a civil injunctive action or administrative proceeding against the Company, alleging that the Company violated various provisions of the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act, and providing the Company with the opportunity to make a submission to the Staff in connection therewith. In connection with the contemplated action, the SEC may seek a permanent injunction or cease-and-desist order, disgorgement, prejudgment interest and the imposition of a civil penalty. The Company is cooperating fully with the SEC’s investigation.

U.K. Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Based on the preliminary results of a new funding valuation in 2010, the Company would be required to increase its annual contributions to the U.K. Plan from approximately $0.6 million to $0.8 million for a period of approximately 10 years, including an additional one-time lump-sum payment of approximately $1.6 million, of which $0.8 million was paid in September 2010. The remaining $0.8 million would be payable after the funding valuation results are finalized and all necessary U.K. governmental approvals are obtained.

Resignation of President and Chief Executive Officer

On May 24, 2010, the Company entered into a Separation and Release Agreement (the “Separation Agreement”) with Dr. Sergio Edelstein in connection with Dr. Edelstein’s voluntary resignation from his position as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company and as an officer or director of the Company’s direct and indirect subsidiaries or other affiliates and his related termination of employment with the Company, effective as of May 25, 2010 (the “Separation Date”).

Pursuant to the Separation Agreement, Mr. Edelstein will receive (i) payment for all accrued and unpaid base salary and all earned and accrued unused vacation pay through the Separation Date; (ii) severance pay of $520,000; and (iii) a lump sum payment in the amount of $259,123. In addition, all of Dr. Edelstein’s outstanding but unvested shares of restricted stock of the Company (including all shares with time-based or performance based vesting) vested immediately and any Company repurchase rights with respect to such restricted stock lapsed as of May 27, 2010, the date the Bankruptcy Court approved the Separation Agreement.

Under the terms of the Separation Agreement, Dr. Edelstein agreed to a non-competition covenant beginning on the Plan Effective Date and ending on the second anniversary of the Separation Date, as well as a customary confidentiality covenant.

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Engagement of Chief Restructuring Officer

The Company entered into an engagement letter (the “Engagement Letter”) with FTI Consulting Inc. (“FTI”) on May 14, 2010 to provide for the services of Michael Katzenstein as Chief Restructuring Officer (“CRO”) and certain other temporary employees and management services to support Mr. Katzenstein in his role. Mr. Katzenstein also serves as the Company’s Principal Executive Officer and as a Director of the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the Engagement Letter, Mr. Katzenstein will remain employed by FTI and will perform services as CRO through FTI, reporting to the Company’s Board of Directors, Mr. Katzenstein does not receive any compensation from the Company and does not participate in any of the Company’s employee benefit plans. The Company instead compensates FTI at an aggregate rate of approximately $0.2 million per month for Mr. Katzenstein’s services as CRO and Gabriel E. Bresler’s services as Associate CRO plus additional fees based on time incurred for certain other temporary employees who support Messrs. Katzenstein and Bresler. Additionally, the arrangement with FTI for CRO services includes a Completion Fee of $1.4 million, which is earned and payable pursuant to the terms of the arrangement, as follows: i) one third (1/3) of the Completion Fee upon the effective date of the Final Chapter 11 Plan, which was July 23, 2010; ii) one-third of the Completion Fee upon delivery of management prepared financial information for the 2009 audit to the Company’s auditors; and iii) one-third of the Completion Fee upon the publication of the Form 10-K for the fiscal year 2009.

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Cases

As discussed in Note 1, on July 23, 2010 the Debtors consummated their reorganization through a series of transactions contemplated by the Final Chapter 11 Plan, and the Final Chapter 11 Plan became effective pursuant to its terms. As a result of the bankruptcy proceedings, in the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company recorded $23.6 million of expense for reorganization items, which was comprised of $1.2 million related to professional fees, $21.3 million related to the write-off of the discount associated with the 2008 Senior Notes, $4.9 million related to the write-off of the deferred financing costs associated with the 2008 Senior Notes, net of the $3.8 million reversal associated with the warrant penalty accrual.

Pursuant to and in accordance with the Final Chapter 11 Plan, the Debtors entered into the following material agreements on July 23, 2010, the Effective Date.

Rights Offering

As contemplated by the Final Chapter 11 Plan, the Company conducted a rights offering in which the Company offered up to a maximum of $85 million of its common shares upon emergence from bankruptcy at a purchase price per share of $1.80 (the “Price Per Share”) to its existing shareholders. As such, 37,756,069 of the Company’s common shares were subscribed for a total subscription price of $67,960,924. Of the total common shares subscribed for in the Rights Offering, $64,889,486 were subscribed for by payment in cash and $3,071,438 were subscribed for by exchange of the 2008 Senior Notes. Also pursuant to the Final Chapter 11 Plan, and subject to the terms and conditions of a Backstop Commitment Agreement, the Consenting Noteholders agreed to backstop the entire Rights Offering. Regardless of the number of shares purchased in the Rights Offering, the Consenting Noteholders agreed to purchase a minimum of $20 million of common shares by exchanging the principal amount of 2008 Senior Notes for common shares at the Price Per Share. Because the difference between the total amount of the shares offered and the shares subscribed for in the Rights Offering was less than $20 million, 11,111,111 common shares for a total of the backstop commitment amount of $20 million were issued pursuant to the backstop commitment.

The Rights Offering was consummated on the Effective Date and the Cash Proceeds from the Rights Offering were, as provided in the Final Chapter 11 Plan, used to pay down the 2008 Senior Notes. As a result of the Rights Offering and the shares issued pursuant to the backstop commitment, the Company’s shareholders prior to the emergence from bankruptcy retained approximately 86.1% of the Company’s capital stock following emergence (subject to the distribution of shares placed in reserve pending resolution of certain litigation matters unrelated to the Chapter 11 Cases). The remaining 13.9% of the Company’s capital stock was issued to the holders of the 2008 Senior Notes in partial exchange of such notes and pursuant to the commitment of certain holders to backstop the rights offering.

12.25% Senior Secured PIK Election Notes

On the Effective Date, GSI US issued $107,040,000 in aggregate principal amount of New Notes, which mature on July 23, 2014, pursuant to that certain Indenture (the “New Indenture”), by and among GSI US, as issuer, the Guarantors named therein (including the GSIG and MES) (collectively, the “Guarantors”) and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”).

        Interest accrues on the New Notes at a rate of 12.25% per year and is payable quarterly in arrears on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing on August 15, 2010. GSI US may elect to pay the interest in cash, or, under certain conditions, by increasing the principal amount of the New Notes or issuing additional notes on the same terms and conditions as the existing New Notes (“PIK”). Furthermore, until the Company becomes current in its reporting obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and until the Company’s common shares are listed on an Eligible Market (as defined in the New Indenture), the rate of interest under the New Notes will be increased by an additional 2% per annum, payable by PIK beginning after August 15, 2010. The interest rate on the New Notes may be increased under certain defaults, as defined in the New Indenture.

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The New Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior secured basis by certain of the Guarantors. The obligations of GSI US under the New Indenture and the New Notes, and each of the Guarantor’s obligations under the New Indenture, will be secured by a first priority perfected security interest on all of the U.S. property and assets of GSI US and of all Guarantors.

GSI US may, at any time, redeem up to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the New Notes (including any such notes issued after the Effective Date), in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the New Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but not including, the date of redemption. To the extent the aggregate principal amount of outstanding indebtedness under a working capital facility which GSI US may enter into pursuant to the terms of the New Indenture exceeds $20 million or upon certain asset sales, GSIG or GSI US will be required to offer to use such excess working capital proceeds or excess net proceeds, as applicable, to make an offer to purchase a portion of the New Notes at 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase.

The terms of the New Notes require GSI US, GSIG and certain of their subsidiaries to comply with covenants that restrict some of their corporate activities, including the ability of GSI US, GSIG and such subsidiaries to incur additional debt, pay dividends, create liens, make investments, sell assets, repurchase equity or subordinated debt, or engage in specified transactions with affiliates.

Noncompliance with any of the covenants without cure or waiver would constitute an event of default under the New Notes. An event of default resulting from a breach of a covenant may result, at the option of the holders, in an acceleration of the principal and interest outstanding. At any time after the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default, the New Notes will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the then applicable rate plus 2% per annum (the “Default Rate”). The New Notes also contain other customary events of default (subject to specified grace periods), including defaults based on events of bankruptcy and insolvency, cessation of effectiveness of certain related security documents and nonpayment of principal, interest or fees when due.

Security Agreement

On the Effective Date and in connection with the New Indenture, GSI US entered into a Security Agreement (the “Security Agreement”) with the Guarantors and the Trustee, as collateral agent thereunder, pursuant to which GSI US and the Guarantors, as grantors under the Security Agreement, provided for the grant of a first priority perfected security interest in all (except as otherwise provided therein) of the U.S. property and assets of GSI US and each Guarantor to secure GSI US’s obligations under the New Indenture and the New Notes and each Guarantor’s obligations under the New Indenture.

Registration Rights Agreement

On the Effective Date, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) with the Backstop Investors. The Registration Rights Agreement provides that, from the time we become current in its reporting obligations under the Exchange Act and for as long as it remains a public company with shares registered under the Exchange Act, the Backstop Investors party to the Registration Rights Agreement that collectively own at least 30% of the registrable securities have a right to twice demand the registration of their registrable securities on a registration statement. The registration may be a shelf registration, filed with the SEC on an underwritten or non-underwritten basis. In addition, such Backstop Investors have unlimited piggyback registration rights.

Escrow Agreement

On the Effective Date and pursuant to the terms of the Final Chapter 11 Plan, the Company entered into an escrow agreement with Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Escrow Agent (the “Escrow Agreement”). Pursuant to the Escrow Agreement, the Company placed 2,981,227 New Common Shares in a reserve (the “Reserve Shares”) to be held in escrow for the benefit of the holders of Section 510(b) Claims (as defined in the Final Chapter 11 Plan) pending the final disposition of that certain putative shareholder class action entitled Wiltold Trzeciakowski, Individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. GSI Group Inc., Sergio Edelstein, and Robert Bowen, Case No. 08-cv-12065 (GAO), filed on December 12, 2008, in the United States District Court (“US District Court”) for the District of Massachusetts (the “Shareholder Class Action”). In May 2010, the Company reached an agreement in principle to settle the Shareholder Class Action subject to court approval. On July 30, 2010, a Motion for Certification of a Settlement Class and for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement was filed with the US District Court. The settlement is subject to preliminary and final approval by the US District Court. Following such final disposition of the class action, the Reserve Shares shall be released to the holders of the Section 510(b) Claims or to the holders of the Company’s common shares and holders of common shares that had vested on the Effective Date but had not been issued immediately prior to the Effective Date.

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Mortgages

In connection with the Security Agreement and as required thereby, Synrad, Inc., one of the Company’s subsidiaries (“Synrad”), entered into an Open-End Deed of Trust, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, dated as of July 23, 2010 (the “Washington Mortgage”), in favor of First American Title Insurance Company, in its capacity as trustee thereunder (the “First American”), for the benefit of the Trustee, as beneficiary thereunder, wherein Synrad mortgaged, granted, bargained, assigned, sold and conveyed its interest in the property located at 4600 Campus Place, Mukilteo, Washington 98275, to First American to secure (a) the payment of all of the obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors under the New Indenture, the Washington Mortgage and the other Security Documents (as defined in the Washington Mortgage), and (b) the performance of all terms, covenants, conditions, provisions, agreements and liabilities contained in the New Indenture, the Washington Mortgage and the other Security Documents.

In connection with the Security Agreement and as required thereby, Control Laser Corporation, one of the Company’s subsidiaries (“Control Laser Corporation”), entered into an Open-End Deed of Trust, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, dated as of July 23, 2010 (the “Florida Mortgage”), in favor of the Trustee, as mortgagee thereunder (in such capacity, the “Mortgagee”), wherein Control Laser Corporation mortgaged, granted, bargained, assigned, sold and conveyed its interest in the property located at 2419 Lake Orange Road, Orlando, Florida 32837, to Mortgagee to secure (a) the payment of all of the obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors under the New Indenture, the Florida Mortgage and the other Security Documents (as defined in the Florida Mortgage), and (b) the performance of all terms, covenants, conditions, provisions, agreements and liabilities contained in the New Indenture, the Florida Mortgage and the other Security Documents.

In connection with the Security Agreement and as required thereby, Photo Research, Inc., one of the Company’s subsidiaries (“Photo Research”), entered into an Open-End Deed of Trust, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, dated as of July 23, 2010 (the “California Mortgage”), in favor of First American, in its capacity as trustee thereunder, for the benefit of the Trustee, as beneficiary thereunder, wherein Photo Research mortgaged, granted, bargained, assigned, sold and conveyed its interest in the property located at 9731 Topanga Canyon Place, Los Angeles, California 91311, to First American to secure (a) the payment of all of the obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors under the New Indenture, the California Mortgage and the other Security Documents (as defined in the California Mortgage), and (b) the performance of all terms, covenants, conditions, provisions, agreements and liabilities contained in the New Indenture, the California Mortgage and the other Security Documents.

Lease Amendment

GSI US and 125 Middlesex Turnpike, LLC, as landlord (the “Landlord”), entered into the First Amendment to Lease (the “Lease Amendment”) concerning GSI US’s corporate headquarters in Bedford, Massachusetts (the “Headquarters”). The Lease was entered into by and between GSI US and the Landlord on November 2, 2007 (the “Lease”), and the Lease Amendment was entered into on February 10, 2010 and became effective on the Confirmation Date (the “Lease Amendment Effective Date”). The Lease Amendment provides that the initial term of the Lease expires on the third anniversary of the Lease Amendment Effective Date (the “Lease Term”). In addition, the Lease Amendment provides that the Landlord has the option to terminate the Lease prior to the scheduled expiration of the Lease Term, which date shall be (a) no less than nine months after the date the Landlord gives notice of such early termination and (b) in any event, no earlier than June 1, 2011. In the aggregate, the modification reduces the Company’s obligations under the current lease by approximately $10.8 million, of which $0.9 million relates to 2013, $1.6 million relates to 2014 and $8.3 million relates to periods thereafter.

Pursuant to and in accordance with the Final Chapter 11 Plan, the following material agreements terminated pursuant to the terms of the Final Chapter 11 Plan on July 23, 2010, the Effective Date.

Debt Securities

On the Effective Date, pursuant to the Final Chapter 11 Plan and the Confirmation Order, all outstanding obligations under those certain 11% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 issued by GSI were cancelled and the indenture governing such obligation was terminated.

Equity Interests

On and as of the Effective Date, pursuant to the Final Chapter 11 Plan and the Confirmation Order, all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company, including all options, calls, rights, participation rights, puts, awards, commitments or any other agreement to acquire shares of capital stock of the Company that existed prior to the Effective Date, were cancelled and in exchange therefore, holders of such interests received distributions pursuant to the terms of the Final Chapter 11 Plan.

Shareholder Rights Plan

On and as of the Effective Date, that certain Amended and Restated Shareholder Rights Plan, dated as of May 15, 2008, by and between the Company and Computer Share Investor Services, as Rights Agent (the “Rights Plan”), was terminated. Prior to such

 

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GSI GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

termination, the Rights Plan was scheduled to expire on May 15, 2011. The Rights Plan created a right (the “Right”) (which was only triggered if a person or a control group acquired 20% or more of the Company’s issued and outstanding publicly traded common shares without the approval of the Board of Directors of the Company) for each shareholder, other than the acquiring person or its associates or affiliates, to acquire additional common shares of the Company at one-half of the then market price at the time of exercise. Pursuant to the Final Chapter 11 Plan, the Rights were cancelled on and as of the Effective Date.

Share Issuances

On the Effective Date, the Company issued an aggregate of 100,002,179 New Common Shares pursuant to the Final Chapter 11 Plan in exchange for claims against or interests of the Company. Consistent with the Confirmation Order and applicable law, the Company relied on Section 1145(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code to exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the issuance of such New Common Shares.

On the Effective Date, the New Common Shares were issued in exchange for claims against or interests in the Company pursuant to the Final Chapter 11 Plan as follows:

Existing Equity Holders

The Company issued 45,375,994 New Common Shares (the “Equity Shares”) on the Effective Date to holders of the common shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date and to holders of Vested Share Rights (such holders, collectively, the “Existing Equity Holders”).

Reserve Shares

As further described above under “Escrow Agreement”, the Company issued 2,981,227 New Common Shares on the Effective Date to the Escrow Agent to be held in escrow pursuant to the Escrow Agreement for the benefit of the holders of Section 510(b) Claims and the Existing Equity Holders pending the final disposition of the Shareholder Class Action. In May 2010, the Company reached an agreement in principle to settle the Shareholder Class Action. The settlement is subject to preliminary and final approval by the United States District Court, and to the extent required by law, approval by the Bankruptcy Court.

Rights Offering

In connection with the Rights Offering described earlier, the Company issued (i) 36,049,715 New Common Shares on the Effective Date to Eligible Holders that elected to subscribe for New Common Shares by paying for the purchase price in cash and (ii) 1,706,354 New Common Shares on the Effective Date to Eligible Holders that subscribed for New Common Shares by exchanging their 2008 Senior Notes.

Backstop Commitment

In connection with the Backstop Commitment described earlier, the Company issued 11,111,111 New Common Shares on the Effective Date to the Backstop Investors pursuant to the Backstop Exchange.

Supplemental Equity Exchange

Pursuant to and in accordance with the Final Chapter 11 Plan, the holders of the 2008 Senior Notes exchanged an aggregate principal amount of $5 million under the 2008 Senior Notes for New Common Shares at the Purchase Price Per Share (the “Supplemental Equity Exchange”).

In connection with the Supplemental Equity Exchange, the Company issued 2,777,778 New Common Shares on the Effective Date on a pro rata basis to the holders of the 2008 Senior Notes.

 

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

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The MD&A contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In addition to historical financial information, the following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, anticipated financial performance; the impact of our delisting from NASDAQ and the ability to relist our shares on a national securities exchange; our ability to continue as a going concern; expected liquidity and capitalization; drivers of revenue growth; management’s plans and objectives for future operations, expenditures and product development and investments in research and development; business prospects; potential of future product releases; anticipated sales performance; industry trends; market conditions; changes in accounting principles and changes in actual or assumed tax liabilities; expectations regarding tax exposure; anticipated reinvestment of future earnings; anticipated expenditures in regard to the Company’s benefit plans; future acquisitions and dispositions and anticipated benefits from prior acquisitions; anticipated outcomes of the SEC investigation and legal proceedings and litigation matters; and anticipated use of currency hedges. These forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements for many reasons, including the risks described in Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the words “anticipates”, “believes”, “expects”, “intends”, “future”, “could”, “estimates”, “plans”, “would”, “should”, “potential”, “continues”, and similar words or expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) identify forward-looking statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Management and the Company disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any such statement to reflect any change in its expectations or in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements.

Business Overview

We design, develop, manufacture and sell photonics-based solutions (consisting of lasers, laser systems and electro-optical components), precision motion devices, and associated precision motion control technology and systems. Our customers incorporate our technology into their products or manufacturing processes, for a wide range of applications in the industrial, scientific, electronics, semiconductor, medical and aerospace markets. Our products enable customers to make advances in materials and processing technology and to meet extremely precise manufacturing specifications, including device complexity and miniaturization.

The photonics and electro-optical industry is subject to intense competition and rapid technological developments. Our strength and success is dependent upon developing and delivering successful, timely and cost effective solutions to our customers. For us to maintain our performance, we believe we must continue to increase our operational efficiencies, improve and refine our existing products, expand our product offerings and develop new applications for our technology.

We strive to create shareholder value through:

 

   

Organic sales growth by delivering a consistent stream of successful new product launches,

 

   

Generating high levels of cash flow from operations, and

 

   

Acquiring and successfully integrating businesses that have complementary and established core competencies.

We group our business units, also known as product lines, into three segments: Precision Technology, Semiconductor Systems, and Excel. Our Precision Technology segment primarily sells components to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), who then integrate products of our Precision Technology segment into application specific products or systems. Our Precision Technology segment’s OEM products include those based on its core competencies in laser, precision motion and motion control technology. Our Semiconductor Systems segment designs, develops and sells production systems that process semiconductor wafers using laser beams and high precision motion technology. Our Semiconductor Systems segment sells manufacturing systems to integrated device manufacturers and wafer processors. Our Excel segment designs, manufactures and markets photonics-based solutions consisting of lasers, laser-based systems, precision motion devices and electro-optical components, primarily for industrial and scientific applications. Our Excel segment primarily sells components to OEMs, who then integrate the Excel segment’s products into application specific products or systems.

Strategy

We strive to expand our presence in the markets we serve both through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. This strategy led to our acquisition of Excel Technology, Inc. in the third quarter of 2008. The acquisition of Excel represented a major step in our

 

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effort to penetrate attractive markets that depend on photonics-based solutions. The acquisition also allowed our Precision Technology segment to expand our presence in several markets that it serves. During 2008 and 2009, we undertook steps to integrate parts of Excel’s business with those of GSI. As a result of the bankruptcy filing by GSI Group, Inc. and two of our wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries in November 2009, further integration of the two businesses was delayed. We expect to have additional opportunities to integrate the two businesses in the future but our primary focus in the near term will be on the continued development and introduction of new products, increasing our presence in markets we currently serve and identifying new market opportunities for new and existing products. In addition, we may explore potential divestments of non-strategic businesses.

Pursuant the terms of the Final Chapter 11 Plan, it was agreed that the reorganized Company’s Board of Directors would be comprised of seven directors, to include two directors selected by the noteholders, two directors with industry expertise selected by the Equity Committee, one director selected by mutual agreement between the noteholders and the Equity Committee, one director to be selected from our Board of Directors prior to emergence, and the chief executive officer (“CEO”) of the reorganized Company. We currently do not have a permanent CEO or a permanent chief financial officer. Our former chief restructuring officer has been serving and will continue to serve as our principal executive officer until such time that a permanent CEO is identified and hired. On April 1, 2010, we appointed a principal financial officer who has been serving and will continue to serve as our chief financial officer (“CFO”) until such time that a permanent CFO is identified and hired.

Significant Events

The following significant transactions and events occurred in 2008, 2009 and 2010 through the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:

 

  1. Chapter 11 Bankruptcy—On November 20, 2009, GSI Group, Inc. and two of its wholly-owned subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. Following the Petition Date, the Debtors continued to operate their businesses as debtors-in-possession. On May 27, 2010, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order confirming and approving the Final Chapter 11 Plan for the Debtors and on July 23, 2010, the Debtors emerged from bankruptcy. Refer to Notes 1, 7, 13 and 16 to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information regarding the Chapter 11 Cases.

 

  2. Rights Offering—Our $210.0 million of debt issued pursuant to the 2008 Senior Notes was restructured in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. On July 23, 2010, we emerged from bankruptcy and consummated the rights offering contemplated under the Final Chapter 11 Plan. We raised approximately $85.0 million in proceeds in the Rights Offering which were used to pay down a portion of the obligations due with respect to the 2008 Senior Notes. The remaining obligations due with respect to the 2008 Senior Notes for unpaid principal and accrued interest were satisfied through the issuance of new common shares, cash payments and the issuance of $107 million new 12.25% Senior Secured PIK Election Notes which mature in July 2014.

 

  3. Reassessment of the Carrying Value of Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Other Long-lived Assets—As a result of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing on November 20, 2009, we reassessed the carrying value of our goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets and recorded an impairment charge of $1.0 million. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, as a result of the world-wide economic downturn and the adverse impact it was having on our business, we reassessed the carrying value of our goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets. As a result of that reassessment, we recorded an impairment charge of $215.1 million. Refer to Note 5 to Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding goodwill and intangible assets and the impairment charges we recognized.

 

  4. Restructuring, Restatement Related Costs and Other Charges.—In 2008 and 2009, we recorded restructuring, restatement related costs and other charges of $10.5 million and $16.3 million, respectively. The 2009 restructuring, restatement related costs and other charges primarily relate to fees paid to professionals in connection with the revenue review and restatement of our historical financial statements described below, the SEC investigation, the shareholder class action and the internal FCPA review. The 2008 restructuring, restatement related costs and other charges primarily relate to a number of initiatives to reduce our workforce, the cessation or relocation of certain activities, and the revenue review and related restatement of our historical financial statements. These activities are discussed further below in the discussion of our results of operations for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2009 and September 26, 2008. Additional information may be found in Note 12 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

  5. Reorganization Items—Reorganization items represent amounts that are recorded in our consolidated financial statements as a result of the bankruptcy proceedings. In connection with our Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing on November 20, 2009, we were required to reclassify certain current and long term obligations to liabilities subject to compromise, including our 2008 Senior Notes debt obligation. As a result, we recorded a $22.4 million charge to eliminate our debt discount, deferred financing costs and accrued warrant penalty related to the 2008 Senior Notes. In addition, we incurred $1.2 million in professional fees from the date of our bankruptcy filing through December 31, 2009.

 

  6. Pre-petition Professional Fees—During the year ended December 31, 2009, we incurred approximately $7.0 million for professional fees prior to the Petition Date related to the financial and legal advisors retained to assist in the analysis of debt restructuring alternatives as well as related to financial and legal advisors retained by the noteholders. See Note 2 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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  7. Restatement of Historical Financial Statements—During the preparation of our financial statements for the quarter ended September 26, 2008, we discovered errors in the timing of the recognition of revenue from certain sales transactions in our Semiconductor Systems segment. As a result of this discovery, we undertook a review of the accounting treatment for sales transactions in our Semiconductor Systems segment and Precision Technology segment for fiscal years 2004 through 2008. We subsequently restated our financial results for 2004 through 2007 as reflected in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal period ended September 26, 2008 that we filed on April 13, 2010.

 

  8. Divestiture of our U.S. Optics Business—In October 2008, we completed the sale of our U.S. Optics Business, which was historically included in our Precision Technology segment, for $21.6 million. The sale of this business resulted in a gain of $8.7 million that is reported as Gain on Disposal of Discontinued Operations, net of tax, in our consolidated statements of operations. This sale is more fully described in Note 4 to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

  9. Acquisition of Excel Technology, Inc.—In August 2008, we acquired Excel Technology, Inc., a designer, manufacturer and marketer of photonics-based solutions consisting of lasers, laser based systems, precision motion devices and electro-optical components, primarily for industrial and scientific applications, for $368.7 million, including transaction costs. A portion of the purchase price was paid with the proceeds from the issuance of $210.0 million of 2008 Senior Notes, which were restructured as part of the Chapter 11 Cases. Approximately $282.6 million of the purchase price was assigned to goodwill and intangible assets. In December 2008, as a result of the world-wide economic downturn and its effect on our business, we reassessed the carrying value of all of our goodwill and intangible assets, including those resulting from the acquisition of Excel. As a result of that reassessment, we recorded a total impairment charge of $215.1 million that included $180.6 million for the impairment of Excel’s goodwill and intangible assets. Excel has complementary products, technologies, and distribution channels to ours that we believe will enable us to provide customers with a significantly broader set of technical solutions and to expand our market share. Excel has been included in our consolidated operating results since August 20, 2008. Refer to Notes 3, 5 and 7 to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the acquisition of Excel, the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, and the 2008 Senior Notes.

Overview of Financial Results

As a result of the significant events described above, our financial results in 2009 differ significantly from those in recent years. During the nine months ended October 2, 2009, we reported a net loss of $39.5 million, compared to a net loss of $14.1 million in the corresponding period in 2008. Our operating results for the nine months ended October 2, 2009 included a significant charge of $14.8 million in connection with restructuring, restatement related costs and other expenses (compared to $4.2 million for the corresponding period in 2008), a $21.3 million interest expense charge related to our $210.0 million debt (compared to $2.9 million for the corresponding period in 2008), and a $4.2 million charge for pre-petition professional fees during the nine months ended October 2, 2009 with no comparable amounts for the corresponding period in 2008.

 

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Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended October 2, 2009 Compared with the Three Months Ended September 26, 2008

The following table sets forth our unaudited results of operations as a percentage of sales for the periods indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended  
     October 2,
2009
    September 26,
2008
 
     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  

Sales

   100.0   100.0

Cost of goods sold

   59.5      68.0   
            

Gross profit

   40.5      32.0   
            

Operating expenses:

    

Research and development and engineering

   11.8      12.4   

Selling, general and administrative

   26.9      23.3   

Amortization of purchased intangible assets

   2.6      2.3   

Acquisition-related in-process research and development charge

   0.0      17.0   

Restructuring, restatement related costs and other

   6.2      4.3   

Pre-petition professional fees

   4.0      0.0   
            

Total operating expenses

   51.5      59.3   
            

Loss from operations

   (11.0   (27.3

Interest income

   0.1      0.8   

Interest expense

   (12.9   (4.0

Foreign exchange transaction gains (losses)

   0.4      0.0   

Other expense

   (1.4   0.0   
            

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

   (24.8   (30.5

Income tax provision (benefit)

   (1.3   (10.6
            

Loss from continuing operations

   (23.5   (19.9

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

   0.0      0.0   
            

Consolidated net loss

   (23.5   (19.9

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

   0.0      0.0   
            

Net loss attributable to GSI Group Inc.

   (23.5 )%    (19.9 )% 
            

Sales

The following table sets forth sales by business segment for the periods noted (dollars in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended  
     October 2, 2009     September 26, 2008     Increase
(Decrease)
    Percentage
Change
 

Precision Technology

   $ 19,756      $ 32,575      $ (12,819   (39.4 )% 

Semiconductor Systems

     5,128        17,116        (11,988   (70.0 )% 

Excel

     32,648        22,403        10,245      45.7

Intersegment sales elimination

     (2,465     (651     (1,814   278.6
                          

Total

   $ 55,067      $ 71,443      $ (16,376   (22.9 )% 
                          

Sales of the various product lines that comprise our Precision Technology segment decreased by $12.8 million, or 39.4%, from $32.6 million during the three months ended September 26, 2008 to $19.8 million during the three months ended October 2, 2009. Sales decreased across all of the major product lines that comprise the Precision Technology segment. However, the overall decrease in sales was primarily attributable to a decline in sales of Spindles, Lasers and Encoders. Worldwide demand for those products and demand in general weakened markedly in late 2008 as turmoil in world financial markets intensified, credit conditions tightened and business and consumer confidence plummeted. The weakness in demand continued during the first nine months of 2009 before starting to recover late in 2009.

 

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Semiconductor Systems segment sales transactions are generally multiple element arrangements that are accounted for in accordance with the provisions of ASC 605-25, “Multiple Element Arrangements” (formerly Emerging Issues Task Force No. 00-21, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables”). Due to the multiple element nature of Semiconductor Systems segment sales transactions, sales in any given period may not correspond to shipments. Semiconductor Systems segment revenues decreased by $12.0 million, or 70.0%, from $17.1 million during the three months ended September 26, 2008 to $5.1 million during the three months ended October 2, 2009. The decrease in Semiconductor Systems sales was primarily attributable to the global slowdown in semiconductor manufacturing due to markedly weakened end-user demand for electronic products. The slowdown in demand for capital equipment by semiconductor manufacturers had a dramatic adverse effect on sales of our Semiconductor Systems segment beginning late in 2008 and continuing through the first nine months of 2009. The decrease in shipments of Semiconductor Systems was particularly pronounced in the third and fourth quarters of 2008 and continued at a low level throughout most of 2009.

The Excel segment contributed sales of $22.4 million from August 20, 2008, the date of acquisition, to September 26, 2008 compared to $32.6 million during the three months ended October 2, 2009. The 2009 increase in our Excel segment sales reflects a full quarter of operations in 2009. The Excel segment was established following the acquisition of Excel in August 2008. Originally, the Excel segment was comprised solely of the operations of the then-newly acquired entity. In 2009, we changed the structure of our internal organization in a manner that caused the composition of our reportable segments to change. More specifically, certain portions of a specific product line within the Precision Technology segment were transferred to the Excel segment. Our reportable segment financial information has been restated to reflect the updated reportable segment structure for all periods presented.

Gross Profit

The following table sets forth gross profit and gross profit percentage for each of our reportable segments for the periods noted (dollars in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended  
     October 2,
2009
    September 26,
2008
 

Gross profit:

    

Precision Technology

   $ 8,129      $ 9,409   

Semiconductor Systems

     1,159        3,923   

Excel

     14,502        9,264   

Intersegment sales elimination

     (1,491     290   
                

Total

   $ 22,299      $ 22,886   
                

Gross profit percentages:

    

Precision Technology

     41.1     28.9

Semiconductor Systems

     22.6     22.9

Excel

     44.4     41.4

Intersegment sales elimination

     60.5     (44.5 )% 

Total

     40.5     32.0

Gross profit as a percentage of sales can be influenced by a number of factors including product mix, pricing, volume, costs for raw materials and outsourced manufacturing, warranty costs and charges related to excess and obsolete inventory, at any particular time.

During the three months ended October 2, 2009, gross profit of the Precision Technology segment decreased by $1.3 million or 13.6%, from $9.4 million during the three months ended September 26, 2008 to $8.1 million during the three months ended October 2, 2009, primarily due to the decrease in sales. The Precision Technology segment’s gross profit margin was 41.1% during the three months ended October 2, 2009 compared with a gross profit margin of 28.9% during the three months ended September 26, 2008. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily attributable to changes in product mix and reductions in manufacturing overhead costs in the 2009 period primarily due to personnel reductions.

During the three months ended October 2, 2009, gross profit of the Semiconductor Systems segment decreased by $2.8 million or 70.5%, from $3.9 million during the three months ended September 26, 2008 to $1.2 million during the three months ended October 2, 2009, primarily due to the decrease in sales. The Semiconductor System segment’s gross profit margin was 22.6% during the three months ended October 2, 2009 compared with a gross profit margin of 22.9% during the three months ended September 26, 2008. Although gross profit margin as a percentage of sales is consistent between periods, there were increases to gross profit margin in the 2009 period due to headcount reductions that were offset by increases in provisions for excess and obsolete inventory.

 

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Research and Development and Engineering Expenses

Research and development and engineering (“R&D”) expenses are primarily comprised of labor and other employee-related expenses. R&D expenses were $6.5 million, or 11.8% of sales, during the three months ended October 2, 2009 compared with $8.9 million, or 12.4% of sales, during the corresponding period in 2008. R&D expenses, in terms of total dollars, decreased primarily as a result of our reduction in Semiconductor Systems segment headcount. The reduction was partially offset by the full quarterly impact of R&D costs associated with our acquisition of Excel in August 2008. We believe the development and market introduction of new products and the enhancement of existing products are essential to our success. Accordingly, during 2009, we continued to invest in the development of new products across all three of our segments.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative (“SGA”) expenses include costs for sales and marketing, sales administration, finance, human resources, legal, information systems, facilities and executive management, and includes personnel related costs, commissions, advertising, legal, tax, accounting and other professional fees. SGA expenses were $14.8 million in the three months ended October 2, 2009, representing 26.9% of sales compared to $16.7 million, or 23.3% of sales in the corresponding period in 2008. SGA expenses, in terms of total dollars, decreased due to a reduction in personnel in 2008. These reductions were partially offset by the full quarter impact of Excel SGA expenses in the 2009 period. SGA expenses as a percentage of sales increased in the 2009 period due to the lower sales base.

Amortization of Purchased Intangible Assets

Amortization of intangible assets is discussed below in “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates”. All amortization of purchased intangible assets is charged to our Precision Technology and Excel segments. Amortization of purchased intangible assets, excluding the amortization for core technology that is included in cost of goods sold, was $1.4 million or 2.6% of sales in the three months ended October 2, 2009, compared with $1.6 million, or 2.3% of sales in the corresponding period in 2008. The decrease in terms of dollars is due to the impairment of the Excel related intangibles in the fourth quarter of 2008. Amortization expense for the three months ended September 26, 2008 was based on the intangibles carrying value prior to impairment. The amortization expense for the three months ended October 2, 2009 utilized the intangibles carrying value after impairment.

Restructuring, Restatement Related Costs and Other

We recorded restructuring, restatement related costs and other charges of $3.4 million and $3.1 million in the three months ended October 2, 2009 and September 26, 2008, respectively.

Restructuring

We initiated restructuring programs in 2000 through 2004 related to our leased German facility. During 2009, we reviewed our assumptions with respect to excess space, including contractual lease payments and expected proceeds from the sublessor. During the three months ended October 2, 2009, we determined that we would no longer recover sublease payments from the current subtenant. Accordingly, the previous estimate of future sublease payments was revised. As a result, we recorded an additional restructuring charge of $1.4 million during the three months ended October 2, 2009 related to the revised sublease assumptions.

We also initiated certain restructuring activities to consolidate our German sales and distribution operations for the Precision Technology segment located in Munich, Germany with those of Excel Technology Europe, located in Darmstadt, Germany. These consolidation activities have been completed in 2009, at a total cost of $0.2 million, which is comprised entirely of facility related charges including a lease termination fee, required remaining lease payments and move related costs.

In September 2008, we consolidated our operations and facilities in Massachusetts to a new facility in Bedford, Massachusetts. At that time, we implemented a plan to reduce our United States workforce by approximately 50 people and took a restructuring charge in the third quarter of 2008 of $3.0 million for severance costs.

The following table summarizes the balance of the restructuring accrual on our consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):

 

Balance at December 31, 2008

   $ 2,519   

Restructuring charges (benefits), net

     2,341   

Cash payments

     (2,091

Non-cash write-offs or other adjustments

     196   
        

Balance at October 2, 2009

   $ 2,965   
        

 

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Restatement Related Costs and Other

During 2009, we incurred costs to third parties, including auditors, attorneys, forensic accountants, and other advisors, that relate to the restatement of our previously issued financial statements as reported in our Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2008 and our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 26, 2008, including, the SEC investigation, certain shareholder actions and the internal FCPA investigation. These costs are charged to expense as incurred and are included in our restructuring, restatement related costs and other charges for the respective periods in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The costs incurred were $1.8 million during the three months ended October 2, 2009, with no comparable amount during the three months ended September 26, 2008.

Pre-Petition Professional Fees

Pre-petition professional fees represent retention costs incurred during 2009 prior to the bankruptcy for financial and legal advisors to assist in the analysis of debt restructuring alternatives, as well as costs incurred by us of financial and legal advisors retained by the noteholders pursuant to certain binding agreements between the two parties. Pre-petition professional fees incurred during the three months ending October 2, 2009 were $2.2 million with no comparable amount for 2008. See Note 1 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Acquisition Related In-Process Research and Development Charge

In connection with our acquisition of Excel in August 2008, we recorded a $12.1 million charge for acquisition related in-process research and development. The value assigned to in-process research and development was determined using an income approach by estimating the costs to develop the acquired technology into commercially viable products, estimating the resulting net cash flows from the projects, and discounting the net cash flows to their present value. At the date of acquisition, the development of these projects had not yet reached technological feasibility, and had no alternative future uses; accordingly, we have expensed the value of this research and development at the acquisition date in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 141.

Interest Income

Interest income decreased by $0.5 million, from $0.6 million during the three months ended October 2, 2008 to $0.1 million during the three months ended October 2, 2009. The decrease in interest income was primarily attributable to lower cash and investment balances following our acquisition of Excel in August 2008.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was $7.1 million in the three months ended October 2, 2009, compared to $2.9 million from August 20, 2008 to September 26, 2008. Interest expense increased due to the full quarterly impact of interest on our $210.0 million debt in 2009 compared to the comparable period in 2008 due to the issuance of the debt in August 2008.

Foreign Exchange Transaction Gains (Losses), Net

Foreign exchange currency transaction gains (losses), net, was $0.2 million in the three months ended October 2, 2009 compared to $0 for the corresponding period in 2008.

Other Income (Expense), Net

Other income (expense), net, was ($0.7) million in the three months ended October 2, 2009 compared to $0 for the corresponding period in 2008. The ($0.7) million of other expense is primarily comprised of a $0.9 million penalty relating to our inability to maintain the effectiveness of the registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed in October 2008 relating to the resale of our common shares issued upon the exercise of the Warrants, partially offset by a $0.1 million gain on the sale of a portion of our auction rate securities, and $0.1 million in earnings on our equity investment.

Income Taxes

The effective tax (benefit) rate on the loss from continuing operations for the three months ended October 2, 2009, was (5.4%) compared with an effective tax rate of (34.9%) on income from continuing operations for the three months ended September 26, 2008. The effective tax rate for the three months ended October 2, 2009 reflects our estimated annual effective tax rate and is primarily due to the tax rates in effect in the jurisdictions where income is earned, the increase in our liability for uncertain tax positions, and the increase in our valuation allowance, offset in part by the increase in interest receivable resulting from the IRS audit for the tax years from 1999 to 2002 and the increase in the potential refunds and accrued interest income from the impending refunds claimed on the federal amended returns for the tax years from 2000 to 2008.

We adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) Interpretation Number (“FIN”) 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (codified within ASC 740, “Income

 

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Taxes”) on January 1, 2007. The provisions of FIN 48 are to be applied to all tax positions upon initial adoption of this standard. Only tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the effective date may be recognized or continue to be recognized upon adoption of FIN 48.

Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax

On October 8, 2008, we completed the sale of our U.S. Optics Business, located in Moorpark, California, which was a part of our Precision Technology segment for proceeds of $21.6 million, and recorded a gain on sale, net of tax, of $8.7 million. The operating results of this business have been reclassified and reported as income from discontinued operations in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented.

 

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Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended October 2, 2009 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 26, 2008

The following table sets forth our unaudited results of operations as a percentage of sales for the periods indicated:

 

     Nine Months Ended  
     October 2,
2009
    September 26,
2008
 
     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  

Sales

   100.0   100.0

Cost of goods sold

   61.3      64.6   
            

Gross profit

   38.7      35.4   
            

Operating expenses:

    

Research and development and engineering

   11.8      12.4   

Selling, general and administrative

   24.3      24.4   

Amortization of purchased intangible assets

   2.6      1.4   

Acquisition-related in-process research and development charge

   0.0      6.3   

Restructuring, restatement related costs and other

   8.1      2.2   

Pre-petition professional fees

   2.3      0.0   
            

Total operating expenses

   49.1      46.7   
            

Loss from operations

   (10.4   (11.3

Interest income

   0.1      1.4   

Interest expense

   (11.7   (1.5

Foreign exchange transaction gains (losses)

   (0.6   0.1   

Other income (expense)

   (0.3   0.1   
            

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

   (22.9   (11.2

Income tax benefit

   (1.3   (3.7
            

Loss from continuing operations

   (21.6   (7.5

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

   (0.1   0.1   
            

Consolidated net loss

   (21.7   (7.4

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

   0.0      0.0   
            

Net loss attributable to GSI Group Inc.

   (21.7 )%    (7.4 )% 
            

Sales

The following table sets forth sales by business segment for the periods noted (dollars in thousands):

 

     Nine Months Ended  
     October 2,
2009
    September 26,
2008
    Increase
(Decrease)
    Percentage
Change
 

Precision Technology

   $ 59,698      $ 116,899      $ (57,201   (48.9 )% 

Semiconductor Systems

     36,717        55,025        (18,308   (33.3 )% 

Excel

     93,085        22,403        70,682      315.5

Intersegment sales elimination

     (7,621     (2,190     (5,431   248.0
                          

Total

   $ 181,879      $ 192,137      $ (10,258   (5.3 )% 
                          

Sales of the various product lines that comprise our Precision Technology segment decreased by $57.2 million, or 48.9%, from $116.9 million during the nine months ended September 26, 2008 to $59.7 million during the nine months ended October 2, 2009. The decrease in sales of these product lines was primarily attributable to declines in our Spindles, Lasers and Encoders product lines during the nine months ended October 2, 2009. Worldwide demand for those products weakened markedly beginning in the third quarter of 2008 as turmoil in world financial markets intensified, credit conditions tightened and business and consumer confidence plummeted. The weakness in demand continued during the nine months ended October 2, 2009 before starting to recover late in 2009.

 

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Semiconductor Systems segment sales decreased by $18.3 million, or 33.3%, from $55.0 million during the nine months ended September 26, 2008 to $36.7 million during the nine months ended October 2, 2009. The decrease in Semiconductor Systems sales was primarily attributable to the global slowdown in semiconductor manufacturing due to markedly weakened end-user demand for electronic products. The slowdown in demand for capital equipment by semiconductor manufacturers had a dramatic adverse effect on sales of our Semiconductor Systems segment beginning late in 2008 and continuing through the first nine months of 2009. The decrease in shipments of Semiconductor systems was particularly pronounced in the third and fourth quarters of 2008 and continued at a low level throughout the first nine months of 2009.

The overall decrease was offset by an increase in sales attributable to recognition of revenue from orders placed by customers prior to 2008, but had not been recognized until the first nine months of 2009 as the deliverables or commitments were resolved. We recognized $23.1 million in sales during the nine months ended October 2, 2009 related to these orders. At the end of the third quarter of 2009 and December 2008, our worldwide deferred revenue was primarily related to our Semiconductor Systems segment. Total deferred revenue decreased by 29.7% from $84.2 million at December 31, 2008 to $59.2 million at October 2, 2009. We expect that a significant portion of the remaining deferred revenue as of October 2, 2009 will be recognized in 2010.

The Excel segment contributed sales of $93.1 million for the nine months ended October 2, 2009 and $22.4 million from August 20, 2008, the date of acquisition, to September 26, 2008. The Excel segment was established following the acquisition of Excel in August 2008. Originally, the Excel segment was comprised solely of the operations of the then-newly acquired entity. In 2009, we changed the structure of our internal organization in a manner that caused the composition of our reportable segments to change. More specifically, certain portions of a specific product line within the Precision Technology segment were transferred to the Excel segment. Our reportable segment financial information has been restated to reflect the updated reportable segment structure for all periods presented.

Gross Profit

The following table sets forth gross profit and gross profit percentage by business segments for the periods noted (dollars in thousands):

 

     Nine Months Ended  
     October 2, 2009     September 26, 2008  

Gross profit:

    

Precision Technology

   $ 24,119      $ 41,322   

Semiconductor Systems

     13,071        17,213   

Excel

     37,481        9,264   

Intersegment sales elimination

     (4,320     252   
                

Total

   $ 70,351      $ 68,051   
                

Gross profit percentages:

    

Precision Technology

     40.4     35.3

Semiconductor Systems

     35.6     31.3

Excel

     40.3     41.4

Intersegment sales elimination

     56.7     (11.5 )% 

Total

     38.7     35.4

Gross profit as a percentage of sales can be influenced by a number of factors including product mix, pricing, volume, costs for raw materials and outsourced manufacturing, warranty costs and charges related to excess and obsolete inventory, at any particular time.

During the nine months ended October 2, 2009, gross profit of the Precision Technology segment decreased by $17.2 million or 41.6%, from $41.3 million during the nine months ended September 26, 2008 to $24.1 million during the nine months ended October 2, 2009, primarily due to the decrease in sales. The Precision Technology segment’s gross profit margin was 35.3% during the nine months ended September 26, 2008 compared with a gross profit margin of 40.4% during the nine months ended October 2, 2009. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily attributable to changes in product mix, as the gross profits vary among the product lines in this segment, and reductions in manufacturing overhead costs primarily due to personnel reductions.

During the nine months ended October 2, 2009, gross profit of the Semiconductor Systems segment decreased by $4.1 million or 24.1%, from $17.2 million during the nine months ended September 26, 2008 to $13.1 million during the nine months ended October 2, 2009, primarily due to the decrease in sales. The Semiconductor System segment’s gross profit margin was 31.3% during the nine months ended September 26, 2008 compared with a gross profit margin of 35.6% during the nine months ended October 2, 2009. The increase in the Semiconductor Systems Segment gross profit margin was attributable to reductions in overhead costs in the 2009 period compared with the 2008 period, primarily due to personnel reductions and lower provisions for excess and obsolete inventory.

 

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During the nine months ended October 2, 2009, Excel generated $37.5 million of gross profit, or 40.3% of sales. The Excel segment was established following the acquisition of Excel in August 2008. Originally, the Excel segment was comprised solely of the operations of the then-newly acquired entity. In 2009, we changed the structure of our internal organization in a manner that caused the composition of our reportable segments to change. More specifically, certain portions of a specific product line within the Precision Technology segment were transferred to the Excel segment. Our reportable segment financial information has been restated to reflect the updated reportable segment structure for all periods presented.

Research and Development and Engineering Expenses

Research and development and engineering (“R&D”) expenses were $21.5 million in the nine months ended October 2, 2009, representing 11.8% of sales, compared with $23.8 million, or 12.4% of sales in the corresponding period in 2008. R&D expenses decreased over the periods primarily as a result of our reduction in Semiconductor Systems segment headcount. These reductions were partially offset by the full period impacts of Excel R&D costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative (“SGA”) expenses include costs for sales and marketing, sales administration, finance, human resources, legal information systems, facilities and executive management, and includes personnel related costs, commissions, advertising, legal, tax, accounting and other professional fees. SGA expenses were $44.3 million, or 24.3% of sales in the nine months ended October 2, 2009 compared with $46.9 million, or 24.4% of sales in the corresponding period in 2008. SGA expenses, in terms of total dollars, decreased slightly primarily as a result of our reductions in payroll related costs attributable to our 2008 reductions in headcount in connection with restructuring activities discussed below. This reduction was partially offset by the full impact of costs associated with our acquisition of Excel in August 2008.

Amortization of Purchased Intangible Assets

Amortization of intangible assets is discussed below in “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates”. All amortization of purchased intangible assets is charged to our Precision Technology and Excel segments. Amortization of purchased intangible assets, excluding the amortization for core technology that is included in cost of goods sold was $4.7 million, or 2.6% of sales in the nine months ended October 2, 2009, compared to $2.7 million, or 1.4% of sales in the corresponding period in 2008. The increase in 2009 was primarily related to the amortization of intangible assets we acquired as part of the Excel acquisition in August 2008.

Restructuring, Restatement Related Costs and Other

We recorded restructuring, restatement related costs and other charges of $14.8 million and $4.2 million in the nine month periods ended October 2, 2009 and September 26, 2008, respectively.

Restructuring

We initiated restructuring programs in 2000 through 2004 related to our leased German facility. During 2009, we reviewed our assumptions with respect to excess space, including contractual lease payments and expected proceeds from the sublessor. During the nine months ended October 2, 2009, we determined that we would no longer recover sublease payments from the subtenant. Accordingly, the previous estimate of future sublease payments was revised. As a result, we recorded an additional restructuring charge of $1.4 million during the nine months ended October 2, 2009 related to the revised sublease assumptions.

We also initiated certain restructuring activities to consolidate our German sales and distribution operations for the Precision Technology segment located in Munich, Germany with those of Excel Technology Europe, located in Darmstadt, Germany. These consolidation activities have been completed in 2009, at a total cost of $0.2 million, which is comprised entirely of facility related charges including a lease termination fee, required remaining lease payments and move related costs.

During the nine months ended October 2, 2009, we recorded $0.7 million in restructuring costs related to a plan initiated in December 2008, which involved the transfer of all volume related manufacturing from our Rugby, U.K. facility within the Precision Technology segment, to our facilities in China and the then-newly acquired Excel manufacturing sites. It was comprised entirely of employee severance costs.

In September 2008, we consolidated our operations and facilities in Massachusetts to a new facility in Bedford, Massachusetts. At that time, we implemented a plan to reduce our United States workforce by approximately 50 people and took a restructuring charge during the nine months ended September 26, 2008 of $3.0 million for severance costs.

In the second quarter of 2008, we implemented a plan to close our Novi, Michigan facility, which provided U.S. sales, applications and service support to a product line included in our Precision Technology segment. The Novi facility was consolidated within our Bedford, Massachusetts facility. In connection with this action, we recorded a restructuring charge of $1.4 million during the nine months ended September 26, 2008.

 

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A restructuring benefit of $0.3 million was recorded in the nine months ended September 26, 2008 related to activities in our U.K. operations.

Restatement Related Costs and Other

During 2009, we incurred costs to third parties, including auditors, attorneys, forensic accountants, and other advisors, that relate to the restatement of our previously issued financial statements as reported in our Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2008 and our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 26, 2008, including, the SEC investigation, certain shareholder actions and the internal FCPA investigation. These costs are charged to expense as incurred and are included in our restructuring, restatement related costs and other charges for the respective periods in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The costs incurred were $12.5 million during the nine months ended October 2, 2009 with no comparable amount for the corresponding period in 2008.

Pre-Petition Professional Fees

Pre-petition professional fees represent costs incurred during 2009 prior to our bankruptcy filing related to the financial and legal advisors retained by us to assist in the analysis of debt restructuring alternatives, as well as costs incurred by us related to financial and legal advisors retained by the noteholders pursuant to certain binding agreements between the two parties. Pre-petition professional fees incurred during the nine months ended October 2, 2009 were $4.2 million with no comparable amount for the corresponding period in 2008.

Interest Income

Interest income decreased by $2.5 million from $2.8 million during the nine months ended September 26, 2008 to $0.3 million during the nine months ended October 2, 2009. The decrease in interest income was primarily attributable to lower cash and investment balances following our acquisition of Excel in August 2008.

Interest Expense

Interest related expense on our $210.0 million debt was $21.3 million, or 11.7% of sales during the nine months ended October 2, 2009, compared to $2.9 million for the corresponding period in 2008, due to the issuance of the debt in August 2008.

Foreign Exchange Transaction Gains (Losses), Net

Foreign exchange currency transaction gains (losses), net, was ($1.1) million in the nine months ended October 3, 2009 compared to $0.3 for the corresponding period in 2008, due to the weak U.S. dollar against foreign currencies in 2009 as compared to 2008.

Other Income (Expense), Net

Other income (expense), net, was ($0.6) million in the nine months ended October 2, 2009 compared to $0.2 for the corresponding period in 2008. The ($0.6) million of other expense in the 2009 period is primarily comprised of a $2.8 million penalty relating to our inability to maintain the effectiveness of the registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed in October 2008 relating to the resale of our common shares issued upon the exercise of the Warrants, partially offset by a $1.8 million gain on the sale of our auction rate securities and $0.4 million in earnings on our equity investment.

Income Taxes

The effective tax (benefit) rate on the loss from continuing operations for the nine months ended October 2, 2009, was (5.7%) compared with an effective tax rate of (32.9%) on income from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 26, 2008. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended October 2, 2009 reflects our estimated annual effective tax rate and is primarily due to the tax rates in effect in the jurisdictions where income is earned, the increase in our liability for uncertain tax positions, and the increase in our valuation allowance, offset in part by the increase in interest receivable resulting from the IRS audit for the tax years from 1999 to 2002 and the increase in the potential refunds and accrued interest income from the impending refunds claimed on the federal amended returns for the tax years from 2000 to 2008.

We adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) Interpretation Number (“FIN”) 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (codified within ASC 740, “Income Taxes”) on January 1, 2007. The provisions of FIN 48 are to be applied to all tax positions upon initial adoption of this standard. Only tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the effective date may be recognized or continue to be recognized upon adoption of FIN 48.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

On November 20, 2009, GSIG, together with two of its subsidiaries, voluntarily filed petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. Under the Bankruptcy Code, our status as a bankruptcy debtor automatically accelerated the payment of the debt arising under the 2008 Senior Notes. Accordingly, this debt has been classified as current as of December 31, 2008 and October 2, 2009 in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Operating in bankruptcy imposed significant risks and uncertainties on our business.

However, we emerged from bankruptcy on July 23, 2010 and in connection therewith completed a rights offering pursuant to which we sold common shares for approximately $85 million. The proceeds from the rights offering were used to pay down a portion of the obligations due with respect to the 2008 Senior Notes. The remaining obligations due with respect to the 2008 Senior Notes for unpaid principal and accrued interest were satisfied through the issuance of the our common shares, the payment of cash and the issuance of new 12.25% Senior Secured PIK Election Notes (the “New Notes”) which mature in July 2014. As a result of our emergence from bankruptcy and the associated restructuring of our debt obligations, we believe we have sufficient liquidity to fund our operations through at least December 31, 2010.

Based upon our current level of business activity, we believe we will have sufficient liquidity to fund our operations beyond December 31, 2010 to at least the end of 2011. However, our ability to make payments on or to refinance our indebtedness, including the New Notes, which incur an additional 2% in interest until our common shares are listed on a national securities exchange and we become current with our SEC reporting, and to fund planned capital expenditures and research and development efforts will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. This, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.

We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations, that currently anticipated cost savings and operating improvements will be realized on schedule or that future borrowings will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness, including the New Notes, or to fund our other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness, including the New Notes on or before their maturity in 2014. Under the terms of the New Indenture, GSI US may obtain a working capital facility of up to $40 million with the consent of the noteholders, whose consent cannot be unreasonably withheld. To the extent the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding indebtedness under the working capital facility exceeds $20 million, or upon certain asset sales, GSIG or GSI US will be required to offer to use such excess working capital proceeds or excess net proceeds, as applicable, to make an offer to purchase a portion of the New Notes at 100% of the principal amount thereof. We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness, including the New Notes, on commercially reasonable terms or at all. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to our Common Shares and our Capital Structure—To service our indebtedness and fund our operations, we will require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.”

Although much of our business is conducted through our subsidiaries, none of our subsidiaries is obligated to make funds available to us. Accordingly, our ability to make payments on our indebtedness and fund our operations may be dependent on the earnings and the distribution of funds from our subsidiaries. Local laws and regulations and/or the terms of the indenture governing the New Notes may restrict certain of our subsidiaries from paying dividends and otherwise transferring assets to us. We cannot assure you that applicable laws and regulations and/or the terms of the indenture will permit our subsidiaries to provide us with sufficient dividends, distributions or loans when necessary. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Common Shares and our Capital Structure—We may not have access to the cash flow and other assets of our subsidiaries that may be needed to service our indebtedness and fund our operations.”

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $53.2 million at October 2, 2009, compared to $69.0 million at December 31, 2008. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents is primarily related to costs associated with restructuring, restatement related costs and other charges, pre-petition professional fees and interest payments on our $210.0 million 2008 Senior Notes. These cash outflows were partially offset by tax refunds received during the nine months ended October 2, 2009 totaling $7.4 million.

In connection with our acquisition of Excel in August 2008, we acquired $32.3 million par value auction rate securities. These auction rate securities are student loans backed by the federal government and are privately insured. Liquidity for these auction rate securities is typically provided by an auction process that resets the applicable interest rate at pre-determined intervals, usually every 7, 28, 35 or 90 days. We sold $15.5 million in par value securities valued at $11.7 million for the $13.6 million and recognized a gain of $1.9 million during the nine months ended October 2, 2009. During the remainder of 2009, we sold an additional $3.8 million in par value securities valued at $2.9 million for $3.4 million which resulted in the recognition of realized gains of $0.5 million As of December 31, 2009, we continue to hold auction rate securities with a par value of $13.0 million. During the first half of 2010, we sold our remaining auction rate securities for $11.4 million. The auction rate securities were valued at $10.4 million and had a par value of $13.0 million. We recorded a gain in 2010 of approximately $1.0 million from the sale of these securities.

 

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Cash Flows for Nine Months Ended October 2, 2009 and September 26, 2008

Cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended October 2, 2009 was $29.4 million, compared to cash provided of $54.0 million during the corresponding period in 2008, a difference of $83.4 million. The increase in cash used in operating activities was primarily attributable to the following factors:

 

   

During the nine months ended October 2, 2009, we made $22.8 million of semi-annual interest payments on our $210.0 million outstanding debt.

 

   

For the nine months ended October 2, 2009, we recorded a net loss of $39.5 million, compared with a net loss of $14.1 million during the corresponding period in 2008, before non-cash adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from operating activities. Included in the net loss for the nine months ended October 2, 2009 were restructuring and restatement related costs totaling $14.8 million (compared to $4.2 million for the corresponding period in 2008) and prepetition professional fees totaling $4.2 million (with no comparable amount in 2008).

 

   

Non-cash adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities included the following material items:

 

   

Acquisition-related in-process R&D charge of $12.1 million during the nine months ended September 26, 2008.

 

   

Inventory provisions were $1.5 million during the nine months ended October 2, 2009 compared with $5.7 million during corresponding period in 2008.

 

   

Depreciation and amortization charges were $13.5 million during the nine months ended October 2, 2009 compared with $11.7 million during the corresponding period in 2008.

 

   

Share-based compensation was $1.7 million during the nine months ended October 2, 2009, compared with $2.3 million during the corresponding period in 2008.

 

   

Net gain on the sale of property and equipment was $0.2 million during the nine months ended October 2, 2009, compared to $1.3 million for the corresponding period in 2008, primarily in the U.K.

 

   

Net gain on the sale of auction rate securities was $1.8 million during the nine months ended October 2, 2009, with no comparable amounts in 2008.

 

   

During the nine months ended October 2, 2009, we incurred non-cash interest accretion expense of $3.9 million on our $210.0 million debt compared to $0.3 million for the partial third quarter period in 2008.

 

   

Cash used in operations due to changes in our operating assets and liabilities totaled $8.3 million during the nine months ended October 2, 2009 as compared to cash provided by operating activities of $37.9 million during the corresponding period in 2008, for a net change of $46.2 million. The increase in cash usage was due to the following factors:

 

   

A decrease in our accounts receivable balance during the nine months ended October 2, 2009 provided $6.2 million compared to $26.3 million for the corresponding period in 2008.

 

   

A decrease in our inventory balance during the nine months ended October 2, 2009 provided $2.9 million and provided $7.5 million for the corresponding period in 2008.

 

   

An increase in other noncurrent assets and liabilities during the nine months ended October 2, 2009 totaled $1.0 million as compared to $0 for the corresponding period in 2008.

 

   

Cash used in operations due to our net change to deferred revenue and related deferred cost of goods sold totaled $10.9 million during the nine months ended October 2, 2009 compared to $1.6 million for the corresponding period in 2008.

 

   

Cash used in operations due to a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses totaled $10.3 million during the nine months ended October 2, 2009 while an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses during the corresponding period in 2008 provided cash of $8.2 million. The increase in usage was attributable to the interest payments on our debt, restructuring, restatement related costs and other expense payments, and deferred compensation payments.

 

   

We received cash proceeds of $4.0 million in 2008 from a landlord related to allowances for capital expenditures to fit-up and occupy our new facility in Bedford, MA, with no comparable amount in 2009.

 

   

The increase in cash used in operations was offset by tax refunds received during the nine months ended October 2, 2009 totaling $7.4 million.

Our discontinued operations provided $0.8 million during the nine months ended September 26, 2008 compared to usage of $0.1 million for the corresponding period in 2009.

 

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Cash provided by investing activities was $13.3 million during the nine months ended October 2, 2009 compared to cash used in investing activities of $371.5 million for the corresponding period in 2008. Changes in cash balances in 2009 and 2008 due to investing activities resulted from the following events:

 

   

We sold $15.5 million in par value auction rate securities for proceeds of $13.6 million.

 

   

We used $0.9 million of cash during the nine months ended October 2, 2009 for capital expenditures compared to $16.4 million for the corresponding period in 2008, which related to the outfitting of our new facility in Bedford, MA.

 

   

During the nine months ended October 2, 2009, we completed the sale for certain assets held for sale for proceeds of $0.6 compared to proceeds of $3.2 million received on the sale of assets held for sale in the U.K for the corresponding period in 2008.

 

   

We used $358.3 million of cash, net of cash acquired, in August 2008 to acquire Excel.

We did not have any cash related financing activities during the nine months ended October 2, 2009. Cash used in financing activities for the corresponding period in 2008 related to the following:

 

   

In August 2008, we received cash proceeds, net of issuance costs, of $203.5 million from the issuance of debt that was used to fund a portion of our acquisition of Excel.

 

   

During the nine months ended September 26, 2008, we used $6.4 million of cash to repurchase shares of our common stock.

In addition to cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, exchange rate changes resulted in an increase of $0.4 million in our cash balances during the nine months ended October 2, 2009 compared with an increase of $0.1 million during the corresponding period in 2008.

Other Liquidity Matters

Debt

On August 20, 2008 (the “Closing Date”), we issued to various investors $210.0 million of 11% Senior Notes due 2013 (the “2008 Senior Notes”) pursuant to the terms of an indenture (the “2008 Senior Note Indenture”), along with detachable warrants (the “Warrants”) for the purchase of 5,882,520 of our common shares, for collective net proceeds of $203.5 million. The proceeds were used to fund a portion of our acquisition of Excel.

The 2008 Senior Notes pay interest semi-annually on February 15th and August 15th and mature in August 2013. The 2008 Senior Note Indenture contained covenants that restricted our ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends, create liens, make investments, sell assets, repurchase securities, or engage in specified transactions with affiliates. As discussed in Note 1 to Consolidated Financial Statements, GSIG and two of its wholly-owned United States subsidiaries filed for bankruptcy on November 20, 2009. Under the Bankruptcy Code, our status as a bankruptcy debtor automatically accelerated the 2008 Senior Notes. Accordingly, the 2008 Senior Notes are classified as a current liability in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2008 and as of October 2, 2009. As described in Note 16 to Consolidated Financial Statements, the 2008 Senior Notes were cancelled upon our emergence from bankruptcy in exchange for the issuance of our common shares and New Notes and a payment in cash.

Cash paid for interest on the 2008 Senior Notes totaled $22.8 million for the nine months ended October 2, 2009 with no comparable amount for 2008. See Note 1 to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about the 2008 Senior Notes.

Pension Plans

We maintain two plans that are considered to be defined benefit plans under the provisions of ASC 715, “Defined Benefit Plans” (formerly SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)”), a plan in the U.K. (the “U.K. Plan”), and a plan in Japan. Our U.K. Plan was closed to new members in 1997 and we curtailed our sponsorship in 2002, thereby limiting our obligation to benefits earned through that date. Benefits under this plan were based on the employees’ years of service and compensation. We continue to follow our policy to fund this pension plan based on widely accepted actuarial methods. Our Japanese plan is an active plan.

Our funding policy is to fund pensions and other benefits based on actuarial methods as permitted by regulatory authorities. The results of funding valuations depend on the assumptions that we make with regard to attributes such as asset returns, rates of members’ benefits increases, mortality, retail price inflation and other market driven changes. The assumptions used represent one estimate of a possible future outcome. The final cost to us will be determined by events as they actually become known. Because of the underfunded positions that our pension plans currently have and potential changes in the actual outcomes relative to our assumptions, we may have to increase payments to fund these plans in the future.

 

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In the U.K., funding valuations are conducted every three years. Based on the last completed funding valuation on November 30, 2006, we and the Plan Trustees agreed to a schedule of contributions under which we are contributing approximately $0.6 million per year until 2018. Based on the preliminary results of a new funding valuation in 2010, we would be required to increase our annual contributions to the U.K. Plan from approximately $0.6 million to $0.8 million through April 2018, including an additional one-time lump-sum payment of approximately $1.6 million, of which $0.8 million was paid in September 2010. The remaining $0.8 million would be payable after the funding valuation results are finalized and all necessary U.K. governmental approvals are obtained. The Japanese plan includes a guarantee of return of principal and yearly interest 0.75%; therefore, there are no significant fluctuations in this plan. See Notes 10 and 16 to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about these plans.

As a result of the covenant that exists between our U.K. subsidiary and the Plan Trustees regarding the funding of the U.K. Plan, our ability to transfer assets outside our U.K. subsidiary, and its wholly owned subsidiary in China, may be limited.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Contractual Obligations

Contractual Obligations

Historically, our contractual obligations have primarily consisted of the 2008 Senior Notes, operating leases, purchase commitments, deferred compensation arrangements and pension obligations. Through October 2, 2009, we had not entered into any new material contractual obligations.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Through October 2, 2009, we had not entered into any off-balance sheet arrangements or material transactions with unconsolidated entities or other persons.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting periods. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, assumptions and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, fair value measurements, allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory costing and reserves, accounting for business combinations, the assessment of the valuation of goodwill, intangible assets and tangible long-lived assets, accounting for restructuring activities, employee benefit plans, accounting for income taxes and related valuation allowances, and accounting for loss contingencies. Actual results could differ significantly from our estimates.

We believe that the following critical accounting policies most significantly affect the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require the most difficult and subjective judgments.

Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable, risk of loss has passed to the customer and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Revenue recognition requires judgment and estimates, which may affect the amount and timing of revenue recognized in any given period.

We follow the provisions of ASC 605-25, “Multiple Element Arrangements” (formerly Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) No. 00-21, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables”) for all multiple element arrangements. Under ASC 605-25, we assess whether the deliverables specified in a multiple element arrangement should be treated as separate units of accounting for revenue recognition purposes and whether objective and reliable evidence of fair value exists for these separate units of accounting. We apply the residual method when objective and reliable evidence of fair value exists for all of the undelivered elements in a multiple element arrangement. When objective and reliable evidence of fair value does not exist for all of the undelivered elements in a multiple element arrangement, we recognize revenue under the multiple units shipped methodology, whereby revenue is recognized in each period based upon the lowest common percentage of the products shipped in the period. This approximates a proportional performance model of revenue recognition. This generally results in a partial deferral of revenue to a later reporting period. No revenue is recognized unless one or more units of each product has been delivered.

Although certain of our products contain operating and application software, we have determined the software element is incidental in accordance with ASC 985-605, “Software Revenue Recognition” (formerly AICPA Statement of Position (“SOP”) No. 97-2, “Software Revenue Recognition” and EITF No. 03-05, “Applicability of AICPA Statement of Position 97-2 to Non-Software Deliverables in an Arrangement Containing More-Than-Incidental Software”).

        We determine the unit of accounting for certain transactions based on the guidance in ASC 985-605 (formerly AICPA’s Technical Practice Aid (“TPA”) 5100.39, “Software Revenue Recognition for Multiple Element Arrangements”). In particular, multiple purchase orders may be deemed to be interrelated and considered to constitute a multiple element arrangement for accounting purposes.

 

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Semiconductor Systems transactions are generally multiple element arrangements which may include hardware, software, installation, training, an initial standard warranty, and optional extended warranty arrangements. We generally design, market and sell these products as standard configurations. For those standard configurations where acceptance criteria, if any, exist and are demonstrated prior to shipment, revenue is recorded at the time of shipment. For those cases where acceptance criteria cannot be demonstrated prior to shipment of a product or if a significant amount of fees are due upon acceptance, we recognize revenue upon customer acceptance. Acceptance is generally required for sales of Semiconductor Systems segment products to Japanese customers, sales of “New Products”, which are considered by us, for purposes of revenue recognition determination, to be either (a) a product that is newly released to all customers, including a product which may have been existing previously, but which has been substantially upgraded with respect to its features or functionality; or, (b) the sale of an existing product to a customer who has not previously purchased that product. We follow a set of predetermined criteria when changing the classification of a New Product to a standard configuration whereby acceptance criteria are considered to be demonstrated at the time of shipment.

Precision Technology and Excel transactions include both single element and multiple element transactions. Multiple element transactions may include two or more products and occasionally also contain installation, training or preventative maintenance plans. Revenue is generally recognized under the multiple units shipped methodology described above.

Our Semiconductor Systems segment also sells spare parts and consumable items, which are not subject to acceptance criteria. Revenue for these spare parts and consumable items is generally recognized under the multiple units shipped methodology described above.

Installation is generally a routine process that occurs within a short period of time from delivery and we have concluded that this obligation is inconsequential and perfunctory. As such, for transactions that include installation, and for which customer acceptance has not been deemed necessary in order to record the revenue, the cost of installation is accrued at the time product revenue is recorded and no related revenue is deferred. Historically, the costs of installation have not been significant.

The initial standard warranty for product sales is accounted for under the provisions of ASC 450, “Contingencies” (formerly SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies”) as we have the ability to ascertain the probable likelihood of the liability, and can estimate the amount of the liability. A provision for the estimated cost related to warranty is recorded to cost of goods sold at the time revenue is recognized. Our estimate of costs to service the warranty obligations are based on historical experience and expectations of future conditions. To the extent we experience increased warranty claims or increased costs associated with servicing those claims, revisions to the estimated warranty liability are recorded as increases or decreases to the accrual at that time, with an offsetting entry recorded to cost of goods sold.

We also sell optional extended warranty services, and preventative maintenance contracts, at the time of their product purchase. We account for these agreements in accordance with provisions of ASC 605-20-25-3, “Separately Priced Extended Warranty and Product Maintenance Contracts” (formerly FASB Technical Bulletin (“FTB”) 90-1, “Accounting for Separately Priced Extended Warranty and Product Maintenance Contracts”) under which we recognize the separately priced extended warranty and preventative maintenance fees over the associated period.

We, at the request of our customers, may at times perform professional services for our customers, generally for the maintenance and repairs of products previously sold to those customers. These services are usually in the form of time and materials based contracts which are short in their duration. Revenue for time and material services is recorded at the completion of services requested under a customer’s purchase order. Customers may, at times subsequent to the initial product sale, purchase a service contract whereby services, including preventative maintenance plans, are provided over a defined period, generally one year. Revenue for such service contracts are recorded ratably over the period of the contract.

We typically negotiate trade discounts and agreed terms in advance of order acceptance and record any such items as a reduction of revenue. Our revenue recognition policy allows for revenue to be recognized under arrangements where the payment terms are 180 days or less, presuming all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. From time to time, based on our review of customer creditworthiness and other factors, we may provide our customers with payment terms that exceed 180 days. To the extent all other revenue recognition criteria have been met, we recognize revenue for these extended payment arrangements as the payments become due.

        We have significant deferred revenue included in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets, with balances (including both current and long-term amounts) of $59.2 million and $84.2 million as of October 2, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. A significant majority of these amounts relate to arrangements whereby the entire arrangement has been accounted for as deferred revenue, as there is no fair value for one or more of the undelivered elements. Upon the final delivery of the undelivered element(s) of the arrangement, the revenue will be recorded for that arrangement. To a lesser extent, the deferred revenue balances relate to either: (a) the unrecognized portion of a multiple element arrangements that is being recognized into revenue over a ratable basis as associated services are performed; (b) arrangements not currently recognizable due to the arrangement not being fixed and determinable at its inception; (c) the future amortization to revenue of extended warranty contracts and preventative maintenance plans; (d) revenue deferrals for product shipments with FOB destination shipping terms; and (e) deposits from customers against future orders. The classification of deferred revenue, and deferred cost of goods sold, is based on our expectations relative to when the revenue will be recognized, based on facts known to us as of the date our financial statements are released.

 

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Fair Value Measurements. On January 1, 2008, we adopted ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (formerly Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”) with no impact on our consolidated results and financial position. ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and enhances disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Valuation techniques must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. ASC 820 establishes a value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the third is considered unobservable.

Included in our financial assets with fair value measurements as of October 2, 2009 and December 31, 2008 are $16.8 million and $32.3 million, respectively, in par value auction rate securities that we acquired in connection with our purchase of Excel in 2008. These auction rate securities are level 3 assets for which no observable market value exists, and for which we have valued based on assumptions the market participants might use in their estimates of fair value. As of October 2, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the auction rate securities have a fair value of $14.7 million and $25.1 million, respectively.

Included in our financial liabilities with fair value measurements as October 2, 2009 and December 31, 2008 are $210.0 million of 2008 Senior Notes. No public trades occurred in the 2008 Senior Notes during the nine months ended October 2, 2009. The Company engaged in ongoing negotiations regarding the value of the 2008 Senior Notes and an appropriate restructuring plan throughout this time period with the lender group and others, which resulted in the final Plan for emergence from Chapter 11. Thus, although the actual value of the 2008 Senior Notes may have varied materially if trading had taken place, the Company estimates that the fair value of the 2008 Senior Notes as of October 2, 2009 is its associated par value.

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts. We are required to estimate the collectability of our trade receivables. A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the ultimate realization of receivables, including the current credit-worthiness of each customer. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. The collectability of accounts receivable is evaluated based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filings), a specific reserve for bad debts is recorded against amounts due, to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount we reasonably believe will be collected. For all other customers, we estimate an allowance for bad debts based upon the total accounts receivable balance and the percentage expected to be realized through subsequent cash collections. If circumstances change (i.e., higher than expected defaults or an unexpected material adverse change in a major customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations to us), our estimates of the recoverability of amounts due to us could be reduced by a material amount.

Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, after provisions for excess and obsolete inventory salable at prices below cost. Costs are determined using first-in, first-out method.

We write down inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by us, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

Business Combinations. For business combinations consummated prior to January 1, 2009, we allocated the purchase price of acquired companies to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as well as to in-process research and development based upon their estimated fair values at the acquisition date in accordance with SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations”. The purchase price allocation process requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially at acquisition date with respect to intangible assets, support obligations assumed, estimated restructuring liabilities and pre-acquisition contingencies.

Although we believe the assumptions and estimates we have made in the past have been reasonable and appropriate, they are based in part on historical experience and information obtained from the management of the acquired companies and are inherently uncertain. Examples of critical estimates in valuing certain of the intangible assets we have acquired or may acquire in the future include but are not limited to:

 

   

future expected cash flows from sales of acquired product lines, developed technologies and patents;

 

   

expected costs to develop in-process research and development projects into commercially viable products and the estimated cash flows from the projects when completed;

 

   

the acquired company’s brand and competitive position, as well as assumptions about the period of time the acquired brand will continue to be used in the combined company’s product portfolio; and

 

   

discount rates.

Unanticipated events and circumstances may occur which may affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions, estimates or actual results.

 

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Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted ASC 805, “Business Combinations” (formerly SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations”).

Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Impairment Assessment. As discussed above, in “Business Combinations,” our goodwill and intangible assets generally arise from business combinations. Our most significant intangible assets are acquired technology, customer relationships, and trademarks and trade names. The purchase price we pay for acquired companies is allocated first to the acquired tangible assets and liabilities at their fair value. Any excess purchase price is then allocated to identifiable intangible assets and the remainder, if any, is assigned to goodwill. We make various assumptions and estimates in order to assign fair value to acquired tangible and intangible assets and liabilities, including those associated with our business plans and related cash flow forecasts, as well as discount rates and terminal values, among others. Actual cash flows may vary from forecasts used to value the intangible assets at the time of the business combination.

Our most significant intangible assets are acquired technology, customer relationships, and trademarks and trade names. In addition to our review of the carrying values of each asset, the useful life assumptions for each asset, including the classification of certain intangible assets as ‘indefinite lived’, are reviewed on a periodic basis to determine if changes in circumstances warrant revisions to them. All definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over the periods in which their economic benefits are expected to be realized.

We test our goodwill for impairment on an annual basis in accordance with ASC 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other” (formerly SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”), which first requires a comparison of the carrying value of each of our reporting units’ net assets to their fair value. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we calculate the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill and compare it to the goodwill’s carrying value. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference. The implied fair value of goodwill is calculated by performing a fair value assessment of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, in a manner consistent with the discussion above with respect to the initial fair value allocation performed in a business combination. The carrying value of each reporting unit’s assets and liabilities are predominantly specifically identifiable. Additionally, reporting units that benefit from corporate assets or liabilities are allocated a portion of those corporate assets and liabilities on a systematic, proportional basis.

Our indefinite-lived intangible assets represent trade names that were acquired in the August 2008 Excel acquisition. The Company assesses these indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis and periodically reassesses their continuing classification as indefinite-lived. Discounted cash flow forecasts for each indefinite-lived intangible asset are used to fair value them. Impairment exists if the fair value of the intangible asset is less than its carrying value. An impairment charge equal to the difference is recorded to reduce the carrying value to its fair value.

We evaluate amortizable intangible assets and other long-lived assets for impairment, in accordance with ASC 360-10-35-15, “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (formerly SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”) whenever changes in events or circumstances indicate carrying values may exceed their undiscounted cash flow forecasts. If undiscounted cash flow forecasts indicate the carrying value of a definite-lived intangible asset may not be recoverable, a fair value assessment is performed. Fair value estimates are derived from discounted cash flow forecasts for the intangible asset. If fair value is less than carrying value, an impairment charge equal to the difference is recorded, thereby reducing the intangible asset’s carrying value to its fair value. We also review the useful life assumptions for definite-lived intangible assets on a periodic basis to determine if changes in circumstances warrant revisions to them. All definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over the periods in which their economic benefits are expected to be realized.

Factors which may trigger an impairment of our goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets include the following:

 

   

filing for bankruptcy protection;

 

   

underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results;

 

   

changes in the manner of our use of acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business;

 

   

negative industry or economic trends;

 

   

interest rate changes;

 

   

technological changes or developments;

 

   

changes in competition;

 

   

loss of key customers or personnel;

 

   

adverse judicial or legislative outcomes or political developments;

 

   

declines in our stock price for a sustained period; and

 

   

the decline of our market capitalization below net book value.

 

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The occurrence of any of these events or any other unforeseeable event or circumstance that materially affects future results or cash flows may cause an impairment that is material to our results of operations or financial position in the reporting period in which it occurs or is identified.

The significant downturn in the global economy experienced in 2008, and most notably in the fourth quarter of 2008, negatively impacted our estimated future revenues and cash flows, as compared to our prior estimates, including those estimates made at the time we acquired Excel. Excel’s 2009 actual revenues were significantly lower than Excel’s 2009 projected revenues at the time of the acquisition in August 2008. From the acquisition in August 2008 to December 2008, when the impairment analysis was performed, we reduced Excel’s annual revenue projections by $50.1 to $54.5 million per year, or on average approximately 26% per year, compared to the projections used to initially value the intangible assets in Excel’s purchase price allocation. During this same period of time, the Company’s cost of capital increased significantly, primarily due to the increase in risk associated with an investment in the Company’s equity securities. Our estimated cost of capital increased in the fourth quarter of 2008 after we announced the delayed filing of our financial results. The announcement increased our risk profile and made financing more expensive, as a result of the decline in the Company’s stock price, the receipt by the Company of default notices from its noteholders, and the severe economic downturn. Our weighted average cost of capital forms the basis of the rates used to discount our cash flow forecasts which are integral to our fair value estimates. The discount rates utilized to initially value the intangible assets in the purchase price allocation ranged from 10.0% to 13.0%, while the discount rates utilized in the December 31, 2008 impairment analyses of the goodwill and other intangible assets ranged from 16.5% to 17.5%. Consequently, we undertook an impairment review of our goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment) as of December 31, 2008. This review led to us recording a charge to reduce the carrying value of these assets by an aggregate of $215.1 million. The results of the impairment review as of December 31, 2008 are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

 

     Pre-Impairment
Net Carrying
Value
   Impairment
Charge
    Post-Impairment
Net Carrying
Value

Goodwill

   $ 176,232    $ (131,169   $ 45,063

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

     34,341      (21,314     13,027

Definite-lived intangible assets

     115,563      (57,130     58,433

Property, plant and equipment

     59,877      (5,438     54,439
                     
   $ 386,013    $ (215,051   $ 170,962
                     

No impairment charges were recorded during the nine months ended October 2, 2009 or September 26, 2008. The most recent annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test was performed as of the beginning of the second quarter of 2009 noting no impairment.

Restructuring, Restatement Related Costs and Other Charges. In accounting for our restructuring activities, we follow the provisions of ASC 420, “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations” (formerly SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities”). In accounting for these obligations, we make assumptions related to the amounts of employee severance, benefits, and related costs and to the time period over which facilities will remain vacant, sublease terms, sublease rates and discount rates. Estimates and assumptions are based on the best information available at the time the obligation has arisen. These estimates are reviewed and revised as facts and circumstances dictate; changes in these estimates could have a material effect on the amount previously expensed against our earnings, and currently accrued on our consolidated balance sheet.

During the nine months ended October 2, 2009, the Company incurred costs to third parties, including auditors, attorneys, forensic accountants, and other advisors, that relate to the restatement of the Company’s previously issued financial statements as reported in its Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2008 and its Form 10-Q for the quarter-ended September 26, 2008, including, the SEC investigation, certain shareholder actions and the internal FCPA investigation. These costs are charged to expense as incurred and are included in the Company’s restructuring, restatement related costs and other charges. No such amounts were incurred during the nine months ended September 26, 2008.

Pension Plans. Two of our subsidiaries, located in the United Kingdom and Japan, maintain retirement plans that are accounted for as defined benefit plans. In 2006, the Company implemented ASC 715, “Defined Benefit Plans” (formerly SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans – an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)”). The impact of the adoption of the measurement date provision of ASC 715 was not material.

Our United Kingdom pension plan was closed to new membership in 1997 and we curtailed our sponsorship in 2002, limiting our obligation to benefits earned through that date. Benefits under this plan were based on the employees’ years of service and compensation. Most of the beneficiaries of this plan are no longer employed by the Company. The Company follows a pension

 

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funding policy based on widely used actuarial methods as permitted by regulatory authorities. The accounting rules applicable to our United Kingdom pension plan require amounts recognized in financial statements be determined on an actuarial basis, rather than as contributions are made to the plan. Pension and other benefit costs reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations are based on the projected benefit method of valuation. Within the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, pension plan benefit liabilities are included in accrued compensation and benefits.

Our Japanese pension plan is a tax qualified plan that covers substantially all Japanese employees. Benefits are based on years of service and the employee’s compensation at retirement. We fund the plan sufficient to meet current benefits as well as fund a certain portion of future benefits as permitted in accordance with regulatory authorities. Since this is an active plan, a significant portion of the pension benefit obligation is determined based on the rate of future compensation increases. We deposit funds under various fiduciary-type arrangements and/or purchase annuities under group insurance contracts.

Given both pension plans’ current under-funded status, changes in economic and market conditions may require us to increase cash contributions in future years. Furthermore, based on the preliminary results of a new funding valuation in 2010, we would be required to increase our annual contributions to the U.K. Plan from approximately $0.6 million to $0.8 million for a period of approximately 10 years, including an additional one-time lump-sum payment of approximately $1.6 million, of which $0.8 million was paid in September 2010. The remaining $0.8 million would be payable after the funding valuation results are finalized and all necessary U.K. governmental approvals are obtained.

Accounting for Income Taxes. As part of the process of preparing its consolidated financial statements, the Company is required to estimate its income tax provision (benefit) in each of the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. This process involves estimating its current income tax provision (benefit) together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within its consolidated balance sheet

The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets to an amount that more likely than not will be realized. While the Company has considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance, in the event the Company were to determine that the Company would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of its net recorded amount, an adjustment to the allowance for the deferred tax asset would increase income in the period such determination was made. Likewise, should the Company determine that it would not be able to realize all or part of its net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the allowance for the deferred tax asset would be charged to income in the period such determination was made.

The amount of income taxes the Company pays is subject to ongoing audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities, which often results in proposed assessments. Its estimate for the potential outcome for any uncertain tax issue is highly judgmental. The Company believes that it has adequately provided for any reasonably foreseeable outcome related to these matters. However, its future results may include favorable or unfavorable adjustments to its estimated tax liabilities in the period that the assessments are made or resolved, or when the statute of limitations for certain periods expires. As a result, its effective tax rate may fluctuate significantly on a quarterly basis.

Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. (“FIN”) 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (codified within ASC 740, “Income Taxes”). FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities.

The Company assessed all material positions taken in any income tax return, including all significant uncertain positions, in all tax years that are still subject to assessment or challenge by relevant taxing authorities. Assessing an uncertain tax position begins with the initial determination of the position’s sustainability and is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. As of each balance sheet date, unresolved uncertain tax positions must be reassessed, and the Company will determine whether (i) the factors underlying the sustainability assertion have changed and (ii) the amount of recognized tax benefit is still appropriate. The recognition and measurement of tax benefits requires significant judgment. Judgments concerning the recognition and measurement of a tax benefit might change as new information becomes available.

Loss Contingencies. We are subject to legal proceedings, lawsuits and other claims relating to labor, service and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Quarterly, we review the status of each significant matter and assess our potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, we accrue a liability for the estimated loss. Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability and the determination as to whether an exposure is reasonably estimable. Because of uncertainties related to these matters, accruals are based only on the best information available at the time. As additional information becomes available, we reassess the potential liability related to our pending claims and litigation and may revise our estimates. Such revisions in the estimates of the potential liabilities could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position.

 

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 to Consolidated Financial Statements for recent accounting pronouncements that could have an effect on us.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Our primary market risk exposures are foreign currency exchange rate fluctuation and interest rate sensitivity. During the nine months ended October 2, 2009, there have been no material changes to the information included under 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 filed with the SEC on April 13, 2010.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, our management carried out an evaluation, with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as of October 2, 2009, the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon this evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) were not effective as of October 2, 2009 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us, in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, because of the following material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, which are more fully described in Item 9A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 and incorporated by reference herein, which have not been remediated as of October 2, 2009:

 

   

Inadequate and ineffective controls over the corporate financial statement close process

 

   

Inadequate and ineffective controls over the recognition of revenue

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We are taking corrective actions to remediate the material weaknesses listed above, including remediation actions described in Item 9A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 and incorporated by reference herein. However, as of October 2, 2009, we have not completed the remediation of the above material weaknesses.

Other than as noted above, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our fiscal quarter ended October 2, 2009 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, such internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Our French subsidiary, GSI Lumonics SARL (“Lumonics”), is subject to a claim by a customer, SCGI, that a Laserdyne 890 system delivered in 1999 had unresolved technical problems. During the third quarter of 2005, GSI France, parent of Lumonics, filed for bankruptcy protection, which was granted by the French court on July 7, 2005. On April 18, 2006, the court fixed SCGI’s claim against Lumonics at 598,079 Euros, plus court costs and expert fees of 85,945 Euros. SCGI accepted the court’s determination and demanded that the Liquidator bring an action in the United Kingdom against GSI Group Ltd., the parent corporation of GSI France. The Company does not believe it will be required to make any payments regarding this action. Accordingly, nothing has been accrued in the Company’s accompanying consolidated financial statements with respect to this claim.

On December 12, 2008, in connection with the delayed filing of its results for the quarter ended September 26, 2008, and the announcement of a review of revenue transactions, a putative shareholder class action alleging federal securities violations was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts against us, a former officer and a then current officer and director. Specifically, the complaint alleges that the Company and the individual defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, and seeks recovery of damages in an unspecified amount. The action was brought on behalf of a putative class of shareholders who purchased the Company’s stock between April 30, 2008 and December 3, 2008. A lead plaintiff, Mason Tenders District Council Trust Funds, was appointed on May 8, 2009. On July 1, 2009, the Court ordered lead plaintiff to file a consolidated or amended complaint within 30 days of the Company’s filing of restatements for certain of its historical financial results with the SEC. In May 2010, the parties reached an agreement in principle to settle the litigation. The settlement covers purchasers of the common stock of the Company between February 27, 2007 and June 30, 2009. On July 30, 2010, a Motion for Certification of a Settlement Class and for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement was filed with the court. The settlement is subject to preliminary and final approval by the United States District Court, and to the extent required by law, approval by the Bankruptcy Court. Although the settlement agreement has not yet been approved by the United States District Court, the total settlement amount is within the Company’s insurance policy limits; the Company’s contribution to the settlement amount would be limited to the balance of the Company’s self-insured retention.

The Company is also subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe that the outcome of these claims will have a material adverse effect upon our financial condition or results of operations but there can be no assurance that any such claims, or any similar claims, would not have a material adverse effect upon our financial condition or results of operations.

Chapter 11 Cases

On November 20, 2009, the Debtors filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for Delaware. On May 27, 2010, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order confirming and approving the Final Chapter 11 Plan for the Debtors and the Plan Documents (as defined in the Final Chapter 11 Plan). On July 23, 2010, the Debtors consummated their reorganization through a series of transactions contemplated by the Final Chapter 11 Plan, and the Final Chapter 11 Plan became effective pursuant to its terms. Certain claims under the Final Chapter 11 Plan remain subject to final resolution. See Note 13 to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on claims and Note 16 to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the Chapter 11 Cases.

SEC Investigation

On May 14, 2009, we received a notice from the SEC indicating that the SEC is conducting a formal investigation relating to our historical accounting practices and the restatement of our historical consolidated financial statements. On September 16, 2010, the Company received a “Wells Notice” from the SEC, stating that the Staff is considering recommending that the Commission institute a civil injunctive action or administrative proceeding against the Company, alleging that the Company violated various provisions of the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act, and providing the Company with the opportunity to make a submission to the Staff in connection therewith. In connection with the contemplated action, the SEC may seek a permanent injunction or cease-and-desist order, disgorgement, prejudgment interest and the imposition of a civil penalty. The Company is cooperating fully with the SEC’s investigation.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The following risk factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows and could cause the market value of our common shares to fluctuate or decline. These risk factors may not include all of the important factors that could affect our business or that could cause our future financial results to differ materially from historic or expected results or cause the market price of our common shares to fluctuate or decline.

 

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Risks Relating to our Review of Historical Transactions, Restatement of Historical Consolidated Financial Statements and Control Procedures

The recent restatement of our historical consolidated financial statements could continue to divert management’s attention and has exposed us to litigation.

During the preparation of our financial statements for the quarter ended September 26, 2008, we discovered errors in the timing of the recognition of revenue from certain sales transactions in our Semiconductor Systems segment. As a result of this discovery, we undertook a review of the accounting treatment for sales transactions in our Semiconductor Systems segment and Precision Technology segment for fiscal years 2006, 2007 and 2008. As a result of this review, we announced that the previously issued financial statements contained in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 28, 2008 and June 27, 2008 and Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 should no longer be relied upon. Additionally, we undertook a review of the accounting treatment for sales transactions in our Semiconductors Systems segment and Precision Technology segment during fiscal years 2004 and 2005, which we subsequently restated as reflected in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 that was filed in April 2010. The effort expended in connection with the restatement resulted in a delay in the filing of our Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended September 26, 2008, April 3, 2009, July 3, 2009 and October 2, 2009; and we have yet to file our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for each of the quarters ended April 2, 2010 and July 2, 2010. The review of the accounting treatment for sales transactions in our Semiconductor Systems segment and Precision Technology segment and the resulting restatements has required us to incur substantial expenses for legal, accounting, tax and other professional services and has diverted our management’s attention from our business and could continue to do so.

The restatement of our prior financial statements also exposed us to litigation. In December 2008, a shareholder class action complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts (the “U.S. District Court”) against us and two former officers. That complaint asserts claims under the federal securities laws, specifically Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, relating to the restatement of our financial results for 2006, 2007, and the first two quarters of 2008. The complaint alleges that we issued a series of false or misleading statements to the market concerning our revenues, earnings, and financial condition. The plaintiffs contend that such statements caused our stock price to be artificially inflated and seek unspecified damages. In May 2010, we reached an agreement in principle to settle the litigation subject to court approval. On July 30, 2010, a Motion for Certification of a Settlement Class and for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement was filed with the U.S. District Court. The settlement is subject to preliminary and final approval by the U.S. District Court.

The SEC’s formal investigation relating to our historical accounting practices and the restatement of our historical consolidated financial statements could continue to divert management’s attention and could result in adversarial proceedings, damages or penalties.

In addition to the litigation prompted by the restatement of our previously issued financial statements as discussed above, we received a notice from the SEC indicating that the SEC is conducting a formal investigation relating to our historical accounting practices and the restatement of our historical consolidated financial statements. On September 16, 2010, the Company received a “Wells Notice” from the SEC, stating that the Staff is considering recommending that the Commission institute a civil injunctive action or administrative proceeding against the Company, alleging that the Company violated various provisions of the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act, and providing the Company with the opportunity to make a submission to the Staff in connection therewith. In connection with the contemplated action, the SEC may seek a permanent injunction or cease-and-desist order, disgorgement, prejudgment interest and the imposition of a civil penalty. We are cooperating fully with the SEC investigation. The conduct and resolution of the SEC investigation and related matters could be time-consuming, expensive and distracting to the conduct of our business and to our management. In the event that the investigation results in an adversarial action or proceeding being brought against us, or any of our current or former officers or directors, our business (including our ability to complete financing transactions), and the trading price of our securities, may be adversely impacted. Additionally, if the SEC investigation continues for a prolonged period of time, it may have the same impact regardless of the ultimate outcome of the investigation. In the event of an adverse judgment in any action or proceeding, we may be required to pay damages or penalties, or other remedies may be imposed upon us, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Additionally, while we believe we have made appropriate judgments in determining the correct reporting periods for restated revenues, the SEC may disagree with the manner in which we have accounted for and reported, or not reported, the financial impact. Accordingly, there is a risk we may have to further restate our historical financial statements, amend prior filings with the SEC, or take other actions not currently contemplated.

 

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Our management and independent auditors have identified material weaknesses in our internal controls, and we may be unable to develop, implement and maintain appropriate controls in future periods, which may lead to errors or omissions in our financial statements.

In connection with the preparation of our 2008 financial statements and the restatement of prior years’ financial statements, our management team and independent registered public accounting firm identified certain weaknesses in our internal controls that were considered to be material weaknesses and significant deficiencies. Specifically, such material weaknesses included: inadequate and ineffective controls over the financial statement close process; inadequate and ineffective controls over the accounting for revenue recognition; inadequate and ineffective controls over the accounting for income taxes; and, inadequate and ineffective controls over the evaluation process for the impairment assessment for goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets. While the material weaknesses related to controls over the evaluation process for the impairment assessment for goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets and accounting for income taxes were remediated during the nine months ended October 2, 2009, the material weaknesses over the financial statement close process and the accounting for revenue recognition have not yet been fully remediated. Prior to the remediation of these material weaknesses, there remains risk that the transitional controls on which we currently rely will fail to be sufficiently effective, which could result in a material misstatement of our financial position or results of operations and require a restatement of our financial statements.

We are currently designing and implementing new procedures and controls intended to address the material weaknesses described above over the financial statement close process and the accounting for revenue recognition. While this design and implementation phase is underway, we are relying significantly on outside accounting professionals, until permanent employees can be hired to fill these roles, and on manual procedures to assist us with meeting the objectives otherwise fulfilled by an effective controls environment. We note that a system of procedures and controls, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all systems of procedures and controls, no evaluation can provide absolute assurance that all control issues including instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, procedures and controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override. The design of any system of procedures and controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, our systems of procedures and controls, as we further develop and enhance them, may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective system of procedures and controls, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected and could be material and require a restatement of our financial statements.

If we are unable to establish appropriate internal controls, we may not have adequate, accurate or timely financial information, and we may be unable to meet our reporting obligations or comply with the requirements of the SEC or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which could result in the imposition of sanctions, including the inability of registered broker dealers to make a market in our common shares, or investigation by regulatory authorities. Any such action or other negative results caused by our inability to meet our reporting requirements or comply with legal and regulatory requirements or by disclosure of an accounting, reporting or control issue could adversely affect the trading price of our securities. Further and continued determinations that there are significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the effectiveness of our internal controls could also reduce our ability to obtain financing or could increase the cost of any financing we obtain and require additional expenditures to comply with applicable requirements.

Risks Relating to Noncompliance with NASDAQ and SEC Requirements

We may continue to be unable to timely file certain periodic reports with the SEC.

We did not timely file with the SEC our Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2008 or December 31, 2009 or our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended September 26, 2008, April 3, 2009, July 3, 2009 or October 2, 2009; and have yet to file our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for each of the quarters ended April 2, 2010 and July 2, 2010. Additionally, we may continue to be unable to timely file our annual and quarterly periodic reports with the SEC in the future. We will require substantial time to identify, incent and hire qualified personnel to augment our financial team. In addition, as a result of acquisitions completed by us, we continue to be delayed in the preparation of our financial reports due to the ongoing integration of multiple financial reporting systems. While we have publicly announced our intent to file our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for each of the quarters ended April 2, 2010 and July 2, 2010 prior to December 31, 2010, we cannot give any assurances as to whether or when we will be able to complete and file our delinquent Quarterly Reports as well as future periodic reports.

Until we become current with respect to our filings with the SEC, we will be ineligible to register our securities for sale by us or resale by others, which will adversely impact our ability to raise equity capital. Additionally, as a result of our delinquent filings with the SEC, we will be ineligible to register our securities on Form S-3 for sale by us or resale by others until one year from the date the last delinquent filing is made. After we become current with respect to our filings with the SEC, while we may use Form S-1 to raise capital or complete acquisitions, the use of Form S-1 could increase transaction costs and adversely impact our ability to raise capital or complete acquisitions of other companies in a timely manner.

 

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Our common shares were delisted from NASDAQ on April 15, 2010. We are not listed on any other national securities exchange. Because our common shares are not traded on a national securities exchange, it may be more difficult for shareholders to sell our common shares or to obtain accurate quotations of the share price of our common shares and it may adversely affect our ability to issue new equity securities.

As a result of our failure to timely file certain of our periodic reports with the SEC, on November 3, 2009, we received a delisting determination from The NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”). Our common shares were delisted on April 15, 2010.

As a result of the NASDAQ delisting, our common shares are currently quoted on the Pink OTC Markets Inc. (“Pink Sheets”) and trade under the symbol “LASR.PK”. Stocks quoted on Pink Sheets are typically less liquid than stocks that trade on a national securities exchange. Quotation on the Pink Sheets may also negatively impact the trading price of our common shares. In addition, the liquidity of our common shares may be impaired, not only in the number of shares that are bought and sold, but also through delays in the timing of transactions. Shareholders may find it difficult to resell their shares of the New Common Shares due to the delisting. The delisting of our common shares from NASDAQ may also result in other negative implications, including the potential loss of confidence by customers, strategic partners and employees, and loss of institutional investor interest in our common shares.

In order to relist our common shares on a national securities exchange, we will be required to meet the listing criteria, which for The NASDAQ Global Market means that we are current with our SEC reporting obligations and that our common shares have a minimum bid price of $4 and have a minimum of 400 round lot holders. We may not be able to satisfy all of these criteria in the near term or at all, as becoming eligible may require, among other things, a reverse stock split, which will require approvals from our board of directors and our shareholders that we may not be able to obtain. While we intend to seek listing on the NASDAQ Global Market or another stock exchange when we are eligible, there can be no assurance when or if our common shares will be listed on NASDAQ or another stock exchange.

We failed to file with the SEC a registration statement relating to securities issued under our 2006 Equity Inventive Plan. As a result, we may have engaged in multiple issuances of duly authorized but unregistered securities and we may be subject to enforcement proceedings, fines, sanctions and/or penalties.

In March 2010, it came to our attention that between March 2007 and March 2010, we inadvertently issued unregistered shares to fifty-two employees and directors under our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan in an amount of approximately 773,037 common shares with a total fair market value at the date of issuance of approximately $3.9 million. These securities were also issued without an appropriate restrictive legend.

It came to our attention during the preparation of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 that a registration statement on Form S-8 or other appropriate form had not been filed and the issuances were not made pursuant to a valid exemption from the applicable federal and state securities laws. Accordingly, it may be determined that such issuances were not exempt from registration or qualification under federal and state securities laws, and we did not obtain the required registrations or qualifications. As a result, the Company may be subject to civil litigation, enforcement proceedings, fines, sanctions and/or penalties. Our common shares, including those issued under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, were exchanged for new common shares in connection with our emergence from bankruptcy pursuant to the exemption from registration under Section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code and are now freely tradable by holders who are not deemed to be underwriters.

We may continue to be unable to timely file certain periodic reports with the Canadian Securities Administrators (“CSA”).

We are a reporting issuer in each of the provinces of Canada but are, as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in default of certain continuous disclosure filing obligations in each of such jurisdictions. We did not timely file with the SEC our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009 or our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended September 26, 2008, April 3, 2009, July 3, 2009, October 2, 2009; and have yet to file our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for each of the quarters ended April 2, 2010 and July 2, 2010 and similarly were unable to meet our reporting obligations with the CSA in a timely manner. As a result of our delayed filings with the CSA, we are also subject to certain management cease trade orders and an undertaking that restricts us and our senior officers from trading our securities until the required filings have been made or the management cease trades orders have been revoked. We may continue to be unable to timely file our annual and quarterly periodic reports with the CSA in the future.

 

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Risks Relating to our Business

Our recent bankruptcy and reorganization, our ongoing inability to provide current financial reports and recent and ongoing changes in our management could have a negative impact on our relationship with key employees, suppliers and customers.

As discussed elsewhere in this 10-K, we recently emerged from a lengthy and well-publicized reorganization process, which included a voluntary bankruptcy filing. We believe these events adversely impacted our suppliers’ willingness to extend trade credit to us, and our customers’ willingness to develop products with us, or order or purchase products from us. We believe these recent events, particularly when coupled with our inability to provide them with reports regarding our recent financial performance, may continue to have a negative impact on our business, as suppliers and customers may remain wary of our financial or operating stability. Furthermore, our ability to attract, motivate and retain key employees and managers has been adversely impacted by this process. Similarly, we believe that changes in our management over the course of the reorganization process and the current absence of permanent leadership for many positions has contributed to our customers’, suppliers’ and employees’ concerns, which could adversely affect our operations and our customers’ decisions to purchase our products.

Our results of operations could be adversely affected by economic and political conditions and the effects of these conditions on our customers’ businesses and level of business activity.

A large portion of our sales are dependent on the need for increased capacity or replacement of inefficient manufacturing processes, because of the capital-intensive nature of our customers’ businesses. These sales also tend to lag behind other businesses in an economic recovery. There was a rapid softening of the economy and tightening of the financial markets in the second half of 2008 that continued into the first half of 2009. This slowing of the economy reduced the financial capacity of our customers, thereby slowing spending on the products and services we provide. We have experienced improvement in the first half of 2010, but if such improvement is not sustainable or if a new general economic slowdown commences, we may not be able to meet anticipated revenue levels on a quarterly or annual basis. A severe and/or prolonged economic downturn or a negative or uncertain political climate could adversely affect our customers’ financial condition and the timing or levels of business activity of our customers and the industries we serve. This may reduce the demand for our products or depress pricing for our products and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Changes in global economic conditions could also shift demand to products or services for which we do not have competitive advantages, and this could negatively affect the amount of business that we are able to obtain. In addition, if we are unable to successfully anticipate changing economic and political conditions, we may be unable to effectively plan for and respond to those changes, and our business could be negatively affected.

Our business depends significantly upon our customers’ capital expenditures, which are subject to cyclical market fluctuations.

The semiconductor and electronics materials processing industries are cyclical and have historically experienced periods of oversupply, resulting in downturns in demand for capital equipment, including the products that we manufacture. The timing, length and severity of these cycles, and their impact on our business, are difficult to predict. Further, our order levels or results of operations for a given period may not be indicative of order levels or results of operations for subsequent periods. We cannot assure investors that demand for our products will increase or that demand will not decrease. For the foreseeable future, our operations will continue to depend upon industries that are subject to market cycles, which, in turn, could adversely affect the market for our products.

Cyclical variations may have the most pronounced effect on our Semiconductor Systems segment, which concentrates in the semiconductor and electronics industries. In past economic slowdowns, we have experienced significant cyclical fluctuations, and we cannot assure you that such slowdowns will not recur or that the impact of such slowdowns will be more or less significant compared to historical fluctuations.

Our business success depends upon our ability to respond to fluctuations in product demand, but doing so may require us to incur costs despite limited visibility toward future business declines.

If our business declines, we may be required to reduce costs while at the same time maintaining the ability to motivate and retain key employees. Additionally, to remain competitive we must also continually invest in research and development, which may inhibit our ability to reduce costs in a down cycle. Additionally, long product lead-times create a risk that we may purchase or manufacture inventories of products that we are unable to sell. While we practice inventory management, we can offer no assurances that our efforts to mitigate this risk will be successful.

During a period of increasing demand and rapid growth, we must be able to increase manufacturing capacity quickly. Our inability to quickly increase production in response to a surge in demand could prompt customers to look for alternative sources of supply or leave our customers without a supply, both of which events could harm our reputation and make it difficult for us to retain our existing customers or to obtain new customers.

 

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The success of our business requires that we continually innovate.

Technology requirements in our markets are consistently advancing. We must continually introduce new products that meet evolving customer needs. Our ability to grow depends on the successful development, introduction and market acceptance of new or enhanced products that address our customer’s requirements. Developing new technology is a complex and uncertain process requiring us to accurately anticipate technological and market trends and meet those trends with responsive products. Additionally, this requires that we manage the transition from older products to minimize disruption in customer ordering patterns, avoid excess inventory and ensure adequate supplies of new products. Failed market acceptance of new products or problems associated with new product transitions could harm our business.

Delays in delivery of new products could have a negative impact on our business.

Our research and development efforts may not lead to the successful introduction of products within the time period our customers demand. Our competitors may introduce new or improved products, processes or technologies that make our current or proposed products obsolete or less competitive. We may encounter delays or problems in connection with our research and development efforts. Product development delays may result from numerous factors, including:

 

   

changing product specifications and customer requirements;

 

   

the inability to manufacture products cost effectively;

 

   

difficulties in reallocating engineering resources and overcoming resource limitations;

 

   

changing market or competitive product requirements; and

 

   

unanticipated engineering complexities.

New products often take longer to develop, have fewer features than originally considered desirable and achieve higher cost targets than initially estimated. There may be delays in starting volume production of new products and/or new products may not be commercially successful. There may also be difficulty in sourcing components for new products.

Our reliance upon third party distribution channels subjects us to credit, inventory, business concentration and business failure risks beyond our control.

We sell products through resellers, distributors, original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) and system integrators. We sell certain lasers through a 50% owned joint venture in India. The holder of the other 50% of the joint venture is not a related party. Selling products through third parties can subject us to credit and business risks. Our sales also depend upon the ability of our OEM customers to develop and sell systems that incorporate our products. Adverse economic conditions, large inventory positions, limited marketing resources and other factors influencing these OEM customers could have a substantial impact upon our financial results. We cannot assure investors that our OEM customers will not experience financial or other difficulties that could adversely affect their operations and, in turn, our financial condition or results of operations.

Our quarterly results of operations may fluctuate in the future. As a result, we may fail to meet or exceed the expectations of securities analysts or investors, which could cause our stock price to decline.

We sell a relatively small number of high revenue semiconductor systems within any period. These systems are complex and may have multiple elements for customer delivery including overall systems, spare parts, extended warranties, installation and training and may be subject to customer acceptance criteria. In certain transactions, we recognize all or a portion of revenue upon shipment provided title and risk of loss has passed to the customer, evidence of an arrangement exists, fees are contractually fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured through historical collection results and regular credit evaluations, and there are no uncertainties regarding the receipt or timing of customer acceptance. As a result, it is often difficult to project the timing of product revenue recognition. Consequently, our revenue and financial results could vary significantly from expectations in a particular quarter if anticipated orders from even a few customers are not received and fulfilled in time to satisfy customer obligations to the extent necessary to permit revenue to be recognized under generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, our product order backlog at the beginning of each quarter may not include all systems needed to achieve expected revenues for that quarter. Because we may build systems according to forecast, the absence of a significant backlog for an extended period of time could adversely affect financial results.

 

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Customer order timing and other factors beyond our control may cause our operating results to fluctuate from period to period.

Changes in customer order timing and the existence of certain other factors beyond our control may cause our operating results to fluctuate from period to period. Such factors include:

 

   

fluctuations in our customers’ businesses;

 

   

timing and recognition of revenues from customer orders;

 

   

timing and market acceptance of new products or enhancements introduced by us or our competitors;

 

   

availability of parts from our suppliers and the manufacturing capacity of our subcontractors;

 

   

timing and level of expenditures for sales, marketing and product development;

 

   

changes in the prices of our products or of our competitors’ products; and

 

   

fluctuations in exchange rates for foreign currency.

A large percentage of our sales come from products with high selling prices and significant lead times. We may receive several large orders in one quarter from a customer and then receive no orders from that customer in the next quarter. As a result, the timing and recognition of sales from customer orders can cause significant fluctuations in our operating results from quarter to quarter.

A delay in a shipment or failure to meet our revenue recognition criteria near the end of a reporting period due, for example, to rescheduling or cancellations by customers or to unexpected difficulties experienced by us, may cause sales in the period to fall significantly and may have materially adverse effects on our operations for that period. Our inability to adjust quickly enough could magnify the adverse effects of that revenue shortfall on our results of operations.

As a result of these factors, our results of operations for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected in future periods. We believe that fluctuations in quarterly results may cause the market prices of our common shares to fluctuate, perhaps substantially.

Our director and officer liability insurance may not cover the Company’s exposure in the securities class action litigation.

As disclosed above, in December 2008, a shareholder class action complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts (the “U.S. District Court”) against us and two former officers. That complaint asserts claims under the federal securities laws, specifically Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, relating to the restatement of our financial results for 2006, 2007, and the first two quarters of 2008. The complaint alleges that we issued a series of false or misleading statements to the market concerning our revenues, earnings, and financial condition. The plaintiffs contend that such statements caused our stock price to be artificially inflated and seek unspecified damages. In May 2010, we reached an agreement in principle to settle the litigation. On July 30, 2010, a Motion for Certification of a Settlement Class and for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement was filed with the U.S. District Court.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the Company’s insurance carrier has agreed to contribute to the settlement. The total settlement amount is well within the Company’s insurance policy limits; the Company’s contribution to the settlement amount is minimal and reflects the balance of the company’s self-insured retention. The settlement agreement is subject to preliminary and final approval by the U.S. District Court. If the settlement agreement is not approved by the U.S. District Court, there can be no assurances that any future settlement or judgment will either be covered by the Company’s liability insurance policies or fall within their limits.

We transact a significant portion of our sales, and maintain significant cash balances, in foreign currencies and in the past we have maintained and may in the future maintain foreign currency exchange contracts. As a result, changes in interest rates, credit ratings or foreign currency rates could have a material effect on our operations, finance position, results of operations and cash flows.

A significant portion of our sales are derived from our European operations and transacted primarily in Euros while our products mainly are manufactured in the United States. In the event of a decline in the value of the Euro, we would typically experience a decline in our revenues. In addition, because our products are mainly manufactured in the United States, we may have to increase the sale prices on our products sold in Europe in order to maintain sales margins and recover costs. This may have a materially adverse impact on our operations, financial position, results of operation and cash flows.

 

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Additionally, balances we maintain in foreign currencies create additional financial exposure to changing interest and currency rates. We have in the past, and may in the future, attempt to mitigate these risks by purchasing foreign currency exchange contracts, and by investing in United States government issued treasury bills. However, if long term interest rates or foreign currency rates were to change rapidly, we could incur material losses. Further, if management chooses to invest in less risk adverse investment vehicles, the risk of losing principal and/or interest could increase.

International operations are an expanding part of our business and our operations in foreign countries subject us to risks not faced by companies operating exclusively in the United States.

During the three and nine months ended October 2, 2009, a significant portion of our revenues were derived from operations outside of the United States. The scope of our international operations subjects us to risks which could materially impact our results of operations, including:

 

   

foreign exchange rate fluctuations;

 

   

social and political unrest in countries where we operate;

 

   

climatic or other natural disasters in regions where we operate;

 

   

increases in shipping costs or increases in fuel costs;

 

   

longer payment cycles;

 

   

acts of terrorism;

 

   

greater difficulty in collecting accounts receivable;

 

   

use of incompatible systems and equipment;

 

   

problems staffing and managing foreign operations in diverse cultures;

 

   

protective tariffs;

 

   

trade barriers and export/import controls;

 

   

transportation delays and interruptions;

 

   

increased vulnerability to the theft of, and reduced protection for intellectual property rights;

 

   

government currency control and restrictions, delays, penalties or required withholdings on repatriation of earnings; and

 

   

the impact of recessionary foreign economies.

We cannot predict whether the United States or any other country will impose new quotas, tariffs, taxes or other trade barriers upon the importation or exportation of our products or supplies or gauge the effect that new barriers would have on our financial position or results of operations.

There are inherent risks as we increase our focus on overseas operations.

We manufacture certain products in plants in the United Kingdom and China. Manufacturing in overseas locations creates risks, including the possibility that as operations are transferred or expanded in foreign locations we may not be able to produce products to the quality standards or deliver products as quickly as our customers have come to expect. This possibility may come about due to an inability to find qualified personnel overseas. It is also possible that after an overseas transition, we may find that we have been producing products with latent defects that come to light only after a long period of operation. Transitioning a business to an overseas location has many additional risks such as developing solid financial, enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems.

The increased use of outsourcing in foreign countries exposes us to additional risks which could negatively impact our business.

We are increasingly outsourcing the manufacture of subassemblies to suppliers based in China and elsewhere overseas. Economic, political or trade problems with foreign countries could substantially impact our ability to obtain critical parts needed in the timely manufacture of our products. Additionally, this practice increases our vulnerability to the theft of, and reduced protection for, our intellectual property.

 

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Customs rules are complex and vary within legal jurisdictions in which we operate. Failure to comply with local customs regulations could result in substantial penalties.

Customs rules are complex and vary within legal jurisdictions in which we operate. We seek to mitigate this risk by maintaining export control systems and an internal customs staff charged with the responsibility of strictly complying with all applicable import/export laws. Further, we attempt to maintain arms length transactions with our foreign subsidiaries and their customers. However, we cannot assure you that we will comply with all applicable local customs regulations, and such a failure could result in substantial penalties, including debarment, and have a material impact on our operations, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

We have a history of operating losses and we may not be able to sustain or grow the Company’s profitability.

We incurred operating losses in each of the years from 1998 through 2003 and again in 2008 and 2009. No assurances can be given that we will sustain or increase the level of profitability in the future based on extrinsic market forces, and the market price of our common shares may decline as a result.

We are exposed to the credit risk of some of our customers and to credit exposures in weakened markets, which could result in material losses.

Customers with liquidity issues may lead to additional bad debt expense. We monitor individual customer payment capability in granting open credit arrangements, and seek to limit such open credit to amounts we believe our customers can pay, and we maintain reserves we believe are adequate to cover exposure for doubtful accounts. However, there can be no assurance that our open credit customers will pay the amounts they owe to us or that the reserves we maintain will be adequate to cover such credit exposure. Our customers’ failure to pay and/or our failure to maintain sufficient reserves could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.

In addition, to the extent that the ongoing turmoil in the credit markets makes it more difficult for some customers to obtain financing, those customers’ ability to pay may be adversely impacted, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.

While we generally sell a portion of our sales directly to customers, future sales may be increasingly derived through distributors. As distributors tend to have more limited financial resources than original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”) and end-user customers, they generally represent sources of increased credit risk. Additionally, in the event that the ongoing turmoil in the credit markets makes it more difficult for some customers to obtain financing, those customers’ ability to pay could be adversely impacted, which in turn could have a material adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition.

Others may violate our intellectual property rights.

Our future success depends in part upon our intellectual property rights, including trade secrets, know-how and continuing technological innovation. We do not have personnel dedicated to the oversight, organization and management of our intellectual property. There can be no assurance that the steps we take to protect our intellectual property rights will be adequate to prevent misappropriation, or that others will not develop competitive technologies or products outside of our patented property. There can be no assurance that other companies are not investigating or developing other technologies that are similar to ours, that any patents will issue from any application filed by us or that, if patents do issue, the claims allowed will be sufficiently broad to deter or prohibit others from marketing similar products. In addition, there can be no assurance that any patents issued to us will not be challenged, invalidated or circumvented in a legal or administrative proceeding, or that our patents and know how will provide a competitive advantage to us.

Our intellectual property rights may not be protected in foreign countries.

Our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights may not be effective in some foreign countries where we operate or sell. Many U.S. companies have encountered substantial problems in protecting their property rights against infringement in foreign countries. If we fail to adequately protect our intellectual property in these countries, it could be easier for our competitors to sell competing products in foreign countries.

Our success depends upon our ability to protect our intellectual property and to successfully defend against claims of infringement by third parties.

We have received in the past, and could receive in the future, notices from third parties alleging that our products infringe patent or other proprietary rights. We believe that our products are non-infringing or that we have the patents and/or licenses to allow us to lawfully sell our products throughout the world. However, we may be sued for infringement. In the event any third party makes a valid claim against us or our customers for which a license was not available to us on commercially reasonable terms, we would be adversely affected. Adverse consequences may also apply to our failure to avoid litigation for infringement or misappropriation of proprietary rights of third parties.

 

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We operate in highly competitive industries and, if we lose competitive advantages, our business would suffer adverse consequences.

Some of our competition comes from established competitors, some of which have greater financial, engineering, manufacturing and marketing resources than we do. Our competitors will continue to improve the design and performance of their products and introduce new products. It is possible that we may not successfully differentiate our current and proposed products from the products of our competitors, or that the marketplace will not consider our products to be superior to competing products. To remain competitive, we will be required to invest heavily in research and development, marketing and customer service and support. It is also possible that we may not be able to make the technological advances necessary to maintain our competitive position, or our products will not receive market acceptance. We may not be able to compete successfully in the future, and increased competition may result in price reductions, reduced profit margins, loss of market share and an inability to generate cash flows that are sufficient to maintain or expand our development of new products.

Our business strategy may include finding and making strategic acquisitions and divestitures. There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to make acquisitions or divestitures that provide business benefit.

Our business strategy has included finding and making strategic acquisitions and divestitures. For example, we acquired an optics business in the United Kingdom in 2007, we completed our acquisition of Excel in August 2008 and we sold our U.S. Optics Business in October 2008. We expect to continue to evaluate potential acquisitions and divestitures as part of our long-term strategic plan. Our identification of suitable acquisition candidates involves risks inherent in an assessment of the values, strengths, weaknesses, risks, synergy and profitability of acquisition candidates, including the effects of the possible acquisition on our business, diversion of management’s attention from our core businesses and risks associated with unanticipated problems or liabilities. We cannot assure investors our efforts will be sufficient, or that acquisition candidates will be receptive to our advances or that any acquisition we may make would be accretive to earnings. We also cannot assure investors that we will find suitable purchasers in the event that we identify a potential divestiture candidate in the future. Further, given our significant debt, delinquent filings with the SEC and current inability to use Form S-3, we may have difficulty obtaining financing for such strategic acquisitions on a timely basis or at all.

We may fail to successfully complete the integration of Excel into our business and, as a result, may fail to realize the synergies, cost savings and other benefits expected from the acquisition. Further, Excel’s performance has not been in accordance with our expectations, which has had, and could continue to have, a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

We may fail to successfully complete the integration of Excel into our business and, as a result, may fail to realize the synergies, cost savings and other benefits expected from the acquisition. The revenue we expected from Excel did not materialize in 2008 and 2009, which contributed significantly to the impairment charges we recorded in 2008 and 2009. We may continue to fail to grow and build revenues and profits in Excel’s business lines or achieve sufficient cost savings through the integration of customers or administrative and other operational activities. Furthermore, we must achieve these objectives without adversely affecting our revenues. If we are not able to successfully achieve these objectives, the anticipated benefits of the acquisition may not be realized fully or at all, or it may take longer to realize them than expected, and our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Further, our ability to maintain and increase profitability of Excel’s business lines will depend on our ability to manage and control operating expenses and to generate and sustain increased levels of revenue. Our expectations to achieve more consistent and predictable levels of revenue and to increase Excel’s profitability may not be realized, and such revenues and profitability may decline as we integrate Excel’s operations into our business. If Excel’s revenues grow more slowly than we anticipate, or if its operating expenses are higher than we expect, we may not be able to sustain or increase its profitability, in which case our financial condition will suffer and our stock price could decline. As discussed in Note 6 to Consolidated Financial Statements, the decreased performance contributed to our having recorded a significant impairment charge against the value of assets that were primarily attributed to the goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets of Excel. Should there be continued deterioration in Excel’s performance, we may be required to record additional impairment charges in the future.

We continue our leadership transition and expansion of our financial and accounting team. Until we are able to successfully complete such transition and expansion, if at all, our business could be materially adversely affected.

During 2008, 2009 and 2010, we experienced significant turnover in our management team, including our Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer, our General Counsel, our Corporate Controller and certain senior members of our various

 

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segments or operating groups. Our Chief Executive Officer voluntarily resigned from his position as Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective May 25, 2010. On May 14, 2010, our Board of Directors appointed a chief restructuring officer, whose appointment was approved by the Bankruptcy Court on May 27, 2010, and who currently serves as our most senior executive officer. We have also recently appointed a principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, but this person is a contractor and our financial management and accounting team continues to be leanly staffed. On September 9, 2010, we announced that our Board of Directors had recently retained an executive recruiting firm to assist in identifying and recruiting a permanent Chief Executive Officer. We continuously review our management, business and organizational structures, and, as a part of that process are seeking to expand our financial and accounting team, but there are no assurances that we will be able to adequately staff such team in the near future. There are risks associated with changes in strategy and management at the executive and/or director level, and changes in product or operational focus.

Our operations could be negatively affected if we lose key executives or employees or are unable to attract and retain skilled executives and employees as needed.

Our business and future operating results depend in part upon our ability to attract and retain qualified management, technical, sales and support personnel for our operations