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

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

[X]

 

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

For the quarterly period ended June 27, 2003,

or

[  ]

 

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

For the transitional period from ____________ to ____________

Commission file number:  0-6866

HELIX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware

04-2423640

(State of Incorporation)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

   

Mansfield Corporate Center

 

Nine Hampshire Street

 

Mansfield, Massachusetts

02048-9171

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

   

(508) 337-5500

(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 for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.


Yes [X]        No [  ]


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes [X]        No [  ]


The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Common Stock, $1 par value, as of June 27, 2003, was 26,103,204.

 


HELIX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Form 10-Q

INDEX

   

Page

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
     
 

Item 1.       Consolidated Financial Statements

 
     
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 27, 2003, and

 
 

     December 31, 2002

3

     
 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six-Month Periods

 
 

     Ended June 27, 2003, and June 28, 2002

4

     
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six-Month

 
 

     Periods Ended June 27, 2003, and June 28, 2002

5

     
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6-12

     
 

Item 2.       Management's Discussion and Analysis of

 
 

                  Financial Condition and Results of Operations

13-18

     
 

Item 3.       Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

19

     
 

Item 4.       Controls and Procedures

19

     
     

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 
     
 

Item 1.       Legal Proceedings

20

     
 

Item 4.       Submission of Matters to a Vote of Stockholders

20

     
 

Item 6.       Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

21

     

Signatures

22

   


 

HELIX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Consolidated Financial Statements


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

June 27,

December 31,

2003

2002

(in thousands except per share data)

 

(unaudited)

 

(audited)

                 

ASSETS

Current:

  Cash and cash equivalents

$

14,269

$

26,752

  Investments

53,637

36,567

  Receivables - net of allowances

16,945

15,036

  Inventories

22,597

23,946

  Income tax receivable

1,456

10,246

  Deferred income taxes

6,764

8,708

  Other current assets

1,735

1,833

Total Current Assets

   

117,403

     

123,088

 

Property, plant and equipment at cost

   

65,866

     

64,900

 

  Less:  accumulated depreciation

   

(43,376

)

   

(40,655

)

Net property, plant and equipment

   

22,490

     

24,245

 

Other assets

   

12,666

     

12,138

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

152,559

   

$

159,471

 

                 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current:

  Accounts payable

$

7,237

$

8,759

  Payroll and compensation

357

1,020

  Accrued restructuring costs

1,710

4,344

  Retirement costs

10,279

8,928

  Income taxes

3,347

3,692

  Other accrued liabilities

1,289

486

Total Current Liabilities

   

24,219

     

27,229

 

                 

Commitments and contingencies

Stockholders' Equity:

Preferred stock, $1 par value; authorized

  2,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: none

-

-

Common stock, $1 par value; authorized 60,000,000

  shares; issued and outstanding: 26,103,204 in 2003

  and 2002

26,103

26,103

Capital in excess of par value

76,405

76,405

Treasury stock, $1 par value (3,840 shares in 2003 and

  2002)

(232

)

(232

)

Retained earnings

26,899

31,812

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(835

)

(1,846

)

Total Stockholders' Equity

128,340

132,242

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

$

152,559

$

159,471

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

Page 3


HELIX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 27,

June 28,

June 27,

June 28,

(in thousands except per share data)

2003

2002

2003

2002

Net sales

$

24,555

$

29,015

$

48,178

$

49,395

Costs and expenses:

  Cost of sales

17,027

19,653

32,833

35,194

  Research and development

2,547

3,968

5,230

7,484

  Selling, general and administrative

7,597

11,314

15,365

19,373

27,171

34,935

53,428

62,051

Operating loss

(2,616

)

(5,920

)

(5,250

)

(12,656

)

Joint venture income

309

14

599

59

Interest and other income

214

296

467

365

Loss before taxes

(2,093

)

(5,610

)

(4,184

)

(12,232

)

Income tax benefit

(680

)

(1,823

)

(1,359

)

(3,975

)

Net loss

$

(1,413

)

$

(3,787

)

(2,825

)

$

(8,257

)

Net loss per share:

  Basic

$

(0.05

)

$

(0.15

)

$

(0.11

)

$

(0.34

)

  Diluted

$

(0.05

)

$

(0.15

)

$

(0.11

)

$

(0.34

)

Number of shares used in per share

  calculations:

  Basic

26,099

26,097

26,099

24,599

  Diluted

26,099

26,097

26,099

24,599


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

 

Page 4


HELIX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

Six Months Ended

June 27,

June 28,

(in thousands)

2003

2002

Cash flows from operating activities:

  Net loss

$

(2,825

)

$

(8,257

)

  Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided

    by operating activities:

  Depreciation and amortization

3,076

2,944

  Deferred income taxes

1,944

-

  Other

318

(486

)

  Change in operating assets and liabilities:

    Receivables - net of allowances

(1,909

)

(6,276

)

    Inventories

1,349

1,127

    Income tax receivables

8,790

2,891

    Other current assets

98

257

    Accounts payable

(1,522

)

4,618

    Accrued litigation settlement, net

-

2,800

    Accrued restructuring costs

(2,634

)

-

    Other accrued expenses

1,146

1,271

Net cash provided by operating activities

7,831

889

Cash flows from investing activities:

  Capital expenditures

(1,343

)

(4,226

)

  Purchase of investments

(50,472

)

(8,140

)

  Sale of investments

33,589

14,508

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

(18,226

)

2,142

Cash flows from financing activities:

  Net proceeds from stock offering

-

65,246

  Net cash provided by employee stock plans

-

711

  Cash dividends paid

(2,088

)

(3,899

)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

(2,088

)

62,058

  (Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

(12,483

)

65,089

Cash and cash equivalents, at the beginning of the period

26,752

7,789

Cash and cash equivalents, at the end of the period

$

14,269

$

72,878

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

 

Page 5


HELIX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and cash flows contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of Helix Technology Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the "Company") at June 27, 2003, and December 31, 2002, and the results of the Company's operations and cash flows for the three and six-month periods ended June 27, 2003, and June 28, 2002.

The consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company, without audit of the three- and six-month periods ended June 27, 2003, and June 28, 2002, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to present fairly the Company's financial position and results of operations. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates these estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, adequacy of reserves, valuation of investments and income taxes. The Company bases these estimates on historical and anticipated results and trends and on various other assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances, including assumptions as to future events. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. By their nature, estimates are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Actual results may differ from our estimates.

Note 2 - Inventories

June 27,

December 31,

(in thousands)

2003

2002

Finished goods

$

7,123

$

8,383

Work in process

12,243

12,185

Materials and parts

3,231

3,378

$

22,597

$

23,946

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out basis. Cost includes material, labor and applicable manufacturing and engineering overhead costs. Based upon management's assumptions of future material usage and obsolescence, which are a result of future demand and market conditions, the Company regularly reviews inventory quantities on hand and records a provision to write down excess and obsolete inventory to its estimated net realizable value, if less than cost.

Page 6


HELIX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 3 - Income Taxes

The net federal, state and foreign income tax benefit was $1,359,000 for the six-month period ended June 27, 2003. For the six-month period ended June 28, 2002, the Company had a net federal, state and foreign income tax benefit of $3,975,000. Tax credits are treated as reductions of income tax provisions in the year in which the credits are realized. The Company does not provide for federal income taxes on the undistributed earnings of its wholly owned foreign subsidiaries, since these earnings are indefinitely reinvested.

The effective income tax rate for both the six-month periods ended June 27, 2003, and June 28, 2002, was 32.5%.

The major components of deferred tax assets are compensation and benefit plans, net operating loss carryforwards, inventory valuation, and depreciation. Based on past experience, the Company expects that future taxable income will be sufficient for the realization of the deferred tax assets. The Company believes that a valuation allowance is not required.

Note 4 - Other Accrued Liabilities

The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 45 "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, including Indirect Indebtedness of Others" (FIN 45) during the first quarter of 2003. FIN 45 requires disclosures concerning the Company's obligations under certain guarantees.

The Company's products and services are generally sold with warranty coverage for periods ranging from 12 to 18 months after shipment. Parts and labor are covered under the terms of the warranty agreement. The warranty provision is based on historical experience by product family.

Changes in the warranty reserves during the second quarter of 2003 were as follows:

(in thousands)

Balance at December 31, 2002

$

293

Provisions for warranty

311

Consumption of reserves

(260

)

Balance at March 28, 2003

344

Provisions for warranty

396

Consumption of reserves

(341

)

Balance at June 27, 2003

$

399


Note 5 - Accrued Restructuring Costs

During the fourth quarter of 2002, the Company recorded $5,851,000 of restructuring charges associated with the initiation of a worldwide cost-reduction program in response to the continued duration and severity of the slowdown in the semiconductor capital equipment industry. These charges were comprised of $3,046,000 in employee severance costs and $2,805,000 to consolidate leased facilities.

Page 7


HELIX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

The employee costs of $3,046,000 primarily consist of severance and fringe benefits to terminate approximately 130 employees. The affected employees, most of whom were located in the United States, were primarily full-time nonmanufacturing employees. Notification and termination benefits were communicated to employees in the fourth quarter of 2002. The majority of the terminations took place in 2002 and the first six months of 2003. All remaining severance benefits are expected to be paid during 2003.

The $2,805,000 of net exit costs related to facility closures resulted from the planned consolidation of customer support facilities located in Massachusetts; facility reductions of satellite sales and customer support facilities located in Texas and Arizona; and consolidation of sales and service centers located in Japan and Europe. These accrued costs reflect payments required under operating lease contracts in excess of expected sublease rentals and costs for writing down related leasehold improvements at the affected facilities.

The following table summarizes the components of the restructuring charges, the cash payments, non-cash activities, and the remaining accrual as of June 27, 2003:


Employee

Severance and

Facility

Asset

Fringe Benefits

Closures

Writedowns

Total

Fourth quarter 2002 restructuring charges

$

3,046

$

1,486

$

1,319

$

5,851

Non-cash activity

-

20

(1,319

)

(1,299

)

Cash payments

(208

)

-

-

(208

)

Balance at December 31, 2002

2,838

1,506

-

4,344

Cash payments

(1,395

)

(145

)

-

(1,540

)

Balance at March 28, 2003

1,443

1,361

-

2,804

Cash payments

(916

)

(178

)

-

(1,094

)

Balance at June 27, 2003

$

527

$

1,183

$

-

$

1,710


Note 6 - Commitments and Contingencies

The Company may be involved in various legal proceedings in the normal course of business. The Company is not a party to any proceedings that involve amounts that would have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations if such proceedings were resolved unfavorably. The Company accrues loss contingencies when it is probable that a loss has occurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.

Page 8


HELIX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 7 - Other Comprehensive Loss

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 27,

June 28,

June 27,

June 28,

(in thousands except per share data)

2003

2002

2003

2002

Net loss

$

(1,413

)

$

(3,787

)

$

(2,825

)

$

(8,257

)

Other comprehensive loss before tax:

  Foreign currency translation adjustment

357

(449

)

906

(1,527

)

  Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale

    investment

61

(1

)

187

(37

)

Other comprehensive gain (loss) before tax

418

(450

)

1,093

(1,564

)

Income tax related to items of other

  comprehensive (loss) gain

34

31

(82

)

322

Other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax

452

(419

)

1,011

(1,242

)

Comprehensive loss

$

(961

)

$

(4,206

)

$

(1,814

)

$

(9,499

)


Note 8 - Net Loss Per Share

Basic net loss per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per common share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if outstanding stock options were exercised and converted into common stock at the beginning of the period.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per common share:

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 27,

June 28,

June 27,

June 28,

(in thousands except per share data)

2003

2002

2003

2002

Net loss

$

(1,413

)

$

(3,787

)

$

(2,825

)

$

(8,257

)

Basic shares

26,099

26,097

26,099

24,599

Add: Common equivalent shares (1)

-

-

-

-

Diluted shares

26,099

26,097

26,099

24,599

Basic net loss per share

$

(0.05

)

$

(0.15

)

$

(0.11

)

$

(0.34

)

Diluted net loss per share

$

(0.05

)

$

(0.15

)

$

(0.11

)

$

(0.34

)

 

 

(1)

Common equivalent shares represent shares issuable upon exercise of stock options (using the treasury stock method). The Company had 764,750 and 566,375 options outstanding not included in the computation of diluted shares for the three and six-month periods ended June 27, 2003, and June 28, 2002, respectively. The Company was in a net loss position, and the inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive.

 

Page 9


 

HELIX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 9 - Segment Information

Line of Business and Foreign Operations

The Company operates in one reportable segment for the design, manufacture and service of vacuum technology primarily for the semiconductor, data storage and flat panel display markets. In accordance with SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," the Company's chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer, who reviews operating results to make decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance for the entire Company. SFAS No. 131, which is based on a management approach to segment reporting, establishes requirements to report selected segment information quarterly and to report quarterly entity-wide disclosures about products and services, major customers, and the countries in which the entity holds material assets and reports revenue. All material operating units qualify for aggregation under SFAS No. 131 due to their similar customer base and similarities in: economic characteristics; nature of products and servi ces; and procurement, manufacturing and distribution processes. Since the Company operates in one segment, all financial information required by SFAS No. 131 can be found in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of wholly owned international subsidiaries that operate customer support facilities to sell and service products manufactured in the United States. A summary of net sales and long-lived assets by geographical operation follows:

(in thousands)

United States

International

Consolidated

Net sales for:

  Three months ended:

    June 27, 2003

$

17,559

$

6,996

$

24,555

    June 28, 2002

$

22,648

$

6,367

$

29,015

  Six months ended:

    June 27, 2003

$

34,871

$

13,307

$

48,178

    June 28, 2002

$

38,786

$

10,609

$

49,395

Long-lived assets as of:

  June 27, 2003

$

31,506

$

3,650

$

35,156

  December 31, 2002

$

32,647

$

3,736

$

36,383

 

Page 10


HELIX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 10 - Capital Stock

Options for the purchase of the Company's stock have been granted to officers, directors and key employees under various nonqualified stock option agreements. The Company accounts for these grants under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issues to Employees, and related interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income, as all options granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. If the recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure - an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123, had been adopted, the effect on net loss and basic and diluted net loss per share would have been as follows:

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 27,

June 28,

June 27,

June 28,

(in thousands except per share data)

2003

2002

2003

2002

Net loss, as reported

$

(1,413

)

$

(3,787

)

$

(2,825

)

$

(8,257

)

Deduct:  Total stock-based employee

  compensation expense determined under fair

  value based method for all awards, net of

  related tax effects

202

193

389

358

Pro forma net loss

$

(1,615

)

$

(3,980

)

$

(3,214

)

$

(8,615

)

Earnings per share:

  Basic-as reported

$

(0.05

)

$

(0.15

)

$

(0.11

)

$

(0.34

)

  Basic-pro forma

$

(0.06

)

$

(0.15

)

$

(0.12

)

$

(0.35

)

  Diluted-as reported

$

(0.05

)

$

(0.15

)

$

(0.11

)

$

(0.34

)

  Diluted-pro forma

$

(0.06

)

$

(0.15

)

$

(0.12

)

$

(0.35

)

Note 11 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 146 (SFAS 146), "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities," which addresses accounting for restructuring and similar costs. SFAS No. 146 supersedes previous accounting guidance, principally Emerging Issues Task Force Issue (EITF) No. 94-3. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 146 for restructuring activities initiated after December 31, 2002. SFAS 146 requires that the liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred. Under EITF No. 94-3, a liability for an exit cost was recognized at the date of the Company's commitment to the worldwide cost-reduction program during the fourth quarter of 2002.

 

Page 11


HELIX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 11 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements (continued)

SFAS 146 also establishes that initially the liability should be measured and recorded at fair value. Accordingly, SFAS 146 may affect the timing of recognizing future restructuring costs as well as the amounts recognized.

In November 2002, the EITF issued No. 00-21, "Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables." EITF No. 00-21 addresses certain aspects of the accounting by a vendor for arrangements under which it will perform multiple revenue-generating activities. EITF No. 00-21 establishes three principles: revenue should be recognized separately for separate units of accounting; revenue for a separate unit of accounting should be recognized only when the arrangement consideration is reliably measurable and the earnings process is substantially complete, and consideration should be allocated among the separate units of accounting in an arrangement based on their fair values. EITF No. 00-21 is effective for all revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of EITF No. 00-21 to have a material impact on the Company's results of operations or financial condition.

In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46 "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB 51." FIN No. 46 provides guidance on the identification of entities for which control is achieved through means other than through voting rights called "variable interest entities" or "VIEs" and how to determine when and which business enterprise should consolidate the VIE (the "primary beneficiary"). This new model for consolidation applies to an entity in which either (1) the equity investors (if any) do not have a controlling financial interest or (2) the equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity's activities without receiving additional subordinated financial support from other parties. In addition, FIN No. 46 requires that both the primary beneficiary and all other enterprises with a significant variable interest in a VIE make additional disclosures. Certain transitional disclosures are required in financial statements initially issued after January 31, 2003, i f it is reasonably possible that once this guidance is effective the enterprise will either be required to consolidate a VIE or will hold a significant variable interest in a VIE. The Company does not have any interests that would change our current reporting entity or require additional disclosure outlined in FIN No. 46.

In April 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 149 (SFAS 149), "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This statement amends SFAS 133 to provide clarification on the financial accounting and reporting of derivative instruments and hedging activities and requires contracts with similar characteristics to be accounted for on a comparable basis. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 149, which will be effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, to have a material effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

 

Page 12


HELIX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

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

You should read the following discussion and analysis together with our financial statements, related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report. In addition to historical information, the following discussion and other parts of this report contain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by such forward-looking information due to competitive factors and other factors discussed under "Important Factors That May Affect Future Results" below.

Significant Accounting Policies

Our discussion and analysis of our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources are based on our consolidated financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, adequacy of reserves, valuation of investments and income taxes. We base our estimates on historical and anticipated results and trends and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, including assumptions as to future events. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. By their nat ure, estimates are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Actual results may differ from our estimates. We believe that the following significant accounting policies and assumptions may involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity than others.

Revenue Recognition.  We recognize net sales from product sales upon shipment provided title and risk of loss have been transferred to the customer, there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, fees are fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. Net sales from global support services is recognized as performed or ratably over the period of the related agreements. We recognize net sales from upgrade sales upon customer acceptance provided installation has been completed. As part of a sale, we offer customers a warranty on defects in materials and workmanship. We continuously monitor and track the related product returns and record a provision for the estimated amount of such future returns, based on historical experience and any notification we receive of pending returns. While such returns have historically been within our expectations and the provisions established, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to experience the same return rates that we have in the pa st. Any significant increase in material and workmanship defect rates and the resulting credit returns could have a material adverse impact on our operating results for the period or periods in which such returns materialize. We also maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. If the financial conditions of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances might be required.

Inventory and Reserves for Excess and Obsolescence.  We value inventory at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. We regularly review inventory quantities on hand and record a provision to write down inventory to its estimated net realizable value, if less than cost, based upon management's assumptions of future material usage and obsolescence, which are a result of future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions become less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory provisions may be required. If inventory is written down to its net realizable value and subsequently there is an increased demand for the inventory at a higher value, the increased value of the inventory is not realized until the inventory is sold, resulting in improved margins in the period.

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HELIX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(continued)

Tax Contingencies.  Tax contingencies are recorded to address potential exposures involving tax positions we have taken that could be challenged by taxing authorities. These potential exposures result from the varying application of statutes, rules, regulations and interpretations. Our estimate of the value of our tax contingencies contains assumptions based on past experiences and judgments about potential actions by taxing jurisdictions. It is reasonably likely that the ultimate resolutions of these matters may be greater or less than the amount that we have accrued.

Deferred Income Taxes.  Each reporting period we estimate our ability to realize our net deferred tax assets. Realization of our net deferred tax assets is dependent upon our generating sufficient taxable income in the appropriate tax jurisdictions in future years to obtain benefit from the reversal of net deductible temporary differences and from tax loss and tax credit carryforwards. We reassessed our need for a valuation allowance and determined that no such allowance is required at this time based on our conclusion that it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets net of related deferred tax liabilities will be realized through future taxable income. Should circumstances change such that our conclusion changes, this valuation allowance could be increased to reserve all or a portion of the net deferred tax assets, and the amount of the related charge could be material.

Investments.  We own 50% of a joint venture, ULVAC Cryogenics, Inc., or UCI, which manufactures and sells cryogenic vacuum pumps in Japan, principally to ULVAC Corporation. We account for the joint venture using the equity method of accounting, and we also receive royalties from the joint venture under the terms of a license and technology agreement. The royalties we receive from UCI, as well as our equity in the income and losses of UCI, are both included in our financial statements under joint venture income.

Restructuring Charges.  During 2002, we recorded significant charges in connection with our restructuring programs. The related reserves reflect estimates, including those pertaining to severance costs and settlements of contractual obligations. We reassess the reserve requirements to complete each individual plan under our restructuring programs at the end of each reporting period. Actual experience may be different from these estimates. For more information, see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.

Retirement Obligations.  We have significant retirement obligations which are developed from actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions, including discount rates, rates of compensation increases and expected long-term rates of return on plan assets, which are usually updated on an annual basis at the beginning of each fiscal year. We are required to consider current market conditions, including changes in interest rates, in making these assumptions. Changes in the related retirement benefit costs may occur due to changes in assumptions.

Results of Operations

We design, develop and manufacture innovative vacuum technology solutions for the semiconductor, data storage, and flat panel display markets. Our vacuum systems provide enabling technology for several key steps within the semiconductor manufacturing process, including ion implantation, physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, and etching. Semiconductor manufacturers use our systems to create and maintain a vacuum environment, which is critical to their manufacturing processes. Our products are also used in a broad range of industrial manufacturing applications and advanced research and development laboratories.

We also provide an extensive range of global support and vacuum system monitoring services that lower our end-users' total costs of ownership. We increase our customers' system uptime through rapid response to potential operating problems. We also develop and deliver enhancements to our customers' installed base of production tools.

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HELIX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(continued)

Results of Operations (continued)

The slowdown in the global market for semiconductor capital equipment that began in 2001 continues to impact us. Net sales for the second quarter ended June 27, 2003, (the "2003 Quarter") were $24.6 million compared with net sales for the second quarter ended June 28, 2002, (the "2002 Quarter") of $29.0 million, a decrease of 15.4%. Net sales for the six months ended June 27, 2003, (the "2003 Period") were $48.2 million compared with net sales for the six months ended June 28, 2002, (the "2002 Period") of $49.4 million. While net sales on a quarterly basis were down from the prior year, on a year-to-date basis net sales were consistent with the prior period. On a sequential quarter-over-quarter basis, sales for the 2003 Quarter increased 3.9% from the prior quarter ended March 28, 2003, reflecting a slight increase in demand primarily in our service offerings. Current weekly order bookings are stable; however, visibility remains unclear.

In the fourth quarter of 2002, we initiated a worldwide cost-reduction program and the suspension of an internal-use software development program in response to the continued duration and severity of the slowdown in the semiconductor capital equipment industry. The cost-reduction program included severance and fringe benefits to terminate approximately 130 employees and included closure or consolidation of selected facilities worldwide. We recorded an $8.7 million charge for restructurings and other charges in the fourth quarter of 2002 and expect to save approximately $2.4 million quarterly which will significantly reduce our breakeven point. This program was substantially completed in the first quarter of 2003.

Cost of sales for the 2003 Quarter was $17.0 million compared with $19.7 million for the 2002 Quarter, a decrease of 13.4%. The gross margin for the 2003 Quarter was 30.7% compared with the 2002 Quarter at 32.3%. Gross margin for the 2003 Period improved to 31.9% from 28.7% for the 2002 Period. The gross margin for the 2003 Quarter decreased from the 2002 Quarter due primarily to lower sales. On a sequential quarter-over-quarter basis, gross margin decreased primarily due to product mix as well as temporary production and customer support costs incurred related to our new generation of vacuum technology. The improvement in gross margin over the 2002 Period is primarily due to the lower overhead costs resulting from our cost reduction actions taken in the fourth quarter of 2002 offset by the aforementioned temporary cost issues.

Research and development expenses were $2.5 million for the 2003 Quarter, or 10.4% of net sales, compared to $4.0 million, or 13.7% of net sales, for the 2002 Quarter. On a year-to-date basis spending on research and development activities decreased $2.3 million to $5.2 million in the 2003 Period from $7.5 million in the 2002 Period. The decrease in overall research and development expenses from the prior year is due to cost reduction actions taken in the fourth quarter of 2002 as well as the completion of several major research and development projects during the past year. We intend to maintain our current level of spending on research and development in the coming quarters.

Total selling, general and administrative expenses were $7.6 million and $15.4 million in the 2003 Quarter and 2003 Period, respectively, compared with $11.3 million and $19.4 million in the 2002 Quarter and 2002 Period. Excluding the $2.8 million nonrecurring litigation charge included in the 2002 Quarter, total selling, general and administrative expenses declined from the prior year quarter and period by 10.8% and 7.3%, respectively, reflecting cost savings realized from the restructuring program implemented in the fourth quarter of 2002.

Royalty and equity income from our joint venture in Japan increased by $0.3 million in the 2003 Quarter compared to the 2002 Quarter and increased $0.5 million in the 2003 Period compared to the 2002 Period. Sequentially on a quarter-over-quarter basis, royalty and equity income remained relatively flat with the first quarter of 2003. Although the Japanese semiconductor capital equipment market reflects the same uncertainty as the global market, the increase over the prior quarter and period reflects improvement in the Flat Panel Display market.

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HELIX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(continued)

Results of Operations (continued)

Interest and other income for the 2003 Quarter was $0.2 million, compared with $0.3 million for the 2002 Quarter, reflecting lower interest rates and lower average cash, cash equivalent and investment balances during the 2003 Quarter. On a year-to-date basis interest and other income for the 2003 Period was slightly higher than the 2002 Period, due to higher average cash balances over the 2003 Period as compared to the 2002 Period, partially offset by lower interest rates.

For the 2003 Quarter and 2003 Period, the Company had a pretax loss of $2.1 million and $4.2 million, resulting in a tax benefit of $0.6 million and $1.4 million, respectively, compared to a pretax loss of $5.6 million and $12.2 million and a tax benefit of $1.8 million and $4.0 million for the 2002 Quarter and 2002 Period, respectively. The effective tax rate for the 2003 and 2002 Quarters and Periods was 32.5%. The tax rates differ from the United States statutory rate primarily due to tax credits and undistributed nontaxable equity income from our joint venture.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash provided by operating activities for the 2003 Period was $7.8 million compared with $0.9 million for the 2002 Period. The cash provided by operating activities for the 2003 Period was primarily due to our receipt of $12.0 million in tax refunds, resulting from the carryback of the 2002 net operating loss offset by the loss in the 2003 Period and by $2.7 million of severance and facility closure payments related to the 2002 restructuring activity.

In the 2003 Period we spent $1.3 million to support the existing infrastructure. In the 2002 Period capital expenditures were $4.2 million, primarily for implementation of our global information system. We expect full year spending for 2003 to be approximately $3.0 million to $4.0 million. We continue to closely manage our capital expenditures.

Cash dividends paid to stockholders were $2.1 million, or $0.04 per common share, on a quarterly basis during the 2003 Period and $3.9 million, or $0.08 per common share, on a quarterly basis during the 2002 Period. In October 2002, our Board of Directors reduced the quarterly dividend to $0.04 per share, due to the continuing uncertain business environment and lack of stability in the semiconductor capital equipment market.

We manage our foreign exchange rate risk arising from intercompany foreign currency denominated transactions through the use of foreign currency forward contracts. The gains and losses on these transactions are not material.

We believe that our existing funds and anticipated cash flow from operations will satisfy our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months.

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HELIX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(continued)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (continued)

In June 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 146 (SFAS 146), "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities," which addresses accounting for restructuring and similar costs. SFAS No. 146 supersedes previous accounting guidance, principally Emerging Issues Task Force Issue (EITF) No. 94-3. We adopted the provisions of SFAS 146 for restructuring activities initiated after December 31, 2002. SFAS 146 requires that the liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred. Under EITF No. 94-3, a liability for an exit cost was recognized at the date of our commitment to the worldwide cost-reduction program during the fourth quarter of 2002. SFAS 146 also establishes that initially the liability should be measured and recorded at fair value. Accordingly, SFAS 146 may affect the timing of recognizing future restructuring costs, as well as the amounts recognized.

In November 2002, the EITF issued No. 00-21, "Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables." EITF No. 00-21 addresses certain aspects of the accounting by a vendor for arrangements under which it will perform multiple revenue-generating activities. EITF No. 00-21 establishes three principles: revenue should be recognized separately for separate units of accounting; revenue for a separate unit of accounting should be recognized only when the arrangement consideration is reliably measurable and the earnings process is substantially complete; and consideration should be allocated among the separate units of accounting in an arrangement based on their fair values. EITF No. 00-21 is effective for all revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption of EITF No. 00-21 to have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46 "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB 51." FIN No. 46 provides guidance on the identification of entities for which control is achieved through means other than through voting rights called "variable interest entities" or "VIEs" and how to determine when and which business enterprise should consolidate the VIE (the "primary beneficiary"). This new model for consolidation applies to an entity in which either (1) the equity investors (if any) do not have a controlling financial interest or (2) the equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity's activities without receiving additional subordinated financial support from other parties. In addition, FIN No. 46 requires that both the primary beneficiary and all other enterprises with a significant variable interest in a VIE make additional disclosures. Certain transitional disclosures are required in financial statements initially issued after January 31, 2003, i f it is reasonably possible that, once this guidance is effective, the enterprise will either be required to consolidate a VIE or will hold a significant variable interest in a VIE. We do not have any interests that would change our current reporting entity or require additional disclosure outlined in FIN No. 46.


In April 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 149 (SFAS 149), "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This statement amends SFAS 133 to provide clarification on the financial accounting and reporting of derivative instruments and hedging activities and requires contracts with similar characteristics to be accounted for on a comparable basis. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 149, which will be effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, to have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

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HELIX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(continued)

Important Factors That May Affect Future Results

This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements appear principally in the section entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations." Forward-looking statements may appear in other sections of this report as well. Generally, the forward-looking statements in this report use words like "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "intend," "believe," "seek," "estimate," and similar expressions. The forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding:

     - Our strategic plan;
     - The outlook for our business and industry;
     - Anticipated sources of future revenues;
     - Anticipated expenses, spending and savings from our cost reduction program;
     - Anticipated levels of capital expenditures; and
     - The sufficiency of capital to meet working capital and capital expenditure requirements.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Important factors that could cause our future results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf include, but are not limited to, market acceptance of and demand for the Company's products, the success of the Company's strategic initiatives, including its global support operations, the health of the global semiconductor capital equipment market and the timing and scope of any change in the current depressed industry conditions, the Company's success in sustaining order bookings, and the other risk factors contained in Exhibit 99.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed for the year ended December 31, 2002. As a result of the foregoing, we may experience material fluctuations in our operating results on a quarterly basis, which could materially affect our business, financial position, results of operations and stock price . We undertake no obligation to update the information contained in this report to reflect subsequently occurring events or circumstances.

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HELIX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

A portion of our business is conducted outside the United States through our foreign subsidiaries. Our foreign subsidiaries maintain their accounting records in their local currencies. Consequently, fluctuations in exchange rates affect the period-to-period comparability of results. To reduce the risks associated with foreign currency rate fluctuations, we have entered into forward exchange contracts on a continuing basis to offset the currency exposures. The gains and losses on these transactions partially offset the unrealized and realized foreign exchange gains and losses of the underlying exposures. The net gains and losses were immaterial for the periods presented and were included in cost of sales. We plan to continue to use forward exchange contracts to mitigate the impact of exchange rate fluctuations. The notional amount of our outstanding foreign currency contracts at June 27, 2003, was $7.3 million. The potential fair value loss for a hypothetical 10% adverse change in forward currenc y exchange rates at June 27, 2003, would be $0.7 million, which would be essentially offset by gains in the corresponding assets. The potential loss was estimated calculating the fair value of the forward exchange contracts at June 27, 2003, and comparing that with the value calculated using the hypothetical forward currency exchange rates.

Credit Risk

We are exposed to concentration of credit risk in cash and cash equivalents, investments, trade receivables, and short-term foreign exchange forward contracts. We place our cash and cash equivalents with our primary bank, a major financial institution, with a high-quality credit rating. Our investments consist of money market funds, municipal and other tax-free bonds, or investment-grade securities. We enter into short-term foreign currency exchange contracts with our primary bank.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) within 90 days of the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, have concluded that, as of the evaluation date, our disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and designed to ensure that the evaluating officers timely received the information that we are required to disclose in the reports we file or submit under the Act.

While the Company's disclosure controls and procedures provide reasonable assurance that the apropriate information will be available on a timely basis, this assurance is subject to limitations inherent in any control system, no matter how well designed and administered.

Changes in Internal Controls

There were no significant changes in our internal controls, or, to our knowledge, in other factors that could significantly affect our internal controls subsequent to the date of the evaluation.

 

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HELIX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

We may be involved in various legal proceedings in the normal course of business. We are not a party to any proceedings that involve amounts that would have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations if such proceedings were resolved unfavorably.

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Stockholders

The Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on April 16, 2003. Proposal I, submitted to a vote of stockholders at the meeting, was the election of directors. The following directors, being all of the directors of the Company, were elected at the meeting, with the number of votes cast for each director being set forth after his respective name:

 

Name

 

Votes For

 

Votes Withheld

 

Gideon Argov

 

23,615,576

 

459,628

 
 

Frank Gabron

 

20,653,763

 

3,421,441

 
 

Robert H. Hayes

 

23,613,008

 

462,196

 
 

Robert J. Lepofsky

 

23,630,987

 

444,217

 
 

Marvin G. Schorr

 

23,611,993

 

463,211

 
 

Alfred Woollacott, III

 

23,610,236

 

464,968

 
 

Mark S. Wrighton

 

23,613,707

 

461,497

 


Proposal II submitted to a vote of stockholders at the meeting was to amend and restate the 1996 Equity Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares authorized for issuance thereunder. Votes cast were as follows:

             

Broker

 

For

 

Against

 

Abstain

 

Non-Votes

               
 

20,984,525

 

2,217,315

 

873,361

 

3    

 

Page 20


Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

a.  Exhibits:

Exhibit

   

Number

 

Description of Exhibits

     

10.1

 

Employment Agreement dated June 2, 2003, between the Company and Jay Zager.

   

(Supersedes all other prior Agreements.) Filed herewith. *

     

99.1

 

Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the

   

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.

     

99.2

 

Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the

   

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.

     

99.3

 

Certification of the Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the

   

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.

     

99.4

 

Certification of the Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the

   

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.

* Denotes management contract or compensation plan.

b.  Reports on Form 8-K:

1.  A Report on Form 8-K was filed on April 17, 2003 (Item 9.). The report contained information announcing Helix Technology Corporation's earnings release issued on April 17, 2003.

 

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HELIX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

SIGNATURES

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

   

HELIX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

   

(Registrant)

     
     

Date:  July 21, 2003

 

By:  /s/Robert J. Lepofsky

   

       Robert J. Lepofsky

   

       President and Chief Executive Officer

     
     
     
     

Date:  July 21, 2003

 

By:  /s/Jay Zager                   

   

       Jay Zager

   

       Senior Vice President and

   

       Chief Financial Officer

     

 

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