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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

 

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

             For The Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2001.

 

OR

 

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

             For The Transition Period From __________To __________.

 

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-19271

 

IDEXX LABORATORIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

DELAWARE

01-0393723

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

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

   

ONE IDEXX DRIVE, WESTBROOK, MAINE

04092

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

   

(207) 856-0300

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:

NONE

 

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:

Common Stock, $0.10 par value per share

Preferred Stock Purchase Rights

(Title of Class)

 

           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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]

           Based on the closing sale price on March 20, 2002, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $922,660,324. For these purposes, the registrant considers all of its Directors and executive officers to be its only affiliates.

           The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Common Stock was 33,943,964 on March 20, 2002.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

LOCATION IN FORM 10-K

     INCORPORATED DOCUMENT

Part III

Specifically identified portions of the Company's

definitive proxy statement to be filed in

connection with the Company's Annual Meeting to be

held on May 15, 2002 are incorporated herein by

reference.

Page 1

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

           Forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are made throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including statements relating to management's expectations regarding new product introductions; the adequacy of the Company's sources for certain components, raw materials and finished products; and the Company's ability to utilize certain inventory. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "seeks," "estimates," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause IDEXX's results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including those detailed under the caption "Manag ement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies" and "- Future Operating Results."

           In addition, any forward-looking statements represent the Company's estimates only as of the day this Annual Report was first filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and should not be relied upon as representing the Company's estimates as of any subsequent date. While the Company may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, even if its estimates change.

PART I.

ITEM 1.    BUSINESS

           IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. ("we", "us", the "Company" or "IDEXX", which includes wholly-owned subsidiaries unless the context otherwise requires), develops, manufactures and distributes products and provides services for veterinary, food and environmental markets. Our products and services include:

           ·      point of care veterinary diagnostic products;

           ·      laboratory and consulting services used by veterinarians;

           ·      veterinary pharmaceutical products;

           ·      information products and services, including software, used in animal health applications;

           ·      diagnostic and health monitoring products and services for production animals;

           ·      products that test water for certain microbiological contaminants; and

           ·      products that test milk for antibiotic residues.

           Most of our sales are derived from the sale of our veterinary diagnostic products and services.

           We are a Delaware corporation and were incorporated in 1983. Our principal executive offices are located at One IDEXX Drive, Westbrook, Maine 04092, and our telephone number is (207) 856-0300.

 

 

           IDEXXâ , ACAREXXä , Better Choiceä , Colilertâ , Colisureâ, Defined Substrate Technologyâ, DSTâ, Enterolertä , LacTekÔ ,LaserCyteä , Paralluxâ, PetChekâ, Quanti-Trayâ, SNAPâ, VetConnectâ, VetLyteâ, VetTestâ and 3Dxä are trademarks of the Company. Cornerstoneâ is used under a license agreement. Autoreadä , QBCâ and VetAutoreadä are trademarks of Becton Dickinson and Company ("Becton Dickinson"). All other products and company names are trademarks of their respective holders.

Page 2

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

           We operate in two primary business areas: products and services for the veterinary market, which we refer to as our Companion Animal Group ("CAG") segment, and products and services for food and environmental markets, which we refer to as our Food and Environmental Division ("FED") segment. See Note 11 to the financial statements for financial information about our business segments.

*   COMPANION ANIMAL GROUP

           Immunoassays

           We provide a broad range of single-use, hand-held test kits that allow quick (in most cases, less than ten minutes), accurate and convenient testing for a variety of companion animal diseases and health conditions. These products enable veterinarians to provide improved service to animal owners by delivering test results in the clinic, allowing the veterinarian to initiate therapy or prevention during the office visit, if required.

           Our test kits incorporate immunoassay technology based on antibody-antigen reactions. Antibodies are proteins produced as a result of an immune response, a biological mechanism that enables certain animals to recognize and respond to substances foreign to the body, called antigens. Antibodies are produced by the immune system specifically to bind to these antigens and also to signal other immune system cells to assist in eliminating the antigen. Antigens include viruses, bacteria, parasites and hormones. In immunoassay-based tests, a sample containing an unknown quantity of the analyte is mixed with one or more reagents. Certain of these reagents contain either antibodies or antigens that bind in a highly specific manner to the analyte. Certain reagents are labeled with an indicator chemical, which identifies the presence or absence of the analyte. In some cases results can be read visually; in others, instruments are used to det ermine the results.

           Our principal single-use tests are sold under the SNAP name, and include tests for feline leukemia virus ("FeLV") in cats and heartworm disease in dogs and cats. We also sell a feline combination test, the SNAP Combo FeLV/FIV, which enables veterinarians to test simultaneously for FeLV and feline immunodeficiency virus ("FIV") (similar to the human AIDS virus), and a canine combination test, the SNAP 3Dx, which tests simultaneously for Lyme disease, Ehrlichia canis and heartworm. Sales of heartworm tests are significantly greater in the first half of our fiscal year due to seasonality of the disease.

           In addition to our single-use tests, we sell a line of microwell-based test kits, under the PetChek name, which are used by larger clinics and independent laboratories to test multiple samples. PetChek tests offer accuracy, ease of use and cost advantages to high-volume customers. We currently sell PetChek tests for FeLV, FIV and canine heartworm disease.

           Instruments

           We currently market several instrument systems for use in veterinary clinics. These instruments include the following:

           Blood Chemistry. Our VetTest blood chemistry analyzer is used to measure levels of certain enzymes and other substances in blood in order to assist the veterinarian in diagnosing physiologic conditions. Twenty-one separate blood chemistry tests can be performed on the VetTest analyzer. Commonly run tests include glucose, alkaline phosphatase, ALT (alanine aminotransferase), creatinine, BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and total protein.

           Hematology. The QBCâ VetAutoreadä hematology analyzer is used to evaluate certain components of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. These values are useful in determining disease state and health conditions. This system is based on the Becton Dickinson QBCâ Autoreadä hematology system, which is sold to physicians for human applications. We also are developing a new hematology system called the LaserCyte system, which uses laser flow cytometry technology. The LaserCyte system is designed to provide certain diagnostic capabilities that cannot be obtained from existing in-clinic systems, which will provide veterinarians with more information necessary to make important clinical decisions regarding an animal's health. We expect to introduce the LaserCyte system in the second half of 2002.

           Quantitative Hormone Testing. The VetTest SNAP Reader allows the veterinarian to obtain quantitative measurement of hormones including thyroxine and cortisol. These measurements assist in diagnosing and monitoring the treatment of certain endocrine diseases, such as hyper- and hypo-thyroidism, Cushing's syndrome and Addison's disease. The VetTest SNAP Reader is a module that can be integrated with the VetTest chemistry analyzer. Samples and reagents are introduced to the analyzer using our SNAP device.

Page 3

           Electrolytes. Our VetLyte system measures three electrolytes -- sodium, potassium and chloride -- to aid in evaluating acid-base and electrolyte balances and assessing plasma hydration. Test results are available in less than one minute after sample introduction and are either displayed on the VetLyte analyzer or downloaded to the VetTest analyzer.

           Veterinary Laboratory and Consulting Services

           We offer commercial veterinary laboratory and consulting services in the U.S. through facilities located in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon and Texas. Through subsidiaries located in the United Kingdom, Japan and Australia, we offer commercial veterinary laboratory services to veterinary clinics located in those countries. Veterinarians use our services by submitting samples by courier or overnight delivery to one of our facilities. Our laboratories offer a large selection of tests and diagnostic panels to detect a number of disease states and other conditions in production and companion animals.

           Additionally, we provide specialized veterinary consultation, telemedicine and advisory services, including cardiology, radiology, internal medicine, dermatology and ultrasound consulting. These services permit veterinarians to obtain readings and interpretations of test results transmitted by telephone and over the Internet from the veterinarians' offices.

           Approximately 74%, 75% and 69% of our revenues were derived from sales of veterinary diagnostic products and services within the CAG segment in 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

           Information Products and Services

           Our practice management information software business was formed in 1997 with the acquisitions of Advanced Veterinary Systems and Professionals' Software, Inc. Veterinarians use practice information management software to run key functions of their clinics, including scheduling, billing and patient records management. In January 2000, we launched vetconnect.com, an Internet portal for the veterinary medical market. Vetconnect.com is a comprehensive suite of information and business services designed to support veterinary medical practice and extend the value of our in-clinic products, laboratory and consulting services and information offerings. We believe we are the leading provider of veterinary practice information management software systems in the U.S. with an installed based of more than 8,000 of the approximately 25,000 veterinary hospitals in North America. We also provide software and hardware support and derive a signific ant portion of our revenues for this product line from ongoing service contracts.

           Veterinary Pharmaceuticals

           In October 1998, we acquired Blue Ridge Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Blue Ridge"), a privately-held company engaged in the development of novel therapeutics for the veterinary market. Blue Ridge was formed in 1996 to develop products for therapeutic applications in companion animals and livestock that might not fit the strategic goals of larger pharmaceutical companies marketing both human and veterinary products. In December 2000, we introduced ACAREXX (.01% Ivermectin) otic suspension for the treatment of ear mites in cats. ACAREXX is our first drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"). We currently have a number of other products in the registration process with the FDA, including a nitazoxanide-based product for treatment of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, a neurological disease that is believed to affect approximately 200,000 horses in the U.S.; a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory for equine use; an in sulin product for treatment of diabetic cats; and a long-acting, injectable antibiotic for cats.

*   FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL DIVISION

           We sell products that detect microbial contaminants in water and antibiotic residues in milk, and a broad range of diagnostic and health monitoring products for production animals (primarily poultry, livestock and swine).

           Approximately 20%, 20% and 22% of our revenues were derived from sales of food and environmental products and services in 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. Through a series of transactions completed late in 1999 and early 2000, we disposed of our food microbiology testing products and services business. Revenues from this disposed product line were approximately $0.8 million and $14.0 million in 2000 and 1999, respectively.

Page 4

           Water and Dairy Testing Products

           Our Colilert, Colilert-18 and Colisure tests, based on patented Defined Substrate Technology ("DST"), simultaneously detect total coliforms and E. coli in water. These organisms are broadly used as indicators of microbial contamination in water. Our DST products utilize indicator-nutrients that produce a change in color or fluorescence when metabolized by target microbes in the sample. Our water tests are used by government laboratories, water utilities and private certified laboratories to test drinking water in compliance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") standards. The tests also are used in evaluating water used in production processes (for example, in beverage and pharmaceutical applications) and in evaluating bottled water, recreational water, waste water and water from private wells.

           Our Enterolert product is also based on DST and detects enterococci in drinking and recreational waters, with results available in 24 hours. Our Quanti-Tray product, when used in conjunction with our Colilert, Colilert-18, Colisure or Enterolert products, provides users quantitative measurements of microbial contamination, rather then a presence/absence indication. The Colilert, Colilert-18, Colisure and Quanti-Tray products have been approved by the EPA and by regulatory agencies in certain other countries.

           In August 2000, we acquired Genera Technologies Limited, a U.K.-based company that develops and sells products for detection of cryptosporidia in water. Cryptosporidia are parasites that can cause potentially fatal gastrointestinal illness if ingested. Testing of water supplies for cryptosporidia is mandated by regulation in the United Kingdom but is not regulated in other countries at this time.

           We are a worldwide leader in rapid testing of antibiotic residue in milk. We offer antibiotic residue tests on our SNAP platform, and we also sell the Parallux system, an instrument-based testing system. Dairy producers and processors use our tests for incoming quality assurance of raw milk, and government and food quality managers use them for ongoing surveillance. IDEXX dairy quality tests are designed for convenience in field and laboratory testing applications and are calibrated to detect antibiotic residues at levels specified by regulation.

           Production Animal Services

           We sell diagnostic tests and related instrumentation and software that are used to detect a wide range of diseases and monitor health status in production animals. Our production animal products are purchased primarily by government laboratories and poultry and swine producers. Significant products include diagnostic tests for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome ("PRRS") and pseudorabies virus in pigs; Newcastle disease in poultry; and Johne's disease and brucellosis in cattle.

MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION

           We market, sell and service our products in more than 50 countries through our marketing, sales and technical service groups as well as through independent distributors and other resellers. We maintain sales offices outside the U.S. in Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, Spain, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

           Generally, we will select the appropriate distribution channel for our products based on the type of product, technical service requirements, number and concentration of customers, regulatory requirements and other factors. We market our veterinary diagnostic products to veterinarians both directly and through independent veterinary distributors in the U.S., with most instruments sold directly by IDEXX sales personnel, and test kits and consumables supplied both via the distribution channel and directly. Outside the U.S., we sell our veterinary diagnostic products through independent distributors and other resellers and, in certain countries, through our direct sales force. We market our software products and veterinary laboratory services through our direct sales force. We market our water, dairy, livestock and poultry products primarily through our direct sales force in the U.S. and Canada. Outside the U.S. and Canada, we market these products through selected independent distributors and, in certain countries, through our direct sales force.

           In 2001, 2000 and 1999, 28%, 27% and 27%, respectively, of our revenue was attributable to sales of products and services to customers outside the U.S. Risks associated with foreign operations include the need for additional regulatory approvals, possible disruptions in transportation of our products, the differing product needs of foreign customers, difficulties in building and managing foreign operations, fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies, import/export duties and quotas, and unexpected regulatory, economic or political changes in foreign markets. We engage in limited hedging activities to reduce the effect of foreign currency fluctuations on our earnings. See Note 11 to the financial statements for information by geographic region.

Page 5

           In 2001 and 2000, no customer accounted for 10% or more of our sales. In 1999, 10% of our sales were to The Butler Company, a distributor of veterinary products.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

           Our business includes the development and introduction of new products and may involve entry into new business areas. Our research and development activity is focused primarily on development of new animal drugs, new diagnostic instrument platforms and improvements to our diagnostic and testing products. Our research and development expenses were approximately $28.4, $28.3 and $27.3 million in 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

PATENTS AND LICENSES

           We actively seek to obtain patent protection in the U.S. and other countries for inventions covering our products and technologies. We also license patents and technologies from third parties. These licenses include an exclusive royalty-bearing license of certain patents relating to diagnostic products for FIV from The Regents of the University of California, and an exclusive royalty-bearing license of certain patents relating to DST utilized in the Colilert, Colisure and Enterolert water testing products. Licensed U.S. patents related to FIV diagnostics expire in 2008 and 2009. Licensed U.S. patents relating to DST expire in 2007. In addition, we hold a royalty-bearing patent license relating to canine heartworm tests from Barnes-Jewish Hospital. The U.S. patent rights licensed from Barnes-Jewish Hospital expire in 2006.

           To the extent some of our products may now, or in the future, embody technologies protected by patents, copyrights or trade secrets of others, we may be required to obtain licenses to such technologies in order to continue to sell our products. These licenses may not be available on commercially reasonable terms. Our failure to obtain any such licenses may delay or prevent the sale of certain new or existing products. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Future Operating Results."

PRODUCTION AND SUPPLY

           VetTest analyzers are manufactured for us by Tokyo Parts Industrial Company Ltd. under an agreement that renews annually unless either party notifies the other of its decision not to renew. The dry chemistry slides used in the VetTest analyzer ("VetTest Slides") are supplied exclusively by Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc. (formerly known as Johnson and Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.) ("Ortho") under supply agreements with Ortho (the "Ortho Agreements"). We are required to purchase all of our requirements for slides from Ortho to the extent available. In addition, we have committed to minimum annual purchase volumes of certain VetTest Slides during the term of the Ortho Agreements. The Ortho Agreements do not prohibit Ortho from selling dry chemistry slides for use in veterinary applications, and Ortho currently sells dry chemistry slides for use in its own analyzer, which is primarily designed for human applications but is also used in the veterinary market. However, Ortho may not sell slides that are bar-coded for use in the VetTest analyzer to any party other than IDEXX. The Ortho Agreements expire on December 31, 2010 and contain provisions for the negotiation of a renewal term of five years.

           The QBCâ VetAutoreadä system is manufactured for us by Becton Dickinson under a development and distribution agreement that requires Becton Dickinson to supply analyzers to us through 2008 and reagents through 2010. Becton Dickinson is the sole source of these analyzers and reagents.

           Certain other components of our products also are available from only one source. While we do not anticipate difficulties in obtaining any of the components used in our products, the loss of any of these sources of supply would have a material adverse effect on the Company.

           Substantially all of our revenue in each quarter results from orders booked in that quarter. Accordingly, we maintain no significant backlog and believe that our backlog at any particular date is not indicative of future sales.

COMPETITION

           We face intense competition within the markets in which we sell our products and services. We expect that future competition will become even more intense, and that we will have to compete with changing technologies, which could affect the marketability of our products and services. Our competitive position also will depend on our ability to develop proprietary products, attract and retain

Page 6

qualified scientific and other personnel, develop and implement production and marketing plans, obtain patent protection and obtain adequate capital resources.

           We compete with many companies ranging from small businesses focused on animal health to large pharmaceutical companies. Our competitors vary in our different markets. Academic institutions, governmental agencies and other public and private research organizations also conduct research activities and may commercialize products, which could compete with our products, on their own or through joint ventures. Many of our competitors have substantially greater capital, manufacturing, marketing and research and development resources than us.

           Competitive factors in our different business areas are detailed below:

           ·

Veterinary diagnostic products and food and environmental test products. We compete primarily on the basis of the ease of

use, speed, accuracy and other performance characteristics of our products and services, the breadth of our product line and

services, the effectiveness of our sales and distribution channels, the quality of our technical and customer service and

pricing.

 

           ·

Veterinary laboratory services. In this market, we compete primarily on the basis of service, price and quality. We

compete in certain geographic locations with Antech Diagnostics, a unit of Veterinary Centers of America, Inc.

 

           ·

Veterinary pharmaceuticals. We compete primarily on the basis of the performance characteristics of our products.

 

           ·

Veterinary practice information management software systems. We compete primarily on the basis of ease of use, speed

and other performance characteristics, the effectiveness of our customer service, advances in technologies and pricing.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

           Many of our products are subject to regulation by U.S. and foreign regulatory agencies. The following is a description of the principal regulations affecting our businesses.

           Veterinary diagnostic products. Most diagnostic tests for animal health applications are veterinary biological products that are regulated in the U.S. by the Center for Veterinary Biologics within the U.S. Department of Agriculture's ("USDA") Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service ("APHIS"). The APHIS regulatory approval process involves the submission of product performance data and manufacturing documentation. Following regulatory approval to market a product, APHIS requires that each lot of product be submitted for review before release to customers. In addition, APHIS requires special approval to market products where test results are used in part for government-mandated disease management programs. A number of foreign governments accept APHIS approval as part of their separate regulatory approvals. However, compliance with an extensive regulatory process is required in connection with marketing diagnostic products in Japan, Germany, The Netherlands and many other countries. We also are required to have a facility license from APHIS to manufacture USDA-licensed products. We have obtained such a license for our manufacturing facility in Westbrook, Maine.

           Our instrument systems are medical devices regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") under the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act (the "FDC Act"). While the sale of these products does not require premarket approval by FDA and does not subject us to the FDA's Good Manufacturing Practices regulations ("GMPs"), these products must not be adulterated or misbranded under the FDC Act.

           Veterinary pharmaceuticals. The manufacture and sale of veterinary pharmaceuticals are regulated by the Center for Veterinary Medicine ("CVM") of the FDA. A new animal drug may not be commercially marketed in the U.S. unless it has been approved as safe and effective by CVM. Approval may be requested by filing a New Animal Drug Application ("NADA") with CVM containing substantial evidence as to the safety and effectiveness of the drug. For food animals, the data must also include extensive data to support a withdrawal period or other use restriction to ensure that the proposed drug use will produce animals and animal products that are safe for human consumption. Data regarding manufacturing methods and controls is also required to be submitted with the NADA. Manufacturers of animal drugs must also comply with GMPs. Sales of animal drugs in countries outside the U.S. require compliance with the laws of those countries, whic h may be extensive.

Page 7

           Water testing products. Our water tests are not subject to formal premarket regulatory approval. However, before a test may be used as part of a water quality monitoring program required by the EPA, the test must first be approved by the EPA. The EPA approval process involves submission of extensive product performance data in accordance with an EPA approved protocol, evaluation of the data by the EPA and publication for public comment of any proposed approval in the Federal Register before final approval. Our Colilert, Colilert-18, Colisure and Quanti-Tray products have been approved by the EPA. The sale of water testing products also is subject to extensive and lengthy regulatory processes in many other countries around the world.

           Dairy testing products. The sale of dairy testing products in the U.S. is regulated by the FDA in conjunction with the Association of Official Analytical Chemists - Research Institute ("AOAC-RI"). Before a product may be sold, extensive product performance data must be submitted in accordance with a protocol that is approved by the FDA and the AOAC-RI. Following approval of a product by FDA, the product must also be approved by the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments ("NCIMS"), an oversight body that includes state, federal and industry representatives. Our SNAP Beta-lactam and Parallux dairy antibiotic residue testing products have been approved by the FDA and NCIMS. While some foreign countries accept AOAC-RI approval as part of their regulatory approval process, many countries have separate regulatory processes.

           Any acquisitions of new products and technologies may subject us to additional areas of government regulation. These may involve food, drug and water quality regulations of the FDA, the EPA and the USDA, as well as state, local and foreign governments. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Future Operating Results."

EMPLOYEES

           As of December 31, 2001, IDEXX had approximately 2,170 full-time and part-time employees. We are not a party to any collective bargaining agreement and we believe that relations with our employees are good.

ITEM 2.    PROPERTIES

           We own approximately 12 acres of undeveloped land in Westbrook, Maine. We lease approximately 290,000 square feet of office and manufacturing space in Westbrook, Maine under a lease expiring in 2008, approximately 75,000 square feet of industrial space in Memphis, Tennessee for use as a distribution facility, under a lease expiring in 2007, and approximately 40,000 square feet of office and manufacturing space in Eau Claire, Wisconsin for our veterinary practice information management software business.

           We also lease a total of approximately 100,000 square feet of smaller office, manufacturing and warehouse space in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world. In addition, we own or lease approximately 114,000 square feet of space in the U.S., Australia and the United Kingdom for use as veterinary reference laboratories and office space for our veterinary consulting services. Of this space, 46,000 square feet is owned by us and the remaining amount is leased, under leases having expiration dates up to the year 2012.

ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

           We are not a party to any material legal proceedings.

ITEM 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

           No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

           Our executive officers as of March 15, 2002 were as follows:

                         NAME                            

AGE

                                                 TITLE                                                   

       Jonathan W. Ayers

45

President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors

       Erwin F. Workman, Jr., Ph.D.

55

Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer

       Louis W. Pollock

48

Senior Vice President

       Conan R. Deady

40

Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

       S. Sam Fratoni, Ph.D.

54

Vice President

       Robert S. Hulsy

57

Vice President

       Merilee Raines

46

Vice President, Finance and Treasurer

       Quentin Tonelli, Ph.D.

53

Vice President

Page 8

           Mr. Ayers has been Chief Executive Officer and President of IDEXX since January 2002. Before joining IDEXX, from January 2000 to October 2001, Mr. Ayers was President of Carrier Corporation, the largest business unit of United Technologies Corporation, a provider of high technology products and services to the building systems and aerospace industries, and from July 1997 to December 1999, he was President of Carrier Asia Pacific Operations. From March 1995 to June 1997, Mr. Ayers was Vice President, Strategic Planning at United Technologies. Before joining United Technologies, from May 1991 to March 1995, Mr. Ayers was Principal of Corporate Finance and from August 1986 to May 1991, he was Vice President of Mergers and Acquisitions, at Morgan Stanley & Co.

           Dr. Workman joined the Company in July 1984, and he has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer since November 1997 and as a Director since 1993. He also served as President and Chief Operating Officer from 1993 to November 1997. Before joining the Company, he was Manager of Research and Development for the Hepatitis and AIDS Business Unit within the diagnostic division of Abbott Laboratories, Inc.

           Mr. Pollock became Senior Vice President of the Company in July 2000 and was a Vice President from December 1994. He has been President of the Company's Professional Office Diagnostics Division within the Companion Animal Group since July 1999. Mr. Pollock joined the Company in 1986 and served in positions of increasing responsibility in veterinary products sales management before serving as President of the Company's International Division from December 1994 to March 1996 and as President of the Company's Food and Environmental Division from March 1996 until July 1999. Before joining the Company, Mr. Pollock was employed in various sales and marketing positions with Abbott Laboratories, Inc.

           Mr. Deady has been Vice President and General Counsel of the Company since August 1999 and was Deputy General Counsel of the Company from June 1997. Before joining the Company in June 1997, Mr. Deady was Deputy General Counsel of Thermo Electron Corporation, a manufacturer of technology-based instruments. Mr. Deady was previously affiliated with Hale and Dorr, a Boston-based law firm.

           Dr. Fratoni has been Vice President of the Company since May 1997 and Chief Information Officer since November 2000. He was President of the Company's Food and Environmental Division from July 1999 to December 2000. From May 1997 to July 1999, Dr. Fratoni was Vice President of Human Resources of the Company, and from October 1996 to May 1997, he was Director of Business Development for the Food and Environmental Division. Before joining the Company in October 1996, Dr. Fratoni held various positions with Hewlett Packard Company.

           Mr. Hulsy has been Vice President of the Company since February 1999 and President of the Company's IDEXX Veterinary Services subsidiary since August 1998. Before joining the Company in August 1998, Mr. Hulsy was President of American Environmental Network, Inc., a network of environmental laboratories, from 1992 to 1998.

           Ms. Raines has been Vice President, Finance of the Company since May 1995. She served as Division Vice President, Finance from March 1995 to May 1995, Director of Finance from 1988 to March 1995 and Controller from 1985 to 1988.

           Dr. Tonelli became Vice President of the Company in June 2001. He joined the Company in October 1984 and is currently General Manager of the Production Animal Service Business Unit. Previously he has held various positions with the Company, including Divisional Vice President for Research and Development and Divisional Vice President, Business Development. Before joining the Company, he was a Group Leader of Research and Development for the Hepatitis and AIDS Business Unit within the diagnostic division of Abbott Laboratories, Inc.

Page 9

PART II.

ITEM 5.    MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

      Our Common Stock is quoted on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol IDXX. The table below shows the high and low sale prices per share of our Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq Stock Market for the years 2000 and 2001.

_HIGH_

__LOW_

CALENDAR 2000

   

    First Quarter

$30.44

$14.50

    Second Quarter

29.75

21.13

    Third Quarter

28.00

20.50

    Fourth Quarter

27.19

20.13

     

CALENDAR 2001

   

    First Quarter

$25.50

$17.13

    Second Quarter

32.38

19.13

    Third Quarter

30.90

20.20

    Fourth Quarter

30.00

22.38

           As of December 31, 2001, there were 1,303 holders of record of our Common Stock.

           We have never paid any cash dividends on our Common Stock and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business.

Page 10

ITEM 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

           The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial data of the Company for each of the five years ended December 31, 2001. The selected consolidated financial data presented below have been derived from the Company's consolidated financial statements, which have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants. These financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

_________________________YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,_________________________

     _____1997_____

_____1998_____

_____1999_____

_____2000_____

_____2001_____

(in thousands, except per share data)

           

          STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:

          Revenue

$    264,426

$    321,713

$    358,370

$    367,432

$    386,081

          Cost of revenue

      144,804

      164,240

      186,386

      190,256

      202,750

          Gross profit

      119,622

      157,473

      171,984

      177,176

      183,331

          Expenses:

             Sales and marketing

        63,823

        61,725

        53,885

        54,956

        57,087

             General and administrative

        43,172

        43,959

        43,969

        40,677

        41,266

             Research and development

        17,057

        22,687

        27,313

        28,292

        28,426

             Non-recurring operating charge

        21,300

               --

                --

                --

                --

             Write-off of in-process research

                and development

        13,200

           37,162

                --

                --

                --

           

          Income (loss) from operations

        (38,930)

         (8,060)

        46,817

        53,251

        56,552

          Interest income, net

          6,670

            6,877

          5,728

          4,996

          2,229

          Net income (loss) before provision for

                (benefit of) income taxes

        (32,260)

          (1,183)

        52,545

        58,247

        58,781

          Provision for (benefit of) income taxes

        (11,140)

          14,032

        19,967

        21,615

        21,161

          Net income (loss)

      $     (21,120)

  $     (15,215)

$      32,578

$      36,632

$      37,620

======  ====== ====== ====== ======

          Net income (loss) per share:

             Basic

$          (0.56)

$          (0.40)

$          0.85

$          1.06

$          1.13

             Diluted

  (0.56)

          (0.40)

            0.82

            1.02

            1.09

          Weighted average shares outstanding:

             Basic

        37,974

        38,513

        38,412

        34,574

        33,293

             Diluted

        37,974

        38,513

        39,743

        36,081

        34,640

 

___________________________DECEMBER 31,_________________________

___1997____

___1998____

___1999____

___2000____

___2001____

(in thousands)

                 BALANCE SHEET DATA:

                 Working capital

$    205,326

$    188,829

$    158,774

$    141,781

$    164,199

                 Total assets

      373,064

      386,548

      357,982

      335,796

      373,107

                 Total debt

          4,087

          9,381

          3,543

          8,472

          8,380

                 Stockholders' equity

      302,733

      307,840

      284,341

      261,747

      301,730

Page 11

ITEM 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF

                   OPERATIONS

           We operate primarily through two business segments: the Companion Animal Group ("CAG") and the Food and Environmental Division ("FED"). CAG comprises our veterinary diagnostic products and services, veterinary pharmaceuticals business, and veterinary information products and services. FED comprises our services and products for food and water testing. Through a series of transactions completed in late 1999 and the first quarter of 2000, we sold substantially all of our businesses related to food microbiology testing. FED now comprises our water and dairy testing business and our production animal services business.

*   CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

           The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. 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 related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to customer programs and incentives, product returns, bad debts, inventories, investments, intangible assets, income taxes, warranty obligations, restructuring and contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying v alues of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

           We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

           Inventory

           Our inventories include material, labor and overhead, and are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. We write down inventory for estimated obsolescence based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions, which may negatively affect our ability to dispose of inventory. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required, which would have a negative effect on our results of operations.

           Our inventories as of December 31, 2001 included $8.6 million of raw materials associated with our nitazoxanide product in registration with the FDA, of which $8.4 million will expire and become unusable in 2004 and the remainder has no expiration date. We have completed manufacturing and efficacy components of our submission to the FDA. We have completed additional safety studies requested by the FDA with respect to this product and are preparing a submission reporting the results of these studies. We believe that the product is approvable by the FDA and that this inventory will be saleable upon such approval. If this product is not approved by the FDA, we believe we have the ability to recoup a substantial portion of our costs through alternative future uses of the material or other means. We have provided reserves to cover estimated potential losses in this scenario. However, we cannot provide assurance that the FDA will approve this product or, if approval is not obtained, that our current estimates of recovery of our investment in this inventory will not change.

           Our inventories include $30.4 million of slides used in our chemistry instruments, which represents approximately 1.3 turns based on recent historical usage. These slides have a shelf life of 24 months at the date of manufacture. The average remaining shelf life at December 31, 2001 was 16.5 months. In addition, we are required to purchase $289.0 million of slides over the remaining nine years of our contract with Ortho. We believe the demand for these slides is at a level sufficient to ensure that we will not incur a loss on the inventory or the contract. However, a reduction in the demand for slides could cause us to incur a loss related to our slide inventory or purchase commitments at a future date.

           Our inventories include $6.0 million of component parts associated with our LaserCyte hematology instrument, which is in the final stages of development. In addition, we have placed $0.9 million in deposits with vendors to secure additional critical components and we have firm purchase commitments of an additional $6.2 million. We expect to launch this product in the second half of 2002 and to fully realize our investment and purchase commitments. However, if we are unable to introduce this product, or if we alter the final design, we may be required to write-off a certain amount of the associated inventory.

           The slides, nitazoxanide and LaserCyte products are included in our CAG segment.

Page 12

           Valuation of Long-lived and Intangible Assets and Goodwill

           We assess the impairment of identifiable intangibles, long-lived assets and goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important that could trigger an impairment review include but are not limited to the following:

           ·      significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results;

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

           ·      significant negative industry or economic trends.

           When we determine that the carrying value of intangibles, long-lived assets and goodwill may not be recoverable based on a change in events and circumstances discussed above, we measure any impairment based on the projected undiscounted cash flow method. Net intangible assets and goodwill amounted to $55.2 million as of December 31, 2001, consisting of $24.3 million related to veterinary laboratories, $15.0 million related to water test products, $14.6 million related to veterinary pharmaceutical products and $1.3 million of other.

           In 2002, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets", became effective and as a result, we will cease to amortize approximately $50.9 million of goodwill. We had recorded approximately $5.1 million of amortization on these amounts during 2001 and would have recorded approximately $4.3 million of amortization during 2002 if the existing standards had been continued. In lieu of amortization, we are required to perform an initial impairment review of our goodwill in 2002 and an annual impairment review thereafter. We expect to complete our initial review during the first half of 2002.

           We currently do not expect to record an impairment charge upon completion of the initial impairment review. However, there can be no assurance that at the time the review is completed a material impairment charge will not be recorded.

           Revenue Recognition

           We recognize product revenue at the time of shipment (including to distributors) for substantially all products except software licenses and hardware systems. We recognize revenue from non-cancelable software licenses and hardware systems upon installation and customer acceptance of the software because at this time collection is probable and we have no significant further obligations after installation. Our distributors do not have the right to return products. Service revenue is recognized at the time the service is performed. Maintenance revenue is billed in advance and recognized over the life of the contracts, usually one year or less. Certain instrument systems are sold to a third-party finance company that leases these systems to its customers with a right-of-return privilege. We allow the third-party finance company to return these instruments to us for a partial refund based on the time from product return to end of lease term. Therefore we recognize revenue under these contracts over the term of the underlying customer lease contract. We lease certain instruments directly to customers and recognize revenues from those leases over the terms of those leases. We record estimated reductions to revenue in connection with customer programs and incentive offerings, which may give customers future rights such as free or discounted goods or services or trade-in rights.

           Income Taxes

           We account for income taxes under SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes". This statement requires that we recognize a current tax liability or asset for current taxes payable or refundable and a deferred tax liability or asset for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards to the extent they are realizable. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. While we have considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance, in the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of the net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would increase income in the period such determination was made. Likewise, should we determine that we would not be able t o realize all or part of our net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be charged to income in the period such determination was made.

Page 13

           We do not provide for U.S. income taxes on earnings of our subsidiaries outside of the U.S. Our intention is to reinvest these earnings permanently or to repatriate the earnings only when tax-effective to do so. It is not practical to estimate the amount of additional taxes that might be payable upon repatriation of foreign earnings; however, we believe that U.S. foreign tax credits would largely eliminate any U.S. taxes or offset any foreign withholding taxes.

           Warranty Reserves

           We provide for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. Although we engage in extensive product quality programs and processes, our warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates and service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. Should actual product failure rates or service delivery costs differ from our estimates, which are based on historical data and engineering estimates, where applicable, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required.

           In the second half of 2002, we expect to introduce the LaserCyte system. We expect that sales of this system will cause warranty expense to increase significantly in 2002. We will charge warranty expense to the cost of LaserCyte sales based upon our experience with instrument sales and engineering information about the system. Should actual warranty expense exceed our estimates, our cost of sales of LaserCyte systems would increase.

*    RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

           2001 Compared to 2000

           COMPANION ANIMAL GROUP

           Revenue for CAG increased $12.3 million, or 4% to $308.0 million from $295.7 million in 2000. The increase was attributable primarily to an increase in sales of veterinary reference laboratory services, canine test kits and ACAREXX, a treatment for ear mites in cats, partially offset by unfavorable exchange rates and a decrease in sales of slides. Increased sales of veterinary reference laboratory services were attributable primarily to incremental sales resulting from our acquisition of Veterinary Pathology Services Pty. Ltd. ("VPS") in July 2000 and from increased sales from laboratories in existence during both reporting periods. Decreased sales of slides resulted primarily from a reduction in distributor inventory levels for this product. Increased sales of canine test kits were attributable primarily to increased sales of our Canine SNAP 3Dx combination test, which we introduced in March 2001. Sal es of ACAREXX in 2001 were largely incremental to 2000 because we launched this product in December 2000.

           As of December 31, 2001 our U.S. veterinary diagnostic product distributors were holding $22.5 million of inventory, or approximately eight weeks based on projected future sales. These distributors were carrying $22.1 million, or approximately nine weeks, of inventory as of December 31, 2000.

           Gross profit as a percent of CAG's revenue decreased to 45% from 46% in 2000. Improved margins on veterinary reference laboratory services and the veterinary practice information management software product line were offset by our inability to absorb fixed costs as a result of delays in the launch of our nitazoxanide new animal drug and our LaserCyte hematology instrument and by unfavorable exchange rates. The increased margins from veterinary reference laboratory services were attributable primarily to cost savings from process automation and reduced courier costs. The increase in margin from the veterinary practice information management software product line was attributable primarily to infrastructure reductions in our veterinary Internet portal and customer service operations.

           Operating expenses relating to CAG increased $1.1 million, or 1% to $101.2 million from $100.1 million in 2000. The increase was attributable primarily to an increase in veterinary diagnostic sales personnel and related overhead, offset by a decrease in expenses relating to our veterinary practice information management software product line.

           FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL DIVISION

           Revenue for FED increased $6.3 million, or 9% to $78.0 million from $71.7 million in 2000. The increase was attributable primarily to increased sales of water testing products, including incremental revenue from the acquisition of Genera Technologies Limited ("Genera"), partially offset by decreased sales of dairy testing products, the impact of unfavorable exchange rates and decreased sales of food testing products. Sales of dairy testing products declined due to the elimination of our LacTek product in the second quarter of 2001, increased competition and product unavailability due to manufacturing issues. Sales of food testing products declined due to the divestiture of the food microbiology testing business in the first quarter of 2000.

Page 14

           Gross profit as a percent of FED's revenue increased to 58% from 57% in 2000. The increase in gross margin percentage was attributable primarily to increased sales of higher margin water testing products, including those products from Genera, partially offset by decreased margins on dairy testing products due to our inability to absorb fixed costs as a result of lower manufacturing volumes.

           Operating expenses relating to FED increased $1.1 million, or 5% to $22.8 million from $21.7 million in 2000. The increase was attributable primarily to incremental operating expenses and amortization associated with the acquisition of Genera and a $1.5 million one-time gain on the sale of the food product lines that was recorded as a reduction of operating expenses in 2000, partially offset by the elimination of operating expenses associated with the food product lines.

           2000 Compared to 1999

           COMPANION ANIMAL GROUP

           Revenue for CAG increased $16.3 million, or 6% to $295.7 million from $279.4 million in 1999. The increase was attributable primarily to an increase in sales of veterinary reference laboratory services, VetTest slides and feline and canine test kits. The increase in veterinary reference laboratory services was attributable primarily to incremental revenues from laboratories acquired in 1999 and 2000, including the laboratory businesses of Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine acquired in December 1999 and VPS acquired in July 2000. The increase in VetTest slides was attributable to an increase in instrument placements, including those through our rental program, and increased customer utilization per instrument. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in sales of veterinary practice information management software systems, which were unusually high in 1999 as a result of customer upgrades made in anticipation of the year 2000.

           Gross profit as a percent of CAG's revenue decreased to 46% from 47% in 1999. The reduction in gross margin percentage was attributable primarily to increased sales of lower gross margin veterinary reference laboratory services, higher cost of veterinary instrument service and unabsorbed fixed costs associated with decreased sales of veterinary practice information management software systems, partially offset by increased sales of higher margin instrument consumables.

           Operating expenses relating to CAG increased $5.7 million to $100.1 million from $94.4 million in 1999. The increase was attributable primarily to enhancement of existing diagnostic platforms, an increase in sales and marketing expenses associated with the pharmaceutical product line and research and development expenses related to vetconnect.com, our Internet site for animal health professionals. Additionally, we incurred non-recurring severance and facilities expenses of $2.1 million associated with consolidation of the Internet business and the veterinary practice information management software systems business.

           FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL DIVISION

           Revenue for FED decreased $7.2 million, or 9% to $71.7 million from $78.9 million in 1999. The decrease was attributable primarily to the divestiture of the food microbiology testing business, and to a lesser extent, decreased sales of dairy testing products. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in sales of water testing products, including incremental sales resulting from the acquisition of Genera in August 2000, and increased sales of livestock test kits.

           Gross profit as a percent of FED's revenue increased to 57% from 51% in 1999. The increase was primarily due to the divestiture of the lower gross margin food microbiology testing business and increased sales of higher gross margin water testing products.

Page 15

           Operating expenses relating to FED decreased $7.6 million to $21.7 million from $29.3 million in 1999. The decrease was attributable primarily to the elimination of operating expenses associated with the food microbiology testing products business and to a $1.5 million gain on the sale of such business that was recorded as a decrease of expenses.

           INTEREST INCOME, NET

           Net interest income was $2.2 million for 2001 compared with $5.0 million during 2000. The decrease in interest income was mainly due to lower invested cash balances, as discussed below, as well as lower effective interest rates.

           Net interest income was $5.0 million for 2000 compared with $5.7 million for the prior year. The decrease in interest income was principally the result of lower invested cash balances due to the use of cash for our share repurchase program and the purchase of VPS and Genera, partially offset by higher effective interest rates.

*    PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

           Our effective tax rate was 36% for 2001 compared with 37% for 2000 and 38% in 1999. The reduction in the effective tax rate was the result of continued realization of tax benefits resulting from business operations in jurisdictions with lower effective income tax rates.

*    SUBSEQUENT EVENT

           In January 2002, David E. Shaw, IDEXX's Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, was succeeded as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer by Jonathan W. Ayers. Under an October 2001 agreement with Mr. Shaw, we are required to make certain payments and provide certain benefits to him following a succession to a new Chief Executive Officer. As a result, we will incur in the first quarter of 2002 a pre-tax charge of approximately $3.0 million, $2.0 million of which is non-cash.

*    RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

           In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 141, "Business Combinations." SFAS No. 141 requires all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 to be accounted for using the purchase method.

           In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." We will adopt the requirements of SFAS No. 142 effective January 1, 2002. SFAS No. 142 requires companies to test all goodwill for impairment and to cease amortization of this asset. The provisions of SFAS No. 142 apply to all goodwill regardless of when it was acquired. We are evaluating the impact of adoption of this standard and have not yet determined the full effect of adoption on our financial statements. Amortization of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2001 was $5.1 million. See "Critical Accounting Policies" above.

           In October 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets." Adoption of the standard is required no later than the first quarter of 2002. We are evaluating the timing and impact of adoption of this standard and have not yet determined the effect of adoption on our financial statements.

*    LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

           At December 31, 2001, we had $79.6 million of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments (of which $7.0 million is restricted) and working capital of $164.2 million. As of December 31, 2001, we had long-term investments of $21.0 million.

           In connection with the acquisition of Genera in August 2000, we issued $8.3 million in notes payable to a former shareholder of Genera. $7.0 million of the notes are due on demand and secured by cash in escrow. $1.3 million of the notes are due in annual installments over four years and have been discounted to 6%. The former shareholder has elected to defer the first $0.5 million payment that was due in August 2001, and therefore, the deferred payment now bears interest at 3% and is due on demand.

           We have entered into a $20.0 million uncommitted line of credit with a large multi-national bank. Under the terms of this agreement the bank retains the right to approve all borrowings and all borrowings are due on demand. Any borrowings under this line will bear interest at the bank's prime rate. There were no loans outstanding under this agreement at December 31, 2001.

Page 16

           We purchased approximately $17.4 million in fixed assets during the year ended December 31, 2001, principally related to the CAG segment. Our total capital budget for 2002 is approximately $17.0 million. Under certain supply agreements with suppliers of veterinary instruments, slides for our VetTest instruments and certain raw materials, at December 31, 2001 we had aggregate commitments to purchase approximately $66.6 million of products in 2002.

           Cash provided by operating activities was $46.4 million during 2001. Cash of $20.3 million was used to fund an increase in inventories, attributable principally to the CAG segment. These increases relate primarily to contractually required purchases of VetTest slides, inventory associated with the development of our LaserCyte hematology instrument, and inventory associated with our nitazoxanide new animal drug in registration with the FDA.

           During 1999 and 2000, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to ten million shares of our Common Stock in the open market or in negotiated transactions. During 2001, we repurchased 590,000 shares of our Common Stock for $13.0 million. As of December 31, 1999, 2000, and 2001, approximately 3,899,000, 7,024,000 and 7,614,000 cumulative shares, respectively, had been repurchased under this program. See Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements.

           We are required to make the following payments in the years below (in thousands):

           

Contractual Obligations

____Total___

____2002___

__2003-2004_

__2005-2006_

_After 2006_

           

Notes payable

$       8,380

$       8,380

$            --

$            --

$            --

Operating leases

       28,674

         5,505

         9,245

         7,421

         6,503

Unconditional purchase obligations

     299,356

       66,656

       89,300

       73,800

       69,600

           

Total contractual cash obligations

$   336,410

$     80,541

$     98,545

$     81,221

$     76,103

===== ===== ===== ===== =====
           

           We believe that current cash, short-term investments, long-term investments, debt facilities and funds generated from operations will be sufficient to fund our operations for the foreseeable future.

*   FUTURE OPERATING RESULTS

           The future operating results of IDEXX involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ materially from those discussed in this report. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed below as well as those discussed elsewhere in this report.

           IDEXX's Future Growth Will Depend on Several Factors.

           The rate of growth of sales of certain of our products has declined over the past several years. To increase our growth rate, we will need to successfully implement strategies, including:

     ·

developing, manufacturing and marketing new products with new features and capabilities, including pharmaceutical

products and a new hematology system;

   

     ·

expanding our market by increasing use of our products by our customers;

 

     ·

strengthening our sales and marketing activities in geographies outside of the United States;

 

     ·

developing and implementing new technology development and licensing strategies; and

 

     ·

identifying and completing acquisitions that enhance our existing businesses or create new business areas for us.

           However, we may not be able to successfully implement some or all of these strategies and increase our growth rate.

           The Markets in Which IDEXX Competes Are Competitive and Subject to Rapid and Substantial Technological Change.

           We face intense competition within the markets that we sell our products and services. We expect that future competition will become even more intense, and that we will have to compete with changing and improving technologies.

Page 17

           Some of our competitors and potential competitors, including large pharmaceutical companies, have substantially greater capital, manufacturing, marketing and research and development resources than us.

           IDEXX's Products and Services Are Subject to Various Domestic and Foreign Government Regulations.

           In the U.S., the manufacture and sale of our products are regulated by agencies such as the USDA, FDA and EPA. Compliance with regulations of such government agencies can be cumbersome and expensive. For example, commercialization of animal health pharmaceuticals requires submission of substantial clinical, manufacturing and other data to the FDA. Regulatory approval for products submitted to the FDA may take several years and following approval, the FDA continues to regulate all aspects of the manufacture, labeling, storage, record keeping and promotion of pharmaceutical products.

           Foreign regulatory bodies often establish product standards different from those in the United States, and designing products in compliance with such foreign standards may be difficult or expensive.

           Delays in obtaining, or the failure to obtain, any necessary regulatory approvals could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Further, any failure to comply with regulatory requirements relating to the manufacture and sale of our products could result in fines and sanctions against us and also could have a negative effect on the sale of our products and services.

           IDEXX's Future Operating Results May Be Negatively Impacted by Various Factors.

           Factors such as the introduction and market acceptance of new products and services, the mix of products and services sold and the mix of domestic versus international revenue could negatively impact our future operating results.

           Since we sell many of our products through distributors, changes in distributors' purchasing patterns could result in lower revenue for us because our revenue for each quarter is usually generated from orders received during that quarter. Our financial performance, therefore, is subject to an unexpected downturn in product demand and may be unpredictable.

           Our expense levels are based in part on expectations of future revenue levels. Therefore, a loss in expected revenue could result in a disproportionate decrease in our net income.

           IDEXX's Success Is Heavily Dependent Upon Its Proprietary Technologies.

           We rely on a combination of patent, trade secret, trademark and copyright law to protect our proprietary rights. If we do not have adequate protection of our proprietary rights, our business may be affected by competitors who develop substantially equivalent technologies that compete with us.

           We cannot assure that we will obtain issued patents, that any patents issued or licensed to us will remain valid, or that any patents owned or licensed by us will provide protection against competitors with similar technologies. We also cannot assure that our non-disclosure agreements will provide protection for our trade secrets and other proprietary information.

           Moreover, in the past we have received notices claiming that our products infringe third-party patents and we may receive such notices in the future. Patent litigation is complex and expensive and the outcome of patent litigation can be difficult to predict. We cannot assure that we will win a patent litigation case. If we lose, we may be stopped from selling certain products and/or we may be required to pay damages as a result of the lawsuit.

           IDEXX Purchases Materials for Its Products From a Limited Number of Sources.

           We currently purchase certain products and materials from single sources or a limited number of sources. Some of the products that we purchase from these sources are proprietary, and therefore may not be available from other sources. These products include our chemistry and hematology analyzers and related consumables, active ingredients for pharmaceutical products and certain components of our SNAP devices. If we are unable to obtain adequate quantities of these products in the future, then we could face cost increases or reductions or delays in product shipments, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Page 18

           International Revenue Accounts for a Significant Portion of IDEXX's Total Revenue.

           Various risks associated with foreign operations may impact our international sales. Possible risks include disruptions in transportation of our products, the differing product and service needs of foreign customers, difficulties in building and managing foreign operations, fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies, import/export duties and quotas, and unexpected regulatory, economic or political changes in foreign markets.

ITEM 7A.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

           Our financial market risk consists primarily of foreign currency exchange risk. We operate subsidiaries in 13 foreign countries and transact business in local currencies. We attempt