Attached files

file filename
EX-3.9 - EX-3.9 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv3w9.txt
EX-10.3 - EX-10.3 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv10w3.txt
EX-10.1 - EX-10.1 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv10w1.txt
EX-3.10 - EX-3.10 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv3w10.htm
EX-10.2 - EX-10.2 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv10w2.txt
EX-3.12 - EX-3.12 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv3w12.htm
EX-3.11 - EX-3.11 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv3w11.htm
EX-10.6 - EX-10.6 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv10w6.txt
EX-10.42 - EX-10.42 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv10w42.htm
EX-10.34 - EX-10.34 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv10w34.txt
EX-10.25 - EX-10.25 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv10w25.txt
EX-10.40 - EX-10.40 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv10w40.htm
EX-10.31 - EX-10.31 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv10w31.txt
EX-10.18 - EX-10.18 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv10w18.txt
EX-10.19 - EX-10.19 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv10w19.txt
EX-10.13 - EX-10.13 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv10w13.txt
EX-10.21 - EX-10.21 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv10w21.txt
EX-10.33 - EX-10.33 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv10w33.txt
EX-10.35 - EX-10.35 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv10w35.txt
EX-10.36 - EX-10.36 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv10w36.txt
EX-10.32 - EX-10.32 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv10w32.txt
EX-10.20 - EX-10.20 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv10w20.txt
EX-32 - EX-32 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv32.htm
EX-31.01 - EX-31.01 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv31w01.htm
EX-21.01 - EX-21.01 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv21w01.htm
EX-31.02 - EX-31.02 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv31w02.htm
EX-23.01 - EX-23.01 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv23w01.htm
EX-10.37 - EX-10.37 - Brooks Automation, Inc.b83431exv10w37.htm
Table of Contents

 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
 
     
(Mark One)    
 
þ
  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    For fiscal year ended September 30, 2010
or
o
  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: 0-25434
Brooks Automation, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
     
Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)

15 Elizabeth Drive
Chelmsford, Massachusetts
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
04-3040660
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

01824
(Zip Code)
 
978-262-2400
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
     
Title of Each Class
 
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
  The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes o     No þ
 
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Yes o     No þ
 
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 þ     No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o     No o
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Rule 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 the Form 10-K.  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
             
Large accelerated filer o
  Accelerated filer þ   Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).  Yes o     No þ
 
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s Common Stock, $0.01 par value, held by nonaffiliates of the registrant as of March 31, 2010, was approximately $555,521,800 based on the closing price per share of $8.82 on that date on the Nasdaq Stock Market. As of March 31, 2010, 64,991,200 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $0.01 par value, were outstanding. As of November 12, 2010, 65,281,757 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $0.01, par value, were outstanding.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement involving the election of directors, which is expected to be filed within 120 days after the end of the registrant’s fiscal year, are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Report.
 


 

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
                 
PART I
  Item 1.     Business     3  
  Item 1A.     Risk Factors     8  
  Item 1B.     Unresolved Staff Comments     13  
  Item 2.     Properties     13  
  Item 3.     Legal Proceedings     13  
  Item 4.     Removed and Reserved     14  
 
PART II
  Item 5.     Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities     14  
  Item 6.     Selected Financial Data     16  
  Item 7.     Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     18  
  Item 7A.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     34  
  Item 8.     Financial Statements and Supplementary Data     35  
  Item 9.     Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Financial Accounting and Financial Disclosure     73  
  Item 9A.     Controls and Procedures     73  
  Item 9B.     Other Information     74  
 
PART III
  Item 10.     Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance     74  
  Item 11.     Executive Compensation     74  
  Item 12.     Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters     74  
  Item 13.     Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence     74  
  Item 14.     Principal Accountant Fees and Services     74  
 
PART IV
  Item 15.     Exhibits and Financial Schedules     74  
SIGNATURES     78  
 EX-3.9
 EX-3.10
 EX-3.11
 EX-3.12
 EX-10.1
 EX-10.2
 EX-10.3
 EX-10.6
 EX-10.13
 EX-10.18
 EX-10.19
 EX-10.20
 EX-10.21
 EX-10.25
 EX-10.31
 EX-10.32
 EX-10.33
 EX-10.34
 EX-10.35
 EX-10.36
 EX-10.37
 EX-10.40
 EX-10.42
 EX-21.01
 EX-23.01
 EX-31.01
 EX-31.02
 EX-32


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PART I
 
Item 1.   Business
 
Brooks Automation, Inc. (“Brooks”, “we”, “us”, or “our”), a Delaware corporation, is a leading provider of automation, vacuum and instrumentation solutions and is a highly valued business partner to original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”) and equipment users throughout the world. We serve markets where equipment productivity and availability is a critical factor for our customers’ success, typically in demanding temperature and/or pressure environments. Our largest served market is the semiconductor manufacturing industry. We also provide unique solutions to customers in data storage, advanced display, analytical instruments, solar and LED markets. We develop and deliver differentiated solutions that range from proprietary products to highly respected manufacturing services.
 
Our company was founded in 1978 initially to develop and market automated substrate handling equipment for semiconductor manufacturing and became a publicly traded company in February 1995. Since that time, we have grown significantly from a niche supplier of wafer handling robot modules for vacuum-based processes into a broader based supplier of products and services most notably through the consolidation with Helix Technology Corporation in 2005.
 
Markets
 
Our primary served market is the global semiconductor industry, a highly cyclical industry which has a long term growth profile, both in terms of unit volumes and device complexity. This growth is increasingly focused in Asia. The end products for semiconductor devices include computers, telecommunications equipment, automotive, consumer electronics and wireless communications devices. In addition to this primary market, we have been increasing our presence in global markets outside of the semiconductor industry, primarily for our vacuum-related technologies and services. Much like semiconductors, markets such as data storage, advanced flat panel displays, industrial instruments, solar and LED have begun to experience an increasing need for the technologies and services that we provide.
 
During fiscal year 2010, semiconductor end market revenues increased 218% from the prior year while non-semiconductor revenues increased 54% during that same period. Our fiscal 2010 and 2009 revenues by end market were as follows:
 
                 
    2010     2009  
 
Semiconductor
    84 %     71 %
Industrial
    9 %     14 %
Other
    7 %     15 %
                 
      100 %     100 %
 
The production of advanced semiconductor chips is an extremely complex and logistically challenging manufacturing activity. To create the tens of millions of microscopic transistors and connect them both horizontally and in vertical layers in order to produce a functioning integrated circuit, or IC chip, the silicon wafers must go through hundreds of process steps that require complex processing equipment, or tools, to create the integrated circuits. A large production fab may have more than 70 different types of process and metrology tools, totaling as many as 500 tools or more. Up to 40% of these tools perform processes in a vacuum, such as removing, depositing, or measuring material on wafer surfaces. Wafers can go through as many as 400 different process steps before fabrication is complete. These steps, which comprise the initial fabrication of the integrated circuit and are referred to in the industry as front-end processes, are repeated many times to create the desired pattern on the silicon wafer. As the complexity of semiconductors continues to increase, the number of process steps that occur in a vacuum environment also increases, resulting in a greater need for both automation and vacuum technology solutions due to the sensitive handling requirements and increased number of tools. The requirement for efficient, higher throughput and extremely clean manufacturing for semiconductor wafer fabs and other high performance electronic-based products has created a substantial market for substrate handling automation (moving the wafers around and between tools in a semiconductor fab), tool automation (the use of robots and modules used in conjunction with and inside


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process tools that move wafers from station to station), and vacuum systems technology to create and sustain the environment necessary to fabricate various products.
 
Products
 
In the semiconductor industry, wafer handling robotics have emerged as a critical technology in determining the efficacy and productivity of the complex tools which process 300mm wafers in the world’s most advanced wafer fabs. A tool is built around a process chamber using automation technology provided by a company such as Brooks, to move wafers into and out of the chamber. Today, OEMs build their tools using a cluster architecture, whereby several process chambers are mounted to one central frame that processes wafers. We specialize in developing and building the handling system, as well as the vacuum technology used in these tools. Our products can be provided as an individual component or as a complete handling system. Automation products are provided to support both atmospheric and vacuum based processes. In order to facilitate the handling and transportation of wafers into a process tool, an equipment front-end module, or EFEM, is utilized. An EFEM serves as an atmospheric interface for wafers being fabricated by tools that use either atmospheric or vacuum processes.
 
We provide high vacuum pumps and instrumentation which are required in certain process steps to condition the processing environment and to optimize that environment by maintaining pressure consistency of the known process gas. To achieve optimal production yields, semiconductor manufacturers must ensure that each process operates at carefully controlled pressure levels. Impurities or incorrect pressure levels can lower production yields, thereby significantly increasing the cost per useable semiconductor chip produced. We provide various pressure measurement instruments that form part of this pressure control loop on production processing equipment. Some key vacuum processes include: dry etching and dry stripping, chemical vapor deposition, or CVD, physical vapor deposition, or PVD, and ion implantation.
 
In addition to proprietary products, we also provide “Extended Factory” services to build EFEMs, vacuum transfer modules and other sub-systems for an OEM specified design. These are typically provided to larger semiconductor OEMs. We believe that we are the largest worldwide manufacturer of EFEMs through our Gresham, Oregon and Wuxi, China facilities.
 
Current Trends
 
Our primary served market is the global semiconductor industry. The demand for semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment is highly cyclical. We believe it is both reasonable and prudent to expect that the global semiconductor industry will experience market conditions that fluctuate unpredictably. During fiscal 2006 and continuing into fiscal 2007, Brooks benefited from a cyclical upturn in demand for its products and services, which helped drive revenues to record levels. That cyclical expansion turned to a downturn in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 that continued through the second quarter of fiscal 2009. Since that time, during a period of renewed industry expansion, our revenues have significantly increased in each fiscal quarter, although recent order rates from semiconductor companies have moderated and we anticipate that revenues in the near term will be relatively flat from the levels experienced for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010.
 
The major tool manufacturers in the semiconductor capital equipment market have been changing their business models to outsource the manufacturing of key subsystems including wafer handling systems. This trend of outsourcing has accelerated through the semiconductor industry’s transition to cluster tools, which have increased the need for reliability and performance. Furthermore, our OEM customers believe that they generate more value for their customers by leveraging their expertise in process technology, rather than electro-mechanical technology. Since the early 2000s, many of the major OEMs began to look outside their captive capabilities to suppliers, like us, who could provide them with fully integrated and tested systems. We continue to benefit from these trends.
 
Our customers serving the global semiconductor industry continue to experience a material shift in the fabrication of wafers from North American and European based facilities to wafer fabs and foundries located in Asia. We have positioned our Extended Factory business in Wuxi, China to become a critical partner of major OEMs as they execute supply chain strategies within that region. In addition to this regional shift, the global semiconductor industry is one that is continuously focused on cost reduction. As such, companies that are a part of, or a supplier to, this industry are expected to support their customers’ focus on reducing the costs of operating and maintaining their manufacturing network.


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On April 5, 2010, we appointed Stephen S. Schwartz as the Company’s President. At the same time, Mr. Schwartz became a member of a newly formed Office of the Chief Executive with Robert J. Lepofsky, Chief Executive Officer, and Martin S. Headley, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. On August 4, 2010, Mr. Lepofsky announced his intent to retire as of September 30, 2010. Effective October 1, 2010, Mr. Schwartz succeeded Mr. Lepofsky as our Chief Executive Officer.
 
Segments
 
We report financial results in three segments: Critical Solutions Group; Systems Solutions Group; and Global Customer Operations. In the second quarter of fiscal 2009 we realigned our management structure and its underlying internal financial reporting structure.
 
The Critical Solutions Group segment provides a variety of products critical to technology equipment productivity and availability. Those products include robots and robotic modules for atmospheric and vacuum applications and cryogenic vacuum pumping, thermal management and vacuum measurement solutions used to create, measure and control critical process vacuum applications.
 
The Systems Solutions Group segment provides a range of products and engineering and manufacturing services, which include our Extended Factory services. Our Extended Factory product offering provides services to build equipment front-end modules and other subassemblies which enable our customers to effectively develop and source high quality and high reliability process tools for semiconductor and adjacent market applications.
 
The Global Customer Operations segment provides an extensive range of support services including on and off-site repair services, on and off-site diagnostic support services, and installation services to enable our customers to maximize process tool uptime and productivity. This segment also provides services and spare parts for certain legacy products.
 
Our fiscal 2010 and 2009 segment revenues by end market were as follows:
 
                         
    Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2010  
    Critical
    Systems
    Global Customer
 
    Solutions     Solutions     Operations  
 
Semiconductor
    70 %     96 %     85 %
Industrial
    20 %           10 %
Other
    10 %     4 %     5 %
                         
      100 %     100 %     100 %
 
                         
    Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2009  
    Critical
    Systems
    Global Customer
 
    Solutions     Solutions     Operations  
 
Semiconductor
    56 %     82 %     86 %
Industrial
    27 %           8 %
Other
    17 %     18 %     6 %
                         
      100 %     100 %     100 %
 
Customers
 
Within the semiconductor industry, we sell our products and services to most of the major semiconductor chip manufacturers and OEMs in the world. Our customers outside the semiconductor industry are broadly diversified. We have major customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Additionally, although much of our equipment sales ship to United States OEMs, many of those products ultimately are utilized in international markets. See Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” for a discussion of the risks related to foreign operations.
 
Relatively few customers account for a substantial portion of our revenues, with the top 10 customers accounting for approximately 63% of our business in fiscal 2010. We have three customers, Applied Materials, Inc.,


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Lam Research Corporation and Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates Inc., that each accounted for more than 10% of our overall revenues for the year.
 
Sales, Marketing and Customer Support
 
We market and sell most of our products and services in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America through our direct sales organization. The sales process for our products is often multilevel, involving a team comprised of individuals from sales, marketing, engineering, operations and senior management. In many cases a customer is assigned a team that engages the customer at different levels of its organization to facilitate planning, provide product customization when required, and to ensure open communication and support. Some of our vacuum and instrumentation products and services for certain international markets are sold through local country distributors. Additionally, we serve the Japanese market for our robotics and automation products through our Yaskawa Brooks Automation (YBA) joint venture with Yaskawa Electric Corporation of Japan.
 
Our marketing activities include participation in trade shows, delivery of seminars, participation in industry forums, distribution of sales literature, publication of press releases and articles in business and industry publications. To enhance communication and support, particularly with our international customers, we maintain sales and service centers in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America. These facilities, together with our headquarters, maintain local support capability and demonstration equipment for customers to evaluate. Customers are encouraged to discuss features and applications of our demonstration equipment with our engineers located at these facilities.
 
Competition
 
We operate in a variety of niches of varying breadth and with differing competitors and competitive dynamics. The semiconductor fab and process equipment manufacturing industries are highly competitive and characterized by continual changes and improvements in technology. The majority of equipment automation is still done in-house by OEMs. Our competitors among external vacuum automation suppliers are primarily Japanese companies such as Daihan, Daikin and Rorze. Also, contract manufacturing companies such as Sanmina, Jabil, Benchmark and Flextronics are offering assembly and manufacturing services to OEMs. Our competitors among vacuum components suppliers include Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Genesis, MKS Instruments and Inficon. We have a significant share of the market for vacuum cryogenic pumps.
 
Atmospheric tool automation is outsourced to a larger degree and has a larger field of competitors due to the lower barriers to entry. We compete directly with other equipment automation suppliers of atmospheric modules and systems such as Hirata, Kawasaki, Genmark, Rorze, Sankyo, TDK and Shinko. Contract manufacturers are also providing assembly and manufacturing services for atmospheric systems.
 
We believe our customers will purchase our equipment automation products and vacuum subsystems as long as we continue to provide the necessary throughput, reliability, contamination control and accuracy for their advanced processing tools at an acceptable price point. We believe that we have competitive offerings with respect to all of these factors; however, we cannot guarantee that we will be successful in selling our products to OEMs who currently satisfy their automation needs in-house or from other independent suppliers, regardless of the performance or price of our products.
 
Research and Development
 
Our research and development efforts are focused on developing new products and also enhancing the functionality, degree of integration, reliability and performance of our existing products. Our engineering, marketing, operations and management personnel leverage their close collaborative relationships with many of their counterparts in customer organizations in an effort to proactively identify market demands with an ability to refocus our research and development investment to meet our customer demands. With the rapid pace of change that characterizes semiconductor technology, it is essential for us to provide high-performance and reliable products in order for us to maintain our leadership position.


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Our research and development spending for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $31.2 million, $31.6 million and $42.9 million, respectively. The decline in spending from the fiscal year 2008 level was the result of certain development cycles coming to completion and the consolidation of research and development efforts as part of our restructuring actions taken in fiscal year 2008 and early 2009. We expect to increase the pace of spending for research and development in the near term to support enhancements to our current product offerings and our strategy to grow longer-term revenues outside of the semiconductor market.
 
Manufacturing
 
Our manufacturing operations are used for product assembly, integration and testing. We have adopted quality assurance procedures that include standard design practices, component selection procedures, vendor control procedures and comprehensive reliability testing and analysis to ensure the performance of our products. Our major manufacturing facilities are located in Chelmsford, Massachusetts; Petaluma, California; Longmont, Colorado; Monterrey, Mexico; Gresham, Oregon; and Wuxi, China. The latter two facilities are utilized by our Extended Factory business as critical manufacturing support for semiconductor OEMs, particularly in their geographic sourcing strategies.
 
We utilize a just-in-time manufacturing strategy, based on the concepts of demand flow technology, for a large portion of our manufacturing process. We believe that this strategy, coupled with the outsourcing of non-critical components such as machined parts, wire harnesses and PC boards, reduces our fixed operating costs, improves our working capital efficiency, reduces our manufacturing cycle times and improves our flexibility to rapidly adjust production capacities. While we often use single source suppliers for certain key components and common assemblies to achieve quality control and the benefits of economies of scale, we believe that these parts and materials are readily available from other supply sources. We will continue to broaden the sourcing of our components to low cost regions, including Asia.
 
Patents and Proprietary Rights
 
We rely on patents, trade secret laws, confidentiality procedures, copyrights, trademarks and licensing agreements to protect our technology. Our United States patents expire at various times through April 2028. Due to the rapid technological change that characterizes the semiconductor, flat panel display and related process equipment industries, we believe that the improvement of existing technology, reliance upon trade secrets and unpatented proprietary know-how and the development of new products may be as important as patent protection in establishing and maintaining a competitive advantage. To protect trade secrets and know-how, it is our policy to require all technical and management personnel to enter into proprietary information and nondisclosure agreements. We cannot guarantee that these efforts will meaningfully protect our trade secrets.
 
We have successfully licensed our FOUP (front-opening unified pod) load port technology to significant FOUP manufacturers and continue to pursue the licensing of this technology to the residual participants in the market that we believe are utilizing our intellectual property.
 
Backlog
 
Backlog for our products as of September 30, 2010, totaled $106.4 million as compared to $69.5 million at September 30, 2009. Backlog consists of purchase orders for which a customer has scheduled delivery within the next 12 months. Backlog consists of orders principally for hardware and service agreements. Orders included in the backlog may be cancelled or rescheduled by customers without significant penalty. Backlog as of any particular date should not be relied upon as indicative of our revenues for any future period. A substantial percentage of current business generates no backlog because we deliver our products and services in the same period in which the order is received.
 
Financial Information about Segments and Geographic Areas
 
We have provided the information required by Items 101(b) and 101(d) of Regulation S-K in Note 15, “Segment and Geographic Information,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We are incorporating that information into this section by reference.


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Employees
 
At September 30, 2010, we had 1,410 full time employees. In addition, we utilized 285 part time employees and contractors. Approximately 46 employees in our facility in Jena, Germany are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We consider our relationships with these and all employees to be good.
 
Available Information
 
We file annual, quarterly, and current reports, proxy statements, and other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The public may read and copy any materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Also, the SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including Brooks Automation, Inc., that file electronically with the SEC. The public can obtain any documents that we file with the SEC at www.sec.gov.
 
Our internet website address is http://www.brooks.com. Through our website, we make available, free of charge, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials are electronically filed, or furnished to, the SEC. These SEC reports can be accessed through the investor relations section of our website. The information found on our website is not part of this or any other report we file with or furnish to the SEC.
 
Item 1A.   Risk Factors
 
Factors That May Affect Future Results
 
You should carefully consider the risks described below and the other information in this report before deciding to invest in shares of our common stock. These are the risks and uncertainties we believe are most important for you to consider. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, which we currently deem immaterial or which are similar to those faced by other companies in our industry or business in general, may also impair our business operations. If any of the following risks or uncertainties actually occurs, our business, financial condition and operating results would likely suffer. In that event, the market price of our common stock could decline and you could lose all or part of your investment.
 
Risks Relating to Our Industry
 
Due in part to the cyclical nature of the semiconductor manufacturing industry and related industries, as well as due to volatility in worldwide capital and equity markets, we have previously incurred operating losses and may have future losses.
 
Our business is largely dependent on capital expenditures in the semiconductor manufacturing industry and other businesses employing similar manufacturing technology. The semiconductor manufacturing industry in turn depends on current and anticipated demand for integrated circuits and the products that use them. In recent years, these businesses have experienced unpredictable and volatile business cycles due in large part to rapid changes in demand and manufacturing capacity for semiconductors, and these cycles have had an impact on our business, sometimes causing declining revenues and operation losses. We could experience future operating losses during an industry downturn. If an industry downturn continues for an extended period of time, our business could be materially harmed. Conversely, in periods of rapidly increasing demand, we could have insufficient inventory and manufacturing capacity to meet our customer needs on a timely basis, which could result in the loss of customers and various other expenses that could reduce gross margins and profitability.
 
We face competition which may lead to price pressure and otherwise adversely affect our sales.
 
We face competition throughout the world in each of our product areas. This comes from competitors as discussed in Part I, Item 1, “Business — Competition” as well as internal robotic capabilities at larger OEMs. Many of our competitors have substantial engineering, manufacturing, marketing and customer support capabilities. We


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expect our competitors to continue to improve the performance of their current products and to introduce new products and technologies that could adversely affect sales of our current and future products and services. New products and technologies developed by our competitors or more efficient production of their products could require us to make significant price reductions or decide not to compete for certain orders. If we fail to respond adequately to pricing pressures or fail to develop products with improved performance or developments with respect to the other factors on which we compete, we could lose customers or orders. If we are unable to compete effectively, our business and prospects could be materially harmed.
 
Risks Relating to Brooks
 
Our operating results could fluctuate significantly, which could negatively impact our business.
 
Our revenues, operating margins and other operating results could fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter depending upon a variety of factors, including:
 
  •  demand for our products as a result of the cyclical nature of the semiconductor manufacturing industry and the markets upon which it depends or otherwise;
 
  •  changes in the timing and terms of product orders by our customers as a result of our customer concentration or otherwise;
 
  •  changes in the mix of products and services that we offer;
 
  •  timing and market acceptance of our new product introductions;
 
  •  delays or problems in the planned introduction of new products, or in the performance of any such products following delivery to customers;
 
  •  new products, services or technological innovations by our competitors, which can, among other things, render our products less competitive due to the rapid technological change in our industry;
 
  •  the timing and related costs of any acquisitions, divestitures or other strategic transactions;
 
  •  our ability to reduce our costs in response to decreased demand for our products and services;
 
  •  disruptions in our manufacturing process or in the supply of components to us;
 
  •  write-offs for excess or obsolete inventory; and
 
  •  competitive pricing pressures.
 
As a result of these risks, we believe that quarter to quarter comparisons of our revenue and operating results may not be meaningful, and that these comparisons may not be an accurate indicator of our future performance.
 
If we do not continue to introduce new products and services that reflect advances in technology in a timely and effective manner, our products and services may become obsolete and our operating results will suffer.
 
Our success is dependent on our ability to respond to the technological change present in the markets we serve. The success of our product development and introduction depends on our ability to:
 
  •  accurately identify and define new market opportunities and products;
 
  •  obtain market acceptance of our products;
 
  •  timely innovate, develop and commercialize new technologies and applications;
 
  •  adjust to changing market conditions;
 
  •  differentiate our offerings from our competitors’ offerings;
 
  •  obtain intellectual property rights where necessary;
 
  •  continue to develop a comprehensive, integrated product and service strategy;


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  •  properly price our products and services; and
 
  •  design our products to high standards of manufacturability such that they meet customer requirements.
 
If we cannot succeed in responding in a timely manner to technological and/or market changes or if the new products that we introduce do not achieve market acceptance, it could diminish our competitive position which could materially harm our business and our prospects.
 
The global nature of our business exposes us to multiple risks.
 
For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, approximately 46% and 47%, respectively, of our revenues were derived from sales outside North America. We expect that international sales, including increased sales in Asia, will continue to account for a significant portion of our revenues. We maintain a global footprint of sales, service and repair operations. As a result of our international operations, we are exposed to many risks and uncertainties, including:
 
  •  longer sales-cycles and time to collection;
 
  •  tariff and international trade barriers;
 
  •  fewer legal protections for intellectual property and contract rights abroad;
 
  •  different and changing legal and regulatory requirements in the jurisdictions in which we operate;
 
  •  government currency control and restrictions on repatriation of earnings;
 
  •  fluctuations in foreign currency exchange and interest rates; and
 
  •  political and economic changes, hostilities and other disruptions in regions where we operate.
 
Negative developments in any of these areas in one or more countries could result in a reduction in demand for our products, the cancellation or delay of orders already placed, threats to our intellectual property, difficulty in collecting receivables, and a higher cost of doing business, any of which could materially harm our business and profitability.
 
Changes in key personnel could impair our ability to execute our business strategy.
 
The continuing service of our executive officers and essential engineering, technical and management personnel, together with our ability to attract and retain such personnel, is an important factor in our continuing ability to execute our strategy. There is substantial competition to attract such employees and the loss of any such key employees could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results. The same could be true if we were to experience a high turnover rate among engineering and technical personnel and we were unable to replace them.
 
We may be subject to claims of infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, or demands that we license third-party technology, which could result in significant expense and prevent us from using our technology.
 
We rely upon patents, trade secret laws, confidentiality procedures, copyrights, trademarks and licensing agreements to protect our technology. Due to the rapid technological change that characterizes the semiconductor and flat panel display process equipment industries, we believe that the improvement of existing technology, reliance upon trade secrets and unpatented proprietary know-how and the development of new products may be as important as patent protection in establishing and maintaining competitive advantage. To protect trade secrets and know-how, it is our policy to require all technical and management personnel to enter into nondisclosure agreements. We cannot guarantee that these efforts will meaningfully protect our trade secrets.
 
There has been substantial litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property rights in the semiconductor related industries. We have in the past been, and may in the future be, notified that we may be infringing intellectual property rights possessed by third parties. We cannot guarantee that infringement claims by third parties or other claims for indemnification by customers or end users of our products resulting from infringement claims


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will not be asserted in the future or that such assertions, if proven to be true, will not materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
We cannot predict the extent to which we might be required to seek licenses or alter our products so that they no longer infringe the rights of others. We also cannot guarantee that licenses will be available or the terms of any licenses we may be required to obtain will be reasonable. Similarly, changing our products or processes to avoid infringing the rights of others may be costly or impractical and could detract from the value of our products. If a judgment of infringement were obtained against us, we could be required to pay substantial damages and a court could issue an order preventing us from selling one or more of our products. Further, the cost and diversion of management attention brought about by such litigation could be substantial, even if we were to prevail. Any of these events could result in significant expense to us and may materially harm our business and our prospects.
 
Our failure to protect our intellectual property could adversely affect our future operations.
 
Our ability to compete is significantly affected by our ability to protect our intellectual property. Existing trade secret, trademark and copyright laws offer only limited protection, and certain of our patents could be invalidated or circumvented. In addition, the laws of some countries in which our products are or may be developed, manufactured or sold may not fully protect our products. We cannot guarantee that the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property will be adequate to prevent the misappropriation of our technology. Other companies could independently develop similar or superior technology without violating our intellectual property rights. In the future, it may be necessary to engage in litigation or like activities to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets or to determine the validity and scope of proprietary rights of others, including our customers. This could require us to incur significant expenses and to divert the efforts and attention of our management and technical personnel from our business operations.
 
If the site of our manufacturing operations were to experience a significant disruption in operations, our business could be materially harmed.
 
We have a limited number of manufacturing facilities for our products. If the operations of these facilities were disrupted as a result of a natural disaster, fire, power or other utility outage, work stoppage or other similar event, our business could be seriously harmed because we may be unable to manufacture and ship products and parts to our customers in a timely fashion.
 
Our business could be materially harmed if one or more key suppliers fail to continuously deliver key components of acceptable cost and quality.
 
We currently obtain many of our key components on an as-needed, purchase order basis from numerous suppliers. In some cases we have only a single source of supply for necessary components and materials used in the manufacturing of our products. Further, we are increasing our sourcing of products in Asia, and particularly in China, and we do not have a previous course of dealing with many of these suppliers. We do not generally have long-term supply contracts with any of these suppliers, and many of them underwent cost-containment measures in light of the last industry downturn. As the industry has recovered, these suppliers have faced challenges in delivering components on a timely basis. This volatility in demand has led some of our vendors to exit the semiconductor market, and other vendors may also decide to exit this market. Our inability to obtain components or materials in required quantities or of acceptable cost and quality and with the necessary continuity of supply could result in delays or reductions in product shipments to our customers. In addition, if a supplier or sub-supplier alters their manufacturing processes and suffers a production stoppage for any reason or modifies or discontinues their products, this could result in a delay or reduction in product shipments to our customers. Any of these contingencies could cause us to lose customers, result in delayed or lost revenue and otherwise materially harm our business.
 
Our stock price is volatile.
 
The market price of our common stock has fluctuated widely. From the beginning of fiscal year 2009 through the end of fiscal year 2010, our stock price fluctuated between a high of $10.82 per share and a low of $2.58 per share. Consequently, the current market price of our common stock may not be indicative of future market prices,


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and we may be unable to sustain or increase the value of an investment in our common stock. Factors affecting our stock price may include:
 
  •  variations in operating results from quarter to quarter;
 
  •  changes in earnings estimates by analysts or our failure to meet analysts’ expectations;
 
  •  changes in the market price per share of our public company customers;
 
  •  market conditions in the semiconductor and other industries into which we sell products;
 
  •  general economic conditions;
 
  •  political changes, hostilities or natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods;
 
  •  low trading volume of our common stock; and
 
  •  the number of firms making a market in our common stock.
 
In addition, the stock market has recently experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. These fluctuations have particularly affected the market prices of the securities of high technology companies like ours. These market fluctuations could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
 
Risks Relating to Our Customers
 
Because we rely on a limited number of customers for a large portion of our revenues, the loss of one or more of these customers could materially harm our business.
 
We receive a significant portion of our revenues in each fiscal period from a relatively limited number of customers, and that trend is likely to continue. Sales to our ten largest customers accounted for approximately 63%, 44% and 52% of our total revenues in the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The loss of one or more of these major customers, a significant decrease in orders from one of these customers, or the inability of one or more customers to make payments to us when they are due could materially affect our revenue, business and reputation.
 
Because of the lengthy sales cycles of many of our products, we may incur significant expenses before we generate any revenues related to those products.
 
Our customers may need several months to test and evaluate our products. This increases the possibility that a customer may decide to cancel or change plans, which could reduce or eliminate our sales to that customer. The impact of this risk can be magnified during the periods in which we introduce a number of new products, as has been the case in recent years. As a result of this lengthy sales cycle, we may incur significant research and development expenses, and selling, general and administrative expenses before we generate the related revenues for these products, and we may never generate the anticipated revenues if our customer cancels or changes its plans.
 
In addition, many of our products will not be sold directly to the end-user but will be components of other products. As a result, we rely on OEMs to select our products from among alternative offerings to be incorporated into their equipment at the design stage; so-called design-ins. The OEMs’ decisions often precede the generation of volume sales, if any, by a year or more. Moreover, if we are unable to achieve these design-ins from an OEM, we would have difficulty selling our products to that OEM because changing suppliers involves significant cost, time, effort and risk on the part of that OEM.
 
Customers generally do not make long term commitments to purchase our products and our customers may cease purchasing our products at any time.
 
Sales of our products are often made pursuant to individual purchase orders and not under long-term commitments and contracts. Our customers frequently do not provide any assurance of minimum or future sales and are not prohibited from purchasing products from our competitors at any time. Accordingly, we are exposed to competitive pricing pressures on each order. Our customers also engage in the practice of purchasing products from more than one manufacturer to avoid dependence on sole-source suppliers for certain of their needs. The existence


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of these practices makes it more difficult for us to increase price, gain new customers and win repeat business from existing customers.
 
Item 1B.   Unresolved Staff Comments
 
None.
 
Item 2.   Properties
 
Our corporate headquarters and primary manufacturing/research and development facilities are currently located in three buildings in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, which we purchased in January 2001. We lease a fourth building in Chelmsford adjacent to the three that we own. In summary, we maintain the following active principal facilities:
 
                 
        Square Footage
  Ownership Status/Lease
Location
 
Functions
  (Approx.)  
Expiration
 
Chelmsford, Massachusetts
  Corporate headquarters, training, manufacturing and R&D     214,000     Owned
Chelmsford, Massachusetts
  Manufacturing     97,000     October 2014
Gresham, Oregon
  Manufacturing and R&D     131,900     March 2016
Wuxi, China
  Manufacturing     85,400     August 2015
Petaluma, California
  Manufacturing and R&D     72,300     September 2011
Longmont, Colorado
  Manufacturing and R&D     60,900     February 2015
Yongin-City, South Korea
  Manufacturing, R&D and sales & support     34,100     November 2015
Jena, Germany
  R&D and sales & support     31,300     Several leases with terms
that require 6-month notice
 
Our Critical Solutions Group segment utilizes the facilities in Massachusetts, California and Colorado as well as a smaller manufacturing and R&D facility in Germany. Our Systems Solutions Group segment utilizes the facilities in Massachusetts, Oregon, South Korea and China. Our Global Customer Operations segment utilizes the facilities in Massachusetts, Germany, South Korea and China.
 
We maintain additional sales & support and training offices in California and Texas and overseas in Europe (France and Germany), as well as in Asia (Japan, China, Singapore and Taiwan) and the Middle East (Israel).
 
We utilize a third party to manage a manufacturing operation in Mexico. As part of our arrangement with this third party, we guarantee a lease for a 56,100 square foot manufacturing facility. The remaining payments under this lease, which expires in 2013, are approximately $0.9 million.
 
We currently sublease a total of 180,300 square feet of space previously exited as a result of our various restructuring activities. Another 248,100 square feet of mixed office and manufacturing/research and development space located in Massachusetts and Oregon is not in use and unoccupied at this time. Of these idle facilities, the leases expire in fiscal year 2011 on 167,300 square feet. We own the facility on the remaining 80,800 square feet of idle space.
 
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings
 
On August 22, 2006, an action captioned as Mark Levy v. Robert J. Therrien and Brooks Automation, Inc., was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, seeking recovery, on behalf of Brooks, from Mr. Therrien (the Company’s former Chairman and CEO) under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act for alleged “short-swing” profits earned by Mr. Therrien due to the loan and stock option exercise in November 1999, and a sale by Mr. Therrien of Brooks stock in March 2000. The complaint seeks disgorgement of all profits earned by Mr. Therrien on the transactions, attorneys’ fees and other expenses. On February 20, 2007, a second Section 16(b) action, concerning the same loan and stock option exercise in November 1999 discussed above and seeking the same remedy, was filed in the United States District Court of the District of Delaware, captioned Aron Rosenberg v. Robert J. Therrien and Brooks Automation, Inc. On April 4, 2007, the court issued an order consolidating the Levy


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and Rosenberg actions. On July 14, 2008, the court denied Mr. Therrien’s motion to dismiss this action. Discovery has commenced in this matter. The parties have also been engaged in discussions to seek a settlement of the case, and those discussions continue. Brooks is a nominal defendant in the consolidated action and any recovery in this action, less attorneys’ fees, would go to the Company.
 
Item 4.   Removed and Reserved
 
PART II
 
Item 5.   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the symbol “BRKS”. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low close prices per share of our common stock, as reported by the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC:
 
                 
    High   Low
 
Fiscal year ended September 30, 2010
               
First quarter
  $ 9.11     $ 6.13  
Second quarter
    10.82       7.20  
Third quarter
    10.23       6.63  
Fourth quarter
    9.17       5.46  
Fiscal year ended September 30, 2009
               
First quarter
  $ 8.26     $ 2.58  
Second quarter
    6.28       3.33  
Third quarter
    6.48       3.85  
Fourth quarter
    8.15       4.16  
 
Number of Holders
 
As of October 31, 2010, there were 1,033 holders of record of our common stock.
 
Dividend Policy
 
We have not previously declared or paid a cash dividend on our capital stock. The Board of Directors periodically reviews the strategic use of cash in excess of business needs.
 
See Item 12 of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans.


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Comparative Stock Performance
 
The following graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return (assuming reinvestment of dividends) from investing $100 on September 30, 2005, and plotted at the last trading day of each of the fiscal years ended September 30, 2006, 2007, 2008. 2009 and 2010, in each of (i) the Company’s Common Stock; (ii) the NASDAQ/AMEX/NYSE Market Index of companies; (iii) an industry group index comprised of NYSE/NASDAQ/AMEX SIC Codes 3550-3559; and (iv) a peer group comprised of: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc., Cymer, Inc., Entegris, Inc., FEI Company, LAM Research Corporation, Mattson Technology Corporation, MKS Instruments, Inc., Novellus Systems, Inc., Phototronics, Inc., Ultra Clean Technology, Inc., Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc. and Veeco Instruments, Inc. We use this same peer group in our review of executive compensation. This peer group index will replace the NYSE/NASDAQ/AMEX SIC Codes 3550-3559 index in future filings. The stock price performance on the graph below is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.
 
Performance Graph

COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among Brooks Automation, Inc., The NASDAQ/AMEX/NYSE Index,
the NYSE/NASDAQ/AMEX SIC Codes 3550-3559 and a Peer Group
 
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
 
 
* $100 invested on 9/30/05 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.
 
Fiscal year ending September 30.
 
                                     
      9/30/05     9/29/06     9/28/07     9/30/08     9/30/09     9/30/10
Brooks Automation, Inc. 
    100.00     97.90     106.83     62.72     57.99     50.34
NASDAQ/AMEX/NYSE
    100.00     111.64     135.67     105.68     101.89     111.45
NYSE/NASDAQ/AMEX SIC Codes 3550-3559
    100.00     120.59     140.90     96.17     98.52     114.05
Peer Group
    100.00     124.07     143.29     89.29     101.27     109.80
                                     
 
The information included under the heading “Performance Graph” in Item 5 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is “furnished” and not “filed” and shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or subject to Regulation 14A, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to


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the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.
 
Issuance of Unregistered Common Stock
 
Not applicable.
 
Issuer’s Purchases of Equity Securities
 
As part of our equity compensation program, we offer recipients of restricted stock awards the opportunity to elect to sell their shares at the time of vesting to satisfy tax obligations in connection with such vesting. The following table provides information concerning shares of our Common Stock $0.01 par value purchased in connection with the forfeiture of shares to satisfy the employees’ obligations with respect to withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of certain shares of restricted stock during the three months ended September 30, 2010. Upon purchase, these shares are immediately retired.
 
                                 
                      Maximum
 
                      Number (or
 
                      Approximate
 
                Total Number of
    Dollar Value) of
 
    Total
          Shares Purchased as
    Shares that May Yet
 
    Number
    Average Price
    Part of Publicly
    be Purchased Under
 
    of Shares
    Paid
    Announced Plans
    the Plans or
 
Period
  Purchased     per Share     or Programs     Programs  
 
July 1 — 31, 2010
        $           $  
August 1 — 31, 2010
    1,633       8.02       1,633        
September 1 — 30, 2010
    20,146       6.87       20,146        
                                 
Total
    21,779     $ 6.95       21,779     $  
                                 
 
Item 6.   Selected Financial Data
 
The selected consolidated financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” appearing elsewhere in this report.
 
                                         
    Year Ended September 30,
    2010(7)   2009(5)   2008(4)   2007(1)(3)   2006(1)(2)
    (In thousands, except per share data)
 
Revenues
  $ 592,972     $ 218,706     $ 526,366     $ 743,258     $ 607,494  
Gross profit (loss)
  $ 166,295     $ (5,996 )   $ 126,828     $ 219,595     $ 186,650  
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of joint ventures
  $ 56,064     $ (226,917 )   $ (236,152 )   $ 55,636     $ 24,067  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 59,025     $ (227,773 )   $ (236,678 )   $ 54,369     $ 21,680  
Net income (loss) attributable to Brooks Automation, Inc. 
  $ 58,982     $ (227,858 )   $ (235,946 )   $ 151,472     $ 25,930  
Basic net income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to Brooks Automation, Inc. common stockholders
  $ 0.92     $ (3.62 )   $ (3.67 )   $ 0.74     $ 0.31  
Diluted net income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to Brooks Automation, Inc. common stockholders
  $ 0.92     $ (3.62 )   $ (3.67 )   $ 0.73     $ 0.31  
Shares used in computing basic earnings (loss) per share
    63,777       62,911       64,542       73,492       72,323  
Shares used in computing diluted earnings (loss) per share
    64,174       62,911       64,542       74,074       72,533  
 


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    As of September 30,
    2010   2009   2008   2007   2006
    (In thousands)
 
Total assets
  $ 518,224     $ 413,322     $ 663,638     $ 1,014,838     $ 992,577  
Working capital
  $ 219,176     $ 150,700     $ 235,795     $ 346,883     $ 252,633  
Total Brooks Automation, Inc. stockholders’ equity
  $ 388,815     $ 319,129     $ 541,995     $ 859,779     $ 799,134  
 
                                 
    Year Ended September 30, 2010
    First
  Second
  Third
  Fourth
    Quarter   Quarter(7)   Quarter   Quarter
    (In thousands, except per share data)
 
Revenues
  $ 106,197     $ 148,353     $ 156,790     $ 181,632  
Gross profit
  $ 26,246     $ 38,950     $ 45,905     $ 55,194  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ (2,877 )   $ 20,948     $ 16,646     $ 24,308  
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to Brooks Automation, Inc. common stockholders
  $ (0.04 )   $ 0.33     $ 0.26     $ 0.38  
 
                                 
    Year Ended September 30, 2009
    First
  Second
  Third
  Fourth
    Quarter   Quarter(6)   Quarter   Quarter
    (In thousands, except per share data)
 
Revenues
  $ 73,446     $ 37,299     $ 43,876     $ 64,085  
Gross profit (loss)
  $ 6,388     $ (27,796 )   $ 3,550     $ 11,862  
Loss from continuing operations
  $ (35,170 )   $ (152,633 )   $ (25,502 )   $ (14,468 )
Basic and diluted net loss per share from continuing operations attributable to Brooks Automation, Inc. common stockholders
  $ (0.56 )   $ (2.43 )   $ (0.41 )   $ (0.23 )
 
 
(1) Amounts from continuing operations exclude results of operations of the Specialty Equipment and Life Sciences division and the Software division which were reclassified as a discontinued operation in October 2006.
 
(2) Amounts include results of operations of Helix Technology Corporation (acquired October 26, 2005) and Synetics Solutions Inc. (acquired June 30, 2006) for the periods subsequent to their respective acquisitions.
 
(3) Amounts include results of operations of Keystone Electronics (Wuxi) Co., Ltd. (acquired effective July 1, 2007) for the periods subsequent to its acquisition. Net income (loss) attributable to Brooks Automation, Inc. includes a $97.2 million gain from discontinued operations in connection with the Software division.
 
(4) Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint ventures, income (loss) from continuing operations and net income (loss) includes a $197.9 million charge for the impairment of goodwill and a $5.7 million charge for the impairment of long-lived assets.
 
(5) Gross profit (loss) includes a $20.9 million impairment of long-lived assets. Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint ventures, income (loss) from continuing operations and net income (loss) includes a $71.8 million charge for the impairment of goodwill and a $35.5 million charge for the impairment of long-lived assets.
 
(6) Gross profit (loss) includes a $20.5 million impairment of long-lived assets. Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint ventures, income (loss) from continuing operations and net income (loss) includes a $71.8 million charge for the impairment of goodwill and a $35.1 million charge for the impairment of long-lived assets.
 
(7) Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint ventures, income (loss) from continuing operations and net income (loss) includes a $7.8 million gain on the sale of certain patents and patents pending related to a legacy product line.

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Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Certain statements in this Form 10-K constitute “forward-looking statements” which involve known risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, our performance or our achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements such as estimates of future revenue, gross margin, and expense levels as well as the performance of the semiconductor industry as a whole. Such factors include the “Risk Factors” set forth in Part I, Item 1A. Precautionary statements made herein should be read as being applicable to all related forward-looking statements whenever they appear in this report.
 
Overview
 
We are a leading provider of automation, vacuum and instrumentation solutions and are a highly valued business partner to original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) and equipment users throughout the world. We serve markets where equipment productivity and availability is a critical factor for our customers’ success, typically in demanding temperature and/or pressure environments. Our largest served market is the semiconductor manufacturing industry, which represented 71% and 84% of our consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2009 and 2010, respectively. We also provide unique solutions to customers in data storage, advanced display, analytical instruments and industrial markets. We develop and deliver differentiated solutions that range from proprietary products to highly respected manufacturing services.
 
The demand for semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment is cyclical, resulting in periodic expansions and contractions. Demand for our products has been impacted by these cyclical industry conditions. After a period of cyclical expansion, a downturn started in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007 that continued through the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. Since that time, during a period of renewed industry expansion, our revenues have significantly increased in each fiscal quarter, although recent order rates from semiconductor companies have moderated and we anticipate that revenues in the near term will be relatively flat from the levels experienced for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010.
 
Throughout fiscal years 2008 and 2009, we implemented a number of cost reduction programs to improve productivity and align our cost structure with a reduced demand environment. Our cost reduction efforts focused on actions that would decrease our overhead cost structure for the foreseeable future. Although we have added personnel during fiscal year 2010, including temporary employees, these additions were made primarily to address increased production requirements and to invest in certain product development programs.
 
In connection with our restructuring programs, we have realigned our management structure and our underlying internal financial reporting structure. Effective as of the beginning of our second quarter of 2009, we implemented a new internal reporting structure which includes three segments: Critical Solutions Group, Systems Solutions Group and Global Customer Operations. Financial results prior to this management structure have been revised to reflect our current segment structure.
 
The Critical Solutions Group segment provides a variety of products critical to technology equipment productivity and availability. Those products include robots and robotic modules for atmospheric and vacuum applications and cryogenic vacuum pumping, thermal management and vacuum measurement solutions used to create, measure and control critical process vacuum applications.
 
The Systems Solutions Group segment provides a range of products and engineering and manufacturing services, which include our Extended Factory services. Our Extended Factory product offering provides services to build equipment front-end modules and other subassemblies which enable our customers to effectively develop and source high quality and high reliability process tools for semiconductor and adjacent market applications.
 
The Global Customer Operations segment provides an extensive range of support services including on and off-site repair services, on and off-site diagnostic support services, and installation services to enable our customers to maximize process tool uptime and productivity. This segment also provides services and spare parts for certain legacy products.


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On April 5, 2010, we appointed Stephen S. Schwartz as the Company’s President. At the same time, Mr. Schwartz became a member of a newly formed Office of the Chief Executive with Robert J. Lepofsky, Chief Executive Officer, and Martin S. Headley, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. On August 4, 2010, Mr. Lepofsky announced his intent to retire as of September 30, 2010. Effective October 1, 2010, Mr. Schwartz succeeded Mr. Lepofsky as our Chief Executive Officer.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
The preparation of the Consolidated 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 ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to bad debts, inventories, intangible assets, goodwill, income taxes, warranty obligations and contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, including current and anticipated worldwide economic conditions both in general and specifically in relation to the semiconductor industry, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. As discussed in the year over year comparisons below, 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.
 
Revenues
 
Product revenues are associated with the sale of hardware systems, components and spare parts as well as product license revenue. Service revenues are associated with service contracts, repairs, upgrades and field service. Shipping and handling fees, if any, billed to customers are recognized as revenue. The related shipping and handling costs are recognized in cost of sales.
 
Revenue from product sales that do not include significant customization is recorded upon delivery and transfer of risk of loss to the customer provided there is evidence of an arrangement, fees are fixed or determinable, collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured and, if applicable, customer acceptance criteria have been successfully demonstrated. Customer acceptance provisions include final testing and acceptance carried out prior to shipment. These pre-shipment testing and acceptance procedures ensure that the product meets the published specification requirements before the product is shipped. In the limited situations where the arrangement contains extended payment terms, revenue is recognized as the payments become due. When significant on site customer acceptance provisions are present in the arrangement, revenue is recognized upon completion of customer acceptance testing.
 
Revenue associated with service agreements is generally recognized ratably over the term of the contract. Revenue from repair services or upgrades of customer-owned equipment is recognized upon completion of the repair effort and upon the shipment of the repaired item back to the customer. In instances where the repair or upgrade includes installation, revenue is recognized when the installation is completed.
 
Intangible Assets, Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets
 
As a result of our acquisitions, we have identified general intangible assets other than goodwill and generated significant goodwill. General intangible assets other than goodwill are valued based on estimates of future cash flows and amortized over their estimated useful life. Goodwill is subject to annual impairment testing as well as testing upon the occurrence of any event that indicates a potential impairment. General intangible assets other than goodwill and other long-lived assets are subject to an impairment test if there is an indicator of impairment. We conduct our annual goodwill impairment test as of our fiscal year end, or September 30th.
 
Under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), the testing of goodwill for impairment is to be performed at a level referred to as a reporting unit. A reporting unit is either the “operating segment level” or one level below, which is referred to as a “component”. The level at which the impairment test is performed requires an assessment as to whether the operations below the operating segment constitute a self-sustaining business, testing is


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generally required to be performed at this level. We currently have two reporting units that have goodwill, and both of those units are part of our Critical Solutions Group operating segment.
 
We determine the fair value of our reporting units using the Income Approach, specifically the Discounted Cash Flow Method (“DCF Method”). The DCF Method includes five year future cash flow projections, which are discounted to present value, and an estimate of terminal values, which are also discounted to present value. Terminal values represent the present value an investor would pay today for the rights to the cash flows of the business for the years subsequent to the discrete cash flow projection period. We consider the DCF Method to be the most appropriate valuation indicator as the DCF analyses are based on management’s long-term financial projections. Given the dynamic nature of the cyclical semiconductor equipment market, management’s projections as of the valuation date are considered more objective since other market metrics for peer companies fluctuate over the cycle.
 
Goodwill impairment testing is a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test, used to identify potential impairment, compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its respective carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered impaired. If the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds the fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test must be completed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. The second step compares the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying value of goodwill. The implied fair value is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit, the excess of the fair value over amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill determined in this step is compared to the carrying value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the difference.
 
We recorded goodwill impairment charges of $197.9 million and $71.8 million in the three month periods ended September 30, 2008 and March 31, 2009, respectively. The details of these goodwill impairment charges are discussed further under the Impairment Charges caption in our comparison of fiscal year 2009 and 2008 results. Our tests of goodwill as of September 30, 2009 and 2010 indicated that we did not have any further impairment to goodwill.
 
Under GAAP, we are required to test long-lived assets, which exclude goodwill and intangible assets that are not amortized, when indicators of impairment are present. For purposes of this test, long-lived assets are grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. When we determine that indicators of potential impairment exist, the next step of the impairment test requires that the potentially impaired long-lived asset group is tested for recoverability. The test for recoverability compares the undiscounted future cash flows of the long-lived asset group to its carrying value. If the carrying values of the long-lived asset group exceed the future cash flows, the assets are considered to be potentially impaired. The next step in the impairment process is to determine the fair value of the individual net assets within the long-lived asset group. If the aggregate fair values of the individual net assets of the group are less then their carrying values, an impairment is recorded equal to the excess of the aggregate carrying value of the group over the aggregate fair value. The loss is allocated to each asset within the group based on their relative carrying values, with no asset reduced below its fair value. We recorded an impairment charge of $5.7 million, $35.1 million and $0.4 million related to certain long-lived assets in the three month periods ended September 30, 2008, March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009, respectively, which we discuss in further detail under the Impairment Charges caption. We have not tested long-lived assets other than goodwill since the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2009, since no events have occurred that would require an impairment assessment.
 
Accounts Receivable
 
We record trade accounts receivable at the invoiced amount. Trade accounts receivables do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. We determine the allowance based on historical write-off experience. We review our allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. Past due balances are reviewed individually for collectibility. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when we feel it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. We do not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to our customers.


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Warranty
 
We provide for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. While we engage in extensive product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of our component suppliers, our warranty obligation is estimated by assessing product failure rates, material usage and service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. Should actual product failure rates, material usage or service delivery costs differ from our estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required and may result in additional benefits or charges to operations.
 
Inventory
 
We provide reserves for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. We fully reserve for inventories and noncancelable purchase orders for inventory deemed obsolete. We perform periodic reviews of all inventory items to identify excess inventories on hand by comparing on-hand balances to anticipated usage using recent historical activity as well as anticipated or forecasted demand, based upon sales and marketing inputs through our planning systems. If estimates of demand diminish further or actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.
 
Deferred Taxes
 
We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We have considered future taxable income and ongoing tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance. In the event we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in excess of their net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would increase income in the period such determination was made. Likewise, should we subsequently determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would be charged to income in the period such determination was made.
 
Management has considered the weight of all available evidence in determining whether a valuation allowance remains to be required against its deferred tax assets at September 30, 2010. Given the losses incurred prior to fiscal year 2010, the cyclical nature of the semiconductor equipment market as well as the uncertainties currently impacting the global economy, we have determined that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets will not be realized. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable is subject to change based on future events, including the generation of taxable income in future periods. We continue to assess the need for the valuation allowance at each balance sheet date based on all available evidence.
 
Stock-Based Compensation
 
We measure compensation cost for all employee stock awards at fair value on date of grant and recognize compensation expense over the service period for awards expected to vest. The fair value of restricted stock is determined based on the number of shares granted and the excess of the quoted price of our common stock over the exercise price of the restricted stock on the date of grant, if any, and the fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Such value is recognized as expense over the service period, net of estimated forfeitures. The estimation of stock awards that will ultimately vest requires significant judgment. We consider many factors when estimating expected forfeitures, including types of awards, employee class, and historical experience. In addition, for stock-based awards where vesting is dependent upon achieving certain operating performance goals, we estimate the likelihood of achieving the performance goals. Actual results, and future changes in estimates, may differ from our current estimates. Restricted stock with market-based vesting criteria is valued using a lattice model.


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Year Ended September 30, 2010, Compared to Year Ended September 30, 2009
 
Revenues
 
We reported revenues of $593.0 million for fiscal year 2010, compared to $218.7 million in the previous year, a 171% increase. The total increase in revenues of $374.3 million arose in all of our operating segments. Our Critical Solutions Group segment revenues increased by $146.8 million, our System Solutions Group segment revenues increased by $216.7 million and our Global Customer Operations segment revenues increased by $10.8 million. These increases were primarily the result of increased volume shipments in response to increasing demand for semiconductor capital equipment. Recent order rates from semiconductor companies have moderated and we anticipate that revenues in the near term will be relatively flat from the levels experienced for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010.
 
Our Critical Solutions Group segment reported revenues of $242.2 million for fiscal year 2010, an increase of 154% from $95.4 million in the prior year. These increases are primarily attributable to higher volumes of shipments to semiconductor capital equipment customers, which increased $115.3 for fiscal year 2010 as compared to the prior year, and an increase of $31.5 million from non-semiconductor customers for fiscal year 2010 as compared to the prior year.
 
Our System Solutions Group segment reported revenues of $286.6 million for fiscal year 2010, a 310% increase from $69.9 million in the prior year. These increases are attributable to increased demand for semiconductor capital equipment. Included within this segment is our Extended Factory product offering. Revenue from our Extended Factory product was the largest contributor to increased revenues in this segment.
 
Our Global Customer Operations segment reported revenues of $64.2 million for fiscal year 2010, a 20% increase from $53.4 million in the prior year. This increase is primarily related to higher service contract and repair revenues. All service revenues included in our consolidated statements of operations, which include service contract and repair services, are related to our Global Customer Operations segment.
 
Revenues outside the United States were $271.5 million, or 46% of total revenues, and $103.0 million, or 47% of total revenues, for fiscal years 2010 and 2009, respectively. We expect that foreign revenues will continue to account for a significant portion of total revenues.
 
Gross Margin
 
Gross margin dollars increased to $166.3 million for fiscal year 2010 as compared to a loss of $6.0 million in the prior year. This increase was attributable to higher revenues of $374.3 million, an asset impairment charge primarily related to intangible assets of $20.9 million which reduced the prior year gross profit, a $14.2 million reduction in charges for excess and obsolete inventory and $3.7 million of reduced amortization expense for completed technology intangible assets. The decrease in amortization expense is primarily the result of the impairment of these assets recorded in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009.
 
Gross margin percentage increased to 28.0% for fiscal year 2010, compared to (2.7)% for the prior year. This increase is primarily attributable to higher absorption of indirect factory overhead on higher revenues. Other factors that increased gross margin percentage include decreased charges for excess and obsolete inventory which increased gross margin percentage by 6.0% for fiscal year 2010 as compared to the prior year and reduced amortization expense for completed technology intangible assets which increased gross margin percentage by 0.6% for fiscal year 2010 as compared to the prior year. Further, the prior year gross margin percentage was adversely impacted by asset impairment charges which reduced gross margin percentage by 9.6% in fiscal year 2009. The increases in the current year gross margin percentage were partially offset by a less favorable product mix from the rapid growth of our Extended Factory product offering which reduced gross margin percentage by 7.5% for fiscal year 2010 as compared to 2009.
 
Gross margin of our Critical Solutions Group segment increased to $94.3 million for fiscal year 2010 as compared to $14.5 million for the prior year. This increase was attributable to higher revenues of $146.8 million for fiscal year 2010 as compared to the prior year, reduced charges for excess and obsolete inventory of $4.0 million for fiscal year 2010 as compared to the prior year and reduced amortization expense for completed technology


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intangible assets of $1.3 million for fiscal year 2010 as compared to the prior year. Gross margin percentage for this segment was 38.9% for fiscal year 2010 as compared to 15.2% in the prior year. This increase is primarily the result of higher absorption of indirect factory overhead on higher revenues. Other factors increasing gross margin percentage include decreased charges for excess and obsolete inventory which increased gross margin percentage by 3.6% for fiscal year 2010 as compared to the prior year and reduced amortization expense for completed technology intangible assets which increased gross margin percentage by 0.5% for fiscal year 2010 as compared to the prior year.
 
Gross margin of our Systems Solutions Group segment increased to $58.0 million for fiscal year 2010 as compared to a loss of $3.2 million for the prior year. This increase was attributable to higher revenues of $216.7 million for fiscal year 2010 as compared to the prior year, decreased charges for excess and obsolete inventory of $8.5 million for fiscal year 2010 as compared to the prior year and $0.2 million of reduced amortization expense for completed technology intangible assets for fiscal year 2010 as compared to the prior year. Gross margin percentage for this segment increased to 20.2% for fiscal year 2010 as compared to (4.5) % in the prior year. This increase was primarily attributable to higher absorption of indirect factory overhead on higher revenues. In addition, decreased charges for excess and obsolete inventory led to an increase in gross margin percentage of 10.8% for fiscal year 2010 as compared to the prior year. These increases in gross margin percentage were partially offset by a less favorable product mix which reduced gross margin percentage by 15.4% for fiscal year 2010 as compared to the prior year. The less favorable product mix is attributable to increases in Extended Factory product sales which have lower gross margins as compared to other products within this segment.
 
Gross margin of our Global Customer Operations segment increased to $14.0 million for fiscal year 2010 as compared to $3.6 million in the prior year. The increase was attributable to higher revenues of $10.8 million for fiscal year 2010 as compared to the prior year, $2.2 million of reduced amortization expense for completed technology intangible assets for fiscal year 2010 as compared to the prior year and decreased charges for excess and obsolete inventory of $1.7 million for fiscal year 2010 as compared to the prior year. Gross margin percentage was 21.8% for fiscal year 2010 as compared to 6.8% in the prior year. The increase in gross margin percentage was attributable to higher absorption of indirect service overhead on higher revenues. In addition, decreased charges for excess and obsolete inventory led to an increase in gross margin percentage of 3.4% for fiscal year 2010 as compared to the prior year and decreased amortization expense for completed technology intangible assets let to an increase in gross margin percentage of 3.4% for fiscal year 2010 as compared to the prior year.
 
Gross margin for fiscal year 2009 was reduced by $20.9 million for the impairment of certain long-lived assets, including a $19.6 million charge for completed technology intangible assets and $1.3 million charge for property and equipment. We did not incur any impairment charges for long-lived assets in fiscal year 2010. The details of our impairment charges are discussed in greater detail under the Impairment Charges caption.
 
Research and Development
 
Research and development, or R&D, expenses for fiscal year 2010 were $31.2 million, a decrease of $0.4 million, compared to $31.6 million in the previous year. This decrease is primarily related to lower labor related costs associated with headcount reductions initiated in fiscal years 2009 and 2008. Our R&D investments increased for each fiscal quarter throughout fiscal year 2010, including $8.0 million of R&D expenses for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010, as we increased our investments in certain new product programs. We expect to increase the pace of spending for R&D in the near term as we support enhancements to our current product offerings and our strategy to grow longer-term revenues outside of the semiconductor market.
 
Selling, General and Administrative
 
Selling, general and administrative, or SG&A, expenses were $85.6 million for fiscal year 2010, a decrease of $5.6 million compared to $91.2 million in the prior year. The decrease is primarily attributable to lower litigation costs of $6.2 million. We settled our litigation matters with the SEC during fiscal 2008; however, we continued to incur substantial litigation costs, net of insurance reimbursements, throughout fiscal year 2009 as we indemnified costs incurred by a former executive. We did not incur substantial litigation costs in fiscal year 2010. Other cost decreases in SG&A include $2.7 million of reduced amortization of intangible assets primarily due to the


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impairment of those assets recorded in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. These costs decreases were partially offset by $1.5 million of increased depreciation expense for the implementation of the Oracle ERP system during the latter half of fiscal year 2009, with the balance related primarily to higher labor costs. During fiscal year 2009, we capitalized approximately $1.5 million of internal labor costs in connection with the Oracle ERP system implementation. After the implementation was complete, the labor costs for the employees previously assigned to the Oracle implementation was expensed as incurred. This decrease in capitalized labor is the primary cause of the increased labor costs in fiscal year 2010 as compared to fiscal year 2009.
 
Impairment Charges
 
We are required to test our goodwill for impairment at least annually. We conduct this test as of September 30th of each fiscal year. Our test of goodwill at September 30, 2010 and 2009 indicated that goodwill was not impaired. We have not tested other intangible assets since the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2009, since no events have occurred that would require an impairment assessment. We recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $71.8 million and an impairment charge for other long-lived assets of $35.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. Further, we recorded an additional impairment charge for other long-lived assets of $0.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2009. The impairment of other long-lived assets included $20.9 million of charges reported as cost of sales, with the remaining $14.6 million reported as operating expense. The details of the goodwill and other long-lived asset impairment charges are discussed further under the Impairment Charges caption in our comparison of fiscal year 2009 and 2008 results.
 
Restructuring Charges
 
We recorded a restructuring charge of $2.5 million for fiscal year 2010. These charges include severance related costs of $0.9 million, and facility related costs of $1.6 million. The severance costs primarily include adjustments for contingent severance arrangements for corporate management positions eliminated in prior periods. The facility costs include $0.4 million to amortize the deferred discount on multi-year facility restructuring liabilities. In addition, we revised the present value discounting of multi-year facility related restructuring liabilities during the first quarter of fiscal year 2010 when certain accounting errors were identified in our prior period financial statements that, individually and in aggregate, are not material to our financial statements taken as a whole for any related prior periods, and recorded a charge of $1.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2010. These facility charges are primarily related to a facility exited in fiscal year 2002, for which the lease ends in July 2011.
 
We recorded charges of $12.8 million for fiscal year 2009 in connection with our fiscal year 2009 restructuring plan. These charges consisted of $11.1 million of severance costs associated with workforce reductions of approximately 450 employees in operations, service and administrative functions across all the main geographies in which we operate, facility closure costs of $0.6 million related primarily to the closure of one manufacturing operation located in the United States, and other restructuring costs of $1.1 million. The restructuring charges by segment for fiscal 2009 were: Critical Solutions Group — $3.4 million, Systems Solutions Group — $4.1 million and Global Customer Operations — $3.1 million. In addition, we incurred $2.2 million of restructuring charges for fiscal 2009 that were related to general corporate functions that support all of our segments.
 
Interest Income and Expense
 
Interest income was $1.1 million for fiscal year 2010 as compared to $2.7 million for the prior year. The decrease is mostly due to lower interest rates on our investments. Interest expense decreased to $0.1 million for fiscal year 2010 from $0.5 million for fiscal year 2009.
 
Gain on sale of Intellectual Property Rights
 
During fiscal year 2010, we sold certain patents and patents pending related to a legacy product line. We recorded a gain of $7.8 million for this sale during the second quarter of 2010. The terms of the sale permit us to continue to use these patents to support our ongoing service and spare parts business included within our Global Customer Operations segment.


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Loss on Investment
 
During fiscal year 2010, we recorded a charge of $0.2 million for the sale of our minority equity investment in a closely-held Swiss public company. During fiscal year 2009, we recorded a charge of $1.2 million to write down this investment to its market value. We no longer have an equity investment in this entity.
 
Other Income
 
Other income, net of $0.4 million for fiscal year 2010 consists of joint venture management fee income of $0.7 million which has been partially offset by foreign exchange losses of $0.3 million. Other income, net of $0.0 million for fiscal year 2009 consists of management fee income of $0.6 million which has been fully offset by foreign exchange losses.
 
Income Tax Provision
 
We recorded an income tax benefit of $2.7 million for fiscal year 2010. This benefit includes a $3.9 million refund from the carryback of alternative minimum tax losses as a result of the Worker, Home Ownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009 which provides for 100% (previously 90%) of certain net operating loss carrybacks against alternative minimum taxable income. In addition, we can carryforward our remaining fiscal year 2009 alternative minimum tax net operating loss to future years to offset 100% (previously 90%) of alternative minimum taxes. The tax benefit for fiscal year 2010 was partially offset by U.S. state income taxes and foreign taxes. We recorded a tax provision of $0.6 million for fiscal year 2009 which was principally attributable to foreign income and interest related to unrecognized tax benefits. We continued to provide a full valuation allowance for our net deferred tax assets at September 30, 2010 and 2009, as we believe it is more likely than not that the future tax benefits from accumulated net operating losses and deferred taxes will not be realized.
 
We adopted the guidance related to uncertain tax positions on October 1, 2007. The implementation of this guidance did not materially affect our financial position or results of operations. Of the unrecognized tax benefits of $15.0 million at September 30, 2010, we currently anticipate that no amounts will be settled in the next twelve months. However, the statute of limitations is expected to lapse on various uncertain tax positions in the next twelve months, resulting in a decrease of $1.0 million to our unrecognized tax benefits.
 
Equity in Earnings of Joint Ventures
 
Income associated with our 50% interest in ULVAC Cryogenics, Inc., a joint venture with ULVAC Corporation of Japan, was $0.1 million for fiscal year 2010 and 2009. The income (loss) associated with our 50% interest in Yaskawa Brooks Automation, Inc., a joint venture with Yaskawa Electric Corporation of Japan was $0.1 million for fiscal year 2010 as compared to $(0.3) million in the prior year.
 
Year Ended September 30, 2009, Compared to Year Ended September 30, 2008
 
Revenues
 
We reported revenues of $218.7 million for fiscal year 2009, compared to $526.4 million in the previous year, a 58% decrease. The total decrease in revenues of $307.7 million impacted all of our operating segments. Our Critical Solutions Group segment revenues decreased by $157.2 million, our System Solutions Group segment revenues decreased by $127.2 million and our Global Customer Operations segment revenues decreased by $23.3 million. These decreases were the result of lower volume shipments in response to declining demand for capital equipment in all the markets we serve. Starting in the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we began to experience an increase in demand for our products from our semiconductor capital equipment customers.
 
Our Critical Solutions Group segment reported revenues of $95.4 million for fiscal year 2009, a decrease of 62% from $252.6 million in the prior year. This decrease is attributable to lower volume of shipments for all end markets served by this segment, including a decrease of $112.5 million in revenues to the semiconductor end market, a decrease of $19.9 million in revenues to the industrial end market and a $24.7 million decrease in revenues to all other end markets served by this segment.


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Our System Solutions Group segment reported revenues of $69.9 million for fiscal year 2009, a 65% decrease from $197.1 million in the prior year. This decrease is attributable to weaker demand for semiconductor capital equipment.
 
Our Global Customer Operations segment reported revenues of $53.4 million for fiscal year 2009, a 30% decrease from $76.6 million in the prior year. This decrease is attributable to lower legacy spare parts revenue of $4.4 million and lower service contract and repair revenues of $18.8 million. All service revenues, which include service contract and repair services, are related to our Global Customer Operations segment.
 
Revenues outside the United States were $103.0 million, or 47% of total revenues, and $189.5 million, or 36% of total revenues, for fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
Gross Margin
 
Gross margin dollars decreased to a loss of $6.0 million for fiscal year 2009 from $126.8 million for the prior year. This decrease was attributable to lower revenues of $307.7 million, an impairment of long-lived assets of $20.9 million and increased charges for excess and obsolete inventory of $8.2 million. These decreases were partially offset by $3.7 million of reduced amortization expense for completed technology intangible assets, due primarily to the impairment recorded for those assets during the second quarter of fiscal 2009. Gross margin was reduced by $5.6 million and $9.3 million for fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively, for amortization of completed technology, which relates primarily to the acquisition of Helix Technology Corporation in October 2005. Gross margin percentage decreased to (2.7)% for fiscal year 2009, compared to 24.1% for the prior year. This decrease was attributable to the impairment of long-lived assets which reduced gross margin percentage by 9.6%, increased charges for excess and obsolete inventory which decreased gross margin percentage by 5.0%, with the balance of the decrease related primarily to the lower absorption of indirect factory overhead on lower revenues.
 
Gross margin of our Critical Solutions Group segment decreased to $14.5 million for fiscal year 2009 as compared to $85.4 million in the prior year. This decrease was attributable to lower revenues of $157.2 million, which was partially offset by $1.3 million of reduced amortization expense for completed technology intangible assets, due primarily to the impairment recorded for those assets during the second quarter of fiscal 2009. Gross margin for fiscal 2009 and 2008 was reduced by $2.7 million and $3.9 million, respectively, for completed technology amortization related to the Helix acquisition. Gross margin percentage was 15.2% for fiscal year 2009 as compared to 33.8% in the prior year. This decrease is primarily the result of lower absorption of indirect factory overhead on lower revenues.
 
Gross margin of our Systems Solutions Group segment decreased to a loss of $3.2 million for fiscal year 2009 as compared to $32.6 million for the prior year. This decrease was attributable to lower revenues of $127.2 million and increased charges for excess and obsolete inventory of $5.8 million. These decreases were partially offset by $0.3 million of reduced amortization expense for completed technology intangible assets, due primarily to the impairment recorded for those assets during the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. Gross margin for fiscal 2009 and 2008 was reduced by $0.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively, for completed technology amortization related to the Synetics acquisition. Gross margin percentage decreased to (4.5)% for fiscal year 2009 as compared to 16.5% in the prior year. This decrease was attributable to increased charges for excess and obsolete inventory which decreased gross margin percentage by 9.6%, with the balance of the decrease related primarily to lower absorption of indirect factory overhead on lower revenues.
 
Gross margin of our Global Customer Operations segment decreased to $3.6 million for fiscal year 2009 as compared to $8.9 million in the prior year. The decrease was attributable to lower revenues of $23.2 million and increased charges for excess and obsolete inventory of $1.9 million. These decreases were partially offset by $2.2 million of reduced amortization expense for completed technology intangible assets, due primarily to the impairment recorded for those assets during the second quarter of 2009. Gross margin for fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008 was reduced by $2.6 million and $4.8 million, respectively, for completed technology amortization related to the Helix acquisition. Gross margin percentage was 6.8% for fiscal 2009 as compared to 11.6% in the prior year. The decrease in gross margin percentage was attributable to increased charges for excess and obsolete inventory which decreased gross margin percentage by 3.7%, with the balance of the decrease related primarily to an under utilization of our service infrastructure.


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Gross margin for fiscal year 2009 was reduced by $20.9 million for the impairment of certain long-lived assets, including a $19.6 million charge for completed technology intangible assets and $1.3 million charge for property and equipment. The details of our impairment charges are discussed in greater detail under the Impairment Charges caption.
 
Research and Development
 
Research and development, or R&D, expenses for fiscal year 2009 were $31.6 million, a decrease of $11.3 million, compared to $42.9 million in the previous year. This decrease is primarily related to lower labor related costs of $8.3 million associated with headcount reductions. Our headcount reductions were implemented to remove redundancies in our R&D infrastructure.
 
Selling, General and Administrative
 
Selling, general and administrative, or SG&A expenses were $91.2 million for fiscal year 2009, a decrease of $19.3 million compared to $110.5 million in the prior year. The decrease is primarily attributable to lower labor costs of $15.0 million as we reduced our headcount to align our SG&A resources with our new management structure, a $2.4 million reduction in amortization of intangible assets primarily due to the impairment of intangible assets recorded in our second quarter of fiscal year 2009 and a $2.0 million reduction in legal, auditing and consulting fees. These decreases were partially offset by a $2.3 million increase in litigation costs, net of insurance reimbursements, incurred by us to indemnify a former executive.
 
Impairment Charges
 
We test our goodwill for impairment as of each fiscal year end. Our goodwill test as of September 30, 2008 indicated that our goodwill was potentially impaired, and after completing our analysis, we recorded an impairment charge to goodwill of $197.9 million. In addition to the goodwill impairment charge, we recognized a long-lived asset impairment charge of $5.7 million. The impairment charges were the result of our expectation that our future cash flows would be adversely impacted as a result of the global economic slowdown. In response to this downturn, we restructured our business, which resulted in a change to our reporting units and operating segments. We reallocated goodwill to each of our newly formed reporting units as of March 31, 2009, based on such factors as the relative fair values of each reporting unit. We reallocated goodwill to five of our seven reporting units as of March 31, 2009. This reallocation, in conjunction with the continued downturn in the semiconductor markets indicated that a potential impairment may exist. As such, we tested our goodwill and other long-lived assets for impairment at March 31, 2009.
 
We determined the fair value of each reporting unit as of March 31, 2009 using the Income Approach, specifically the DCF Method. The methodologies used to determine the fair value of the net assets of each reporting unit as of March 31, 2009 did not change from those used as of September 30, 2008, or those used as of September 30, 2007. The material assumptions used in the DCF Method include: discount rates and revenue forecasts. Discount rates are based on a weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”), which represents the average rate a business must pay its providers of debt and equity capital. The WACC used to test goodwill is derived from a group of comparable companies. The average WACC used in the March 31, 2009 reallocation of goodwill was 16.2%, as compared to 12.8% for the goodwill test as of September 30, 2008. This increase was primarily the result of significantly increased costs of equity capital driven by increased volatility in equity markets. Management determines revenue forecasts based on its best estimate of near term revenue expectations which are corroborated by communications with customers, and longer-term projection trends, which are validated by published independent industry analyst reports. Revenue forecasts materially impact the amount of cash flow generated during the five year discrete cash flow period, and also impact the terminal value as that value is derived from projected revenue. The revenue forecasts used in the reallocation and assessment of goodwill as of March 31, 2009 were decreased from the levels forecasted for the goodwill impairment test as of September 30, 2008 due to further market deterioration.
 
For three of the five reporting units containing goodwill at March 31, 2009, we determined that the carrying amount of their net assets exceeded their respective fair values, indicating that a potential impairment existed for


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each of those three reporting units. After completing the required steps of the goodwill impairment test, we recorded a goodwill impairment of $71.8 million as of March 31, 2009.
 
Under GAAP, we are required to test certain long-lived assets when indicators of impairment are present. We determined that impairment indicators were present for certain of our long-lived assets as of March 31, 2009. We tested the long-lived assets in question for recoverability by comparing the sum of the undiscounted cash flows attributable to each respective asset group to their carrying amounts, and determined that the carrying amounts were not recoverable. We then evaluated the fair values of each long-lived asset of the potentially impaired long-lived asset group to determine the amount of the impairment, if any. The fair value of each intangible asset was based primarily on an income approach, which is a present value technique used to measure the fair value of future cash flows produced by the asset. We estimated future cash flows over the remaining useful life of each intangible asset, which ranged from approximately 3 to 8 years, and used a discount rate of approximately 16%. As a result of this analysis, we determined that we had incurred an impairment loss of $35.1 million as of March 31, 2009, and we allocated that loss among the long-lived assets of the impaired asset group based on the carrying value of each asset, with no asset reduced below its respective fair value. The impairment charge was allocated as follows: $19.6 million related to completed technology intangible assets; $1.2 million to trade name intangible assets; $13.4 million to customer relationship intangible assets and $0.9 million to property, plant and equipment. Further, during the three months ended June 30, 2009 we recorded an additional impairment charge of $0.4 million for property, plant and equipment related to the closure and outsourcing of a small manufacturing operation located in the United States. The total impairment charges related to long-lived assets for fiscal 2009 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
         
    Year Ended
 
    September 30, 2009  
 
Reported as cost of sales:
       
Completed technology intangible asset impairment
  $ 19,608  
Property, plant and equipment impairment
    1,316  
         
Subtotal, reported as cost of sales
    20,924  
         
Reported as operating expense:
       
Trade name intangible asset impairment
    1,145  
Customer relationship intangible asset impairment
    13,443  
         
Subtotal, reported as operating expense
    14,588  
         
    $ 35,512  
         
 
Restructuring Charges
 
We recorded charges of $12.8 million for fiscal year 2009 in connection with our fiscal year 2009 restructuring plan. These charges consisted of $11.1 million of severance costs associated with workforce reductions of approximately 450 employees in operations, service and administrative functions across all the main geographies in which we operate, facility closure costs of $0.6 million related primarily to the closure of one manufacturing operation located in the United States, and other restructuring costs of $1.1 million. The restructuring charges by segment for fiscal 2009 were: Critical Solutions Group — $3.4 million, Systems Solutions Group — $4.1 million and Global Customer Operations — $3.1 million. In addition, we incurred $2.2 million of restructuring charges for fiscal 2009 that were related to general corporate functions that support all of our segments.
 
We recorded a charge to continuing operations of $7.3 million for fiscal year 2008. This charge consists of $6.8 million of severance costs associated with workforce reductions of 230 employees in operations, service and administrative functions across all the main geographies in which we operate. We also incurred $0.5 million of costs to vacate excess facilities. Our restructuring charges by segment for fiscal year 2008 were: Global Customer Operations — $2.7 million, Critical Solutions Group — $0.9 million and Systems Solutions Group — $1.2 million. In addition, we incurred $2.5 million of restructuring charges in fiscal year 2008 that were related to general corporate functions that support all of our segments.


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Interest Income and Expense
 
Interest income was $2.7 million for fiscal year 2009 as compared to $7.4 million for the prior year. Approximately $2.5 million of this decrease is due to lower investment balances, with the balance of the decrease attributable to lower interest rates on our investments. Interest expense remained essentially flat at $0.5 million for fiscal year 2009 as compared to $0.4 million for the prior year.
 
Loss on Investment
 
During fiscal year 2009, we recorded a charge of $1.2 million to write down our minority equity investment in a closely-held Swiss public company. During fiscal year 2008, we recorded charges of $3.9 million to write down our minority equity investment in this closely-held Swiss public company.
 
Other Income (Expense)
 
Other income, net of $0.0 million for fiscal year 2009 consists of joint venture management fee income of $0.6 million which has been mostly offset by foreign exchange losses. Other expense, net of $1.7 million for fiscal year 2008 consists of foreign exchange losses of $3.5 million, which was partially offset by management fees of $0.9 million, the receipt of $0.8 million of principal repayments on notes that had been previously written off and other income of $0.1 million.
 
Income Tax Provision
 
We recorded an income tax provision of $0.6 million for fiscal year 2009 and an income tax provision of $1.2 million for the prior year. The tax provision recorded for both periods is principally attributable to foreign income and interest related to unrecognized tax benefits.
 
Equity in Earnings of Joint Ventures
 
Income associated with our 50% interest in ULVAC Cryogenics, Inc., a joint venture with ULVAC Corporation of Japan, was $0.1 million for fiscal year 2009, compared to $0.2 million in the prior year. The income (loss) associated with our 50% interest in Yaskawa Brooks Automation, Inc., a joint venture with Yaskawa Electric Corporation of Japan was $(0.3) million for fiscal year 2009 as compared to $0.5 million in the prior year.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Our business is significantly dependent on capital expenditures by semiconductor manufacturers and OEMs that are, in turn, dependent on the current and anticipated market demand for semiconductors. Demand for semiconductors is cyclical and has historically experienced periodic downturns. This cyclicality makes estimates of future revenues, results of operations and net cash flows inherently uncertain.
 
At September 30, 2010, we had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities aggregating $142.4 million. This amount was comprised of $59.8 million of cash and cash equivalents, $49.0 million of investments in short-term marketable securities and $33.6 million of investments in long-term marketable securities. Our marketable securities are generally readily convertible to cash without an adverse impact.
 
Cash and cash equivalents were $59.8 million at September 30, 2010, a decrease of $0.2 million from September 30, 2009. This decrease was primarily due to $32.9 million of net purchases of marketable securities, capital expenditures of $3.5 million and purchases of intangible assets of $0.9 million. These decreases were partially offset by $27.9 million of cash provided by operating activities, proceeds from the sale of intellectual property of $7.8 million, proceeds from the sale of common stock through our employee stock purchase plan of $1.2 million and other cash items of $0.2 million.
 
Cash provided by operating activities was $27.9 million for fiscal year 2010, and was comprised of net income of $59.0 million, which includes $18.1 million of net non-cash related charges such as $18.4 million of depreciation and amortization, $6.6 million of stock-based compensation and $0.9 million of amortization of premiums paid on marketable security purchases which were partially offset by $7.8 million from our gain on sale of intellectual


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property rights. Further, cash provided by operations was reduced by net increases in working capital of $49.2 million, consisting primarily of $53.2 million of increases in accounts receivable, $31.3 million of increases in inventory and $4.1 million of payments related to our restructuring programs implemented in prior years. The increases in accounts receivable and inventory were caused by a 171% increase in revenues for fiscal year 2010 as compared to the prior year. These increases in working capital were partially offset by $39.4 million of increases in accounts payable, $2.5 million of increases in accrued warranty and retrofit costs and $1.5 million of higher deferred revenues. The increases in these liabilities are the result of increased business activities.
 
Cash used in investing activities was $29.2 million for fiscal year 2010 and was attributable to net purchases of marketable securities of $32.9 million, capital expenditures of $3.5 million and intangible assets of $0.9 million. These uses of cash were partially offset by $7.8 million of proceeds from the sale of intellectual property rights and $0.2 million of proceeds from the sale of a minority interest in a closely-held Swiss public company.
 
Cash provided by financing activities for fiscal year 2010 was $1.2 million, and is comprised entirely of proceeds from the sale of common stock to employees through our employee stock purchase plan.
 
At September 30, 2009, we had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities aggregating $110.5 million. This amount was comprised of $60.0 million of cash and cash equivalents, $28.0 million of investments in short-term marketable securities and $22.5 million of investments in long-term marketable securities.
 
Cash and cash equivalents were $60.0 million at September 30, 2009, a decrease of $50.3 million from September 30, 2008. This decrease was primarily due to $56.5 million of cash used in operating activities and capital expenditures of $11.3 million. These decreases were partially offset by $16.5 million of net maturities of marketable securities.
 
Cash used in operations was $56.5 million for fiscal year 2009, and was primarily attributable to our net loss of $227.9 million, which included non-cash impairment charges of $107.3 million, depreciation and amortization of $25.9 million, stock-based compensation of $5.8 million, and other non-cash items of $1.6 million. Cash used in operations was partially offset by $30.8 million of changes in working capital which were attributable to our lower revenues, which led to a $30.0 million reduction in accounts receivable and a $21.8 million reduction in inventory. These reductions in working capital were partially offset by lower current liabilities of $25.5 million.
 
Cash provided by investing activities was $6.3 million for fiscal year 2009 and was attributable to net maturities of marketable securities of $16.5 million and $1.1 million in proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment, primarily related to the sale of a vacated manufacturing facility. These sources of cash were partially offset by $11.3 million of capital expenditures, including $7.4 million in expenditures related to our Oracle ERP implementation. We implemented the Oracle ERP system in most of our U.S. operations in July 2009. We will incur additional costs to implement this system in our international locations, however, we do not expect this cost to significantly impact our financial position or cash flow.
 
At September 30, 2010, we had approximately $0.3 million of letters of credit outstanding.
 
Our contractual obligations consist of the following at September 30, 2010 (in thousands):
 
                                         
          Less than
    One to
    Four to
       
    Total     One Year     Three Years     Five Years     Thereafter  
 
Contractual obligations
                                       
Operating leases — continuing
  $ 22,913     $ 6,181     $ 13,645     $ 3,087     $  
Operating leases — exited facilities
    4,709 (1)     4,702       7              
Pension funding
    5,924       458       1,960       2,003       1,503  
Purchase commitments and other
    91,601       88,945       2,656              
                                         
Total contractual obligations
  $ 125,147     $ 100,286     $ 18,268     $ 5,090     $ 1,503  
                                         
 
 
(1) Amounts do not reflect approximately $1.4 million of contractual sublease income.
 
We adopted the guidance related to uncertain tax positions on October 1, 2007. As of September 30, 2010, the total amount of net unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions and the accrual for the related interest was


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$15.0 million, of which $12.5 million represents a future cash outlay. We are unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of the cash settlement for this liability since the timing of future tax examinations by various tax jurisdictions and the related resolution is uncertain.
 
In connection with our acquisition of Helix Technology Corporation in October 2005, we assumed the responsibility for the Helix Employees’ Pension Plan (the “Plan”). We froze the benefit accruals and future participation in the Plan as of October 31, 2006. We currently have a liability of $5.9 million recorded on our consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2010 related to this Plan. The timing of payments we make for this Plan is impacted by a number of estimates including earnings on Plan assets and the timing of future distributions. Actual results may differ from these estimates, which may materially impact the timing of future payments. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010, we made a voluntary contribution of $3.6 million to this plan, which was in addition to the $0.6 million of required minimum contributions made throughout fiscal year 2010.
 
In addition, we are a guarantor on a lease in Mexico that expires in January 2013. The remaining payments under this lease at September 30, 2010 are approximately $0.9 million.
 
On June 21, 2010, we filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC to sell up to $200 million of securities, before any fees or expenses of the offering. Securities that may be sold include common stock, preferred stock, warrants or debt securities. Any such offering, if it does occur, may happen in one or more transactions. Specific terms of any securities to be sold will be described in supplemental filings with the SEC.
 
We believe that we have adequate resources to fund our currently planned working capital and capital expenditure requirements for the next twelve months. The cyclical nature of our served markets and uncertainty with the current global economic environment makes it difficult for us to predict longer-term liquidity requirements with certainty. We may be unable to obtain any required additional financing on terms favorable to us, if at all. If adequate funds are not available on acceptable terms, we may be unable to successfully develop or enhance products, respond to competitive pressure or take advantage of acquisition opportunities, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
 
Other Key Indicators of Financial Condition and Operating Performance
 
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA presented below are supplemental measures of our performance that are not required by, or presented in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not measurements of our financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to net income (loss) or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP.
 
EBITDA represents net income (loss) before interest income, income tax provision (benefit), depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA further adjusted to give effect to certain non-recurring and non-cash items and other adjustments. We believe that the inclusion of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA in this Form 10-K is appropriate because we consider it an important supplemental measure of our performance and believe it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties. We use Adjusted EBITDA internally as a critical measurement of operating effectiveness. We believe EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA facilitates operating performance comparison from period to period and company to company by backing out potential differences caused by variations in capital structures, tax positions (such as the impact on periods or companies of changes in effective tax rates or net operating losses) and the age and book depreciation of facilities and equipment (affecting relative depreciation expense).
 
In determining Adjusted EBITDA, we eliminate the impact of a number of items. For the reasons indicated herein, you are encouraged to evaluate each adjustment and whether you consider it appropriate. In addition, in evaluating Adjusted EBITDA, you should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses similar to the adjustments in the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items.
 
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:
 
  •  they do not reflect our cash expenditures for capital expenditure or contractual commitments;


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  •  they do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital requirements;
 
  •  other companies, including other companies in our industry, may calculate these measures differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as a comparative measure.
 
Because of these limitations, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as measures of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business. For these purposes, we rely on our GAAP results. For more information, see our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.
 
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA for the years indicated (in thousands):
 
                         
    Year Ended September 30,  
    2010     2009     2008  
 
Net income (loss) attributable to Brooks Automation, Inc. 
  $ 58,982     $ (227,858 )   $ (235,946 )
Interest income, net
    (1,041 )     (2,265 )     (6,996 )
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes
    (2,746 )     643       1,233  
Depreciation and amortization
    18,420       25,856       34,538  
                         
EBITDA
  $ 73,615     $ (203,624 )   $ (207,171 )
                         
 
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of EBITDA to Adjusted EBITDA for the years indicated (in thousands):
 
                         
    Year Ended September 30,  
    2010     2009     2008  
 
EBITDA
  $ 73,615     $ (203,624 )   $ (207,171 )
Stock-based compensation
    6,567       5,817       6,909  
Impairment of long-lived assets
          35,512       5,687  
Impairment of goodwill
          71,800       197,883  
Restructuring charges
    2,529       12,806       7,287  
Restructuring related inventory charges
          3,612        
Sale of intellectual property rights
    (7,840 )            
Income from discontinued operations
                (679 )
Loss on investment
    191       1,185       3,940  
                         
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 75,062     $ (72,892 )   $ 13,856  
                         
 
The increase in Adjusted EBITDA from fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2010 is primarily related to $374.3 million increase in revenues, combined with reduced levels of operating expenses as a result of restructuring actions taken during fiscal year 2008 and 2009.
 
Stock-based compensation declined in fiscal year 2009 as compared to fiscal year 2008 as a result of restructuring actions which resulted in lower compensation as unvested awards were canceled. Stock-based compensation increased in fiscal year 2010 as compared to fiscal year 2009 as more stock-based awards were granted.
 
Restructuring charges, including inventory related charges, were incurred in connection with restructuring plans initiated during fiscal years 2008 and 2009. Restructuring costs incurred during fiscal year 2010 relate primarily to actions initiated under prior restructuring plans.
 
For a discussion of our gain on the sale of intellectual property rights and our loss on investment, see the discussion of our results of operations above.


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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the financial statements. In February 2008, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which allowed for the delay of the effective date for fair value measurements for one year for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). In April 2009, the FASB issued additional authoritative guidance in determining whether a market is active or inactive, and whether a transaction is distressed, is applicable to all assets and liabilities (i.e., financial and non-financial) and requires enhanced disclosures. This standard was effective beginning with our fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. The measurement and disclosure requirements related to financial assets and financial liabilities were effective for us beginning on October 1, 2008. See Note 4. On October 1, 2009 we adopted the fair value measurement standard for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, which had no impact on our financial position or results of operations.
 
In December 2007, the FASB revised the authoritative guidance for Business Combinations, which significantly changes the accounting for business combinations in a number of areas including the treatment of contingent consideration, pre-acquisition contingencies, transaction costs, restructuring costs and income taxes. On October 1, 2009 we adopted this standard prospectively and will apply the standard to any business combination with an acquisition date after October 1, 2009.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued authoritative guidance regarding Consolidation, which establishes accounting and reporting standards for noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. This standard clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. The amount of net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest will be included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement. Further, it clarifies that changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation are equity transactions if the parent retains its controlling financial interest. In addition, this standard requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. On October 1, 2009 we adopted this standard retrospectively, which did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
 
In April 2008, the FASB issued authoritative guidance regarding the determination of the useful life of intangible assets. This guidance amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset. It also improves the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset. On October 1, 2009 we adopted this standard, which had no impact on our financial position or results of operations.
 
In June 2008, the FASB issued authoritative guidance regarding whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities, which classifies unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) as participating securities and requires them to be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. On October 1, 2009 we adopted this standard, which had no impact on our financial position or results of operations.
 
In December 2008, the FASB issued authoritative guidance regarding Compensation — Retirement Benefits, which requires enhanced disclosures about the plan assets of a company’s defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. The enhanced disclosures are intended to provide users of financial statements with a greater understanding of: (1) how investment allocation decisions are made, including the factors that are pertinent to an understanding of investment policies and strategies; (2) the major categories of plan assets; (3) the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets; (4) the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) on changes in plan assets for the period; and (5) significant concentrations of risk within plan assets. We adopted this standard for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 and enhanced our disclosures.


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In June 2009, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting and disclosure requirements for the consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIEs”), which requires a qualitative approach to identifying a controlling financial interest in a VIE, and requires ongoing assessment of whether an entity is a VIE and whether an interest in a VIE makes the holder the primary beneficiary of the VIE. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard on our financial position and results of operations.
 
Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
We are exposed to a variety of market risks, including changes in interest rates affecting the return on our cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
 
Interest Rate Exposure
 
As our cash and cash equivalents consist principally of money market securities, which are short-term in nature, our exposure to market risk related to interest rate fluctuations for these investments is not significant. Our short-term and long-term investments consist mostly of highly rated corporate debt securities, and as such, market risk to these investments is not significant. During the year ended September 30, 2010, the unrealized gain on marketable securities was $17,000. A hypothetical 100 basis point change in interest rates would result in an annual change of approximately $1.0 million in interest income earned.
 
Currency Rate Exposure
 
We have transactions and balances denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Most of these transactions or balances are denominated in Euros and a variety of Asian currencies. Sales in currencies other than the U.S. dollar were 15% of our total sales for the year ended September 30, 2010. These foreign sales were made primarily by our foreign subsidiaries, which have cost structures that align with the currency of sale.
 
In the normal course of our business, we have short-term advances between our legal entities that are subject to foreign currency exposure. These short-term advances were approximately $12.4 million at September 30, 2010, and relate to the Euro and a variety of Asian currencies. A majority of our foreign currency loss of $0.3 million for fiscal year 2010 relates to the currency fluctuation on these advances between the time the transaction occurs and the ultimate settlement of the transaction. A hypothetical 10% change in foreign exchange rates at September 30, 2010 would result in a $1.2 million change in our net income (loss). We mitigate the impact of potential currency translation losses on these short-term inter company advances by the timely settlement of each transaction, generally within 30 days.


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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
of Brooks Automation, Inc.:
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Brooks Automation, Inc. and its subsidiaries at September 30, 2010 and 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2010 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
/s/  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
November 23, 2010


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
 
                 
    September 30,
    September 30,
 
    2010     2009  
    (In thousands, except share and per share data)  
 
ASSETS
Current assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 59,823     $ 59,985  
Marketable securities
    49,011       28,046  
Accounts receivable, net
    92,273       38,428  
Inventories, net
    115,787       84,738  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    10,437       9,992  
                 
Total current assets
    327,331       221,189  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    63,669       74,793  
Long-term marketable securities
    33,593       22,490  
Goodwill
    48,138       48,138  
Intangible assets, net
    11,123       14,081  
Equity investment in joint ventures
    31,746       29,470  
Other assets
    2,624       3,161  
                 
Total assets
  $ 518,224     $ 413,322  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
               
Accounts payable
  $ 65,734     $ 26,360  
Deferred revenue
    4,365       2,916  
Accrued warranty and retrofit costs
    8,195       5,698  
Accrued compensation and benefits
    13,677       14,317  
Accrued restructuring costs
    3,509       5,642  
Accrued income taxes payable
    1,040       2,686  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    11,635       12,870  
                 
Total current liabilities
    108,155       70,489  
Accrued long-term restructuring
          2,019  
Income taxes payable
    12,446       10,755  
Long-term pension liability
    5,466       7,913  
Other long-term liabilities
    2,805       2,523  
                 
Total liabilities
    128,872       93,699  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 18)
               
Equity
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2010 and 2009
           
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 125,000,000 shares authorized, 78,869,331 shares issued and 65,407,462 shares outstanding at September 30, 2010, 77,883,173 shares issued and 64,421,304 shares outstanding at September 30, 2009
    789       779  
Additional paid-in capital
    1,803,121       1,795,619  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    19,510       16,318  
Treasury stock at cost, 13,461,869 shares at September 30, 2010 and 2009
    (200,956 )     (200,956 )
Accumulated deficit
    (1,233,649 )     (1,292,631 )
                 
Total Brooks Automation, Inc. stockholders’ equity
    388,815       319,129  
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
    537       494  
                 
Total equity
    389,352       319,623  
                 
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 518,224     $ 413,322  
                 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
 
                         
    Year Ended September 30,  
    2010     2009     2008  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
 
Revenues
                       
Product
  $ 532,174     $ 167,552     $ 456,422  
Services
    60,798       51,154       69,944  
                         
Total revenues
    592,972       218,706       526,366  
                         
Cost of revenues
                       
Product
    377,599       155,370       335,163  
Services
    49,078       48,408       64,375  
Impairment of long-lived assets
          20,924        
                         
Total cost of revenues
    426,677       224,702       399,538  
                         
Gross profit (loss)
    166,295       (5,996 )     126,828  
                         
Operating expenses
                       
Research and development
    31,162       31,607       42,924  
Selling, general and administrative
    85,597       91,231       110,516  
Impairment of goodwill
          71,800       197,883  
Impairment of long-lived assets
          14,588       5,687  
Restructuring charges
    2,529       12,806       7,287  
                         
Total operating expenses
    119,288       222,032       364,297  
                         
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations
    47,007       (228,028 )     (237,469 )
Interest income
    1,121       2,719       7,403  
Interest expense
    80       454       407  
Gain on sale of intellectual property rights
    7,840              
Loss on investment
    191       1,185       3,940  
Other (income) expense, net
    (367 )     (31 )     1,739  
                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of joint ventures
    56,064       (226,917 )     (236,152 )
Income tax provision (benefit)
    (2,746 )     643       1,233  
                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in earnings (losses) of joint ventures
    58,810       (227,560 )     (237,385 )
Equity in earnings (losses) of joint ventures
    215       (213 )     707  
                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    59,025       (227,773 )     (236,678 )
Discontinued operations:
                       
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of income taxes
                679  
                         
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
                679  
                         
Net income (loss)
  $ 59,025     $ (227,773 )   $ (235,999 )
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (43 )     (85 )     53  
                         
Net income (loss) attributable to Brooks Automation, Inc. 
  $ 58,982     $ (227,858 )   $ (235,946 )
                         
Basic net income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to
Brooks Automation, Inc. common stockholders
  $ 0.92     $ (3.62 )   $ (3.67 )
Basic net income per share from discontinued operations attributable to Brooks Automation, Inc. common stockholders
                0.01  
                         
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to Brooks Automation, Inc. common stockholders
  $ 0.92     $ (3.62 )   $ (3.66 )
                         
Diluted net income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to
Brooks Automation, Inc. common stockholders
  $ 0.92     $ (3.62 )   $ (3.67 )
Diluted income per share from discontinued operations attributable to Brooks Automation, Inc. common stockholders
                0.01  
                         
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Brooks Automation, Inc. common stockholders
  $ 0.92     $ (3.62 )   $ (3.66 )
                         
Shares used in computing earnings (loss) per share
                       
Basic
    63,777       62,911       64,542  
Diluted
    64,174       62,911       64,542  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
 
                         
    Year Ended September 30,  
    2010     2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
Cash flows from operating activities
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 59,025     $ (227,773 )   $ (235,999 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    18,420       25,856       34,538  
Impairment of assets
          107,312       203,570  
Gain on sale of intellectual property rights
    (7,840 )            
Stock-based compensation
    6,567       5,817       6,909  
Amortization of premium (discount) on marketable securities
    942       127       (830 )
Undistributed (earnings) losses of joint ventures
    (215 )     213       (707 )
Loss on disposal of long-lived assets
    4       17       1,070  
Gain on sale of software division, net
                (679 )
Loss on investment
    191       1,185       3,940  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and disposals:
                       
Accounts receivable
    (53,163 )     29,963       38,612  
Inventories
    (31,341 )     21,779       (610 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (499 )     4,527       5,790  
Accounts payable
    39,352       (10,947 )     (20,601 )
Deferred revenue
    1,487       (676 )     (1,892 )
Accrued warranty and retrofit costs
    2,483       (2,496 )     (2,772 )
Accrued compensation and benefits
    (913 )     (3,869 )     (5,839 )
Accrued restructuring costs
    (4,123 )     (5,007 )     (3,089 )
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    (2,505 )     (2,522 )     (7,755 )
                         
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    27,872       (56,494 )     13,656  
                         
Cash flows from investing activities
                       
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
    (3,472 )     (11,339 )     (23,439 )
Purchases of marketable securities
    (117,473 )     (59,091 )     (151,231 )
Sale/maturity of marketable securities
    84,546       75,628       190,592  
Proceeds from the sale of intellectual property rights
    7,840              
Purchase of intangible assets
    (892 )            
Proceeds from the sale of software division
                1,918  
Acquisitions
                (1,000 )
Other
    243       1,055       (75 )
                         
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (29,208 )     6,253       16,765  
                         
Cash flows from financing activities
                       
Treasury stock purchases
                (90,194 )
Issuance of common stock under stock option and stock purchase plans
    1,245       1,248       2,391  
                         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    1,245       1,248       (87,803 )
                         
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (71 )     (1,291 )     (581 )
                         
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (162 )     (50,284 )     (57,963 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
    59,985       110,269       168,232  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
  $ 59,823     $ 59,985     $ 110,269  
                         
Supplemental disclosures:
                       
Cash paid during the year for interest
  $ 80     $ 454     $ 407  
Cash paid (refunded) during the year for income taxes, net
  $ (1,866 )   $ 246     $ 2,167  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
 
                                                                                 
                                              Total
             
                            Accumulated
                Brooks
             
          Common
                Other
                Automation,
             
    Common
    Stock at
    Additional
    Comprehensive
    Comprehensive
                Inc.
    Noncontrolling
       
    Stock
    Par
    Paid-In
    Income
    Income
    Accumulated
    Treasury
    Stockholders’
    Interests in
    Total
 
    Shares     Value     Capital     (Loss)     (Loss)     Deficit     Stock     Equity     Subsidiaries     Equity  
 
Balance September 30, 2007
    76,483,603     $ 765     $ 1,780,401             $ 18,202     $ (828,827 )   $ (110,762 )   $ 859,779     $ 462     $ 860,241  
Shares issued under stock option, restricted stock and purchase plans, net
    561,134       5       1,581                                       1,586               1,586  
Stock-based compensation
                    6,909                                       6,909               6,909  
Repurchase of stock
                                                    (90,194 )     (90,194 )             (90,194 )
Comprehensive income (loss):
                                                                               
Net loss
                          $ (235,999 )             (235,946 )             (235,946 )     (53 )     (235,999 )
Currency translation adjustments
                            (125 )     (125 )                     (125 )             (125 )
Changes in unrealized gain on marketable securities
                            962       962                       962               962  
Actuarial loss arising in the year
                            (976 )     (976 )                     (976 )             (976 )
                                                                                 
Comprehensive loss
                          $ (236,138 )                                                
                                                                                 
Balance September 30, 2008
    77,044,737       770       1,788,891               18,063       (1,064,773 )     (200,956 )     541,995       409       542,404  
Shares issued under stock option, restricted stock and purchase plans, net
    838,436       9       911                                       920               920  
Stock-based compensation
                    5,817                                       5,817               5,817  
Comprehensive income (loss):
                                                                               
Net loss
                          $ (227,773 )             (227,858 )             (227,858 )     85       (227,773 )
Currency translation adjustments
                            4,276       4,276                       4,276               4,276  
Changes in unrealized gain on marketable securities
                            471       471                       471               471  
Actuarial loss arising in the year
                            (6,492 )     (6,492 )                     (6,492 )             (6,492 )
                                                                                 
Comprehensive loss
                          $ (229,518 )                                                
                                                                                 
Balance September 30, 2009
    77,883,173       779       1,795,619               16,318       (1,292,631 )     (200,956 )     319,129       494       319,623  
Shares issued under stock option, restricted stock and purchase plans, net
    986,158       10       935                                       945               945  
Stock-based compensation
                    6,567                                       6,567               6,567  
Comprehensive income (loss):
                                                                               
Net income
                          $ 59,025               58,982               58,982       43       59,025  
Currency translation adjustments
                            4,229       4,229                       4,229               4,229  
Changes in unrealized loss on marketable securities
                            (36 )     (36 )                     (36 )             (36 )
Actuarial loss arising in the year
                            (1,001 )     (1,001 )                     (1,001 )             (1,001 )
                                                                                 
Comprehensive income
                          $ 62,217                                                  
                                                                                 
Balance September 30, 2010
    78,869,331     $ 789     $ 1,803,121             $ 19,510     $ (1,233,649 )   $ (200,956 )   $ 388,815     $ 537     $ 389,352  
                                                                                 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.   Nature of the Business
 
Brooks Automation, Inc. (“Brooks” or the “Company”) is a leading provider of automation, vacuum and instrumentation solutions and is a highly valued business partner to original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and equipment users throughout the world. The Company serves markets where equipment productivity and availability is a critical factor for its customers’ success, typically in demanding temperature and/or pressure environments. The Company’s largest served market is the semiconductor manufacturing industry. The Company also provides unique solutions to customers in data storage, advanced display, analytical instruments, solar and LED markets. The Company develops and delivers differentiated solutions that range from proprietary products to highly respected manufacturing services.
 
2.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. Equity investments in which the Company exercises significant influence but does not control and is not the primary beneficiary are accounted for using the equity method.
 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates are associated with accounts receivable, inventories, intangible assets, goodwill, deferred income taxes and warranty obligations. Although the Company regularly assesses these estimates, actual results could differ from those estimates. Changes in estimates are recorded in the period in which they become known.
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Some transactions of the Company and its subsidiaries are made in currencies different from their functional currency. Foreign currency gains (losses) on these transactions or balances are recorded in “Other (income) expense, net” when incurred. Net foreign currency transaction losses included in income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of joint ventures totaled $0.3 million, $0.6 million and $3.5 million for the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. For non-U.S. subsidiaries, assets and liabilities are translated at period-end exchange rates, and income statement items are translated at the average exchange rates for the period. The local currency for the majority of foreign subsidiaries is considered to be the functional currency and, accordingly, translation adjustments are reported in “Accumulated other comprehensive income”. Foreign currency translation adjustments are one of the components in the calculation of comprehensive net income (loss).
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. At September 30, 2010 and 2009, cash equivalents were $21.1 million and $38.2 million, respectively. Cash equivalents are held at cost which approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities and varying interest rates.
 
Concentration of Credit Risk
 
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of trade receivables and temporary and long-term cash investments in treasury bills and commercial paper. The


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Company restricts its investments to U.S. government and corporate securities, and mutual funds that invest in U.S. government securities. The Company’s customers are concentrated in the semiconductor industry, and relatively few customers account for a significant portion of the Company’s revenues. The Company’s top ten largest customers account for approximately 63% of revenues for the year ended September 30, 2010. Three of the Company’s customers accounted for 21%, 15% and 10%, respectively, of revenues for the year ended September 30, 2010. The Company regularly monitors the creditworthiness of its customers and believes that it has adequately provided for exposure to potential credit losses.
 
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
 
Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in its existing accounts receivable. The Company determines the allowance based on historical write-off experience. The Company reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. Past due balances are reviewed individually for collectibility. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when the Company feels it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. The Company does not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to its customers.
 
Inventories
 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, cost being determined using a standard costing system which approximates cost based on a first-in, first-out method. The Company provides inventory reserves for excess, obsolete or damaged inventory based on changes in customer demand, technology and other economic factors.
 
Fixed Assets, Intangible Assets and Impairment of Long-lived Assets
 
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. Depreciable lives are summarized below:
 
         
Buildings
    20 - 40 years  
Computer equipment and software
    2 - 7 years  
Machinery and equipment
    2 - 10 years  
Furniture and fixtures
    3 - 10 years  
 
Leasehold improvements and equipment held under capital leases are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the term of the respective leases. Equipment used for demonstrations to customers is included in machinery and equipment and is depreciated over its estimated useful life. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
 
The Company has developed software for internal use. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, internal and external labor costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized. Costs incurred prior to application development and post implementation are expensed as incurred. Training and most data conversion costs are expensed as incurred.
 
When an asset is retired, the cost of the asset disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is included in the determination of operating profit (loss).
 
As a result of the Company’s acquisitions, the Company has identified general intangible assets other than goodwill. General intangible assets other than goodwill are valued based on estimates of future cash flows and amortized over their estimated useful life.
 
Patents include capitalized direct costs associated with obtaining patents as well as assets that were acquired as a part of business combinations. Capitalized patent costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
estimated economic life of the patents. As of September 30, 2010 and 2009, the net book value of the Company’s patents was $0.9 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
 
Intangibles assets other than goodwill are tested for impairment when indicators of impairment are present. For purposes of this test, long-lived assets are grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. When the Company determines that indicators of potential impairment exist, the next step of the impairment test requires that the potentially impaired long-lived asset group is tested for recoverability. The test for recoverability compares the undiscounted future cash flows of the long-lived asset group to its carrying value. The future cash flow period is based on the future service life of the primary asset within the long-lived asset group. If the carrying values of the long-lived asset group exceed the future cash flows, the assets are considered to be potentially impaired. The next step in the impairment process is to determine the fair value of the individual net assets within the long-lived asset group. If the aggregate fair values of the individual net assets of the group are less then their carrying values, an impairment is recorded equal to the excess of the aggregate carrying value of the group over the aggregate fair value. The loss is allocated to each asset within the group based on their relative carrying values, with no asset reduced below its fair value.
 
The amortizable lives of intangible assets, including those identified as a result of purchase accounting, are summarized as follows:
 
         
Patents
    7 - 15 years  
Completed technology
    2 - 10 years  
License agreements
    5 years  
Trademarks and trade names
    3 - 6 years  
Non-competition agreements
    3 - 5 years  
Customer relationships
    4 - 11 years  
 
Goodwill
 
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of the businesses the Company acquired. The Company performs an annual impairment test of its goodwill on September 30 of each fiscal year unless interim indicators of impairment exist (see Note 6).
 
The testing of goodwill for impairment is performed at a level referred to as a reporting unit. A reporting unit is either the “operating segment level” or one level below, which is referred to as a “component”. The level at which the impairment test is performed requires an assessment as to whether the operations below the operating segment constitute a self-sustaining business, testing is generally required to be performed at this level. The Company currently has two reporting units that have goodwill, and both of those units are part of the Critical Solutions Group operating segment.
 
The Company determines the fair value of its reporting units using the Income Approach, specifically the Discounted Cash Flow Method (“DCF Method”). The DCF Method includes five year future cash flow projections, which are discounted to present value, and an estimate of terminal values, which are also discounted to present value. Terminal values represent the present value an investor would pay today for the rights to the cash flows of the business for the years subsequent to the discrete cash flow projection period. The Company considers the DCF Method to be the most appropriate valuation indicator as the DCF analyses are based on management’s long-term financial projections. Given the dynamic nature of the cyclical semiconductor equipment market, management’s projections as of the valuation date are considered more objective since other market metrics for peer companies fluctuate over the cycle.
 
Goodwill impairment testing is a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test, used to identify potential impairment, compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its respective carrying amount,


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered impaired. If the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds the fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test must be completed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. The second step compares the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying value of goodwill. The implied fair value is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit, the excess of the fair value over amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill determined in this step is compared to the carrying value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the difference.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
Product revenues are associated with the sale of hardware systems, components and spare parts as well as product license revenue. Service revenues are associated with service contracts, repairs, upgrades and field service. Shipping and handling fees, if any, billed to customers are recognized as revenue. The related shipping and handling costs are recognized in cost of sales.
 
Revenue from product sales that do not include significant customization is recorded upon delivery and transfer of risk of loss to the customer provided there is evidence of an arrangement, fees are fixed or determinable, collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured and, if applicable, customer acceptance criteria have been successfully demonstrated. Customer acceptance provisions include final testing and acceptance carried out prior to shipment. These pre-shipment testing and acceptance procedures ensure that the product meets the published specification requirements before the product is shipped. In the limited situations where the arrangement contains extended payment terms, revenue is recognized as the payments become due. When significant on site customer acceptance provisions are present in the arrangement, revenue is recognized upon completion of customer acceptance testing.
 
Revenue associated with service agreements is generally recognized ratably over the term of the contract. Revenue from repair services or upgrades of customer-owned equipment is recognized upon completion of the repair effort and upon the shipment of the repaired item back to the customer. In instances where the repair or upgrade includes installation, revenue is recognized when the installation is completed.
 
Warranty
 
The Company offers warranties on the sales of certain of its products and records an accrual for estimated future claims. Such accruals are based upon historical experience and management’s estimate of the level of future claims.
 
Research and Development Expenses
 
Research and development costs are charged to expense when incurred.
 
Stock-Based Compensation
 
The Company measures compensation cost for all employee stock awards at fair value on date of grant and recognizes compensation expense over the service period for awards expected to vest. The fair value of restricted stock is determined based on the number of shares granted and the excess of the quoted price of the Company’s common stock over the exercise price of the restricted stock on the date of grant, if any, and the fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Such value is recognized as expense over the service period, net of estimated forfeitures. The estimation of stock awards that will ultimately vest requires significant judgment. The Company considers many factors when estimating expected forfeitures, including types of awards, employee class, and historical experience. In addition, for stock-based awards where vesting is dependent upon achieving certain operating performance goals, the Company estimates the likelihood of achieving


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
the performance goals. Actual results, and future changes in estimates, may differ substantially from the Company’s current estimates. Restricted stock with market-based vesting criteria is valued using a lattice model.
 
During the year ended September 30, 2010, the Company granted 253,000 shares of restricted stock to members of senior management of which 126,500 shares vest over the service period and the remaining 126,500 shares vest upon the achievement of certain financial performance goals which will be measured at the end of fiscal year 2012. Total compensation on these awards is a maximum of $2.2 million. Awards subject to service criteria are being recorded to expense ratably over the vesting period. Awards subject to performance criteria are expensed over the related service period when attainment of the performance condition is considered probable. The total amount of compensation recorded will depend on the Company’s achievement of performance targets. Changes to the projected attainment of performance targets during the vesting period may result in an adjustment to the amount of cumulative compensation recorded as of the date the estimate is revised.
 
The following table reflects compensation expense recorded during the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands):
 
                         
    Year Ended September 30,  
    2010     2009     2008  
 
Stock options
  $ 170     $ 292     $ 837  
Restricted stock
    5,944       5,092       5,443  
Employee stock purchase plan
    453       433       629  
                         
    $ 6,567     $ 5,817     $ 6,909  
                         
 
Valuation Assumptions for Stock Options and Employee Stock Purchase Plans
 
No stock options were granted for the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008.
 
The fair value of shares issued under the employee stock purchase plan was estimated on the commencement date of each offering period using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
 
                         
    Year Ended September 30,
    2010   2009   2008
 
Risk-free interest rate
    0.2 %     0.7 %     2.8 %
Volatility
    58 %     70 %     46 %
Expected life
    6 months       6 months       6 months  
Dividend yield
    0 %     0 %     0 %
 
Expected volatilities are based on historical volatilities of the Company’s common stock; the expected life represents the weighted average period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding giving consideration to vesting schedules and the Company’s historical exercise patterns; and the risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for periods corresponding with the expected life of the option.
 
Equity Incentive Plans
 
The Company’s equity incentive plans are intended to attract and retain employees and to provide an incentive for them to assist the Company to achieve long-range performance goals and to enable them to participate in the long-term growth of the Company. The equity incentive plans consist of plans under which employees may be granted options to purchase shares of the Company’s stock, restricted stock and other equity incentives. Stock options generally have a vesting period of four years and are exercisable for a period not to exceed seven years from the date of issuance. Restricted stock awards generally vest over two to four years, with certain restricted stock


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
awards vesting immediately. At September 30, 2010, a total of 5,604,327 shares were reserved and available for the issuance of awards under the plans.
 
Income Taxes
 
The Company records income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective income tax bases, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The Company’s consolidated financial statements contain certain deferred tax assets which have arisen primarily as a result of operating losses, as well as other temporary differences between financial and tax accounting. A valuation allowance is established if the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets is not considered more likely than not based on an evaluation of objective verifiable evidence. Significant management judgment is required in determining the Company’s provision for income taxes, the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against those net deferred tax assets. The Company evaluates the weight of all available evidence to determine whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred income tax assets will not be realized.
 
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common equivalent shares assumed outstanding during the period. Shares used to compute diluted earnings (loss) per share exclude common share equivalents if their inclusion would have an anti-dilutive effect.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses. The carrying amounts of these items reported in the balance sheets approximate their fair value at September 30, 2010 and 2009. In the case of marketable securities, measurement is based on quoted market prices.
 
Reclassifications
 
Certain reclassifications have been made in the 2009 and 2008 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2010 presentation.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the financial statements. In February 2008, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which allowed for the delay of the effective date for fair value measurements for one year for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). In April 2009, the FASB issued additional authoritative guidance in determining whether a market is active or inactive, and whether a transaction is distressed, is applicable to all assets and liabilities (i.e., financial and non-financial) and requires enhanced disclosures. This standard was effective beginning with the Company’s fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. The measurement and disclosure requirements related to financial assets and financial liabilities were effective for the Company beginning on October 1, 2008. See Note 4. On October 1, 2009 the Company adopted the fair value measurement standard for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, which had no impact on its financial position or results of operations.


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
In December 2007, the FASB revised the authoritative guidance for Business Combinations, which significantly changes the accounting for business combinations in a number of areas including the treatment of contingent consideration, pre-acquisition contingencies, transaction costs, restructuring costs and income taxes. On October 1, 2009 the Company adopted this standard prospectively and will apply the standard to any business combination with an acquisition date after October 1, 2009.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued authoritative guidance regarding Consolidation, which establishes accounting and reporting standards for noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. This standard clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. The amount of net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest will be included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement. Further, it clarifies that changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation are equity transactions if the parent retains its controlling financial interest. In addition, this standard requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. On October 1, 2009 the Company adopted this standard retrospectively, which did not have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
 
In April 2008, the FASB issued authoritative guidance regarding the determination of the useful life of intangible assets. This guidance amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset. It also improves the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset. On October 1, 2009 the Company adopted this standard, which had no impact on its financial position or results of operations.
 
In June 2008, the FASB issued authoritative guidance regarding whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities, which classifies unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) as participating securities and requires them to be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. On October 1, 2009 the Company adopted this standard, which had no impact on its financial position or results of operations.
 
In December 2008, the FASB issued authoritative guidance regarding Compensation — Retirement Benefits, which requires enhanced disclosures about the plan assets of a company’s defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. The enhanced disclosures are intended to provide users of financial statements with a greater understanding of: (1) how investment allocation decisions are made, including the factors that are pertinent to an understanding of investment policies and strategies; (2) the major categories of plan assets; (3) the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets; (4) the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) on changes in plan assets for the period; and (5) significant concentrations of risk within plan assets. The Company adopted this standard for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 and enhanced its disclosures.
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting and disclosure requirements for the consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIEs”), which requires a qualitative approach to identifying a controlling financial interest in a VIE, and requires ongoing assessment of whether an entity is a VIE and whether an interest in a VIE makes the holder the primary beneficiary of the VIE. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its financial position and results of operations.
 
3.   Marketable Securities
 
The Company invests its cash in marketable securities and classifies them as available-for-sale. The Company records these securities at fair value. Marketable securities reported as current assets represent investments that


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
mature within one year from the balance sheet date. Long-term marketable securities represent investments with maturity dates greater than one year from the balance sheet date. At the time that the maturity dates of these investments become one year or less, the securities are reclassified to current assets. Unrealized gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported in a separate component of stockholders’ equity until they are sold or mature. At the time of sale, any gains or losses, calculated by the specific identification method, will be recognized as a component of operating results.
 
The following is a summary of marketable securities (included in short and long-term marketable securities in the consolidated balance sheets), including accrued interest receivable, as of September 30, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):
 
                                 
          Gross
    Gross
       
    Amortized
    Unrealized
    Unrealized
       
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Fair Value  
 
September 30, 2010:
                               
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies
  $ 38,319     $ 62     $ (8 )   $ 38,373  
Corporate securities
    38,617       185       (4 )     38,798  
Mortgage-backed securities(1)
    1,771       23       (4 )     1,790  
Other debt securities
    186                   186  
Municipal securities
    2,405       1       (2 )     2,404  
Bank certificate of deposits
    1,053                   1,053  
                                 
    $ 82,351     $ 271     $ (18 )   $ 82,604  
                                 
September 30, 2009:
                               
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies
  $ 21,410     $ 149     $     $ 21,559  
Corporate securities
    16,791       143             16,934  
Mortgage-backed securities(2)
    2,208       20       (80 )     2,148  
Other debt securities
    2,629       5             2,634  
Municipal securities
    7,015             (2 )     7,013  
Bank certificate of deposits
    248                   248  
                                 
    $ 50,301     $ 317     $ (82 )   $ 50,536  
                                 
 
 
(1) Fair value amounts include approximately $0.8 million of investments in the Federal Home Loan Mortgage and Federal National Mortgage Association.
 
(2) Fair value amounts include approximately $1.0 million of investments in the Federal Home Loan Mortgage and Federal National Mortgage Association.
 
Gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale marketable securities included in “Other (income) expense” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations was $10,000 and $21,000 for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2008, respectively. There were no gross realized gains for the year ended September 30, 2009. There were no gross realized losses for the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008.


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The fair value of the marketable securities at September 30, 2010 by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of the securities may have the right to prepay obligations without prepayment penalties (in thousands).
 
         
    Fair Value  
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 49,011  
Due after one year through five years
    29,552  
Due after ten years
    4,041  
         
    $ 82,604  
         
 
Gain (Loss) on Investment
 
During the three months ended June 30, 2007, a company in which Brooks held a minority equity interest was acquired by a closely-held Swiss public company. Brooks’ minority equity investment had been previously written down to zero in 2003. As a result, Brooks received shares of common stock from the acquirer in exchange for its minority equity interest and recorded a gain of $5.1 million.
 
During fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company recorded a charge of $0.2 million, $1.2 million and $3.9 million, respectively, related to its minority equity investment in this Swiss public company. The charges during fiscal years 2009 and 2008 reflect an other than temporary impairment of this investment. The $0.2 million charge during fiscal 2010 represents the loss on the sale of this investment. As of September 30, 2010, the Company no longer had an equity investment in this entity.
 
4.   Fair Value Measurements
 
The fair value measurement guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
 
Level 1 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset and liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
 
Level 2 Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
 
Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
 
Assets and liabilities of the Company measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2010 and 2009 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
                                 
          Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using  
          Quoted Prices in
    Significant Other
    Significant
 
          Active Markets for
    Observable
    Unobservable
 
    September 30,
    Identical Assets
    Inputs
    Inputs
 
Description
  2010     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
 
Assets
                               
Cash Equivalents
  $ 21,130     $ 21,130     $     $  
Available-for-sale securities
    82,604       38,798       43,806        
                                 
Total Assets
  $ 103,734     $ 59,928     $ 43,806     $  
                                 


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
                                 
          Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using  
          Quoted Prices in
    Significant Other
    Significant
 
          Active Markets for
    Observable
    Unobservable
 
    September 30,
    Identical Assets
    Inputs
    Inputs
 
Description
  2009     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
 
Assets
                               
Cash Equivalents
  $ 38,203     $ 38,203     $     $  
Available-for-sale securities
    50,536       16,934       33,602        
Other Assets
    481       481              
                                 
Total Assets
  $ 89,220     $ 55,618     $ 33,602     $  
                                 
 
Cash Equivalents
 
Cash equivalents of $21.1 million and $38.2 million at September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, consisting primarily of Money Market Funds, are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices in active markets.
 
Available-For-Sale Securities
 
Available-for-sale securities of $38.8 million and $16.9 million at September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, consisting of highly rated Corporate Bonds, are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices in active markets of identical assets or liabilities. Available-for-sale securities of $43.8 million and $33.6 million at September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, consisting of Asset Backed Securities, Municipal Bonds, and Government Agencies are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using matrix pricing and benchmarking. Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique used to value securities by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted prices.
 
Other Assets
 
Other assets of $0.5 million at September 30, 2009, consisting of an investment in Common Stock, are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices in active markets.
 
5.   Property, Plant and Equipment
 
Property, plant and equipment as of September 30, 2010 and 2009 were as follows (in thousands):
 
                 
    September 30,  
    2010     2009  
 
Buildings and land
  $ 43,455     $ 43,260  
Computer equipment and software
    69,278       68,327  
Machinery and equipment
    50,499       49,271  
Furniture and fixtures
    10,817       10,951  
Leasehold improvements
    22,758       22,329  
Capital projects in progress
    1,201       2,238  
                 
      198,008       196,376  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (134,339 )     (121,583 )
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
  $ 63,669     $ 74,793  
                 


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Depreciation expense was $14.6 million, $15.6 million and $18.2 million for the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
The Company recorded an impairment charge of $1.3 million and $3.5 million to write-down certain buildings and leasehold improvements to fair value in fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively, as a result of underlying circumstances discussed in Note 6.
 
6.   Goodwill and Intangible Assets
 
The Company performs an annual impairment test of its goodwill on September 30 of each fiscal year unless interim indicators of impairment exist. Goodwill is considered to be impaired when the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. Fair values are estimated using a discounted cash flow methodology. Discounted cash flows are based on the businesses’ strategic plans and management’s best estimate of revenue growth and gross profit by each reporting unit. The Company recorded charges for the impairment of goodwill at September 30, 2008 and an additional interim charge during the quarter ended March 31, 2009. The Company performed its goodwill impairment test as of September 30, 2010 and 2009, and determined that no adjustment to goodwill was necessary.
 
The Company’s goodwill test as of September 30, 2008 indicated that goodwill was potentially impaired, and after completing the goodwill analysis, the Company recorded an impairment charge to goodwill of $197.9 million. In addition to the goodwill impairment charge, a long-lived asset impairment charge of $5.7 million was recorded. The impairment charges were the result of the expectation that future cash flows would be adversely impacted as a result of the global economic slowdown. In response to this downturn, management restructured the business, which resulted in a change to the Company’s reporting units and operating segments. Goodwill was reallocated to each of the newly formed reporting units as of March 31, 2009, based on such factors as the relative fair values of each reporting unit. Goodwill was reallocated to five of the seven reporting units as of March 31, 2009. This reallocation, in conjunction with the continued downturn in the semiconductor markets, indicated that a potential impairment may exist. As such, management tested goodwill and other long-lived assets for impairment at March 31, 2009.
 
The fair value of each reporting unit as of September 30, 2008 was determined using the Income Approach, specifically the DCF Method. The methodologies used to determine the fair value of the net assets of each reporting unit as of September 30, 2008 did not change from those used as of September 30, 2007. The material assumptions used in the DCF Method include: discount rates and revenue forecasts. Discount rates are based on a weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”), which represents the average rate a business must pay its providers of debt and equity capital. The WACC used to test goodwill was derived from a group of comparable companies. The average WACC used in the 2008 goodwill test was 12.8%, which changed only slightly from 13.5% used in the prior period, with the decrease due primarily to declining market interest rates. Management determines revenue forecasts based on their best estimate of near term revenue expectations which are corroborated by communications with customers, and longer-term projection trends, which are validated by published independent industry analyst reports. Revenue forecasts materially impact the amount of cash flow generated during the five year projection period, and also impact the terminal value as that value is derived from projected revenue. The decrease in projected revenue for all reporting units for both the forecast period and the terminal period is the primary cause for the lower fair values of all reporting units in 2008 as compared to 2007. For all three reporting units containing goodwill at September 30, 2008, the Company determined that the carrying amount of their net assets exceeded their respective fair values, indicating that a potential impairment existed for each of those reporting units. After completing the required steps of the goodwill impairment test, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment of $197.9 million as of September 30, 2008.
 
The Company tests certain long-lived assets other than goodwill when indicators of impairment are present. Management determined that impairment indicators were present for certain of the Company’s long-lived assets as of September 30, 2008. Certain long-lived assets were tested for recoverability by comparing the sum of the undiscounted cash flows attributable to the potentially impaired asset group to their respective carrying amounts,


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
and determined that the carrying amounts were not recoverable. The fair values were determined for each long-lived asset of the potentially impaired long-lived asset group to determine the amount of the impairment, if any. After completing this analysis, the Company recorded an impairment of $2.2 million for intangible assets and an additional impairment charge of $3.5 million related to property, plant and equipment.
 
The fair value of each reporting unit as of March 31, 2009 was determined using the Income Approach, specifically the DCF Method. The methodologies used to determine the fair value of the net assets of each reporting unit as of March 31, 2009 did not change from those used as of September 30, 2008. The material assumptions used in the DCF Method include: discount rates, or WACC, and revenue forecasts. The average WACC used in the March 31, 2009 reallocation of goodwill was 16.2%, as compared to 12.8% for the goodwill test as of September 30, 2008. This increase was primarily the result of significantly increased costs of equity capital driven by increased volatility in equity markets. The revenue forecasts used in the reallocation and assessment of goodwill as of March 31, 2009 were decreased from the levels forecasted for the goodwill impairment test as of September 30, 2008 due to further market deterioration.
 
For three of the five reporting units containing goodwill at March 31, 2009, the Company determined that the carrying amount of their net assets exceeded their respective fair values, indicating that a potential impairment existed for each of those reporting units. After completing the required steps of the goodwill impairment test, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment of $71.8 million as of March 31, 2009.
 
The Company also determined that impairment indicators were present for certain of its long-lived assets as of March 31, 2009. The long-lived assets in question were tested for recoverability by comparing the sum of the undiscounted cash flows attributable to each respective asset group to their carrying amounts, and determined that the carrying amounts for certain asset groups were not recoverable. Management then evaluated the fair values of each long-lived asset of the potentially impaired long-lived asset group to determine the amount of the impairment, if any. The fair value of each intangible asset was based primarily on an income approach, which is a present value technique used to measure the fair value of future cash flows produced by the asset. Management estimated future cash flows over the remaining useful life of each intangible asset, which ranged from approximately 3 to 8 years, and used a discount rate of approximately 16%. As a result of this analysis, the Company determined that it had incurred an impairment loss of $35.1 million as of March 31, 2009, and allocated that loss among the long-lived assets of the impaired asset group based on the carrying value of each asset, with no asset reduced below its respective fair value. The impairment charge was allocated as follows: $19.6 million related to completed technology intangible assets; $1.2 million to trade name intangible assets; $13.4 million to customer relationship intangible assets and $0.9 million to property, plant and equipment. Further, during the three months ended June 30, 2009, the Company recorded an additional impairment charge of $0.4 million for property, plant and equipment


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
related to the closure and outsourcing of a small manufacturing operation located in the United States. The total impairment charges related to long-lived assets for fiscal 2009 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
         
    Year Ended
 
    September 30,
 
    2009  
 
Reported as cost of sales:
       
Completed technology intangible asset impairment
  $ 19,608  
Property, plant and equipment impairment
    1,316  
         
Subtotal, reported as cost of sales
    20,924  
         
Reported as operating expense:
       
Trade name intangible asset impairment
    1,145  
Customer relationship intangible asset impairment
    13,443  
         
Subtotal, reported as operating expense
    14,588  
         
    $ 35,512  
         
 
The components of the Company’s goodwill by business segment at September 30, 2010 and 2009 are as follows (in thousands):
 
                                         
    Critical
    Systems
    Global
             
    Solutions
    Solutions
    Customer
             
    Group     Group     Operations     Other     Total  
 
Gross goodwill at September 30, 2008
  $ 353,253     $ 151,184     $ 151,238     $ 7,421     $ 663,096  
Acquisitions and adjustments during fiscal 2009
                             
                                         
Gross goodwill at September 30, 2009
    353,253       151,184       151,238       7,421       663,096  
Acquisitions and adjustments during fiscal 2010
                             
                                         
Gross goodwill at September 30, 2010
  $ 353,253     $ 151,184     $ 151,238     $ 7,421     $ 663,096  
                                         
Accumulated goodwill impairments at September 30, 2008
  $ (283,083 )   $ (146,368 )   $ (106,286 )   $ (7,421 )   $ (543,158 )
Impairments recorded during fiscal 2009
    (22,032 )     (4,816 )     (44,952 )           (71,800 )
                                         
Accumulated goodwill impairments at September 30, 2009
    (305,115 )     (151,184 )     (151,238 )     (7,421 )     (614,958 )
Impairments recorded during fiscal 2010
                             
                                         
Accumulated goodwill impairments at September 30, 2010
  $ (305,115 )   $ (151,184 )   $ (151,238 )   $ (7,421 )   $ (614,958 )
                                         
Goodwill, less accumulated impairments at September 30, 2009 and 2010
  $ 48,138     $     $     $     $ 48,138  
                                         


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Components of the Company’s identifiable intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):
 
                                                 
    September 30, 2010     September 30, 2009  
          Accumulated
    Net Book
          Accumulated
    Net Book
 
    Cost     Amortization     Value     Cost     Amortization     Value  
 
Patents
  $ 7,808     $ 6,886     $ 922     $ 6,915     $ 6,812     $ 103  
Completed technology
    43,502       37,108       6,394       43,502       35,280       8,222  
Trademarks and trade names
    3,779       3,379       400       3,779       3,060       719  
Customer relationships
    18,860       15,453       3,407       18,860       13,823       5,037  
                                                 
    $ 73,949     $ 62,826     $ 11,123     $ 73,056     $ 58,975     $ 14,081  
                                                 
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Company acquired certain patents and other intellectual property from an entity that had ceased operations. This intellectual property supports certain products in the Company’s Systems Solution Group segment. The total cost of this property was $0.9 million, and this cost will be amortized to cost of sales over a ten year life.
 
Amortization expense for intangible assets was $3.9 million, $10.2 million and $16.4 million for the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
Estimated future amortization expense for the intangible assets recorded by the Company as of September 30, 2010 is as follows (in millions):
 
         
Year ended September 30,
       
2011
    3.7  
2012
    3.5  
2013
    1.6  
2014
    0.9  
2015
    0.8  
Thereafter
    0.6  
 
7.   Investment in Affiliates
 
Joint Ventures
 
The Company participates in a 50% joint venture, ULVAC Cryogenics, Inc. (“UCI”) with ULVAC Corporation of Chigasaki, Japan. UCI manufactures and sells cryogenic vacuum pumps, principally to ULVAC Corporation. For the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company recorded income associated with UCI of $0.1 million. For the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, management fee payments received by the Company from UCI were $0.7 million, $0.6 million and $0.9 million, respectively. For the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company incurred charges from UCI for products or services of $0.3 million, $0.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively. At September 30, 2010 and 2009 the Company owed UCI $0.0 million in connection with accounts payable for unpaid products and services.
 
The Company participates in a 50% joint venture with Yaskawa Electric Corporation (“Yaskawa”) called Yaskawa Brooks Automation, Inc. (“YBA”) to exclusively market and sell Yaskawa’s semiconductor robotics products and Brooks’ automation hardware products to semiconductor customers in Japan. For the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company recorded income (loss) associated with YBA of $0.1 million, $(0.4) million and $0.6 million, respectively. For the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company earned revenues for sales to YBA of $13.5 million, $6.7 million and $20.9 million, respectively. The amount due from YBA included in accounts receivable at September 30, 2010 and 2009 was $4.5 million and $2.4 million, respectively. For the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company incurred charges from YBA for


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
products and services of $0.2 million, $0.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively. At September 30, 2010 and 2009 the Company owed YBA $0.1 million and $0.0 million, respectively, in connection with accounts payable for unpaid products and services.
 
These investments are accounted for using the equity method. Under this method of accounting, the Company records in income its proportionate share of the earnings of the joint ventures with a corresponding increase in the carrying value of the investment.
 
8.   Earnings (Loss) Per Share
 
Below is a reconciliation of weighted average common shares outstanding for purposes of calculating basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (in thousands, except per share data):
 
                         
    Year Ended September 30,  
    2010     2009     2008  
 
Net income (loss) attributable to Brooks Automation, Inc. 
  $ 58,982     $ (227,858 )   $ (235,946 )
                         
Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing basic earnings (loss) per share
    63,777       62,911       64,542  
Dilutive common stock options and restricted stock awards
    397              
                         
Weighted average common shares outstanding for purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per share
    64,174       62,911       64,542  
                         
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to Brooks Automation, Inc. common stockholders
  $ 0.92     $ (3.62 )   $ (3.66 )
                         
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Brooks Automation, Inc. common stockholders
  $ 0.92     $ (3.62 )   $ (3.66 )
                         
 
Approximately 888,000, 1,456,000 and 2,092,000 options to purchase common stock and 187,000, 1,101,000 and 1,091,000 shares of restricted stock were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Brooks Automation, Inc. common stockholders for the years ended September 30, 20010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, as their effect would be anti-dilutive.
 
9.   Income Taxes
 
The components of the income tax provision (benefit) are as follows (in thousands):
 
                         
    Year Ended September 30,  
    2010     2009     2008  
 
Current:
                       
Federal
  $ (3,883 )   $ 16     $ 197  
State
    616       13       25  
Foreign
    521       614       1,011  
                         
      (2,746 )     643       1,233  
                         
Deferred:
                       
Federal
                 
State
                 
Foreign
                 
                         
    $ (2,746 )   $ 643     $ 1,233  
                         


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The components of income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of joint ventures are as follows (in thousands):
 
                         
    Year Ended September 30,  
    2010     2009     2008  
 
Domestic
  $ 44,956     $ (213,687 )   $ (222,193 )
Foreign
    11,108       (13,230 )     (13,959 )
                         
    $ 56,064     $ (226,917 )   $ (236,152 )
                         
 
The differences between the income tax provision and income taxes computed using the applicable U.S. statutory federal tax rate is as follows (in thousands):
 
                         
    Year Ended September 30,  
    2010     2009     2008  
 
Income tax provision (benefit) computed at federal statutory rate
  $ 19,622     $ (79,420 )   $ (82,653 )
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
    699       (1,308 )     (766 )
Net operating loss carryback refund
    (3,899 )            
Impairments
          25,130       68,069  
Foreign income taxed at different rates
    (1,650 )     (1,233 )     2,497  
Dividends
    1,006       1,362       1,526  
Change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance
    (18,423 )     55,211       13,697  
Other
    (101 )     901       (1,137 )
                         
Income tax provision (benefit)
  $ (2,746 )   $ 643     $ 1,233  
                         
 
The Company does not provide for U.S. income taxes applicable to undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries since these earnings are indefinitely reinvested.
 
The significant components of the net deferred tax assets are as follows (in thousands):
 
                 
    Year Ended September 30,  
    2010     2009  
 
Accruals and reserves not currently deductible
  $ 9,739     $ 12,256  
Federal, state and foreign tax credits
    18,178       19,297  
Depreciation and amortization
    12,352       13,143  
Other assets
    7,463       9,609  
Net operating loss carryforwards
    139,464       155,454  
Inventory reserves and valuation
    12,284       9,847  
                 
Deferred tax assets
    199,480       219,606  
                 
Other liabilities
    540       1,092  
                 
Deferred tax liabilities
    540       1,092  
                 
Valuation allowance
    198,940       218,514  
                 
Net deferred tax assets
  $     $  
                 
 
Management has considered the weight of all available evidence in determining whether a valuation allowance remains to be required against its deferred tax assets at September 30, 2010. Given the significant losses incurred in fiscal 2009 and the overall cumulative loss history combined with uncertainties in the global economic environment, the Company has determined that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets will not be realized.


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable is subject to change based on future events, including generating taxable income in future periods. The Company continues to assess the need for the valuation allowance at each balance sheet date based on all available evidence.
 
As of September 30, 2010, the Company had federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards from continuing and discontinued operations of approximately $550.6 million and federal and state research and development tax credit carryforwards of approximately $18.1 million available to reduce future tax liabilities, which expire at various dates through 2030. Included in the net operating loss carryforwards are stock option deductions of approximately $19.5 million. The benefits of these tax deductions approximate $7.0 million of which approximately $4.0 million will be credited to additional paid-in capital upon being realized or recognized.
 
As a result of ownership changes in previous years, the Company performed a study and determined there was an annual limitation on the federal net operating losses under section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”). However, the Company’s utilization of those losses did not exceed the annual limitation amount. Since any unused annual limitation may be carried over to later years, there is no future limitation under section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code on the utilization of the federal net operating loss carryforwards as of September 30, 2010. The Company’s U.S. net operating losses expire at various dates through 2029.
 
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of the consolidated liability for unrecognized income tax benefits during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 is as follows (in thousands):
 
                         
    Unrecognized
    Interest and
       
    Tax Benefit     Penalties     Total  
 
Balance at October 1, 2007
  $ 13,119     $ 1,354     $ 14,473  
Additions for tax positions of prior years
    216       607       823  
Additions for tax positions related to current year
    291       13       304  
Reduction for tax positions related to acquired entities in prior years, offset to goodwill
    (1,184 )     (226 )     (1,410 )
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
          (205 )     (205 )
Reductions from lapses in statutes of limitations
    (994 )           (994 )
Reductions from settlements with taxing authorities
    (1,228 )     (91 )     (1,319 )
Foreign exchange rate adjustment
    243             243  
                         
Balance at September 30, 2008
    10,463       1,452       11,915  
Additions for tax positions of prior years
    43       483       526  
Additions for tax positions related to current year
    228       5       233  
Reduction for tax positions related to acquired entities in prior years, offset to goodwill
    (41 )           (41 )
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
    (133 )     (169 )     (302 )
Reductions from lapses in statutes of limitations
    (223 )           (223 )
Reductions from settlements with taxing authorities
    (426 )     (102 )     (528 )
Foreign exchange rate adjustment
    (117 )           (117 )
                         
Balance at September 30, 2009
    9,794       1,669       11,463  
Additions for tax positions of prior years
    3,287       506       3,793  
Additions for tax positions related to current year
    468             468  


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
                         
    Unrecognized
    Interest and
       
    Tax Benefit     Penalties     Total  
 
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
    (40 )     (19 )     (59 )
Reductions from lapses in statutes of limitations
    (413 )           (413 )
Reductions from settlements with taxing authorities
    (193 )     (4 )     (197 )
Foreign exchange rate adjustment
    (87 )           (87 )
                         
Balance at September 30, 2010
  $ 12,816     $ 2,152     $ 14,968  
                         
 
As of September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company had approximately $12.5 million, $11.5 million and $11.9 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits, which if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. As of September 30, 2010, the remaining $2.5 million of unrecognized tax benefits would not impact the Company’s effective rate since they are offset by valuation allowances. The Company recognizes interest related to unrecognized benefits as a component of tax expense, of which $0.4 million, $0.3 million and $0.4 million was recognized for the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax and various state, local and international income taxes in various jurisdictions. The amount of income taxes paid is subject to the Company’s interpretation of applicable tax laws in the jurisdictions in which it files. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world. The Company has income tax audits in progress in various global jurisdictions in which it operates. In the Company’s U.S. and international jurisdictions, the years that may be examined vary, with the earliest tax year being 2004. Based on the outcome of these examinations, or the expiration of statutes of limitations for specific jurisdictions, it is reasonably possible that the related unrecognized tax benefits could change from those recorded in the Company’s statement of financial position. The Company currently anticipates that the unrecognized tax benefit will be reduced by approximately $1.0 million during the next twelve months.
 
10.   Tender Offer of the Company’s Common Stock
 
On November 9, 2007 the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase plan to buy up to $200.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock. Stock repurchase transactions authorized under the plan would occur from time to time in the open market, through block trades or otherwise. Management and the Board of Directors exercised discretion with respect to the timing and amount of any shares repurchased, based on their evaluation of a variety of factors, including market conditions. Repurchases were commenced or suspended at any time without prior notice. Additionally, Brooks was authorized to initiate repurchases under a Rule 10b5-1 plan, which would permit shares to be repurchased when Brooks would otherwise be precluded from doing so under insider-trading laws. Any repurchased shares are available for use in connection with its stock plans and for other corporate purposes. The repurchase program was funded using the Company’s available cash resources. During the year ended September 30, 2008, the Company purchased 7,401,869 shares of its common stock for a total of $90.2 million in connection with the stock repurchase plan. This plan expired on November 9, 2008, and the Company made no repurchases under this plan during the year ended September 30, 2009.
 
11.   Postretirement Benefits
 
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
On October 26, 2005, the Company purchased Helix Technology Corporation and assumed responsibility for the liabilities and assets of the Helix Employees’ Pension Plan (“Plan”). The Plan is a final average pay pension plan. In May 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the freezing of benefit accruals and future participation in the Plan effective October 31, 2006.

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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The Company uses a September 30th measurement date in the determination of net periodic benefit costs, benefit obligations and the value of plan assets. Additionally, the Plan was remeasured during fiscal 2009 to reflect a $0.9 million settlement loss on distribution payments made to terminated employees. The following tables set forth the funded status and amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2010 and 2009 for the Plan (in thousands):
 
                 
    Year Ended
 
    September 30,  
    2010     2009  
 
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 14,390     $ 9,409  
Service cost
    100       100  
Interest cost
    775       702  
Actuarial loss
    1,380       6,515  
Benefits paid
    (731 )     (2,336 )
                 
Benefit obligation at end of year
  $ 15,914     $ 14,390  
                 
 
                 
    Year Ended
 
    September 30,  
    2010     2009  
 
Fair value of assets at beginning of year
  $ 5,860     $ 8,442  
Actual return (loss) on plan assets
    657       (246 )
Disbursements
    (731 )     (2,336 )
Employer contributions
    4,204        
                 
Fair value of assets at end of year
  $ 9,990     $ 5,860  
                 
 
                 
    September 30,  
    2010     2009  
 
Funded status/accrued benefit liability
  $ (5,924 )   $ (8,530 )
                 
 
The following table provides pension amounts recorded within the account line items of the Company’s consolidated balance sheets:
 
                 
    September 30,
    2010   2009
 
Accrued compensation and benefits
  $ 458     $ 617  
Long-term pension liability
    5,466       7,913  
 
In addition, accumulated other comprehensive income at September 30, 2010 and 2009 includes unrecognized net actuarial losses of $8.4 million and $7.4 million, respectively. The estimated portion of net actuarial loss remaining in accumulated other comprehensive income that is expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic pension cost for the year ended September 30, 2011 is $0.5 million.


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Net periodic pension (benefit) cost consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
                         
    Year Ended September 30,  
    2010     2009     2008  
 
Service cost
  $ 100     $ 100     $ 146  
Interest cost
    775       702       731  
Expected return on assets
    (604 )     (709 )     (906 )
Amortization of losses
    327       89        
Settlement loss
          888        
                         
Net periodic pension (benefit) cost
  $ 598     $ 1,070     $ (29 )
                         
 
Other changes in Plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive loss:
 
                 
    September 30,  
    2010     2009  
 
Net loss
  $ 1,328     $ 6,581  
Amortization of net loss
    (327 )     (89 )
                 
Total recognized in other comprehensive income
    1,001       6,492  
                 
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income
  $ 1,599     $ 7,562  
                 
 
Certain information for the Plan with respect to accumulated benefit obligations follows (in thousands):
 
                 
    September 30,  
    2010     2009  
 
Projected benefit obligation
  $ 15,914     $ 14,390  
Accumulated benefit obligation
    15,914       14,390  
Fair value of plan assets
    9,990       5,860  
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net cost at September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 follows:
 
                         
    Year Ended September 30,  
    2010     2009     2008  
 
Discount rate
    5.50 %     7.12 %     6.00 %
Expected return on plan assets
    8.00 %     8.00 %     8.25 %
Rate of compensation increase
    N/A       N/A       N/A  
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine the pension obligation at September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 follows:
 
                         
    Year Ended September 30,
    2010   2009   2008
 
Discount rate
    4.75 %     5.50 %     7.12 %
Rate of compensation increase
    N/A       N/A       N/A  
 
The Company bases its determination of pension expense or benefit on a market-related valuation of assets, which reduces year-to-year volatility. This market-related valuation recognizes investment gains or losses over a five-year period from the year in which they occur. Investment gains or losses for this purpose are the difference between the expected return calculated using the market-related value of assets and the actual return on assets. Since the market-related value of assets recognizes gains or losses over a five-year period, the future value of assets will be impacted as previously deferred gains or losses are recognized. As of September 30, 2010, under the Plan, the Company had cumulative investment losses of approximately $1.3 million, which remain to be recognized in the


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
calculation of the market-related value of assets. The Company also had cumulative other actuarial losses of $7.1 million at September 20, 2010, which are amortized into net periodic benefit costs over the average remaining service period of active participants in the Plan.
 
The discount rate utilized for determining future pension obligations for the Plan is based on the Citigroup Pension Index adjusted for the Plan’s expected cash flows and was 4.75% at September 30, 2010, down from 5.50% at September 30, 2009.
 
The expected long term rate of return on Plan assets used to determine future pension obligations was 6.50% and 8.00% as of September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. In developing the expected return on plan assets assumption, the Company evaluated fixed income yield curve data and equity return assumption studies, and applied this data to the expected asset allocation to develop an appropriate projected return on Plan assets.
 
Plan Assets
 
The assets of the plan are invested primarily in equity and debt securities. The Plan investments are managed by a third party investment manager. The performance of the investment manager is reviewed regularly by an Investment Committee that is comprised of members of senior management. Results for the total portfolio and for each major category of assets are evaluated in comparison with appropriate market indices. The investment portfolio does not, at any time, have a direct investment in Company stock. It may have indirect investment in Company stock, if one of the funds selected by the investment manager invests in Company stock. The investment manager periodically recommends asset allocation changes to the Investment Committee. Due to the frozen status of the Plan, the investment return objectives are to match the investment returns with the timing of future pension liability payments, which recently has led to increased investments in debt securities.
 
The Company’s weighted average asset allocation at September 30, 2010 and target allocation at September 30, 2011, by asset category is as follows:
 
             
    Percentage of
    Target
    Plan Assets at
    Allocation at
    September 30,
    September 30,
    2010     2011
 
Equity securities
    27 %   30% - 50%
Debt securities
    56     50% - 70%
Cash
    17     0% - 10%
             
      100 %    
             


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The fair value of pension assets by asset category and by level at September 30, 2010 were as follows (in thousands):
 
                                 
    As of September 30, 2010  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
 
Fixed income securities:
                               
Short duration bond mutual funds
  $ 491                 $ 491  
Intermediate duration bond mutual funds
    1,561                   1,561  
Long-term duration bond mutual funds
    3,539                   3,539  
Equity securities:
                               
Common stock
    1,596                   1,596  
Small cap mutual fund
    85                   85  
Mid cap common/collective fund
          356             356  
Convertible securities common/collective fund
          623             623  
Cash and cash equivalents
    1,739                   1,739  
                                 
Total
  $ 9,011     $ 979     $     $ 9,990  
                                 
 
See Note 4 for a description of the levels of inputs used to determine fair value measurements.
 
During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010, the Company made a voluntary contribution of $3.6 million to the Plan, which was in addition to the $0.6 million of required minimum contributions made throughout fiscal year 2010. The Company expects to contribute $0.5 million to the Plan in fiscal 2011 to meet minimum funding targets.
 
Expected benefit payments over the next ten years are expected to be paid as follows (in thousands):
 
         
2011
  $ 621  
2012
    607  
2013
    622  
2014
    767  
2015
    687  
2016-2020
    4,143  
 
The Company sponsors defined contribution plans that meet the requirements of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. All United States employees of the Company who meet minimum age and service requirements are eligible to participate in the plan. The plan allows employees to invest, on a pre-tax basis, a percentage of their annual salary subject to statutory limitations.
 
The Company’s contribution expense for worldwide defined contribution plans was $2.6 million, $2.7 million and $3.5 million for the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
The Company has a Supplemental Key Executive Retirement Plan (acquired with Helix) which is designed to supplement benefits paid to participants under Company-funded, tax-qualified retirement plans. The Company did not record additional retirement costs for the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, in connection with this plan. At September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company had $0.1 million accrued for benefits payable under the Supplemental Key Executive Retirement Plan.


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
12.   Stockholders’ Equity
 
Preferred Stock
 
At September 30, 2010 and 2009 there were one million shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share authorized; no shares were issued and outstanding at September 30, 2010 and 2009. Preferred stock may be issued at the discretion of the Board of Directors without stockholder approval with such designations, rights and preferences as the Board of Directors may determine.
 
13.   Stock Plans
 
Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan
 
The purposes of the Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2000 Plan”), are to attract and retain employees and to provide an incentive for them to assist the Company to achieve long-range performance goals and to enable them to participate in the long-term growth of the Company. Under the 2000 Plan the Company may grant (i) incentive stock options intended to qualify under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, and (ii) options that are not qualified as incentive stock options (“nonqualified stock options”) and (iii) stock appreciation rights, performance awards and restricted stock. All employees of the Company or any affiliate of the Company, independent directors, consultants and advisors are eligible to participate in the 2000 Plan. Options under the 2000 Plan generally vest over four years and expire seven years from the date of grant. A total of 9,000,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2000 Plan. As of September 30, 2010, 693,249 options are outstanding and 5,173,514 shares remain available for grant.
 
During the year ended September 30, 2010, the Company issued 869,639 shares of restricted stock or units under the Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan, net of cancellations. These restricted stock awards generally have the following vesting schedules: immediate; two year cliff vesting; and three year vesting in which one-third vest in Year 1, one-third vest in Year 2 and one-third vest in Year 3. Compensation expense related to these awards is being recognized on a straight line basis over the vesting period, based on the difference between the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant and the amount received from the employee. In addition, in fiscal 2010, the Company granted 126,500 restricted stock awards to senior management, the number of shares ultimately issued will be measured at the end of fiscal year 2012 and is dependent upon the achievement of certain financial performance goals. These awards are expensed over the related service period when attainment of the performance condition is considered probable. The total amount of compensation recorded will depend on the Company’s achievement of performance targets. Changes to the projected attainment of performance targets during the vesting period may result in an adjustment to the amount of cumulative compensation recorded as of the date the estimate is revised.
 
1998 Employee Equity Incentive Plan
 
The purposes of the 1998 Employee Equity Incentive Plan (the “1998 Plan”), adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company in April 1998, are to attract and retain employees and provide an incentive for them to assist the Company in achieving long-range performance goals, and to enable them to participate in the long-term growth of the Company. All employees of the Company, other than its officers and directors, (including contractors, consultants, service providers or others) who are in a position to contribute to the long-term success and growth of the Company, are eligible to participate in the 1998 Plan. Options under the 1998 Plan generally vest over a period of four years and generally expire seven years from the date of grant. On February 26, 2003, the Board of Directors voted to cancel and not return to the reserve any 1998 Plan forfeited options. From February 26, 2003 through September 30, 2010, 3,193,760 options were forfeited due to employee terminations. On August 5, 2009, the Board of Directors voted not to issue any further shares out of the 1998 Plan. A total of 19,060 options are outstanding under the 1998 Plan as of September 30, 2010.


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
1993 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan
 
The purpose of the 1993 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the “Directors Plan”) was to attract and retain the services of experienced and knowledgeable independent directors of the Company. Options granted under the Directors Plan generally vested over a period of five years and generally expired ten years from the date of grant. A total of 10,000 options are outstanding and no shares remain available for grant under the Directors Plan as of September 30, 2010.
 
Stock Options of Acquired Companies
 
In connection with the acquisition of Helix on October 26, 2005, the Company assumed the outstanding options of multiple stock option plans that were adopted by Helix. At acquisition, 689,622 options to purchase Helix common stock were outstanding and converted into 765,480 options to purchase the Company’s Common Stock. A total of 87,132 options are outstanding and 430,813 shares remain available for grant under the Helix plans as of September 30, 2010. The Company does not intend to issue any additional options under the Helix stock option plan.
 
Stock Option Activity
 
Aggregate stock option activity for all the above plans for the year ended September 30, 2010 is as follows:
 
                                 
    2010  
          Weighted-
             
          Average
          Aggregate
 
          Remaining
    Weighted
    Intrinsic
 
          Contractual
    Average
    Value (In
 
    Shares     Term     Price     Thousands)  
 
Options outstanding at beginning of year
    1,189,897             $ 17.54          
Exercised
    (2,200 )           $ 8.57          
Forfeited/expired
    (423,076 )           $ 15.05          
                                 
Options outstanding at end of year
    764,621       1.0 year     $ 18.94     $ 5  
                                 
Vested and unvested expected to vest at end of year
    764,506       1.0 year     $ 18.94     $ 5  
                                 
Options exercisable at end of year
    744,621       1.0 year     $ 19.10     $ 5  
                                 
Options available for future grant
    5,604,327                          
                                 
 
The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total intrinsic value, based on the Company’s closing stock price of $6.71 as of September 30, 2010, which would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of that date.
 
No stock options were granted in fiscal 2010, 2009 or 2008. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $3,000, $0 and $35,000, respectively. The total cash received from employees as a result of employee stock option exercises during fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $19,000, $0 and $392,000, respectively.
 
As of September 30, 2010 future compensation cost related to nonvested stock options is approximately $15,000 and will be recognized over an estimated weighted average period of 0.1 years.
 
The Company settles employee stock option exercises with newly issued common shares.
 
Based on information currently available, the Company believes that, although certain options may have been granted in violation of its applicable option plans, those options are valid and enforceable obligations of the Company.


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Restricted Stock Activity
 
Restricted stock for the year ended September 30, 2010 was determined using the fair value method. A summary of the status of the Company’s restricted stock as of September 30, 2010 and changes during the year is as follows:
 
                 
    2010  
          Weighted
 
          Average
 
          Grant-Date
 
    Shares     Fair Value  
 
Outstanding at beginning of year
    1,162,086     $ 8.96  
Awards granted
    1,036,846       8.73  
Awards vested
    (845,022 )     8.13  
Awards canceled
    (40,707 )     6.85  
                 
Outstanding at end of year
    1,313,203     $ 9.40  
                 
 
In November 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors (“the Board”) approved the payment of performance based variable compensation awards to certain executive management employees related to fiscal year 2009 performance. The Board chose to pay these awards in fully vested shares of the Company’s common stock rather than cash. The Company granted 178,346 shares based on the closing share price as of November 13, 2009. The $1.4 million of compensation expense related to these awards was recorded during fiscal year 2009 as selling, general and administrative expense.
 
The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock granted during fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008 was $4.28 and $12.06 per share, respectively. The fair value of restricted stock awards vested during fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $6.8 million, $4.4 million and $4.4 million, respectively. Included in fiscal 2010 was $1.4 million of compensation expense related to the fiscal year 2009 variable compensation award.
 
As of September 30, 2010, the unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock is $6.4 million and will be recognized over an estimated weighted average amortization period of 1.5 years.
 
1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 
On February 22, 1996, the stockholders approved the 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “1995 Plan”) which enables eligible employees to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. Under the 1995 Plan, eligible employees may purchase up to an aggregate of 3,000,000 shares during six-month offering periods commencing on February 1 and August 1 of each year at a price per share of 85% of the lower of the fair market value price per share on the first or last day of each six-month offering period. Participating employees may elect to have up to 10% of their base pay withheld and applied toward the purchase of such shares. The rights of participating employees under the 1995 Plan terminate upon voluntary withdrawal from the plan at any time or upon termination of employment. As of September 30, 2010, 2,520,968 shares of common stock have been purchased under the 1995 Plan and 479,032 shares remain available for purchase.
 
14.   Restructuring Costs and Accruals
 
Fiscal 2010 Activities
 
The Company recorded a charge to continuing operations of $2.5 million in the year ended September 30, 2010 for restructuring costs. Of this amount, $0.9 million related to workforce reductions and $1.6 million related to facility costs. The severance costs primarily include adjustments for contingent severance arrangements for corporate management positions eliminated in prior periods. The facility costs include $0.4 million to amortize the deferred discount on multi-year facility restructuring liabilities. In addition, the Company revised the present value


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
discounting of multi-year facility related restructuring liabilities during the first quarter of fiscal year 2010 when certain accounting errors were identified in its prior period financial statements that, individually and in aggregate, are not material to its financial statements taken as a whole for any related prior periods, and recorded a charge of $1.2 million. These facility charges are primarily related to a facility exited in fiscal year 2002, for which the lease ends in July 2011. The accruals for workforce reductions are expected to be paid over the next twelve months.
 
Fiscal 2009 Activities
 
The Company recorded a charge to continuing operations of $12.8 million in the year ended September 30, 2009 for restructuring costs. Of this amount, $11.1 million related to workforce reductions and $0.6 million related to costs to vacate a manufacturing facility in the United States, and other restructuring costs of $1.1 million. The workforce reductions consisted of $11.1 million of severance costs associated with workforce reductions of 450 employees in operations, service and administrative functions across all the main geographies in which the Company operates. The restructuring charges by segment for fiscal 2009 were: Critical Solutions Group — $3.4 million, Systems Solutions Group — $4.1 million and Global Customer Operations — $3.1 million. In addition, the Company incurred $2.2 million of restructuring charges in fiscal 2009 that were related to general corporate functions that support all of its segments.
 
Fiscal 2008 Activities
 
The Company recorded a charge to continuing operations of $7.3 million in the year ended September 30, 2008 for restructuring costs. Of this amount, $6.8 million related to workforce reductions and $0.5 million related to costs to vacate excess facilities in San Jose, California and South Korea. The workforce reductions consisted of $6.8 million of severance costs associated with workforce reductions of 230 employees in operations, service and administrative functions across all the main geographies in which the Company operates. The restructuring charges by segment for fiscal 2008 were: Global Customer Operations — $2.7 million, Critical Solutions Group — $0.9 million and Systems Solutions Group — $1.2 million. In addition, the Company incurred $2.5 million of restructuring charges in fiscal 2008 that were related to general corporate functions that support all of its segments.
 
The activity related to the Company’s restructuring accruals is below, which includes activity related to the discontinued software division (in thousands):
 
                                 
    Fiscal 2010 Activity  
    Balance
                Balance
 
    September 30,
                September 30,
 
    2009     Expense     Utilization     2010  
 
Facilities and other
  $ 6,289     $ 1,584     $ (4,364 )   $ 3,509  
Workforce-related
    1,372       945       (2,317 )      
                                 
    $ 7,661     $ 2,529     $ (6,681 )   $ 3,509  
                                 
 
                                 
    Fiscal 2009 Activity  
    Balance
                Balance
 
    September 30,
                September 30,
 
    2008     Expense     Utilization     2009  
 
Facilities
  $ 9,658     $ 1,769     $ (5,138 )   $ 6,289  
Workforce-related
    3,005       11,037       (12,670 )     1,372  
                                 
    $ 12,663     $ 12,806     $ (17,808 )   $ 7,661  
                                 
 


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
                                 
    Fiscal 2008 Activity  
    Balance
                Balance
 
    September 30,
                September 30,
 
    2007     Expense     Utilization     2008  
 
Facilities
  $ 12,804     $ 540     $ (3,686 )   $ 9,658  
Workforce-related
    2,907       6,747       (6,649 )     3,005  
                                 
    $ 15,711     $ 7,287     $ (10,335 )   $ 12,663  
                                 
 
15.   Segment and Geographic Information
 
The Company reports financial results in three segments: Critical Solutions Group; Systems Solutions Group; and Global Customer Operations. In the second quarter of fiscal 2009 the Company realigned its management structure and its underlying internal financial reporting structure. The Company has reclassified prior year data due to the changes made in its reportable segments.
 
The Critical Solutions Group segment provides a variety of products critical to technology equipment productivity and availability. Those products include robots and robotic modules for atmospheric and vacuum applications and cryogenic vacuum pumping, thermal management and vacuum measurement solutions used to create, measure and control critical process vacuum applications.
 
The Systems Solutions Group segment provides a range of products and engineering and manufacturing services, which include the Company’s Extended Factory services. The Company’s Extended Factory product offering provides services to build equipment front-end modules and other subassemblies which enable its customers to effectively develop and source high quality and high reliability process tools for semiconductor and adjacent market applications.
 
The Global Customer Operations segment provides an extensive range of support services including on and off-site repair services, on and off-site diagnostic support services, and installation services to enable the Company’s customers to maximize process tool uptime and productivity. This segment also provides services and spare parts for certain legacy products.
 
The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources based on revenues, operating income (loss) and returns on invested assets. Operating income (loss) for each segment includes selling, general and administrative expenses directly attributable to the segment. Other unallocated corporate expenses (primarily certain legal costs associated with the Company’s past equity incentive-related practices and costs to indemnify a former executive in connection with these matters), amortization of acquired intangible assets (excluding completed technology) and restructuring, goodwill, and long-lived asset impairment charges are excluded from the segments’ operating income (loss). The Company’s non-allocable overhead costs, which include various general and administrative expenses, are allocated among the segments based upon various cost drivers associated with the respective administrative function, including segment revenues, segment headcount, or an analysis of the segments that benefit from a specific administrative function. Segment assets exclude investments in joint ventures, marketable securities and cash equivalents.

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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Financial information for the Company’s business segments is as follows (in thousands):
 
                                 
    Critical
    Systems
    Global
       
    Solutions
    Solutions
    Customer
       
    Group     Group     Operations     Total  
 
Year ended September 30, 2010
                               
Revenues
                               
Product
  $ 242,236     $ 286,588     $ 3,350     $ 532,174  
Services
                60,798       60,798  
                                 
    $ 242,236     $ 286,588     $ 64,148     $ 592,972  
                                 
Gross profit
  $ 94,339     $ 57,969     $ 13,987     $ 166,295  
Segment operating income (loss)
  $ 33,311     $ 21,951     $ (2,979 )   $ 52,283  
Depreciation
  $ 5,801     $ 5,942     $ 2,820     $ 14,563  
Assets
  $ 162,851     $ 127,694     $ 47,451     $ 337,996  
Year ended September 30, 2009
                               
Revenues
                               
Product
  $ 95,414     $ 69,914     $ 2,224     $ 167,552  
Services
                51,154       51,154  
                                 
    $ 95,414     $ 69,914     $ 53,378     $ 218,706  
                                 
Gross profit (loss)
  $ 14,460     $ (3,171 )   $ 3,639     $ 14,928  
Segment operating loss
  $ (40,818 )   $ (38,879 )   $ (16,984 )   $ (96,681 )
Depreciation
  $ 4,912     $ 6,256     $ 4,474     $ 15,642  
Assets
  $ 138,930     $ 70,537     $ 56,007     $ 265,474  
Year ended September 30, 2008
                               
Revenues
                               
Product
  $ 252,571     $ 197,149     $ 6,702     $ 456,422  
Services
                69,944       69,944  
                                 
    $ 252,571     $ 197,149     $ 76,646     $ 526,366  
                                 
Gross profit
  $ 85,379     $ 32,573     $ 8,876     $ 126,828  
Segment operating income (loss)
  $ 17,380     $ (22,215 )   $ (10,914 )   $ (15,749 )
Depreciation
  $ 5,903     $ 8,137     $ 4,136     $ 18,176  
Assets
  $ 203,626     $ 119,029     $ 126,629     $ 449,284  
 
A reconciliation of the Company’s reportable segment gross profit to the corresponding consolidated amounts for the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 is as follows (in thousands):
 
                         
    2010     2009     2008  
 
Segment gross profit from continuing operations
  $ 166,295     $ 14,928     $ 126,828  
Impairment of long-lived assets
          (20,924 )      
                         
Total gross profit (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 166,295     $ (5,996 )   $ 126,828  
                         


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
A reconciliation of the Company’s reportable segment operating income (loss) and segment assets to the corresponding consolidated amounts as of and for the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 is as follows (in thousands):
 
                         
    As of and for the Year Ended
 
    September 30,  
    2010     2009     2008  
 
Segment operating income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 52,283     $ (96,681 )   $ (15,749 )
Other unallocated corporate expenses
    778       6,592       3,819  
Amortization of acquired intangible assets
    1,969       4,637       7,044  
Impairment of goodwill
          71,800       197,883  
Impairment of long-lived assets
          35,512       5,687  
Restructuring charges
    2,529       12,806       7,287  
                         
Total operating income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 47,007     $ (228,028 )   $ (237,469 )
                         
Segment assets
  $ 337,996     $ 265,474     $ 449,284  
Investments in cash equivalents, marketable securities, joint ventures and other unallocated corporate net assets
    180,228       147,728       205,582  
Insurance receivable
          120       8,772  
                         
Total assets
  $ 518,224     $ 413,322     $ 663,638  
                         
 
Net revenues based upon the source of the order by geographic area are as follows (in thousands):
 
                         
    Year Ended September 30,  
    2010     2009     2008  
 
North America
  $ 322,542     $ 115,734     $ 340,214  
Asia/Pacific
    203,172       68,393       108,786  
Europe
    67,258       34,579       77,366  
                         
    $ 592,972     $ 218,706     $ 526,366  
                         
 
Long-lived assets, consisting of property, plant and equipment by geographic area are as follows (in thousands):
 
                         
    Year Ended September 30,  
    2010     2009     2008  
 
North America
  $ 60,263     $ 71,363     $ 76,306  
Asia/Pacific
    3,076       3,084       4,835  
Europe
    330       346       463  
                         
    $ 63,669     $ 74,793     $ 81,604  
                         
 
16.   Significant Customers
 
The Company had three customers that each accounted for more than 10% of revenues in the year ended September 30, 2010. The Company had one customer that accounted for more than 10% of revenues in the year ended September 30, 2009. The Company had two customers that each accounted for more than 10% of revenues in the year ended September 30, 2008. The Company had one customer that accounted for more than 10% of its accounts receivable balance at September 30, 2010 and 2009.


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
17.   Other Balance Sheet Information
 
Components of other selected captions in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):
 
                 
    September 30,  
    2010     2009  
 
Accounts receivable
  $ 92,764     $ 39,147  
Less allowance for doubtful accounts
    491       719  
                 
    $ 92,273     $ 38,428  
                 
 
The allowance for doubtful accounts activity for the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 were as follows (in thousands):
 
                                         
    Balance at
      Reversals of
      Balance at
    Beginning of
      Bad Debt
  Write-offs and
  End of
Description
  Period   Provisions   Expense   Adjustments   Period
 
2010 Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 719     $ 125     $ (192 )   $ (161 )   $ 491  
2009 Allowance for doubtful accounts
    1,366       419             (1,066 )     719  
2008 Allowance for doubtful accounts
    1,469       720       (255 )     (568 )     1,366  
 
                 
    September 30,  
    2010     2009  
 
Inventories, net
               
Raw materials and purchased parts
  $ 79,972     $ 65,815  
Work-in-process
    22,392       13,588  
Finished goods
    13,423       5,335  
                 
    $ 115,787     $ 84,738  
                 
 
Reserves for excess and obsolete inventory were $23.8 million, $27.7 million and $18.3 million at September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The Company recorded additions to reserves for excess and obsolete inventory of $2.3 million, $12.8 million and $4.9 million in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The Company reduced the reserves for excess and obsolete inventory by $6.0 million, $3.0 million and $6.3 million, in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, for disposals of inventory.


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties, primarily from historical information, at the time product revenue is recognized and retrofit accruals at the time retrofit programs are established. While the Company engages in extensive product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of its component suppliers, the Company’s warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates, utilization levels, material usage, service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure, and supplier warranties on parts delivered to the Company. Product warranty and retrofit activity on a gross basis for the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 is as follows (in thousands):
 
         
Balance at September 30, 2007
  $ 10,986  
Accruals for warranties during the year
    10,344  
Settlements made during the year
    (13,156 )
         
Balance at September 30, 2008
    8,174  
Accruals for warranties during the year
    8,534  
Settlements made during the year
    (11,010 )
         
Balance at September 30, 2009
    5,698  
Accruals for warranties during the year
    17,948  
Settlements made during the year
    (15,451 )
         
Balance at September 30, 2010
  $ 8,195  
         
 
18.   Commitments and Contingencies
 
Lease Commitments
 
The Company leases manufacturing and office facilities and certain equipment under operating leases that expire through 2016. Rental expense under operating leases, excluding expense recorded as a component of restructuring, for the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $4.7 million, $4.8 million and $5.4 million, respectively. Future minimum lease commitments on non-cancelable operating leases, lease income and sublease income are as follows (in thousands):
 
                 
    Operating
    Sublease
 
    Leases     Income  
 
Year ended September 30, 2011
  $ 10,884     $ 1,442  
2012
    4,860       4  
2013
    4,702        
2014
    4,090        
2015
    2,489        
Thereafter
    598        
                 
    $ 27,623     $ 1,446  
                 
 
These future minimum lease commitments include approximately $4.7 million related to facilities the Company has elected to abandon in connection with its restructuring initiatives. In addition, the Company is a guarantor on a lease in Mexico that expires in January 2013. As of September 30, 2010, the remaining payments under this lease are approximately $0.9 million.
 
At September 30, 2010, the Company had $0.3 million of outstanding letters of credit.


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BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Purchase Commitments
 
The Company has non-cancelable contracts and purchase orders for inventory of $90.7 million at September 30, 2010.
 
Contingencies
 
On August 22, 2006, an action captioned as Mark Levy v. Robert J. Therrien and Brooks Automation, Inc., was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, seeking recovery, on behalf of Brooks, from Mr. Therrien (the Company’s former Chairman and CEO) under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act for alleged “short-swing” profits earned by Mr. Therrien due to the loan and stock option exercise in November 1999, and a sale by Mr. Therrien of Brooks stock in March 2000. The complaint seeks disgorgement of all profits earned by Mr. Therrien on the transactions, attorneys’ fees and other expenses. On February 20, 2007, a second Section 16(b) action, concerning the same loan and stock option exercise in November 1999 discussed above and seeking the same remedy, was filed in the United States District Court of the District of Delaware, captioned Aron Rosenberg v. Robert J. Therrien and Brooks Automation, Inc. On April 4, 2007, the court issued an order consolidating the Levy and Rosenberg actions. On July 14, 2008, the court denied Mr. Therrien’s motion to dismiss this action. Discovery has commenced in this matter. The parties have also been engaged in discussions to seek a settlement of the case, and those discussions continue. Brooks is a nominal defendant in the consolidated action and any recovery in this action, less attorneys’ fees, would go to the Company.


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Item 9.   Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Financial Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
Not applicable.
 
Item 9A.   Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based upon this evaluation, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this annual report.
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act, as a process designed by, or under the supervision of our chief executive and chief financial officers and effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:
 
  •  pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and disposition of our assets;
 
  •  provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorization of our management and directors; and
 
  •  provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, we conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2010. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) an Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment, we concluded that, as of September 30, 2010, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
 
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2010 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.


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Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal fourth quarter ended September 30, 2010, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Item 9B.   Other Information
 
None.
 
PART III
 
Item 10.   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
The information required by this Item 10 is hereby incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed by us within 120 days after the close of our fiscal year.
 
Item 11.   Executive Compensation
 
The information required by this Item 11 is hereby incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed by us within 120 days after the close of our fiscal year.
 
Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
The information required by this Item 12 is hereby incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed by us within 120 days after the close of our fiscal year.
 
Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
 
The information required by this Item 13 is hereby incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed by us within 120 days after the close of our fiscal year.
 
Item 14.   Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 
The information required by this Item 14 is hereby incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed by us within 120 days after the close of our fiscal year.
 
PART IV
 
Item 15.   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
(a) Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules
 
The consolidated financial statements of the Company are listed in the index under Part II, Item 8, in this Form 10-K.
 
Other financial statement schedules are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is given in the supplementary consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.


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(b) Exhibits
 
         
Exhibit
   
No.
 
Description
 
  3 .01   Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-127945), filed on August 30, 2005, as amended on September 26, 2005 (the “Helix S-4”).
  3 .02   Certificate of Designations of the Company’s Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.03 of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333- 34487), filed on August 27, 1997).
  3 .03   Certificate of Amendment of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of the Helix S-4).
  3 .04   Certificate of Amendment of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of the Helix S-4).
  3 .05   Certificate of Increase of Shares Designated as the Company’s Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.5 of the Helix S-4).
  3 .06   Certificate of Ownership and Merger of PRI Automation, Inc. into the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.6 of the Helix S-4).
  3 .07   Certificate of Designations of Special Voting Preferred Stock of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.13 of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-87194), filed on April 29, 2002, as amended May 13, 2002).
  3 .08   Certificate of Change of Registered Agent and Registered Office of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.8 of the Helix S-4).
  3 .09   Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.
  3 .10   Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.
  3 .11   Certificate of Elimination, Designation, Preference and Rights of the Special Voting Preferred Stock of the Company.
  3 .12   Certificate of Increase of Shares Designated as Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock.
  3 .13   Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.01 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed on February 11, 2008).
  4 .01   Specimen Certificate for shares of the Company’s common stock (incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-88320), filed on May 15, 2002).
  10 .01   Shareholders’ Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2006, among Yaskawa Electric Corporation, Brooks Automation, Inc. and Yaskawa Brooks Automation, Inc.
  10 .02   U.S. Robot Supply Agreement, made as of June 30, 2006, by and between Brooks Automation, Inc. and Yaskawa Electric Corporation.
  10 .03   Brooks Japan Robot Supply Agreement, made as of June 30, 2006, by and between Yaskawa Brooks Automation, Inc. and Brooks Automation, Inc.
  10 .04   Basic agreement between the Company and Ulvac Corporation dated August 17, 1981 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of the registration statement on Form S-2 (Registration No. 2-84880) filed by Helix Technology Corporation)).
  10 .05   Form of Indemnification Agreement for directors and officers of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-87296), filed on December 13, 1994 (the “Brooks S-1”))).
  10 .06   Employment Agreement dated as of October 24, 2005, by and between the Company and Thomas S. Grilk.
  10 .07   Employment Agreement dated as of September 30, 2007, by and between the Company and Robert Lepofsky (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, filed on November 29, 2007 (the “2007 10-K”)).
  10 .08   Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of January 1, 2009, by and between the Company and Robert Lepofsky (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.01 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2009, filed on May 7, 2009).


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Exhibit
   
No.
 
Description
 
  10 .09   Employment Agreement, effective as of January 28, 2008, by and between Brooks Automation, Inc. and Martin S. Headley (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed on January 31, 2008).
  10 .10   Employment Agreement, effective as of October 26, 2005, by and between Brooks Automation, Inc. and Steven A. Michaud (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.09 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008, filed on November 26, 2008 (the “2008 10-K”)).
  10 .11   1993 Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-22717), filed on March 4, 1997).
  10 .12   1992 Combination Stock Option Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-07313), filed on July 1, 1996).
  10 .13   1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended.
  10 .14   Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan, restated as of December 29, 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.01 of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2008, filed on February 9, 2009).
  10 .15   Helix Technology Corporation 1996 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-129724), filed on November 16, 2005).
  10 .16   Helix Technology Corporation Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-129724), filed on November 16, 2005).
  10 .17   Helix Technology Corporation 1981 Employee Stock Option Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3. of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-129724), filed on November 16, 2005).
  10 .18   Form of 2000 Equity Incentive Plan New Employee Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement.
  10 .19   Form of 2000 Equity Incentive Plan Existing Employee Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement.
  10 .20   Form of 2000 Equity Incentive Plan Director Stock Option Agreement.
  10 .21   Form of Restricted Stock Agreement.
  10 .22   Restricted Stock Agreement, dated as of April 25, 2008, by and between the Company and Robert J. Lepofsky (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.03 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2008, filed on August 7, 2008 (the “2008 Q3 10-Q”)).
  10 .23   Restricted Stock Agreement, dated as of April 25, 2008, by and between the Company and Robert J. Lepofsky (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.04 to the 2008 Q3 10-Q).
  10 .24   Restricted Stock Agreement, dated as of April 25, 2008, by and between the Company and Robert J. Lepofsky (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.05 to the 2008 Q3 10-Q).
  10 .25   Brooks Automation, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended.
  10 .26   Amendment No. 2008-01 to the Brooks Automation, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.01 to the 2008 Q3 10-Q).
  10 .27   Amendment No. 2 to the Helix Technology Corporation Employees’ Pension Plan effective as of May 20, 2009 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the 2009 10-K).
  10 .28   Lease between the Company and BerCar II, LLC for 12 Elizabeth Drive, Chelmsford, Massachusetts dated October 23, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Company’s 2008 10-K).
  10 .29   First Amendment to Lease between the Company and BerCar II, LLC for 12 Elizabeth Drive, Chelmsford, Massachusetts dated November 1, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Company’s 2008 10-K).
  10 .30   Lease Agreement dated as of May 5, 1994 between the Company and The Prudential Insurance Company of America for 805 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA (incorporated herein by reference to the Brooks S-1).

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Exhibit
   
No.
 
Description
 
  10 .31   Amendment to Lease dated as of July 24, 2000 between the Company and BCIA New England Holdings LLC (successor in interest to The Prudential Insurance Company of America) for 805 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA.
  10 .32   Lease Agreement dated as of October 12, 2000 between the Company and Progress Road LLC for 17 Progress Road, Billerica, MA.
  10 .33   First Amendment to Lease dated as of March 21, 2001 between the Company and Progress Road LLC for 17 Progress Road, Billerica, MA.
  10 .34   Lease, dated May 14, 1999, between MUM IV, LLC as Lessor and the Company as Lessee.
  10 .35   Multi-Tenant Industrial Triple Net Lease, effective December 15, 2000, between Catellus Development Corporation and Synetics Solutions, Inc., including amendments thereto.
  10 .36   Factory Lease Advanced Agreement among Sang Chul Park, Young Ja Kim, Joon Ho Park, Brooks Automation Asia, Ltd. and Brooks Automation Korea, Inc.
  10 .37   Lease dated September 6, 2001 between The Harry Friedman and Edith B. Friedman Revocable Living Trust Dated May 15, 1986 et al as Lessor and the Company (IGC — Polycold Systems Inc.) as Lessee.
  10 .38   Lease dated August 8, 2008 between the Company and Koll/Intereal Bay Area for 4051 Burton Drive, Santa Clara, CA (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Company’s 2008 10-K).
  10 .39   Lease effective September 1, 2005 between Keystone Technology Ltd (HK) and Wuxi New District for J3-4 Wuxi Export Processing Zone, Wuxi, China (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to the 2009 10-K).
  10 .40   Lease effective September 30, 2010 between the Company and Catellus Operating Limited Partnership for Southshore Corporate Park Building A, 18550-18870 NE Riverside Pkwy, Gresham, OR.
  10 .41   Employment Agreement, effective as of April 5, 2010, by and between Brooks Automation, Inc. and Stephen S. Schwartz (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.01 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2010, filed on May 6, 2010).
  10 .42   Non-Employee Directors Stock Grant/Restricted Stock Unit Election Form.
  21 .01   Subsidiaries of the Company.
  23 .01   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (Independent registered public accounting firm for the Company).
  31 .01   Rule 13a-14(a),15d-14(a) Certification.
  31 .02   Rule 13a-14(a),15d-14(a) Certification.
  32     Section 1350 Certifications.

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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
 
  By: 
/s/  Stephen S. Schwartz
Stephen S. Schwartz,
Chief Executive Officer
 
Date: November 23, 2010
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
/s/  Stephen S. Schwartz

Stephen S. Schwartz
  Director and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)   November 23, 2010
         
/s/  Martin S. Headley

Martin S. Headley
  Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
  November 23, 2010
         
/s/  Timothy S. Mathews

Timothy S. Mathews
  Vice President and
Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  November 23, 2010
         
/s/  A. Clinton Allen

A. Clinton Allen
  Director   November 23, 2010
         
/s/  Joseph R. Martin

Joseph R. Martin
  Director   November 23, 2010
         
/s/  John K. McGillicuddy

John K. McGillicuddy
  Director   November 23, 2010
         
/s/  Krishna G. Palepu

Krishna G. Palepu
  Director   November 23, 2010
         
/s/  Chong Sup Park

Chong Sup Park
  Director   November 23, 2010
         
/s/  Kirk P. Pond

Kirk P. Pond
  Director   November 23, 2010
         
/s/  Alfred Woollacott III

Alfred Woollacott III
  Director   November 23, 2010
         
/s/  Mark S. Wrighton

Mark S. Wrighton
  Director   November 23, 2010


78