Item 1. Business
Zebra Technologies Corporation is a Delaware corporation. Our principal offices are located at 475 Half Day Road, Suite 500, Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069. Our main telephone number is (847) 634-6700 and our primary Internet Web site address is www.zebra.com. You can find all of Zebra’s filings with the SEC free of charge through the investor page on this Web site, immediately upon filing.
The Company
Zebra delivers products and solutions that improve our customers’ ability to put their critical assets to work smarter by identifying, tracking and managing assets, transactions and people.
Through the Specialty Printing Group (SPG), we design, manufacture and sell specialty printing devices that print variable information on demand at the point of issuance. These devices are used worldwide by manufacturers, service and retail organizations and governments for automatic identification, data collection and personal identification in applications that improve productivity, deliver better customer service and provide more effective security. Our product range consists of direct thermal and thermal transfer label and receipt printers, passive radio frequency identification (RFID) printer/encoders and dye sublimation card printers. We also sell a comprehensive range of specialty supplies consisting of self-adhesive labels, thermal transfer ribbons, thermal printheads, batteries and other accessories, including software for label design and printer network management.
In 2007 and 2008, we acquired WhereNet Corp., proveo AG, Navis Holdings, LLC and Multispectral Solutions, Inc. These companies comprise the Zebra Enterprise Solutions Group (ZES). The acquisitions of these companies has expanded the range of identification and tracking solutions we deliver to our customers. In addition, they provided us with new technologies to offer our customers including active RFID, global positioning systems (GPS), telematics and ultra wideband (UWB) technologies. ZES products consist of battery-powered wireless tags, fixed-position antennae, transponder modules and application software. ZES also provides consulting services, maintenance contracts and software licenses.
Zebra Specialty Printing Group (SPG)
We design our printer products to operate at the point of issuance to produce high-quality labels, tickets, receipts, and plastic cards on demand. The exceptional diversity of applications using our printer products for barcoding and personal identification includes routing and tracking, transactions processing, and identification and authentication. These applications require high levels of data accuracy, where speed, reliability and durability are critical. They also include specialty printing for receipts and tickets where improved customer service and productivity gains may be the primary reason for using our on demand receipt printers. Plastic cards are used for secure, reliable personal identification or access control.
Applications for our printing technology span most industries and geographies. They include inventory control, small package delivery, baggage handling, automated warehousing, JIT (Just-In-Time) manufacturing, employee time and attendance records, file management systems, hospital information systems, medical specimen labeling, shop floor control, in-store product labeling, employee ID cards, driver’s licenses, and access control systems. As of December 31, 2009, management estimates that Zebra has sold more than 8,400,000 printers to customers around the world.
We believe competitive forces on businesses worldwide to strengthen security, reduce costs, more effectively manage assets, improve quality, deliver better customer service, and increase productivity support the adoption of the printing and automatic identification applications Zebra provides because these solutions deliver significant and predictable economic benefits. Industry-mandated compliance requirements for bar code labeling and RFID tagging are also important catalysts in the deployment of these systems. Many of Zebra’s applications enhance the use of enterprise resource planning (ERP) and other process improvement systems in manufacturing and service organizations. Greater emphasis on supply chain management, the drive to reduce errors in healthcare, and heightened concern over safety and security are also increasing the use of automatic identification systems. Still other applications are taking advantage of recent advances in wireless and hand-held computing technologies.
Concern for safety and security and personal identification contribute to demand for our card printer products. This concern has heightened interest in systems that provide personal identification and access control, including secure ID systems for driver’s licenses, employee and visitor badges, national identification cards, event passes, club membership cards and keyless entry systems.
Our printers are used to print bar code labels, receipts, plastic identification cards, wristbands, tags and encode passive RFID “smart” labels. We also sell related specialty labeling materials, thermal ink ribbons, and bar code label design and network management software. These products are used to support bar code labeling, personal identification, and specialty printing solutions principally in the manufacturing supply chain, retail, healthcare and government sectors of the economy. We work closely with distributors, value-added resellers, kiosk manufacturers and end users of our products to design and implement printing solutions that meet their technical demands. To achieve this flexibility, we provide our customers with a broad selection of printer models, each of which can be configured for a specific application. Additionally, we will select and, if necessary, create appropriate labeling stock, ink ribbons and adhesives to suit a particular application. In-house engineering personnel in software, mechanical, electronic and chemical engineering participate in the creation and development of printing solutions for particular applications.
We produce the industry’s broadest range of rugged, on-demand thermal transfer and direct thermal printers. Our printing systems include hundreds of optional configurations that can be selected to meet particular customer needs. We believe this breadth of product offering is a unique and significant competitive strength, because it allows Zebra to satisfy the widest variety of thermal printing applications and leverage our brand and reputation as customers install new systems that require on demand printing.
Of the major printing technologies, which include ink jet, laser and impact dot matrix, we believe that direct thermal and thermal transfer technologies are best suited for most bar code labeling and other on-demand printing applications. Thermal transfer printing produces durable dark, solid blacks and sharply defined lines that are important for printing readily scannable bar codes. These images can be printed on a wide variety of labeling materials, which enable users to affix bar code labels to virtually any object. This capability is very important in the industrial and service sectors Zebra serves. Direct thermal printing is best suited where ease of use, smaller size and cost are important factors in the application. Accordingly, this technology is found principally in Zebra’s mobile and desktop units.
As of December 31, 2009, we offered 58 thermal printer models with numerous variations, in eight categories as follows:
•
Performance tabletop printers for applications requiring continuous operation in high output, mission-critical and industrial settings.
•
Mid-range tabletop printers, which are designed for demanding commercial applications.
•
Desktop printers to deliver value and performance in applications with lower volume or space restrictions.
•
Mobile printers to meet the printing needs of workers in the field.
•
Print engines, which are sold to manufacturers and integrators of high-speed automatic label applicator systems and are available with or without RFID smart label capabilities.
•
Kiosk and ticket printers for use in kiosks and other unattended printing applications.
•
Card printers, which print national identity cards, driver’s licenses, employee identification badges, gift cards and personalized cards.
•
RFID printer/encoders for passive high frequency and ultra-high frequency radio frequency identification in the retail supply chain, for defense logistics, and other applications. These units are used to print and encode “smart labels” in a single pass. Smart labels are printable labels embedded with an ultra-thin radio frequency transponder. Information encoded in these transponders can then be read and modified by a radio frequency reader.
In addition to their use in on-demand automatic identification applications, our thermal printers can also be used for on-site batch production of custom bar code labels and other graphics. This capability results in shorter lead times, reduced inventory, and more flexibility than can be provided with traditional off-site printing.
Printer Supplies
Supplies products consist of stock and customized thermal labels, wristbands, plastic cards, card laminates and thermal transfer ribbons. Zebra promotes the use of genuine Zebra brand supplies with its printing equipment.
Zebra fully supports its printers, resellers and end users with an extensive line of superior quality, high-performance supplies optimized to a particular user’s needs. Supplies are chosen in consultation with the reseller and end user based on the specific application, printer and environment in which the labeling system must perform. These printing solutions frequently include proprietary ribbon and label formulations that are designed to optimize image resolution and printer performance while meeting the most demanding end user application performance criteria. Factors such as adhesion, resistance to scratches, smudges and abrasion, and chemical and environmental exposures are all taken into account when selecting the type of ribbon and labeling materials. The use of supplies that are not carefully matched to specific printers can degrade image quality, and decrease the part life of key printer components such as printheads.
Printer Related Software
Zebra has specialized printer management, label design and driver solutions to help unlock the full potential of Zebra printers. The ZebraLink Solutions suite of networking, software, firmware offerings, combined with the enhanced printer management capabilities of ZebraNet™ Bridge, makes Zebra’s printers easy to use and integrate into small, medium and enterprise-wide environments. Our goal is to provide software that enables high levels of functionality to all major computer network and software systems. Network systems include Ethernet, 802.11b/g and Bluetooth®. In 2009, the ZebraLink Multiplatform Software Development and Smart Phone utility was introduced to aid with printing from Smartphones to Zebra printers.
Zebra offers label design and integration software specifically designed to optimize the performance of Zebra bar code label printers. Zebra’s suite of label design and printer configuration tools includes ZebraDesigner™, ZebraDesigner™ Pro, ZebraDesigner™ for XML, and ZebraDesigner™ Label Design Software for use with mySAP™ Business Suite. In 2008, Zebra added the Enterprise Connector Solution for Oracle® Business Intelligence Publisher™, which delivers seamless integration between Oracle and Zebra printers, creating a versatile, easily managed, cost-effective printing platform.
Printer Maintenance and Services
Zebra provides depot maintenance and repair services at repair centers in Vernon Hills, Illinois; Camarillo, California; Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada; Mexico City, Mexico; Preston, U.K.; Singapore; Shanghai, China; and Heerenveen, Netherlands. Zebra Authorized Service Providers (ZASP) also provide repair services for most Zebra products at their locations. In addition, Zebra offers on-site repair services for tabletop printers in the United States. Outside of the United States, Zebra’s resellers may provide maintenance service, either directly as ZASPs or through independent service agents. Zebra also provides technical support from in-house support personnel located in the United States, the United Kingdom and Singapore. For most Zebra products, Zebra provides interactive technical support via the Internet at www.zebra.com, 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
Printer Warranties
In general, Zebra provides warranty coverage of one year on printers against defects in material and workmanship. Printheads are warranted for nine months, and batteries are warranted for twelve months. Zebra supplies are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for their stated shelf life or twelve months, whichever ends first. Defective equipment and supplies may be returned for repair or replacement during the applicable warranty periods.
Zebra’s Printer Technology
Our customers rely on Zebra to provide products and systems to help identify, authenticate, track or route both items and people, and then process the related transactions. These products and systems use technologies that provide specific benefits in each application.
All Zebra printers and print engines incorporate thermal printing technology, either direct thermal printing, thermal transfer printing or dye-sublimation printing. This technology creates an image by heating certain pixels of an electrical printhead to selectively image a ribbon or heat-sensitive substrate.
Direct thermal printers apply the heat directly to a thermally-sensitive label, wristband, or receipt to create an image. This form of thermal printing technology benefits applications requiring simple and reliable operations such as shelf labeling, patient identification, and kiosk receipts. Some desktop label printers, mobile printers and kiosk printers support only direct thermal printing.
Thermal transfer printers apply heat to a ribbon to release ink onto labels or tags. This form of thermal printing technology allows a wider range of specialty label materials and associated inks to be used for applications such as circuit board labels, chemical identification and product labels that require resistance to chemicals, temperature extremes, abrasion, or labels requiring a long shelf life. Most of our printers in our high performance, midrange, print engine, desktop and mobile categories use thermal transfer printing but can also support direct thermal printing.
Dye-sublimation card printers apply heat to a ribbon to release a dye that is absorbed into a plastic card, retransfer film or treated paper. This process creates full-color, photographic quality images that are well-suited for driver’s licenses, access and identification cards, transaction cards, and on-demand photographs.
Direct thermal and thermal transfer printers create crisp images at high speeds, making them ideal for printing easily readable text and machine readable bar codes. Dye sublimation thermal printers quickly create full-color images with visual characteristics more similar to halide-based film than to pixel-based ink jet or laser printers, making them ideal for high quality photographs and personalized plastic cards. Some printers also include HF (13.56 MHz) or UHF (860-960 MHz) RFID technology that can encode data into passive RFID transponders embedded in a label, card, or wristband.
Zebra’s printers integrate company-designed mechanisms, electrical systems, and firmware. Enclosures of metal or high-impact plastic ensure the durability of our printers. Special mechanisms optimize handling of labels, ribbons, and plastic cards. Fast, high-current electrical systems provide consistent image quality. Mobile printers use NiMH or LiIon batteries to optimize print quality over an extended operating shift. Firmware supports serial, parallel, Ethernet, USB, infrared, Bluetooth, or 802.11b/g wireless communications with appropriate security protocols. Printing instructions can be received as a proprietary language such as Zebra
Programming Language II (ZPL II®), as a print driver-provided image, or as user-defined XML. These features make our printers easy to integrate into virtually all common computer systems including those operating on UNIX, Linux, MS/DOS®, or Microsoft® Windows® operating systems. Some independent software vendors, including Adobe, Oracle and SAP, have included Zebra printing support in applications for healthcare, warehouse management, manufacturing, passenger transportation, and retailing.
Printer Sales and Marketing
Sales. We sell our printer products primarily through distributors, value-added resellers (VARs), and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). We also sell our printer products directly to a select number of named customer accounts. For media and consumables, we also sell directly to end users through the Internet and telesales operations. Distributors and VARs purchase, stock and sell a variety of automatic identification components from different manufacturers and customize systems for end-user applications using their systems and application integration expertise. Because these sales channels provide specific software, configuration, installation, integration and support services required by end users within various market segments, these relationships allow Zebra to reach end users throughout the world in a wide variety of industries. Zebra experiences a minor amount of seasonality in sales, depending on the geographic region and industry served.
We functionally classify our direct VARs as Premier Partners, Advanced Partners, or Associate Partners, depending on their business competencies, depth and breadth of their sales teams, customer support capabilities, contributions to Zebra’s strategic goals and sales commitment to Zebra. In addition, we offer VARs the opportunity to earn certifications for mobile/wireless printers, supplies, services and RFID products in specific industries. We also sell through distributors, which in turn sell to an extended VAR community. All VARs, as well as OEMs and systems integrators, provide customers with a variety of automatic identification components including scanners, accessories, applications software and systems integration expertise, and, in the case of some OEMs, resell the Zebra-manufactured products under their own brands as part of their own product offering. We believe that the breadth of this indirect channel network, both in terms of variety and geographic scope, enhances our ability to compete and more effectively offer our solutions to a greater number of end users.
In some instances, we have designated a customer as a strategic account when purchases of Zebra products reach specified levels and support requirements for the account become highly customized. Zebra sales personnel, either alone or together with our partners, manage these strategic accounts to ensure their needs are being met.
The sales function also encompasses a group that manages a small number of global alliances. They direct the business development strategies for a limited number of third-party relationships that are strategic to new demand creation for specific vertical markets and/or specific applications.
Marketing. Marketing operations encompass corporate marketing, marketing communications, product marketing, vertical marketing, solutions marketing, market research and channel marketing functions. Corporate marketing conducts activities to enhance the Zebra corporate brand, corporate public relations, internal corporate communications and our Web site. The product marketing group identifies, evaluates and recommends new product opportunities and manages product introductions, positioning and demand creation. Product marketing also focuses on strategic planning and market definition and analyzes Zebra’s competitive strengths and weaknesses.
Printer Production and Manufacturing
We design our products to optimize product performance, quality, reliability, durability and versatility. These designs combine cost-efficient materials, sourcing and assembly methods with high standards of workmanship.
In February 2008, we announced that final printer assembly would be transferred to a third-party manufacturer, Jabil Circuit, Inc. We completed the transition of transferring substantially all printer lines to Jabil in 2009. This action is helping to reduce costs and optimize our global printer product supply chain by improving responsiveness to customer needs and increasing Zebra’s flexibility to meet emerging business opportunities. See Note 22 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of the transfer and transition process.
Jabil produces our printers to our design specifications in the quantities we order. We maintain control over the supply chain including supplier selection and price negotiations of key component parts. Jabil is responsible for the procurement of the component parts and subassemblies used in the Zebra printers it produces. Jabil owns the inventory associated with the product until the product is shipped to Zebra. Zebra has a subsidiary located in Guangzhou, China, and has an office located near the Jabil facility in China where our products are assembled. This office is staffed with Zebra sourcing, engineering and quality personnel to help ensure that we receive optimal pricing on raw materials and the final printers meet our quality standards. Zebra printers manufactured by Jabil are shipped to Zebra’s regional distribution centers. The majority of the product passes through to Zebra’s distribution centers. A small percentage of products are reconfigured at Zebra’s distribution centers through firmware downloads, packaging and some other customization before they are shipped to customers. In addition, certain products are manufactured in accordance with federal procurement regulations and various international trade agreements, and remain eligible for sale to the United States government.
Printer Competition
Many companies are engaged in the design, manufacture and marketing of bar code label printers, RFID printer/encoder and card personalization solutions.
We consider our direct competition in bar code label and receipt printing to be producers of on-demand thermal transfer and direct thermal label printing systems, printer/encoders, mobile printers and supplies. We also compete, however, with companies engaged in the design, manufacture and marketing of printing systems that use alternative technologies, such as ink-jet and laser printing. Many of these companies are substantially larger than Zebra.
Dye sublimation, the technology used in our card printers, is only one of several commercially available types of processes used to personalize cards. We also compete with companies that produce identification cards using alternative technologies, which include ink-jet, thermal transfer, embossing, film-based systems, encoders, laser engraving and large-scale dye sublimation printers. These card personalization technologies offer viable alternatives to Zebra’s card printers and provide effective competition from a variety of companies, many of which are substantially larger than Zebra. In addition, service bureaus compete for end user business and provide an alternative to the purchase of our card printing equipment and supplies.
Our ability to compete effectively depends on a number of factors. These factors include the reliability, quality and reputation of the manufacturer and its products; hardware and software innovations and specifications; breadth of product offerings; information systems connectivity; price; level of technical support; supplies and applications support offered by the manufacturer; available distribution channels; and financial resources to support new product design and innovation. We believe that Zebra presently competes favorably with respect to these factors.
We face competition from many competitors, including the following (listed in alphabetical order): Altech; Argox; Avery Dennison; Boca Systems; Brother International; Canon; CIM; Citizen; CognitiveTPG; ColorX; Copal; Custom; Danaher; Datacard; Datamax-O’Neil, a unit of Dover Corporation; Dymo, a Newell Rubbermaid Company; Epson; Evolis; Fargo Electronics; Fuji; Godex; Hewlett-Packard; Hitachi; Intermec Technologies; Lexmark International; LogickaComp; MagiCard; Matica; Microcom; Mitsubishi; NBS; Nisca; Oki Data; Olmec; Olympus; Practical Automation; Printronix; Sato; Seiko Instruments; Shinko; Song Woo Electronics; Sony; Star Micronics; Taiwan Semiconductor; ToshibaTEC; Victor Data Systems; Woosim; and Xerox.
The supplies business is highly fragmented and competition is comprised of numerous competitors of various sizes depending on the geographic area.
Alternative Printer Technologies
We believe thermal printing will be the label, card and receipt printer technology of choice in Zebra’s target applications for the foreseeable future. Among the many advantages of direct thermal and thermal transfer printing is the ability to print high-resolution, durable images on a wide variety of label materials at relatively low costs and high speeds compared with alternative printing technologies. We view passive RFID smart label encoding and active RFID location systems as complementary technologies to bar coded printing, offering growth opportunities to Zebra as the technologies become more widely adopted.
If other technologies were to evolve or become available to Zebra, it is possible that those technologies would be incorporated into our products. Alternatively, if such technologies were to evolve or become available to our competitors, Zebra’s products may become obsolete. This obsolescence would have a significant negative effect on Zebra’s business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Therefore, we continually assess competitive and complementary methods of bar code printing and other means of automatic identification. Alternative print technologies assessed include ink jet, laser and direct marking. While we cannot be sure that new technology will not supplant thermal printing for labels, cards and receipts, we are not aware of any developing technology that offers the advantages of thermal printing for our targeted applications. We continually monitor and evaluate new RFID technologies, support their standards development, and rapidly adopt RFID into new Zebra products and systems as new markets and applications emerge.
Zebra Enterprise Solutions Group (ZES)
Formed in 2008 principally from the acquired businesses of Navis Holdings, LLC, WhereNet Corp., proveo AG, and Multispectral Solutions Inc., Zebra Enterprise Solutions Group offers asset tracking and management solutions to optimize the flow of goods in complex logistical operations. Whether tracking containers and cargo through a major port, managing parts for lean manufacturing or managing ground support equipment at a major airport, the automated asset tracking and management solutions from ZES improve business processes. Utilizing the combined products offered by these businesses, ZES provides greater asset visibility and business efficiency for the aerospace and defense, aviation, automotive, industrial manufacturing, maritime, and transportation and logistics industries. Customers within these industries benefit by increasing productivity, lowering operational costs, and improving safety and security throughout their logistics operations.
A substantial majority of ZES’s business consists of perpetual software licenses and related services including maintenance, support and consulting services. In addition, ZES sells hardware including our proprietary real time asset management hardware. These products and services may be bundled and sold together to customers or sold separately.
•
Software Licenses. We sell perpetual software licenses on a fixed fee basis. The amounts of the license fees are based primarily on the scope and functionality of the licenses purchased by the customer. The solutions we provide may also include third-party software.
•
Hardware. We sell both proprietary and third-party real time asset management hardware. Most of our hardware products provide electronic tagging of assets and real time information regarding the assets’ locations and telematics. We sell the hardware as part of an integrated solution and also replacement parts.
•
Consulting Services. We provide consulting services for the planning and implementation of our solutions including initial installation and training. Zebra’s professional services team works with customers who are implementing our applications for the first time, evaluating new technology automation solutions, integrating with third-party systems or upgrading to new platforms. Services are typically charged on a time and materials basis, although from time-to-time we may enter into fixed fee contracts.
•
Maintenance and Support. We offer support to our customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, usually for an annual fee, which entitles them to software upgrades and technical support.
We believe ZES is uniquely positioned with a broad range of asset tracking and optimization solutions to offer our customers. However, several competitors exist for each solution ZES provides. They include Aeroscout Inc., Ekahau Inc., I.D. Systems Inc., Identec Solutions, Intermec Inc., RF Code Inc., Lockheed Martin Corp., Roper Industries, Inc., Siemens AG, Motorola, Inc., Amicus, Pinnacle VTIS, IBM, Cosmos, Ubisense, Time Domain and Tideworks Technology.
The ZES products extend Zebra’s reach beyond passive RFID by employing technologically advanced hardware and software solutions to locate, track, manage and optimize high-value assets, equipment and people. We offer a wide range of scalable real time locating systems (RTLS) technologies used to generate accurate, on-demand information about the physical location and status of high-valued assets. Customers benefit by utilizing the choice or combination of asset tracking products that can be “application matched” based on ISO/IEC 24730-2, Cisco CCX Wi-Fi, precision global positioning systems (GPS), and ultra wideband (UWB) technologies.
Our selection of RTLS asset tracking product offerings includes battery-powered active RFID WhereTag™ tags, WhereCall™ button tags, and precision WhereTrack™ products. These asset tags enable organizations to access accurate, real-time information on the location and status of their assets both indoors and outdoors.
In addition, we offer a selection of RTLS infrastructure products. These products receive tag transmissions and forward the information to the Visibility Server Software™ (a middleware application) which provides location calculations, database and system management functions and asset visibility. The flexible infrastructure supports large tag populations and coverage areas that can range from small to large.
We offer a broad set of software development tools for integrating ZES hardware, middleware applications and software applications, with customer and third-party applications. Our middleware application, Visibility Server Software, provides software tools to design, configure, operate and troubleshoot our RTLS products. Visibility Server Software serves as the central repository for all of the real-time location and communication data captured by the ZES RTLS infrastructure.
ZES sells its products and services into the following major industries:
•
Airport Operations. Our Airport Visualizer™ provides integrated aviation solutions and helps to optimize motorized ground support equipment on the pavement immediately adjacent to an airport terminal area or hangers (commonly referred to as the “apron”). This solution helps improve the operational efficiencies of mobile assets for the global aviation industry which is faced with high costs in maintaining ample amounts of equipment, high fuel consumption, equipment misuse, rising gas emission and high levels of equipment congestion. As of December 31, 2009, our Airport Visualizer solution helped to optimize the processes of approximately 1,500 airport ground service vehicles.
•
Marine and Rail Terminal Operations. Installed and used at approximately 200 marine terminals around the world, our SPARCS™ (synchronous planning and real time control system) terminal operating system (TOS) helps terminal operators optimize the flow of containers through the facility by managing the processes of a terminal operation. Zebra’s TOS provides users real-time visibility of containers for better scheduling and routing, among other benefits, to lower costs, manage growth and minimize capital investments in land and berth space. Customers operating rail and truck terminals have begun to use our TOS to improve their logistics operations as well. Our Navis Powerstow® solution helps terminal operators optimize ship stowage to minimize total voyage cost and maximize efficiency. Navis Powerstow® offers easy-to-use planning tools that provide real-time visibility of stowage operations. It uses graphic tools along with proprietary software to help operators configure the placement of cargo on a ship, taking into account several parameters such as weight and destination to improve safety and vessel utilization.
•
Distribution Operations. Our Yard Management Solution Suite™ provides effective management over gate schedules and dock assignments by providing the ability to track, in real-time, the location and status of all vehicles and their associated inventory throughout the shipping yard or dock. Our Yard Management Suite includes modules for dock and yard management, gate automation and scheduling for enhanced security, enterprise asset visibility, and container tracking. These optimize dock and yard management solutions, improve customer support, lower operating costs and increase yard and dock capacity.
•
Manufacturing Operations. We provide an integrated wireless infrastructure for real-time location, digital messaging, telemetry, and wireless networking applications to give manufacturers the ability to continuously manage the physical location and status of their critical assets for improving lean processes within the core manufacturing functions.
ZES products and services are primarily sold through ZES’s global direct sales force which is organized around geographic and vertical markets. We complement our direct sales through the use of other channels including systems integrators with particular vertical market expertise.
ZES’s proprietary software and hardware are developed primarily by its internal team of engineers. Generally, our software is warranted for 90 days after going live to function consistently with its specifications, and our hardware is warranted to be free from material defects in materials and workmanship for up to one year after purchase.
Customers
Zebra has sold more than 8,400,000 thermal printers to customers as of December 31, 2009.
ScanSource, Inc., is our most significant customer. Our net sales to ScanSource, a global distributor of Zebra SPG products, as a percent of our total net sales, were as follows:
No other customer accounted for 10% or more of total net sales during these years.
Sales
Net sales by product category for the last three years were (in thousands):
The increase in service and software net sales in 2008 was primarily due to our ZES acquisitions.
Net sales to international customers, as a percent of total net sales, were as follows:
We believe that international sales have the long-term potential to increase faster than domestic sales because of the lower penetration of automatic identification applications outside North America and Western Europe and generally higher economic growth rates in developing countries. As a result, Zebra has invested resources to support our international growth and currently operates facilities and sales offices, or has representation, in 26 different countries.
Research and Development
Zebra’s research and development expenditures for the last three years were as follows (in thousands, except percentages):
We devote significant resources to developing new printing solutions for our target markets and ensuring that our products maintain high levels of reliability. Research and development resources are also directed toward enhancing our ZES systems. The increase in research and development expenditures for ZES in 2008 was mainly attributed to the acquisition of Navis Holdings, LLC late in 2007.
Intellectual Property Rights
Zebra relies on a combination of trade secrets, patents, employee and third party nondisclosure agreements, copyright laws and contractual rights to establish and protect its proprietary rights in its products. We have and actively protect many domestic and international trademarks. We hold 347 United States and foreign patents and have 151 United States and foreign patent applications pending pertaining to products. The duration of these patents ranges from 1 to 23 years. The expiration of any individual patent would not have a significant negative impact on our business.
Despite our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights, it may be possible for unauthorized third parties to copy portions of our products or to reverse engineer or otherwise obtain and use some technology and information that we regard as proprietary. Moreover, the laws of some countries do not afford Zebra the same protection to proprietary rights, as do United States laws. There can be no assurance that legal protections relied upon by Zebra to protect its proprietary position will be adequate. While Zebra’s intellectual property is valuable and provides certain competitive advantages, we do not believe that the legal protections afforded to our intellectual property are fundamental to our success.
Other trademarks mentioned in this report are the property of their respective holders and include IBM, a registered trademark of International Business Machines; UNIX, a registered trademark of UNIX Systems Laboratories; MS/DOS and Windows, registered trademarks of Microsoft; SAP, a registered trademark of SAP AG; and Linux, a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. Bluetooth is a trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG and used by Zebra under license.
Employees
As of January 29, 2010, Zebra employed approximately 2,700 persons, of which 1,975 are a part of SPG, 527 are a part of ZES and the remaining 198 are corporate employees. None of these employees is a member of a union. We consider our employee relations to be very good.
Additional Information
For financial information regarding Zebra, see Zebra’s Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes, which are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Zebra has two reportable segments for our operations and products. Financial information about segments and geographic areas is found in Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Investors should carefully consider the risks, uncertainties and other factors described below, as well as other disclosures in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, because they could have a material adverse effect on Zebra’s business, financial condition, operating results, cash flows and growth prospects.
Zebra may be a party to fixed-price contracts particularly for its ZES business unit that could become unfavorable contracts. From time to time ZES may enter into contracts to provide services to customers for fixed fees. Such a contract could result in material loss to Zebra if the cost to perform such contract ultimately exceeds the fees earned on such contract.
Zebra transferred final assembly of its thermal printers to Jabil Circuit and is now dependent on Jabil for the manufacture of such printers. A failure by Jabil to provide manufacturing services to Zebra as Zebra requires, or any disruption in such manufacturing services, may adversely affect Zebra’s business results. To improve responsiveness to customer needs and achieve cost savings and operational benefits, Zebra transferred final assembly of its thermal printers to Jabil Circuit’s facility in Guangzhou, China, in 2009. To the extent Zebra relies on a third-party provider such as Jabil to manufacture its products, Zebra may incur increased business continuity risks.
Zebra is no longer able to exercise direct control over the assembly or related operations of its thermal printers Jabil produces. If Jabil experiences business difficulties or fails to meet Zebra’s manufacturing needs, then Zebra may be unable to satisfy customer product demands, lose sales and be unable to maintain customer relationships. Longer production lead times may result in shortages of certain products and inadequate inventories during periods of unanticipated higher demand. Without Jabil’s continuing manufacture of Zebra’s products, Zebra will have no other means of final assembly of its thermal printers until Zebra is able to secure the manufacturing capability at another facility or develop an alternative manufacturing facility. This transition could be costly and time consuming.
Although Zebra carries business interruption insurance to cover lost sales and profits in an amount it considers adequate, this insurance does not cover all possible situations. In addition, the business interruption insurance would not compensate Zebra for the loss of opportunity and potential adverse impact, both short term and long term, on relations with our existing customers. A third-party provider such as Jabil will have access to Zebra’s intellectual property, which increases the risk of infringement or misappropriation of this intellectual property.
Zebra has significant operations outside the United States and sells a significant portion of its products internationally and purchases important components from foreign suppliers. These circumstances create a number of risks. Zebra has significant operations overseas which present added risks. In addition, Zebra sells a significant amount of its products to customers outside the United States. Shipments to international customers are expected to continue to account for a material portion of net sales.
Risks associated with operations, sales and purchases outside the United States include:
•
Inadequately managing and overseeing operations that are distant and remote from corporate headquarters,
•
Fluctuating foreign currency rates could restrict sales, or increase costs of purchasing, in foreign countries,
•
Adverse changes in, or uncertainty of, local business laws or practices, including the following:
•
Foreign governments may impose burdensome tariffs, quotas, taxes, trade barriers or capital flow restrictions,
•
Restrictions on the export or import of technology may reduce or eliminate the ability to sell in or purchase from certain markets,
•
Political and economic instability may reduce demand for our products, or put our foreign assets at risk,
•
Potentially limited intellectual property protection in certain countries may limit recourse against infringing products or cause Zebra to refrain from selling in certain geographic territories,
•
Staffing and managing international operations may be unusually difficult,
•
A government controlled exchange rate and limitations on the convertibility of the Chinese Yuan, and
•
Transportation delays that may affect production and distribution of Zebra’s products.
Zebra may not be able to continue to develop products to address user needs effectively in an industry characterized by rapid technological change. To be successful, Zebra must adapt to rapidly changing technological and application needs by continually improving its products as well as introducing new products and services to address user demands.
Zebra’s industry is characterized by:
•
Evolving industry standards,
•
Frequent new product and service introductions,
•
Evolving distribution channels, and
•
Changing customer demands.
Future success will depend on Zebra’s ability to cost effectively adapt in this evolving environment. Zebra could incur substantial costs if it has to modify its business to adapt to these changes, and may even be unable to adapt to these changes.
Zebra competes in a competitive market, which may become more competitive. Competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new or emerging technology and changes in customer requirements. Zebra faces significant competition in developing and selling its systems. Principal competitors have substantial marketing, financial, development and personnel resources. To remain competitive, Zebra believes it must continue to cost effectively provide:
•
Technologically advanced systems that satisfy the user demands,
•
Superior customer service,
•
High levels of quality and reliability, and
•
Dependable and efficient distribution networks.
Zebra cannot assure it will be able to compete successfully against current or future competitors. Increased competition in printers or supplies may result in price reductions, lower gross profit margins and loss of market share, and could require increased spending on research and development, sales and marketing and customer support. Some competitors may make strategic acquisitions or establish cooperative relationships with suppliers or companies that produce complementary products.
Zebra is vulnerable to the potential difficulties associated with the rapid increase in the complexity of its business. Zebra has grown rapidly over the last several years through domestic and international growth and acquisitions. This growth has caused increased complexities in the business. We believe our future success depends in part on our ability to manage our rapid growth and increased complexities of our business and the demands from increased responsibility on our management personnel. The following factors could present difficulties to us:
•
Compliance with evolving laws and regulations,
•
Manufacturing an increased number of products,
•
Increased administrative and operational burden,
•
Maintaining and improving information technology infrastructure to support growth,
•
Increased logistical problems common to complex, expansive operations, and
•
Managing increasing international operations.
Zebra could encounter difficulties in any acquisition it undertakes, including unanticipated integration problems and business disruption. Acquisitions could also dilute stockholder value and adversely affect operating results. Zebra may acquire or make investments in other businesses, technologies, services or products. An acquisition may present business issues which are new to Zebra. The process of integrating any acquired business, technology, service or product into operations may result in unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures. Integration of an acquired company also may consume considerable management time and attention, which could otherwise be available for ongoing operations and development of the business. The expected benefits of any acquisition may not be realized.
Acquisitions also may involve a number of risks:
•
Difficulties and uncertainties in transitioning the customers or other business relationships from the acquired entities to Zebra,
•
The loss of key employees of acquired entities,
•
Ability of acquired entities to fulfill obligations to their customers,
•
The discovery of unanticipated issues or liabilities,
•
The failure of acquired entities to meet or exceed expected returns, and
•
The acquired entities’ ability to improve internal controls and accounting systems to be compliant with requirements applicable to public companies subject to SEC reporting.
Future acquisitions could result in potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities or the incurrence of debt and contingent liabilities.
Zebra sources some of its component parts from sole source suppliers. A disruption in the supply of such component parts could have a material adverse effect on our ability to meet customer demand and negatively affect our financial results.
Infringement by Zebra or Zebra suppliers on the proprietary rights of others could put Zebra at a competitive disadvantage, and any related litigation could be time consuming and costly. Third parties may claim that Zebra or Zebra suppliers violated their intellectual property rights. To the extent of a violation of a third party’s patent or other intellectual property right, Zebra may be prevented from operating its business as planned, and may be required to pay damages, to obtain a license, if available, or to use a non-infringing method, if possible, to accomplish its objectives. Any of these claims, with or without merit, could result in costly litigation and divert the attention of key personnel. If such claims are successful, they could result in costly judgments or settlements. Also, as new technologies emerge, such as RFID, the intellectual property rights of parties in such technologies can be uncertain. As a result, products involving such technologies may have higher risk of claims of infringement of the intellectual proprietary rights of third parties.
The inability to protect intellectual property could harm Zebra’s reputation, and its competitive position may be materially damaged. Zebra’s intellectual property is valuable and provides Zebra with certain competitive advantages. Copyrights, patents, trade secrets and contracts are used to protect these proprietary rights. Despite these precautions, it may be possible for third parties to copy aspects of Zebra’s products or, without authorization, to obtain and use information which Zebra regards as trade secrets.
Zebra may incur liabilities as a result of product failures due to actual or apparent design or manufacturing defects. Zebra may be subject to product liability claims, which could include claims for property or economic damage or personal injury, in the event our products present actual or apparent design or manufacturing defects. Such design or manufacturing defects may occur not only in Zebra’s own designed products but also in components provided by third party suppliers. Zebra generally has insurance protection against property damage and personal injury liabilities and also seeks to limit such risk through product design, manufacturing quality control processes, product testing and contractual indemnification from suppliers. However, due to the large and growing size of Zebra’s installed printer base, a design or manufacturing defect involving this large installed printer base could result in product recalls or customer service costs that could have material adverse effects on Zebra’s financial results.
Zebra’s equipment is subject to U.S. and foreign regulations that pertain to electrical and electronic equipment, which may materially adversely affect Zebra’s business. These regulations influence the design, components or operation of such products. New regulations and changes to current regulations are always possible and, in some jurisdictions, regulations may be introduced with little or no time to bring related products into compliance with these regulations. Zebra’s failure to comply with these regulations may prevent Zebra from selling our products in a certain country. In addition, these regulations may increase our cost of supplying the products by forcing us to redesign existing products or to use more expensive designs or components. In these cases, Zebra may experience unexpected disruptions in our ability to supply customers with products, or we may incur unexpected costs or operational complexities to bring products into compliance. This could have an adverse effect on Zebra’s revenues, gross profit margins and results of operations and increase the volatility of our financial results.
Zebra is implementing a new company-wide enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The implementation process is complex and involves a number of risks that may adversely affect Zebra’s business and results of operations. Zebra is currently replacing its multiple legacy business systems at its different sites with a new company-wide, integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to handle various business, operating and financial processes for Zebra and its subsidiaries. The new system will enhance a variety of important functions, such as order entry, invoicing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, financial consolidation, logistics, and internal and external financial and management reporting matters.
ERP implementations are complex and time-consuming projects that involve substantial expenditures on system hardware and software and implementation activities that can continue for several years. Such an integrated, wide-scale implementation is extremely complex and requires transformation of business and financial processes in order to reap the benefits of the ERP system. Significant efforts are required for requirements identification, functional design, process documentation, data conversion, user training and post implementation support. Problems in any of these areas could result in operational issues including delayed shipments or production, missed sales, billing and accounting errors and other operational issues. System delays or malfunctioning could also disrupt Zebra’s ability to timely and accurately process and report key components of the results of its consolidated operations, its financial position and cash flows, which could impact Zebra’s ability to timely complete important business processes such as the evaluation of its internal controls and attestation activities pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Until the new ERP system is fully implemented, Zebra expects to incur additional selling, general and administrative expenses to implement and test the system, and there can be no assurance that other issues relating to the ERP system will not occur or be identified. Zebra’s business and results of operations may be adversely affected if it experiences operating problems and/or cost overruns during the ERP implementation process or if the ERP system and the associated process changes, do not function as expected or give rise to the expected benefits.
Zebra depends on the ongoing service of its senior management and ability to attract and retain other key personnel. The future success of Zebra is substantially dependent on the continued service and continuing contributions of senior management and other key personnel.
The ability to attract, retain and motivate highly skilled employees is important to Zebra’s long-term success. Competition for skill sets in certain functions within our industry is intense, and Zebra may be unable to retain key employees or attract, assimilate or retain other highly qualified employees in the future.
Terrorist attacks or war could lead to further economic instability and adversely affect Zebra’s stock price, operations, and profitability. The terrorist attacks that occurred in the United States on September 11, 2001, caused major instability in the U.S. and other financial markets. The possibility of further acts of terrorism and current and future war risks could have a similar impact. Any such attacks could, among other things, cause further instability in financial markets and could directly, or indirectly through reduced demand, negatively affect Zebra’s facilities and operations or those of its customers or suppliers.
Taxing authority challenges may lead to tax payments exceeding current reserves. Zebra is subject to ongoing tax examinations in various jurisdictions. As a result, we may record incremental tax expense based on expected outcomes of such matters. In addition, we may adjust previously reported tax reserves based on expected results of these examinations. Such adjustments could result in an increase or decrease to Zebra’s effective tax rate.
Economic conditions and financial market disruptions may adversely affect Zebra’s business and results of operations. Adverse economic conditions, in the United States or internationally, or reduced information technology spending may adversely impact our business. As widely reported, financial markets throughout the world experienced extreme disruption in 2008 and 2009, including historically high volatility in security prices, severely diminished liquidity and credit availability, rating downgrades of certain investments and declining valuations of others, failure and potential failures of major financial institutions and unprecedented government support of financial institutions and corporations. A recurrence of these developments and a related general economic downturn could adversely affect Zebra’s business and financial condition through a reduction in demand for our products by our customers. If a slowdown were severe enough, it could require further impairment testing and write-downs of goodwill and other intangible assets. Cost reduction actions may be necessary and lead to restructuring charges. A tightening of financial credit could adversely affect our customers, suppliers, outsource manufacturer and channel partners (e.g., distributors and resellers) from obtaining adequate credit for the financing of significant purchases. Another economic downturn could also result in a decrease in or cancellation of orders for Zebra’s products and services; negatively impact Zebra’s ability to collect its accounts receivable on a timely basis; result in additional reserves for uncollectible accounts receivable; and require additional reserves for inventory obsolescence. Higher volatility and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates for the U.S. dollar against currencies such as the euro, the British pound and the Brazilian real could negatively impact product sales, margins and collections.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
Zebra’s corporate headquarters are located in Lincolnshire, Illinois, a northern suburb of Chicago. Zebra also conducts its sales, marketing, engineering and operations activities from facilities in Vernon Hills, Illinois, and in Camarillo, California.
Zebra’s principal facilities as of December 31, 2009, are listed below:
S - Specialty Printing Group; Z - Zebra Enterprise Solution Group; C - Corporate
Zebra leases various other facilities around the world, which are dedicated to administrative, research and sales functions. These other leases, solely or in aggregate, are not material to Zebra.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
See Note 17 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
Item 4.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Stock Information: Price Range and Common Stock
Our Class A Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol ZBRA. The following table shows the high and low trade prices for each fiscal quarter in 2009 and 2008, as reported by the NASDAQ Stock Market.
Source: The NASDAQ Stock Market
At February 12, 2010, the last reported price for the Class A Common Stock was $29.33 per share, and there were 317 registered stockholders of record for Zebra’s Class A Common Stock. In addition, we had approximately 42,000 stockholders who owned Zebra stock in street name.
Dividend Policy
Since our initial public offering in 1991, we have not declared any cash dividends or distributions on our capital stock. Zebra currently does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
Treasury Shares
During the fourth quarter of 2009, Zebra purchased 593,552 shares of Zebra’s Class A common stock as follows:
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
(1) On February 17, 2009, Zebra announced that the Board authorized the purchase of an additional 3,000,000 shares of Zebra common stock at prices to be determined at management’s discretion. This authorization does not have an expiration date.
(2) During the fourth quarter, Zebra acquired 2,039 shares of Zebra Class A common stock through the withholding of shares necessary to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock awards. These shares were acquired at an average price of $26.98 per share.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS) DATA
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA
(In thousands)
(1) Includes asset impairment reversal of $1,058,000 and exit, restructuring and integration charges of $12,191,000.
(2) Includes asset impairment charges of $157,600,000 and exit, restructuring and integration charges of $20,009,000.
(3) Includes litigation settlement of $53,392,000 and insurance receivable reserve of $12,543,000.
(4) Relates to the estimation of forfeitures on prior year compensation expense outstanding at the adoption date of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 505 and ASC 718 (formerly SFAS No. 123(R), Share Based Payment). See Note 4 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
(5) The decrease in cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments and marketable securities in 2007 and 2008 was principally the result of (i) our acquisitions of WhereNet, proveo AG, and Navis during 2007 and our acquisition of Multispectral Solutions Inc., and (ii) purchase of our stock during 2008. See Note 5 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further discussion of the acquisitions.
(6) Long-term obligations include deferred compensation and unearned revenue. See Note 19 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further discussion of the Deferred Compensation Plan.
Item 7.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Results of Operations: Fourth Quarter of 2009 versus Fourth Quarter of 2008
Consolidated Results of Operations
(Amounts in thousands, except percentages)
Consolidated Results of Operations - Fourth quarter
Sales
Net sales for the 2009 quarter compared with the 2008 quarter decreased 4.3% due primarily to lower global economic activity. The decrease in sales was largely attributable to a decline in hardware sales. Hardware sales declined proportionally more for our mobile and photo printers. The photo printer line was discontinued in 2009. Printer unit volume was down 2.3% for the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to levels in 2008.
Sales by product category were as follows (amounts in thousands, except percentages):
Sales increased in all international territories. Late in 2008 a notable weakness in sales in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Asia Pacific and Latin America from the economic downturn began and affected sales in the fourth quarter of 2008. These regions started to recover in the fourth quarter of 2009. Sales declined overall in 2009 due to the economic downturn. EMEA sales benefitted from a $7,000,000 increase due to a stronger euro in the fourth quarter of 2009. North American sales declined from the fourth quarter of 2008, as sales a year ago benefitted from shipments of certain larger orders and incremental sales from our ZES business unit.
Sales to customers by geographic region were as follows (in thousands, except percentages):
Gross Profit
Gross profit decreased due to reduced volumes and a less favorable product mix, partially offset by a more favorable foreign currency rate environment in 2009. In addition, higher freight costs were incurred in order to meet customer demand in the fourth quarter of 2009. These factors were partially offset by the benefit of outsourcing printer production to a third party.
Operating Expenses
Lower overall operating expenses for the three-month period resulted from decreases in several categories including compensation costs primarily from lower staffing levels, outside commissions, project costs, and travel and entertainment expenses. Amortization of intangibles decreased $2,063,000 and exit, restructuring and integration costs decreased $5,054,000 in the fourth quarter of 2009 as compared to 2008. Amortization decreases were due to intangible asset impairments recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008. During the fourth quarter of 2008, we took charges totaling $157,600,000 for the impairment of goodwill, intellectual property and other assets. The above reductions in 2009 were partially offset by increases in general and administrative expenses for consulting and healthcare costs.
Operating expenses are summarized below (in thousands, except percentages):
Other Income
Investment income for 2009 declined primarily from lower short-term interest rates in the fourth quarter of 2009 compared with 2008. A lower foreign exchange gain in 2009 is due to a more stable foreign exchange rate environment in 2009 as compared with 2008.
Zebra’s non-operating income and expense items are summarized in the following table (in thousands):
Operating Income (Loss)
The operating loss for the fourth quarter of 2008 was the result of the non cash impairment charges which totaled $157,600,000. See Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more detailed discussion of the asset impairment charges.
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2009 was 35.1% compared with 8.8% for the same quarter last year. For 2008, the effective income tax rate was not meaningful because a substantial portion of the impairment charges recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008 was not deductible for income tax purposes.
Business Groups
Specialty Printing Group - Fourth Quarter
(Amounts in thousands, except percentages):
Specialty Printing Group - Fourth quarter
Net sales in our Specialty Printing Group (SPG) decreased 3.5% reflecting a decline in North America offset by gains in all other regions. New printer products (defined as printers released within 18 months prior to the end of the applicable fiscal period) accounted for 13.2% of printer sales in the fourth quarter of 2009, compared with 18.6% of printer sales in 2008.
Our international SPG sales are denominated in multiple currencies, primarily the U.S. dollar, British pound and euro. This diversity causes our reported sales to be subject to fluctuations based on changes in currency rates. The weaker U.S. dollar to the euro and the pound had a positive impact of approximately $7,000,000, net of hedges, on sales during the fourth quarter of 2009 compared with 2008. We typically hedge a portion of anticipated euro-denominated sales to partially protect Zebra against exchange rate movements. For the fourth quarter, this program resulted in a loss on hedges of $122,000.
Gross profit margin for SPG was affected by lower volumes and a less favorable product mix. Outsourcing of our manufacturing operations resulted in favorable improvement to gross margin in 2009 offset by higher freight costs. The effect of more favorable foreign currency rate environment also increased fourth quarter gross profit by $6,293,000, net of hedges.
Lower overall operating expenses resulted from decreases in payroll costs, business development costs, recruiting and relocation costs, outside commissions, project costs, travel and entertainment expenses, and offsite meetings. Much of the decreased payroll and benefit costs were a result of lower staffing levels and cost reduction initiatives. Amortization expense was reduced due to intangible asset write-downs in the fourth quarter of 2008.
Printer unit volumes and average selling price information is summarized below:
For 2009, unit volumes compared to 2008 declined most notably in mobile, desktop and photo printers partially offset by slightly higher unit sales of high end, mid-range and kiosk printers.
Operating expense changes for SPG in 2009, compared to the same periods in 2008, are due to the following (in thousands):
The 2009 payroll and benefit cost decrease relates to organization changes made in December 2008 which has resulted in lower staffing levels. Exit and restructuring charges have declined as the activities related to the outsourcing of our printer manufacturing began to ramp down in the fourth quarter of 2009. Impairment charges from 2008 relate to the write-down of intellectual property because of changes in valuations related to current economic conditions and the business outlook. Absent the exit and restructuring costs and impairment charges, the remaining reductions in expenses reflect the cost reduction program initiated during the fourth quarter of 2008 that have continued throughout 2009.
Zebra Enterprise Solutions - Fourth Quarter
(Amounts in thousands, except percentages)
Zebra Enterprise Solutions - Fourth quarter
ZES sales decreased 12.1% for the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to the fourth quarter of 2008 primarily due to the challenging economic conditions, especially those related to the automotive and maritime industries. Decreases to hardware, services and support were partially offset by increases in license fee revenue. Margins improved due to right sizing initiatives and expenditure monitoring.
ZES operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2009 are lower than 2008 due to the writedown of assets in the amount of $142,920,000 related to our recent ZES acquisitions and intellectual property because of changes in valuations as a result of economic conditions and the business outlook late in 2008.
Other operating expense categories were lower in 2009 due to lower staffing levels, which were offset by increased benefit costs, commissions and contract employees. Other operating expense reductions resulted from cost containment efforts, collection of previously reserved accounts, reduced outside service costs and lower amortization expense.
ZES operating expenses in the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to 2008 are summarized below (in thousands):
Results of Operations: Year ended December 31, 2009 versus Year ended December 31, 2008
Consolidated Results of Operations
(Amounts in thousands, except percentages)
Consolidated Results of Operations - Year to date
Sales
Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared with 2008 decreased 17.7%, due primarily to global economic conditions. Sales in each geographic region also were down by similar percentages. The decreases in sales were largely attributable to a decline in hardware sales volume. Hardware sales declined proportionally more for our high-performance, midrange table top and desk top printers, which carry a higher sales price and are more profitable. Notable weakness in sales from the economic downturn began in the third quarter of 2008 and continued throughout 2009.
Cash flow hedging activities in 2009 increased revenues by $603,000 compared with a decrease in revenues from cash flow hedging in 2008 of $12,354,000.
Sales by product category were as follows (amounts in thousands, except percentages):
Sales to customers by geographic region were as follows (in thousands, except percentages):
Gross Profit
Gross profit in 2009 compared with 2008 decreased due to lower volumes and a less favorable product mix. Higher freight costs were incurred in order to meet customer demand in 2009, primarily in the fourth quarter. Unfavorable foreign exchange rates in 2009 decreased gross profit in 2009 by $16,745,000, net of hedges. These factors were partially offset by the benefit of outsourcing and the full year effect of continued cost containment efforts in 2009.
Operating Expenses
Lower overall operating expenses for 2009 compared to 2008 resulted from decreases in several categories including payroll costs primarily from lower staffing levels, outside commissions, project costs, and travel and entertainment expenses. Amortization of intangibles decreased due to impairments recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008 for the impairment of goodwill, intellectual property and other assets. Expenses in 2008 were reduced by the receipt of an escrow claim litigation settlement received in the third quarter of 2008. The above reductions were partially offset by increases in general and administrative expenses for consulting and benefit costs in 2009.
During the fourth quarter or 2008, we took charges totaling $157,600,000 for the impairment of goodwill, intellectual property and other assets. During the second quarter of 2009, $1,495,000 of the goodwill impairment charge was reversed and a $437,000 impairment charge was recorded related to an intangible asset in our ZES segment.
Exit, restructuring and integration costs decreased in 2009 as compared to 2008 as activities related to the ramp down of our production lines and the integration of our ZES businesses have substantially decreased.
Operating expenses are summarized below (in thousands, except percentages):
Selling and Marketing Expenses
Selling and marketing expenses decreased in 2009 due to a cost reduction program consisting primarily of headcount reductions implemented during the second half of 2008 in response to the current difficult business environment. Expenditures for all types of advertising and marketing costs were reduced in 2009 as part of our corporate wide cost control efforts in a challenging economy. Zebra’s reduced sales volume also resulted in lower commissions.
Selling and marketing expenses are summarized below (in thousands):
Research and Development Costs
The development of new products and enhancement of existing products are important to Zebra’s business and growth prospects. To maintain and build our product pipeline, we continue to make investments in research and development. In 2009 we introduced an updated two inch “plus” light duty printer and a new Xi4 high-performance printer. In the fourth quarter of 2009 we began shipping our first re-transfer card printer which has photo-quality imaging for security and government use. We also introduced innovative new IQ color labels which enables customers to print spot colors on predetermined areas of a label using any Zebra thermal label printer. This breakthrough product enhances readability, increases business efficiency and improves safety.
In 2009, Zebra Enterprise Solutions introduced new gate, vessel, billing, automation, analytics and monitoring capabilities in its TOS solution, support for rack tracking, RFID support, and goods return for our manufacturing solution along with a new tag form factor for parts replenishment and a new Ethernet enabled proximity exciter. ZES also released enhancements to its equipment fleet management solution to provide added visibility for operator safety and equipment maintenance.
Quarterly product development expenses fluctuate widely depending on the status of ongoing projects. We are committed to a long-term strategy of significant investment in product development. Research and development costs are summarized below (in thousands):
The decreases are primarily related to cost reductions taken in 2008 which decreased research and development costs for the full year of 2009. Expenditures in this area were reduced as part of our corporate wide cost control efforts in a challenging economy.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses are summarized below (in thousands):
General and administrative expenses decreased due to a cost reduction program consisting primarily of headcount reductions implemented during the second half of 2008 in response to the current difficult business environment. Offsetting the previously mentioned cost reduction were increases in consulting expenses related to business improvement initiatives and depreciation related to a worldwide enterprise resource planning system implementation.
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Amortization of intangible assets decreased $8,109,000 during 2009 due to intangible asset write-downs in the fourth quarter of 2008. See Asset impairment charges below for more details.
Litigation Settlement
In 2008 Zebra received a litigation claim settlement related to our recent acquisition of WhereNet. See Note 5 for further information related to the litigation/claim settlement.
Asset Impairment Charges
During the fourth quarter of 2008, we determined that certain impairment indicators existed related to identified intangible assets and conducted an additional impairment test of intangibles. Due to the deterioration of the economy and a significant reduction in the price of our stock, we determined that our goodwill and other intangible assets were impaired requiring total estimated impairment charges of $157,600,000 at December 31, 2008. Upon completion of a detailed second step impairment analysis we recorded a credit of $1,495,000 in the second quarter of 2009 to adjust a portion of our original goodwill impairment. In 2009, we also recorded an impairment charge for an intangible asset or $437,000. See Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more detailed discussion of the asset impairment charges.
Exit, Restructuring and Integration Charges
For 2009, exit and restructuring costs were $8,985,000 and integration costs were $3,206,000. For 2008, exit and restructuring costs were $16,650,000 and integration costs were $3,359,000. The reduction is due to the substantial completion of our production outsourcing. See Note 22 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more detailed discussion of the exit, restructuring and integration charges.
Other Income
Zebra’s non-operating income and expense items are summarized in the following table (in thousands):
Investment income for 2009 would have been $958,000 higher due to write-downs recorded in 2009 related to losses on equity investments. Investment income for 2008 would have been $7,271,000 higher due to losses related to the write-down of an auction rate security of $4,374,000 and a long term equity investment in the amount of $2,897,000 in 2008. Excluding these write-downs, investment income for 2009 would have been $3,891,000 compared to $8,552,000 in 2008. Excluding the 2008 write-downs, Zebra’s annualized rate of return would have been 3.4% for 2008, while the 2009 rate of return would have been 1.6%. The investment income for 2008 was higher due to interest rates being higher in 2008 and Zebra’s cash balances also being higher throughout 2008. Cash and marketable securities balances for 2009 have decreased compared to 2008 as a result of payments for acquisitions and for the repurchase of Zebra Class A common stock.
Operating Income (Loss)
The increase in operating income for 2009 over 2008 is the result of cost containment efforts, reduced exit, restructuring and integration costs and the impairment charge recorded in 2008. The operating loss for 2008 is the result of the impairment charges which totaled $157,600,000. See Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more detailed discussion of the asset impairment charges. Also significantly contributing to the operating loss in 2008 were exit, restructuring and integrations costs of $20,009,000, offset by the WhereNet litigation claim settlement of $5,302,000.
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate for 2009 was 33.2%. The effective income tax rate for 2008 was not meaningful because a substantial portion of the impairment charges recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008 was not deductible for income tax purposes.
Business Groups
Specialty Printing Group - Year to date
(Amounts in thousands, except percentages)
Specialty Printing Group - Year to date
Net sales for SPG decreased 18.1% for 2009 as compared to 2008, with comparable percentage declines in all regions, except for APAC which decreased modestly more than the other regions. New printer products (defined as printers released within 18 months prior to the end of the applicable fiscal period) accounted for 9.0% of printer sales during 2009, compared with 19.1% of printer sales for 2008.
Our international SPG sales are denominated in multiple currencies, primarily the U.S. dollar, British pound and euro. This diversity causes our reported sales to be subject to fluctuations based on changes in currency rates. The stronger U.S. dollar to the euro and the pound had a negative impact of approximately $21,890,000, net of hedges, on sales during 2009 compared with 2008. We typically hedge a portion of anticipated euro-denominated sales to partially protect Zebra against exchange rate movements. For the year, this program resulted in a gain on hedges of $603,000.
Gross profit margin for SPG was affected by unfavorable foreign currency rate movements, which decreased year to date gross profit versus 2008 gross profit by $16,745,000, net of hedges. Lower volume and a less favorable product mix reduced gross margins. Outsourcing of our manufacturing operations resulted in favorable improvement to gross margin in 2009.
Lower overall operating expenses resulted from decreases in payroll costs, business development costs, recruiting and relocation costs, outside commissions, project costs, travel and entertainment expenses, and offsite meetings. Much of the decreased payroll and benefit costs were a result of lower staffing levels and cost reduction initiatives. Amortization of intangibles was reduced by $3,010,000 for 2009 as compared to 2008 due to asset write-downs taken in 2008.
Printer unit volumes and average selling price information is summarized below:
For 2009, unit volumes decreased in nearly all printer product lines compared to the same periods of 2008, with notable volume decreases in high-performance and midrange table top, partially offset by an increase in kiosk volumes.
Operating expenses for SPG are summarized below (in thousands):
Lower operating expenses for 2009 compared to 2008 resulted from decreases in payroll costs primarily from lower staffing levels and reduced spending as part of a corporate wide initiative to reduce costs in a challenging economy.
Exit and restructuring costs decreased in 2009 as compared to 2008 due to the reduction in activities associated with the transfer of our printer manufacturing to a third-party manufacturer and the closure in 2008 of our Warwick, Rhode Island, supplies manufacturing facility. Restructuring costs relate to organizational changes made in December 2008. Facility relocation costs relate to the move of our UK facility into a new location. Amortization of intangibles decreased due to impairments recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008. Impairment charges relate to the write-down of intellectual property from changes in valuations related to current economic conditions and the business outlook. The above reductions were partially offset by increases in general and administrative expenses for consulting and benefit costs in 2009.
Zebra Enterprise Solutions - Year to date
(Amounts in thousands, except percentages)
Zebra Enterprise Solutions - Year to date
ZES sales decreased 14.0% for 2009 as compared to 2008 primarily due to the severely challenging economic conditions of ZES’ key markets, namely maritime and automotive markets. Sales declined in hardware and services but remained steady in license fees and maintenance support. Margins improved in services provided to customers due to reduced service costs.
ZES operating expenses for 2009 were lower than the 2008 level due to lower staffing levels which were offset by increased benefit costs and contract employees. Other operating expenses reductions resulted from cost containment efforts, collection of previously reserved accounts, reduced outside service costs, and lower amortization of intangibles due to asset write-downs in the fourth quarter of 2008. Amortization of intangibles was reduced by $5,099,000 for 2009 as compared to 2008. Included in operating expenses for 2008 is a $5,302,000 expense reduction related to a payment received from an escrow claim settlement related to our prior acquisition of WhereNet. See Note 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information related to the WhereNet escrow claim net settlement and Note 13 for further information related to the impairment charges.
ZES operating expenses are summarized below (in thousands):
Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007
Consolidated Results of Operations
(Amounts in thousands, except percentages):
Sales for all of 2008 increased by 12.5% compared to 2007. All geographic regions contributed to this growth, which was also aided by sales related to the acquisitions we made in 2007 to form our ZES business group. Gross profit margin also increased principally because of favorable foreign exchange rates and product mix due to the sale of higher margin ZES products. Increased operating expenses were due to our ZES acquisitions, increased amortization of intangibles and costs related to the integration and restructuring of our businesses.
Net Sales
Net sales by product category, percent change, and percent of total net sales for 2008 and 2007 were as follows (in thousands, except percentages):
The increase in service and software revenue in 2008 is primarily due to the acquisition of Navis. Navis’ sales have a high concentration of service and software. The Navis business, which constitutes a significant part of ZES, was not acquired until late in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Net sales to customers by geographic region, percent changes and percent of total net sales for 2008 and 2007 were as follows (in thousands, except percentages):
Printer unit volume increased 5.7%, with particular strength in mobile printers. Average unit prices declined principally because of a shift in product mix, with a decline in tabletop printers and relative strength of mobile and desktop printers. We also had ongoing strength in supplies, aftermarket and service revenues. Service and software increased 145.6% principally due to the acquisitions in ZES. Cash flow hedging activities decreased revenue in 2008 from 2007 by $12,354,000.
Gross Profit
Gross profit information is summarized below (in thousands, except percentages):
Foreign currency movements, net of hedging activities, for the full year decreased gross profit by $1,140,000.
Selling and Marketing Expenses
Selling and marketing expenses are summarized below (in thousands, except percentages):
Selling and marketing expenses changes, compared to the same periods in 2007, are due to the following (in thousands):
These increases were related, in part, to recent ZES acquisitions, which increased selling and marketing expenses by $12,528,000 during 2008.
Research and Development Costs
The development of new products and enhancement of existing products are important to Zebra’s business and growth prospects. To maintain and build our product pipeline, we made investments in research and development, summarized below (in thousands, except percentages):
Quarterly product development expenses fluctuate widely depending on the status of ongoing projects. We are committed to a long-term strategy of significant investment in product development. Changes in research and development costs, compared to the same periods in 2007, are due to the following (in thousands):
The majority of these increases were related to recent ZES acquisitions, which increased total research and development expenses by $18,833,000 for 2008.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses are summarized in the table below (in thousands, except percentages):
Changes in general and administrative expenses, compared to the same periods in 2007, are due to the following (in thousands):
General and administrative expenses decreased in the fourth quarter due to a cost reduction program consisting primarily of headcount reductions implemented during the second half of 2008 in response to the current difficult business environment. Offsetting that, in part, were changes related to the ZES acquisitions, which increased general and administrative expenses by $6,640,000 for 2008.
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Amortization of intangible assets increased $7,447,000 during 2008 due to our acquisitions of Navis, LLC in December 2007 and Multispectral Solutions, Inc., in April 2008. See Note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more detailed discussion of the recent acquisitions.
Asset Impairment Charges
During the fourth quarter, Zebra recorded asset impairment charges in the amount of $157,600,000. These charges related to the write-down of assets related to our recent ZES acquisitions and intellectual property because of changes in valuations as a result of the current economic conditions and the business outlook. See Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more detailed discussion of the asset impairment charges.
Exit, Restructuring and Integration Charges
For 2008, Zebra recorded exit costs in the amount of $13,997,000 related to the transfer of our printer manufacturing to a third-party manufacturer and the closure of our Warwick, Rhode Island, supplies manufacturing facility. We also recorded restructuring charges in the amount of $2,653,000 related to various organization changes we made in December 2008 in order to reduce costs. Integration costs related to the combination of our most recent acquisitions to form the Zebra Enterprise Solutions Group and were $3,359,000. See Note 22 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more detailed discussion of the exit, restructuring and integration charges.
Operating Income (Loss)
Operating income (loss) is summarized in the following table (in thousands, except percentages):
The operating loss for 2008 is the result of the impairment charges we recorded in the fourth quarter, which totaled $157,600,000. See Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more detailed discussion of the asset impairment charges. Also significantly contributing to the operating loss in 2008 were exit, restructuring and integrations costs of $20,009,000, offset by the WhereNet litigation/claim settlement of $5,302,000. See Note 22 for further information related to the exit, restructuring and integration costs and Note 5 for further information related to the litigation/claim settlement.
Non-Operating Income and Expenses
Zebra’s non-operating income and expense items are summarized in the following table (in thousands, except percentages):
Cash and marketable securities balances and resulting investment income for 2008 have decreased substantially compared to 2007 as a result of payments for recent acquisitions and for the repurchase of Zebra Class A common stock. During the third quarter of 2008, Zebra recorded losses on an auction rate security in the amount of $4,374,000 and on a long-term equity investment which was included in other assets in the amount of $2,897,000. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the valuation of the auction rate securities. Excluding these writedowns, Zebra’s annualized rate of return would have been 3.4% for 2008.
During 2007, we liquidated all of our interests in our partnership holdings. As a result of these liquidations, we recorded investment income of $9,246,000 related to gains on the liquidations of the partnerships during 2007, $4,369,000 of which was recognized in the fourth quarter. Excluding these gains, Zebra’s 2007 annualized rate of return would have been 3.5% for the year.
Income Taxes
For the full year of 2008, the effective income tax rate was not meaningful because a substantial portion of the impairment charges was not deductible for income tax purposes. For 2007, the effective income tax rate was 34.2%.
Net Income (Loss)
Zebra’s net income (loss) is summarized below (in thousands, except per share amounts):
The net loss for 2008 is the result of pre-tax impairment charges of $157,600,000 that we recorded in the fourth quarter. See Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more detailed discussion of the asset impairment charges. Also significantly contributing to the net loss in 2008 were exit, restructuring and integration costs of $20,009,000, offset by the WhereNet litigation/claim settlement of $5,302,000. See Note 22 for further information related to the exit, restructuring and integration costs and Note 5 for further information related to the litigation/claim settlement.
Business Groups
Specialty Printing Group
(Amounts in thousands, except percentages)
Year-over-year sales growth in our Latin America, Asia Pacific and North America regions offset sales weakness in EMEA related to more difficult general economic conditions in the region. New printer products (defined as printers released within 18 months prior to the end of the applicable fiscal period) as a percent of total printer product sales accounted for 19.1% of printer sales during 2008, compared with 11.1% of printer sales for 2007.
SPG had a strong year with its key accounts in 2008, which offset lower demand in the channel. In addition to shipments to retailers and small package delivery, we also experienced strong sales into healthcare, government and mobile workforce.
Our international sales are denominated in multiple currencies, primarily the dollar, pound and euro. This directly causes our reported sales to be subject to fluctuations based on changes in currency rates. To partially protect Zebra against these currency rate fluctuations, we hedge a portion of the anticipated euro-denominated sales. We estimate that foreign exchange movements of the euro and the pound versus the dollar had a negative impact of $1,945,000 on sales, net of the hedging activities. See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report for a more detailed discussion of our hedging program.
Printer unit volumes and average selling price information is summarized below:
For 2008, unit volumes increased in our midrange and mobile printer lines while unit volumes decreased in the high-end tabletop and card printer lines compared to the comparable periods in 2007.
Gross profit margin for SPG was affected by unfavorable changes in product mix and foreign exchange rates. The impact of foreign currency rates in 2008 versus 2007, net of hedging activities, decreased gross profit by $1,140,000.
Operating expense changes for SPG in 2008 compared to 2007, are due to the following (in thousands):
The 2008 payroll and benefit cost increase includes approximately $550,000 for severance not related to the exit activities. Exit costs relate to the transfer of our printer manufacturing to a third-party manufacturer and the closure of our Warwick, Rhode Island supplies manufacturing facility. Restructuring costs relate to organization changes made in December 2008. See Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more detailed discussion of the exit and restructuring costs. Facility relocation costs relate to the move of our High Wycombe, UK facility into a new location. Impairment charges relate to the writedown of intellectual property because of changes in valuations related to current economic conditions and the business outlook. See Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more detailed discussion of the asset impairment charges.
During 2008, we completed a sale and leaseback transaction for our manufacturing facility located in Camarillo, California. Zebra received net proceeds of $14,796,000 against a net book value of $10,669,000. Of the $4,127,000 gain, $3,006,000 was deferred and will be applied against future rental payments, and $1,121,000 was recognized in general and administrative expenses.
Zebra Enterprise Solutions
(Amounts in thousands, except percentages)
During 2007 and 2008, Zebra acquired four companies which have been combined to make up our Zebra Enterprise Solutions Group (ZES). On January 25, 2007, we acquired WhereNet Corp., a provider of active radio frequency identification (RFID) based wireless solutions used to track and manage enterprise assets. On July 2, 2007, we acquired proveo AG, a provider of complete hardware and software systems for tracking motorized vehicles using global positioning systems (GPS). On December 14, 2007, we acquired Navis Holdings, LLC, a provider of software solutions to optimize the flow of goods through marine terminals and other operations managing cargo movement through ports and intermodal facilities. On April 1, 2008, we acquired Multispectral Solutions Inc., a global provider of ultra wideband (UWB) real-time locating systems and other UWB-based technology. Together, these companies give Zebra the ability to deliver more high-value applications that help our customers identify, track and manage assets, transactions and people.
Gross margin for ZES in 2008 were significantly higher than in 2007 due to the margins of the software business added in late 2007, as a result of the Navis acquisition, being significantly higher than the hardware business we had in 2007.
Increases in ZES operating expenses in 2008 compared to 2007, are due to the following (in thousands):
The operating expenses for ZES for all of 2008 are not comparable to the operating expenses for 2007 because the operating expenses for 2007 do not include the financial results for all of those businesses. ZES’s results also reflect a reduction in operating expenses during the second half of 2008. These cost reduction efforts reduced ZES’s employee count by approximately 40. Operating expenses for 2008 reflect a writedown of assets in the amount of $142,920,000 related to our recent ZES acquisitions and intellectual property because of changes in valuations as a result of economic conditions and the business outlook late in 2008.
See Note 23 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information related to acquisition integration expenses. See Note 13 for further information related to the impairment charges and Note 5 for further information related to the WhereNet escrow claim net settlement.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Management prepared the consolidated financial statements of Zebra under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These principles require the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions. We believe that the estimates, judgments and assumptions we used are reasonable, based upon the information available.
Our estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts in our financial statements. The following accounting policies comprise those that we believe are the most critical in understanding and evaluating Zebra’s reported financial results.
Revenue Recognition
Product revenue is recognized once four criteria are met: (1) we have persuasive evidence that an arrangement exits; (2) delivery has occurred and title has passed to the customer, which happens at the point of shipment provided that no significant obligations remain; (3) the price is fixed and determinable; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. Other items that affect our revenue recognition include:
Customer returns
Customers have the right to return products that do not function properly within a limited time after delivery. We monitor and track product returns and record a provision for the estimated future returns based on historical experience and any notification received of pending returns. Returns have historically been within expectations and the provisions established, but Zebra cannot guarantee that it will continue to experience return rates consistent with historical patterns. Historically, our product returns have not been significant. However, if a significant issue should arise, it could have a material impact on our financial statements.
Growth Rebates
Some of our channel program partners are offered incentive rebates based on the attainment of specific growth targets related to products they purchase from us over a quarter or year. These rebates are recorded as a reduction to revenue. Each quarter, we estimate the amount of outstanding rebates and establish a reserve for them based on shipment history. Historically, actual rebates have been in line with our estimates.
Price Protection
Some of our customers are offered price protection by Zebra as an incentive to carry inventory of our product. These price protection plans provide that if we lower prices, we will credit them for the price decrease on inventory they hold. We estimate future payments under price protection programs quarterly and establish a reserve, which is charged against revenue. Our customers typically carry limited amounts of inventory, and Zebra infrequently lowers prices on current products. As a result, the amounts paid under these plans have been minimal.
Software Revenue
We sell four types of software and record revenue as follows:
•
ZES has fixed fee software implementation projects, for which we use the percentage of completion method for revenue recognition. Under this method of accounting, we recognize revenue based on the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs. If increases in projected costs-to-complete are sufficient to create a loss contract, the entire estimated loss is charged to operations in the period the loss first becomes known.
•
Our printers contain embedded firmware, which is part of the hardware purchase. We consider the sale of this firmware to be incidental to the sale of the printer and do not attribute any revenue to it.
•
We sell a limited amount of prepackaged, or off-the-shelf, software for the creation of bar code labels using our printers. There is no customization required to use this software, and we have no post-shipment obligations on the software. Revenue is recognized at the time this prepackaged software is shipped.
•
We sometimes provide custom software as part of a printer installation project. We bill custom software development services separate from the related hardware. Revenue related to custom software is recognized once the custom software development services have been completed and accepted by the customer.
•
We recognize license revenue under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 985 (formerly Statement of Position No. 97-2, “Software Revenue Recognition”, as amended by Statement of Position No. 98-9, “Software Revenue Recognition, With Respect to Certain Transactions”), when (1) a signed contract is obtained; (2) delivery of the product has occurred; (3) the license fee is fixed or determinable; and (4) collection is probable.
Maintenance and Support Agreements
We enter into post-contract maintenance and support agreements. Revenues are recognized ratably over the service period and the cost of providing these services is expensed as incurred.
Shipping and Handling
We charge our customers for shipping and handling services based upon our internal price list for these items. The amounts billed to customers are recorded as revenue when the product ships. Any costs incurred related to these services are included in cost of sales.
Zebra enters into sales transactions that include more than one product type. This bundle of products might include printers, current or future supplies, and services. When this type of transaction occurs, we allocate the purchase price to each product type based on the fair value of the individual products determined by vendor specific objective evidence. The revenue for each individual product is then recognized when the recognition criteria for that product is fully met.
Investments and Marketable Securities
Investments and marketable securities at December 31, 2009, consisted of the following:
(1) Includes investments in notes issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Bank.
We classify our debt and marketable equity securities in one of three categories: trading, available-for-sale or held-to-maturity. Trading securities are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. Held-to-maturity securities are those debt securities that Zebra has the ability and intent to hold until maturity. All securities not included in trading or held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale.
Trading and available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value. Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost, adjusted for the amortization or accretion of discounts or premiums. Unrealized holding gains and losses on trading securities are included in earnings. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity until realized. As of December 31, 2009, Zebra’s investments in marketable debt securities are classified as available-for-sale. In addition, as of December 31, 2009, all of our investments in marketable debt securities with maturities greater than one year are classified as long-term investments on the balance sheet due to our ability to hold them until maturity.
See Note 3 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for the fair value discussion of auction rate security investment valuations.
Accounts Receivable
We have standardized credit granting and review policies and procedures for all customer accounts, including:
•
Credit reviews of all new customer accounts,
•
Ongoing credit evaluations of current customers,
•
Credit limits and payment terms based on available credit information,
•
Adjustments to credit limits based upon payment history and the customer’s current credit worthiness,
•
An active collection effort by regional credit functions, reporting directly to the corporate financial officers, and
•
Limited credit insurance on the majority of our international revenues.
We reserve for estimated credit losses based upon historical experience and specific customer collection issues. Over the last three years, accounts receivable reserves varied from 1.4% to 3.8% of total accounts receivable. Accounts receivable reserves as of December 31, 2009, were $2,186,000, or 1.4% of the balance due. We believe this reserve level is appropriate considering the quality of the portfolio as of December 31, 2009. While credit losses have historically been within expectations and the provisions established, we cannot guarantee that our credit loss experience will continue to be consistent with historical experience.
Inventories
We value our inventories at the lower of the actual cost to purchase or manufacture using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, or the current estimated market value. We review inventory quantities on hand and record a provision for excess and obsolete inventory based on forecasts of product demand and production requirements for the subsequent twelve months.
Over the last three years, our inventory reserves have ranged from 6.8% to 12.4% of gross inventory. As of December 31, 2009, inventory reserves were $9,054,000, or 10.2% of gross inventory. We believe this reserve level is appropriate considering the quantities and quality of the inventories as of December 31, 2009.
Valuation of Goodwill
We test the impairment of goodwill each year or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We completed our annual assessment during June 2009 and determined that our goodwill was not impaired as of the end of May 2009.
Goodwill of a reporting unit should be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Examples of such events or circumstances include:
•
Significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate,
•
Adverse action or assessment by a regulator,
•
Unanticipated competition,
•
Loss of key personnel,
•
More-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of,
•
Testing for recoverability under ASC 360 (formerly SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets) of a significant asset group within a reporting unit,
•
Recognition of a goodwill impairment loss in the financial statement of a subsidiary that is a component of a reporting unit, or
•
Allocation of a portion of goodwill to a business to be disposed of.
Due to the deterioration of the economy and a significant reduction in the price of our stock, we performed an interim test of our goodwill in the fourth quarter of 2008 and determined that the goodwill associated with our ZES segment was impaired. See Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of this impairment charge.
If we believe that one or more of the above indicators of impairment have occurred, we perform an impairment test. The performance of the test involves a two-step process. The first step of the impairment test involves comparing the fair values of the applicable reporting units with their aggregate carrying values, including goodwill. We generally determine the fair value of our reporting units using three valuation methods: Income Approach - Discounted Cash Flow Analysis, Market Approach - Guideline Public Company Method and Market Approach - Comparative Transactions Method.
Under the “Income Approach - Discounted Cash Flow Analysis” the key assumptions consider sales, cost of sales and operating expenses projected through the year 2015. These assumptions were determined by management utilizing our internal operating plan and assuming growth rates for revenues and operating expenses, and margin assumptions. The fourth key assumption under this approach is the discount rate which is determined by looking at current risk-free rates of capital, current market interest rates and the evaluation of risk premium relevant to the business segment. If our assumptions relative to growth rates were to change or were incorrect, our fair value calculation may change which could result in impairment. The company’s risk factors are discussed under Item 1A of this Form 10-K.
Under the “Market Approach - Guideline Company Method” we identified 12 publicly traded companies, including Zebra, which we believe have significant relevant similarities. For these 12 companies we calculated the mean ratio of invested capital to revenues and invested capital to EBITDA. Similar to the Income approach discussed above, sales, cost of sales, operating expenses and their respective growth rates were the key assumptions utilized. The market prices of Zebra and other guideline company shares are key assumptions. If these market prices increase, the estimated market value would increase. If the market prices decrease, the estimated market value would decrease.
Under the “Market Approach - Comparative Transactions Method” we looked at 22 market based transactions for companies that have similarities to our business segment, including similarities to one or more of the business lines, markets, growth prospects, margins and size. We calculated mean revenue and EBITDA multiples for the selected transactions. These multiples were applied to forecasted Zebra results for that segment to estimate market value. The key assumptions and impact to changes to those assumptions would be similar to those assumptions under the “Income Approach - Discounted Cash Flow Analysis” and the “Market Approach - Guideline Company Method”.
The results of these three methods are weighted based upon managements’ determination with more weighing upon the Income approach because it considers anticipated future financial performance. The Market approaches are based upon historical and current economic conditions which might not reflect the long term prospects or opportunities for our business segment being evaluated.
If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, we perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to determine the amount of impairment loss. The second step of the goodwill impairment test involves comparing the implied fair value of the affected reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying value of that goodwill.
Due to the deterioration of the economy and a significant reduction in the price of our stock, we determined that our goodwill from our recent ZES acquisitions was impaired requiring total estimated goodwill impairment charges of $113,679,000 at December 31, 2008. Upon completion of a detailed second step impairment analysis we recorded a credit of $1,495,000 in the second quarter of 2009 to adjust a portion of the original estimated goodwill impairment for ZES.
Valuation of Long-Lived and Other Intangible Assets
We evaluate the impairment of identifiable intangibles and other long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors considered that may trigger an impairment review consist of:
•
Significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results,
•
Significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business,
•
Significant negative industry or economic trends,
•
Significant decline in Zebra’s stock price for a sustained period, and
•
Significant decline in market capitalization relative to net book value.
If we believe that one or more of the above indicators of impairment have occurred and the undiscounted cash flow test has failed in the case of amortizable assets, we measure impairment based on projected discounted cash flows using a discount rate that incorporates the risk inherent in the cash flows.
During the fourth quarter of 2008, we determined that certain impairment indicators related to identified intangible assets existed and conducted an additional impairment test of intangibles. Due to the deterioration of the economy and a significant reduction in the price of our stock, we determined that our other intangible assets consisting of our recent ZES acquisitions and intellectual property were impaired requiring total estimated impairment charges of $43,921,000 at December 31, 2008. The intangible asset impairment charges in our SPG segment were related primarily to radio frequency identification patents and patent rights. The intangible asset impairment charges in our ZES segment were related to customer relationships, technology, third party technology licenses and non-competition agreements. We recorded an impairment charge to a ZES intangible asset of $437,000 in 2009.
Net intangible assets, long-lived assets and goodwill amounted to $286,796,000 as of December 31, 2009.
Income Taxes
On January 1, 2007, we adopted ASC 740 (formerly FASB Interpretation (FIN) No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109). According to ASC 740, we identified, evaluated, and measured the amount of income tax benefits to be recognized for all of our income tax positions. During 2008, we recognized an increase of approximately $4,000,000 in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to an acquisition.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
Zebra’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as part of income tax expense. For the years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, we did not accrue any interest or penalties into income tax expense.
Zebra has concluded all U.S. federal income tax audits for years through 2006. The tax years 2005 through 2008 remain open to examination by multiple state taxing jurisdictions. Tax authorities in the United Kingdom have completed income tax audits for tax years through 2006.
Included in deferred tax assets are amounts related to federal and state net operating losses that resulted from our acquisition of WhereNet Corp. As of December 31, 2009, we had approximately $35,003,000 of federal net operating loss carryforwards available to offset future taxable income which expire in 2012 through 2022. As of December 31, 2009, we also had approximately $19,283,000 of state net operating loss carryforwards which expire in 2012 through 2022. Zebra’s intention is to utilize these net operating loss carryforwards to offset future income tax expense. Under the United States Tax Reform Act of 1986, the amounts of benefits from net operating loss carryforwards may be impaired or limited in certain circumstances, including significant changes in ownership interests. In addition, as of December 31, 2009 Zebra had approximately $8,326,000 of foreign net operating loss carryforwards which currently can be carried forward indefinitely.
The effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2009 was 33.2%.
Contingencies
We record estimated liabilities related to contingencies based on our estimates of the probable outcomes. Quarterly, we assess the potential liability related to pending litigation, tax audits and other contingencies and confirm or revise estimates and reserves as appropriate.
For further information regarding material pending legal proceedings, see Note 17 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Form 10-K.
Equity-Based Compensation
As of December 31, 2009, Zebra had an active equity-based compensation plan and a stock purchase plan available for future grants. We accounted for these plans in accordance with ASC 505 and ASC 718 (formerly SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payments). Zebra recognizes compensation costs using the straight-line method over the vesting period of 1 month to 5 years. See Notes 2 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Form 10-K for further information.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
(Amounts in thousands, except percentages):
Average cash and marketable securities balances for the year of 2009 decreased compared to 2008 as a result of continuing stock repurchases since the second quarter of 2008 and decreased cash provided by operations in 2009 versus 2008.
As of December 31, 2009, Zebra had $246,721,000 in cash, restricted cash, investments and marketable securities, compared with $224,886,000 at December 31, 2008. Factors affecting cash and investment balances during 2009 include the following (changes below include the impact of foreign currency):
•
Operations provided cash in the amount of $105,698,000, primarily from net income, collection of receivables and reduced inventory levels as a result of reduced demand and printer manufacturing outsourcing.
•
Accounts receivable decreased $8,747,000 because of lower sales and successful collection efforts. Days sales outstanding improved from 66 days to 62 days.
•
Inventories decreased $22,315,000 because of lower sales, consumption of raw materials and outsourcing of operations.
•
Accounts payable decreased $16,105,000, due to the timing of vendor payments and decreased purchasing as a result of reduced demand.
•
Accrued liabilities decreased $16,315,000, due to the payment of payroll-related expenses and reduced foreign exchange forward contract liabilities associated with hedges.
•
Deferred revenue increased $4,966,000 as a result of acquiring more long-term contracts in our ZES business.
•
Taxes payable decreased $2,008,000 due to the timing of tax payments made in 2009.
•
Purchases of property and equipment totaled $24,890,000.
•
Net sales of investments totaled $56,020,000.
•
Purchases of treasury shares totaled $65,445,000. Zebra made open market repurchases of our shares under authorizations of the Board of Directors announced February 25, 2008 and October 27, 2008.
•
Stock option exercises and purchases under the stock purchase plan contributed $4,972,000.
Management believes that existing capital resources and funds generated from operations are sufficient to finance anticipated capital requirements.
In February 2008, we announced that printer manufacturing is being transferred to a third-party manufacturer. This transition was substantially completed in 2009. See Note 22 to our Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
Contractual Obligations
Zebra’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2009 were (in thousands):
Purchase obligations are for purchases made in the normal course of business to meet operational requirements, primarily raw materials.
On August 14, 2008, Zebra entered into a revolving credit agreement for a five-year $100 million revolving credit facility. The loans under this credit agreement will be available for general corporate purposes of Zebra and its subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and other purposes permitted by the agreement. As of December 31, 2009, we had established letters of credit amounting to $4,170,000, which reduce the funds available for borrowing under the agreement. No amounts were outstanding under the credit agreement as of December 31, 2009.
Management believes that existing capital resources and funds generated from operations are sufficient to finance anticipated capital requirements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2008, the FASB issued ASC 105 (formerly SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles). This statement identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with GAAP in the United States. Any effect of applying the provisions of this Statement shall be reported as a change in accounting principle in accordance with ASC 250 (formerly SFAS No. 154, Accounting for Changes and Error Corrections). This standard did not have a significant effect upon our consolidated financial statements.
In October 2008, the FASB issued ASC 820 (formerly FSP FAS 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset is Not Active). The position statement was effective upon issuance. The statement provides guidance for valuing assets that are no longer in active markets. This standard did not have a significant effect upon our consolidated financial statements.
In April 2009, the FASB issued ASC 825 (formerly FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments) a statement of position that will require companies to provide disclosures required by ASC 825 (formerly FASB No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments). The position statement is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009 with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. This standard did not have a significant effect upon our consolidated financial statements.
In April 2009, the FASB issued ASC 320 (formerly FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-than-Temporary Impairments) which amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance in U.S. GAAP for debt securities to make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in the financial statements. This statement does not amend existing recognition and measurement guidance related to other-than-temporary impairments of equity securities. The position statement is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009 with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. Earlier adoption for periods ending before March 15, 2009 is not permitted. This standard did not have a significant effect upon our consolidated financial statements.
In April 2009, the FASB issued ASC 820 (formerly FSP FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That are Not Orderly). ASC 820 provides additional guidance for estimating fair value when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased. This ASC also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. ASC 820 becomes effective for interim and annual reporting periods after June 15, 2009 and shall be applied prospectively. This standard did not have a significant effect upon our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2009, the FASB issued ASC 855 (formerly SFAS 165, Subsequent Events) which establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued. In particular, the standard addresses: the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity shall evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements; the circumstances under which an entity shall recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements; and the disclosures that an entity shall make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. The statement is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. This standard did not have a significant effect upon our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2009, the FASB issued ASC 105 (formerly SFAS 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles - a replacement of FASB SFAS No. 162) which would make the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) the single source of authoritative accounting and reporting standards applicable for all nongovernmental entities, with the exception of guidance issued by the SEC and its staff. The ASC does not change GAAP; instead, it introduces a new structure that is organized into user-friendly research system. The ASC reorganizes thousands of GAAP pronouncements into approximately 90 accounting topics using a consistent structure. The statement is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after September 15, 2009. This standard did not have a significant effect upon our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2009, the FASB issued update 2009-05, ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures - Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value which provides additional guidance clarifying the measurement of financial liabilities at fair value. This standard is effective after issuance and did not have a significant effect upon our consolidated financial statements.
In October 2009, the FASB issued update 2009-13, ASC 605, Revenue Recognition: Multiple -Deliverable Revenue Arrangements-a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. The revised guidance provides for two significant changes to existing multiple element arrangement guidance. The first relates to the determination of when the individual deliverables included in a multiple-element arrangement may be treated as separate units of accounting. This change is significant as it will likely result in the requirement to separate more deliverables within an arrangement, ultimately leading to less revenue deferral. The second change modifies the manner in which the transaction consideration is allocated across the separately identifiable deliverables. These changes are likely to result in earlier recognition of revenue for multiple-element arrangements than under previous guidance. This standard is effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. We have not yet determined the effect of this standard upon our consolidated financial statements.
In October 2009, the FASB issued update 2009-14, ASC 985, Software: Certain Revenue Arrangements That Include Software Elements - a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. This updated guidance is expected to significantly affect how entities account for revenue arrangements that contain both hardware and software elements. This standard is effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. We have not yet determined the effect of this standard upon our consolidated financial statements.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
Zebra is exposed to the impact of changes in interest rates because of our large investment portfolio. As stated in our written investment policy, the investment portfolio is viewed as a strategic resource that will be managed to achieve above market rates of return in exchange for accepting a prudent amount of incremental risk, which includes the risk of interest rate movements. Risk tolerance is constrained by an overriding objective to preserve capital across each quarterly reporting cycle.
Zebra mitigates interest rate risk with an investment policy that requires the use of outside professional investment managers, specified investment liquidity levels, and broad diversification across investment strategies, and which limits the types of investments that may be made. Moreover, the policy requires due diligence of each investment manager both before employment and on an ongoing basis.
The following table sets forth the impact of a one-percentage point movement in interest rates on the value of Zebra’s investment portfolio (in thousands, except per share data).
Because these securities are classified as available-for-sale under ASC 320 (formerly SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities), the impact of a one-percentage point movement in interest rates occurs over an extended period of time as investments are sold and the funds are subsequently reinvested.
Foreign Exchange Risk
We conduct business in over 100 countries throughout the world and, therefore, at times are exposed to risk based on movements in foreign exchange rates. On occasion, we invoice customers in their local currency and have a resulting foreign currency denominated revenue transaction and accounts receivable. We also purchase certain raw materials and other items in foreign currencies. We manage these risks using derivative financial instruments. See Note 16 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this form 10-K for further discussions of hedging activities.
The following table sets forth the impact of a ten percent movement in the dollar/pound and dollar/euro rates measured as if Zebra did not engage in the selective hedging practices described above and in Note 16. It is based on the dollar/euro and dollar/pound exchange rates and euro and pound denominated assets and liabilities (in thousands, except per share data).
Equity Price Risk
Zebra’s investment manager uses a variety of investment strategies, some of which involve the use of equity securities. Zebra utilizes a Value-at-Risk (VaR) model to determine the maximum potential one-day loss in the fair value of its interest rate, foreign exchange and equity price sensitive instruments.
The following table sets forth the impact of a ten percent change in the value of all equity positions held by Zebra’s investments (in thousands, except per share data).
From time to time, Zebra has taken direct equity positions in companies. These investments relate to potential acquisitions and other strategic business opportunities. To the extent that it has a direct investment in the equity securities of another company, Zebra is exposed to the risks associated with such investments. However, at the end of 2009, Zebra held no equity positions.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The financial statements and schedule of Zebra are annexed to this report as pages through. An index to such materials appears on page.
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K. The evaluation was conducted under the supervision of our Disclosure Committee, and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that (i) the information required to be disclosed by us in this Form 10-K was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (ii) information required to be disclosed by us in our reports that we file or furnish under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment and those criteria, our management believes that, as of December 31, 2009, our internal control over financial reporting is effective. Our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, has issued an attestation report on Zebra’s internal control over financial reporting. Ernst & Young LLP’s report is included on page 56 of this report on Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
In January 2008, Zebra began a program to update substantially all of its key financial systems over a three year period. As pieces of these systems are completed, they will be subject to the requirements related to internal control over financial reporting. The requirements for internal control over financial reporting will be a fundamental element of the design and implementation of these systems. During 2009, we implemented the following financial systems modules in our U.S. facilities: human resources, procurement and payables, payroll, and portions of our general ledger. In 2009, we made additional changes to our controls and procedures as part of our ongoing monitoring of our controls. However, none of these changes has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, and there were no other changes that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Inherent Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within Zebra have been prevented or detected.
These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all
potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
of Zebra Technologies Corporation:
We have audited Zebra Technologies Corporation internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Zebra Technologies Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
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 (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) 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 (3) 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.
In our opinion, Zebra Technologies Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Zebra Technologies Corporation as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of earnings (loss), comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009 and the schedule listed in the index at Item 15, our report dated February 23, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/Ernst & Young LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 23, 2010
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information
Not applicable.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to Zebra’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the Vice President, Finance. The Code of Ethics is posted on the Investor Relations - Corporate Governance page of Zebra’s Internet Web site, www.zebra.com, and is available for download. Any waiver from the Code of Ethics and any amendment to the Code of Ethics will be disclosed on such page of Zebra’s Web site
All other information in response to this item is incorporated by reference from the Proxy Statement sections entitled “Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers” and “Corporate Governance.”
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information in response to this item is incorporated by reference from the Proxy Statement sections entitled “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Director Compensation,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Compensation Committee Report.”
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information in response to this item is incorporated by reference from the Proxy Statement sections entitled “Ownership of our Common Stock” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information.”
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information in response to this item is incorporated by reference from the Proxy Statement section entitled “Corporate Governance.”
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information in response to this item is incorporated by reference from the Proxy Statement section entitled “Fees of Independent Auditors.”
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
The financial statements and schedule filed as part of this report are listed in the accompanying Index to Financial Statements and Schedule. The exhibits filed as a part of this report are listed in the accompanying Index to Exhibits.
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, on the 19th day of February 2010.
ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
By: /s/ Anders Gustafsson
Anders Gustafsson
Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the report has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE
All other financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
of Zebra Technologies Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Zebra Technologies Corporation (the Company) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of earnings (loss), comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index referenced in Item 15. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our 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 audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Zebra Technologies Corporation at December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Zebra Technologies Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 23, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/Ernst & Young LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 23, 2010
ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS)
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Amounts in thousands)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 Description of Business
Zebra Technologies Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (Zebra) design, manufacture, sell and support a broad range of direct thermal and thermal transfer label printers, radio frequency identification printer/encoders, dye sublimation card printers, related accessories and support software. These products are used principally in automatic identification (auto ID), data collection and personal identification applications and are distributed world-wide through a network of resellers, distributors and end users representing a wide cross-section of industrial, service and government organizations.
In 2007 and 2008, we acquired WhereNet Corp., proveo AG, Navis Holdings, LLC and Multispectral Solutions Inc., which we refer to as Zebra Enterprise Solutions Group (ZES). In 2008 and 2009, we integrated these businesses into a single business group and are reporting their results separately from our specialty printing business. Together, these ZES companies give Zebra the ability to deliver more high-value applications that help our customers identify, track and manage assets, transactions and people. We consider these solutions natural adjacencies to our core specialty printing business. The solutions these companies provide are sold on a contract basis and are typically installed over several quarters. These contracts cover a range of services, including design, installation and ongoing maintenance services.
Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation. These consolidated financial statements were prepared on a consolidated basis to include the accounts of Zebra and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts, transactions and unrealized profit were eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal Calendar. Zebra operates on a 4 week/4 week/5 week fiscal quarter, and each fiscal quarter ends on a Saturday. The fiscal year always begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. This fiscal calendar results in some fiscal quarters being either greater than or less than 13 weeks, depending on the days of the week those dates fall. During the 2009 fiscal year, our quarter end dates were as follows:
•
April 4,
•
July 4,
•
October 3, and
•
December 31.
Use of Estimates. These consolidated financial statements were prepared using estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash consists primarily of deposits with banks. In addition, Zebra considers highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of less than seven days to be cash equivalents.
Restricted Cash. Zebra has two types of restricted cash agreements. In the Netherlands, we have an agreement with the import authorities to place 1,000,000 in a bank deposit account, which acts as security for the VAT payable. This deferment agreement allows Zebra to simply quote our deferment number at import and quickly clear customs without the need to pay VAT. The bank deposit account cannot be accessed or used without cancelling the deferment agreement. The second type of restricted cash agreement primarily collateralizes the issuance of letters of credit.
Investments and Marketable Securities. Investments and marketable securities at December 31, 2009, consisted of U.S. government and agency securities, state and municipal bonds, corporate bonds, and other interests. Zebra classifies its debt and marketable equity securities in one of three categories: trading, available-for-sale or held-to-maturity. Trading securities are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. Held-to-maturity securities are those debt securities that Zebra has the ability and intent to hold until maturity. All securities not included in trading or held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale.
Trading and available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value. Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost, adjusted for the amortization or accretion of discounts or premiums. Unrealized holding gains and losses on trading securities are included in earnings. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings
and are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity until realized. As of December 31, 2009, all of our investments and marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale securities. In addition, all investments in marketable debt securities with maturities greater than one year are classified as long-term in the balance sheet due to our ability and intent to hold them until maturity.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due to us from our normal business activities. Collateral on trade accounts receivable is generally not required. Zebra maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated uncollectible accounts receivable. The allowance is based on our assessment of known delinquent accounts. Accounts are written off against the allowance account when they are determined to be no longer collectible.
Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, and cost is determined by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Manufactured inventories consist of the following costs: component, direct labor and manufacturing overhead. Purchased inventories consist of purchased costs and purchasing overhead.
Property and Equipment. Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the various classes of property and equipment, which are 30 years for buildings and range from 3 to 10 years for other property. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset.
Income Taxes. On January 1, 2007, we adopted ASC 740 (formerly FASB Interpretation (FIN) No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109). According to ASC 740, we identified, evaluated, and measured the amount of income tax benefits to be recognized for all of our income tax positions. During 2008, we recognized an increase of approximately $4,000,000 in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to an acquisition.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
Zebra’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as part of income tax expense. For the years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, we did not accrue any interest or penalties into income tax expense.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles. Goodwill represents the unamortized excess of the cost of acquiring a business over the fair values of the net assets received at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is no longer being amortized, as required by ASC 350 (formerly Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets).
We test the impairment of goodwill each year or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We completed our last annual assessment during June 2009. At that time, no adjustment to goodwill was necessary due to impairment. Due to economic conditions in late 2008, we performed an additional assessment of our goodwill during December 2008 and found the goodwill of our Zebra Enterprise Solutions Group to be impaired. See Note 13 for further information related to goodwill impairment charges.
Goodwill of a reporting unit should be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Examples of such events or circumstances include:
•
Significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate,
•
Adverse action or assessment by a regulator,
•
Unanticipated competition,
•
Loss of key personnel,
•
More-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of,
•
Testing for recoverability under SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, of a significant asset group within a reporting unit,
•
Recognition of a goodwill impairment loss in the financial statement of a subsidiary that is a component of a reporting unit, or
•
Allocation of a portion of goodwill to a business to be disposed of.
We evaluate the impairment of identifiable intangibles whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors considered that might trigger an impairment review consist of:
•
Significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results,
•
Significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business,
•
Significant negative industry or economic trends,
•
Significant decline in Zebra’s stock price for a sustained period, and
•
Significant decline in market capitalization relative to net book value.
If we believe that one or more of the above indicators of impairment have occurred and the undiscounted cash flow test has failed in the case of amortizable assets, we measure impairment by comparing the carrying value of the asset group to its fair value, which is estimated by using projected discounted cash flows and using a discount rate that incorporates the risk inherent in the cash flows. Due to economic conditions in 2008, we performed an assessment of our identifiable intangibles during December 2008 and found that several of our identifiable intangible assets were impaired. See Note 13 for further information related to asset impairment charges.
Other intangible assets capitalized consist primarily of current technology, customer relationships and patents and patent rights. These assets are recorded at cost and amortized on a straight-line basis over a weighted-average life of 5.3 years, which approximates the estimated useful lives. Weighted average lives remaining by intangible asset class are as follows: Current technology 3.9 years; Patent and patent rights 3.0 years; Customer relationships 7.8 years. Accumulated amortization for these other intangible assets was $34,541,000 at December 31, 2009 and $23,394,000 at December 31, 2008.
Revenue Recognition. Revenue includes sales of hardware, supplies, software and services (including repair services, extended service contracts, and professional services). Product revenue is recognized once four criteria are met: (1) we have persuasive evidence that an arrangement exits; (2) delivery has occurred and title has passed to the customer, which happens at the point of shipment provided that no significant obligations remain; (3) the price is fixed and determinable; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. We provide for an estimate of product returns based on historical experience. Revenue related to extended warranty and service contracts is recorded as deferred revenue and recognized over the life of the contract. Professional services revenue is recorded when performed. Zebra enters into sales transactions that include more than one product type. This bundle of products might include printers, current or future supplies, and services. When this type of transaction occurs, we allocate the purchase price to each product type based on the fair value of the individual products determined by vendor specific objective evidence. The revenue for each individual product is then recognized when the earning process for that product is complete. We enter into post-contract maintenance and support agreements. Revenues are recognized ratably over the service period and the cost of providing these services is expensed as incurred.
Zebra records payments to resellers of its product as reductions to revenue unless these payments meet the requirements for operating expense treatment under ASC 605 (formerly EITF 01-09 Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendor's Products). See the market development funds accounting policy for further details.
Revenue includes all customer billings for shipping and handling charges. The related costs of shipping and handling revenue are recorded as cost of goods sold.
ZES has fixed fee software implementation projects, for which we use the percentage of completion method for revenue recognition. Under this method of accounting, we recognize revenue based on the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs. Contract terms generally provide for progress billings on advance terms or based on completion of certain phases of the work. At December 31, 2009, unbilled revenue was $8,480,000 and receivables for contracts in progress included in accounts receivable were $14,682,000. At December 31, 2008, unbilled revenue was $9,801,000 and receivables for contracts in progress included in accounts receivable were $11,260,000.
Research and Development Costs. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. These costs include:
•
Salaries, benefits, and other R&D personnel related costs,
•
Consulting and other outside services used in the R&D process,
•
Engineering supplies,
•
Engineering related information systems costs, and
•
Allocation of building and related costs.
Advertising. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 totaled $6,118,000, $7,318,000 and $6,361,000, respectively.
Market Development Funds. Zebra makes market development funds available to its resellers to support demand generation activity by the resellers. These funds require the reseller to provide specific services or benefits to Zebra and substantiate the fair value of such. Zebra reimburses resellers for agreed activities up to the fair value of the benefit received by Zebra. These payments are treated as marketing costs consistent with the requirements of ASC 605 (formerly EITF 01-9, Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendor's Products). Any payments to resellers that do not meet these requirements are recorded as reductions to revenue.
Warranty. In general, Zebra provides warranty coverage of one year on SPG printers against defects in material and workmanship. SPG printheads are warranted for nine months and batteries are warranted for twelve months. Warranty coverage for most ZES hardware products is similar, with coverage periods ranging from 90 days to one year depending on the nature of the product. Battery based products, such as location tags, are covered by a 30 day warranty. For ZES software products, the warranty period is generally 90 days and provides coverage against defects in material and workmanship as well as performance materially in compliance with the accompanying documentation. A provision for warranty expense is recorded at the time of shipment and adjusted quarterly based on historical warranty experience. The following table is a summary of Zebra’s accrued warranty obligation (in thousands):
In the European Union, we have an obligation to recycle printers. We reserve for this obligation based on the number of new printers sold after August 13, 2005, and printers sold prior to that date that are returned to us upon our sale of a new printer to a customer. The following is a summary of Zebra’s accrued recycling obligation (in thousands):
During the second quarter of 2009 and 2008 we reviewed the environmental recycling reserves based on our experience of providing for such reserves and decreased our estimates as noted in the above schedule.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments. Zebra estimates the fair value of its financial instruments as follows:
Instrument
Method for determining fair value
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable
Cost, which approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments
Investments in marketable debt securities
Market quotes from independent pricing services
Investments in auction rate securities
Broker quotations, discounted cash flow analysis or other types of valuation adjustment methodologies
Foreign currency forward contracts
Estimated using market quoted rates for foreign currency at the balance sheet date
Foreign currency option contracts
Estimated using market quoted rates for foreign currency at the balance sheet date and application of such rates subject to the option terms
In accordance with ASC 815 (formerly SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities) we recognize derivative instruments and hedging activities as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measure them at fair value. Gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value are accounted for depending on the use of the derivative and whether it is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting. See Note 16 for additional information on our derivatives and hedging activities.
Equity-Based Compensation. At December 31, 2009, Zebra had a general equity-based compensation plan and a stock purchase plan under which shares of our common stock was available for future grants and sales, and which are described more fully in Note 4. We account for these plans in accordance with ASC 505 and ASC 718 (formerly SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payments). Zebra recognizes compensation costs using the straight-line method over the vesting period of 1 month to 5 years.
The compensation expense and the related income tax benefit for share-based payments were included in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Loss) as follows (in thousands):
On August 31, 2007, Zebra announced the resignation of our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of the Board in conjunction with our announcement of his successor as CEO. Zebra entered into an executive transition agreement with the former CEO as of that date. The agreement specifies that his outstanding unvested options vested on that date and the option exercise period will continue for the full original maximum term unaffected by his retirement. As a result, we recorded a modification charge of approximately $1,702,000 in 2007, representing the difference in fair value of the options before and after modification.
ASC 505 and ASC 718 requires the cash flows resulting from the tax benefits from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized (excess tax benefits) to be classified as financing cash flows. Excess tax benefits classified as financing cash flows were as follows (in thousands):
Deferred Compensation Plan. Zebra has a deferred compensation plan that permits directors, management and highly compensated employees to defer portions of their compensation. Zebra immediately pays deferred amounts into a Rabbi
Trust, and plan participants select a method of investing these funds into hypothetical investments. Zebra tracks the performance of these hypothetical investments in order to determine the value of each participant’s deferral. Zebra accrues the deferred compensation liability in other long-term liabilities as the amount that is actually owed to the participants. Our deferred compensation liability was $3,155,000 as of December 31, 2009, and $3,323,000 as of December 31, 2008.
Foreign Currency Translations. The consolidated balance sheets of Zebra’s foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using the year-end exchange rate, and statement of earnings items are translated using the average exchange rate for the year. The resulting translation gains or losses are recorded in stockholders’ equity as a cumulative translation adjustment, which is a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Acquisition Costs. Zebra periodically has external expenditures related to potential acquisitions. During 2008 and previously, these expenditures were recorded as prepaid expenses until such time as Zebra either completed the transaction or abandoned the transaction. If the transaction completed, the costs were treated as part of the cost of the acquisition. If the transaction was abandoned, the costs were expensed during the period in which it was abandoned. In 2009, Zebra expensed these costs as incurred in accordance with the adoption of ASC 805 (formerly SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations).
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of. Zebra accounts for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of ASC 350 (formerly SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets). The statement requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and the eventual disposition of the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. See Note 13 for further information related to impairment charges.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements. In May 2008, the FASB issued ASC 105 (formerly SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles). This statement identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with GAAP in the United States. Any effect of applying the provisions of this Statement shall be reported as a change in accounting principle in accordance with ASC 250 (formerly SFAS No. 154, Accounting for Changes and Error Corrections). This standard did not have a significant effect upon our consolidated financial statements.
In October 2008, the FASB issued ASC 820 (formerly FSP FAS 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset is Not Active). The position statement was effective upon issuance. The statement provides guidance for valuing assets that are no longer in active markets. This standard did not have a significant effect upon our consolidated financial statements.
In April 2009, the FASB issued ASC 825 (formerly FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments) a statement of position that will require companies to provide disclosures required by ASC 825 (formerly FASB No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments). The position statement is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009 with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. This standard did not have a significant effect upon our consolidated financial statements.
In April 2009, the FASB issued ASC 320 (formerly FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-than-Temporary Impairments) which amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance in U.S. GAAP for debt securities to make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in the financial statements. This statement does not amend existing recognition and measurement guidance related to other-than-temporary impairments of equity securities. The position statement is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009 with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. Earlier adoption for periods ending before March 15, 2009 is not permitted. This standard did not have a significant effect upon our consolidated financial statements.
In April 2009, the FASB issued ASC 820 (formerly FSP FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That are Not Orderly). ASC 820 provides additional guidance for estimating fair value when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased. This ASC also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. ASC 820 becomes effective for interim and annual reporting periods after June 15, 2009 and shall be applied prospectively. This standard did not have a significant effect upon our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2009, the FASB issued ASC 855 (formerly SFAS 165, Subsequent Events) which establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued. In particular, the standard addresses: the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity shall evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements; the circumstances under which an entity shall recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements; and the disclosures that an entity shall make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. The statement is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. This standard did not have a significant effect upon our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2009, the FASB issued ASC 105 (formerly SFAS 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles - a replacement of FASB SFAS No. 162) which would make the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) the single source of authoritative accounting and reporting standards applicable for all nongovernmental entities, with the exception of guidance issued by the SEC and its staff. The ASC does not change GAAP; instead, it introduces a new structure that is organized into user-friendly research system. The ASC reorganizes thousands of GAAP pronouncements into approximately 90 accounting topics using a consistent structure. The statement is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after September 15, 2009. This standard did not have a significant effect upon our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2009, the FASB issued update 2009-05, ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures - Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value which provides additional guidance clarifying the measurement of financial liabilities at fair value. This standard is effective after issuance and did not have a significant effect upon our consolidated financial statements.
In October 2009, the FASB issued update 2009-13, ASC 605, Revenue Recognition: Multiple -Deliverable Revenue Arrangements-a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. The revised guidance provides for two significant changes to existing multiple element arrangement guidance. The first relates to the determination of when the individual deliverables included in a multiple-element arrangement may be treated as separate units of accounting. This change is significant as it will likely result in the requirement to separate more deliverables within an arrangement, ultimately leading to less revenue deferral. The second change modifies the manner in which the transaction consideration is allocated across the separately identifiable deliverables. These changes are likely to result in earlier recognition of revenue for multiple-element arrangements than under previous guidance. This standard is effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. We have not yet determined the effect of this standard upon our consolidated financial statements.
In October 2009, the FASB issued update 2009-14, ASC 985, Software: Certain Revenue Arrangements That Include Software Elements - a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. This updated guidance is expected to significantly affect how entities account for revenue arrangements that contain both hardware and software elements. This standard is effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. We have not yet determined the effect of this standard upon our consolidated financial statements.
Reclassifications. Certain amounts in the prior years’ financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. Selling and marketing expenses of $9,329,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008, and $7,880,000 for the year ended December 31, 2007, have been reclassified to research and development expenses to realign Zebra’s SPG product management group. Prior period amounts will differ in these categories from amounts previously reported.
Subsequent events. We have evaluated subsequent events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through February 23, 2010, the day the financial statements were issued.
Note 3 Fair Value Measurements
Financial assets and liabilities are to be measured using inputs from three levels of the fair value hierarchy. As defined in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820 (formerly Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements) fair value is based on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In order to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements, ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels, which are described below:
Level 1:
Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.
Level 2:
Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data.
Level 3:
Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available. The fair value hierarchy gives the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs.
In determining fair value, we utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible as well as consider counterparty credit risk in the assessment of fair value.
Included in our investment portfolio are four auction rate security instruments. These instruments are classified as available-for-sale securities and are reflected at fair value. Due to events in credit markets, however, the auction events for the instruments held by Zebra as of December 31, 2009, failed. Therefore, the fair values of these securities are estimated utilizing broker quotations, discounted cash flow analysis or other types of valuation adjustment methodologies. These analyses consider, among other items, the collateral underlying the security instruments, the creditworthiness of the counterparty, the timing of expected future cash flows, estimates of the next time the security is expected to have a successful auction, and Zebra’s intent and ability to hold such securities until credit markets improve. These securities were also compared, when possible, to other securities with similar characteristics.
Of the four auction rate security instruments, Zebra deemed one item to be other than temporarily impaired and recorded the market value decline in the amount of $4,374,000 for that security in the third quarter of 2008. The decline in the market value of the other securities is considered temporary and has been recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on Zebra’s balance sheet. Since Zebra has the intent and ability to hold these securities until they are sold at auction, redeemed at carrying value or reach maturity, we have classified them as long-term investments on the balance sheet.
Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value as of December 31, 2009, are classified below (in thousands):
Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value as of December 31, 2008, are classified below (in thousands):
1) Includes investments in notes issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Bank.
2) The fair value of forward contracts are calculated as follows:
a. Fair value of forward collar contract associated with forecasted sales hedges are calculated using the midpoint of ask and bid rates for similar contracts.
b. Fair value of regular forward contracts associated with forecasted sales hedges are calculated using the period-end exchange rate adjusted for the discount rate (3 month LIBOR rate).
c. Fair value of balance sheet hedges are calculated at the period end exchange rate adjusted for current forward points unless the hedge has been traded but not settled at period end. If this is the case, the fair value is calculated at the rate at which the hedge is being settled.
The following table presents Zebra’s activity for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs, Level 3 as defined in ASC 820 for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
As of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, there were no other Level 3 unrealized losses that Zebra believes to be other-than-temporary. No realized gains or losses were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.
The following is a summary of short-term and long-term investments at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 (in thousands):
The maturity dates of investments as of December 31, 2009 are as follows (in thousands):
The carrying value for Zebra’s financial instruments classified as current assets (other than short-term investments) and current liabilities approximate fair value due to short maturities.
Note 4 Equity-Based Compensation
As of December 31, 2009, Zebra had a general equity-based compensation plan and a stock purchase plan under which shares of our common stock were available for future grants and sales, and which are described below.
On May 9, 2006, Zebra’s stockholders approved the 2006 Zebra Technologies Corporation Incentive Compensation Plan (the 2006 Plan), which included authorization for issuance of awards of 5,500,000 shares under the 2006 Plan. The 2006 Plan became effective immediately and superseded the 1997 Stock Option Plan (the 1997 Plan) and the 2002 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the 2002 Director Plan), except that the prior plans will remain in effect with respect to stock options granted under the prior plans until such options have been exercised, forfeited, cancelled, expired or otherwise terminated in accordance with the terms of such grants. The types of awards available under the 2006 Plan are incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock, performance shares and units and performance-based cash bonuses. Employees, directors and consultants of Zebra and its subsidiaries are eligible to participate in the 2006 Plan. As of December 31, 2009, 3,024,074 shares were available for grant under the plan, and options for 1,820,907 shares were outstanding under the 2006 Plan.
The options and SARs granted under the 2006 Plan have an exercise or base price equal to the closing market price of Zebra’s stock on the date of grant. The awards granted to employees generally vest over a four or five-year period. These awards expire on the earlier of (a) ten years following the grant date, (b) immediately if the employee is terminated for cause, (c) ninety days if the employee is terminated involuntarily other than for cause, (d) thirty days if the employee voluntarily terminates his or her employment, or (e) one year if the employee’s employment terminates due to death, disability, or retirement. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors administers the plan.
The following table shows the number of shares of restricted stock granted in 2009 and the vesting schedules of the restricted stock awards that were granted under the Plan to certain executive officers and other members of management.
These restricted stock awards will vest at each vesting date if the employee remains employed by Zebra throughout the applicable time period, but will vest before the end of the each vesting period in the event of death, disability, resignation for good reason, a change in control (as defined in the 2006 Plan), or termination by Zebra other than for Cause, as defined in the restricted stock agreement entered into by Zebra with each employee who was granted restricted stock (the Restricted Stock Agreement). The restricted stock is forfeited in certain situations specified in the Restricted Stock Agreement, including, if the employee’s employment is terminated by Zebra for Cause or if the employee resigns for other than good reason.
The 1997 Plan was superseded by the 2006 Plan. As of December 31, 2009, options for 1,368,104 shares were outstanding and exercisable under the 1997 Plan. These options expire on the earlier of (a) ten years following the grant date, (b) immediately if the employee is terminated for cause, (c) ninety days if the employee is terminated involuntarily other than for cause, (d) thirty days if the employee voluntarily terminates his or her employment, or (e) one year if the employee’s employment terminates due to death, disability, or retirement.
The 2002 Director Plan was superseded by the 2006 Plan. As of December 31, 2009, options for 159,068 shares were outstanding and exercisable under the 2002 Director Plan. Unless otherwise provided in an option agreement, options granted under the 2002 Director Plan become exercisable in five equal increments beginning on the date of the grant and continuing on each of the four anniversaries thereafter. All such options expire on the earlier of (a) ten years following the grant date, (b) the first anniversary of the termination date of the non-employee director’s directorship for any reason other than the termination of the non-employee director’s directorship by Zebra’s stockholders for cause, or resignation for cause, in each case as defined in the option agreement.
In connection with Zebra’s acquisitions of Navis and WhereNet, Zebra assumed existing unvested stock options exercisable for shares of Navis’ common stock and WhereNet’s common stock, respectively, and made them options exercisable for Zebra common stock. These new options have exercise prices and vesting dates based on their previous terms. The vesting dates extend in some cases until
April 30, 2011 for the Navis options and until October 23, 2010 for the WhereNet options. As of December 31, 2009, outstanding Navis options were exercisable into 65,985 shares of Zebra Class A Common Stock. As of December 31, 2009, outstanding WhereNet options were exercisable into 34,637 shares of Zebra Class A Common Stock.
The Board of Directors and stockholders adopted the 2001 Stock Purchase Plan under which employees who work a minimum of 20 hours per week may elect to withhold up to 10% of their cash compensation through regular payroll deductions to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock from Zebra over a period not to exceed 12 months at a purchase price per share which prior to April 1, 2009 was equal to the lesser of: (1) 85% of the fair market value of the shares as of the date of the grant, or (2) 85% of the fair market value of the shares as of the date of purchase. Effective April 1, 2009, the purchase price per share is now equal to the lesser of: (1) 95% of the fair market value of the shares as of the date of the grant, or (2) 95% of the fair market value of the shares as of the date of purchase. The effect of this change to Zebra was to reduce the general and administrative expense related to this portion of Zebra’s stock purchase plan. Stock purchase plan expense for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $514,000. Stock purchase plan expense for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $1,517,000.
For purposes of calculating the compensation cost consistent with ASC 505 and ASC 718, the fair value is estimated on the date of grant using a binomial model. Volatility is based on an average of the implied volatility in the open market and the annualized volatility of Zebra’s stock prices over our entire stock history. Stock option grants in the table below include both stock options, all of which were non-qualified, and stock appreciation rights (SAR) that will be settled in Zebra stock. The following table shows the weighted-average assumptions used for grants of stock options and SARs as well as the fair value of the grants based on those assumptions (excluding the Navis and WhereNet options):
The forfeiture rate is based on the historical annualized forfeiture rate, which is consistent with prior year rates. This rate includes only pre-vesting forfeitures. Volatility is based on an average of the implied volatility in the open market and the annualized volatility of Zebra’s stock prices over our entire stock history. The risk free interest rate used is the implied yield currently available from the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon yield curve over the contractual term of the options. The expected weighted-average life is based on historical exercise behavior, which combines the average life of the options that have already been exercised or cancelled with the exercise life of all unexercised options. The exercise life of unexercised options assumes that the option will be exercised at the midpoint of the vesting date and the full contractual term. These assumptions are consistent with the assumptions used in prior years.
Stock option and SAR activity for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, was as follows:
For the year ended December 31, 2009, shares granted above include stock options to purchase 48,784 shares of Zebra Class A Common Stock (Zebra stock) and SARs with respect to 701,167 shares of Zebra stock. The terms of the SARs are established under the 2006 Plan and the applicable SAR agreement. Once vested, a SAR entitles the holder to receive a payment equal to the difference between the per-share base price of the SAR and the fair market value of a share of Zebra stock on the date the SAR is exercised, multiplied by the number of shares covered by the SAR. Exercised SARs will be settled in whole shares of Zebra stock, and any fraction of a share will be settled in cash. The SARs granted during 2009 vest annually in four equal amounts on each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date and expire 10 years after the grant date.
The following table summarizes information about stock options and SARs outstanding at December 31, 2009:
Restricted stock award activity, granted under the 2006 Plan, for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was as follows:
As of December 31, 2009, there was $18,646,000 of unearned compensation cost related to awards granted under Zebra’s equity-based compensation plans, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years.
The fair value of the purchase rights issued to Zebra employees under the stock purchase plan is estimated using the following weighted-average assumptions for purchase rights granted. Expected lives of three months to one year have been used along with these assumptions.
Note 5 Business Combinations
Multispectral Solutions Inc. On April 1, 2008, Zebra acquired all of the outstanding stock of Multispectral Solutions Inc. (MSSI) for $18,366,000, which is net of cash acquired and includes transaction costs. Headquartered in Germantown, Maryland, MSSI is a global provider of ultra wideband (UWB) real-time locating systems and other UWB-based wireless technology. Zebra acquired this company to further extend our range of solutions. The Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) reflect the results of operations of MSSI since the effective date of the purchase. The pro forma impact of this acquisition was not significant.
As part of the acquisition closing, an escrow was established, which, as of December 31, 2009 held $2,000,000. On September 17, 2009, Zebra filed a demand against the former shareholders of MSSI seeking recovery for damages resulting from the selling Shareholders’ breach of several representations and warranties contained in the acquisition agreement. Representatives of the selling shareholders of MSSI disputed the allegations contained in Zebra’s demand and after settlement discussions were unsuccessful, on October 28, 2009, filed a Declaratory Action in the Circuit Court of Cook County seeking to obtain a portion of the escrowed funds. On December 9, 2009, Zebra filed its Answer to the Declaratory Action and its Counterclaim against the former shareholders of MSSI and others (the “Defendants”), alleging that Zebra is entitled to indemnification from the Defendants as a result of, among other things, fraud and breaches of the representations and warranties in the acquisition agreement. The dispute has not been settled as of December 31, 2009. The funds in escrow would represent a gain contingency to Zebra if the dispute is settled in Zebra’s favor.
The following table (in thousands) summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.
The purchase price was allocated to identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values resulting in goodwill of $13,547,000. The intangible assets of $8,000,000 consist of the following (in thousands):
The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
Navis Holdings, LLC. On December 14, 2007, Zebra acquired all of the outstanding stock of Navis Holdings, LLC (Navis) for $144,066,000, which is net of cash acquired and transaction costs. Headquartered in Oakland, California, Navis provides solutions to optimize the flow of goods through marine terminals and other operations managing cargo in the supply chain. Zebra acquired this company to further extend our range of solutions to help our customers identify, track and manage a broader range of assets. The Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) reflect the results of operations of Navis since the effective date of the purchase. The pro forma impact of this acquisition was not significant.
The following table (in thousands) summarizes the adjusted fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.
The purchase price was allocated to identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values resulting in goodwill of $76,693,000. The intangible assets of $58,400,000 consist of the following (in thousands):
The goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.
proveo AG. On July 2, 2007, Zebra acquired all of the outstanding stock of proveo AG for $20,224,000 (14,866,000), which is net of cash acquired and transaction costs. Headquartered in Crailsheim, Germany, proveo AG provides integrated hardware and software systems that locate and track airport ground support equipment. Zebra acquired this company to further extend our range of solutions to help our customers identify, track and manage a broader range of assets. The Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) reflect the results of operations of proveo AG since the effective date of the purchase. The pro forma impact of this acquisition was not significant.
The following table (in thousands) summarizes the adjusted fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.
The purchase price was allocated to identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values resulting in goodwill of $16,331,000. The intangible assets of $4,176,000 consist of the following (in thousands):
The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
WhereNet Corp. On January 25, 2007, Zebra acquired all of the outstanding stock of WhereNet Corp., for $127,450,000, which is net of cash acquired and transaction costs. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, WhereNet provides integrated wireless real time locating systems (RTLS) to companies primarily in the industrial manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and aerospace and
defense sectors. Zebra acquired this company to add a range of solutions to help our customers identify, track and manage a broader range of assets. The Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) reflect the results of operations of WhereNet since the effective date of the purchase. The pro forma impact of this acquisition was not significant.
The following table (in thousands) summarizes the adjusted fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.
The purchase price was allocated to identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values resulting in goodwill of $87,482,000. The future benefit of the acquired net operating loss of $28,815,000 is included in the net deferred tax assets. The intangible assets of $30,616,000 consist of the following (in thousands):
The acquired in-process research and development of $1,853,000 was written-off at the date of the acquisition in accordance with ASC 730 (formerly FASB Interpretation No. 4, Applicability of FASB Statement No. 2 to Business Combinations Accounted for by the Purchase Method). Acquired in-process technology is stated separately in the operating expense section of the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss).
The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
As part of the acquisition closing, an escrow balance of approximately $13,600,000 was established against the total purchase price. On January 24, 2008, Zebra filed an indemnification claim against the sellers of WhereNet for the entire escrow balance, alleging that Zebra was entitled to indemnification from the former shareholders of WhereNet as a result of, among other things, breaches of the representations and warranties in the acquisition agreement and potential third party claims. Representatives of the shareholders disputed the allegations and filed a declaratory action to obtain the escrowed funds. The dispute was settled and the complaint was dismissed in September 2008. In accordance with the settlement agreement, Zebra received $7,000,000 of the escrowed funds, and the remainder was distributed to the former shareholders and vested option holders of WhereNet pursuant to the terms of the acquisition agreement.
Zebra agreed to make payments to its current employees that had been shareholders and vested option holders of WhereNet to reimburse them for their pro rata portions of any share of the escrow funds that they did not receive due to Zebra’s recoupment of amounts from the escrow funds. Accordingly, we recorded expense in the amount of $1,698,000 related to these payments. This expense was netted against the $7,000,000 received from the escrow settlement and is shown on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) on a separate line titled litigation/claim settlement.
During the fourth quarter of 2008, we determined that certain impairment indicators existed related to identified intangible assets and conducted an additional impairment test of intangibles. We determined that our goodwill and other intangible assets related to ZES were impaired requiring the intangible assets and goodwill to be written off. See Note 13 for additional details.
Note 6 Stockholders’ Equity
Share count and par value data related to stockholders’ equity are as follows:
During the year ended December 31, 2009, Zebra purchased 3,173,182 shares of common stock for $65,445,000 under board authorized share repurchase plans compared to the year ended December 31, 2008, in which Zebra purchased 6,008,232 shares of common stock for $157,582,000. During the year ended December 31, 2007, Zebra purchased 3,038,389 shares of common stock for $107,390,000.
Zebra issued 281,975 treasury shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options and purchases under the stock purchase plan during 2009. Zebra also issued from treasury shares 409,201 shares of common stock under restricted stock awards during 2009. During 2008, Zebra issued 373,793 treasury shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options and purchases under the stock purchase plan and issued 125,783 shares of common stock from treasury shares under restricted stock awards. During 2007, Zebra issued 578,608 treasury shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options, purchases under the stock purchase plan and for restricted stock awards.
Stockholder Rights Agreement. Zebra’s Board of Directors adopted a Stockholder Rights Agreement under which stock purchase rights were paid by dividend to stockholders of record on March 15, 2002, at the rate of one Class A Right for each outstanding share of Class A Common Stock. Each Class A Right, other than those held by the acquiring person, entitles the registered holder to purchase one ten-thousandth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, at a price of $300 per one ten-thousandth of Class A Preferred Share after the distribution date. The distribution date is 10 days after the date on which any person or group announces that it has acquired 15% or more of Zebra’s outstanding common stock or 10 days (or a later date as determined by the Board of Directors) after the date on which any person or group announces or commences a tender offer that would result in the person or group becoming an owner of 15% or more of the outstanding common stock.
The Rights will expire on March 14, 2012, unless that date has been extended by the Board of Directors or unless the Rights are redeemed or terminated earlier. A committee of Zebra’s independent directors will review the Rights Plan at least every three years and decide whether it should continue or be revoked. Zebra generally may amend the Rights Plan or redeem the Rights at $0.001 per Right at any time prior to the time a person or group has acquired at least 15% of the outstanding common stock.
Note 7 Earnings (Loss) Per Share
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, earnings (loss) per share were computed as follows (in thousands, except per-share amounts):
The potentially dilutive securities that were excluded from the earnings (loss) per share calculation consist of stock options with an exercise price greater than the average market price of the Class A Common Stock. These options were as follows:
Note 8 Investments and Marketable Securities
We classify our investments in marketable debt securities as available-for-sale in accordance with the classifications defined in ASC 320 (formerly SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities). As of December 31, 2009, all of our investments in marketable debt securities with maturities greater than one year are classified as long-term in the balance sheet due to our ability to hold them until maturity.
ASC 320 requires that changes in the market value of available-for-sale securities are reflected in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) caption of stockholders’ equity in the balance sheet, until we dispose of the securities. Once these securities are disposed of, either by sale or maturity, the accumulated changes in market value are transferred to investment income. On the cash flow statements, changes in the balances of available-for-sale securities are included in purchases, sales and maturities of investments under investing activities.
Changes in market value of trading securities would be recorded in investment income as they occur, and the related cash flow statement includes changes in the balances of trading securities as operating cash flows.
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included in these financial statements as follows (in thousands):
The following table shows the number, aggregate market value and unrealized losses (in thousands) of investments with market values that were less than amortized cost as of December 31, 2009. These lower market values are primarily caused by fluctuations in credit spreads. Market values are expected to recover to the amortized cost prior to maturity.
Using the specific identification method, the proceeds and realized gains on the sales of available-for-sale securities were as follows (in thousands):
Note 9 Related-Party Transactions
Prior to August 2007, Zebra leased a building from Unique Building Corporation (Unique), an entity controlled by certain officers and stockholders of Zebra. On August 1, 2007, the building was sold to an unrelated party. Lease payments made to Unique under the lease were recorded as a component of all functional areas and were included in the consolidated financial statements as follows (in thousands):
Note 10 Inventories
The components of inventories are as follows (in thousands):
Note 11 Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, which includes assets under capital leases, is comprised of the following (in thousands):
Other items related to property and equipment are as follows:
Note 12 Income Taxes
The geographical sources of income (loss) before income taxes were as follows (in thousands):
Zebra’s intention is to permanently reinvest the undistributed earnings of all of our foreign subsidiaries in accordance with ASC 740 ( formerly APB Opinion No. 23, Accounting for Income Taxes - Special Areas). Accordingly, we have not provided for deferred U.S. income taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, which totaled approximately $38,000,000 at December 31, 2009. Should such earnings be remitted to Zebra, foreign tax credits would be available to substantially offset the U.S. income taxes due upon repatriation.
The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):
The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. statutory Federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes. The reconciliation of statutory and effective income taxes is presented below (in thousands):
Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such amounts as measured by tax laws. Based on management’s assessment, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized through future taxable earnings.
Tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
On January 1, 2007, we adopted ASC 740 (formerly FASB Interpretation (FIN) No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109). According to ASC 740, we identified, evaluated, and measured the amount of income tax benefits to be recognized for all of our income tax positions. During 2008, we recognized an increase of approximately $4,000,000 in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to an acquisition. This benefit remained unchanged as of December 31, 2009.
Included in deferred tax assets are amounts related to federal and state net operating losses that resulted from our acquisition of WhereNet Corp. As of December 31, 2009, we had approximately $35,003,000 of federal net operating loss carryforwards available to offset future taxable income which expire in 2012 through 2022. As of December 31, 2009, we also had approximately $19,283,000 of state net operating loss carryforwards which expire in 2012 through 2022. Zebra’s intention is to utilize these net operating loss carryforwards to offset future income tax expense. Under the United States Tax Reform Act of 1986, the amounts of benefits from net operating loss carryforwards may be impaired or limited in certain circumstances, including significant changes in ownership interests. In addition, as of December 31, 2009, Zebra had approximately $8,325,776 of foreign net operating loss carryforwards which currently can be carried forward indefinitely.
Zebra has concluded all U.S. federal income tax audits for years through 2006. The tax years 2005 through 2008 remain open to examination by multiple state taxing jurisdictions. Tax authorities in the United Kingdom have completed income tax audits for tax years through 2006.
Zebra’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters as part of income tax expense. For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we did not accrue any interest or penalties into income tax expense.
Note 13 Goodwill and Other Intangible Asset Data
Intangible asset data are as follows (in thousands):
Certain of our intangible assets including goodwill are denominated in foreign currency and, as such, include the effects of foreign currency translation.
In accordance with ASC 350 (formerly SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets) we test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if we believe indicators of impairment exist.
Factors considered that may trigger an impairment review consist of:
•
Significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results,
•
Significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business,
•
Significant negative industry or economic trends,
•
Significant decline in Zebra’s stock price for a sustained period, and
•
Significant decline in market capitalization relative to net book value.
If we believe that one or more of the above indicators of impairment have occurred, we perform an impairment test. The performance of the test involves a two-step process. The first step of the impairment test involves comparing the fair values of the applicable reporting units with their aggregate carrying values, including goodwill. We generally determine the fair value of our reporting units using three valuation methods: Income Approach - Discounted Cash Flow Analysis, Market Approach - Guideline Public Company Method and Market Approach - Comparative Transactions Method. See detailed discussion on Valuation of Goodwill, Long-Lived and Other Intangible Assets in the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates Section of Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Form 10-K.
During the fourth quarter of 2008, we determined that certain impairment indicators existed related to identified intangible assets and conducted an additional impairment test of intangibles. Due to the deterioration of the economy and a significant reduction in the price of our stock, we determined that our goodwill and other intangible assets were impaired requiring total estimated impairment charges of $157,600,000 at December 31, 2008. (The portion of the goodwill associated with our ZES segment included in the estimated impairment charge was $113,679,000). Upon completion of a detailed second step impairment analysis we recorded a credit of $1,495,000 in the second quarter of 2009 to adjust a portion of our original goodwill impairment for ZES. In addition, we recorded an impairment charge for a ZES intangible asset or $437,000.
We performed our annual impairment test in June 2009 and determined that our goodwill was not impaired as of the end of May 2009.
Changes in the net carrying value amount of goodwill were as follows (in thousands):
During 2009, we acquired intangible assets in the amount of $425,000 for patent rights. During 2008, we acquired intangible assets in the amount of $1,384,000 for patents and other intellectual property. These intangible assets have an estimated useful life of 2 to 9 years. In conjunction with our goodwill impairment testing, we also tested our identifiable intangible assets and found several of them to be impaired resulting in an additional impairment charge of $28,937,000 to our ZES segment and $14,680,000 to our SPG segment. The intangible asset impairment charges in our SPG segment were related primarily to radio frequency identification patents and patent rights. The intangible asset impairment charges in our ZES segment were related to customer relationships, technology, third party technology licenses and non-competition agreements.
Note 14 Other Assets
Other assets consist of the following (in thousands):
Note 15 401(k) Savings and Profit Sharing Plans
Zebra has a Retirement Savings and Investment Plan (401(k) Plan), which is intended to qualify under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. During the first quarter of 2009, Zebra announced changes to its 401(k) Plan, profit sharing plan and stock purchase plan. Qualified employees may participate in Zebra’s 401(k) Plan by contributing up to 15% of their gross earnings to the plan subject to certain Internal Revenue Service restrictions. Effective March 1, 2009, Zebra reduced the company match to each participant’s contribution from 6% of gross eligible earnings at the rate of 50%, to 3% of gross eligible earnings at the rate of 50%. Effective January 1, 2010, Zebra increased the company match to each participant’s contribution to a total of 4%. Zebra will match 100% of the first 2% of gross eligible earnings, and also match the next 4% of gross eligible earnings at the rate of 50%. Zebra may contribute additional amounts to its 401(k) Plan at the discretion of the Board of Directors, subject to certain legal limits.
Zebra has a discretionary profit-sharing plan for qualified employees, to which it contributes a percentage of eligible payroll each year. Zebra announced that it will suspend any contributions to the profit sharing plan for the 2009 plan year. Participants are not permitted to make contributions under the profit-sharing plan.
Company contributions to these plans, which were charged to operations, approximated the following (in thousands):
Note 16 Derivative Instruments
In the normal course of business, portions of our operations are subject to fluctuations in currency values. We manage these risks using derivative financial instruments. We conduct business on a multinational basis in a wide variety of foreign currencies. Our exposure to market risk for changes in foreign currency exchange rates arises from international financing activities between subsidiaries, foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities and transactions arising from international trade. Our objective is to preserve the economic value of non-functional currency denominated cash flows. We attempt to hedge transaction exposures with natural offsets to the fullest extent possible and, once these opportunities have been exhausted, through foreign exchange forward and option contracts with third parties.
Credit and market risk
Financial instruments, including derivatives, expose us to counterparty credit risk for nonperformance and to market risk related to interest and currency exchange rates. We manage our exposure to counterparty credit risk through specific minimum credit standards, diversification of counterparties, and procedures to monitor concentrations of credit risk. Our counterparties in derivative transactions are commercial banks with significant experience using derivative instruments. We monitor the impact of market risk on the fair value and cash flows of our derivative and other financial instruments considering reasonably possible changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates and restrict the use of derivative financial instruments to hedging activities.
We continually monitor the creditworthiness of our customers to which we grant credit terms in the normal course of business. The terms and conditions of our credit sales are designed to mitigate or eliminate concentrations of credit risk with any single customer.
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Zebra has determined that derivative instruments for hedges that have settled are considered Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy, and hedges that have not settled are considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Derivative instruments are used to manage risk and are not used for trading or other speculative purposes, nor do we use leveraged derivative financial instruments. Our foreign currency exchange contracts are valued using broker quotations or market transactions, in either the listed or over-the-counter markets.
Hedging of Net Assets
We use forward contracts and options to manage exposure related to our pound and euro denominated net assets. Forward contracts typically mature within three months after execution of the contracts. We record gains and losses on these contracts and options in income each quarter along with the transaction gains and losses related to our net asset positions, which would ordinarily offset each other. Summary financial information related to these activities included in our consolidated statement of earnings as other income (expense) is as follows (in thousands):
Summary financial information related to the cash flow hedges is as follows (in thousands):
Hedging of Anticipated Sales
We manage the exchange rate risk of anticipated euro-denominated sales using forward contracts and option collars. We designate these contracts as cash flow hedges which mature within twelve months after the execution of the contracts. Gains and losses on these contracts are deferred in other comprehensive income until the contracts are settled and the hedged sales are realized, the deferred gains or losses will then be reported as an increase or decrease to sales. We do not have any outstanding contracts or option collars as of December 31, 2009.
Summary financial information related to the cash flow hedges of future revenues follows (in thousands, except percentages):
Forward Contracts
We record our forward contracts at fair value on our consolidated balance sheet as either long-term other assets or long-term other liabilities depending upon the fair value calculation as detailed in Note 2 of Zebra’s financial statements. The amounts recorded on our consolidated balance sheets are as follows (in thousands):
Note 17 Commitments and Contingencies
Leases. Minimum future obligations under all non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2009 are as follows (in thousands):
Rent expense for operating leases charged to operations was as follows (in thousands):
The operating lease information includes a variety of properties around the world. These properties are used as manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and sales offices. Lease terms range from one year to 17 years with breaking periods specified in the lease agreements.
During 2008, Zebra entered into a sale and leaseback transaction for the building we owned in Camarillo, California. The resulting lease has a term of 30 months and the minimum monthly lease payments are $111,850 with no rent escalation clause. During March 2009, we moved our corporate headquarters from Vernon Hills, Illinois, to a new location in Lincolnshire, Illinois. The lease on this building has a term of 5 years and 4 months, with minimum monthly lease payments beginning at $53,644 and increasing approximately 2% per year through the end of the lease term.
Letters of Credit. In connection with various customer contracts, Zebra has entered into three letters of credit agreements with a bank. The contingent liability of Zebra under these agreements as of December 31, 2009, is $2,993,000. See below for letters of credit related to our revolving credit agreement.
Revolving Credit Agreement. On August 14, 2008, Zebra entered into a revolving credit agreement for a five-year $100 million revolving credit facility. The loans under this credit facility will be available for general corporate purposes of Zebra and its subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and other purposes permitted by the agreement.
This credit agreement is guaranteed by certain of Zebra’s domestic subsidiaries. Loans under the agreement shall bear interest at a rate equal to the prime rate or a spread over the applicable LIBOR rate, as selected by Zebra. This spread for LIBOR-based loans is dependent on our ratio of Total Debt to EBITDA, as defined in the agreement, and ranges from 0.50% to 1.25%. The spread in effect at closing for LIBOR-based loans was .50%.
The credit agreement includes customary representations, warranties, affirmative and negative covenants (including, among others, restrictions on the payment of cash dividends) and events of default (and related remedies, including acceleration and increased interest rates following an event of default). It also contains financial covenants tied to Zebra’s leverage ratio and fixed charge coverage ratio. As of December 31, 2009, we had established letters of credit amounting to $4,170,000, which reduce the funds available for borrowing under the agreement. At that date, no amounts were outstanding under the credit agreement.
Legal Proceedings. On January 31, 2003, a Writ of Summons was filed in the Nantes Commercial Court, Nantes, France, by Printherm, a French corporation, and several of its shareholders (collectively, “Printherm”), against Zebra Technologies France (“ZTF”), a French corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Zebra. Printherm seeks damages in the amount of 15,304,000 and additional unspecified damages in connection with ZTF’s termination of negotiations in December 2000 respecting the proposed acquisition by Zebra of the capital stock of Printherm. In December 2009, the parties resolved this matter with ZTF agreeing to pay 50,000 in full settlement of Printherm’s claims.
On April 9, 2008, a complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois by Barcode Informatica, Ltd. (“Barcode”), a former Brazilian reseller, against Zebra. The complaint alleges that Zebra wrongfully terminated Barcode’s reseller status and tortiously interfered with Barcode’s alleged bid for the sale of printers to a Brazilian customer. Barcode’s claim seeks an unspecified amount of damages. Discovery in the case is on-going. Zebra is vigorously defending this action, believes that Barcode’s claims are without merit and that the matter will not have a material adverse impact on our business.
We are subject to a variety of investigations, claims, suits and other legal proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business, including but not limited to, intellectual property, employment, tort and breach of contract matters. We currently believe that the outcomes of such proceedings, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on our business, cash flows, financial position, or results of operations. Any legal proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainties, and management’s view of these matters and their potential effects may change in the future.
Note 18 Segment and Geographic Data
Zebra has two reportable segments: Specialty Printing Group (SPG) and Zebra Enterprise Solutions (ZES).
SPG includes direct thermal and thermal transfer label and receipt printers, passive radio frequency identification (RFID) printer/encoders and dye sublimation card printers. Also included in this group is a comprehensive range of specialty supplies consisting of self-adhesive labels, thermal transfer ribbons, thermal printheads, batteries and other accessories, including software for label design and printer network management.
ZES, formerly known as Enterprise Solutions Group, has evolved since the beginning of 2007 with the acquisitions of WhereNet Corp., proveo AG, Navis Holdings, LLC and Multispectral Solutions, Inc. The solutions that these companies provide are generally sold on a contract basis and are typically installed over several quarters. These contracts cover a range of services, including design, installation and ongoing maintenance services.
The accounting policies for reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies except that Zebra records its federal and state deferred tax assets and liabilities in corporate and other. Intersegment sales are not significant.
Segment information is as follows (in thousands):
Corporate and other includes corporate administration costs or assets that support both reporting segments.
Information regarding Zebra’s operations by geographic area is contained in the following table. These amounts (in thousands) are reported in the geographic area of the destination of the final sale. We manage our business based on these regions rather than by individual countries.
Net sales by major product category are as follows (in thousands):
The increase in service and software revenue in 2008 is primarily due to the acquisition of Navis. Navis’ sales have a high concentration of service and software. The Navis business, which constitutes a significant part of ZES, was not acquired until late in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Note 19 Deferred Compensation Plan
Zebra offers a deferred compensation plan that permits directors and executive management employees to defer portions of their compensation and to select a method of investing these funds. The salaries that have been deferred since the plan’s inception have been accrued and the only expense, other than salaries, related to this plan is the gain or loss from the changes to the deferred compensation liability, which is charged to compensation expense. To fund this plan, Zebra purchases money market investments. Previously, Zebra purchased corporate-owned whole-life insurance contracts on the related employees, of which Zebra is the beneficiary. During 2007, the whole-life insurance policies were liquidated and money market investments were purchased. The following table shows the income, asset and liability amounts related to this plan (in thousands):
Note 20 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Stockholders’ equity contains certain items classified as other comprehensive income (loss), including:
•
Foreign currency translation adjustments related to our non-U.S. subsidiary companies that have designated a functional currency other than the dollar. We are required to translate the subsidiary functional currency financial statements to dollars using a combination of historical, month-end, and average foreign exchange rates. This combination of rates creates the foreign currency translation adjustments component of other comprehensive income (loss).
•
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on foreign currency hedging activities relate to derivative instruments used to hedge the currency exchange rates for forecasted euro sales. These hedges are designated as cash flow hedges, and we have deferred income statement recognition of gains and losses until the hedged transaction occurs. See Note 16 for more details.
•
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments classified as available-for-sale are deferred from income statement recognition. See Note 8 for more details.
The components of other comprehensive income (loss) included in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) are as follows (in thousands):
The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):
Note 21 Major Customers
ScanSource, Inc. is our most significant customer. Our net sales to ScanSource, Inc., an international distributor of Zebra SPG products related to automatic identification, telephony and security, as a percentage of total net sales, were as follows:
No other customer accounted for 10% or more of total net sales during these years.
Note 22 Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities
During 2008, we initiated two different plans to close facilities. These plans are being accounted for under ASC 420 (formerly SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Cost Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities).
In January 2008, we initiated a plan to close our supplies manufacturing plant in Warwick, Rhode Island. This plant’s operations were transferred to a new facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, which is now our East Coast supplies manufacturing facility. This transition was completed during the second quarter of 2008. We do not expect to incur any further costs associated with this plan. Costs incurred and included in the December 31, 2008 results were (in thousands):
Also in 2008, we announced plans to establish regional distribution and configuration centers, consolidate our supplier base, and transfer final assembly of thermal printers to Jabil Circuit, Inc., a global third-party electronics manufacturer. These actions are intended to optimize our global printer product supply chain by improving responsiveness to customer needs and increasing Zebra’s flexibility to meet emerging business opportunities. As a result, substantially all printer manufacturing in our Vernon Hills, Illinois, and Camarillo, California, facilities have been transferred to Jabil’s facility in Guangzhou, China as of December 31, 2009.
As of December 31, 2009, we have incurred and expect to incur the following exit costs (in thousands):
During December 2008, Zebra made various organization changes in order to reduce costs. Affected employees received both severance and outplacement services. The total cost of this action was $2,653,000 and was expensed in the fourth quarter of 2008. No future costs related to these organizational changes are expected to be incurred.
Liabilities and expenses related to exit activities were as follows (in thousands):
Liabilities related to exit activities are included in the accrued liabilities line item on the balance sheet. All current exit costs are included in operating expenses for our SPG segment under the line item exit, restructuring and integration costs.
Also included in the line item exit, restructuring and integration costs are expenses related to an integration project to combine our acquisitions of WhereNet Corp., proveo AG, Navis Holdings, LLC, and Multispectral Solutions, Inc., to form our ZES segment. Expenses related to integrating these businesses totaled $3,206,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009, and $3,359,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Note 23 Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
Schedule II
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(Amounts in thousands)
See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.
Index to Exhibits
10.34
(20)
Form of Stock Option Agreement under the 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan for awards granted prior to April 25, 2007. +
10.35
(21)
Form of Stock Option Agreement under the 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan for awards granted to executive officers on or after April 25, 2007 and prior to December 2, 2008. +
10.36
(26)
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan for awards granted on or after April 24, 2008 and prior to December 2, 2008. +
10.37
(29)
Form of Director 1-Year Vesting Stock Option Agreement under the 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan for awards granted to directors on or after May 22, 2008 and prior to December 2, 2008. +
10.38
(29)
Form of Director 4-Year Vesting Stock Option Agreement under the 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan for awards granted to directors on or after May 22, 2008 and prior to December 2, 2008. +
10.39
(31)
Amendment to outstanding Stock Option Agreements under the 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan, dated December 2, 2008. +
10.40
(31)
Form of Stock Option Agreement under the 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan for awards granted to executive officers on or after December 2, 2008. +
10.41
(31)
Form of Director Stock Option Agreement (1-Year Vesting) under the 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan for awards granted to directors on or after December 2, 2008. +
10.42
(31)
Form of Director Stock Option Agreement (4-Year Vesting) under the 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan for awards granted to directors on or after December 2, 2008. +
10.43
(31)
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (time-vesting) under the 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan for awards granted on or after December 2, 2008. +
10.44
(31)
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (performance-vesting) under the 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan for awards granted on or after December 2, 2008. +
10.45
(27)
Manufacturing Services Agreement between Jabil Circuit, Inc. and the Company dated May 30, 2007 (portions of this exhibit have been omitted and have been filed separately with the Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.)
10.46
(30)
Credit Agreement between Zebra Technologies Corporation and Northern Trust Company, as Syndication Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as Documentation Agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, dated as of August 14, 2008.
10.47
(4)
Amendment No. 1 and Waiver to Credit Agreement dated as of August 25, 2009 among the Company, Lenders, and JPMorgan Chase Bank.
10.48
(22)
Settlement Agreement with Paxar Americas, Inc., dated September 14, 2006.
10.49
(23)
2006 Incentive Compensation Plan. +
10.50
(31)
Amendment to the 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan dated December 2, 2008. +
10.51
(24)
WhereNet Corp. 1997 Stock Option Plan. +
10.52
(24)
First Amendment to the WhereNet Corp. 1997 Stock Option Plan. +
10.53
(25)
Amended and Restated Navis Holdings, LLC 2000 Option Plan. +
10.54
(15)
Zebra Incentive Plan for first half of 2009. +
10.55
(27)
2005 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended. +
10.56
(33)
Zebra Incentive Plan for second half of 2009. +
10.57
(34)
Zebra Incentive Plan for 2010. +
10.58
(4)
Employment agreement between the Company and Jim Kaput dated August 31, 2009. +
10.59
(4)
Employment agreement between the Company and William Walsh dated January 5, 2009.
21.1
Subsidiaries of the Company.
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm.
31.1
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).
31.2
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).
32.1
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.