ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
Overview
We design, manufacture and market a variety of electromechanical equipment used in the handling and testing of semiconductor and passive electronic devices, such as integrated circuits, or ICs, and discrete electronic components. Our primary focus is on high volume IC and discrete electronic component device types and on the latest device package designs. Our products are purchased primarily by semiconductor manufacturers and their assembly and test subcontractors. Our products are used in the test, assembly and packaging, or TAP, segment of semiconductor manufacturing (in which we include the manufacture of both semiconductor and passive electronic devices). Our products automate critical functions to improve manufacturing yield, raise quality levels, increase product reliability and reduce manufacturing costs.
We have three principal product lines:
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Test Handler Products. In terms of revenue, this is our largest product line. Our broad line of test handler products incorporates thermal conditioning, contacting and automated handling technologies to provide automated handling of ICs and discrete electronic components during production test cycles. We also offer change kits to adapt our test handlers to different device package configurations or to upgrade installed equipment for enhanced performance. Change kits represent a significant part of our revenue.
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Semiconductor Automation Products. Some of our semiconductor automation products are sold to original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, to be incorporated as the automated handling components of such OEMs’ own proprietary equipment for a variety of other IC processing requirements, such as marking, lead scanning, and lead trim and form. The rest of our semiconductor automation products are sold to semiconductor manufacturers and their subcontractors, and are used to automate the loading and unloading of burn-in boards and the transfer of ICs and discrete electronic components from one transport medium to another.
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Reliability Test Equipment. The primary focus of our reliability test products is to provide IC manufacturers with structural performance data to aid in the evaluation and improvement of IC designs and manufacturing processes to increase IC yield and reliability.
Test handler products accounted for 52%, 51% and 53% of our net sales in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Semiconductor automation products accounted for 11%, 8% and 16% of our net sales in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Reliability test equipment accounted for 20%, 18% and 18% of our net sales in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Change kits and spare parts accounted for 17%, 23% and 13% of our net sales in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
2003 was another year of tremendous challenge for us, as the semiconductor industry entered the third year of its worst downturn in 25 years. This downturn resulted in a decrease in sales in the TAP segment of the semiconductor equipment industry of approximately 70% from 2000 to 2002. We addressed this challenge through several restructuring and reorganizing actions that saved us over $16 million in operating expenses in 2003 compared to 2000 levels, reduced our workforce from 225 employees at the end of 2000 to 85 employees at the end of 2003, and maintained our working capital at levels that will support our growth as our industry recovers. At the same time, we continued our product development efforts, which were focused on the newest and fastest growing IC package types and the latest semiconductor processes. As 2003 progressed, conditions gradually improved in the semiconductor industry, and by year’s end the growing recovery in the semiconductor industry was fueling the beginnings of a recovery in the semiconductor equipment industry. We believe that the improvements we have made to our cost structure, the product introductions we made during the industry downturn and the working capital position we have been able to maintain position us to take full advantage of the industry upturn that we believe is now proceeding.
As a result of the restructuring activities completed in 2000 and early 2001, we now have two operating locations where all product development and manufacturing activities are conducted, North St. Paul, Minnesota and Dallas, Texas. We manufacture products within each of our principal product lines at both of these facilities.
Background
Our strategy has focused on revenue growth through product line expansion, by both internally developing and acquiring complementary technologies, businesses, or product lines.
In 1998, we acquired the equipment business of WEB Technology, Inc., based in Dallas, Texas. The primary products we acquired were semiconductor automation products used to automate the loading and unloading of burn-in boards. This equipment can be configured to accommodate any burn-in board currently being manufactured. We manufacture this equipment at our Dallas operations.
In 1997, we completed two acquisitions that expanded our test handler product lines. In November 1997, we acquired a product line of pick-and-place test handlers from Advantek Inc. This acquisition extended our product line of pick-and-place test handlers for non-memory analog and logic IC devices. We manufacture the product line acquired from Advantek at our North St. Paul operations.
In April 1997, we acquired a line of turret based test handler products through our purchase of the assets of Forward Systems Automation, Inc., which we have since expanded and advanced through internal product development. This line of test handlers addresses discrete electronic components and small ICs, including the fastest growing and newest IC package types. We manufacture this product line at our Dallas operations.
In December 1995, we acquired the assets of E.J. Systems, Inc. Through this acquisition, we obtained some early stage conductive thermal core technology that we have further developed and transferred to our North St. Paul operations.
In November 1994, we acquired the assets of Sym-Tek Systems, Inc., which expanded our presence in the memory IC market, and also extended our line of gravity feed test handlers for non-memory IC test handler applications. We have since discontinued the products for non-memory applications. In the fourth quarter of 2000, we also decided to exit the highly volatile handler market for memory applications. However, through this acquisition we obtained core pick-and-place and in-tray handling technologies, which we further developed and transferred to our North St. Paul operations.
In December 1993, we originated our reliability test systems product line through the purchase of the assets of Sienna Technologies, Inc. Since the acquisition, we have developed and introduced a new generation product line that has been well received by a growing customer base. Our reliability test products are primarily manufactured at our North St. Paul operations.
In April 1988, we acquired the core products of our 5050 series of gravity feed test handlers through our acquisition of Electro-Mechanical Systems, Inc. Since then, through internal development we have expanded this series of products and developed and introduced the 55V6 series of gravity feed test handlers. Both series include a full range of thermal conditioning capabilities, contactors and change kits for a wide range of IC package types. We sell these products into the largest and fastest growing IC market segments. We manufacture our gravity feed test handlers at our North St. Paul operations.
We were incorporated in Minnesota in December 1982. Our executive offices are located at 2350 Helen Street, North St. Paul, Minnesota 55109. Our telephone number is (651) 770-2000. Our web site address is www.aetrium.com. We make available free of charge through our website our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, as soon as is reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Our website is not intended to be a part of, nor are we incorporating it by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Financial Information About Segments
Since our inception, we have operated in the single industry segment of supplying electromechanical equipment to the semiconductor industry. Our financial results are set forth in Items 6 and 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Test Handler Products
Test handlers are electromechanical systems interfaced with a tester to form a test system designed to handle, thermally condition, contact and sort ICs and discrete electronic components automatically during the final test stage of the manufacturing process. The devices are loaded into the handler from bowls, tubes or trays and then typically transported to a temperature chamber within the test handler where they are thermally conditioned and controlled to the required testing temperature. The devices are then placed into a contactor, which provides an electrical connection between the device and the tester. After testing, the test handler sorts the devices according to test performance as provided by the tester. In some cases, additional process steps are completed by the test handler system. These include marking or inspection of the device packages, and automatic placement of the devices into a tube, tray or tape for shipment to the end user. Test handlers must meet industry criteria for thermal conditioning, contactor integrity and minimization of damage to the device package during the test handling cycle.
ICs are multi-function semiconductor devices that may contain up to millions of individual transistors, and include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors and memory devices. ICs come in a wide range of sizes and package types, depending upon their application. Discrete electronic components are single function semiconductor devices, such as transistors and diodes, and passive electronic devices, such as resistors and capacitors. They are typically very small and are manufactured in several package types.
In the testing of ICs and discrete electronic components, the device package type being tested often dictates the type of test handler used. Small outline packages, or SOPs, constituting the largest IC package segment, have leads, or electrical contacts, extending from two sides and are typically tested with gravity feed test handlers. Micro leadless packages, or MLPs and sometimes referred to as MLFTMs, SONs or QFNs, have electrical contact pads flush with the sides and bottoms of the ICs and are typically tested with gravity feed or turret based test handlers. MLPs constitute one of the fastest growing new IC package types.
More complex ICs are sometimes packaged in the IC package families more easily damaged in handling, and these package families are typically tested with pick-and-place test handlers. More fragile IC package types include QFPs, BGAs, PGAs, some CSPs and the most fragile SOP packages. QFPs, or quad flat packs, have leads extending from all four sides. BGAs, or ball grid array packages, have bumped leads on the bottom of the package. PGAs, or pin grid arrays, have pin type leads extending from the bottom of the package. CSPs, or chip scale packages, are a category of some of the smallest IC packages, with package sizes being no more than 1.2 times the size of the IC die within.
Discrete electronic component package types include small outline transistor packages, or SOTs, which are also sometimes used for the smallest ICs. Discrete electronic component package types are typically tested with turret based test handlers.
Our primary focus continues to be on the newer generation of surface mount devices that represent the largest volumes, the newest IC device types, and the fastest growing markets in the industry. We believe we offer the broadest line of test handling products to the semiconductor industry, addressing the full spectrum of non-memory device types, device package types and media transport types. Our test handler products are complementary with minimal overlap of application, and we distribute and service them through a common organization for efficiency.
Gravity Feed Test Handlers
Traditionally, test handlers have used gravity to move ICs from tubes through the handler system and back into tubes. Typically, in gravity feed systems ICs are halted at necessary points in the handling process by colliding against other ICs or other stopping mechanisms, which can result in lead damage to more fragile IC packages. Accordingly, gravity feed handlers are best suited for more rugged IC packages, which include MLPs and most SOPs.
Our gravity feed test handlers compete most favorably in high-volume applications and their high throughput rates are an added advantage in relatively short test time applications. These handlers adapt to “plunge to board"-type contacting and third party contactors, as well as our internally developed proprietary contactors, providing cost-effective solutions to a wide range of customer test requirements. In “plunge to board"-type contacting, the IC is placed directly against the test head with no intermediary sockets or connections, which is particularly well suited for high performance ICs. Our gravity feed test handlers can heat or cool the ICs being tested to any test temperature from -55 degrees C to +155 degrees C. They use mechanical refrigeration to cool ICs, which is more economical than liquid nitrogen, commonly used as a refrigerant in competing handlers. Our principal gravity feed test handlers include:
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55V6 Series. First introduced in 2002, our newly developed 55V6 Series of single and dual site gravity feed test handlers for analog and logic IC applications addresses a wide range of IC packages including SOPs and MLPs. The 55V6 Series is an advancement over our 5500 Series first introduced in 2000, and offers a smaller footprint, a vertical backplane that can accommodate any size of test head, and our high speed test site actuator with an effective throughput rate of up to 12,000 devices per hour per test site.
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55V8 Series. Currently in prototype evaluation and verification, our 55V8 Series of single, dual and quad site gravity feed test handlers for analog and logic IC applications addresses a wide range of IC packages including SOPs and MLPs. The 55V8 Series offers the advantages of the 55V6 Series, including our high speed test site actuator.
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5050 Series. Our 5050 Series of gravity feed test handlers for analog and logic IC applications addresses a wide range of SOP package types. In addition to single test site capability, we offer dual test site and quad test site capability within our 5050 Series of handlers to increase productivity and reduce testing costs in certain applications.
Turret Based Test Handlers
Turret based test handlers have a series of pickup heads that rotate around a fixed axis and move devices from station to station. They are typically configured for bowl feed input and tape and reel output, although they can be configured for tube or tray input and tube or tray output. One or more stations on turret based handlers are used for testing ICs and discrete electronic components. Stations on turret based handlers can also be used for additional process steps such as marking and inspection. Turret based handlers are well suited for discrete electronic components and smaller ICs that are difficult to handle in gravity feed handlers because of their size and small mass, and are well suited for MLPs because they can be handled in bulk. Turret based handlers are typically more costly than gravity feed handlers, but typically offer higher throughput rates than gravity feed handlers.
Our turret based test handlers are designed for high volume testing of discrete electronic component packages and ICs in MLP, CSP and SOT packages. These test handlers can integrate several functions, including test, laser marking, mark inspection, lead inspection, and tape and reel output. They can be configured for a variety of options for contacting, including “plunge to board"-type contacting. These test handlers are typically configured for bowl feed input and tape and reel output. Our principal turret based handlers include:
Pick-and-Place Test Handlers
Pick-and-place test handlers move ICs by “picking” up each device and “placing” the device to the appropriate position, similar to a robot. The motions avoid jarring stops and potential resulting lead damage. Thus, they can handle a wide variety of packages, including the IC package families most easily damaged in handling.
Our pick-and-place test handlers can be configured for a wide variety of analog and logic ICs in SOP, QFP, BGA, CSP and PGA packages. Using a conventional thermal chamber technique, these handlers can heat or cool the devices being tested to any test temperature from -55 degrees C to +155 degrees C. These handlers are configured and equipped to safely and reliably handle the most fragile IC packages. Devices are transported with their leads up, virtually eliminating the possibility of lead damage. These handlers feature “plunge to board"-type contacting, and can be modified with change kits, typically within 15 minutes, to accommodate nearly every IC package configuration being manufactured in volume today. Our principal pick-and-place handlers include:
Change Kits, Upgrades and Spare Parts
We have an ongoing demand for IC and discrete electronic component package change kits for our installed test handler products, including test handlers no longer in our active product lines. We sell a variety of change kits to accommodate the growing variety of device packages used in the semiconductor industry. The demand for change kits is driven by the introduction of new device package types and increased production volumes experienced by our end customers. Also included in change kits are upgrade kits to enhance the performance of installed equipment. We sell spare parts with new orders as kits or separately as piece parts or in kit form as required.
Semiconductor Automation Products
We have applied our core automation technologies to extend our product lines to other applications of automation of the handling of ICs and discrete electronic components.
4800 Series Burn-in Board Loaders/Unloaders
Our 4800 Series is a line of products used to automate the loading and unloading of burn-in boards. Burn-in boards vary in size and density, and are used to place individual ICs into a convection oven for an extensive reliability screening and stress testing procedure known as “burn-in.” Our burn-in board automation products take untested ICs out of trays or other media and place them into sockets on a burn-in board. After the burn-in test is complete, the 4800 Series system unloads and removes ICs that have completed the burn-in cycle from the burn-in board sockets and sorts the ICs according to the results of the test as provided by the burn-in system. The burn-in process screens for early failures by operating the IC at elevated voltages and temperatures, usually at 125 degrees C, for periods typically ranging from 12 to 96 hours. Burn-in systems can process thousands of ICs simultaneously, utilizing multiple boards. Most leading-edge microprocessors, digital signal processors, and memory ICs undergo burn-in testing.
Our 4800 Series comes in single pick-up head, dual-head, five-head and ten-head versions. The single and dual head models are best suited for large IC packages or for those applications requiring a quick conversion of the 4800 Series system to handle a different IC package. The five-head and ten-head systems are best suited to very high volume memory applications. All are available with a variety of input and output options, including tubes and trays. Package positioning stations ensure device alignment into sockets and output media. An optional stacked burn-in board elevator and trolley allows the system to process up to 32 burn-in boards without any operator intervention.
Automation Modules Product Line for OEMs
We market our Automation Modules product line to other semiconductor equipment manufacturers to provide automation for their semiconductor process equipment. We believe that the growing number and volume of fine pitch SOPs and other delicate device packages such as QFPs, BGAs and CSPs is driving a demand for automated equipment for all IC final manufacturing processes. Our Automation Modules have been incorporated into the equipment of other manufacturers to provide automation in trim and form, marking, mark curing, lead inspection, mark inspection, lead conditioning, media transfer and prom programming equipment to accommodate various device characteristics and media packaging.
Our Automation Modules currently consist of a series of robotic electromechanical handling modules, each designed to perform a specific handling function. Together these modules perform nearly all of the handling functions necessary for the various IC manufacturing processes. Each handling module has a microprocessor that directs the handling module’s function and communicates with other modules through a proprietary software protocol that enables the transfer of ICs between modules in a logical and efficient manner.
The Automation Modules can be readily assembled into systems configured to provide nearly any IC routing pattern required by an IC processing application, and can be readily integrated as a component of the processing equipment. This generic nature of the Automation Modules allows us to provide a versatile, cost effective automation solution to IC processing equipment OEMs that meets the handling automation challenges presented by more fragile IC package types. The Automation Modules can also be adapted to provide an automated linkage between IC manufacturing processes, thus offering the potential for seamless automated handling of ICs from trim and form to packaging for shipment.
Model M5 Taping System
We introduced our Model M5 Taping System in 2002 to address requirements for automated equipment to transfer smaller electronic devices from transport media such as bulk, tray or tube to tape and reel for shipment. The system is designed specifically to handle a wide variety of the new leadless MLP packages, others of the smallest sizes of IC packages, and discrete electronic component package types. The system was developed from our turret based test handler technologies, and can be configured to include vision inspection processes.
Reliability Test Equipment
The IC industry’s demand for higher performance devices through smaller circuit geometries has led to significant technological changes in the materials and processes used to manufacture ICs, including a continuing migration to copper materials for the increasingly minute circuitry
of devices. These changes in technology, along with IC user demand for increased reliability, have created a need for increasingly sophisticated reliability testing of IC designs and manufacturing processes. Our reliability test equipment product line enables IC manufacturers to force and measure precise levels of voltage and current through ICs, collect and analyze relevant data, and predict lifetime performance of ICs. This equipment can be utilized to perform reliability testing of packaged and unpackaged ICs. We have reliability test equipment installed at 19 of the top 20 semiconductor manufacturers in the world.
In 1998, we introduced our 1164 Series of reliability test equipment, including a suite of applications for customers to perform a variety of tests. The 1164 Series features a modular design that allows for great flexibility in performing reliability tests, and can test up to 4,096 devices at a time and perform numerous simultaneous tests on batches of ICs. The 1164 Series includes the full reliability test functionality necessary for testing an IC manufacturer’s entire copper process.
Our reliability test products also include a line of products designed for the test of over-voltage protection devices for telecommunications applications.
Competition
The semiconductor capital equipment market is highly competitive. In the market for test handler products, we compete with a number of companies ranging from very small businesses to large companies, some of which have substantially greater financial, manufacturing, marketing and product development resources than we have. Some of these companies manufacture and sell both testers and test handlers. The particular companies with which we compete vary with our different markets, with no one company dominating the overall test handler market. The companies with which we compete most directly in the surface mount IC test handler market include Cohu, Inc., Multitest Electronic Systems GmbH and Rasco AG. We also compete with Ismeca S.A., SRM Technology (M) Sdn Bhd and Tesec Corporation in the market for turret based test handlers.
We compete for test handler sales primarily on the basis of effective handler throughput, cost of ownership, temperature accuracy, contactor integrity and other performance characteristics of our products, the breadth of our product lines, the effectiveness of our sales and distribution channels and our customer relationships. We believe we compete favorably on all of these factors.
The market for burn-in board automation products is highly competitive. We compete with a number of companies ranging from very small businesses to large companies, some of which have substantially greater financial, manufacturing, marketing and product development resources than we have. The companies with which we compete most directly in this market include Cohu, Inc. and Todo Seisakusho, Ltd.
We compete for burn-in board automation product sales primarily on the basis of effective throughput, cost of ownership, versatility, and other performance characteristics of our products, the breadth of our product line, the effectiveness of our sales and distribution channels and our customer service. We believe we compete favorably on all of these factors.
We believe that the market for our Automation Modules sold on an OEM basis has no clearly defined commercial competitors offering similar automated handling modules to the IC industry. Historically, OEMs supplying equipment for IC manufacturing processes have developed custom or semi-custom handling components. Many of these OEMs have internal development capability for automated handling and many engineering companies also have automated handling development capability.
The market for our reliability test equipment is also highly competitive and our competitors include QualiTau, Ltd. We compete for reliability test system sales on the basis of technology, price, delivery, system flexibility and overall system performance. We believe we compete favorably on all of these factors.
Manufacturing and Supplies
We manufacture test handlers, reliability test equipment and our Automation Modules product line at our North St. Paul, Minnesota facility. We manufacture our turret based test handler products, some of our reliability test equipment and our 4800 Series and Model M5 Taping System at our Dallas, Texas facility. Our manufacturing operations consist of procurement and inspection of components and subassemblies, assembly and extensive testing of finished products.
We emphasize quality and reliability in both the design and manufacture of our products. We or our suppliers inspect all components and subassemblies for mechanical and electrical compliance to our specifications. We test all finished products against our specifications, and customer specifications where applicable, and fully assembled test handler products are tested at all temperatures for which they are designed and with all the device packages to be accommodated.
A significant portion of the components and subassemblies used in our products, including machined parts, PC boards, refrigeration systems, vacuum pumps and contactor elements, are manufactured by third parties on a subcontract basis. As a part of our total quality management program, we have an ongoing supplier quality program under which we select, monitor and rate our suppliers, and recognize suppliers for outstanding performance.
Certain components used in our products, including certain contactor components, printed circuit boards and refrigeration systems, are currently available from only a limited number of sources. We do not maintain long-term supply agreements with most of our suppliers, and we purchase most of our components through individual purchase orders. We may not always be able to replace all of our suppliers within a time period consistent with our business requirements. We attempt to keep an adequate supply of critical components in our inventory to minimize any significant impact the loss of a supplier may cause.
Customers
We rely on a limited number of customers for a substantial percentage of our net sales. In 2003, Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. and MB Electronique S.A. each accounted for more than 10% of net sales. Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. also accounted for more than 10% of net sales in 2002 and 2001. The loss of or a significant reduction in orders by these or other significant customers, including reductions due to market, economic or competitive conditions in the semiconductor industry, would likely have a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Sales and Marketing
We market our products through a combination of direct salespeople, domestic independent sales representatives and international distributors. Our direct sales organization, comprised of eight salespeople, is responsible for most domestic sales, and coordinates the activities of our domestic independent sales representatives and international distributors and actively participates with them in selling efforts. This enables us to establish strong direct ties with our customers.
We maintain sales and service locations in North St. Paul, Minnesota, Santa Clara, California, San Diego, California, Dallas, Texas, Boise, Idaho, and Saugus, Massachusetts. As of December 31, 2003, we had international distributors located in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines.
Our marketing efforts include participation in industry trade shows and production of product literature and sales support tools. These efforts are designed to generate sales leads for our domestic independent sales representatives, international distributors and direct salespeople.
International shipments accounted for 54%, 59% and 37% of our net sales in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. In addition, it is not uncommon for U.S. customers to take delivery of products in the United States for subsequent shipment to international sites, particularly the Automation Modules product line that is sold on an OEM basis. Most of our international shipments are made to international sites of U.S. semiconductor manufacturers, although there is a growing foreign customer base included in our international sales.
We invoice all of our international sales in U.S. dollars and, accordingly, have not historically been subject to fluctuating currency exchange rates. We establish credit limits from time to time on our international distributors, who purchase products from us and resell to end-users. We also often require irrevocable letters of credit from our end-user international customers to minimize credit risk and to simplify the purchasing/payment cycle.
Research and Development
We believe we must continue to enhance, broaden and modify our existing product lines to meet the constantly evolving needs of the semiconductor equipment market. To date, we have relied both on internal development and acquisitions of technology and product lines to extend our product lines, increase our customer base and avoid reliance on any single semiconductor equipment market segment. Our research and development is conducted at both our North St. Paul, Minnesota and Dallas, Texas facilities. Due to the record industry downturn that extended into 2003 and the resulting decline in and continuing low level of our revenues, we significantly reduced our levels of research and development spending during this period and focused our available resources on product development with near term revenue potential. In 2003, we concentrated our new product development efforts on:
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developing the 55V8 Series quad test site gravity feed handlers;
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adapting our high speed test site actuator for the 55V8 Series of test handlers;
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developing additional input capability for the Model 8832 test handler;
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developing a new model burn in board loader/unloader for the 4800 Series; and
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developing additional test capabilities for our 1164 Series of reliability test equipment for the latest generations of copper, gate oxide and transistor device technologies.
Product development expenses are typically divided approximately 50% for new product development and 50% for continuation engineering. Our continuation engineering efforts include the development of additional change kits to meet the expanding families of IC and discrete electronic component package types, further advancement of contactor technologies, and the addition of features and performance options for existing equipment.
We expense all research and development costs, including costs for software development, as incurred. In 2003, 2002 and 2001, our expenses relating to research and development were approximately $2.6 million, $2.3 million and $4.7 million, respectively. Over time, our objective is to invest approximately 13% to 15% of our net sales in research and development, although the percentage may be higher in periods of reduced sales, such as 2003 where our research and development spending as a percentage of net sales was 19%. We employed 25 engineering personnel as of December 31, 2003.
Intellectual Property
We attempt to protect the proprietary aspects of our products with patents, copyrights, trade secret law and internal nondisclosure safeguards. We currently hold several U.S. patents covering certain features of our handling systems and Automation Modules, the contactor elements incorporated in certain of our test handlers, and elements of our proprietary conductive thermal technology. The source code for the software contained in our products is considered proprietary and we typically do not furnish source code to our customers. We have also entered into confidentiality agreements with each of our key employees. Despite these restrictions, it may be possible for competitors or users to copy aspects of our products or to obtain information that we regard as a trade secret.
There is a rapid pace of technological change in the semiconductor industry. We believe that patent, trade secret and copyright protection is less significant to our competitive position than factors such as the knowledge, ability and experience of our personnel, new product development, frequent product enhancements, name recognition and ongoing, reliable product maintenance and support.
Backlog
Our backlog was $6.4 million at the end of 2003 and $2.3 million at the end of 2002. Because purchase orders are generally subject to cancellation or delay by customers with limited or no penalty, our backlog is not necessarily indicative of future revenue or earnings. We expect to ship in 2004 all of our backlog as of the end of 2003.
Employees
As of December 31, 2003, we had 85 employees, consisting of 32 in manufacturing, 25 in engineering and product development, 16 in sales, marketing and customer service, and 12 in general administration and finance. None of our employees is represented by a labor union or is subject to any collective bargaining agreement. We have never experienced a work stoppage and believe that our employee relations are satisfactory.
Financial Information About Geographic Areas
See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information about geographic areas.
Certain Important Factors
In addition to the factors identified above, there are several important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our results in the past and those we anticipate as reflected in any forward-looking statements. Please refer to the heading “Business Risks and Uncertainties” located in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of these factors and their potential impact on the success of our operations and our ability to achieve our goals.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
We conduct our corporate functions and manufacturing, product development, sales, marketing and field service activities in North St. Paul, Minnesota. We currently occupy approximately 45,000 square feet in North St. Paul under a lease that expires in February 2006. We have an option under the lease, exercisable at any time during the initial lease term, to require construction of approximately 45,000 additional square feet for lease at the same rental rate. We also conduct manufacturing, product development, sales, marketing and field service activities in approximately 29,400 square feet in Dallas, Texas, under a lease that expires in April 2006.
We also have the following continuing lease obligations:
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We vacated a 30,000 square foot facility that is adjacent to our North St. Paul facility in June 2001 when we consolidated our North St. Paul operations into a single building. This facility is under a lease that expires in February 2006. Approximately two-thirds of this space is currently subleased to third parties, and we are actively seeking to sublease the remainder. We remain liable under the lease, on a contingent basis, for the portion of this facility that is subleased.
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We vacated a 45,000 square foot facility in Poway, California in 2000. This lease expires in January 2010. Approximately half of this space is currently subleased to third parties, and we are actively seeking to sublease the remainder. We remain liable under the lease, on a contingent basis, for the portion of this facility that is subleased.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
We are not a party to, and none of our property is the subject of, any
material pending legal, governmental, administrative or other proceedings.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
We did not submit any matter to a vote of our security holders during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2003.
ITEM 4A. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.
Our executive officers, their ages and the offices they held as of March 1, 2004 are as follows:
Name
Age
Position
Joseph C. Levesque
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
Douglas L. Hemer
Chief Administrative Officer, Secretary and Director
Daniel M. Koch
Vice President - Worldwide Sales
John J. Pollock
Vice President - General Manager, North St. Paul Operations
Keith E. Williams
President - Dallas Operations
Paul H. Askegaard
Treasurer
Mr. Levesque has served as our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of our board since 1986. From 1973 to 1986, Mr. Levesque served in various capacities and most recently as Executive Vice President of Micro Component Technology, Inc., a manufacturer of IC testers and test handlers.
Mr. Hemer has served as one of our directors since 1986, and has served as our Secretary since May 2000 and as our Chief Administrative Officer since March 2001. He served as our Group Vice President from August 1998 to March 2001, as the President of our Poway, California operations from February 1997 to August 1998 and as our Chief Administrative Officer from May 1996 until February 1997. Mr. Hemer was a partner in the law firm of Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly LLP for more than 15 years before joining Aetrium. Mr. Hemer is also a director of Versa Companies, a privately held company.
Mr. Koch has served as our Vice President - Worldwide Sales since March 1991. From March 1990 to March 1991, Mr. Koch served as the Vice President of Sales of Summation, Inc., a company involved with the testing of IC boards. From December 1973 to March 1990, Mr. Koch served in various sales positions and most recently as Vice President of Sales of Micro Component Technology, Inc.
Mr. Pollock has served as the Vice President and General Manager of our North St. Paul operations since December 2001. From August 1998 to December 2001, Mr. Pollock served as our Vice President of Product Development and Marketing. From April 1998 to August 1998, Mr. Pollock served as interim general manager of our North St. Paul operations. From November 1997 to May 1998, Mr. Pollock served as interim general manager of the handler group we acquired from Advantek Inc. From September 1996 to August 1997, Mr. Pollock served as Business Unit Manager of our Automation Modules product group.
Mr. Williams has served as the President of our Dallas operations since April 1998, when we acquired the handler equipment business of WEB Technology, Inc. Mr. Williams co-founded WEB in 1982, and served as its President and CEO from its inception until we acquired it.
Mr. Askegaard has served as our Treasurer since February 1992. From October 1986 to February 1992, Mr. Askegaard served as our Corporate Controller.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
Market Information
Our common stock is quoted on The Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “ATRM.” The following table summarizes the high and low closing sale prices per share of our common stock for the periods indicated, as reported on The Nasdaq National Market. These prices do not include adjustments for retail mark-ups, markdowns or commissions.
Holders
As of March 19, 2004, there were approximately 225 shareholders of record. We estimate that an additional 3,500 shareholders own stock held for their accounts at brokerage firms and financial institutions.
Dividends
We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain any earnings for use in our operations and do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The information required to be disclosed by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K, “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans,” is included under Item 12 of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Recent Sale of Unregistered Securities
We did not have any unregistered sales of equity securities during fiscal year 2003.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
You should read the Selected Financial Data presented below in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Five Year Summary
(in thousands, except per share data)
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)
1.
Includes a $0.1 million restructuring charge in the first quarter related to a workforce reduction. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
2.
Includes an income tax benefit of $0.4 million in the third quarter related to a refund and a goodwill impairment charge of $0.7 million in the fourth quarter. See Notes 5 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
3.
Includes a $6.5 million charge related to a change in accounting principle in the first quarter, an income tax benefit of $0.4 million in the third quarter related to a refund and a goodwill impairment charge of $0.7 million in the fourth quarter. See Notes 5 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Overview:
Aetrium designs, manufactures and markets a variety of electromechanical equipment used by the semiconductor industry to handle and test semiconductor and passive electronic devices, such as integrated circuits, or ICs, and discrete electronic components.
The semiconductor capital equipment industry is often described as a cyclical growth industry characterized by a long-term growth trend occasionally interrupted by periods of contraction and significant declines in revenue. General industry conditions and the demand for Aetrium’s products can fluctuate significantly from period to period as a result of numerous factors, including but not limited to changes in U.S. and worldwide economic conditions, supply and demand for ICs and discrete electronic components, changes in semiconductor manufacturing capacity, advancements in industry technologies and competitive factors. For these and other reasons, our operating results for 2001, 2002 and 2003 may not be indicative of future operating results.
Following a very strong year in calendar 2000, the semiconductor equipment industry experienced a deep and prolonged business downturn during the three-year period ended December 31, 2003. During most of this period, U.S. and global economic conditions were generally weak and many semiconductor manufacturers experienced significantly reduced demand for their products, resulting in elevated inventory levels and significant excess production capacity. These factors led to a dramatic cutback in capital spending, resulting in the most severe downturn in the history of the semiconductor equipment industry.
In 2001, semiconductor manufacturers experienced a significant decrease in demand for their products. For only the second time in 25 years, fewer ICs and discrete electronic components were shipped than the year before, as unit sales of ICs and discrete electronic components fell by 21%. This led semiconductor manufacturers to sharply reduce capital spending and reschedule or cancel many existing equipment orders. Revenues for the test, assembly and packaging, or TAP, segment of the semiconductor equipment industry dropped approximately 61% in 2001 from 2000 levels. Aetrium’s revenues decreased each quarter in 2001 and our revenues for the year were down 57% compared with 2000.
Generally weak industry conditions continued into the first quarter of 2002. In the second quarter, many semiconductor manufacturers began to experience stronger demand for ICs and improvements in capacity utilization. However, the anticipated recovery stalled in the second half of the year amid weakening economic conditions, concerns about war and lower consumer demand for products containing ICs and discrete electronic components. As a result, revenues for the TAP segment of the semiconductor industry dropped an additional approximately 21% from 2001 totals, for an aggregate decrease of approximately 70% from 2000 levels. In 2002, Aetrium’s revenues continued to decline in the first quarter compared to the fourth quarter of 2001 and quarterly revenues remained relatively flat through the remainder of the year. Our 2002 revenues of $12.7 million were down 37% compared with 2001 and down 72% compared with 2000.
In 2003, semiconductor industry business conditions remained very weak although there were signs of improvement as the year progressed, including increasing shipments of semiconductors, decreasing inventory levels, improving capacity utilization rates and an improving economic climate. As the end of the year approached, these factors led to increased capital spending at levels that suggest the beginning of an industry recovery. Aetrium’s revenues remained relatively flat through the first three quarters of 2003 and increased in the fourth quarter as
equipment orders increased significantly. As a result of the stronger fourth quarter, our 2003 revenues of $14.1 million were up 11% compared with 2002, which was comparable to the percentage increase in capital spending by the worldwide semiconductor industry as a whole in 2003.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates:
Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the critical accounting policies that require the most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements are those related to revenue recognition, bad debts, inventories, intangible assets, goodwill, warranty obligations, and income tax accounting.
Our policy is to recognize revenue on product sales upon shipment if contractual obligations have been substantially met, collection of the proceeds is assessed as being reasonably assured, and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, which is generally the case for sales of spare parts, accessories, change kits and some equipment and equipment upgrades. In instances where title does not pass upon shipment, revenue is recognized upon delivery or customer acceptance based upon the terms of the sales agreement. In instances where equipment or equipment upgrade sales contracts include post-shipment obligations to be performed by Aetrium and/or contractual terms that can only be satisfied after shipment, such as installation and meeting customer-specified acceptance requirements at the customer’s site, revenue is not recognized until such obligations have been completed and there is objective evidence that the applicable contract terms have been met. Due to the high selling price of certain types of equipment, the timing of revenue recognition of a relatively small number of transactions may have a significant impact on our quarterly results.
We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts that reflects our estimate of losses that may result from the uncollectibility of accounts receivable. Our allowance for doubtful accounts is based primarily on an analysis of individual accounts for which we have information indicating the customer may not be able to pay amounts owed to us. In these cases, based on the available facts and circumstances, we estimate the amount that will be collected from such customers. We also evaluate the collectibility of our accounts receivable in the aggregate based on factors such as the aging of receivable amounts, customer concentrations, historical experience, and current economic trends and conditions. We adjust our allowance for doubtful accounts when additional information is received that impacts the amount reserved. If circumstances change, our estimates of the recoverability of accounts receivable could be reduced or increased by a material amount. Such a change in estimated recoverability would be accounted for in the period in which the facts that give rise to the change become known. As of December 31, 2003, our allowance for doubtful accounts was $0.2 million.
We establish valuation reserves on our inventories for estimated excess and obsolete inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and its estimated market value based upon assumptions about future product demand and market conditions. If actual product demand or market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory reserves may be required. As of December 31, 2003, our inventory excess and obsolescence reserve was $3.4 million.
Effective January 1, 2002, we adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS 142 provides that goodwill is no longer amortized, but rather is reviewed for impairment at the beginning of the fiscal year in which the standard is adopted and at least annually thereafter. SFAS 142 requires a two-step process in the review of goodwill for impairment. Step one requires that we compare the fair value of our single reporting unit (i.e., Aetrium) with the net carrying value of our assets, including goodwill. If our fair value is less than our net asset carrying value, we perform the second step of the impairment test. In step two, we compare the aggregate fair values of our non-goodwill assets and liabilities with the fair value of Aetrium in order to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. At January 1, 2002, we determined that the carrying value of our goodwill exceeded its implied fair value by $6.5 million and recorded a goodwill impairment charge in that amount. At December 31, 2002, we determined that the carrying value of our goodwill exceeded its implied fair value by $0.7 million and recorded a goodwill impairment charge in that amount. As of December 31, 2002, after recording the goodwill impairment charge at that date, we had no remaining goodwill balance.
We review our identifiable intangible assets and other long-lived assets whenever an event or change in circumstances indicates that the carrying value of an asset may be impaired. If such an event or change in circumstances occurs and potential impairment is indicated because the carrying values exceed the estimated future undiscounted cash flows, we would measure the impairment loss as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value. During 2002, as a result of our identified impairment of the carrying value of goodwill, we reviewed our identifiable intangible and other long-lived assets for potential impairment and concluded that the carrying value of these assets was not impaired. As of December 31, 2003, the carrying value of our identifiable intangible assets was $1.7 million.
We accrue estimated warranty costs in the period that the related revenue is recognized. Our warranty cost estimates and warranty reserve requirements are determined based upon product performance, historical warranty experience, and costs incurred in addressing product performance issues. Should product performance or cost factors differ from our estimates, adjustments to our warranty accrual may be required. As of December 31, 2003, our warranty reserve was $0.2 million.
Our deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when we believe it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In the fourth quarter of 2000, in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” due to then recent operating losses, reduced sales order activity in late 2000, and weakening industry conditions in early 2001, we recorded a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. If we generate taxable income consistently in future periods, our assessment of our ability to realize these deferred tax assets may change and we may reduce this valuation allowance, which would be reported as an income tax benefit. As of December 31, 2003, our valuation allowance was $25.6 million.
Results of Operations:
Selected statement of operations items as a percentage of our net sales for 2003, 2002 and 2001 were as follows:
Net Sales:
Our net sales by product line as a percentage of total sales for 2003, 2002 and 2001 were as follows:
Aetrium’s net sales increased to $14.1 million in 2003 compared with $12.7 million in 2002, an increase of 11%. Quarterly revenue levels were relatively flat in the first three quarters of the year, ranging from $3.1 to $3.3 million, and were comparable to revenue levels in each of the first three quarters of 2002. Orders for new equipment increased significantly late in the year with net sales amounting to $4.5 million in the fourth quarter. For the year, equipment net sales increased across all product lines. Test handler net sales, representing 52% of total net sales, increased 12% compared to 2002. Net sales of our semiconductor automation products, representing 11% of total net sales, increased 61% with increases in sales of both burn-in board loaders/unloaders and automation products to OEM customers. Net sales of our reliability test equipment, representing 20% of total net sales, increased 26% in 2003 compared to 2002. Net sales of change kits and spare parts, representing 17% of total net sales, decreased 23% compared to 2002.
Our net sales decreased to $12.7 million in 2002 compared with $20.0 million in 2001, a decrease of 37%. Quarterly revenues were relatively flat during 2002, ranging from $3.1 to $3.2 million. Equipment net sales decreased across all product lines in 2002 as a result of the prolonged downturn in the semiconductor equipment industry that began in late 2000 and continued through 2001 and 2002. Net
sales of test handlers, representing 51% of total net sales in 2002, decreased 39% relative to 2001. Net sales of our reliability test equipment decreased 36% in 2002 compared to 2001. Net sales of our semiconductor automation products decreased because of a sharp decline in sales of burn-in board loaders as well as a reduction in sales to OEM customers, whose businesses had also been adversely impacted by the industry downturn. Net sales of spare parts and change kits increased 13% in 2002 from 2001 levels, reflecting improving capacity utilization for some customers and certain product applications.
Gross Profit:
Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, was 52.8% in 2003 compared with 53.3% in 2002 and 34.9% in 2001. Results for 2001 included an inventory write-down of $2.7 million recorded in the fourth quarter. At that time, following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and the ensuing economic uncertainties, industry forecasters predicted that a significant recovery of the semiconductor equipment industry would not occur for at least six months and any improvement would be gradual. Based on these forecasts, we determined that by the time significant capacity requirements emerged for mature IC packages, some of our older products focused on those applications would be superceded by our newer products and those of our competitors. Accordingly, we wrote down the value of our inventories in 2001 for these older products to their estimated net realizable values based upon a revised expectation of limited future sales of these products. The write-down amount was determined through a detailed analysis of inventories with consideration given to anticipated usage through future equipment and spares sales, and the potential use of common parts in other products. This write-down reduced our 2001 gross profit by 13.5%.
Gross margins decreased in 2003 compared to 2002 primarily due to a higher mix of automation equipment sales and a lower mix of change kits and spare parts sales. Gross margins improved in 2002 relative to 2001 despite lower revenue levels primarily due to lower costs resulting from restructuring activities, including the restructuring of our North St. Paul, Minnesota operations in December 2001, which resulted in lower costs for all of 2002.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:
Selling, general and administrative, or SG&A, expenses were $6.2 million in 2003 compared with $7.1 million in 2002 and $11.2 million in 2001. In 2003, wages decreased approximately $0.1 million due to a workforce reduction early in the year. Commissions expense decreased approximately $0.2 million in 2003 partially due to the termination of our U.S. independent sales representatives in 2002, although in the second half of 2003 we re-signed an independent representative in one domestic territory. Warranty expense decreased approximately $0.3 million in 2003 due to reduced warranty claims resulting from product improvements and the settlement of a warranty claim with a customer. The decrease in SG&A expenses in 2002 compared with 2001 resulted primarily from a full year of cost savings realized from the restructuring activities implemented in 2001, including workforce reductions, the closing of our Poway, California facility, the consolidation of our North St. Paul, Minnesota operations into a single facility, and the reorganization of our North St. Paul, Minnesota operations. Workforce reductions during 2001 resulted in a decrease in the number of our SG&A employees from 70 at December 31, 2000 to 42 at December 31, 2001. Commissions expense decreased in 2002 due to lower sales volume and savings realized from the termination of our U.S. independent sales representatives early in the year. In addition, we recorded no goodwill amortization expense in 2002 compared with $0.7 million in 2001 due to the implementation of SFAS No. 142 as explained in Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements.
Research and Development Expenses:
Research and development expenses were $2.6 million in 2003 compared with $2.3 million in 2002 and $4.7 million in 2001. The increase in 2003 relative to 2002 is attributed to higher materials costs of approximately $0.1 million and higher contract services of approximately $0.2 million primarily associated with the development of our new Model 55V8 test handler. The decrease in 2002 research and development expenses relative to 2001 reflects reductions in wages, materials and contract services, including a full year of cost savings realized from restructuring activities implemented in 2001. Workforce reductions during 2001 resulted in a decrease in the number of research and development employees from 62 at December 31, 2000 to 26 at December 31, 2001. As a percentage of net sales, research and development expenses were 18.8%, 18.1% and 23.5% in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, which were periods of reduced sales due to the industry downturn. If industry conditions continue to improve and our revenues increase accordingly, we would expect future research and development expenses to approximate 13% to 15% of net sales.
Goodwill Impairment Charges:
Effective January 1, 2002, Aetrium adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS 142 provides that goodwill is no longer amortized, but rather is reviewed for impairment at the beginning of the fiscal year in which the standard is adopted and at least annually thereafter. In accordance with SFAS 142, we evaluated our existing goodwill and intangible assets as of January 1, 2002 and determined that certain intangibles did not meet the criteria for recognition apart from goodwill as set forth in SFAS 141, “Business Combinations.” Therefore, the aggregate carrying value of these intangibles as of January 1, 2002 in the amount of $52,000 was reclassified to goodwill. We also reassessed the useful lives of our acquired identifiable intangible assets at January 1, 2002 and determined that no adjustments to the remaining amortization periods were necessary.
The adoption of SFAS 142 required that we complete a transitional goodwill impairment test as of January 1, 2002 using a two-step process. We completed step one of the impairment test by comparing the fair value of our single reporting unit (i.e., Aetrium) with the net carrying value of our assets, including goodwill. The fair value of Aetrium was determined based on quoted market prices of our common stock, as adjusted for a control premium. Since the carrying value of our net assets exceeded their fair value, we concluded that there was a potential impairment. Because there was an indication of a potential impairment, we completed step two of the impairment test in order to measure the amount of any impairment loss. In performing the second step of the impairment test, we compared the aggregate fair values of our non-goodwill assets and liabilities with the fair value of Aetrium in order to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. Step two of the impairment test indicated that the carrying value of our goodwill exceeded its implied fair value by $6.5 million. In accordance with SFAS 142, this impairment charge (net of income taxes of $0) was recorded in our consolidated statement of operations as a change in accounting principle effective January 1, 2002.
Aetrium completed its annual goodwill impairment test at December 31, 2002, again using the prescribed two-step process. We completed step one of the impairment test by comparing the fair value of Aetrium with the net carrying value of our assets, including goodwill. The fair value of Aetrium was determined based on quoted market prices of our common stock, as adjusted for a control premium consistent with that applied in performing our impairment test at January 1, 2002. Since the carrying value of our net assets exceeded their fair value, indicating potential impairment, we completed the second step of the test in order to measure the amount of any impairment loss. In performing the second step of the impairment test, we compared the aggregate fair values of our non-goodwill assets and liabilities with the fair value of Aetrium in order to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. Step two of the impairment test indicated that the carrying value of our
goodwill exceeded its implied fair value by $0.7 million. This impairment charge is included in operating expenses in our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2002. We believe that the following were the most significant factors that led to the decrease in the public trading market value of our common stock in 2002 and the resulting goodwill impairment: the continued weakness of the world economies; the possibility and uncertainty of war with Iraq; the continued depressed average selling prices and excess capacity in the semiconductor industry; the resulting continuation of a record downturn in the semiconductor equipment industry; the impact of these factors on our financial position and the results of our operations; and the decline in the public trading market value of semiconductor equipment companies in general in 2002.
The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2002 was as follows (in thousands):
Unusual Charges:
Aetrium has been significantly impacted by the prolonged downturn in the semiconductor equipment industry that began in late 2000 and continued through 2001, 2002 and into 2003. During this period, we implemented a number of actions to improve operating efficiencies and reduce costs, including restructuring of operations, workforce reductions, and facility consolidations.
Fiscal 2003
In the quarter ended March 31, 2003, we terminated 6 employees in sales, engineering, and administration. We recorded severance and related costs of $149,000 in connection with this workforce reduction, which amount is included in the unusual charges caption in our statement of operations. The workforce reduction resulted in quarterly cost savings of approximately $129,000.
Fiscal 2001
During 2001, we completed the transfer of our operations in Poway, California to North St. Paul, Minnesota; we restructured our operations in Minnesota; we reduced our facility costs through the consolidation of operations; and we significantly reduced our workforce. Unusual charges recorded in 2001 related to these activities were as follows (in thousands):
During 2001, in response to declining revenue levels throughout the year, we implemented workforce reductions in March, April, June, and December. These workforce reductions included the elimination of 98 positions in manufacturing, sales, administration, and engineering. We recorded charges of $928,000 for severance and related costs associated with these terminations. The charges were recorded in the periods when the restructuring plans were approved by management, severance benefits were determined, and the affected employees were notified. The workforce reductions resulted in quarterly cost savings of approximately $1.3 million.
In May 2001, we consolidated our North St. Paul, Minnesota operations from two buildings into one and vacated a building that is under lease through February 2006. We recorded facility exit charges of $606,000 for estimated future non-cancelable lease payments and other facility costs we expected to incur related to the vacated building. Also, in connection with the vacated facility, we recorded a charge of $215,000 for abandoned leaseholds and losses on the sale of certain equipment.
Aetrium conducted operations in a leased facility in Grand Prairie, Texas until that business was transferred to our Dallas, Texas facility in early 2000. We recorded a facility exit charge in 2000 related to the vacated Grand Prairie facility, for which the lease term ended in June 2003. In late 2001, due to our inability to locate a subtenant and due to weakening economic conditions at the time, we recorded an additional facility exit charge of $193,000 to cover the non-cancelable lease payments and other costs we estimated we would incur until a subtenant could be found. In May 2002, we negotiated an early termination of the lease for a payment of $99,000.
In 2001, we incurred moving and other transition costs of $261,000 related to restructuring our operations. Approximately $203,000 was incurred in the first quarter related primarily to the relocation and other final costs associated with completing the transfer of operations from Poway, California to North St. Paul, Minnesota. An additional $58,000 was related to moving expenses incurred in the second quarter when we combined our operations in Minnesota from two buildings into one.
The following table summarizes severance and facility exit restructuring charges and the associated accrual activity for the three years ended December 31, 2003 (in thousands):
The remaining $224,000 accrual for facility exit costs at December 31, 2003 is primarily related to the vacated building in North St. Paul, Minnesota. We estimate the accrual will be utilized at the rate of approximately $25,000 per quarter.
Other Income, Net:
Other income, net, which consists primarily of interest income from the investment of excess funds, amounted to $41,000 in 2003, compared with $91,000 in 2002 and $248,000 in 2001. The decreases are attributable to lower average cash balances during each year and generally declining interest rates.
Income Taxes:
In 2000, due to then recent operating losses and weakening industry conditions in late 2000 and early 2001, we recorded a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets and we determined that we would not record any income tax expense or benefit in the future until we are consistently profitable on a quarterly basis. Therefore, no income tax benefit related to current operations was recorded in 2001 through 2003. However, we did record income tax benefits of $0.4 million in the third quarter of 2002 and $0.2 million in the third quarter of 2001 related to refunds of income taxes paid and expensed prior to 2001. The refund claim in 2002 resulted from Federal income tax law changes incorporated in the Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act enacted in 2002.
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources:
Cash and cash equivalents decreased by approximately $1.7 million in 2003 to $4.1 million at December 31, 2003. We used $1.5 million to fund operating activities during this period. The major components of cash flows used in operating activities were a net loss of $1.6 million, a $1.7 million increase in accounts receivable and a $1.0 million decrease in accrued liabilities partially offset by non-cash depreciation and amortization expense of $1.1 million, a $0.6 million decrease in inventories, and a $0.9 million increase in accounts payable. Accounts receivable increased $1.7 million primarily due to a 40% increase in net sales in the fourth quarter of 2003 compared with the fourth quarter of 2002 and also due to the timing of certain collections. We received approximately $0.7 million in customer payments at the end of December 2002 that resulted in a relatively low accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2002. Although we increased inventory purchases in December 2003 to support increased order activity, inventory levels decreased throughout 2003 as we continued inventory reduction initiatives first implemented during fiscal 2001. Accounts payable increased primarily due to increased inventory purchases in the fourth quarter of 2003
as discussed above. Accrued liabilities decreased primarily due to a reduction in deferred revenue associated with two equipment sales for which a total of $0.6 million in progress payments was received prior to December 31, 2002 and revenue was recognized in 2003 upon final acceptance of the equipment.
Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $1.4 million in 2002 to $5.8 million at December 31, 2002. We used $1.3 million of cash in operating activities in 2002. The major components of cash flows used in operating activities were a net loss of $9.3 million and decreases in other accrued liabilities of $1.9 million, partially offset by $7.2 million in non-cash goodwill impairment charges, $1.3 million in non-cash depreciation and amortization expense and a decrease in inventories of $1.5 million. The decrease in other accrued liabilities reflects payments of accrued severance and other restructuring costs during the year and a decrease in customer deposits and deferred revenue due primarily to lower sales volumes. Inventories decreased throughout 2002 as a result of deliberate inventory reduction initiatives implemented beginning in 2001.
Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $2.0 million in 2001 to $7.2 million at December 31, 2001. We used $1.9 million of cash in operating activities in 2001. The major components of cash flows used in operating activities were a net loss of $10.7 million and decreases in accounts payable of $3.2 million, accrued compensation of $1.0 million, and other accrued liabilities of $1.9 million, partially offset by $2.2 million in non-cash depreciation and amortization expense, write-downs of the carrying value of inventories of $3.7 million, restructuring charges of $1.7 million and a decrease in accounts receivable of $6.5 million. The decreases in accounts payable and accounts receivable are primarily attributable to lower production and revenue levels in late 2001 compared to the prior year due to the severe downturn in the semiconductor industry. The decrease in accrued compensation is due to workforce reductions and wage reductions we implemented in 2001 in response to the semiconductor industry downturn.
Our use of cash in investing activities in 2003, 2002 and 2001 related principally to expenditures for equipment, which amounted to $163,000, $41,000, and $71,000, respectively. In the fourth quarter of 2003, we purchased equipment for approximately $140,000 to upgrade our data processing capabilities at our North St. Paul, Minnesota facility. In November 2001, we purchased 426,410 shares of our common stock for $544,000 from a shareholder group. In December 2001, we sold the same number of shares of our stock to the same group for the same purchase price.
In addition to the data processing equipment purchased for our North St. Paul facility in the fourth quarter of 2003, we expect to spend approximately $100,000 in the first quarter of 2004 for additional equipment, including equipment to upgrade our data processing capabilities at our Dallas, Texas facility. In January 2004, we obtained a demand bank loan that provides for borrowings of up to $190,000 to finance these equipment purchases. Such borrowings bear interest at prime plus 1.5% and are due on July 16, 2004. The prime interest rate was 4.0% at the inception of the loan. The loan agreement provides that we may, at our option, convert any borrowings under the loan agreement to a long term installment loan bearing interest at prime plus 1.5%, with a minimum rate of 5.5% and maximum rate of 7.5%. Accordingly, prior to June 30, 2004, we expect to convert borrowings under the agreement to a five-year term loan with principal and interest installments payable monthly.
With the exception of the data processing upgrades discussed above, we do not anticipate significant capital spending in the next twelve months. Historically we have supported our capital expenditure and working capital needs with cash generated from operations and, in recent periods, with our existing cash and cash equivalents. We believe our cash and cash equivalents of $4.1 million at December 31, 2003 and the equipment financing described above will be sufficient to meet capital expenditure and working capital needs at least through 2004. However, if the apparent industry recovery proves to be unsustainable and/or other factors, including future industry cycles, negatively impact the
demand for our products, future cash flows could be adversely affected. Also, we may acquire other companies, product lines or technologies that are complementary to our business, and our working capital needs may change as a result of such acquisitions.
As of December 31, 2003, we had no outstanding long-term debt. We do not presently have a bank line of credit or other working capital financing. However, we have had preliminary discussions with banks regarding obtaining such financing if the need should arise. Although we believe we will be able to secure such financing to fund future growth if needed, there can be no assurance that such financing will be available with terms favorable to Aetrium or at all.
Our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2003 are summarized below (in thousands):
The above minimum operating lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $0.3 million due in the future under noncancellable subleases. Purchase order commitments are related primarily to inventory purchases in the ordinary course of business.
In 2000, we vacated a leased 45,000 square-foot facility in Poway, California. The lease was assigned to an unrelated company in 2000 and Aetrium continued to be contingently liable under the lease if the assignee were to default. In January 2004, we were notified by the lease assignee that it would be discontinuing operations. We negotiated a termination of the lease assignment for a lump sum payment and credit of $452,000 and the lease was re-assigned to Aetrium. Approximately one-half of the facility is subleased to two unrelated parties through March 2005. We are actively seeking a new tenant for the vacant portion of the facility. This lease obligation and the future minimum sublease rentals of approximately $0.3 million are not included in the above table of future minimum lease payments. The Poway facility lease expires in January 2010 and future minimum lease payments are as follows (in thousands): 2004 - $481; 2005: - $497; 2006 - $515; 2007 - $533; 2008 - $551; thereafter - $619.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity.” SFAS 150 requires that an issuer classify certain financial instruments within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). Effective July 1, 2003, Aetrium adopted SFAS 150. Adoption of this interpretation did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.
In May 2003, Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) No. 00-21, “Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables” was finalized. This issue addresses certain aspects of accounting by a vendor for arrangements under which it will perform multiple revenue-generating activities. The guidance in EITF 00-21 is effective for revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. In December 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 104, “Revenue Recognition,” which codifies and rescinds certain sections of SAB No. 101, “Revenue Recognition,” in order to make this interpretive guidance consistent with EITF 00-21. Adoption of this interpretation did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.
In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51” (FIN 46). FIN 46 was revised in December, 2003 and clarifies the application of ARB 51 to certain entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support. The application of FIN 46 may require that an entity be subject to consolidation even though the investor does not have a controlling financial interest that, under ARB 51, was usually deemed to exist through ownership of a majority voting interest. FIN 46, as revised, is generally effective for all entities subject to the interpretation no later than the end of the first reporting period that ends after March 15, 2004. Aetrium has no investments in entities within the scope of FIN 46 and, therefore, we do not believe its application will have a material effect on our financial statements.
Business Risks and Uncertainties:
Several important risks and uncertainties exist which could have an impact on our future operating results. These factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from our anticipated results or results that are reflected in any forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These factors, and their impact on the success of our operations and our ability to achieve our goals, include the following:
Market Fluctuations in the Semiconductor Industry
Our business and results of operations depend upon capital expenditures by manufacturers of ICs and discrete electronic components. As a result, our operating results are materially dependent upon economic and business conditions in the semiconductor industry. This industry has been subject to significant market fluctuations and has experienced periodic downturns, which often have had a disproportionate effect on capital equipment suppliers, such as Aetrium. In periods of excess capacity, the semiconductor industry sharply reduces purchases of capital equipment, such as our products. A downturn or slowdown in the semiconductor industry could substantially reduce our revenues and operating results and could harm our financial condition. It appears that the semiconductor equipment industry has entered the beginning of a recovery cycle. However, there can be no assurance about how long the recovery cycle will continue or how robust it will be.
Impact of Cost Reduction and Reorganization Actions
During the course of 2001-2003, as the downturn in the semiconductor industry continued to deepen, we implemented cost reduction and reorganization actions to address our declining revenues, such as workforce reductions, consolidation of operations, pay freezes and reductions, and reductions in other expenditures. We believe we have maintained the necessary infrastructures to allow us to take full advantage of the industry recovery that appears to have begun. However, there can be no assurance that our reduced personnel and expenditure levels and the loss of the capabilities of personnel we have terminated will not inhibit us in the timely completion of product development efforts, the effective service of and responsiveness to customer requirements, and the timely ramp up of production in response to improving market conditions.
Successful Development and Introduction of New Products and Product Improvements
We operate in an industry that is highly competitive with respect to timely product innovations. The market for our products is characterized by rapid technological change and evolving industry standards. The development of more complex ICs has driven the need for new equipment and processes to produce such devices at an acceptable cost. We believe that our future success will depend in part upon our ability to
anticipate changes in technologies, IC and discrete electronic component package types, market trends and industry standards. If we cannot successfully develop and introduce new and enhanced cost-effective products on a timely basis that are accepted in the marketplace, our business and operating results would likely suffer.
Reliance on Significant Customers
We rely on a limited number of customers for a substantial percentage of our net sales. A reduction, delay or cancellation of orders from one or more of these significant customers, or the loss of one or more of these customers, would likely have a negative impact on our operating results.
Fixed Cost Constraints on Reduction of Expenses
Many of our expenses, particularly those relating to properties, capital equipment and certain manufacturing overhead items, are fixed in the short term. Accordingly, reduced demand for our products and services causes our fixed production costs to be allocated across reduced production volumes, which negatively affects our gross margins and profitability. Our ability to reduce expenses is further constrained because we must continue to invest in research and development to maintain our competitive position and to maintain service and support for our existing customer base. Accordingly, in the event of a reduction in our revenues, resulting from an industry downturn or otherwise, we may not be able to maintain profitable operations.
Reduction in the Sales Efforts by our Current Distributors
We market and sell our test handlers and reliability test products outside of the United States primarily through international distributors that are not under our direct control. We have limited internal sales personnel. A reduction in the sales efforts by our current distributors, or the termination of one or more of these relationships with Aetrium, could negatively affect our operating results.
Reduction in our International Sales
We expect that international sales will continue to account for a significant portion of our net sales. As a result, our operations are subject to a number of risks inherent in conducting business internationally, which if any of them occur could negatively impact our operating results.
Failure to Retain our IC Processing Equipment OEMs
We market our Automation Modules product line to a limited number of IC processing equipment OEMs. Our ability to retain our OEM customers and attract new OEM customers depends upon a number of factors, including the changing needs and financial condition of these customers. Our failure to retain OEM customers could result in the loss of Automation Modules product line sales, as well as the loss of outstanding receivables due from such OEM customers. Our revenues from our Automation Modules product line were severely impacted by the record industry downturn in 2001-2003 as our OEM customers experienced the same business conditions that we were experiencing. As products incorporating our Automation Modules continue to age, we expect that future revenues from this product line will be increasingly dependent on our success in having our Automation Modules incorporated into new OEM customer product introductions.
Supply of Significant Components for our Products
Certain significant components used in our products, including certain contactor components, printed circuit boards, and refrigeration systems, are currently available only from sole or limited sources. We do not maintain long-term supply agreements with most of our suppliers
and we purchase most of our components through individual purchase orders. Our inability to obtain components in required quantities or of acceptable quality could result in delays or reductions in our product introductions or shipments, which could damage our relationships with our customers and cause our operating results to suffer.
We have no obligation to update the above information, including the forward-looking statements, in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Our exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to our short-term investment of excess funds which, as of December 31, 2003, consisted primarily of bank repurchase agreements with original maturities of less than three months. Given the short duration of our investments and the size of our investment portfolio, we do not believe a change in interest rates would have a significant impact on our financial condition or results of operations. We generally conduct business in U.S. dollars and, therefore, risks associated with changes in foreign currency rates are insignificant.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
Our Consolidated Financial Statements and the report of our independent auditors are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K beginning on page. The index to this report and the financial statements is included in Item 15(a)(1) below.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Our President and Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Administrative Officer and our Treasurer conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of December 31, 2003. Based on their evaluation, they concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and designed to give reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act was made known to them by others and was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms. There was no change in our internal controls that occurred during the fourth fiscal quarter in the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.
Directors of the Registrant
The information under the captions “Election of Directors - Information About Nominees,” “Election of Directors - Other Information About Nominees” and “Election of Directors-Additional Information About the Board and Its Committees” in our 2004 Proxy Statement is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K by reference.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
The information under the caption “Item 4A. Executive Officers of the Registrant” located elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10K is incorporated herein by reference.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
The information under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our 2004 Proxy Statement is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K by reference.
Identification of Audit Committee; Audit Committee Financial Expert
The information under the caption “Executive Compensation and Other Benefits - Audit Committee Report - Membership and Role of the Audit Committee” in our 2004 Proxy Statement is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K by reference.
Code of Ethics
The information under the caption “Code of Ethics” in our 2004 Proxy Statement is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K by reference.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
The information under the captions “Election of Directors - Compensation of Directors” and “Executive Compensation and Other Benefits” in our 2004 Proxy Statement is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K by reference.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
The information under the captions “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Executive Compensation and Other Benefits-Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans” in our 2004 Proxy Statement is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K by reference.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
The information under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in our 2004 Proxy Statement is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K by reference.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.
The information concerning principal accountant fees and services and the audit committee’s pre-approval polices and procedures under the captions “Independent Auditors-Audit and Non-Audit Fees” and “Independent Auditors-Pre-approval Policies and Procedures” in our 2004 Proxy Statement is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) 1. Financial Statements of Registrant.
The following Consolidated Financial Statements of Aetrium and the Independent Auditors’ Report thereon are included herein:
(a) 2. Financial Statement Schedule of Registrant.
All other schedules are omitted as the required information is inapplicable or the information is presented in the financial statements or related notes.
(a) 3. Exhibits.
The exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K are listed in the Exhibit Index beginning on page E-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
If you were one of our shareholders on March 31, 2004 and you want a copy of any of the exhibits listed or referred to in the Exhibit Index, we will furnish it to you at a reasonable cost upon your written request sent to Aetrium Incorporated, 2350 Helen Street, North St. Paul, Minnesota 55109; Attn.: Shareholder Relations.
The following is a list of each management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement we are required to file as an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Item 15(c):
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
In the fourth quarter of 2003 we filed a Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 16, 2003 on our financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, which included our press release of the same date and the financial statements included therein for the quarter ended September 30, 2003.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO
Report of Independent Auditors
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Aetrium Incorporated
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Aetrium Incorporated and its subsidiaries (“the Company”) at December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America which 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
As described in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangibles Assets.”
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
January 30, 2004
AETRIUM INCORPORATED
Consolidated Statements of Operations
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
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Consolidated Balance Sheets
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
AETRIUM INCORPORATED
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
AETRIUM INCORPORATED
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 1: BUSINESS DESCRIPTION
Aetrium designs, manufactures and markets a variety of electromechanical equipment used by the semiconductor industry to handle and test ICs and discrete electronic components.
NOTE 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Aetrium Incorporated and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates: The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash Equivalents: Cash equivalents include highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.
Inventories: Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on a first-in, first-out basis.
Property and Equipment: Furniture, fixtures and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated using the double declining balance method over estimated useful lives ranging from three to seven years. When assets are retired or disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts. Depreciation expense was $0.2 million, $0.4 million and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
Goodwill: Effective January 1, 2002, Aetrium adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS 142 provides that goodwill is no longer amortized, but rather is reviewed for impairment at the beginning of the fiscal year in which the standard is adopted and at least annually thereafter. SFAS 142 requires a two-step process in the review of goodwill for impairment. Step one requires that Aetrium compare the fair value of its single reporting unit (i.e., Aetrium) with the net carrying value of its assets, including goodwill. If the fair value is less than the net asset carrying value, Aetrium performs the second step of the impairment test. In step two, Aetrium compares the aggregate fair values of non-goodwill assets and liabilities with the fair value of Aetrium in order to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied value, an impairment loss is recorded. See Note 5 for additional information regarding the adoption of SFAS 142 and the results of the transitional and annual impairment tests.
Other Intangible Assets: Identifiable intangible assets, consisting primarily of acquired technology, are capitalized at their respective fair values, which are generally determined using discounted future cash flow techniques and assumptions appropriate to each situation. Such intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of seven to fifteen years.
Valuation of Long-Lived Assets: Aetrium reviews its identifiable intangible and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever an event or change in circumstances indicates that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. If such an event or change in circumstances occurs and potential impairment is indicated because the carrying values exceed the estimated future undiscounted cash flows, Aetrium would measure the impairment loss as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value.
AETRIUM INCORPORATED
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Revenue Recognition: Aetrium’s policy is to recognize revenue on product sales upon shipment if contractual obligations have been substantially met, collection of the proceeds is assessed as being reasonably assured, and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, which is generally the case for sales of spare parts, accessories, change kits and some equipment and equipment upgrades. In instances where title does not pass upon shipment, revenue is recognized upon delivery or customer acceptance based upon the terms of the sales agreement. In instances where equipment or equipment upgrade sales contracts include post-shipment obligations to be performed by Aetrium and/or contractual terms that can only be satisfied after shipment, such as installation and meeting customer-specified acceptance requirements at the customer’s site, revenue is not recognized until such obligations have been completed and there is objective evidence that the applicable contract terms have been met. In situations where equipment is shipped but revenue and the related receivable are not recognized, the cost of the equipment is included in inventories in our consolidated balance sheet. We often receive payments from customers prior to recognizing revenue. For example, we may receive partial payments prior to shipment, which we record as “customer deposits” or we may receive partial payments after shipment but prior to recognizing revenue, which we record as “deferred revenue.” Customer deposits and deferred revenue are recorded as liabilities and included in “other accrued liabilities” in our consolidated balance sheet. See Notes 7 and 8.
Warranty Costs: Estimated warranty costs are accrued in the period that the related revenue is recognized. The following table summarizes product warranty liability accruals and settlements for the three years ended December 31, 2003 (in thousands):
There were no changes in estimated warranty accruals for any of the years presented.
Research and Development: Research and development expenditures, which include software development costs, are expensed as incurred. SFAS No. 86, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to Be Sold, Leased or Otherwise Marketed,” requires the capitalization of certain software development costs once technological feasibility is established, which we define as the completion of a working model. To date, the period between achieving technological feasibility and the general availability of such software that is embedded in our equipment has been short and software development costs qualifying for capitalization have been insignificant. Accordingly, we have not capitalized any software development costs.
Income Taxes: Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and tax credit carryforwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized, or the application of SFAS 109 does not permit management to conclude thereunder that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized.
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share: Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each year. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares and potentially dilutive shares outstanding during each year. Potentially dilutive shares include
AETRIUM INCORPORATED
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
stock options using the treasury stock method. Stock options are not included in the diluted loss per share calculations in 2003, 2002 and 2001 because they are antidilutive. As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, there were 1,895,299, 1,498,746, and 1,124,000 outstanding stock options that could have potentially impacted diluted earnings per share.
Stock-Based Employee Compensation: Aetrium accounts for its stock incentive plans under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related Interpretations. No stock-based compensation cost is reflected in our consolidated statements of operations, as all options granted to employees and directors under our plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant and all options vest based only upon continuing employment. The following table illustrates the effect on net loss and net loss per share if we had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to stock-based compensation (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, the weighted-average fair value of options granted in 2003, 2002, and 2001 was $1.31, $0.99, and $0.81, respectively. Weighted average assumptions used in applying the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the fair value of options granted were as follows:
See Note 12 for additional information regarding Aetrium’s stock option plans.
Comprehensive Income (Loss): Aetrium’s comprehensive loss is equal to its net loss for all periods presented.
Repurchases of Common Stock: Aetrium accounts for repurchased shares as retirements. The par value of repurchased shares is charged to the common stock account and the excess of the purchase cost over par value is charged to additional paid-in capital.
NOTE 3: RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity.” SFAS 150 requires that an issuer classify certain financial instruments within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). Effective July 1, 2003, Aetrium adopted SFAS 150. Adoption of this interpretation did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.
AETRIUM INCORPORATED
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In May 2003, Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) No. 00-21, “Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables” was finalized. This issue addresses certain aspects of accounting by a vendor for arrangements under which it will perform multiple revenue-generating activities. The guidance in EITF 00-21 is effective for revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. In December 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 104, “Revenue Recognition,” which codifies and rescinds certain sections of SAB No. 101, “Revenue Recognition,” in order to make this interpretive guidance consistent with EITF 00-21. Adoption of this interpretation did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.
In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51” (FIN 46). FIN 46 was revised in December, 2003 and clarifies the application of ARB 51 to certain entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support. The application of FIN 46 may require that an entity be subject to consolidation even though the investor does not have a controlling financial interest that, under ARB 51, was usually deemed to exist through ownership of a majority voting interest. FIN 46, as revised, is generally effective for all entities subject to the interpretation no later than the end of the first reporting period that ends after March 15, 2004. Aetrium has no investments in entities within the scope of FIN 46 and, therefore, we do not believe its application will have a material effect on our financial statements.
NOTE 4: SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash payments (refunds) for interest and income taxes were as follows (in thousands):
NOTE 5: GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE
Effective January 1, 2002, Aetrium adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS 142 provides that goodwill is no longer amortized, but rather is reviewed for impairment at the beginning of the fiscal year in which the standard is adopted and at least annually thereafter. In accordance with SFAS 142, we evaluated our existing goodwill and intangible assets as of January 1, 2002 and determined that certain intangibles did not meet the criteria for recognition apart from goodwill as set forth in SFAS 141, “Business Combinations.” Therefore, the aggregate carrying value of these intangibles as of January 1, 2002 in the amount of $52,000 was reclassified to goodwill. We also reassessed the useful lives of our acquired identifiable intangible assets at January 1, 2002 and determined that no adjustments to the remaining amortization periods were necessary.
The adoption of SFAS 142 required that we complete a transitional goodwill impairment test as of January 1, 2002 using a two-step process. We completed step one of the impairment test by comparing the fair value of our single reporting unit (i.e., Aetrium) with the net carrying value of our assets, including goodwill. The fair value of Aetrium was determined based on quoted market prices of our common stock, as adjusted for a control premium. Since the carrying value of our net assets exceeded their fair value, we concluded that there was a potential impairment. Because there was an indication of a potential impairment, we completed step two of the impairment test in order to measure the amount of any impairment loss. In performing the second step of the impairment test, we compared the aggregate fair values of our non-goodwill assets and liabilities with the fair value of Aetrium in order to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. Step two of the
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
impairment test indicated that the carrying value of our goodwill exceeded its implied fair value by $6.5 million. In accordance with SFAS 142, this impairment charge (net of income taxes of $0) was recorded in our consolidated statement of operations as a change in accounting principle effective January 1, 2002.
Aetrium completed its annual goodwill impairment test at December 31, 2002, again using the prescribed two-step process. We completed step one of the impairment test by comparing the fair value of Aetrium with the net carrying value of our assets, including goodwill. The fair value of Aetrium was determined based on quoted market prices of our common stock, as adjusted for a control premium consistent with that applied in performing our impairment test at January 1, 2002. Since the carrying value of our net assets exceeded their fair value, indicating potential impairment, we completed the second step of the test in order to measure the amount of any impairment loss. In performing the second step of the impairment test, we compared the aggregate fair values of our non-goodwill assets and liabilities with the fair value of Aetrium in order to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. Step two of the impairment test indicated that the carrying value of our goodwill exceeded its implied fair value by $0.7 million. This impairment charge is included in operating expenses in our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2002. We believe that the following were the most significant factors that led to the decrease in the public trading market value of our common stock in 2002 and the resulting goodwill impairment: the continued weakness of the world economies; the possibility and uncertainty of war with Iraq; the continued depressed average selling prices and excess capacity in the semiconductor industry; the resulting continuation of a record downturn in the semiconductor equipment industry; the impact of these factors on our financial position and the results of our operations; and the decline in the public trading market value of semiconductor equipment companies in general in 2002.
The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2002 was as follows (in thousands):
Identifiable intangible assets are comprised of the following (in thousands):
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As explained above, in accordance with the adoption of SFAS 142 in 2002, we recorded no goodwill amortization expense in 2002 and 2003. Prior to January 1, 2002, we amortized goodwill on a straight-line basis primarily over 15 years. The following table shows pro forma results for the year ended December 31, 2001 if goodwill had not been amortized (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Amortization expense amounted to $0.9 million, $0.9 million and $1.6 million in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Estimated amortization expense in future years is as follows: 2004 - $0.9 million; 2005 - $0.5 million; 2006 - $0.2 million; 2007 - $0.1 million.
NOTE 6: UNUSUAL CHARGES
Aetrium has been significantly impacted by the prolonged downturn in the semiconductor equipment industry that began in late 2000 and continued through 2001, 2002 and into 2003. During this period, we implemented a number of actions to improve operating efficiencies and reduce costs, including restructuring of operations, workforce reductions, and facility consolidations.
Fiscal 2003
In the quarter ended March 31, 2003, we terminated 6 employees in sales, engineering, and administration. We recorded severance and related costs of $149,000 in connection with this workforce reduction.
Fiscal 2001
During 2001, we completed the transfer of our operations in Poway, California to North St. Paul, Minnesota; we restructured our operations in Minnesota; we reduced our facility costs through the consolidation of operations; and we significantly reduced our workforce. Unusual charges recorded in 2001 related to these activities were as follows (in thousands):
During 2001, in response to declining revenue levels throughout the year, we implemented workforce reductions in March, April, June, and December. These workforce reductions included the elimination of 98 positions in manufacturing, sales, administration, and engineering. We
AETRIUM INCORPORATED
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
recorded charges of $928,000 for severance and related costs associated with these terminations. The charges were recorded in the periods when the restructuring plans were approved by management, severance benefits were determined, and the affected employees were notified.
In May 2001, we consolidated our North St. Paul, Minnesota operations from two buildings into one and vacated a building that is under lease through February 2006. We recorded facility exit charges of $606,000 for estimated future non-cancelable lease payments and other facility costs we expected to incur related to the vacated building. Also, in connection with the vacated facility, we recorded a charge of $215,000 for abandoned leaseholds and losses on the sale of certain equipment.
Aetrium conducted operations in a leased facility in Grand Prairie, Texas until that business was transferred to our Dallas, Texas facility in early 2000. We recorded a facility exit charge in 2000 related to the vacated Grand Prairie facility, for which the lease term ended in June 2003. In late 2001, due to our inability to locate a subtenant and due to weakening economic conditions at the time, we recorded an additional facility exit charge of $193,000 to cover the non-cancelable lease payments and other costs we estimated we would incur until a subtenant could be found. In May 2002, we negotiated an early termination of the lease for a payment of $99,000.
In 2001, we incurred moving and other transition costs of $261,000 related to restructuring our operations. Approximately $203,000 was incurred in the first quarter related primarily to the relocation and other final costs associated with completing the transfer of operations from Poway, California to No. St. Paul, Minnesota. An additional $58,000 was related to moving expenses incurred in the second quarter when we combined our operations in Minnesota from two buildings into one.
The following table summarizes severance and facility exit restructuring charges and the associated accrual activity for the three years ended December 31, 2003 (in thousands):
The remaining $224,000 accrual for facility exit costs at December 31, 2003 is primarily related to the vacated building in North St. Paul, Minnesota. We estimate that the accrual will be utilized at the rate of approximately $25,000 per quarter.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 7: INVENTORIES
A summary of the composition of inventories is as follows (in thousands):
We recorded inventory excess and obsolescence charges in cost of goods sold amounting to $0.1 million, $0.1 million, and $3.7 million in 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively. These charges included write-downs related to product design changes made in the ordinary course of our business. Our products are continually improved and modified to better meet evolving market requirements. These ongoing product improvements and modifications result in parts inventory obsolescence as parts are replaced due to the product changes. The 2001 charges also include an unusual inventory write-down of $2.7 million. As a result of the severe semiconductor industry downturn that began in late 2000 and the resulting excess capacity in the market segments served by some of our older test handler products, we wrote down the value of our inventories in 2001 for these older products to their estimated net realizable values based upon a revised expectation of limited future sales of these products. The inventory write-down was determined through a detailed analysis of inventories with consideration given to anticipated usage through future equipment and spares sales, and the potential use of common parts in other products.
NOTE 8: OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES:
Other accrued liabilities are comprised of the following (in thousands):
NOTE 9: LONG-TERM DEBT AND EQUIPMENT FINANCING AGREEMENT
As of December 31, 2003, we had no long-term debt. In January 2004, we obtained a demand bank loan that provides for borrowings of up to $190,000 to finance data processing equipment purchases. The loan agreement provides that we may, at our option, convert any borrowings under the loan agreement to a term loan payable in monthly principal and interest payments over five years.
NOTE 10: LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Aetrium leases two adjacent buildings in North St. Paul, Minnesota from a partnership controlled by certain of our shareholders under two lease agreements, each of which expires in February 2006. None of the shareholders in the partnership are directors or officers of Aetrium, or, to our knowledge, own more than five percent of our common stock. During 2001, we vacated one of the buildings in connection with a restructuring of operations. As of March 2004, we have subleased approximately 20,000 square feet of this building to three unrelated parties with terms coinciding with the expiration of our lease. We are actively trying to sublease the remaining vacant space of approximately 10,000 square feet.
AETRIUM INCORPORATED
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Aetrium also leases its Dallas facility and certain equipment under various operating leases. Rent expense under all operating leases was as follows (in thousands):
As of December 31, 2003, future minimum annual lease payments under operating leases were as follows (in thousands):
The above minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $0.3 million due in the future under noncancellable subleases.
In 2000, we vacated a leased 45,000 square-foot facility in Poway, California. The lease was assigned to an unrelated company in 2000 and Aetrium continued to be contingently liable under the lease if the assignee were to default. In January 2004, we were notified by the lease assignee that it would be discontinuing operations. We negotiated a termination of the lease assignment for a lump sum payment and credit of $452,000 and the lease was re-assigned to Aetrium. Approximately one-half of the facility is subleased to two unrelated parties through March 2005. We are actively seeking a new tenant for the vacant portion of the facility. This lease obligation and the future minimum sublease rentals of approximately $0.3 million are not included in the above table of future minimum lease payments. The Poway facility lease expires in January 2010 and future minimum lease payments are as follows (in thousands): 2004 - $481; 2005 - $497; 2006 - $515; 2007 - $533; 2008 - $551; thereafter - $619.
NOTE 11: RELATED PARTY AND COMMON STOCK TRANSACTIONS
We purchase machined parts from two suppliers in which one of our executive officers has a minority ownership interest. Purchases from these suppliers amounted to $0.2 million in each of the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.
In November 2001, we repurchased 426,410 shares of our common stock from a group of shareholders that included certain employees of our Dallas operation and certain of their relatives in exchange for $544,000 and an option to require this shareholder group to purchase 426,410 shares of our common stock for $544,000, which we could exercise from December 31, 2001 to January 31, 2002. On December 31, 2001, we exercised our option to require the shareholder group to purchase 426,410 shares of our common stock.
NOTE 12: STOCK OPTION PLANS
Aetrium’s 1993 Stock Incentive Plan (the 1993 Plan) terminated on June 8, 2003. Stock options granted under the 1993 Plan that were outstanding at the time the plan terminated may continue to be exercised according to their individual terms. On May 21, 2003, Aetrium’s shareholders approved the adoption of the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2003 Plan) to replace the 1993 Plan. Employees, officers, directors, consultants and independent contractors providing services to us are eligible to receive awards under the 2003 Plan. The number of shares available for issuance under the 2003 Plan is equal to 20.0% of the aggregate number of shares of common stock outstanding less the total number of shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise or conversion of any outstanding stock options, warrants or other stock
AETRIUM INCORPORATED
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
rights. Our 2003 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of our board of directors and provides for the granting of: (a) stock options; (b) stock appreciation rights; (c) restricted stock; (d) performance awards; and (e) stock awards valued in whole or in part by reference to or otherwise based upon our stock. Options granted under the 2003 Plan may be incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options. The 2003 Plan will terminate on February 28, 2013. Our stock incentive plans provide that the Compensation Committee may, at its discretion, allow the exercise price of stock options to be paid, in whole or in part, by tendering previously acquired shares that have been held by the option holder for at least six months.
The following table summarizes activity under our stock incentive plans:
The following table summarizes information related to stock options outstanding at December 31, 2003, all of which are nonqualified options and expire five years after the grant date and of which 377,195 options were fully exercisable when granted and 1,518,104 options become exercisable over a four to five-year period:
NOTE 13: EMPLOYEE SAVINGS 401(k) AND STOCK PURCHASE PLANS
Aetrium has a 401(k) employee savings plan, which covers full-time employees who are at least 21 years of age. Our contributions to the savings plan, which are at the discretion of management, amounted to $108,893 in 2001. We made no contributions to the plan in 2002 or 2003.
AETRIUM INCORPORATED
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Prior to and during 2003, Aetrium had a nonqualified employee stock purchase plan until the plan was terminated in December 2003. Employees could acquire shares of our common stock by contributing to the plan through payroll deductions. Such contributions were limited to 10% of each employee’s base compensation. The plan purchased common shares on the open market on a monthly basis. Aetrium matched a portion of employee contributions at management’s discretion. Such matching contributions amounted to $433, $1,361, and $4,984 in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
NOTE 14: INCOME TAXES
The income tax benefit reported in our consolidated statement of operations is made up of the following components (in thousands):
A reconciliation of income tax benefit computed using the federal statutory rate to the tax benefit reported in our consolidated statements of operations is as follows (in thousands):
AETRIUM INCORPORATED
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Deferred tax assets (liabilities) are comprised of the following (in thousands):
Since 2000, Aetrium has maintained a valuation allowance to fully reserve our deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty of realizing these assets. We do not expect to record any tax expense or benefit in the future until we are consistently profitable on a quarterly basis. However, we did record income tax benefits of $0.4 million in 2002 and $0.2 million in 2001 related to refunds of income taxes paid and expensed prior to 2001. The tax refund received in 2002 resulted from tax legislation enacted in 2002.
Aetrium has federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $44 million that will begin to expire in 2020 if not utilized. We also have state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $15 million that will expire at various times, beginning in 2005, if not utilized. We also have federal and state research tax credit carryforwards of approximately $1 million that will expire at various times, beginning in 2013, if not utilized.
NOTE 15: BUSINESS SEGMENT, GEOGRAPHIC AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMER INFORMATION, AND CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
We view our operations and manage our business as one segment, supplying electromechanical equipment to the semiconductor industry. Factors used to identify our single operating segment include our organizational structure and the financial information used by our executive management in making decisions about how to allocate resources and assess performance. The following table sets forth the various components of net sales by product line as a percentage of total sales:
AETRIUM INCORPORATED
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Sales by geographic region based on product shipment destination were as follows (in thousands):
Sales to customers comprising more than 10% of our total net sales were as follows:
* Sales to customer were less than 10% of total net sales
Accounts receivable from customers comprising more than 10% of our total accounts receivable were as follows:
* Accounts receivable from customer were less than 10% of total accounts receivable.
We sell our products principally to manufacturers of ICs, discrete electronic components, and semiconductor equipment. Our accounts receivable balance is concentrated with customers principally in one industry; however, we regularly monitor the creditworthiness of our customers in order to manage this collection risk.
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.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below on March 30, 2004 by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated.
Signature
Title
/s/ Joseph C. Levesque
Joseph C. Levesque
Chairman of the Board
/s/ Darnell L. Boehm
Darnell L. Boehm
Director
/s/ Terrence W. Glarner
Terrence W. Glarner
Director
/s/ Andrew J. Greenshields
Andrew J. Greenshields
Director
/s/ Douglas L. Hemer
Douglas L. Hemer
Director
AETRIUM INCORPORATED
EXHIBIT INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003
E-1
E-2
E-3
SCHEDULE II
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(1)
Deductions represent sales or disposals of reserved inventory.
S-1